I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 359
Chapter 359: My Mingkong is really sweet, siblings of the hidden Ji family
A few hours later, within the palace, Yue Mingkong reclined lazily on the bed, appearing reluctant to move further, her expression tinged with exhaustion.
“Is this where the Heavenly Palm Tower—the Seven Artifacts of the Heavenly Palm—is said to be located? The Heavenly Emperor Mountain?” Gu Changge mused, examining the tattered map with keen interest, his gaze eventually settling on the spot Yue Mingkong had specifically marked.
“Yes, after poring over numerous ancient texts, I’ve finally discerned a possible location for the Heavenly Palm Tower,” Yue Mingkong replied, her voice cool and composed.
“Of the seven Heavenly Palm artifacts, I already possess the Heavenly Palm Bottle and the Heavenly Palm Jar,” Gu Changge affirmed, gesturing with a wave of his hand. An ordinary-looking bottle and jar materialized in an instant, each emitting a faint luminescence. The Heavenly Palm Bottle, in particular, flickered with ethereal light as if capable of reflecting the void itself. On the other hand, the Heavenly Palm Jar appeared relatively unassuming, resembling an ordinary vessel.
“Are these the Heavenly Palm Bottle and Heavenly Palm Jar?” Yue Mingkong inquired, her curiosity piqued as she approached for a closer look.
“The rumors suggest that gathering all seven Heavenly Palm artifacts will unlock the Immortal Palace. Whether they hold truth remains to be seen,” Gu Changge smiled as he handed her the two weapons.
Yue Mingkong was momentarily taken aback, her gaze puzzled. “What are you doing, giving these to me?” she queried. She had intended to present Gu Changge with the Heavenly Palm Mirror and the Heavenly Palm Seal, but she did not expect him to offer these weapons first. It seemed out of character for him.
“I don’t have any use for them either. Since you’re collecting the Seven Artifacts of the Heavenly Palm, I figured I’d lend you a hand by giving these to you,” Gu Changge explained with a smile.
“But I can’t use them either,” Yue Mingkong retorted, though inwardly, she felt touched and pleased by his gesture.
“Then why are you collecting them?” Gu Changge asked, mildly surprised. “Are you gathering them for me?”
“Don’t talk nonsense. Of course, I’m collecting them for you,” Yue Mingkong retorted, her eyes fixed on him.
With a wave of her jade hand, energy ripples pulsed through the void.
Immediately after, a crystal-clear ancient mirror and a seal resembling purple gold emerged, hovering mid-air. A mysterious aura enveloped them, evoking a sense of mystique.
“Is this the Heavenly Palm Mirror and the Heavenly Palm Seal?” Gu Changge inquired with raised eyebrows, sensing the inherent connection between these artifacts. Though initially forged by different craftsmen using varied materials and techniques, they exuded a distinct resonance with each other—no wonder rumors persisted about their collective power to unlock ancient secrets.
“My Mingkong is truly thoughtful,” Gu Changge remarked with a smile, accepting the artifacts with a wave of his hand. He knew that they would undoubtedly prove invaluable when the time came to unlock the Immortal Palace.
In the days that followed, Gu Changge began orchestrating arrangements based on the information provided by Yue Mingkong. Acquiring the Heavenly Palm Tower became his primary focus, alongside preparations for the Burying Demon Abyss.
Despite the calm surrounding the Burying Demon Abyss, Gu Changge sensed it was the calm before the storm. Once the red-clothed witch emerged, chaos would ensue in the upper realm. Though Gu Changge had long planned to release the demon, accessing the Burying Demon Abyss proved challenging due to the heavily guarded Hanging Temple. Ordinary individuals struggled to approach it, let alone contend with the myriad obstacles.
Furthermore, Gu Changge recognized that he wasn’t the only one aware of the Heavenly Palm Tower’s existence. To prevent rivals from interfering, he needed to prepare preemptively. Meanwhile, Yue Mingkong readied herself to accompany Gu Changge to the Heavenly Emperor Mountains.
Located from the True Immortal Academy, the journey required traversing multiple teleportation formations. The terrain, remote and bordering the wildlands, offered few encounters with major sects or religions, minimizing the likelihood of facing formidable opponents. Gu Changge’s primary concern was securing the artifacts before others could claim them.
