I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 357
Chapter 357: True genius and false genius peacefully returned to the True Immortal Academy.
“Is it because I’m too stupid? It’s been three days, and I still haven’t activated the spiritual sea yet. I’ve also spent many of Young Master Gu’s resources and swallowed so many pills…” Gu Changge’s words of explanation hung heavy in the air, causing Xiao Ruyin to open her eyes, her expression tinged with bewilderment.
Yan Ji, standing nearby, remained composed. She gently shook her head before speaking, “Your qualifications are exceptional. Even for some of the most outstanding geniuses, it took several months to activate the spiritual sea. You sensed the spirit energy on the third day; this progress is already remarkable.”
“According to your current pace, you’ll likely activate the spiritual sea within a month. Don’t be too anxious,” Yan Ji reassured.
Upon hearing these words, Xiao Ruyin’s spirits lifted. She nodded determinedly and replied, “Yes, Master, I understand. I’ll redouble my efforts in my cultivation.”
With a glance towards Gu Changge, Xiao Ruyin felt a surge of motivation. However, she quickly averted her gaze, her thoughts veering towards the rumors circulating in the outside world. In these past few days, she had gleaned some understanding of this realm’s common knowledge and political landscape.
Awareness of Gu Changge’s formidable identity weighed heavily on Xiao Ruyin’s mind, casting a shadow of pressure upon her. Consequently, she could not act as casually as before in Gu Changge’s presence. The more she learned, the more palpable the chasm between them seemed, echoing the adage: ignorance is bliss.
Xiao Ruyin couldn’t help but admire her past self for having the courage to converse with Gu Changge in such a manner. It was no wonder Gu Changge found it intriguing then, remarking that it was the first time a woman had spoken so boldly in his presence. Previous encounters with women were likely marked by fear, and their reluctance to engage in substantial dialogue with Gu Changge was palpable.
Reflecting on this, Xiao Ruyin felt a twinge of gratitude. Had she not been a transmigrator, lacking modern perspectives, she might never have mustered the courage to address Gu Changge as she did. However, she now questioned her qualifications to receive Gu Changge’s guidance. After all, which genius didn’t possess an air of peerless talent and power? She alone seemed ignorant, akin to a fool.
“Sir Gu, if I may be so bold, how long did it take for you to activate your spiritual sea initially?” Xiao Ruyin’s question bore a subtle intelligence. She surmised that Gu Changge found her interesting precisely because she dared to broach subjects other women shied away from. With a glint of curiosity in her eyes, she couldn’t resist asking, hoping to set a benchmark for herself.
Upon hearing Xiao Ruyin’s question, Gu Changge set down his teacup, his gaze shifting towards her. Yet, his smile, though warm, somehow made Xiao Ruyin feel as if she had posed a rather foolish inquiry.
“To be honest, it didn’t take me long to activate my spiritual sea,” Gu Changge began, his tone earnest. “It had already activated and taken shape long before I was born…”
With a smile that held both amusement and wisdom, Gu Changge provided a sincere response to her question.
Xiao Ruyin’s expression stiffened as she felt the weight of the revelation. She wanted to apologize for disturbing him, realizing now the stark disparity between a true genius and a pretender. Previously, she genuinely believed in her potential, but now her confidence seemed unfounded.
“Miss Xiao, there’s no need to compare yourself to me,” Gu Changge interjected as if sensing her inner turmoil. “In this vast world, there are countless geniuses, like carp in a river—too many to count. Your talents are already among the finest. Compared to them, your starting point is exceptionally high.”
Gu Changge’s words were meant to console her, but Xiao Ruyin couldn’t help but feel resentment. Was this supposed to be comforting? Why did it sting so deeply?
“In time, Miss Xiao will accompany Yan Ji to the Heavenly Dao Immortal Palace for cultivation,” Gu Changge continued, adding a new direction to Xiao Ruyin’s path. “There, you will have the guidance of many elders and the opportunity to spar with fellow disciples. It will greatly benefit your cultivation.”
With his gentle and elegant smile still gracing his features, Gu Changge’s reassurance seemed genuine. Yet, his decision to send her to the Heavenly Dao Immortal Palace hinted at a deeper intention. He couldn’t always keep her by his side—not because he found her bothersome, but simply because he saw little utility in her until she fully regained the memories of the High Priestess of Destiny.
