I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 385

Chapter 385: The son of luck is only worthy of being a treasure hunter. I will go wherever Brother Gu goes.

Above the cracks, the divine light was faint, and the rays of light were veiled.

A resplendent palace, akin to immortal jade, hovered, radiating magnificent brilliance.

Without hesitation, Jiang Luoshen, Jiang Chen, Monk Pu Du, and the others rushed directly into the crack.

As for the floating palace, they paid it no mind, not even glancing in its direction.

Prior to this, having suffered a major setback, they came to realize that the so-called ancient palace was nothing more than a decoy tomb, putting them in peril and leading to the demise of many.

The true tomb still lay deep underground.

Having communicated with the Immortal Boat Spirit of Good Fortune, Jiang Chen comprehended that the terrain of this place and the orientation of numerous formations were all designed to sow doubt.

The genuine resting places of the Supreme God’s ancestors were not those external palaces.

Furthermore, he had his own calculations in mind.

If he could locate the authentic tomb, he could also earn Jiang Luoshen’s favor and ensure his survival.

Should he fail to find it, he could utilize the power of the Immortal Boat Spirit to exit through the secret passage here.

This is why he dashed forward with such unwavering determination.

“I trust you won’t deceive me this time, or we risk perishing in this place,” Jiang Chen conveyed to the Good Fortune Immortal Boat Spirit within his mind. “Our next priority is to locate Jiang Luoshen’s ancestors’ tomb, or else we must locate that secret passage.”

“Fear not, I’ve sensed it. There are numerous concealed passages here, all leading to the main tomb, while the remaining secret passages serve as discreet exits from this place…”

“In any case, we have an escape route. Why would I betray you?” pledged the Good Fortune Immortal Boat Spirit.

With a sense of relief, Jiang Chen, accompanied by Monk Pu Du, forged ahead, seeking a path forward.

“I trust you aren’t deceiving me, or your fate will be sealed in this place,” Jiang Luoshen remarked coolly as she trailed behind with a cadre of formidable allies.

On both sides of the corridors stood numerous ancient statues, their appearance peculiar yet austere.

Upon entering, a faint glimmer flickered in the vacant eyes of these statues, hinting at a potential awakening.

However, Jiang Luoshen had anticipated this, and a golden token materialized in her jade hand, its pale golden lines shimmering across the void.

Instantly, the area lapsed back into silence.

Crafted by the Supreme God using a clandestine technique, these statues served as guardians of the tomb, possessing formidable power.

In this moment, Jiang Luoshen found herself somewhat inclined to trust Jiang Chen.

“This place sprawls in every direction. Even if others attempt to tail us, they’ll never discern the correct path.”

“On that note, Princess Luoshen can rest assured,” Jiang Chen asserted confidently, exuding an air of unusual calm and detachment.

Monk Pu Du nearly chuckled upon hearing the words. “The little monk always knew Jiang’s donor was extraordinary. I chose wisely.”

Jiang Luoshen nodded in silent agreement, her fervent wish now to uncover her ancestors’ relics and depart from this place.

The lingering sense of oppression and fear Gu Changge had inflicted upon her from the outside world weighed heavily on her mind, leaving her deeply unsettled.

Led by Jiang Chen, they swiftly navigated through numerous areas riddled with forbidden formations, eventually encountering a vast expanse of collapsed ruins.

Despite the obstacles strewn along their path, Jiang Chen moved with the confidence of someone who knew the terrain well, unruffled by the possibility of taking a wrong turn.

This display left every member of the Supreme God Clan slightly trembling, rendering Jiang Chen, despite his modest cultivation level, an enigmatic figure.

Meanwhile, above the sky, numerous formidable individuals from various ethnic groups and prestigious sects observed the unfolding events.

“Given the Supreme God Clan’s decision to proceed, it appears they harbor no fear,” remarked a member of the Gu family, scrutinizing the scene with flashing runes.

“Young Master, shall we wait outside?” inquired the other members of the Gu family.