Consequently, the quest for the Seven Artifacts of the Heavenly Palm grew increasingly challenging for Gu Changge.
Gu Changge always had a plan regarding the Secret Treasures of the Immortal Palace. Still, his interest lay not in its contents but rather in re-refining the Eight Desolate Demonic Halberd, which necessitated certain items found only within the Immortal Palace—the once supreme ruler of all.
As several days passed in the True Immortal Academy, a sense of calm gradually settled. The inheritor of demonic arts, whose presence had once instilled unease and fear among the disciples, seemed to have faded into obscurity following the subjugation of Zi Yang, Heavenly King. This development brought a measure of relief to the elders and disciples, quelling the turbulence that had previously gripped the academy.
With no further reports of disciples falling victim to the inheritors of demonic arts, the atmosphere within the academy grew less tense. Meanwhile, activity in the outside world hinted at the resurgence of these evil forces, prompting vigilance among cultivators.
“In what world do you live in, Jiang Chuchu? Are you daft?” Wang Ziji’s frustration was palpable as she nearly jabbed a finger at Jiang Chuchu’s nose, her words laced with exasperation.
“You’re fully aware that Gu Changge is a womanizer. What kind of treatment do you expect from him? You need to steer clear of that scoundrel and not let him lay a finger on you, no matter what,” Wang Ziji admonished, her anger tinged with a faint blush coloring her otherwise flawless face.
Normally composed in Wang Ziji’s presence and often prone to confrontation, Jiang Chuchu found herself unable to muster a retort. Instead, she meekly clutched the corner of her skirt, hanging her head as if acknowledging a mistake, rendered speechless by Wang Ziji’s scolding.
Deep down, Jiang Chuchu couldn’t deny the truth in Wang Ziji’s words. Despite her initial resistance, she found herself unable to refute them.
Following their return to the True Immortal Academy after the trial, Jiang Chuchu succumbed to Wang Ziji’s persistent questioning and reluctantly confessed to the unusual nature of her relationship with Gu Changge. Wang Ziji, astute as ever, had keenly observed Jiang Chuchu’s infatuation with Gu Changge, noting her frequent excursions from their cave. Determined to uncover the truth, Wang Ziji had secretly followed her on these outings.
As Jiang Chuchu continued to make her way towards Gu Changge’s residence, Wang Ziji observed her with a mixture of admiration and concern. Despite her frequent dejected expressions upon returning, Jiang Chuchu persevered in her wanderings, indicating to anyone with discernment that she had something on her mind regarding Gu Changge.
It was evident to Wang Ziji that Jiang Chuchu harbored deep feelings for Gu Changge yet struggled to articulate them. Wang Ziji couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy for her friend’s predicament. She knew firsthand the complexities of dealing with someone like Gu Changge, who was far from virtuous.
Although the exact timeline of Jiang Chuchu and Gu Changge’s involvement remained unclear, Jiang Chuchu’s current dilemma painted a clear picture of her entanglement. Gu Changge’s elusive nature made it challenging to discern his true intentions, leaving Jiang Chuchu vulnerable.
Inwardly lamenting Jiang Chuchu’s predicament, Wang Ziji couldn’t help but harbor a sense of frustration towards her friend’s plight. She believed that Jiang Chuchu deserved better than being trapped by someone like Gu Changge.
Lost in her thoughts, Wang Ziji was brought back to reality when Jiang Chuchu softly addressed her.
“What do you think I should do now?” Jiang Chuchu’s voice held a note of vulnerability as she turned to Wang Ziji for guidance.
Trusting Wang Ziji as a confidante, Jiang Chuchu sought solace in her words. Despite their daily banter, their bond, forged through years of shared cultivation in the Human Ancestor Hall, ran deep.
“What you need to do now is distance yourself from Gu Changge. It’s best to ignore him altogether,” Wang Ziji advised, her words direct and authoritative, akin to that of a seasoned mentor. “Remember, you’re a descendant of the prestigious Human Ancestor Hall. Countless young supreme beings seek your favor, and you’re revered as a holy maiden by many. The more you show interest in Gu Changge, the lower your value becomes. Maintain your composure, and you’ll hold greater sway in Gu Changge’s eyes.”
