I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 369

Chapter 369: A trash wants the immortal beast to follow him? I am willing to serve the young master

“I don’t know what will happen in the future; all I know is that you are incapable of protecting little Wang Yue right now.”

“And there are not many things left in the Heavenly Palm Hall. Most of it was consumed at the beginning. What you see now are merely the leftovers.”

“I will ask you only one thing: if the world finds out that little Wang Yue is with you, can you keep her safe?”

The Spirit of the Heavenly Palm Tower spoke softly. The golden figure stood in the void, its face blurred and indistinct, yet its aura was powerful. Only when gazing down at the Taoist platform did it show a hint of gentleness.

What it said was very realistic. If it hadn’t once been a part of the Immortal Palace, it would probably have been even more merciless. It was not foolish; it could easily discern the intentions of Jiang Chen and the spirit of the immortal boat.

If the two of them could provide a clear answer, the spirit might consider entrusting Little Wang Yue to them. However, since they couldn’t even do that, how were they any different from a white wolf with empty gloves?

“The conditions you’re talking about are a little too harsh for Jiang Chen. He’s just a mortal…” The Immortal Boat Spirit expressed some dissatisfaction. He hadn’t expected the Heavenly Palm Tower Spirit to be so merciless, almost implying that they were unqualified to care for Little Wang Yue.

“You also know he’s just a mortal,” the Heavenly Palm Tower Spirit replied calmly. “Yet you ask me to entrust little Wang Yue to him? For what purpose?”

“I…” The Immortal Boat Spirit found himself at a loss for words, unable to find a suitable retort.

“Having little Wang Yue follow Jiang Chen is also a test for her. It might even be beneficial for him, but not necessarily…”

Hearing this, the Heavenly Palm Tower Spirit shook its head, clearly disappointed, and said no more. If it weren’t for their past acquaintance, it would have expelled the two of them from this place.

“It’s understandable for a senior to speak about a junior in that way, but not giving the junior any chance seems a bit unreasonable,” Jiang Chen said. “The younger generation may lack the ability to protect little Wang Yue fully and the resources to ensure her smooth growth. However, I can guarantee that as long as I have breath, she will not be harmed and will be treated as my companion.”

“If the senior doesn’t believe me, you can let her stay with me for a while. If you feel dissatisfied at any point, you can take her away. How about that?”

At this moment, Jiang Chen took a deep breath, stood up, and looked up at the Heavenly Palm Tower Spirit in the sky, his face calm and composed. His words were carefully considered.

Just moments before, he had sensed the scrutiny from the platform in front of him. It seemed that little Wang Yue could perceive his presence. Therefore, Jiang Chen devised this plan, aiming to leave a good impression on little Wang Yue.

Hearing this, the Immortal Boat Spirit’s face lit up with happiness, impressed by Jiang Chen’s cleverness.

“Although what you said is very sincere, why should I promise you? No matter what possibilities you mention, they would not benefit me,” the Heavenly Palm Tower Spirit responded, leaving Jiang Chen’s expression frozen. His heartfelt words had failed to move the spirit at all.

“Jiang Chen, hurry up!” A sudden burst of anxious shouting echoed from outside the palace.

With a loud bang, the black-robed old man was thrown inside, blood staining the corner of his mouth. His expression was extremely embarrassed, lacking the contempt Jiang Chen had seen before.

“Senior, what’s wrong with you?” Jiang Chen’s face was shocked. He didn’t even bother to continue his conversation with the Heavenly Palm Tower Spirit. Instead, he stood rooted to the spot, stunned by the sudden turn of events, unsure of what had just transpired.

“Run away, get out of here, and leave the old man alone,” the black-robed old man struggled to get up from the ground, but he seemed to have aggravated his wound, coughing up blood and spitting out bits of internal organs.

“What happened? Why did you…” Jiang Chen’s eyes widened in disbelief. He couldn’t comprehend what had occurred. How had such a powerful old man been so severely injured? Hadn’t he gone to the other side and then come back to find him? Was there some danger?

“Because he met me,” came a faint voice. Gu Changge’s figure appeared from outside the palace, his expression casual and indifferent. He seemed completely unconcerned as he stepped directly on the black-robed old man, causing a horrifying sound of bones shattering.

The black-robed old man, though clearly in immense pain, merely groaned and refrained from screaming.

“How courageous, to try to save someone from me,” Gu Changge said lightly, his indifferent eyebrows betraying no mood swings.