“No need to rush,” Gu Changge replied casually. “If the Supreme God Clan dares to venture in, they must possess some means. Let them pave the way for us first.”

Indeed, he understood that Jiang Chen was the linchpin of the Supreme God Clan.

Without Jiang Chen, the clan likely wouldn’t dare to venture forth at this juncture.

A fortuitous figure like Jiang Chen was suited only to the role of a treasure hunter.

“Brother Gu seems confident that the Supreme God Clan can locate it,” Wang Ziji remarked with keen interest, surmising that Gu Changge must possess some insight, given his calm demeanor and lack of urgency.

After all, if they delayed their entry, wouldn’t it risk the Supreme God Clan claiming all the relics?

Gu Changge wasn’t one to let opportunities slip through his fingers.

“I cannot be certain, but entering now might ensnare us in the Supreme God Race’s trap. Who’s to say they haven’t laid some snares and are merely awaiting our arrival?” Gu Changge casually elaborated, his words sending shivers down many spines as they contemplated the possibility.

While Wang Ziji remained skeptical of his claims.

Although she held no interest in the Supreme God’s tomb, if Gu Changge intended to enter, she would accompany him.

Observing the rush of the Supreme God Clan towards the crack, the expressions of those present varied.

In the eyes of numerous sect masters, divine light flickered, runes evolved, and various divine powers were interpreted, their transformations evident.

To be frank, the sudden upheaval moments ago had rattled everyone.

The fate of the powerful individuals who had rushed in earlier, reduced to naught, left an indelible mark, their screams echoing in the minds of the onlookers, inducing palpitations.

Daunted, they refrained from approaching, relegated to observing as the Supreme God Clan surged forward, their gazes wavering.

“The Supreme God Clan possesses a token capable of triggering pattern and terrain alterations here, hence their fearlessness…”

“Rushing in prematurely might imperil our lives. It’s wiser to exercise caution. Let’s await the Supreme God Clan’s developments first,” advised an elderly man, hunched over and clutching a purple-gold compass.

He had previously warned of the dangers of this place and, finding no immediate change, had ventured in early, thus preserving his life.

His words sent shockwaves through the assembly, prompting many to consider the possibility.

After all, this was the Supreme God’s tomb. Who could predict the secrets it held? A chance encounter could lead to irrevocable consequences.

With such thoughts in mind, numerous individuals withdrew, unwilling to venture forth again.

Many young prodigies from the True Immortal Academy gazed at the crack with varying expressions.

Despite the warnings from several elders to stay put and avoid danger, the younger generation’s fearlessness in the face of peril drove them to seek the edge.

Having witnessed Gu Changge’s prowess firsthand, a sense of unwillingness stirred within them.

If this tomb held an unparalleled opportunity, it was their chance to catch up to Gu Changge.

Such was the sentiment of the Six Crowned King, Jun Yao.

With determination flashing in his eyes, he produced a tattered talisman from his sleeve and swiftly flew towards the crack.

“Oh… why won’t he listen…” Several elders shook their heads, but made no move to intervene.

Being a Sequence Disciple entailed a certain degree of autonomy; they need not adhere to every instruction.

If the Six Crowned King met his demise within, it was of no concern to them.

Despite the collective persuasion from those present, the Six Crowned King remained steadfast in his decision, transforming into a divine light and hurtling into the crack, leaving many shocked in his wake.

“The man who just entered is the Six-Crowned King of the True Immortal Academy. He’s said to have won the championship six times and is unrivaled. He once dominated the world…” murmured many young prodigies, their hearts quivering as they gazed at the still-floating underground palace.

“I didn’t expect him to dare venture in at this time.”

The discussions among the young geniuses echoed, their apprehension palpable as they observed the scene.

“It appears many are hesitant to proceed…”

“Even several esteemed sect leaders are maintaining their vigil.”

Heavenly Phoenix Maiden and her companions exchanged glances, pondering whether to accompany the Six-Crowned King into the depths.

