I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 371

Chapter 371: It’s better to live with a cheap name, eventually going to the opposite side

“Having spoken so much, in essence, this creature is quite low-maintenance, isn’t it?” At that moment, amidst the chatter and debates about Little Wang Yue’s origins, Gu Changge raised a hand, signaling for silence.

“Feeding it is a breeze. Being an immortal beast, Wang Yue simply needs to consume various worldly auras to thrive,” remarked a senior clan member, garnering a nod of agreement.

“In that case, we could simply place it within a star field. With its capabilities, starvation shouldn’t be a concern,” Gu Changge remarked casually.

“Why not keep it for yourself?” queried a surprised elder, noting the rarity of the creature, evident in the surrounding curiosity.

“Given its ease of care, it hardly matters who tends to it,” Gu Changge replied dismissively. “I lack the time to care for it personally.” With a shake of his head, he emphasized his point. After all, if not for this straightforward upkeep, why would he have brought back the descendant of Wang Yue into the fold? It posed little trouble.

Upon hearing Gu Changge’s decision, the clan elders fell into a contemplative silence. The lineage of Wang Yue belonged to him, and thus, the manner in which it was cared for fell squarely within his purview. They knew better than to meddle in his affairs.

Furthermore, Wang Yue’s descendant possessed inherent strength far surpassing other beasts, despite being in its infancy. Even if left to its own devices, it could thrive comfortably. The vast expanse of the Gu family’s domain, replete with numerous rich star fields, provided ample sustenance. Who, save for the boldest and most reckless cultivators, would dare to challenge the clan’s claim over Wang Yue’s lineage?

Little Wang Yue, perceptive as she was, detected the undertones of Gu Changge’s decision. Though her large, clear eyes betrayed a hint of grievance, she dared not defy him, instead remaining motionless where she lay.

She couldn’t help but recall Gu Changge’s assurances back in the Heavenly Palm Palace. Then, he had promised that consuming even a hundred thousand star fields posed no issue. And yet, now he displayed reluctance to care for her?

Truly, she mused, beautiful words from handsome men were not to be trusted.

“What’s this? Little one, don’t you fancy it?” Gu Changge, noting Wang Yue’s shift in demeanor, couldn’t resist inquiring with intrigue.

Caught off guard by Gu Changge addressing her directly, Little Wang Yue recoiled, retreating towards the rear of the Taoist Platform. She appeared frail, pitiable, and vulnerable, her large eyes betraying a fear of him.

All the clan elders observed this exchange, unsure of how to react. Wang Yue seemed unresponsive to them, yet displayed fear towards Gu Changge. Had she endured some prior trauma?

Gu Changge’s smile widened. “If you stick with me, you’ll feast on delicacies, perhaps even devour entire star fields. Isn’t that enticing enough? Or do you truly wish to follow that wretch?”

At his words, Little Wang Yue vehemently shook her head, her gaze pleading.

Though Gu Changge might be intimidating, at least she wouldn’t starve under his care. If she followed the mortal she encountered in the Heavenly Palm Palace, starvation seemed a likelier fate.

“Why the hesitation then? Do you wish to accompany me?” Gu Changge inquired, a playful glint in his eyes.

After a moment of hesitation, Wang Yue nodded, silently assenting to Gu Changge’s offer.

Aware of Gu Changge’s formidable nature, yet trusting her intuition, Wang Yue believed she wouldn’t suffer under his care.

“You think I’d allow a burden to tag along?” Gu Changge retorted, intrigued by her response.

In response, Wang Yue hung her head despondently, emitting bubbles from her mouth.

“If you’re unwilling to care for it, I’ll take charge,” a cold voice interjected suddenly, accompanied by the sudden appearance of a figure in the palace.

The figure, slender and tall, was shrouded in a blur, with blue silk billowing around, exuding an ethereal and unmatched aura—it was Gu Qingyi.

The unexpected arrival of Gu Qingyi surprised many clan elders, who adjusted their demeanor accordingly. Their respect for her was evident, contrasting with their attitude towards Gu Changge, who, despite being the young master, was still a junior in comparison.

Gu Qingyi’s seniority and rumored unparalleled cultivation surpassed even Gu Changge’s father, Gu Lintian, the current head of the Gu family. However, the true extent of her cultivation remained a mystery, as did the authenticity of her current form.

