I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 367
Chapter 367: An honest guide, planning to pick the ripe fruit
Purple Mountain’s expansive terrain stood in stark contrast to the rugged, high-altitude landscape known to the outside world. Crisscrossing internal roads flashed with a myriad of colors, beckoning travelers in every direction. A misty hue of purple light hung overhead, casting an eerie ambiance akin to a colossal mountain looming ominously, instilling an inexplicable sense of pressure upon all who ventured within.
Scattered rocks littered the ground, while stone walls bore witness to the scars of battles long past, adorned with the imprints of swords, halberds, and claw marks, each a testament to the conflicts that had unfolded within its confines.
As Jiang Chen and the black-robed old man sought refuge within its confines, they were immediately enveloped by a palpable aura of majesty and dread, as though the very mountain itself sought to crush them beneath its weight.
“Could it be that there is something suppressed within these confines?” pondered the black-robed old man, his brow furrowed in contemplation. Finding a path amidst the labyrinthine trails, he vented his frustration by hurling Jiang Chen to the ground, his displeasure evident upon his face.
“Thank you once again, Senior Hei Pao, for saving my life,” Jiang Chen expressed with genuine gratitude as he rose to his feet, bowing respectfully to the black-robed old man. Despite the rough treatment, he harbored no ill will, understanding the dire circumstances that had led to such actions.
In the throes of desperation, with no recourse left, even the Immortal Boat Spirit within Jiang Chen’s mind had been unable to intervene. Yet, in a twist of fate, the black-robed old man had emerged from the shadows once more, extending a lifeline to Jiang Chen in his time of need, eliciting a blend of gratitude and excitement within him.
“No, no, the greatest gratitude you can show is letting this old man save some snacks,” the old man in the black robe retorted coldly, his dissatisfaction palpable. “You claim you’re not adept at cultivating in the Divine Ruins Sect? Yet, once your cultivation flourishes, thoughts of revenge consume you, heedless of my counsel. It seems whenever I muster a semblance of ability, you drag me into your affairs.”
“Even if I save you once, don’t assume I’ll do so indefinitely,” he continued sternly. “You know full well the terror that Gu Changge wields, yet you insist on provoking him.”
“If there’s a next time, don’t expect my aid…” Despite his harsh reprimand, Jiang Chen sensed genuine concern beneath the old man’s words, warming his heart.
Though not a paragon of virtue, the black-robed old man had come to his rescue on numerous occasions. In contrast, figures like Gu Changge and Ji Yaoxing, while projecting righteousness, often exhibited greater ruthlessness.
“Senior, I understand. Once this matter is resolved, I’ll find a secluded place to cultivate the Demonic Art of Ten Thousand Transformations,” Jiang Chen declared, his resolve unwavering.
Recent events had underscored the paramount importance of power in this world. Gu Changge’s ability to effortlessly dominate figures like Ji Chuyue and Ji Yaoxing served as a stark reminder: superiority breeds respect and fear.
“Speaking of these matters now is futile. Gu Changge won’t spare you,” the black-robed old man declared grimly. “This Purple Mountain holds mysteries beyond comprehension, and even I, bound by its constraints, struggle to aid you.”
“If you can’t find an escape route, death awaits. Revenge? Ha,” he scoffed dismissively.
Jiang Chen grasped the gravity of their situation. Trapped with enemies in pursuit, he swiftly communicated with the Good Fortune Immortal Boat Spirit within his mind. Rumors suggested that within Purple Mountain, the spirit possessed the means to confront their adversaries, offering a glimmer of hope.
“Fear not, young Chen. I sense a familiar aura, akin to remnants left by an old acquaintance of the Immortal Palace. As spirit and vessel, we shan’t encounter peril here,” the Good Fortune Immortal Boat Spirit assured confidently.
Jiang Chen’s spirits lifted at the prospect, trusting the spirit’s assurance. Though the immortal boat’s reliability had faltered in the past, their current plight forged an unbreakable bond, rendering jest unlikely.
“No time for delay. Intruders approach; hasten deeper into the mountain. I shall hold them off,” the black-robed old man interjected suddenly, his demeanor betraying urgency.
“Are they in pursuit?” Jiang Chen inquired, realization dawning upon him. Remaining would only burden the old man further.
