I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 362

Chapter 362: Chen Ning’er, who has extravagant hopes and boldness, learns from others and recommends a pillow seat

“Forget it, you guys wait here first. I’ll report to the master. Whether he meets you or not, that’s his decision.”

“We can’t make this decision.”

A silver-colored creature glanced impatiently at Chen Ning’er, Ji Chuyue, Ji Yaoxing, and the others standing at the entrance of the palace. Then, he turned and walked towards the hall, his demeanor changing from indifference and impatience to respect.

“Excuse me,” Ji Yaoxing said with a slight bow. “I wonder which Dao force’s genius will intervene in this matter. It seems it’s going to be more challenging to reach the Heavenly Tower.”

Hearing this, Ji Chuyue’s expression turned solemn. Her biggest worry was that if the Heavenly Palm Tower emerged later and the people in front stepped in, how would their Ji family manage?

Judging by the situation, the identity of this person was undoubtedly significant. This realization cast a shadow over the hearts of the Ji siblings.

The Heavenly Palm Tower was related to the Immortal Palace, and if the Ji family wanted to regain their former glory, they needed to find the Immortal Palace. How could they be reconciled with handing over the remains of the Immortal Palace to others?

However, at this moment, Chen Ning’er’s thoughts were different. Her eyes were slightly curious and strange. Although the Heavenly Palm Tower was important, it was only a weapon. Even if it was related to the Immortal Palace, finding all seven Heaven Palm Artifacts was necessary. But what did finding all seven artifacts of heavenly palms mean? It was akin to looking for a needle in a haystack, and the difficulty was self-evident.

The opportunity before her allowed access to a level she had never been able to reach before. She could discern the importance of this chance instantly.

“Master, people from the hidden Ji family and the hidden Chen family are asking to see you outside the palace,” the silver-colored creature reported to Gu Changge on the high platform after stepping into the hall.

“They want to meet?” Gu Changge asked with interest, having naturally heard the words from outside. He put down the teacup in his hand.

“Not interested,” Yue Mingkong replied, shaking her head. She lay sideways on the bed, her blue silk hair falling over her eyebrows. Her expression was less indifferent than before, now carrying a cold detachment from the world.

Gu Changge smiled, stood up, and walked outside the hall. Some time ago, he had asked Yin Mei to investigate the hidden Ji family. The primary reason was that Gu Changge sensed Ji Qingxuan had ambitions in her heart and would not be content to be persecuted by the hidden Ji family indefinitely. The seeds of this ambition had been planted and were just waiting to sprout.

Ji Qingxuan, with her unique fanaticism for power, would not miss such a perfect opportunity. This was a chance to control the hidden Ji family, and having another chess piece in play was advantageous.

“Gu Changge… how could it be him? How could he be here?”

As Gu Changge walked out of the hall, Ji Yaoxing and the others at the entrance changed their expressions. Their pupils shrank in shock, unable to hide their astonishment.

“This…” Ji Chuyue’s small mouth dropped open in disbelief. They naturally recognized the young man approaching them, and their shock was palpable.

“I heard you were looking for me?” Gu Changge asked casually, ignoring the stunned expressions of everyone around him. He smiled as he spoke.

“Greetings, Young Master Changge. I am Ji Yaoxing from the Ji family,” Ji Yaoxing said, cupping his hands. Usually calm and reserved, he now showed a deep respect.

“Ji Chuyue greets Young Master Changge,” Ji Chuyue said quickly, having recovered from her shock. Her large, bright eyes gleamed with curiosity and admiration.

No one had expected to see Gu Changge here. He had recently destroyed the Purple Mansion and was rumored to have returned to the True Immortal Academy.

Gu Changge’s appearance was no secret in the upper realm. Powerful Dao lineages with any background, even if they had not seen him in person, had seen his portrait. This was to avoid the grave mistake of provoking him inadvertently one day.

It had to be said that after the destruction of the Purple Mansion, Gu Changge’s power in the upper realm had reached an unprecedented peak. Even emperors, Buddhas, and ancient emperors had not wielded such power when they were young.

“Greetings, Young Master Changge,” Chen Ning’er said, her heart pounding. She forced herself to remain calm, showing her sweetest smile as she greeted Gu Changge. In the current upper realm, if there was a young genius known to everyone, it was Gu Changge. Seeing him in person made Chen Ning’er very excited; her voice trembled slightly, despite her efforts to control it.

In the past, she had only seen Gu Changge in portraits and photo-taking stones, but now, seeing him in person was a different experience altogether. For many beautiful girls in the upper realm, Gu Changge was the ideal and perfect future husband. In terms of appearance, temperament, strength, talent, power, and background, it was hard to find any flaws in him, let alone a man who could compare.

Of course, they were self-aware enough to realize that they could only fantasize about such a match, knowing they were far from being worthy of him.

