I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 363

Chapter 363: In his eyes, I can be trampled to death, the child of luck who has grown crooked

Ji Chuyue adorned herself in a long goose-yellow dress, her figure slender and her face exuding a white, sparkling glow with a captivating radiance. Her features were delicate and beautiful, reminiscent of an elf traversing the mountains, every expression, whether a frown or a smile, imbued with an otherworldly charm.

Though Jiang Chen had encountered many stunning women, most of them associated with his great adversary, Gu Changge, it didn’t deter him from appreciating Ji Chuyue’s natural allure. Unlike Xiao Ruoyin’s beauty, Ji Chuyue’s possessed a natural, flawless quality, akin to a hibiscus emerging from clear water, as though she were crafted by nature itself.

Following Ji Chuyue was her brother, Ji Yaoxing, trailing behind her.

“Why do you keep staring at my face?” Ji Chuyue inquired, her expression tinged with confusion, as she drew closer.

Jiang Chen cleared his throat, averting his gaze. Despite suspecting that Ji Chuyue’s appearance was a disguise, he was taken aback by her stunning beauty.

“I nearly forgot…” Ji Chuyue suddenly exclaimed, recalling that she had reverted to her original appearance, realizing why Jiang Chen had been so transfixed.

Yet, this realization also bolstered her confidence.

When Ji Chuyue stood before Gu Changge moments ago, his demeanor remained composed, unaffected by her appearance. This left Ji Chuyue feeling a tinge of frustration. As a woman, how could she not be concerned about her appearance? Yet, she concealed her feelings adeptly.

Moments later, Ji Chuyue casually waved her hand, a subtle brilliance passing over her face, transforming her into an ordinary and unassuming visage. Witnessing this, Jiang Chen was momentarily taken aback, realizing that Ji Chuyue had reverted to her original appearance not for him, but for her encounter with Gu Changge.

Though he felt a twinge of disappointment and unease, Jiang Chen swiftly regained his composure.

“You mentioned being a Divine Origin Master?” Ji Yaoxing approached, cutting straight to the point, his eyes gleaming with a golden light, akin to two miniature suns, as he scrutinized Jiang Chen, attempting to discern his true nature.

“Yes, I learned a bit from my ancestors, although it was only a small amount,” Jiang Chen responded candidly, unperturbed by Ji Yaoxing’s scrutiny.

“Indeed, a form of Holy body…” Ji Yaoxing’s expression shifted to one of surprise. He, too, possessed a Holy Body, and it was easy for him to detect the energy emanating from Jiang Chen’s belly.

Even though he hadn’t activated his spiritual sea, the magnificent hue akin to starlight couldn’t be mistaken. With this realization, he found himself somewhat inclined to believe Jiang Chen’s claims—here was a promising talent worth nurturing. Furthermore, if Jiang Chen truly was a Divine Origin Master, then securing him for the Hidden Ji Family was paramount. The value of such a master was beyond measure.

“Jiang Chen, you mentioned being a Divine Origin Master?” Ji Chuyue interjected, curiosity gleaming in her eyes.

Jiang Chen’s countenance remained composed and self-assured. Prior to their arrival, he had already communicated with the Spirit of the Immortal Boat in his mind. Confronted with the curious and skeptical gazes of Ji Chuyue and Ji Yaoxing, he simply gestured forward.

Hum!

Suddenly, an indescribable charm and aura began to permeate the void, as if it could commune with the potent forces of heaven and earth.

Boom!

The resounding noise startled Ji Chuyue and Ji Yaoxing. Ahead, the mountains began to shift, and the landscape—grass, trees, rocks, rivers, and lakes—moved in disparate directions, as though nudged by invisible hands. Such a display left the pair incredulous. Faintly, they sensed the shift in terrain and the surging potential.

“Is this a Divine technique? Achieving feats like moving mountains and seas without employing any mana is truly mystifying…” A profound wonder colored Ji Chuyue’s beautiful eyes, fixed on Jiang Chen without wavering.

“While such mastery is not beyond the reach of cultivators, he is merely a mortal,” Ji Yaoxing remarked, his gaze lingering on Jiang Chen. He was now convinced that Jiang Chen was the rightful heir to the Divine Origin Master’s legacy.