Despite the urgency, Jiang Chen hesitated, concern etched on his face. “And you, Senior?”
“Fear not. Once I repel them, I’ll find my own path to join you. But you must survive,” the black-robed old man assured, his tone grave with unprecedented seriousness. “Gu Changge’s pursuit threatens us both.”
With resolve, the old man retraced their steps, emanating a formidable aura. A black longsword crackled with energy in his grasp, cleaving through the air with a potency that sent their pursuers reeling. The cultivators, overmatched by a formidable opponent of the Great Sacred Realm, staggered back, bloodied and defeated.
“Senior, take care. I’ll follow the route you taught me,” Jiang Chen urged, his voice tinged with urgency. With a final glance, he darted towards the depths of Purple Mountain, heedless of the looming, crushing aura overhead.
Though the oppressive atmosphere threatened to crush him, Jiang Chen pressed on, steadfast in his belief in the Good Fortune Immortal Boat Spirit’s guidance. Fleeing deeper into the mountain, he dared not linger, fully committed to survival.
Boom!
A thunderous boom echoed through Purple Mountain, stirring dormant creatures from their slumber, drawing them towards the source of the tumult.
Unimpeded, Jiang Chen pressed forward, the dread within the mountain intensifying as he delved deeper. Amongst the crags, a mysterious purple mist oozed, both alluring and perilous. Witnessing a Purple Mountain creature dissolve into a crimson haze upon contact with the mist sent shivers down Jiang Chen’s spine.
Guided by the Immortal Boat Spirit, he traversed the treacherous terrain unscathed. Even as creatures with formidable auras noticed him, they regarded him with indifference, akin to seeing one of their own kind, allowing Jiang Chen a moment of respite.
Relief washed over him as his tense muscles eased. “Keep moving, Little Chen. I sense the palace nearby. If my instincts are right, our fortunes are about to change,” the Immortal Boat Spirit chimed excitedly, hinting at untold riches awaiting them.
Buoyed by the spirit’s enthusiasm, Jiang Chen pressed onward, unwavering in his resolve. However, upon reaching the cavern’s entrance, his expression shifted dramatically.
The walls were adorned with dried blood, a grim testament to past horrors that left Jiang Chen pondering their significance. Beneath his feet lay a carpet of white, desiccated bones, spanning various races and sizes, from human to towering entities resembling hills, some as pristine as jade, others as dark as ink.
As Jiang Chen ventured deeper, his path abruptly terminated, blocked by an impenetrable stone wall mirroring Purple Mansion’s material and luminescence. Despite his strength, it resisted all attempts at destruction, leaving him at a loss.
“Is this a dead end?” Jiang Chen voiced his frustration, his brows furrowed in perplexity.
“Fret not; there must be a way,” reassured the Good Fortune Immortal Boat Spirit.
Jiang Chen nodded, placing his trust in the spirit’s guidance. With a gesture, the ethereal form of an ancient flying boat materialized between his brows, seamlessly merging with the stone barrier, as if preparing to breach it.
“Indeed, there is a way…” the Immortal Boat Spirit’s astonished voice echoed.
“Truly?” Jiang Chen’s surprise mirrored the spirit’s revelation.
“I alone possess the means to open this wall. The Purple Mountain’s resilience surpasses comprehension; it may not originate from this realm. Even Gu Changge would falter before it,” declared the Immortal Boat Spirit with confidence.
Simultaneously, a luminous network of star-like veins appeared, weaving across the stone barrier before coalescing into a singular point of light.
Boom!
With a deafening boom akin to the heavens parting, the rocks shifted, and the stone walls swung open wide, revealing a passage beyond.
….
Separated in their search for Jiang Chen and the black-robed old man, Chen Ning’er, Ji Chuyue, Ji Yaoxing, and their companions navigated the labyrinthine paths of Purple Mountain individually. The maze-like layout posed a formidable challenge, akin to finding a needle in a haystack. With no indication of the Heavenly Palm Tower’s whereabouts, their task seemed insurmountable.
“Chuyue, do you blame me?” Ji Yaoxing’s voice broke the silence, directed at his sister who had remained quiet.
“No, I understand the predicament you’re in, brother. You’re acting in the best interests of our family,” Ji Chuyue responded with a shake of her head, her expression tinged with sorrow.
