I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 376

Chapter 376: The mysterious master behind Spring Breeze Pavillion is more useful to me when he is alive

The sky trembled, and there was a roar in all directions!

Boom!

A sensation swept through the entire Northern Marsh ancient city upon the discovery of the remnants of the Thirteen Great Thieves harbored within. Like a formidable black cloud, a mighty army swiftly descended upon the city, launching into a thorough search.

Palace by palace, they combed through, intent on uncovering the hidden remnants. Meanwhile, numerous powerhouses from the Northern Marsh Ancient City dispatched their subordinates to join in the search, implementing a rigorous sweep of every corner and blocking off teleportation formations and exits.

For many cultivators, witnessing such a massive operation was unprecedented, stirring feelings of unease within them. Regardless of their cultivation level, all cultivators cautiously retreated to their palaces, avoiding the once lively streets which now lay eerily silent.

Armed to the teeth with heavenly swords, halberds, and spears, they rode out aggressively, conducting thorough searches from house to house, leaving no stone unturned.

Buzz!

At that precise moment, a rumbling wave echoed through the sky, heralding the arrival of an extraordinary event. An intensely bright door of light materialized, seemingly bridging realms. All eyes turned upward in astonishment as numerous figures emerged from the luminous gateway.

Leading the entourage was a man cloaked in a flowing black coat, his countenance serene yet strikingly handsome, with an air of innate superiority and dignity. Behind him, a retinue of formidable figures followed suit, astride terrifying beasts that exuded an awe-inspiring brilliance, causing even seasoned cultivators to quiver at the sight.

“Greetings, Young Master Changge!”

“Greetings, master!”

The arrivals none other than Gu Changge, journeying from the True Immortal Academy upon learning of the presence of the Thirteen Great Thieves’ remnants. Observing this spectacle, the lord of the Northern Marsh ancient city and his cohorts took flight to the heavens, extending their respects with utmost deference.

“It’s Young Master Changge!”

“Besides him, who else among today’s younger generation could wield such power? It’s hard to fathom that a youth could accomplish such feats.”

“Both in cultivation base and sheer might, he’s surpassed all others!”

Watching the scene unfold, many young prodigies in the Northern Marsh ancient city couldn’t help but feel admiration and respect. They pondered when they might reach such heights—a figure known far and wide, commanding universal reverence.

Gu Changge nodded, casting a glance downward before inquiring lightly, “Have you discovered any traces?”

Stepping forward, the yaksha-like creature responded respectfully, “Master, we’ve scoured the entire ancient city, blocking all exits, teleportation arrays, and even extending our search to the void 100,000 miles away. Today, escape is impossible for this individual.”

Acknowledging the report with a nod, Gu Changge descended from the sky onto the street, his retinue trailing a few steps behind. Frowning slightly, he found himself surprised by the fugitive’s choice to seek refuge in this city rather than elsewhere.

Previously, he had speculated that even if Bai Kun attempted to flee, he would head to the demon world. The Northern Marsh ancient city, being considerably distant from the demon world, seemed an improbable sanctuary for escape.

“Keep a close eye on those around Bai Kun; he undoubtedly has accomplices,” Gu Changge ordered, his eyes narrowing as he contemplated the possibility.

Simultaneously, his vast and majestic spiritual sense swept across the entire ancient city, probing every nook and cranny without hesitation. Bai Kun, once a confidant of the Xuan Yang Demon Emperor, now stood as the prime candidate and entry point for Gu Changge’s assault on the demon emperor’s son.

If Gu Changge’s deductions were correct, Bai Kun would likely play a significant role in aiding Jun Bufan’s ascent. Given his past allegiance to the Xuan Yang Demon Emperor, assisting his son once again seemed inevitable.

With Jun Bufan now in hiding, likely within the demon world, locating him would prove challenging. However, Bai Kun stood as an essential chess piece in Gu Changge’s plans, crucial to the unfolding strategy.

As news of Gu Changge’s arrival spread, the already frenzied atmosphere in the Northern Marsh ancient city intensified even further.