The reappearance of a figure long lost to the annals of time—the Divine Origin Master—was bound to stir ripples in the world. “Look, brother, I didn’t deceive you,” Ji Chuyue beamed. “Jiang Chen is indeed a Divine Origin Master. This time, we’ll surely unveil the Heavenly Palm Tower before everyone!” Her confidence was palpable.

Ji Yaoxing nodded in agreement, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

“However, I have something important to disclose to you first…” Jiang Chen began, thoroughly pleased with the astonished expressions of the siblings. Though this spectacle was not directly of his making, it was nonetheless a testament to his influence.

The Spirit of the Immortal Boat had not disappointed him. Yet, amidst the excitement, Jiang Chen remained mindful of another pressing matter.

“Whatever it is, if it’s within our capability, we’ll agree,” Ji Chuyue affirmed, her eyes twinkling with a hint of anticipation, expecting Jiang Chen to state his conditions.

“I have a vendetta against Gu Changge,” Jiang Chen declared calmly, enunciating each word distinctly.

“What?” Ji Yaoxing faltered momentarily, his pupils dilating as his complexion paled.

“What did you say?” Ji Chuyue echoed, equally incredulous. She couldn’t fathom it—Jiang Chen, with his seemingly ordinary status, harboring a grudge against Gu Changge? How had he even come into contact with Gu Changge, let alone develop enmity? It was unfathomable.

The revelation left them bewildered, prompting Ji Chuyue to question why Jiang Chen had suddenly made such a declaration.

“Did you know that Gu Changge visited the Divine Ruins Sect before?” Ji Chuyue’s response was swift, her gaze locked onto Jiang Chen, her demeanor shifting to one of caution. With Gu Changge involved, they couldn’t afford to overlook any detail.

Ji Yaoxing’s expression darkened slightly as he weighed the implications in his mind.

“I did see Gu Changge at the time. But for various reasons, I chose not to inform you,” Jiang Chen replied calmly, as if he had anticipated their reaction long beforehand. “By disclosing this now, I aim to prepare you. I wouldn’t want you to feel deceived. And I’m not afraid that you’ll lead me to Gu Changge.”

He harbored confidence within. The black-robed elder’s location wasn’t far from their current position; he could appear at any moment and facilitate their escape.

“It’s better late than never for you to share this with us,” Ji Chuyue exhaled a sigh of relief, her smile returning. “Compared to others, you have a conscience.”

Jiang Chen hadn’t manipulated them with this information. If Gu Changge suspected their allegiance to Jiang Chen, it could spell trouble.

“In truth, you needn’t worry. While there is enmity between Gu Changge and me, whether he remembers me now is uncertain. To him, I’m nothing more than an inconspicuous ant, easily crushed underfoot,” Jiang Chen remarked with a smile tinged with bitterness and self-deprecation, mixed with a hint of resentment.

Hearing this, Ji Chuyue grasped that it wasn’t Gu Changge who harbored animosity towards Jiang Chen, but rather the reverse—Jiang Chen harbored resentment towards Gu Changge, and the nuance mattered.

“This would simplify matters considerably. After all, Gu Changge doesn’t have the time to bother with such trivial affairs,” Ji Yaoxing remarked suddenly, his tone decisive. Though principled, he wasn’t naive.

Despite Jiang Chen possessing a Holy Body and carrying the Divine Origin Master’s inheritance, his feud with Gu Changge posed a significant threat—a ticking time bomb waiting to explode.

“Brother, are you daft? Jiang Chen’s grudge with Gu Changge is none of our concern. If Gu Changge learns of it, we can simply feign ignorance,” Ji Chuyue interjected urgently, pulling the serious-faced Ji Yaoxing aside and speaking in a hushed tone.

“Do you not understand? It’s Jiang Chen who harbors resentment towards Gu Changge. As far as Gu Changge is concerned, Jiang Chen is inconsequential; he likely wouldn’t even remember him,” she elaborated.

“What do you mean?” Ji Yaoxing furrowed his brow, perplexed by her explanation.