A compassionate soul, she had always regarded her brother as upright and composed. However, witnessing his actions today proved difficult to reconcile. Jiang Chen’s betrayed countenance weighed heavily on her heart, knowing they had implicated him in their troubles. Escaping unscathed themselves, they now dispatched others to pursue him, a reality Ji Chuyue found unbearable.
“You are still too naive, Chuyue. When Jiang Chen approached you, he had ulterior motives. Think about it—a Great Sacred Realm cultivator is backing him, yet he seeks to be a disciple of the Divine Ruins Sect? Have you considered why?” Ji Yaoxing spoke firmly. “Moreover, Jiang Chen has been chasing us. Do you really believe Gu Changge has no hidden agenda? You trust people too easily.”
Ji Chuyue’s eyes widened in surprise. Upon reflection, her brother’s words held a certain logic. From the beginning, Jiang Chen’s actions hinted at ulterior motives, making her feel somewhat reassured.
However, another thought gnawed at her. “Brother, are we truly going to hand over the Heavenly Palm Wheel to Gu Changge?” she asked, her voice tinged with reluctance.
She was acutely aware of the immense effort and resources the hidden Ji family had expended to secure the Heavenly Palm Wheel. Now, to relinquish it so easily felt like a bitter pill to swallow.
Hearing this, Ji Yaoxing couldn’t help but show a wry smile. “This is something we can’t avoid. If we don’t comply, Gu Changge won’t let us off easily. Do you think Changge is a good person?” he said. “Consider the incident with the Purple Mansion. If Gu Changge were truly gentle, would he have abolished Zi Yang Heavenly King? It’s just a pretext he used against the Purple Mansion.”
“As for the enmity between Jiang Chen and him, it’s best not to dwell on it. Some matters are better left unexamined,” Ji Yaoxing continued, his tone firm. Ji Chuyue nodded, reluctantly agreeing. The weight of rumors and their potential to deceive was something she now understood deeply.
“It’s not critical if we can’t find the Heavenly Palm Tower, but we must locate Jiang Chen. Without him, we can’t face Gu Changge,” Ji Yaoxing added. With that resolve, he and Ji Chuyue continued their pursuit, leading their group forward.
Their journey was abruptly interrupted as they encountered mysterious creatures with powerful auras. These beings, reminiscent of various clans, exuded a distinct and formidable presence, halting Ji Yaoxing and Ji Chuyue in their tracks.
Chi!!!
Blinding rays of light shot through the void like swords, their tyrannical power sending shivers down spines.
“Not good,” Ji Yaoxing exclaimed. “We’ve encountered these creatures before. Retreat quickly! Even if Jiang Chen escapes our pursuit, he won’t survive this.”
His expression shifted drastically as he swiftly pulled Ji Chuyue and the others back. He had noticed earlier that the powerful black-robed old man stayed behind to hold them off, allowing Jiang Chen to flee. This separation implied that Jiang Chen and the old man had different escape routes. If Jiang Chen encountered this group of creatures, his survival seemed improbable.
Ji Chuyue bit her lip but didn’t hesitate, hastening to retreat along the original path. She realized, as her brother had pointed out, that unless Jiang Chen possessed extraordinary means, he stood little chance against these mysterious beings after parting ways with the black-robed old man.
Not long after, the Ji siblings and their group made it outside Purple Mansion. To their surprise, Chen Ning’er had exited before them. However, her current state was dire—her face pale, her breath labored, and her expression filled with fear.
“What happened to you, Ning’er?” Ji Chuyue asked, rushing to her side.
Chen Ning’er, still trembling, replied, “I… I encountered those creatures. They are unbelievably strong. I barely escaped with my life.”
Ji Yaoxing’s face darkened. “It seems the dangers within Purple Mountain are greater than we anticipated. We need to regroup and reconsider our approach.”
Ji Chuyue nodded, her concern for Jiang Chen momentarily overshadowed by the immediate threat posed by the mysterious creatures. They needed to survive first before they could think of their next move.
Only two or three of Chen Ning’er’s subordinates who had entered with her managed to return, all severely injured. It was clear that she had faced significant danger and was fortunate to escape alive.
The Ji siblings’ expressions grew serious as they assessed the situation. They intended to report to Gu Changge, but he interrupted them with a wave of his hand.
