I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 365

Chapter 365: The so-called situation is stronger than people, Ji Yaoxing’s alternative explanation

“Jiang Chen, just let it be,” Ji Chuyue interjected, her brows knitting together as she shot him a glance.

As soon as Jiang Chen uttered those words, it was akin to aligning himself against Gu Changge, leaving no room for compromise.

Despite being aware of the enmity between Jiang Chen and Gu Changge, Ji Chuyue couldn’t help but feel a twinge of discontent with his actions.

“If you’re bold enough to say that, say it to Young Master Changge’s face.”

“You’re utterly clueless about the consequences,” Chen Ning’er retorted, unperturbed by Jiang Chen’s taunts. Her smile remained intact as she cast a disdainful look in his direction.

A mere mortal, barely able to grasp the nuances of worldly affairs and geographic shifts, dared to challenge Young Master Changge?

“We’ll discuss this with Young Master Changge. But as for you, Chen Ning’er, trailing us in secrecy? Is this shameless behavior truly something you have the audacity to own up to?” Ji Chuyue’s voice turned cold as she took a deep breath, striving to maintain her composure.

“I’m aiding Young Master Changge in tracing the Heavenly Palm Tower’s tracks, leaving me with no choice in the matter,” Chen Ning’er explained, shaking her head with a smile as her red dress swayed, approaching Ji Chuyue and the others. “I trust you can appreciate the lengths I’m going to.”

“You…” Ji Chuyue’s expression soured, her confidant stepping forward to shield her.

“Bitch,” Jiang Chen muttered under his breath, unable to contain his disgust. Despite her outward beauty, Chen Ning’er’s excessive flattery toward Gu Changge was repugnant, fueling both his revulsion and resentment.

“Aren’t you concerned about how to explain this later?” Chen Ning’er approached with a smile.

At her words, Ji Chuyue lapsed into silence, her heart fraught with hidden anxiety.

If Gu Changge caught wind of their scheme, the Ji family would find themselves in dire straits. Allowing Jiang Chen to aid them in locating the Heavenly Palm Tower was a calculated risk, driven by their desire to conceal their actions from Gu Changge, seize the tower under the cover of darkness, and make off with it. As long as they remained hidden and crossed the sea without Gu Changge’s knowledge, they believed they could evade repercussions.

However, Chen Ning’er had now witnessed their entire plan unfold. If she divulged this information to Gu Changge, even if he didn’t overtly pursue the matter, they would have clandestinely offended him. After all, their actions amounted to nothing short of conspiracy. And the consequences of offending Gu Changge were clear to Ji Chuyue—they could be dire.

When they initially made this decision, both she and Ji Yaoxing were aware of the potential repercussions but chose to gamble on luck, banking on their ability to conceal their actions. Now, Ji Chuyue found herself at a loss for a solution. Regrets lingered, yet they already had the Heavenly Palm Wheel in their possession, making them unwilling to relinquish the Heavenly Palm Tower so easily. With things having reached this point, she pondered if there was any way to salvage the situation.

Chen Ning’er gazed at Ji Chuyue’s slightly pallid complexion, her smile widening. “If you have a moment, I suggest you contemplate how to explain this to Young Master Changge.”

“Though he’s typically tolerant, he won’t abide any interference,” she continued, her tone laced with a subtle warning. “Consider what happened to Purple Mansion. I’m sure the Ji family lurking behind you wouldn’t wish to suffer a similar fate, correct?”

With a meaningful glance, she lifted the communication talisman, indicating that she had already alerted Gu Changge.

Witnessing this, Ji Chuyue’s face drained of color even further, her slender fingers clenching tightly until her knuckles turned white.

“You…” Her gaze bore into Chen Ning’er with resentment, her body trembling with fury.

Ji Chuyue never anticipated that Chen Ning’er would not only shadow them discreetly but also inform Gu Changge of their actions. Why did they choose to act under the cover of night? Weren’t they afraid of Gu Changge discovering their plot? Chen Ning’er’s actions seemed calculated to ensure they would incur Gu Changge’s wrath!

Her heart, cold and merciless, seemed devoid of empathy.

“Gu Changge is on his way here?” Jiang Chen’s expression shifted slightly, a hint of fear creeping into his voice despite his efforts to maintain composure. Even though he had altered his appearance, the mere thought of facing Gu Changge sent shivers down his spine.

“Little Chen, the general situation of heaven and earth here can be manipulated by me. This terrain is highly advantageous for us, especially in that purple mountain… If my intuition is correct, there’s an opportunity there that’s uniquely yours.”

However, just then, the voice of the Immortal Boat Spirit interrupted once more.

“Something exclusively for me? What does that mean? You mentioned it earlier too,” Jiang Chen inquired, his brow furrowing in confusion.