“Gu Changge, it’s you! How did you get here… No, it must be the route I left for the black-robed senior, and Gu Changge must have noticed…” Jiang Chen’s complexion changed drastically. He was terrified, unable to fathom how Gu Changge had arrived here. The sight of the powerful black-robed senior in such a pitiful state before Gu Changge was unbelievable.

“No, little Chen, this guy actually chased us here…” The Immortal Boat Spirit’s voice trembled as it hurriedly turned into a puff of blue smoke and retreated into Jiang Chen’s eyebrows. From Gu Changge, it felt a deep, soul-crushing fear.

“Gu Changge, let go of the black-robed senior. You can deal with me, but don’t involve others,” Jiang Chen forced himself to remain calm, staring coldly at Gu Changge. His greatest ally was now being trampled by Gu Changge, filling him with a sense of despair.

Now, he could only pray that the Immortal Boat Spirit could indeed control the numerous formations in Purple Mansion, thereby defeating Gu Changge.

“A guy who doesn’t know whether to live or die, even with this little ability, he wants to save people?” Gu Changge glanced at him lightly, seemingly indifferent.

Without hesitation, Gu Changge kicked out. The black-robed old man let out a muffled groan and collapsed at Jiang Chen’s feet, the force so great that the ground nearly cracked. Fortunately, the palace’s material was sturdy enough to withstand the impact.

“Senior, are you alright?” Jiang Chen rushed to help the black-robed old man up, his expression filled with concern.

“I’m fine… ah…” The black-robed old man waved his hand weakly, but before he could finish his sentence, a mouthful of blood mixed with internal organ fragments sprayed out, indicating the severity of his injuries.

Jiang Chen’s anger flared, but he dared not confront Gu Changge directly.

“I was careless this time. I didn’t expect Gu Changge’s strength to be so formidable. This old man is no match for him at all,” the black-robed old man admitted with rare self-reproach, a wry smile appearing on his lips. “If it weren’t for my connection, he wouldn’t have arrived so quickly.”

“Senior, don’t blame yourself. If you hadn’t separated from me, this wouldn’t have happened,” Jiang Chen reassured him, unable to bear seeing the black-robed old man in such a dire state.

At this point, with Gu Changge’s arrival, direct confrontation seemed inevitable.

“This is the Heavenly Palm Tower? It’s intriguing that there’s still an artifact spirit, quite unlike other Heavenly Palm Artifacts,” Gu Changge remarked, his interest piqued as he stared at the golden phantom in the air. Then, he turned his gaze towards Jiang Chen and continued, “I heard what you said earlier. Now, I’ll give you two choices.”

“First, hand over little Wang Yue to me, submit to me, and leave with me.”

“Second, I’ll take little Wang Yue myself, erase your consciousness, and depart with the Heavenly Palm Tower.”

“The choice is yours.”

Gu Changge’s tone remained calm, showing no urgency after presenting the options.

It had been a while since Gu Changge arrived, yet he remained hidden, clearly understanding the implications of the situation. If the Heavenly Palm Tower Spirit wasn’t foolish, it would know how to choose at this critical moment. Of course, if it were indeed foolish, Gu Changge wouldn’t hesitate to erase its consciousness—a task well within his capabilities.

“Gu Changge, you…” Jiang Chen’s expression shifted drastically. He never expected Gu Changge to be so powerful and audacious, daring to speak in such a manner before the Heavenly Palm Tower.

“You… let me think about it,” Jiang Chen managed to stammer out, taken aback by the turn of events.

However, what happened next left Jiang Chen even more stunned. Upon hearing Gu Changge’s words, the Heavenly Palm Tower Spirit didn’t display any anger or dissent. Instead, it seemed remarkably cautious, its demeanor and response vastly different from moments ago.

“My patience wears thin. Even as the Heavenly Palm Tower Artifact Spirit, your value to me is limited,” Gu Changge remarked lightly. “As a weapon, I prefer lifeless objects without consciousness.”

Jiang Chen stared at Gu Changge, his heart trembling as a chilling sensation ran from his spine to the sky. Even the Artifact Spirit of the Heavenly Palm Tower appeared to be coerced by him, unable to offer any further resistance.

He had anticipated the Heavenly Palm Tower Spirit to react with fury, perhaps even attempting to teach Gu Changge a lesson. Yet, to his surprise, its demeanor was one of cautiousness.