Gu Changge smiled warmly and genially, nodding slightly. “You don’t need to be too polite,” he said, without any intention of inviting everyone inside.

“It turns out that Young Master Changge also came to this place,” Ji Yaoxing thought bitterly, feeling that the opportunity to seize the Heavenly Palm Tower was becoming increasingly elusive. It wasn’t that he would give up after meeting Gu Changge; rather, he recognized the vast difference in their strength. Gu Changge’s followers, all of formidable cultivation, further emphasized this disparity.

Ji Yaoxing hoped to find the Heavenly Palm Tower before it emerged, believing that even Gu Changge wouldn’t be able to take it from him if he acted swiftly. However, he also had another plan in mind. If Gu Changge was determined to obtain the Heavenly Palm Tower, Ji Yaoxing could “borrow flowers to offer Buddha,” aligning himself with Gu Changge’s ambitions.

Though Ji Yaoxing had an honest temperament, it didn’t mean he was naive. He understood the immense power Gu Changge wielded—power that had even brought down the Purple Mansion. There was no need to elaborate on how terrifyingly influential Gu Changge had become.

The head of the Divine Ruins Sect and others were also stunned at the moment. Although they were not highly esteemed, they certainly knew of Gu Changge. For them, he was like a dragon among men. They had only heard about him through rumors before; who would have thought that they would meet him in person? Their heads were still buzzing, making it difficult to calm down, and their attitude was extremely respectful. In front of someone like Gu Changge, they felt insignificant, like dust that could be shattered with a click of his fingers.

“Are you all here to find the Heavenly Palm Tower as well?” Gu Changge asked with a smile.

“I’m not going to hide it from you, Young Master Changge. We are indeed here to look for the Heavenly Palm Tower, but so far, we have no clues,” Ji Yaoxing replied with a bitter smile.

“Oh? I thought you might have some clues. If you do, you might as well share them with me. I am willing to pay a high price for them,” Gu Changge said, still smiling. His slender, straight figure and fluttering, spotless robes added to his imposing presence.

“If we have any clues, we will definitely inform you, Young Master Changge,” Ji Chuyue added, her bright eyes fixed on Gu Changge. She wanted to leave a good impression on him. At this moment, she revealed her true appearance. Her face was the size of a palm, her skin like snow, her eyes large and bright, with long eyelashes and slender eyebrows.

“Then I’ll have to trouble you all,” Gu Changge said with a smile, his tone casual and natural, devoid of any overt superiority. Yet, everyone could still sense the immense identity gap between them, as if an insurmountable gulf lay between him and the rest. This sense of otherworldliness, coupled with a natural immortal aura and dignity, was something that could not be cultivated without a profound and terrifying background.

“Young Master Changge, rest assured, if Ning’er gets any news or clues, she will definitely come to inform you as soon as possible,” Chen Ning’er said hurriedly, her heart pounding. “Since you are also looking for the Heavenly Palm Tower, Ning’er will instruct her subordinates to help you find it together.”

At just over two decades old, she had a slender figure, creamy skin, eyes like autumn water, and slightly red lips. She was very beautiful and intelligent, and she quickly expressed her thoughts and allegiance. She no longer cared about obtaining the Heavenly Palm Tower; her primary goal was to assist Gu Changge. This decision, made without her family’s consent, was something she knew they would support if they were aware.

Hearing this, Ji Yaoxing and Ji Chuyue exchanged glances, both noticing the cautiousness in each other’s eyes. To them, there was nothing wrong with Chen Ning’er’s actions. After all, the hidden Chen family was different from the hidden Ji family. With insufficient background, Chen Ning’er was seizing an opportunity to curry favor with Gu Changge—a chance she would certainly not pass up.

Although the hidden Ji family was down and out, they were still proud of themselves. The existence of the seven artifacts of the Heavenly Palm presented an opportunity for them to regain their former strength. It was clear which was more important.

“Oh? Then I am grateful to Miss Ning’er,” Gu Changge said, seemingly a little surprised. He looked at her and smiled slightly.

“Young Master Changge, you are very polite. It is an honor for Ning’er to assist you,” Chen Ning’er replied, her voice trembling slightly. She hurriedly lowered her head, feeling her heart race and her palms tense and sweaty.

This was Gu Changge, taking the initiative to speak to her, which made her feel a mix of excitement and fear. His temperament was exactly as rumored—calm and graceful. Describing him as the jade emperor wouldn’t be an exaggeration, and he did not despise or look down on them despite their status.

This stirred a sense of admiration and a hint of extravagance in Chen Ning’er’s heart. But then again, wasn’t this an opportunity for her? If she could seize it, not only she but also the hidden Chen family behind her would undergo earth-shaking changes. She was very confident in her appearance.