As Gu Qingyi materialized, her gaze alighted upon Little Wang Yue within the Immortal Jade Taoist Platform, her expression momentarily complex before settling into calmness.

“In that case, I extend my gratitude, Aunt Qing,” Gu Changge remarked, his surprise at her sudden appearance tempered by his tactful omission of inquiry.

Gu Qingyi acknowledged him with a nod before turning her attention back to Wang Yue. Surprisingly, the small creature displayed an affectionate demeanor, swimming closer to Gu Qingyi within the pool of Immortal Jade Taoist Platform.

A rare smile graced Gu Qingyi’s lips, fleeting yet noticeable to Gu Changge. His curiosity piqued, he observed closely, knowing her character well enough to recognize the significance of such a gesture from her.

Was there more to their connection than met the eye?

“Since Little Wang Yue is under your care, as the master, bestow upon it a name,” Gu Qingyi declared, her tone crisp and cold.

“A name?” Gu Changge pondered briefly before decisively suggesting, “Given its purity and beauty, let’s call it Xiao Bai.”

As he uttered the name, he couldn’t help but reminisce about the Eight Desolate Demon Halberd, which he had also named. “Xiao Hei” and “Xiao Bai” seemed fitting pairings.

“Xiao Bai?” Gu Qingyi turned her head slightly, a cascade of blue silk obscuring half of her face, seemingly questioning Gu Changge’s choice.

Meanwhile, Wang Yue vehemently objected to the name. Despite her fear of Gu Changge, she shook her head in protest.

“Is the name not to your liking?” Gu Changge chuckled. “Perhaps a more modest name would suit better?”

Gu Qingyi, unperturbed by the naming debacle, sensed Wang Yue’s discontent and grievance.

“Your naming skills leave much to be desired,” she remarked with a shake of her head, her expression unchanged.

Nonetheless, since Wang Yue was brought back by Gu Changge, and he remained firm in his decision, Gu Qingyi refrained from further objections.

And so, despite Wang Yue’s protests, the name Xiao Bai stuck. Gu Changge had no inclination to reconsider—not due to poor taste, but rather to avoid unnecessary hassle.

Subsequently, Gu Qingyi, accompanied by Gu Changge and Xiao Wang Yue, departed for the small world where she cultivated.

In this vast realm, clouds and mountains stretched endlessly, evoking a sense of ethereal beauty akin to a fairyland. The sky seemed to breathe in harmony with the undulating sea of clouds.

Save for Gu Qingyi, the world remained devoid of any other presence.

Even the living beings within this world were mere ordinary beasts with inherent intelligence. The flowers and trees, though aged, had yet to ascend to their essence.

From Gu Changge’s perspective, Gu Qingyi likely employed some method to prevent the plants and other elements from refining into higher forms. Manipulating the rules of heaven and earth came effortlessly to her.

Her demeanor was cold and reserved, averse to external disturbances. Were it not for her guidance, Gu Changge would have never stumbled upon this secluded world.

Once they arrived, Wang Yue was released from the pool, her slender form disappearing into the expanse of clouds, visibly content. Despite its modest size, this world boasted an abundance of spiritual energy.

“Rest assured, let it roam here freely,” Gu Qingyi stated from atop a mountain peak, her dress billowing in the breeze. Observing Wang Yue’s newfound freedom, a faint smile graced her lips.

“I have no concerns. Even if I were to cast it aside, no one would dare harm it,” Gu Changge remarked with a smile, before abruptly shifting the topic. “On another note, what is your connection with the Immortal Palace, Aunt Qing?”

At the mention of the Immortal Palace, Gu Qingyi’s expression stiffened momentarily.

Turning her gaze towards Gu Changge, Gu Qingyi’s eyes held a mixture of emotions. “What sparked your recollection?” she inquired, deflecting his question with one of her own.

Gu Changge merely nodded in acknowledgment, maintaining his smile. “Aunt Qing, you still haven’t addressed my inquiry,” he gently prodded.

“When you recall what it is you wish to know, return to me,” Gu Qingyi deflected again, her demeanor resolute, as if warding off inquiries from afar.

“Indeed?” Gu Changge’s smile remained undeterred. He had gleaned from their interaction that Gu Qingyi harbored some connection to the Immortal Palace and had knowledge of him from a much earlier time. Whether this past version of himself aligned with his current identity, or perhaps with the demon lord, remained a puzzle to be unraveled.