Cultivators and creatures of all ethnic groups and sects cautiously remained within their respective sect residences, refraining from anger or speech. They could only observe as a large contingent of knights surged towards the mansion, conducting thorough searches before departing, eliciting sighs of relief from onlookers.

“Young Master Changge, the east and south sectors of the Northern Marsh Ancient City have been thoroughly searched, yielding no signs of suspicion,” the City Lord of Northern Marsh respectfully informed, bowing his head.

Despite his seniority spanning thousands of years, the City Lord’s cultivation paled in comparison to Gu Changge’s, evoking a trembling reverence akin to facing one’s ancestors.

Gu Changge nodded in acknowledgment. “Then only the west remains…”

“The west side of this ancient city isn’t extensive. A half-day’s search should suffice. But what will Bai Kun do with the remaining time?” Gu Changge pondered aloud.

“Perhaps make his final stand?” he mused, a faint smile playing on his lips as he strolled leisurely.

The surrounding squares and pavilions, usually ablaze with divine light and bustling brilliance, now lay eerily silent. Today, they appeared unusually deserted, heightening the tension in the air.

In the end, Gu Changge’s eyes shimmered with two contrasting hues of black and white, granting him clarity and insight through the power of reincarnation.

“The aura here is peculiar…” Gu Changge remarked, his gaze drawn to a brilliantly adorned cluster of pavilions and palace towers arranged in a sequential formation.

“What is this place?” he inquired.

“It’s the property of Spring Breeze Pavilion, where many cultivators often gather…” the City Lord of Northern Marsh replied, casting a surprised glance at the scene before truthfully reporting.

Gu Changge nodded thoughtfully and proceeded toward the pavilions.

His followers exchanged glances upon hearing his command, silently concurring with the unspoken directive.

Boom!

With a sweeping gesture, a vast army and knights descended from the sky, encircling the palaces and pavilions ahead.

Spring Breeze Pavilion had emerged as a formidable force in the Upper Realm over the past millennium. Its origins shrouded in mystery, its enigmatic master remained unknown to all.

On the surface, Spring Breeze Pavilion appeared as a place of leisure and relaxation. However, many cultivators were aware of its covert operations as an assassination organization, clandestinely undertaking dark and ignoble missions on behalf of various Dao Lineages.

Their targets ranged from young geniuses and promising elders to traitors within rival factions. Despite its relatively short existence compared to ancient assassination guilds, Spring Breeze Pavilion’s assassins were renowned for their terror and cunning, posing a formidable challenge to adversaries.

Other established assassination organizations viewed Spring Breeze Pavilion as a troublesome nuisance, eager to eradicate it. Even the Dao forces trembled at the organization’s elusive headquarters, likening it to stubborn weeds that refused to be eradicated, lying dormant until the opportune moment to resurface.

Over time, Spring Breeze Pavilion had garnered immense renown throughout the expansive Upper Realm. Rumors swirled, suggesting that for the right price, they would even dare to assassinate an ancient emperor. Countless geniuses and cultivators had met their demise at their hands over the years.

Whispers also circulated about the mysterious master behind Spring Breeze Pavilion, rumored to be a descendant of the infamous murderer who once slew emperors.

Within the confines of the pavilion, Bai Kun pondered these rumors, his sighs echoing endlessly. Witnessing the actions of his daughter, Bai Lian’er, over the years weighed heavily on his conscience. In moments of crisis, he had shielded her from danger, ensuring that enemies remained unaware of her whereabouts. Yet, he had never disclosed these burdens to Bai Lian’er.

As a fugitive from the demon world, Bai Kun had been relentlessly pursued by Queen Xi Yao in her quest to eliminate the remnants of the five emperors. Consequently, he could not entangle his daughter in these perilous affairs.

“You’ve suffered because of me all these years…” Bai Kun lamented.

His words stirred a reaction from the enchanting woman who stood silently behind the young man. With a demeanor that belied her inner turmoil, she finally spoke, her voice carrying a strange allure capable of driving cultivators to madness.

“Father, I understand the hardships you’ve endured,” she murmured, her cold gaze unable to fully mask her underlying sadness.

