I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 360

Chapter 360: The little ants jumping around seem to have made plans for a long time

“It appears that the news of the Heavenly Palm Tower has spread beyond our Ji family,” Ji Chu Yue remarked, her tone tinged with concern.

“I had hoped for a smooth resolution. If there’s no word from my brother, could it mean we’ll return empty-handed this time?” she pondered aloud, her voice filled with uncertainty.

“If that’s the case, wouldn’t all our preparations be for naught?” Ji Chu Yue’s delicate brows furrowed as she whispered to herself, her mind troubled.

In recent days, she had observed numerous cultivators traversing the skies, their auras powerful as they scanned the surroundings. It seemed evident that their intentions mirrored their own, and their search encompassed a vast area extending beyond the Heavenly Emperor Mountains.

Yet, exercising caution, Ji Chu Yue refrained from dispatching anyone to investigate further, fearing to alert potential adversaries.

Nevertheless, the situation swiftly surpassed her expectations. In addition to the initial influx, several more groups of cultivators arrived in subsequent days. Among them were individuals she recognized, hailing from the secretive Chen family.

While not as ancient as the Ji lineage, the Chen family boasted their own enlightened members. Moreover, their growing influence had occasionally led to clashes with the Ji family over the years, fueled by the presence of talented and ambitious individuals within the Chen ranks.

In such a scenario, any conflict with the hidden Chen family would inevitably lead to the revelation of these events, drawing the attention of all parties involved. Consequently, when the time arrived to vie for control of the Heavenly Palm Tower, not only would the younger generation be contenders, but the elders would undoubtedly stake their claim.

The allure of the Heavenly Palm Tower was undeniable; it served as a crucial key to unlocking the fabled Immortal Palace. Its formidable power alone was sufficient to attract legions of cultivators. Moreover, according to whispers and rumors, the seven celestial weapons it housed surpassed imperial artifacts in potency. Yet, sightings of these weapons in action were rare, with few managing to unleash their true might.

Miss Jiang Chen requests an audience with you,” a voice interrupted from outside the pavilion, catching Ji Chu Yue off guard. Her luminous eyes narrowed slightly, resembling a crescent moon, as she processed the unexpected news.

“Why is he here?” Ji Chu Yue wondered aloud, her mind racing with questions. Although she had kept Jiang Chen’s formidable physique a secret, she had discreetly supported him by sending elixirs over the past few days. From her perspective, Jiang Chen’s physique held a mysterious allure, rivaling even her brother’s revered holy body—a sensation rooted in instinctual intuition.

“Allow him entry,” Ji Chu Yue nodded, her curiosity piqued as to why Jiang Chen sought her out.

“Greetings, Miss Chuyue,” Jiang Chen greeted respectfully as he entered, prompting Ji Chu Yue to offer a slight nod.

“Why have you come seeking me?” she inquired with a smile, finding herself favorably impressed despite this being their first encounter.

“Is there something specific you seek, Miss Chu Yue?” Jiang Chen cut to the chase, his demeanor straightforward.

Ji Chu Yue’s eyes narrowed slightly before she maintained her composed expression. “What is it you wish to discuss?” she countered, though the purpose behind her visit to the Divine Ruins Sect was hardly a secret to anyone discerning enough to see through the veils of secrecy.

What was Jiang Chen planning with this sudden inquiry? “Miss Chu Yue, there’s no need for concern,” Jiang Chen reassured, a smile gracing his lips. “Thanks to the elixirs you’ve graciously sent my way, I’ve been able to cultivate diligently. Your kindness won’t be forgotten.”

Ji Chu Yue regarded him skeptically. “Just you?” she questioned, her slender eyebrows arching in doubt. Jiang Chen had not formally begun his cultivation journey or even activated his spiritual sea. How could he claim to offer assistance?

The hidden Ji family, backing her, remained unaware of the Heavenly Palm Tower’s whereabouts, with no signs indicating its emergence. Ji Chu Yue suspected Jiang Chen’s motives, deeming his words as mere mockery.

“Miss Chu Yue, you must trust me. While I haven’t begun cultivation in earnest, I possess another significant identity… that of a Divine Origin Master,” Jiang Chen declared confidently, echoing the words imparted by the Good Fortune Immortal Boat Spirit.