Thinking of this, she quickly forced herself to calm down, looked up at Gu Changge, and flashed what she believed to be her sweetest smile. “Young Master Changge, if you have anything to order, you can tell me. Near the Heavenly Emperor Mountains, I have sent my subordinates to search for a week, and I am very familiar with the area. If there is any change regarding the Heavenly Palm Tower, I should know it immediately.”

Chen Ning’er’s legs were straight and slender, her skin as white as snow. A smile played on her lips, and her eyes curved into crescents, which was very cute and charming. Ji Chuyue, who was very familiar with her character, couldn’t help but pout and feel secretly disdainful.

In the past, Chen Ning’er had been arrogant like a swan, looking down on many young geniuses, only slightly valuing the young supremes like her brother. Now, she was almost flattering, and anyone with a discerning eye could see it.

Even if she were the daughter of the heavens themselves, at this moment, none would let go of such an opportunity to please Gu Changge. Many disciples from the Chen family behind Chen Ning’er were also envious of her at this moment. However, as members of the Chen family, if Chen Ning’er could earn Gu Changge’s favor, it would be a sudden elevation for them as well.

Thinking along these lines, they couldn’t help but show a hint of smugness on their faces, stealing glances at the Ji family. Observing this, the members of the Ji family didn’t look pleased and turned their attention to Ji Chuyue, as she was the little princess of the hidden Ji family. Ji Chuyue had revealed her true face merely out of respect for Gu Changge; she had no ulterior motive. Although she was curious about Gu Changge, she hadn’t reached the point of almost flattering him and remained proud in her heart.

“Since Miss Ning’er has offered her assistance, I would like to extend my thanks in advance,” Gu Changge said, smiling gently and naturally upon hearing Chen Ning’er’s words.

Like a spring breeze, Gu Changge exuded an indescribable charm that enchanted those around him. Chen Ning’er’s face flushed slightly, and she waved her hand hurriedly. “Young Master Changge, you are too polite. It’s an honor for me,” she said, stealing another glance at him.

Summoning her courage, she continued, “This time, Young Master Changge, I noticed you are traveling alone, and if you don’t mind…” Her words were bold, akin to offering a pillow seat. Ji Chuyue widened her eyes in surprise, feeling incredulous.

As the young lady of the hidden Chen family, Chen Ning’er held a distinguished status and had many suitors, even among the clansmen behind her. However, she was usually very proud, her standards high, and she wouldn’t give those so-called geniuses a second glance.

To see her daring to speak so boldly in front of everyone, especially in front of Gu Changge, was unexpected. It could only be said that Chen Ning’er was bold and seized every opportunity. Otherwise, given her status, she wouldn’t have the chance to interact with Gu Changge on ordinary occasions. Ji Chuyue couldn’t help but admire her courage a little.

Hearing Chen Ning’er’s words, many of her followers turned pale, realizing the implications of her boldness.

Their fists clenched with strong jealousy and unwillingness, but they dared not show it on their faces. Seeing the woman they admired offering a pillow seat in front of another man was unbearable for them.

Gu Changge seemed surprised by Chen Ning’er’s words, a hint of surprise appearing on his face. But before he could respond, a faint voice came from behind, “No need, even if he doesn’t mind, I mind.”

A slender figure emerged at the entrance of the temple, with hair like silk, clothes whiter than snow, and a picturesque face with beautiful features. There was a frosty gaze in every glance, exuding a suffocating and terrifying power.

Chen Ning’er paled, her expression filled with fear as she took a few steps back, feeling a chilling aura emanating from behind her. It was as if she was being watched by a supreme goddess, rendering her as small as an ant.

“Crown Emperor Mingkong…” Ji Yaoxing, Ji Chuyue, and the others recognized the woman in white who had suddenly appeared.

“Mingkong, you’re scaring people,” Gu Changge said with a smile, to which Yue Mingkong responded with a light glance, not uttering a word. Her gaze seemed to convey the message: “If I hadn’t intervened, would you have agreed?”

Although she knew that Gu Changge would never harbor any feelings for a girl like Chen Ning’er, seeing him joke and laugh with other women made Yue Mingkong incredibly uncomfortable. She felt an intense desire to slap Chen Ning’er to death right then and there.

Gu Changge maintained his smile. “You’ve scared people into this,” he said casually.

Yue Mingkong gave him a sideways glance but remained silent. However, her cold and terrifying aura made everyone present feel suffocated, and they dared not speak further, only daring to harbor their thoughts secretly.

As expected of someone known as the future empress, every move she made exuded a terrifying power that left people breathless. Even her cultivation base seemed unfathomable.

“It’s Ning’er who overstepped, and I hope that Emperor Kong will be magnanimous and forgive her this time,” Chen Ning’er apologized hastily, her face pale and her back cold. She knew Yue Mingkong’s identity—she was the future empress of the Peerless Immortal Dynasty and Gu Changge’s fiancée. Her status was indescribably precious.