Wang Ziji’s advice struck a chord with Jiang Chuchu, who couldn’t help but find it reasonable. Perhaps her perceived weakness in Gu Changge’s presence had led to her being taken advantage of.
However, suspicion crept into Jiang Chuchu’s mind. “Are you saying this to benefit yourself?” she questioned, scrutinizing Wang Ziji’s motives.
Wang Ziji’s response was swift and sharp. “I’ve seen through that scoundrel’s true nature. Do you think I’d be as foolish as you?”
Though Jiang Chuchu pondered Wang Ziji’s words, a hint of doubt lingered in her eyes. She recalled their previous conversations, and Wang Ziji’s current stance seemed to contradict her previous sentiments.
Regardless, Jiang Chuchu acknowledged Gu Changge’s dubious character. “I know he’s not a good person,” she conceded.
Unspoken was Jiang Chuchu’s knowledge of Gu Changge’s darker side—the true inheritor of demonic arts responsible for the brutal demise of Human Ancestor. This insight far surpassed Wang Ziji’s understanding of Gu Changge.
In the ensuing days, Jiang Chuchu adhered to Wang Ziji’s advice, determined to maintain her distance from Gu Changge.
The revelation of Gu Changge’s departure from the True Immortal Academy alongside his fiancée, Yue Mingkong, left Jiang Chuchu in shock and subsequent sadness. Gu Changge’s apparent disregard for her feelings upon his return only deepened her disillusionment with Wang Ziji’s advice.
…
At the Divine Ruins Sect, nestled before a modest low mountain, lay several simple thatched huts surrounded by bamboo groves and a quaint medicinal field. Though merely the abode of servant disciples, Jiang Chen found the setting perfectly suited to him.
Despite lacking the grandeur of towering palaces, the simplicity and confidence exuded by the surroundings instilled in him a sense of rapid progress in his cultivation journey.
“According to the words of the senior black robe, my current realm is not far from activating the spiritual sea,” Jiang Chen mused, his gaze fixed on the swirling vortex of spiritual energy at his abdomen. It pulsed with vitality, drawing in the surrounding spiritual essence at a steady pace.
At this rate, he estimated that he would achieve the status of a true cultivator within three days. Jiang Chen attributed this swift progress to the various elixirs supplied by Chu Yue. Though seemingly inconsequential, they were concocted from potent ingredients like Huang Jing and Poria, enhancing his comprehension of spiritual energy.
Amidst his cultivation, Jiang Chen also gleaned valuable insights. With her enigmatic background, Chu Yue hailed from the ancient Ji Family, a lineage predating even the now-defunct Purple Mansion.
Her presence at the Divine Ruins Sect hinted at a quest for something elusive, as evidenced by her continuous dispatching of cultivators to scour the mountains. Yet, her efforts bore no fruit.
Reflecting on this, Jiang Chen saw an opportunity. With the Immortal Boat spirit’s expertise in navigating the shifts of fortune and terrain, aiding Chu Yue in her search could earn him her favor. Such an alliance might prove beneficial in navigating future challenges, even if it didn’t secure his entry into the secretive Ji Family.
Jiang Chen pondered the immortal boat’s suggestion, intrigued by the prospect of presenting himself as a Divine Origin Master to Ji Chu Yue. However, given his current lack of cultivation, he wasn’t sure how convincing his claim would be.
“What is an Origin Master?” Jiang Chen queried, his brow furrowing in confusion.
“It’s an ancient lineage with lost knowledge and abilities. They could delve into the earth, discern universal truths, manipulate dragon veins, and alter geography—a nearly omnipotent skillset,” the artifact spirit elucidated. “Though I possess only fragments of this knowledge, you can leverage this identity to gain credibility.”
Eyes gleaming with newfound understanding, Jiang Chen seized upon the idea. Hastily departing, he resolved to broach the subject with Ji Chu Yue.
Meanwhile, Ji Chu Yue pondered the sudden influx of cultivators in the remote area. Puzzled by this development, she wondered if someone had leaked information about their search for the Heavenly Palm Tower.
Despite its storied lineage, the Ji Family faced a decline in recent years, prompting Chu Yue and her elder brother to embark on a clandestine quest for the Seven Artifacts of the Heavenly Palm. They aimed to uncover the fabled Immortal relic and restore the family’s former glory.
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