“Origin Master?” Ji Chu Yue’s eyes widened in astonishment, disbelief washing over her. The revelation felt almost surreal, challenging her understanding of the situation.

As a prodigy of the hidden Ji family, Ji Chuyue fully understood the weight carried by the three words “Divine Origin Master.”

Yet, seemingly unremarkable, Jiang Chen dared to claim such a title? In this era, the Divine Origin Masters had vanished into obscurity, their legacy marred by tales of curses and severed inheritance lost to the annals of time. Still, their enigmatic prowess lingered in legend, capable of manipulating landscapes, bending luck to their will, and unleashing lethal forces with but a gesture.

“If you’re deceiving me, you know the consequences,” Ji Chuyue warned, her expression stern, her gaze piercing.

“I wouldn’t dare, Miss Chu Yue,” Jiang Chen replied calmly, exuding an air of sincerity.

Satisfied with his response, Ji Chuyue nodded decisively. Leading Jiang Chen away from the Divine Ruins Sect, she resolved to seek counsel from her elder brother, Ji Yaoxing. Such a matter required his discernment.

If Jiang Chen truly possessed the mantle of a Divine Origin Master, his abilities might be the key to locating the elusive Heavenly Palm Tower.

….

“Are we in the Heavenly Emperor Mountains? It seems quite remote,” remarked one figure.

“Indeed, it’s remarkably secluded, yet there’s no shortage of cultivators here. It appears word has spread, drawing many to this place,” replied another.

The scene unfolded outside the void, not far from the Divine Ruins Sect. Accompanied by a light chuckle, ripples of energy coursed through the void, culminating in the formation of a portal. Stepping through were several figures led by a striking duo.

The tall and slender man possessed a handsome countenance clad in pristine white attire. Beside him stood a woman adorned in an elegant, flowing palace dress, her visage picturesque, her gaze serene yet profound. Held gently by the man’s side, her hair billowed in the wind, exuding an ethereal grace.

Gu Changge and Yue Mingkong, hailing from the True Immortal Academy, graced the scene with their presence. Behind them trailed a retinue of followers, each accompanied by extraordinary beasts—creatures adorned with dense scales or radiant jade-like skin enveloped in crackling arcs of lightning.

Their auras exuded an undeniable majesty, suffused with divine brilliance and marked by the flickering of divine runes, instilling a sense of awe-inspiring might in all who beheld them.

“The most formidable presence near the Heavenly Emperor Mountains is the Divine Ruins Sect. We can enlist their aid in our search,” suggested Yue Mingkong, her gaze sweeping across the vast expanse of mountains ahead, an incomplete map materializing in her delicate jade hands. She gestured to the area where the Divine Ruins Sect resided.

“Then let’s proceed as you’ve suggested,” agreed Gu Changge with a smile. “But it seems we’re not the first to arrive. How did other cultivators become aware of the Heavenly Palm Tower’s location?”

Yue Mingkong shook her head, a hint of puzzlement clouding her eyes. “I’m uncertain. I merely inferred the tower’s presence based on this fragment.”

“Perhaps other factions, like the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion or the Immortal Tower, possess methods of deduction,” she continued. “Given the right price, they can unveil even the most hidden secrets, despite the risks involved.”

Recalling her memories, Yue Mingkong noted how the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion deduced the tower’s location and sold the information to the highest bidder. The subsequent leakage of this intel had alerted numerous cultivators to the tower’s imminent emergence.

“It matters not. These lesser cultivators pose no threat,” remarked Gu Changge casually, displaying little concern. “Let’s proceed.” With that, they continued on their journey without a second thought.

Swish!

In no time, several divine lights soared into the sky, carrying everyone towards the Divine Ruins Sect. Besides the Divine Ruins Sect, numerous other forces surrounded the Heavenly Emperor Mountains. However, compared to the might of the Divine Ruins Sect, these factions paled in comparison. It would be unwise to allow such powerful leverage to fall into the hands of these weaker entities.

Moreover, a report from the divine puppet revealed the presence of Jiang Chen, the renowned “son of luck,” within the Divine Ruins Sect. Gu Changge couldn’t help but marvel at the coincidence. He had simply instructed the divine puppet to integrate Jiang Chen into a sect and nurture his growth, never anticipating that Jiang Chen would surface here. It seemed luck truly favored him, guiding him to every opportunity.

