I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 377

Chapter 377: Bai Lian’er is unbelievable, your daughter came here to save you

In a mountain 100,000 miles east of the Northern Marsh ancient city, a ripple of energy surged through the void, depositing two figures onto the rugged terrain.

The first to land was a pallid young man, his complexion ashen with fatigue. Bai Hua, disciple of Bai Kun, staggered as his blood churned within him, feeling as though his very organs threatened to rupture from the ordeal.

Following closely behind was Bai Lian’er, her once alluring visage now marred by the aftermath of their journey. Blood stained her elegant attire, a testament to the toll exacted by their encounter.

“Gu Changge’s power is formidable,” Bai Lian’er remarked with chilling composure, her gaze reflecting the gravity of their situation. “Were it not for my swift reflexes, we might both have perished.”

With practiced efficiency, she withdrew a plethora of medicinal pills from her storage ring, consuming them without hesitation as she began the arduous process of recuperation. Unconcerned with Bai Hua’s anxious scrutiny, she focused solely on restoring her battered strength.

Silently, she tended to her injuries, swiftly knitting together broken bones and mending ruptured organs.

Moments ago, the cultivator, who had reached the pinnacle of the quasi-supreme realm, found herself abruptly struck by Gu Changge. Caught off guard and unable to mount a proper defense, she resorted to sacrificing a divine weapon, yet still suffered grave wounds.

This served as a stark reminder of Gu Changge’s terrifying might. Bai Lian’er pondered over how he had detected their presence, despite her efforts to conceal their trail using a unique secret technique and activating the jade pendant bestowed upon her by her father. Even with these precautions, Gu Changge remained astutely aware of their movements.

In that moment, Bai Lian’er’s confidence wavered. It was incomprehensible. While she had heard numerous tales of Gu Changge’s prowess among the younger generation, she had dismissed them as mere exaggerations. After all, he was just another young upstart, or so she thought.

Gu Changge’s ascent to her level, even with the most accelerated pace, would require at least a century. However, the eruption of the Ancient Immortal War and the subsequent annihilation of the Purple Mansion forced Bai Lian’er to take notice. She directed the assassins of the Spring Breeze Pavilion away from tasks involving the Ancient Immortal Gu family and Gu Changge.

As an organization entrenched in the shadows, the Spring Breeze Pavilion had encountered a myriad of assignments, including attempts on Gu Changge’s life. In the upper echelons of the realm, where rivalries were as commonplace as the changing of seasons, jealousy often fanned the flames of conflict, particularly towards figures as luminous as Gu Changge.

However, Bai Lian’er never anticipated her father’s grievous misstep. His actions not only incurred the wrath of Gu Changge but also led to the brazen attempt by the Thirteen Thieves to pilfer a secret treasure crafted by him.

With such a profound enmity, Gu Changge would undoubtedly seek retribution. However, Bai Lian’er found herself powerless to intervene. She knew that her father’s transgression against Gu Changge would not go unanswered.

As she pondered this, a subtle sorrow crept into Bai Lian’er’s heart. Despite her aloof demeanor, she was not devoid of compassion. Though she had once harbored resentment towards her father, six thousand years had passed since the incident. As her sole kin in this world, she found herself unable to remain indifferent to his plight.

In the next instant, Bai Lian’er extended her hand, summoning forth a pristine mirror from within her sleeve.

“Sister Lian’er, what is this?” Bai Hua, though still reeling from his injuries, couldn’t help but inquire.

Bai Lian’er cast him a detached glance, offering no reply. As her energy surged, the mirror shimmered with an ethereal glow, projecting a vivid image.

“Master…” Bai Hua’s eyes widened in astonishment, his voice filled with disbelief.

The mirror unveiled a scene from the Northern Marsh ancient city, where Gu Changge orchestrated the escort of Bai Kun into captivity. Though Bai Kun maintained a facade of composure, the chains binding him betrayed his humiliation.

Witnessing this, Bai Hua seethed with rage, his fists clenched in fury.