The young man, despite having seen her on numerous occasions, couldn’t help but feel a flush of embarrassment at her words.

He understood that Bai Lian’er’s unintentional allure stemmed from her inherent physique, a natural charm that affected those around her.

Bai Kun listened to her response with a relieved smile. “I’ve been remiss as a father over the years. There were times when I wanted to visit you, but I feared drawing attention from the demon world… Alas, it seems this incident will mark the end of our encounters.”

Bai Lian’er nodded, her gaze downcast. “Father, there’s no need for further explanations. I understand.”

“Alright, I’ve said what I needed to. Now, you must leave this place. Gu Changge’s men will soon search it,” Bai Kun cautioned, his expression grave.

The middle-aged man interjected solemnly, “But remember, do not seek revenge on my behalf. This calamity arose from my momentary greed. You cannot contend with Gu Changge, so do not provoke him.”

“Remember my words: go to the demon world and seek out someone named Jun Bufan. Give him this bag; he is the chosen one,” he emphasized, directing the final statement towards the young man.

Though Bai Lian’er harbored confusion, she refrained from further inquiry. Jun Bufan… Wasn’t he presumed dead 6,000 years ago? How were they to deliver this bag to him?

Internally sighing at the complexity of her thoughts, she resolved, “I understand, Master. I won’t disappoint you.”

The young man nodded solemnly, and together, they suppressed their grief, activated their jade pendant, concealing their presence and form, and slipped away through the pavilion’s rear exit.

Meanwhile, Bai Kun sat calmly in his wheelchair, his expression serene as his thoughts drifted. Once a formidable figure in the demon world, Bai Kun had earned the title of demon master through his courage and audacity. Even the most prominent demon emperors held him in high regard.

His close ties with the Xuan Yang Demon Emperor, dating back to their childhood, eventually led him to serve under the emperor’s command. This association elevated the Xuan Yang Demon Emperor to a position of prominence among the six demon emperors.

Reflecting on his past glory, Bai Kun harbored no bitterness towards his current circumstances. He understood the concept of cause and effect, acknowledging the cyclical nature of existence.

“All things have their consequences,” he mused with a calm demeanor, resigned to await Gu Changge’s arrival.

He knew that Gu Changge possessed the means to track him down, having discerned his whereabouts after his escape from the Thirteen Great Thieves. There was no doubting Gu Changge’s capabilities; he was a truly formidable adversary.

Bai Kun couldn’t help but marvel at Gu Changge’s cunning. Despite attempting to manipulate his own destiny, Bai Kun had only suffered backlash in return. After lying bedridden for half a month, he had finally begun to recover from the ordeal.

At that pivotal moment, had he not sensed the emergence of a world-shattering secret treasure in the Divine Weapon Realm, tailor-made for him, how could he have succumbed to such greed? How could he have triggered the downfall of the Thirteen Great Thieves and become the target of Gu Changge’s relentless pursuit?

For six thousand years, he had eluded capture in the demon world. Yet, within a mere half month of evading Gu Changge, he found himself discovered.

Boom! Bai Kun was suddenly jolted by a deafening noise echoing from outside the pavilion. Terrifying fluctuations rippled through the air, as if the heavens themselves were collapsing.

A golden palm imprint surged forth, tearing through the sky and obliterating stars in its wake. Countless pavilions and palaces were reduced to ash, leaving all cultivators trembling in the face of impending catastrophe.

As the void seemed on the brink of rupture, a cascade of light and runes intertwined before disintegrating into shards of broken swords that scattered in all directions.

Gu Changge’s brow furrowed slightly as he observed the turbulent scene. “Escaped…”

Even after enduring his onslaught, the culprit managed to flee, demonstrating a strength bordering on the quasi-supreme.

“Seal off this area. No one is to approach,” Gu Changge ordered tersely to his stunned companions.

In a whirlwind of terror, a formidable knight descended, swiftly encircling the Spring Breeze Pavilion.

Onlookers, both cultivators and creatures alike, watched in astonishment. The earlier palm strike had felt like the sky collapsing upon them. Such was the true might of Gu Changge.