Before long, a grand mountain range appeared, adorned with jade structures, enveloped in spiritual mist, cascading springs and verdant foliage, lending an air of ethereal beauty.

“I wonder why you young heroes have come to our Divine Ruins Sect?” inquired the elderly guardian of the mountain gate, his expression shifting with a mix of nervousness and vigilance as he observed the cultivators emerging from the clouds and mist. Despite his apprehension, his words remained respectful and polite, reflecting his reverence for the visitors. Unable to discern the cultivation levels of those before him, he dared not show any disrespect.

Especially the man in white at the forefront exuded an aura of unfathomable dread and palpitations with every gesture. Despite his youth, his formidable strength sent shivers down the elderly guardian’s spine, making his scalp tingle unease. Behind him, the geniuses appeared as their followers, hinting at their terrifying identities—a force not to be trifled with by the likes of the Divine Ruins Sect.

“My master intends to reside nearby for a while,” announced a powerful creature resembling a Yaksha, its chilling presence emanating from the horns atop its head, seemingly capable of cleaving through the void with ease.

Upon hearing this, the old man’s complexion paled even further, his voice trembling as he responded respectfully, “It is truly an honor for our sect to host such esteemed guests. Please, follow me inside, and I shall notify the sect head and others of your arrival…”

He dared not suggest they wait outside, instead hastily leading the way while internally trembling with apprehension. Along the path, he speculated about the identities of Gu Changge and his companions, his back drenched in cold sweat. Their attire, mounts, and demeanor exuded an overwhelming majesty, leaving him feeling suffocated with each step.

While the man in white maintained a casual demeanor, his aloofness did little to alleviate the pressure. However, the beautiful woman’s gaze weighed heavily upon him, imbued with an aura of indifference and regal majesty akin to an empress reigning over the world.

Gu Changge and Yue Mingkong maintained calm expressions, refraining from stirring any commotion or uttering a word.

“How could he be here…”

Meanwhile, in the distance, Jiang Chen, escorted by Ji Chu Yue, was en route to find his brother. Suddenly, his eyes widened, his body freezing in place as a shiver ran down his spine. A bone-chilling cold wave swept over him, causing his voice to tremble slightly.

He hadn’t expected to encounter Gu Changge in such a remote location. Though their interaction had been brief, Jiang Chen could unmistakably recognize the young man with an aura akin to the stars and moon, possessing an otherworldly presence like that of a banished immortal.

The sight of Gu Changge triggered a drastic change in Jiang Chen’s complexion, his steps faltering and his limbs turning cold. He entertained fleeting thoughts of fleeing from the scene, so strong was his fear.

Having witnessed Gu Changge’s terrifying ruthlessness firsthand, Jiang Chen knew better than most that a cruel nature lay beneath his seemingly gentle facade. Chen’s companions had fallen victim to Gu Changge’s brutality, and had it not been for his encounter with the black-robed older man, Jiang Chen himself might have met a similar fate.

His friend Niu Tian’s whereabouts remained unknown, adding to Jiang Chen’s trepidation.

“Ruoyin…”

At that moment, a vision of a beautiful figure surfaced in Jiang Chen’s mind, stirring feelings of unwillingness and anger within him. He knew that the woman accompanying Gu Changge couldn’t be Xiao Ruoyin. Her noble and peerless demeanor, reminiscent of an aloof empress, hinted at an extraordinary background.

In the presence of such an individual, Jiang Chen felt inferior, like a mere ant. Earlier, when he had attempted to enter the Divine Ruins Sect, the elderly gatekeeper had obstructed him at every turn. Yet now, in the presence of Gu Changge, the same gatekeeper displayed deference and obsequiousness akin to a humble dog.

This disparity ignited a deep-seated resentment within Jiang Chen. He gritted his teeth and clenched his fists tightly, struggling to contain his emotions. Despite his inner turmoil, he forced himself to remain composed, wary of attracting Gu Changge’s attention.

Ji Chu Yue regarded him with suspicion. “What’s wrong with you?” she inquired, following Jiang Chen’s gaze to a distant group of young men and women astride exotic beasts, their auras formidable. However, she failed to spot Gu Changge, Yue Mingkong, and their companions among them.

“I’m fine,” Jiang Chen replied, shaking his head as his expression swiftly regained its composure.