“Stay put, little one. If you dare to wander, I won’t hesitate to sample the flavor of Wang Yue’s flesh,” Gu Changge warned, his words a veiled threat aimed at the freely roaming Wang Yue.

His intimidation worked, as Wang Yue froze in fear, appearing vulnerable and helpless. Satisfied, Gu Changge turned to depart from the world.

Observing his actions, Gu Qingyi shook her head slightly. While she found his method of frightening Wang Yue distasteful, it also indicated that Gu Changge had no intention of abandoning the creature entirely.

This realization, in its own way, lent a semblance of humanity to Gu Changge’s character, a notion that did not escape Gu Qingyi’s notice.

….

After escorting little Wang Yue back to the family, Gu Changge returned to the True Immortal Academy. During this time, the Ji family, hidden but dutiful, promptly dispatched the Heavenly Palm Wheel without delay.

Additionally, the secret treasure destined for the Divine Weapon Realm had been successfully crafted, albeit with some complications in the delivery process. Rumors had leaked, spreading word of the world-altering artifact’s creation in the Divine Weapon Realm.

Amidst the tumult, the caravan tasked with transporting the treasure encountered a brazen thief attack in the Chaotic Star Region. Despite heavy casualties, the cargo remained intact.

“Daring to pilfer from me, these thieves of the chaotic star field possess quite the audacity,” Gu Changge remarked, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully.

His slender fingers tapped methodically against the table as he pondered. The reputation of Chaotic Star Region thieves as bold and malevolent was well-known, with numerous caravans falling victim to their attacks. However, due to the labyrinthine terrain of the chaotic star field, these thieves often vanished without a trace after their escapades.

Hunting down these thieves proved exceedingly challenging, with even immortal sect masters falling prey to their cunning tactics. However, the thieves of the Chaotic Star Region weren’t fools. Upon realizing that some of their targets hailed from the Ancient Immortal Family and various immortal sects, they steered clear to avoid unnecessary trouble.

This latest incident, however, posed a different scenario. The fact that the thieves dared to lay hands on Gu Changge’s secret treasure suggested one of two possibilities: either they were unaware of its ownership, or ulterior motives were at play.

Regardless, Gu Changge knew there was more to this than met the eye. Penning an order, he instructed his followers to investigate further.

To him, it was merely a minor interruption. With the arrangements made, Gu Changge dismissed the matter from his mind.

As days passed, news of his return to the True Immortal Academy spread amongst the disciples, eliciting curious inquiries about his recent activities. Many were unaware of Gu Changge’s endeavors during his absence.

Conversely, it was figures like the Six Crowned King, Jun Yao, Jin Chan, and others who caught wind of rumors suggesting that the yet-to-be-born Heavenly Palm Tower had fallen into Gu Changge’s possession. Coupled with the heavenly palm bottle previously held by Qing Feng and the heavenly palm wheel sent by the Ji family, it appeared that Gu Changge now possessed at least three heavenly palm artifacts—a revelation that left them astounded.

Speculation arose that Gu Changge might eventually acquire all seven heavenly palm artifacts.

Meanwhile, Gu Changge closely monitored Qin Wuya’s movements, relying on updates from Tang Wan. Despite Qin Wuya’s desire for vengeance against his fallen junior brother, he found himself stymied by circumstances. Tied up with Tang Wan, Qin Wuya remained by her side, acting as her protector.

This prompted Gu Changge to evaluate Qin Wuya’s ultimate worth. Despite his ongoing feud with Chu Hao, who had grown more cautious and withdrawn to the sect to recuperate, their conflict remained intertwined with Tang Wan’s affairs.

While their rivalry affected their individual prospects, it was evident that their fates remained intertwined with Tang Wan’s.

After deliberation, Gu Changge resolved to table the matters concerning Qin Wuya and Chu Hao for the time being, opting to seize their final reckoning when the opportune moment arose.

As he contemplated, a report echoed from beyond the hall. “Master, the holy maiden of the Human Ancestor Hall seeks an audience with you.”

“The holy maiden? Jiang Chuchu or Wang Ziji?” Gu Changge pondered, already guessing the identity of the visitor. Considering the circumstances, Jiang Chuchu seemed less likely.