“When the time comes, you’ll only need to enter that purple mountain. I am confident I can harness the terrain there and contend with the others,” the Immortal Boat Spirit declared with unwavering confidence.

Hearing this, Jiang Chen felt a wave of relief wash over him, devoid of the panic that gripped Ji Chuyue.

In his view, his assistance to Ji Chuyue and her companions in locating the Heavenly Palm Tower was already a gesture of goodwill and righteousness. As for the offense against Gu Changge, hadn’t the Ji siblings anticipated this possibility beforehand?

“What arrogance. I refuse to believe Gu Changge holds such absolute power in the Upper Realm. Is he truly invincible when it comes to claiming identified treasures?” Jiang Chen voiced his dissent, his words tinged with indignation, seemingly aimed at convincing Ji Chuyue but also expressing his dissatisfaction with Gu Changge.

“Insolent ant! How dare you speak ill of Young Lord Changge? You court death with your words,” Ji Chuyue interjected sternly, her tone leaving no room for further discussion.

Chen Ning’er’s eyes flashed with a chilling light as her jade hand rose, divine runes intersecting in the void, morphing into swift arrows aimed to dispatch Jiang Chen on the spot. Despite her strength lagging behind that of the top young supremes, eliminating Jiang Chen, a mere mortal, was akin to squashing an ant.

Jiang Chen’s expression shifted, caught off guard by Chen Ning’er’s ruthless attack devoid of mercy.

“Stop!” Ji Chuyue’s voice rang out at the critical moment, her teeth gritted in determination.

The green flute in her hand soared forth, radiating a dazzling brilliance, forming a shield-like barrier around Jiang Chen, intercepting Chen Ning’er’s lethal strike.

Even so, Jiang Chen’s expression paled, cold sweat breaking out across his back, nearly causing him to collapse.

“Bravo, Ji Chuyue. You show remarkable bravery,” Chen Ning’er sneered. “This ant insulted Young Lord Changge, yet you dare to shield him. It seems you’re contemplating defying Young Lord Changge…”

“I…” Ji Chuyue faltered, her complexion draining of color as she struggled to formulate a response. She dared not defy Gu Changge, especially over such a matter. However, witnessing Jiang Chen on the brink of death, she couldn’t stand idly by. Such actions were beyond her conscience.

Boom!

Suddenly, a deafening roar reverberated through the air, emanating from the depths of the Purple Mountain behind them. It sounded like crashing waves colliding with giant boulders, relentless in its intensity.

All eyes turned toward the source of the disturbance, faces twisted in shock and disbelief as they witnessed the purple mountain range seemingly come to life. Thick purple mist billowed from between the rocks, shrouding the surroundings in an eerie haze.

Such an abrupt transformation left everyone, including Chen Ning’er, dumbfounded and bewildered.

Hum!

In a flash of brilliance, a dazzling golden light streaked across the sky, resembling a miniature sun ablaze with scorching heat. It burst forth from the heart of the Purple Mountain.

“Elder brother!” Ji Chuyue couldn’t contain her worry, her voice trembling with concern.

The newcomer was Ji Yaoxing, who had just penetrated the depths of the Purple Mountain. However, his condition was far from optimal—his hair disheveled, body drenched in blood, robes torn and tattered, bearing the signs of a harrowing ordeal.

Despite his disheveled appearance, Ji Yaoxing remained composed. He descended from the sky with a swift grace, casting a fleeting glance at Ji Chuyue before fixing his gaze upon Jiang Chen, his expression inscrutable.

“Brother, are you alright?” Ji Chuyue inquired, her concern palpable as she recounted the events that transpired outside.

“I’m fine. I’ve been informed of the situation within the Purple Mountain,” Ji Yaoxing reassured her with a nod, urging her not to fret.

“Brother Yaoxing, might I benefit from this?” Chen Ning’er interjected with a smile, her demeanor betraying amusement as if she were enjoying a spectacle. “You likely know the whereabouts of the Heavenly Palm Tower.”

Ji Yaoxing’s expression remained composed. “Indeed, I am aware of the tower’s location. However, locating it will require some time.”

“Huh?” Chen Ning’er was taken aback, evidently surprised by Ji Yaoxing’s calm demeanor.

Ji Yaoxing continued unperturbed, “I hadn’t anticipated your clandestine surveillance. This turn of events may cause a disturbance for Young Master Changge.”

“I had intended to procure the Heavenly Palm Tower to offer it to Young Master Changge, sparing him the trouble. It seemed unnecessary to trouble him with such trivial matters. Miss Ning’er, you may want to consider how you’ll explain this to Young Master Changge later.”

“What?” Chen Ning’er, along with her sister Ji Chuyue, was dumbfounded by Ji Yaoxing’s revelation, struggling to process the unexpected turn of events.