“We can have Jiang Chen change his appearance. After all, he’s just a mortal; disguising oneself is quite simple. As long as Gu Changge doesn’t scrutinize too closely, he shouldn’t recognize him,” Ji Chuyue suggested.

“Moreover, Jiang Chen is a Divine Origin Master; he can assist us in locating the Heavenly Palm Tower,” she continued.

Understanding dawned on Ji Yaoxing, and after a moment of contemplation, he nodded assent.

After further discussion, the two approached Jiang Chen and outlined their plans. Naturally, Jiang Chen welcomed the idea, eager to alter his appearance as soon as possible. With Gu Changge’s vindictive nature, Jiang Chen couldn’t risk being recognized.

Ji Chuyue took the lead in assisting Jiang Chen in changing his face. Transforming from a man exuding a handsome and commanding presence to a youthful teenager several years his junior, Jiang Chen became unrecognizable even to those who knew him best.

“Thank you, Miss Chuyue,” Jiang Chen expressed his gratitude, genuinely pleased with his new appearance and feeling a sense of relief.

With time ticking away, more cultivators were converging on their location. Ji Chuyue reminded them of the urgency to locate the Heavenly Palm Tower.

“Time is of the essence. We must find the Heavenly Palm Tower as soon as possible,” she declared, her smile radiant, her eyes sparkling with determination.

Subsequently, the trio deliberated and decided to embark on their search in the mountains at night. According to Jiang Chen, at midnight, the convergence of heavenly and earthly energies reached its nadir, revealing aspects not discernible during the day.

For the Ji siblings of the Ji family, the prospect of finding the Heavenly Palm Tower was nothing short of a boon. Previously, they had been stumbling blindly, devoid of direction. Jiang Chen, following the guidance of the Spirit of the Immortal Boat, had also made preparations. With the impending birth of the Heavenly Palm Tower bound to draw a crowd, Jiang Chen felt the need for self-defense.

As the weight lifted from the Ji siblings’ hearts, they departed one by one, intending to rendezvous with Jiang Chen later that night.

Not long after their departure, a figure materialized behind Jiang Chen—a somber presence cloaked in black, exuding an eerie aura.

“Senior…” Jiang Chen greeted hastily, but the black-robed figure paid him no heed. Instead, a chilling hand pressed against his shoulder, as if probing the results of his recent cultivation efforts.

Jiang Chen felt an unfamiliar energy coursing through him, targeting his core.

“You’ve disappointed me greatly. I entrusted you with the inheritance of the Demonic Art of Ten Thousand Transformations, yet you haven’t even activated your Spiritual Sea?” the black-robed figure rebuked, his voice laced with icy disdain. “I’m tempted to end you now and seek out a new successor.”

The coldness in the black-robed figure’s tone sent shivers down Jiang Chen’s spine, leaving him trembling uncontrollably.

“Senior, considering my current strength, it’s difficult to overcome the other disciples. They began cultivation at an early age…” Jiang Chen attempted to explain, recognizing that his capabilities were insufficient for such an endeavor. To launch an attack now would be ill-advised; he needed to break through to the Spiritual Sea Realm first.

“You are truly inept. That Ji family child possesses a Holy Body; by absorbing his cultivation, you’ll advance swiftly,” the black-robed figure retorted icily. “If you’re incapable, I can assist you in seizing the girl from the Ji family.”

Jiang Chen’s heart constricted, about to refuse, but the black-robed figure vanished before he could respond, denying him the opportunity.

Contemplating this, Jiang Chen couldn’t shake off a sense of apprehension. The black-robed figure wielded formidable power; if he targeted the Ji siblings, they would undoubtedly suffer. Moreover, Jiang Chen held a genuine fondness for them and harbored no desire to harm them.

“It appears I must focus on the disciples of the craftsman peak. Eliminating even one without raising suspicion shouldn’t pose a problem,” Jiang Chen’s gaze hardened, a chill settling in his heart as he surveyed the remaining dwellings, his intent turning deadly.

….

“Jiang Chen seems eager to assist me in locating the Heavenly Palm Tower soon,” Gu Changge mused atop a mountain, his gaze piercing into the distance. Strange runes flickered in his eyes, transforming them into a mesmerizing blend of black and white.