Within the pavilion, Bai Kun, though blind and disabled, remained a cultivator of quasi-supreme realm. Yet, he had concealed his true power for many years.

At that moment, Bai Kun keenly sensed the eruption of terrifying fluctuations surpassing the typical quasi-supreme level. Were it not for the protective formation within the Northern Marsh ancient city, the recent attack would have decimated numerous pavilions.

“Could it be that Lian’er and Bai Hua’s traces were detected? It’s impossible…”

As Bai Kun braced himself for a final, desperate stand, footsteps suddenly echoed within the pavilion, followed by the calm and indifferent voice of a young man, tinged with a hint of amusement.

“Gu Changge…”

Bai Kun’s scalp prickled with a sudden chill. Facing the young man’s voice felt akin to confronting icy iron, sending shivers down his spine. He hadn’t anticipated Gu Changge’s swift arrival, nor did he expect such blunt inquiry about his “last words.” Could it be that Gu Changge had truly uncovered something?

Despite the initial shock, Bai Kun, a seasoned individual, swiftly composed himself.

After all, the jade pendant he bestowed upon them was no ordinary trinket. It would be impossible for anyone to detect their aura and thwart their escape.

With this realization, Bai Kun calmly directed his gaze towards the stairwell entrance and spoke, “Young Master Changge, your aggressiveness towards a worthless individual like myself is truly an honor.”

Gu Changge ascended the stairs unhurriedly, a faint smile gracing his lips. “I generally don’t entertain the idea of granting mercy to those who dare to offend me. Sometimes, even if it means scouring the entire Upper Realm, I must root out their hiding place and eliminate them.”

Though his words were casual, Bai Kun couldn’t shake the shuddering feeling they elicited. This young man was far more formidable than he had initially imagined. The overwhelming strength Bai Kun had sensed earlier likely emanated from Gu Changge’s own hands. To possess such power at such a tender age was truly remarkable.

Before Bai Kun could interject, Gu Changge interrupted him. “However, upon seeing you today, I’ve had a change of heart. I won’t end your life. You may prove more useful to me alive.”

With a calm and direct demeanor, Gu Changge took a seat, his gaze resting upon the still-warm tea. A moment of clarity flickered across his eyes as he spoke, conveying his intentions without reservation.

Bai Kun’s expression shifted, a sense of unease and apprehension settling over him. What did Gu Changge intend to do? Hadn’t he expended great effort to track Bai Kun’s traces across the vast Upper Realm? Wasn’t it all because Bai Kun had incited the Thirteen Thieves to attack the caravan carrying Gu Changge’s secret treasure, thereby invoking his wrath?

“Gu Changge, what are your intentions? If you wish to end my life, then do so without hesitation. I won’t flinch,” Bai Kun’s tone turned cold, his resolve unyielding. He no longer entertained the notion of engaging in combat with Gu Changge, opting instead for straightforward defiance.

He sensed that Gu Changge harbored ulterior motives, beyond mere vengeance against him. However, Bai Kun refused to implicate his apprentice and daughter in the ensuing conflict.

Gu Changge’s smile widened slightly, as if he could discern Bai Kun’s thoughts with ease. “It’s nothing fascinating. I’m merely curious about your actions. Your two accomplices managed to elude my pursuit quite skillfully. It appears you provided them with the amulet to slip away from my grasp.”

Although Gu Changge’s observation wasn’t unexpected, it still sent a chill down Bai Kun’s spine.

However, Gu Changge slightly underestimated Bai Kun’s resourcefulness, allowing the two accomplices to conceal their auras and slip away unnoticed by many cultivators and creatures. Gu Changge couldn’t help but feel impressed by this unexpected tactic, prompting him to reconsider leaving Bai Kun alive.

Nevertheless, Gu Changge wasn’t concerned about the repercussions. While the two fugitives might elude capture temporarily, they couldn’t evade him indefinitely. With Bai Kun in his grasp, Gu Changge possessed the means to compel their appearance.