“It seems Purple Mountain holds many dangers, and everyone who enters gets injured,” Gu Changge mused, squinting his eyes as if lost in thought.
“Purple Mountain’s paths form a complex maze, none leading directly to the deepest parts,” Ji Yaoxing explained. “Jiang Chen and the black-robed old man split up. Jiang Chen likely hit a dead end. Those mysterious creatures are incredibly powerful. Without protection, Jiang Chen will be torn to shreds.”
Chen Ning’er, her face pale with lingering fear, added, “I didn’t expect Purple Mountain to be so perilous. If I hadn’t had a powerful protector, I might not have survived.”
Gu Changge raised an eyebrow, a spark of interest gleaming in his eyes. “Oh? Regardless, I intend to claim the Palm Tower. It seems I must venture into Purple Mountain myself.”
“I’ll go with you,” Yue Mingkong offered without hesitation upon hearing Gu Changge’s decision.
“No need. You will stay outside. I’ll feel more at ease that way,” Gu Changge replied, waving his hand dismissively.
Without waiting for Yue Mingkong’s response, Gu Changge blurred into motion, traversing the void with a golden light leading his way, disappearing into Purple Mansion.
Boom!!
A terrifying roar reverberated, shaking the very foundations of the mountains and shattering the ground beneath. Ji Chuyue, Ji Yaoxing, Chen Ning’er, and the others watched in awe as Gu Changge took matters into his own hands.
Though formidable, Gu Changge’s strength suggested he could handle the mysterious creatures within Purple Mountain. Yet, the dangers within were not solely limited to these creatures.
“Despite Gu Changge’s strength, Purple Mountain is fraught with peril—blocked paths, labyrinthine routes, and deadly natural formations,” Ji Yaoxing mused, his brow furrowing with concern.
Glancing at Yue Mingkong, he noted her calm and unwavering demeanor. She exuded a confidence in Gu Changge that seemed unshakable, leaving Ji Yaoxing to ponder the depth of her trust in their leader.
Within Purple Mountain, the air was thick with the roars of creatures, their cold faces locked in battle against the remaining cultivators. They surged forth from the myriad stone caves like an unstoppable tide, their numbers too vast to tally.
Hum!!
As Gu Changge ventured deeper into this chaotic landscape, a strange resonance filled the void, echoing like a bell tolling across the expanse.
“It seems this is the interaction among the seven artifacts of the Heavenly Palm. The Heavenly Palm Tower truly lies here. Without Jiang Chen, locating it will take some time,” Gu Changge mused, sensing Jiang Chen’s proximity. Though not far, numerous obstacles hindered their path.
Fortunately, Gu Changge could trace Jiang Chen’s route, navigating through the labyrinth while keeping himself concealed within the void. Despite the challenges, he remained undeterred.
Little did Jiang Chen realize that the path he had charted for the black-robed old man would eventually guide Gu Changge to his destination.
Hum!!
As Gu Changge entered Purple Mountain, the very fabric of the void quivered under his presence. With a mere gesture, a formidable aura surged forth, coalescing into a massive star-like object, its weight equivalent to millions of tons. It descended upon the nearby creatures, obliterating them in an instant. Bodies and spirits alike were reduced to powder, evaporating into nothingness.
Even the tide-like creatures, devoid of pain or fear, instinctively retreated from Gu Changge’s overwhelming power.
“Judging by this disturbance, it seems Jiang Chen has already found the Heavenly Palm Tower…” Gu Changge remarked, a hint of surprise coloring his features.
“He has not disappointed me,” he added with a smile, his demeanor calm as he pressed forward, intent on claiming the prize.
Purple Mansion’s strangeness became apparent to Gu Changge. Its pervasive aura covered every inch, affecting the judgment of cultivators and suppressing their consciousness. Moreover, its unparalleled hardness rendered it impervious to ordinary means of destruction.
Without Jiang Chen’s pioneering efforts, locating the Heavenly Palm Tower would have proven significantly more challenging for Gu Changge.
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MH Prince
I feel like his pride and ignorance on how to solve these situations is reason for his fall.
He couldn’t back his title with strength due to being a different person.
Couldn’t face the world from the beginning which would have helped.
surrender himself and let the elders inspect and monitor him.