Jiang Chen detected the unsettling undercurrent in the atmosphere, prompting his brows to furrow involuntarily.

“Brother, what do you mean by that?” Ji Chuyue’s head spun with confusion, struggling to grasp Ji Yaoxing’s intentions.

Chen Ning’er, her annoyance evident, interjected sharply, “Ji Yaoxing, what’s the meaning of this? Why should I explain anything to Young Master Changge?”

Her tone was brusque, addressing Ji Yaoxing by his full name directly.

“It’s your actions that have disrupted my plans,” Ji Yaoxing replied evenly, his voice devoid of emotion, yet imbued with an undeniable sense of conviction.

Ji Chuyue’s expression mirrored her bewilderment. Did her brother harbor plans he hadn’t disclosed?

“Explain yourself clearly,” Chen Ning’er demanded, her voice tinged with coldness.

“The Heavenly Palm Tower that Young Master Changge desires is within our grasp. However, I lack the capability to retrieve it or even locate its whereabouts. Conversely, Jiang Chen behind me is a Divine Origin Master. He can effortlessly pinpoint the tower’s location and retrieve it,” Ji Yaoxing revealed calmly, his tone matter-of-fact.

Simultaneously, he exposed Jiang Chen’s true identity, singling him out without hesitation.

“Ji Yaoxing, you’ve…” Jiang Chen’s expression contorted with rage as he glared at Ji Yaoxing, the realization of his worst fear dawning upon him.

But Ji Yaoxing paid him no heed, refusing to avert his gaze.

Upon hearing this revelation, Chen Ning’er’s expression shifted, her surprise palpable as she began to piece together the unfolding situation.

“If my actions have ruined Young Master Changge’s plans, then I deserve death. Even dying to apologize wouldn’t be enough,” Chen Ning’er thought to herself, her resolve hardening.

“Divine Origin Master?” She stared at Jiang Chen, a tinge of shock coloring her expression as she carefully scrutinized him, fully aware of the significance behind those three words.

“No wonder he’s so resilient,” she mused, a sneer curling her lips. “But how does that relate to your plan?”

“Jiang Chen harbors resentment against Young Master Changge. Upon learning this, he refused to assist us in locating the Heavenly Palm Tower. My sister and I had no choice but to agree, otherwise he wouldn’t have agreed to help us,” Ji Yaoxing explained with a tinge of regret, his expression shifting slightly. “Unfortunately, because of your actions, our plan must now be abandoned. While the Heavenly Palm Tower is indeed within reach, without divine intervention, retrieving it would prove difficult.”

With the truth laid bare, Ji Yaoxing’s words hung heavy in the air, leaving little room for doubt.

“Is that so? Does he truly hold a grudge against Young Master Changge?” Chen Ning’er pondered, unable to discern the veracity of Ji Yaoxing’s claims.

However, if the Divine Origin Master before her truly bore animosity towards Gu Changge, the Ji siblings would never have dared to recruit him knowingly.

“Elder brother…” Ji Chuyue’s voice trailed off, her gaze fixed on Ji Yaoxing in disbelief. She hadn’t anticipated him shifting the blame entirely onto Jiang Chen, a stark departure from his usual demeanor. This unfamiliarity left her unsettled, as Ji Yaoxing had never resorted to such tactics before.

Betraying trust and integrity in such a manner? It was inconceivable.

Though she understood that her brother acted with their family’s interests at heart, she found it difficult to accept.

Apologizing silently to Jiang Chen, Ji Chuyue found him unresponsive, lost in his own thoughts.

“Ji Yaoxing, I never expected you to stoop to such deceit. Even if I were blind, I wouldn’t have helped you pave the way…” Jiang Chen’s voice dripped with sarcasm, his eyes glacial, devoid of the anger and hatred that had consumed him moments before. This revelation was a profound disappointment.

He had trusted Ji Yaoxing, believing their bond ran deeper than mere convenience. Yet, Ji Yaoxing’s betrayal severed any connection between them.

Jiang Chen realized that had circumstances been different, Ji Yaoxing’s words would have likely been different too. He had foolishly believed in their friendship, blinded by misplaced trust.

“If that’s the case, then apprehend him. I refuse to believe he wouldn’t reconsider under severe punishment,” Chen Ning’er declared, her gaze towards Jiang Chen turning frigid.

However, at that moment, bursts of divine light pierced through the night sky in the distance, illuminating the darkness with an ethereal glow. A group of individuals was approaching.

Leading the pack were a man and a woman, their garments billowing in the wind, exuding an aura of aloofness. It was Gu Changge and Yue Mingkong.

Jiang Chen’s complexion shifted abruptly, a sense of urgency compelling him to flee. Yet, all eyes were fixed on him, rendering him immobile.