“Fine…” Bai Lian’er’s gaze flickered lightly over him, her brow furrowing as she continued to scrutinize the image in the mirror.

Yet, her demeanor swiftly shifted as her expression morphed into one of shock. Recoiling instinctively, she nearly dropped the mirror from her grasp. Within the reflection, a young man draped in a black robe, exuding an aura of opulence and divine presence, lifted his gaze to meet hers. His luminous hair seemed to gleam like the rays of a deity, as if he could peer across vast distances to lock eyes with her.

In the next instant, the mirror fragmented with a resounding click.

“How could… how could he detect the wards I had placed?” Bai Lian’er drew a steadying breath, endeavoring to quell her rising unease.

Furrowing her brow tightly, she grappled with suspicion, her mind swirling with disquiet.

The extent of Gu Changge’s perception was indeed daunting. Could he truly discern such intricate wards? Was this capability within the realm of possibility for someone of his purportedly young age?

“He shouldn’t have spotted me; he simply detected my defenses,” Bai Lian’er reasoned aloud, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

Regaining her composure, she cast a nonchalant glance at Bai Hua before declaring, “Let’s depart.”

“Sister Lian’er, where are we headed? Are we bound for the demon world?” Bai Hua inquired, rising to his feet. His injuries had nearly mended thanks to the numerous medicinal pills he had consumed.

“I must seek out someone first. If Gu Changge spared my father’s life, he must have detained him temporarily,” Bai Lian’er explained casually. As the proprietor of the Spring Breeze Pavilion, she had cultivated numerous connections over the years, and now, they would prove invaluable.

“Didn’t Master say we shouldn’t concern ourselves with him and that seeking revenge on Gu Changge was out of the question? Why are we doing this?” Bai Hua asked, his confusion evident.

He held deep reverence for Bai Kun and had always adhered strictly to his Master’s guidance. Despite his desire to rescue and avenge his Master, he felt compelled to follow Bai Kun’s explicit instructions.

“That was based on the assumption that my father had been killed by Gu Changge. Since Gu Changge hasn’t killed him, there’s still a chance to save him,” Bai Lian’er responded coolly. “Once I make the necessary arrangements, we’ll head to the demon world to find Jun Bufan, as my father instructed.”

She cast a glance at Bai Hua, a subtle shake of her head betraying her inner thoughts. The disparity between Bai Hua and figures like Gu Changge from their generation was immense, almost insurmountable. Despite Bai Hua inheriting their father’s legacy, she saw him as an innocent young genius, lacking worldly experience.

He possessed a celestial body, the ability to decipher heavenly secrets, and the skill to navigate the void. Yet, in her eyes, he remained naïve and untested.

This kind of talent felt burdensome to her, something that would only slow them down. Yet, because he was her father’s disciple, Bai Lian’er had no choice but to bring him along.

“Alright, I’ll follow your lead, Sister Lian’er. By the way, do you know the Jun Bufan that Master mentioned?” Bai Hua nodded, then asked curiously.

Bai Lian’er’s expression shifted slightly, but she chose not to answer his question. To her, even if Jun Bufan were still alive, he would at most be a stranger now. Six thousand years ago, her heart had already been shattered once.

With that, the two of them transformed into streaks of divine light, swiftly leaving the area. They traversed numerous mountains and ponds without pause, driven by their urgent mission.

….

The news of Bai Kun, one of the remnants of the Thirteen Great Thieves, being captured by Gu Changge in the Northern Marsh ancient city spread quickly across the upper realm, causing a massive sensation.

Bai Kun was no stranger to the demon world. Once a renowned demon master, he wielded significant power. However, due to his extensive knowledge of heavenly secrets, he was eventually blinded. Following a rebellion in the demon world, he was declared a traitor by the current queen, Xi Yao, and hunted for many years until he vanished.

Now that Bai Kun had resurfaced, it stirred considerable interest among various ethnic groups and traditions. Many cultivators and creatures speculated on how Gu Changge would deal with Bai Kun after imprisoning him. To most, Bai Kun’s predicament seemed self-inflicted. Attempting to steal Gu Changge’s secret treasure was seen as a reckless act, akin to courting death.