Moreover, the journey towards achieving mastery with the Body of Destiny promised to be a lengthy one.
“Very well, Young Master Gu. I will follow your guidance,” Xiao Ruyin affirmed.
“Heavenly Dao Immortal Palace? What sort of place is that?” Xiao Ruyin’s inquiry revealed a glimmer of celestial fascination in her eyes. Unaware of Gu Changge’s true intentions, she speculated that perhaps he perceived her cultivation as too mundane. Thus, he integrated her into a sect, stirring a sense of gratitude within her.
The name “Heavenly Dao Immortal Palace” evoked a sense of transcendence and rarity, captivating Xiao Ruyin’s imagination.
In the ensuing days, Hei Yanyu dispatched numerous formidable individuals to clean up the battlefield. To outsiders, it appeared as mere tidying, yet the aftermath of the war left behind a wealth of scattered weapons and storage rings—an untold fortune waiting to be claimed.
Concurrently, Hei Yanyu attended to Gu Changge’s directive, gathering those whose origins still lingered. Though this effort failed to propel Gu Changge’s cultivation to the quasi-supreme realm, the fortuitous luck points obtained from Chu Hao, the son of fortune, during the destruction of the Vermilion Bird Ancient Kingdom, enabled him to acquire numerous transcendent bones once more.
With affairs settled, Yan Ji escorted Xiao Ruyin to the Heavenly Dao Immortal Palace, while Hei Yanyu led the Ancient Immortal Army back to the Ancient Immortal Continent.
Gu Changge returned to the True Immortal Academy with his entourage, and the atmosphere was peaceful in his wake.
Following the incident, Zi Yang Heavenly Sovereign met a tragic demise at Gu Changge’s hands, indirectly precipitating the Purple Mansion’s downfall. Six Crowned King Jun Yao, Jin Chan, Heavenly Phoenix Maiden, and others avoided him like venomous creatures. Throughout the True Immortal Academy, none dared to oppose Gu Changge; his influence was all-encompassing. Even the elders with supreme status harbored wary respect for him.
Upon his return, despite the premature conclusion of the initiation trial, the elders rewarded the disciples based on their points and the number of Heavenly Extinction Creatures they had conquered.
Unsurprisingly, Jiang Chuchu, the Holy Maiden of the Human Ancestor Hall, emerged with the highest points tally. Countless Heavenly Extinction spirits had fallen by her hand, but her crowning achievement dispelled a Great Heavenly Extinction threat. The elders lauded her prowess, deeming her worthy of her esteemed position.
In this instance, Jiang Chuchu harbored a desire to clarify that Gu Changge, not herself, had dispelled the Absolute Heavenly Extinction scourge. Yet, Gu Changge appeared indifferent to such false attributions, embodying the notion of performing good deeds anonymously—or rather, attributing them to her after the fact.
This left Jiang Chuchu at a loss for words. Despite her desire to confront him, Gu Changge’s retreat into seclusion upon his return to the True Immortal Academy made it impossible to broach the subject. Moreover, she struggled to find a suitable pretext for approaching him, given the lack of any apparent connection between them in the eyes of outsiders.
However, Jiang Chuchu couldn’t shake off the memory of Gu Changge’s words about her being empty-handed. The more she dwelled on it, the more he manipulated her. This resentment festered within her, driving her to fantasize about confronting him and demanding an explanation.
But every time she thought about it, she simmered with frustration. She envisioned herself grinding her teeth and biting him to vent her anger, yearning for the opportunity to seek him out and seek clarity.
Unbeknownst to Jiang Chuchu, Gu Changge prioritized sorting through the spoils of the Purple Mansion’s destruction upon his return to the True Immortal Academy. Among his selections were numerous items suitable for Yue Mingkong’s use, given her status as his fiancée. However, his underlying motive was to find pretexts to contact her.
During this period, Gu Xian’er seemed to have little to occupy her time, often loitering around Gu Changge’s palace, peppering him with questions to assert her presence. Gu Changge, however, saw through her intentions and promptly dispatched her with a few sacred weapons and divine medicines.
Following the Purple Mansion’s destruction, numerous Dao forces bore witness to Gu Changge’s acquisition of its extensive heritage—an accumulation of wealth that surely sparked envy. Given Gu Xian’er’s penchant for greed, it was surprising that she didn’t demand a share upon learning of his newfound riches. Gu Changge suspected she had been biding her time, scheming to exploit the situation to her advantage and plunder him immediately.