In his altered perception, the world shifted in hues, and intricate lines representing various laws, fortunes, trends, geography, and ley lines were vividly mapped out. Under such scrutiny, the movements of nearly all beings within a radius of ten thousand miles were laid bare.

If Gu Changge willed it, he could effortlessly extend his divine sense across a million miles. However, the notion of personally seeking out the Heavenly Palm Tower seemed tedious and wasteful to him. Why not enlist the aid of a treasure hunter to locate it and then seize it directly?

In his field of vision, Jiang Chen’s actions were now crystal clear. Gu Changge observed every detail—from his clandestine approach toward another craftsman disciple to his plans for a successful attack and concealment of the body. Each move piqued Gu Changge’s interest, impressed by Jiang Chen’s audacity, caution, and adaptability compared to other fortunate individuals.

“Jiang Chen, once you taste the allure of cultivation in this manner, you’ll be consumed by it. It’s akin to poison—once it taints you, escape becomes impossible,” Gu Changge remarked with a faint smile curling his lips.

Gu Changge harbored a profound understanding of the allure of forbidden demonic arts—an allure that ensnared practitioners in its dark embrace. He had purposefully implanted a demonic seed within Jiang Chen’s body: to enhance his control over him in the future and to facilitate his cooperation in mastering the Demonic Art of Ten Thousand Transformations. The primary function of this art was to cultivate mature Dao fruits for Gu Changge’s effortless harvesting in the future.

Anticipation welled within Gu Changge as he envisioned Jiang Chen’s potential development. What would he become if he continued along this trajectory? Would Heavenly Dao take notice, and if so, would it be angered?

As night descended, the moonlight draped like a silken veil over the mountains, casting them in a silent, silver glow. The influx of cultivators to the area had driven many beasts to flee elsewhere, rendering the night eerily quiet.

Jiang Chen, Ji Chuyue, Ji Yaoxing, and their entourage now traversed a narrow mountain path, venturing deeper into the range in search of changes in the terrain—a clue to the exact location of the Heavenly Palm Tower. Their companions, all trusted members of the Ji family, instilled confidence that no information leakage would occur, nor would they attract undue attention.

Despite the moon’s presence in the sky, a faint mist hung in the air, lending an ethereal quality to the surroundings.

Ji Chuyue held a compass in her hand, its surface aglow with stars, resembling a miniature starry sky. This secret treasure aided in their exploration.

“Follow this path straight ahead, and when you encounter changes in the terrain, investigate further. You should find something,” the Spirit of the Immortal Boat directed, guiding Jiang Chen’s path.

Leading the group with unwavering composure, Jiang Chen exuded a sense of assurance. “Perhaps we’ll truly discover the Heavenly Palm Tower tonight,” he mused, his heart brimming with determination.

Observing Jiang Chen’s confident stride, Ji Chuyue’s eyes gleamed with hope as she exchanged a glance with her brother Ji Yao.

“Let’s not be overly optimistic. Rumor has it that the Heavenly Palm Tower is guarded by an immortal beast. If we disturb it, we’ll face dire consequences,” Ji Yaoxing cautioned gravely. “Finding the Heavenly Palm Tower in a single night isn’t realistic.”

Ji Chuyue nodded in agreement.

Unbeknownst to the Ji family members, a faint glimmer flickered in the darkness not far behind them.

Chen Ning’er grasped an ancient bronze mirror in her hand, its gleam reflecting off her figure and that of her subordinates. Their auras seemed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment, rendering them nearly imperceptible.

“It appears the Ji siblings truly possess a solution. Otherwise, they wouldn’t venture out for a midnight exploration,” Chen Ning’er observed, her gaze fixed on the disguised figure leading the group. “Despite the change in appearance, that must be the man who accompanied them.”

“Had I not been vigilant and dispatched spies to monitor their movements, I might have remained unaware of their progress…”

“No, I mustn’t alert them now. Once I locate the Heavenly Palm Tower, I’ll inform Young Master Changge. My efforts will surely be rewarded,” Chen Ning’er resolved, her heart pounding with excitement as she silently trailed behind the Ji siblings and their party.