This incident caused a significant uproar in the upper realm, with some even predicting possible involvement from the demon realm. In response, the True Immortal Academy designated a special underground prison for Gu Changge, specifically for detaining Bai Kun.

However, with Bai Kun’s cultivation sealed by Gu Changge, there was little concern that anyone would dare to take the enormous risk of infiltrating True Immortal Academy to rescue him.

Upon his return to True Immortal Academy, Gu Changge began to execute his next plan while also reaching out to Queen Xi Yao of the demon world. His investigations revealed that Spring Breeze Pavilion had risen to prominence 6,000 years ago, during a period of upheaval in the demon world. Except for the You Yue Demon Emperor, the other five demon emperors had vanished. Notably, Bai Kun, a demon master under the Xuan Yang Demon Emperor, had been a close friend of these emperors.

Given this connection, Gu Changge could reasonably infer that the individuals behind Spring Breeze Pavilion had left the demon world around that time as well.

“Bai Kun had only one wife, who died prematurely due to a curse he incurred from spying on heaven’s secrets… Additionally, Bai Kun had a daughter named Bai Lian’er, who also disappeared 6,000 years ago,” Gu Changge mused as he sifted through numerous pieces of information.

Yin Mei’s efforts had proven fruitful, revealing a crucial detail among the data: Bai Lian’er blamed her father for her mother’s early death, believing that his actions had led to her demise. This had turned their relationship into one of bitter animosity.

“It seems that among the two people who escaped from the Northern Marsh Ancient City that day, one was Bai Lian’er. I wonder if she is the enigmatic owner behind Spring Breeze Pavilion. I need to find an opportunity to meet her,” Gu Changge mused, narrowing his eyes.

At that time, Bai Lian’er had hastily endured his palm strike, revealing her strength to be at least in the quasi-supreme realm. What remained uncertain was whether Bai Lian’er would attempt to rescue her father. According to the information he had gathered, the relationship between Bai Lian’er and Bai Kun was fraught with animosity.

Gu Changge planned to find a way to test Bai Kun’s response. Meanwhile, most disciples of the True Immortal Academy had ventured to the tomb of the Supreme God Clan to cultivate, creating a rather subdued atmosphere.

Yue Mingkong occasionally relayed updates about new opportunities emerging in the tomb of the Supreme God Clan. In addition to True Immortal Academy, other Dao Lineages and Great Sects had also sent their young geniuses, including those from the Hidden Ji Family, the Hidden Wang Family, and several other mysterious ethnic groups that were gradually revealing themselves.

In the vast upper realm, numerous ancient races had existed since the dawn of time, but they were seldom seen in the present day. These races hadn’t disappeared; instead, they had secluded themselves in hidden worlds, avoiding contact with the outside world.

The power of these ethnic groups should not be underestimated, as their inheritances span countless epochs. For example, the Supreme God Race possessed a mysterious power within their blood known as the Supreme Divine Will, comparable to the Light of the Flying Immortal. This power granted them unparalleled combat capabilities, making it difficult for anyone in the same realm to challenge them.

The emergence of the tomb of the Supreme God had stirred not only these ancient groups but also the mysterious princess of the Supreme God Clan. What intrigued Gu Changge the most was the report from his demonic puppet indicating that Jiang Chen had infiltrated the tomb. Beside Jiang Chen was the princess of the Supreme God Clan and a somewhat enigmatic monk.

Gu Changge couldn’t help but acknowledge that Jiang Chen was indeed the son of luck, always appearing where opportunities arose. Initially, Gu Changge had no intention of visiting the tomb of the Supreme God. However, the presence of the son of luck suggested that valuable opportunities would undoubtedly present themselves.

Given these circumstances, Gu Changge reconsidered his plans. If Jiang Chen was involved, then the tomb of the Supreme God would surely yield something worthwhile.

In this case, he had to go. During this time, he could send someone to investigate Bai Lian’er’s whereabouts and await Queen Xi Yao’s reply. The matter of the demon emperor’s son, Jun Bufan, needed careful consideration before venturing into the demon world. Everything he planned now was about laying the groundwork for future actions.