Such behavior was entirely within Gu Xian’er’s character, leading Gu Changge to regard her with suspicion, his gaze akin to that of a wolf eyeing its prey.
Naturally, after sending Gu Xian’er away, Gu Changge couldn’t resist teasing her upon her return. Ten days later, the embarrassment etched on her flushed face made it clear that she had been thoroughly chastened by the encounter, her steps faltering as if ashamed.
“Senior Black Robe, where are we?” Jiang Chen’s voice broke the serene silence as he and Hei Pao stopped before a mist-shrouded mountain. Standing beside him, Jiang Chen exuded a radiant charm, his stature imbued with vitality and optimism.
Far removed from the ancient Vermilion Bird Country’s territory, the duo had traversed millions of miles under the guidance of the powerful black-robed older man. They swiftly passed through several teleportation formations, ultimately escaping the reach of battle.
The scene before them exuded an ineffable aura of immortality and grandeur. Lush greenery adorned the landscape, punctuated by pavilions, flowing springs, waterfalls, soaring cranes, and majestic beasts.
“This is the Divine Ruins Sect. Within a ten-thousand-mile radius, it stands as the paramount force,” the black-robed old man explained. “From today onward, you shall cultivate within the Divine Ruins Sect. With the teachings I have imparted, you will reach the Spiritual Sea Realm within a month. Should any mishap occur, crush this jade talisman, and I will come to your aid.”
He gestured towards a cyan boulder bearing the imposing inscription “Divine Ruins.”
Jiang Chen nodded solemnly. “Understood, Senior.”
In the intervening period, he had gained a profound understanding of the Demonic Art of Ten Thousand Transformations—a sinister cultivation method that required the absorption of others’ cultivation to progress.
Accepting the inheritance the black-robed older man offered gave Jiang Chen a sense of relief. In a world where the strong preyed on the weak, strength was paramount—this lesson the older man had imparted.
Jiang Chen, enlightened after days of contemplation and struggle, came to understand that, with his modern mindset, embracing such principles was easier. Only the strong could endure in this unforgiving world where weakness was condemned as a sin.
“I hope you won’t disappoint the old man,” the black-robed figure remarked before vanishing into the ether.
Taking a deep breath, Jiang Chen strode toward the Divine Ruins Sect Mountain Gate. In the distance, he observed two teenagers kneeling, their pleading gestures suggesting they sought clemency.
“Let’s go. Your aptitude is too ordinary, even with diligence,” an elderly figure at the gate remarked with a shake of his head.
“Immortal Master, please grant us another chance,” the kneeling teenagers implored, their desperation palpable as they continued to fawn.
Sighing, the old man explained, “You’ve knelt for half a month. While I am not heartless, rules are rules. Your aptitude is simply too mediocre. There’s no hope for you to pass the test. It’s best you leave the mountain.”
Despair clouded the teenagers’ faces as they realized the futility of their plight. Even if they continued to kneel, their fate was sealed.
The Divine Ruins Sect stood as the premier cultivation sect within a ten-thousand-mile radius, rumored to be affiliated with the Divine Ruins Dao Sect—a subsidiary of the secretive Ji family.
For these two teenagers, joining the Divine Ruins Dao Sect meant a lifetime of prosperity, even if only as menial disciples. Yet, when Jiang Chen heard their plight, his expression remained composed as he swiftly approached. He harbored no sympathy for their predicament.
“Daoist brother, wait!” Jiang Chen’s voice cut through the puzzled murmurs of the onlookers, drawing the older man’s attention.
“You are…” The older man furrowed his brow, scanning Jiang Chen skeptically.
“I’ve come to apprentice,” Jiang Chen declared confidently, undeterred by his age.
“You’re too old. Even if you possess talent, it goes against our sect’s regulations. The Divine Ruins Sect only accepts disciples under the age of eighteen,” the old Daoist gently explained, not outright dismissing Jiang Chen due to his age but attempting to dissuade him.
“I may be over eighteen, but I’m determined to become an apprentice,” Jiang Chen persisted, unwavering in his resolve.
“Look at you, wanting to be an apprentice even though you’re past the age limit. Have you no respect for our sect’s rules?” The two teenagers scrutinized Jiang Chen’s worn attire, their expressions morphing into disdain.