“Allow her entry,” Gu Changge instructed casually, rising from his seat and stepping towards the outer hall.

The True Immortal Academy had enjoyed a period of tranquility, with occasional whispers of a demonic arts inheritor surfacing but remaining unrelated to Gu Changge. Thus, he surmised that the visitor was likely Wang Ziji. Yet, he remained uncertain about the purpose of her visit.

While extracting luck points from her proved straightforward, the benefits were meager. Wang Ziji’s detached demeanor made procuring opportunities from her a challenging endeavor. Given her charmed existence, Gu Changge saw little reason to expend effort on her unless necessary.

For him, Wang Ziji’s significance lay solely in her role as the source of his immortal body.

As Gu Changge contemplated, he recognized that Wang Ziji’s physique would only be advantageous to him once her cultivation reached a comparable level. Even then, it would require near-completion to truly benefit him.

Shortly after, the sound of approaching footsteps reverberated outside the hall. The visitor, adorned in a pristine white gown, exuded an aura veiled in mist, obscuring her facial features.

To Gu Changge’s surprise, it was not Wang Ziji but Jiang Chuchu, another descendant of the Human Ancestor Hall.

Although Jiang Chuchu attempted to maintain an air of composure, Gu Changge discerned the underlying tension beneath her facade. It was a departure from her usual demeanor of avoiding him.

“Are you encountering any difficulties?” Gu Changge gestured for the attendants to leave, casually taking a seat before addressing her with a smile.

Jiang Chuchu remained silent, her gaze fixed on Gu Changge as she stood before him.

“Speak up. Where has the absolute calamity erupted this time, and have you traced its origin?” Gu Changge inquired casually, though he added a caveat, “But remember, any assistance I provide comes with a price. Don’t think you can seek my aid without offering suitable compensation.”

Gu Changge’s recent breakthrough had propelled him to the pinnacle of the Great Sacred Realm, nearing the threshold of the Quasi-Supreme Realm. Finding the source of the absolute calamity could potentially expedite his ascent.

However, a nagging thought lingered in Gu Changge’s mind. He recalled Jia Nan, the princess of the Heavenly Extinction Imperial Court, who had promised to divulge the origin of Heavenly Extinction in exchange for her soul fragment, which Gu Changge possessed. He doubted she would renege on their agreement unless something significant had occurred within the Heavenly Extinction Imperial Court.

“Gu Changge…” Jiang Chuchu’s response was tinged with astonishment. She hadn’t anticipated such a direct query upon her arrival. Did Gu Changge perceive her visit solely as a plea for aid in resolving insurmountable troubles? Was there no other reason in his eyes?

“Hmm? Are you truly considering the empty-glove white wolf approach?” Despite noticing Jiang Chuchu’s emotional shift, Gu Changge probed further with interest.

To Gu Changge’s surprise, Jiang Chuchu’s visit didn’t pertain to the calamity issue, catching him off guard. Despite this revelation, he saw no reason to broach the topic himself.

Perceiving a shift in Jiang Chuchu’s disposition towards him—no longer bearing the same animosity as before—Gu Changge remained reticent, waiting for her to articulate her purpose.

“Gu Changge, must you persist in your obtuseness?” Jiang Chuchu’s voice was tinged with exasperation. “Is it inconceivable for me to seek your assistance for matters beyond the calamity?”

Though her tone remained composed, Jiang Chuchu couldn’t shake the unease settling in her heart. Initially intending to heed Wang Ziji’s advice, Jiang Chuchu realized that ignoring Gu Changge would likely prompt him to reciprocate. Despite her return to the True Immortal Academy, Gu Changge had yet to initiate contact with her—a realization that unsettled Jiang Chuchu.

Previously, Gu Changge had saved her and aided in resolving the Heavenly Extinction calamity, showing little interest in recognition or fame. Yet, despite these gestures, he remained indifferent towards her. Jiang Chuchu found this indifference difficult to reconcile.

“Is there no room for anything else between us?” Jiang Chuchu questioned, her frustration evident. “Remember, you’re the holy maiden of the Human Ancestor Hall, upholding justice, while I’m the devil, steeped in darkness and chaos.”

“In the end, we’re destined to stand on opposite sides, locked in mortal combat,” Gu Changge countered with a laugh, his tone lacking in politeness.