“If Bai Lian’er is indeed the master behind Spring Breeze Pavilion, then following the typical trajectory, she will inevitably come into contact with Jun Bufan, the son of the Demon Emperor. Six thousand years ago, when Bai Lian’er was still in the demon world, she likely knew Jun Bufan. If we follow this logic, it seems she fits the heroine template…” Gu Changge mused.

With these thoughts in mind, he decided to visit the dungeon, just in case. Bai Kun, though sealed and imprisoned, sensed Gu Changge’s arrival immediately. Despite being blind and disabled, he raised his head stubbornly, his empty eyes glaring at Gu Changge, a fearsome sight to most.

“Gu Changge, what are you doing here? As I’ve said before, if you want to kill me or cut me down, do as you please. This old man will not flinch,” Bai Kun declared defiantly.

Gu Changge’s expression remained unchanged. He casually sat down on a stone near the dungeon, brushing the dust off with his robe.

“The environment here seems a bit dark, quite lonely even. But I suppose you can’t feel it, can you, senior?” he remarked, speaking as if to himself.

Seeing Bai Kun’s complexion change, Gu Changge continued to laugh, “Of course, if senior feels lonely, I can help you find a partner.”

Bai Kun frowned and asked, “What do you mean by that?”

“I just feel that this place is too dark and there is no sunshine all day long. For you to stay here alone must be quite lonely. I feel a bit sorry, so I thought I should do something for you,” Gu Changge replied lightly, his tone calm.

Despite the calm demeanor, Bai Kun felt a terrifying chill creeping up from his tailbone, an ominous foreboding settling in his mind. Gu Changge was undoubtedly the most terrifying character he had ever encountered, far surpassing even Empress Xi Yao, who he once held in high regard.

“What the hell do you mean?” Bai Kun asked, his scalp tingling with fear.

From the moment Gu Changge entered the dungeon, he had manipulated Bai Kun’s emotions, making him anxious and filling him with ominous premonitions.

“Your daughter has come to rescue you,” Gu Changge said with a smile.

“What…?” Bai Kun’s mind reeled as if struck by a hammer, a buzzing ringing in his ears. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Hadn’t he instructed Bai Lian’er and Bai Hua to leave him be and refrain from seeking revenge?

“Why would she disregard my wishes and come to rescue me?” Bai Kun muttered to himself, disbelief clouding his thoughts. He and his daughter hadn’t seen each other in 6,000 years. It seemed inconceivable that she would suddenly appear to save him.

“No, you’re lying to me. My daughter wouldn’t come to save me,” Bai Kun protested, trying to convince himself that Gu Changge was merely deceiving him.

“Is that so? Senior, your memory seems to be failing you. Allow me to refresh your recollection,” Gu Changge interjected calmly. “Weren’t the two individuals who escaped from the Northern Marsh Ancient City your apprentice and daughter, Bai Lian’er? And now, she has risen to become the master behind Spring Breeze Pavilion.”

“Do you believe in coincidences?” Gu Changge continued with a smile, his tone unchanged.

Bai Kun’s forehead began to bead with cold sweat. “What did you do to my daughter?” he couldn’t help but inquire, his voice tinged with concern.

Gu Changge smiled lightly. “I haven’t done anything to her, senior. I was merely contemplating the possibility of reuniting father and daughter in this dungeon. It’s not very spacious, but it should be enough for two people.”

“Gu Changge, what do you want? I’ll cooperate, just don’t harm my daughter. She’s innocent in all of this,” Bai Kun pleaded, his heart heavy with grief. His daughter, Bai Lian’er, was undoubtedly his greatest weakness.

In that moment, Bai Kun finally grasped Gu Changge’s intentions. He couldn’t help but express his anguish. Before this, he hadn’t been concerned about Gu Changge probing his memories. Parts of his soul were sealed, and any attempt to access them would result in their destruction, including Bai Kun himself. Gu Changge would gain nothing from such an endeavor.