In a world where cultivating mortals typically hailed from affluent backgrounds, Jiang Chen’s ragged appearance and lack of apparent wealth elicited contempt. Despite any latent talent, he seemed incapable of affording the necessary resources for cultivation.
“Daoist brother, I am confident that my qualifications warrant an exception from the Divine Ruins Sect,” Jiang Chen asserted, brushing off the sarcasm of the two teenagers with a self-assured smile.
“An exception? To take a test? That’s absurd,” the teenagers retorted, their laughter laced with scorn. “A beggar aspiring to cultivate—claiming he’ll make the Divine Ruins Sect bend its rules? You’re truly amusing.”
Despite their disdain, Jiang Chen remained unruffled. Though their contempt grated on him, he maintained his composure, confident in his abilities.
While Jiang Chen had no desire to engage with these individuals under normal circumstances, their derision left a bitter taste in his mouth.
However, he maintained his outward calm, knowing that his physique and potential were exceptional enough to impress the old Daoist before him.
“If you truly wish to become an apprentice, you should familiarize yourself with our sect’s rules beforehand. If you’re here to cause trouble, don’t blame me for being harsh…” The old Daoist’s tone shifted abruptly, his gentle demeanor giving way to a hint of sternness.
Jiang Chen was taken aback by the sudden change. The older man seemed to suspect him of playing games. If Jiang Chen truly possessed remarkable talent, wouldn’t he seek admission to other prestigious sects instead of rushing to the Divine Ruins Sect?
“Daoist brother, please hear me out,” Jiang Chen implored, desperation evident in his voice. “I came here with sincere intentions to apprentice. However, the journey was fraught with peril—beasts lurked at every turn, and many of my companions fell silent along the way, leaving me as the sole survivor. I endured hardships, surviving on wild fruits until I finally reached this place…”
Jiang Chen recounted the harrowing trials of his journey, hoping to convey the seriousness of his intent. The older man’s expression softened slightly, though he remained steadfast in his stance.
“Rules are rules,” the old man reiterated. “You are already past the prime age for cultivation. I’m afraid I cannot make an exception. Since the founding of the Divine Ruins Sect, we have never accepted disciples over the age of eighteen.”
Jiang Chen’s heart sank. He hadn’t anticipated such a firm rejection. Was his only recourse to crush the jade talisman and summon the black-robed older man for assistance? Yet, if he couldn’t even overcome this obstacle alone, it would only highlight his incompetence and worthlessness.
Puff!
A sudden burst of clear and melodious laughter rang out from the mountain gate, resembling the celestial chiming of immortal fruits on a jade platter. The sound filled the air with a divine resonance as if heaven descended upon them.
Startled, Jiang Chen turned his gaze towards the source of the laughter. Standing at the mountain gate was a young girl, her presence as ethereal as a mountain nymph. Her unadorned hair cascaded softly around her, shimmering with an otherworldly radiance. Clad in a simple goose-yellow dress, she exuded an air of purity and grace.
Though her features were unremarkable, her eyes were strikingly large, clear, and divine, shining like the moon on a tranquil night.
Witnessing her arrival, the older man’s demeanor shifted, his expression turning deferential as he offered a respectful greeting. “Greetings, young lady.”
The girl acknowledged his salute with a nod before turning her attention to Jiang Chen, a playful smile gracing her lips. “And you, dear beggar, why hesitate? Come inside at once.”
Jiang Chen was taken aback by her words, but before he could respond, the voice of the immortal boat’s spirit echoed in his mind.
“Xiao Chen, be cautious. This girl’s identity may not be simple,” cautioned the voice of the immortal boat’s spirit.
“I’m not a beggar. My name is Jiang Chen,” Jiang Chen asserted, determined to dispel any misconceptions about his status.
With a polite nod to the older man at the gate, Jiang Chen strode forward without hesitation. Though the older man appeared puzzled, he refrained from probing further.
“Xian Shi, who is that girl?” one of the teenagers ventured to ask, their envy and jealousy palpable.
The old Daoist’s gentle countenance suddenly turned cold as he responded, “How dare you inquire about her?”
Startled by his sudden change in demeanor, the teenagers quickly retreated, their hearts filled with envy and resentment towards Jiang Chen. Without lingering any longer, they descended the mountain and departed.
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