“I can agree to surrender to you, but you must promise me one condition. Otherwise, I would rather destroy all the jade and stone than allow you to obtain the Heavenly Palm Tower,” the voice of the Heavenly Palm Tower Artifact Spirit remained steady.

It understood that the young man before it was formidable, not just in his aura, but also in the indifference ingrained in his very being. It was this sense that sent shivers down its metaphorical spine. Furthermore, it was no longer at its peak; in its current state, it could only contend with a Supreme being at best.

“Go on,” Gu Changge responded, raising his gaze to meet the Artifact Spirit’s, then shifting his attention to the Immortal Jade Taoist Platform before him.

He proceeded forward slowly, unlike the laborious struggle Jiang Chen faced when he attempted to move. Gu Changge advanced towards the Taoist platform without hindrance.

The platform gleamed white with ethereal runes, its surface enveloped in immortal mist. Ancient characters adorned it, exuding a profound aura of Dao, unmistakably marking it as extraordinary.

This scene once again drained the color from Jiang Chen’s complexion, reminding him of his earlier embarrassment.

“I need you to promise me not to harm little Wang Yue,” the Heavenly Palm Tower Artifact Spirit stated cautiously, its gaze shifting between Jiang Chen and the Jade Platform, wary of Gu Changge’s intentions.

“I can,” Gu Changge replied without hesitation.

Within the small pool on the platform lay sealed divine origins, untouched thus far. Immortal mist enveloped the area, and colorful clouds drifted, obscuring clear vision. Yet, beneath Gu Changge’s scrutiny, a hazy light resembling amber and magnificent hues akin to a flowing galaxy could be discerned. Within this ethereal scene lay what appeared to be a pair of clear, flawless eyes, seemingly observing everything happening outside—the body of Little Wang Yue.

“I hope you honor your word and ensure no harm comes to her,” the Heavenly Palm Tower Artifact Spirit urged, still cautious despite Gu Changge’s straightforward promise, feeling uneasy about the situation.

Gu Changge withdrew his gaze, turning to the Heavenly Palm Tower Artifact Spirit. “Don’t worry. Even if I were to announce that little Wang Yue is in my possession today, no one would dare to snatch her away,” he declared confidently. “After all… I’m not that incompetent.”

A faint smile played at the corners of his mouth, mocking and contemptuous.

“Gu Changge, don’t push your luck too far…” Jiang Chen’s expression soured at Gu Changge’s overt mockery. His anger simmered beneath the surface, but he found himself unable to offer a retort.

With Gu Changge’s current power, who would dare to challenge him? It would be suicidal.

The Heavenly Palm Tower Artifact Spirit, too, was shaken by Gu Changge’s confident demeanor. Yet, wasn’t this precisely what it had hoped for all along?

“In addition, my family possesses all the resources necessary for Little Wang Yue’s growth. Even if she were to consume the riches of a hundred thousand stars, it wouldn’t be a problem,” Gu Changge continued, his smile widening slightly, revealing his formidable wealth and heritage.

“Do you have anything else to offer?” he asked, turning his gaze back to the Heavenly Palm Tower Artifact Spirit.

At that moment, Jiang Chen felt as though he were suffocating. His lips trembled, his face drained of all color.

What did he have in comparison?

Nothing. Absolutely nothing!!!

Buzz!!

The Purple Mountain quaked, and the Heavenly Palm Tower trembled as if roaring in response to Gu Changge’s words, deeply affected by them. It was far from foolish!

“From now on, the Heavenly Palm Tower pledges its allegiance to the young master!” In the next instant, the Heavenly Palm Tower Artifact transformed into a golden light, vanishing into the tower itself. The once-majestic tower rapidly shrank and descended from the sky.

Simultaneously, its voice echoed through the void, unmistakably signaling its surrender.

Gu Changge shook his head slightly, casting a glance at Jiang Chen’s pale face. His tone carried a hint of regret and disdain.

“A mere nobody still dares to dream of commanding an immortal beast?” Gu Changge scoffed. “How old are you? Still indulging in such foolish fantasies?”

In this world, was there anything money couldn’t buy? If there was, it simply meant that one didn’t have enough money!

Witnessing everything unfold before him, Jiang Chen felt as though his cultivation heart was on the verge of shattering, consumed by despair.

Despite his struggles, he ultimately gained nothing, while Gu Changge effortlessly acquired everything with just a few words.

How could Jiang Chen accept this?

“Just stay here for today,” Gu Changge remarked, his smile tinged with indifference.