“Greetings, Young Master Changge,” Chen Ning’er greeted hastily, her heart uneasy. Ji Yaoxing’s earlier accusations weighed heavily on her conscience, especially considering she had orchestrated Gu Changge’s arrival.

As a result, Gu Changge arrived to find traces of the Heavenly Palm Tower but not the tower itself. Compared to Ji Yaoxing’s cautious approach, her actions seemed reckless.

The thought of facing Gu Changge’s potential reproach sent a shiver down her spine, beads of sweat forming on her back.

“Young Master Changge!” The Ji family siblings echoed in greeting, though Ji Chuyue appeared noticeably more flustered than Ji Yaoxing.

“It seems I’ve arrived late. What have I missed?” Gu Changge’s voice was nonchalant, his gaze sweeping over Ji Chuyue and Ji Yaoxing with keen interest.

Ji Chuyue’s expression faltered, her nervousness betraying itself through clammy palms.

When Chen Ning’er had encountered Gu Changge previously, she hadn’t experienced such an overwhelming sense of pressure. Now, however, she felt as though a suffocating force bore down upon her, leaving her breathless.

“Young Master Changge, allow me to explain…” Chen Ning’er hastily recounted the events that had transpired, omitting no detail. She divulged how she had shadowed the Ji siblings, overheard their conversations, and relayed Ji Yaoxing’s explanation without reservation.

Yue Mingkong cast a penetrating gaze at Ji Yaoxing, her expression inscrutable, but she refrained from commenting. She understood Ji Yaoxing’s intentions but opted not to address them, choosing instead to observe how the Ji siblings would handle the situation.

Gu Changge listened intently, then turned to Chen Ning’er with a smile. “You’ve done well.”

“It’s my honor to serve you, Young Master Changge,” Chen Ning’er responded humbly, feeling flattered by Gu Changge’s words. To receive such praise made her efforts worthwhile.

“I’ve heard that Brother Yaoxing intends to assist me in locating the Heavenly Palm Tower,” Gu Changge remarked, shifting his gaze to Ji Yaoxing with intrigue, a hint of playful scrutiny in his eyes.

Though Ji Yaoxing maintained his composure, Ji Chuyue noticed beads of cold sweat forming on his forehead, a telltale sign of his unease.

Beneath Ji Yaoxing’s outward facade of composure, Ji Chuyue could discern a turmoil brewing within him. Facing Gu Changge, they finally understood the chilling and formidable power that had earned him such renown. It was an unbridgeable chasm that inspired both awe and trepidation.

“I won’t conceal anything from Young Master Changge,” Ji Yaoxing began, his tone steady and sincere. “Upon learning of Young Master Changge’s intentions to locate the Heavenly Palm Tower, my sister and I conceived a plan. However, it was Jiang Chen’s refusal to cooperate that led us to this decision.”

He continued with unwavering calmness, “Furthermore, our intention was to secure the Heavenly Palm Wheel and present it to Young Master Changge after establishing contact with our family. Regrettably, our failure to communicate this plan with Miss Chen Ning’er has disrupted Young Master Changge’s peace, for which we deeply apologize.”

“What?” Chen Ning’er’s disbelief mirrored that of Jiang Chen’s, who had been glaring at Ji Yaoxing with resentment and disdain.

“Is the Heavenly Palm Wheel truly in your possession?” Chen Ning’er’s voice trembled with incredulity, her mind reeling with disbelief.

The Ji family siblings’ intention to surrender the Heavenly Palm Wheel surpassed Chen Ning’er’s expectations. Yet, it appeared to be the only viable option at present.

“Is that so? That’s the situation?” Gu Changge responded with a mere smile, his gaze shifting to Ji Yaoxing and Ji Chuyue.

“Every word spoken is the truth. I would never deceive Young Master Changge,” Ji Yaoxing affirmed calmly, though cold sweat trickled down his forehead.

Ji Chuyue, her hands clenched tightly, bowed her head in silent acknowledgment of her brother’s plight. She understood the inevitability of their predicament. Ji Yaoxing’s explanation might have eluded Chen Ning’er and the others, but it did not deceive Gu Changge.

Opting to offer the Heavenly Palm Wheel seemed a prudent choice compared to incurring Gu Changge’s wrath. Even if Gu Changge discerned their motives, his attachment to the artifact might mitigate any retribution.

“In that case, I must express my gratitude to Brother Yaoxing,” Gu Changge concluded with a gentle smile, withdrawing his gaze.

As the weight of Gu Changge’s presence lifted, the Ji siblings were left reeling from the encounter. Cold sweat dampened their backs, and a chilling breeze swept over them, leaving them acutely aware of the formidable power they had just faced.