“It seems things are becoming increasingly unsettled of late. The strength of these individuals and their direct approach to the Divine Ruins Sect…” Ji Chu Yue trailed off, her frown deepening as she sensed escalating complications.

As they continued, Ji Chu Yue led Jiang Chen towards the agreed meeting point with her brother, Ji Yaoxing.

“What’s on your mind, Changge?” Yue Mingkong observed the intriguing smile on Gu Changge’s face and couldn’t resist asking.

“It’s nothing. I just spotted a little ant scurrying about. It occurred to me that finding the Heavenly Palm Tower shouldn’t be too difficult this time,” Gu Changge replied, flashing a gentle smile as he squeezed her slender, soft, jade hand.

Yue Mingkong shot him a sideways glance. “You say that, but I sense you’re already onto something.”

“Truly, this time it’s just a fortuitous coincidence,” Gu Changge insisted, shaking his head.

He hadn’t anticipated Jiang Chen’s presence here; it was only by chance that he sensed his divine puppet’s existence within the Heavenly Emperor Mountains. After all, luck had to be cultivated to flourish.

“I bid welcome to all the esteemed young heroes. I am the steward of the Divine Ruins Sect,” announced an elderly man with white hair and a beard, his youthful spirit shining through. Accompanied by several high-ranking officials of the sect, he bowed respectfully, his demeanor exuding deference.

Gu Changge nodded in acknowledgment, his expression unchanged as he remained silent. Beside him, Yue Mingkong remained composed and aloof, resembling a flawless immortal jade statue.

“My master seeks something within the Heavenly Emperor Mountains,” reiterated the Yaksha-like creature, clarifying the purpose of their visit to the Divine Ruins Sect.

Upon hearing this, the sect master of the Divine Ruins Sect assumed a solemn expression. They had secretly observed Gu Changge and his companions earlier but struggled to recall their identities. The Divine Ruins Sect, originally established within ruins, bore the name “Divine” for the sake of a more promising title. However, within the vast Upper Realm, it remained a relatively obscure faction, with its branch, the Divine Ruins Sect, even more so.

Nestled in a remote location, the Divine Ruins Sect had limited contact with higher authorities. Yet, they couldn’t help but sense the extraordinary backgrounds of Gu Changge and his entourage.

“Fear not, esteemed heroes. If the Divine Ruins Sect possesses the means to assist, we shall do so without hesitation,” the sect master assured solemnly, his gaze shifting to Ji Chu Yue, who had recently visited. Behind her loomed the formidable presence of the hidden Ji family, a colossal force within the Upper Realm.

The sect master pondered whether Ji Chu Yue recognized the talented individuals before her.

“Do your duty well, and my master will reward you handsomely,” the Yaksha-like creature remarked with a sneer. With a flicker of divine light, it produced a sizable chunk of rare spiritual origin, resembling amber with its dense swirling mist.

The sight left the sect master of the Divine Ruins Sect and his companions momentarily stunned, their eyes widening in disbelief. Hastily, they arranged to vacate the finest palaces and pavilions within the mountain gate to accommodate their esteemed guests.

“It seems someone has already approached the sect master of the Divine Ruins Sect before our arrival,” the creature remarked before withdrawing from the crowd with a wave of its hand.

Yue Mingkong narrowed her eyes, her expression softening slightly, imbued with less indifference and more tenderness. Despite the apparent lack of surprise from the sect master and his associates upon learning their purpose, she surmised that someone had preceded them in their search.

“It matters not. Whoever came before us won’t leave this place alive if they’ve dared to pilfer my belongings,” Gu Changge declared with a light smile, his tone unwavering.

“I haven’t even laid eyes on the Palm Tower, and you’re already claiming ownership?” Yue Mingkong scoffed, casting a sidelong glance at Gu Changge.

“What I desire, I shall claim as mine,” Gu Changge replied with a smile, his tone unwavering. With a subtle gesture, he summoned the black-robed older man beside Jiang Chen.

“Greetings, master,” the black-robed old man said respectfully as he materialized from the void.

“Keep a close watch on that individual’s movements. Report any changes to me immediately,” Gu Changge instructed casually.

“Yes, Master,” the black-robed old man acknowledged before swiftly vanishing. Being in the Great Sacred Realm, he deemed it unnecessary to take extensive precautions within the confines of the Divine Ruins Sect.