Boom!!

As Gu Changge’s words resounded, he thrust his palm forward. With a deafening rumble, a golden palm imprint materialized in the air, resembling the palm of a divine being, enveloping everything in its path.

The void seemed on the brink of collapse, unable to withstand such terrifying fluctuations. Jiang Chen gazed upon the descending palm with despair etched across his face, feeling his body quiver under its oppressive aura.

“Run!” At that critical moment, the black-robed old man bellowed, spitting out a mouthful of blood as if invoking a secret technique. He seized Jiang Chen and fled from the hall, narrowly avoiding Gu Changge’s palm.

The impact of Gu Changge’s attack left the black-robed old man grievously injured, blood streaming like a fountain from his body, his internal organs seemingly ruptured. His complexion paled, and his breath grew labored.

“Senior…” Jiang Chen called out in distress, but the black-robed old man paid him no heed, prioritizing their escape despite his grave injuries.

“Escape! Flee!” echoed the urgent voice of the Immortal Boat Artifact Spirit in Jiang Chen’s mind. “I have disrupted the overall situation here, altering the landscape of Purple Mountain. Let’s bury that Gu here!”

In the midst of chaos and danger, the imperative was clear: escape and survive at all costs.

Boom!

Purple Mountain convulsed violently, rocks tumbling down, the ground splitting apart as thick purple mist billowed out, signaling its imminent collapse.

“Run! It’s time to flee. The next time we meet, I hope you’ll be stronger,” Gu Changge remarked calmly, his demeanor shifting from indifference to acknowledgment. “Thanks to you, I’ll accept the Heavenly Palm Tower.”

Standing in the hall with hands clasped behind his back, Gu Changge showed no urgency. As he watched Jiang Chen’s figure fade into the distance, his expression remained unchanged. With a casual wave of his sleeve, he retrieved the Immortal Jade Taoist Platform and the Heavenly Palm Tower.

As for the remaining treasures within the palace, he paid them no mind.

Subsequently, a radiant brilliance enveloped Gu Changge’s body, his formidable aura akin to a resplendent sun ascending into the sky. With a swift motion, he broke through the chaotic formations of Purple Mountain with a sword-like force.

Advancing a few steps, a golden path materialized beneath his feet, leading to a figure hovering in the sky outside.

Boom!!

With a resounding crash, the majestic Purple Mountain crumbled behind him, sending clouds of dust and debris billowing into the sky, reducing the once-grand structure to rubble.

Glancing back at the wreckage, Gu Changge’s expression remained composed as he descended from the sky, his robes fluttering gracefully, untouched by the dust.

“Master!” “Young Master Changge!” A chorus of voices greeted him as a group of followers, including the Ji family siblings and Chen Ning’er, rushed forward.

Gu Changge waved his hand, signaling for calm.

“How did it go?” Yue Mingkong inquired, her voice tinged with coldness.

All eyes turned to Gu Changge, filled with curiosity and shock. What had transpired within Purple Mountain? Why had it suddenly collapsed?

The Ji siblings, in particular, were baffled. Had Gu Changge obtained the Heavenly Palm Tower? And what of Jiang Chen? There was a sense of foreboding that he may have met his demise under the ruins of Purple Mountain.

“Unsatisfactory, but as anticipated,” Gu Changge replied with a smile, offering a cryptic response.

However, Yue Mingkong knew Gu Changge well enough to understand that he had undoubtedly acquired what he sought—the Heavenly Palm Tower. With this knowledge, she refrained from further inquiries.

Upon hearing Gu Changge’s cryptic response, a chill settled over the hearts of everyone present. Shocked and apprehensive, they dared not press for further details.

Speculation ran rampant among them, many surmising that Gu Changge had indeed secured the Heavenly Palm Tower, or else Purple Mountain would not have collapsed. Yet, the specifics of what transpired remained shrouded in mystery, and none dared to delve deeper.

The events of this night were not meant to end peacefully. The sudden appearance and subsequent collapse of the colossal Purple Mountain would undoubtedly attract the attention and curiosity of numerous cultivators.

Afterward, they all returned to the Divine Ruins Sect. The Ji siblings, Chen Ning’er, and others began to contact their respective families to relay the events that had transpired.

Upon learning of the situation, the senior members of the Ji family felt a mix of anger and humiliation. However, they had no choice but to swallow their pride and begrudgingly arrange for the delivery of the Heavenly Palm Wheel as agreed.