“What do you mean? I fail to comprehend your intentions,” Bai Kun retorted, his gaze fixed upon Gu Changge with steely resolve. Though blind, he was not without insight.

“It matters not if you understand,” Gu Changge replied calmly. “You only need to grasp one fact: even if you desire death today, it will elude you. From this moment forth, your life belongs to me.”

With a faint smile, Gu Changge swiftly acted, dark runes pulsating in the palm of his hand as he unleashed a barrage of lightning-fast strikes. The blackened runes surged forth, converging upon Bai Kun’s abdomen with deadly precision.

“What is this…” Bai Kun’s complexion shifted as he struggled against the strange force coursing through him. Before he could mount any defense, he felt the insidious energy permeate his lungs, bones, and blood, descending directly towards his spiritual sea.

The overwhelming force bore a deep sense of greed and malice, entwining itself within the fabric of his being like an insatiable parasite, ensnaring his spiritual sea in a dark, suffocating web. A sensation of impending death and relentless exhaustion washed over him, steadily devouring his aura.

“What manner of power is this…” Bai Kun gasped, his anger mounting as he clutched at his wounds. A violent cough wracked his body, causing him to spit out blood, his complexion turning pallid.

Glancing at Bai Kun indifferently, Gu Changge paid scant attention to his suffering. Descending the stairs, he issued instructions to his companions, “Thoroughly investigate the Spring Breeze Pavilion and escort the demon master Bai Kun back to the True Immortal Academy.”

It was evident that the Spring Breeze Pavilion held significant ties to Bai Kun. There was no room for doubt in Gu Changge’s mind.

If Gu Changge’s deduction proved correct, one of the escapees was likely Bai Kun’s apprentice, while the other had ties to the Spring Breeze Pavilion. The latter’s identity, however, remained to be uncovered through investigation. Should the inquiry yield no results, Gu Changge could always resort to probing Bai Kun’s soul.

Bai Kun’s pupils constricted at the realization that Gu Changge intended to delve deeper into the affairs of the Spring Breeze Pavilion. He couldn’t help but feel a twinge of anxiety. Though his daughter, Bai Lian’er, had kept a low profile for years, few were aware of her association with the enigmatic figure behind the pavilion. Yet, with Gu Changge’s array of methods, who could say for certain that her identity would remain concealed?

Subsequently, the demon master Bai Kun was apprehended, his cultivation suppressed, and he was escorted away by a contingent of knights before being confined in a prearranged prison.

Observing this spectacle, the cultivators and creatures throughout the Northern Marsh ancient city breathed a collective sigh of relief. The looming threat posed by Gu Changge had dissipated, allowing a sense of calm to settle over the populace. Without a doubt, facing a formidable adversary like Gu Changge would instill fear in anyone.

“Today’s events may have unsettled you all, and for that, I extend my apologies,” Gu Changge remarked with a slight smile as he departed from the Northern Marsh ancient city, addressing the city lord of Northern Marsh and their entourage who had accompanied him outside the city gates.

“Young Master Changge, you jest. Demon master Bai Kun has brought this upon himself by opposing you. We are fully committed to aiding your search. It is only proper,” the city lord of Northern Marsh and others hastily replied, their tone deferential.

“As for the Thirteen Thieves who have plagued us for years, your eradication of them is indeed commendable,” they continued, though the words rang hollow. Yet, in the current circumstances, no one dared to voice dissent.

“If that’s the case, then I bid you farewell,” Gu Changge remarked with a gentle smile, unruffled by the insincere praises. Throughout the exchange, he exuded an air of poise and grace, maintaining his composure with elegance and courtesy.

With that, he cast a fleeting glance towards a certain point in the void. A faint click sounded, as if something had shifted.

Soon after, Gu Changge departed with his formidable army, showing no inclination to linger.

As they watched Gu Changge’s departure, the city lord of Northern Marsh and their retinue breathed a collective sigh of relief before returning to the bustling city below.

Despite the return to normalcy, the events of this day would remain etched in their memories for years to come, serving as a solemn reminder of Gu Changge’s power and influence.