She never expected Yue Mingkong to accompany Gu Changge to this place, and she felt a twinge of regret in her heart. When she spoke just now, she had assumed that Gu Changge wouldn’t have any maids accompanying him on this trip. After all, Gu Changge had already appeared, but his maid had not.

However, she never anticipated that the follower would not be his maid, but his fiancée.

“Miss Ning’er is also kind, so don’t think about her that way, Mingkong,” Gu Changge said, smiling as he tried to intervene.

Yue Mingkong cast him a cold glance, snorted, and then disappeared from the entrance. She knew that allowing the situation to escalate would only fuel perceptions of her jealousy.

But why should she care so much about just a Chen Ning’er? Now that she had appeared, it was only to let Gu Changge know that in her presence, she would never tolerate other women by his side.

“Mingkong has such a strong personality, it’s quite amusing,” Gu Changge remarked with a smile.

Hastily, everyone waved their hands, eager to placate him. “Young Master Changge is joking…”

“Emperor Mingkong’s true temperament is truly admirable.”

“Yes, Young Master Changge and Emperor Mingkong are a match made in heaven. They are the companions of immortals. We are truly envious.”

They spoke one after another, careful not to utter anything disrespectful, their hearts filled with even more reverence. With Gu Changge’s appearance in the Heavenly Emperor Mountains, and now Yue Mingkong’s, the competition for the Heavenly Palm Tower became even more daunting.

As the visit came to an end, Ji Chuyue and Ji Yaoxing bid their farewells and departed one after another, intending to discuss their next steps.

Though Chen Ning’er was still a little shaken, she quickly regained her composure, clinging to hope in her heart.

After all, this was an opportunity she had finally encountered, so why would she give up so easily? In Chen Ning’er’s view, as long as she could assist Gu Changge in finding the Heavenly Palm Tower, she would surely earn his favor. Today’s small setback didn’t deter her.

Soon, she reverted to her slightly arrogant, swan-like demeanor. “The man next to Ji Chuyue must have something special about him. Otherwise, the Ji siblings wouldn’t value him so highly just because of his mortal body. If I have the chance, I’ll need to investigate him.”

Chen Ning’er narrowed her eyes, already formulating her next plan in her mind.

Upon returning to the palace and catching Yue Mingkong’s cold glance, Gu Changge laughed without a hint of self-consciousness. “What’s the matter? Why do you smell like jealousy? Did you spill the vinegar jar?”

Yue Mingkong glanced at him. “In my presence, you are not allowed to be kind to other women.”

“You’re quite domineering,” Gu Changge sighed, shaking his head with a hint of helplessness. “You might scare away a valuable piece on the chessboard. Anyway, if someone has the audacity to make advances, why don’t you learn from them?”

“I don’t care,” Yue Mingkong replied, her voice cold and murderous. “But if I see it again, I might not be able to resist shooting her dead.”

In the following days, the vicinity of the Heavenly Emperor Mountains grew increasingly bustling, with divine lights and ancient chariots filling the sky, accompanied by a rumbling sound. As news spread that the Heavenly Palm Tower was set to emerge here, more and more cultivators and creatures flocked to the area.

Alongside the younger generation, numerous elder powerhouse cultivators also arrived, and even some sacred realm cultivators made their presence known. Many nearby factions trembled with unease, wondering how such a remote mountain range could attract such a multitude of cultivators.

The news of Gu Changge’s appearance further stirred up commotion. Cultivators were shocked and amazed to learn that after his destruction of the Purple Mansion, Gu Changge had ventured here, clearly intent on vying for the Heavenly Palm Tower.

However, some were aware that Gu Changge possessed a heavenly palm bottle, making his participation in the competition unsurprising. Upon hearing this, many chose to retreat and leave, acknowledging that they stood no chance of snatching the prize from Gu Changge’s grasp.

Of course, there were still very few cultivators who entertained such thoughts. Most were aware of the consequences for those who dared to defy the virtuous people living in the treasures. When it came time to snatch, there would be no holds barred. How could they choose to give in simply because of a formidable background?

Meanwhile, Ji Chuyue, Ji Yaoxing, and the others, after bidding farewell to Gu Changge, didn’t immediately depart from the Divine Ruins Sect. Instead, they headed to the Craftsman Peak, where the disciples skilled in crafting resided, to consult with Jiang Chen.

Outside the thatched hut, Jiang Chen sat cross-legged on a piece of bluestone, immersed in cultivation, attuned to the flow of spiritual energy between heaven and earth. Hearing Ji Chuyue’s voice in the distance, he opened his eyes, a slight smile gracing his lips as he looked over.

“What a pleasant surprise!” he remarked. However, upon laying eyes on Ji Chuyue, he was momentarily taken aback.