But before they could act on their thoughts, a massive surge of momentum emanated from the crack in the ground, as if a terrifying force were about to burst forth.

In the next instant, everyone was jolted to the extreme as the resplendent palace erupted into chaos.

The terrifying crimson light materialized instantly, blanketing the sky like a sinister cloud, enveloping everything below.

From within emerged strange-looking creatures, their numbers beyond imagination.

Their ferocity in battle was palpable, their slaughterous aura chilling, as if they had weathered countless conflicts on the battlefield.

The sky was engulfed in a menacing crimson haze, eliciting dramatic shifts in the complexion of many observers.

It was as though a seal had been shattered, unleashing a savage and bloodthirsty beast.

“I didn’t anticipate such a turn of events. Things just got interesting…” remarked Gu Changge, his eyebrows raised, though his expression remained unchanged.

He saw an opportunity to stir up chaos, allowing him to capitalize on the ensuing turmoil.

For Gu Changge, the goal was not solely the divine bead left behind by the Supreme God’s ancestor, but also the origins of many esteemed sect leaders present.

He wasn’t particularly adept at playing by the rules.

Only by delving into the depths underground could he seize the opportunity he sought. Whatever unfolded, he could easily shift the blame onto the Supreme God Clan.

The sudden upheaval provided him with the perfect opening to advance his agenda.

“This tomb was clearly left by the Supreme God Clan’s ancestor for their descendants. These creatures are all tomb-suppressing beasts. They consider any beings without the blood of the Supreme God Race as enemies and will exterminate them,” exclaimed a prominent sect leader upon witnessing the horrifying spectacle, his expression morphing drastically.

In response, sleeves were hastily rolled up as many younger generations retreated to the safety of their chariots.

The weakest of these tomb-suppressing beasts were of False God realm, while the strongest rivaled even the mightiest sect leaders.

The slaughter was relentless, the crimson aura dominating the sky, inducing tremors in every direction.

Filled with awe and terror, onlookers instinctively withdrew to the rear, some unable to escape in time as they were swiftly overtaken and torn asunder amidst anguished cries, their existence obliterated in an instant.

The once serene surroundings transformed into a battlefield, the air thick with the scent of blood and echoing with mournful wails.

“Escape! We cannot linger here,” urged voices amidst the chaos.

“These beasts are formidable; we stand no chance against them.”

Many young prodigies paled at the sight of an elder in the Sacred Realm being swatted to death by a tomb-suppressing beast, their form crumbling and exploding within the virtual space.

Such scenes instilled a profound sense of dread, freezing their souls in terror.

They had initially planned to spectate the unfolding events for entertainment, but they never anticipated such a dramatic reversal of fortune.

In an instant, countless divine lights pierced through the sky as panic gripped the crowd, prompting a frantic scramble for escape.

Gone was the casual demeanor from before; now, the realization dawned that opportunities were no longer the primary concern.

Those who lagged behind, young geniuses included, wore expressions of fear and despair as they were swiftly overtaken and consumed by the tomb-suppressing beasts, their blood staining the air in a horrifying scene.

Many fervently wished for swifter legs as they fled in a mad dash, driven by sheer terror.

Apart from the esteemed sects and immortal Dao lineages, none dared to linger, paralyzed by fear.

“I wonder if the Supreme God Clan was aware of this? It’s despicable! Despite knowing about the tomb-suppressing beasts, they chose to remain silent,” fumed an elderly man, his face dark with rage. He had witnessed the death of his disciple and grandson at the hands of the tomb-suppressing beasts, unable to intervene in time.

As chaos erupted, many individuals contemplated retreating, their thoughts turning to the safety of their disciples and the prospect of fleeing to the tomb.

The elders of the Heavenly Dao Immortal Palace positioned themselves protectively around Xiao Ruoyin and their entourage, reluctant to miss out on the unfolding spectacle by departing too soon.

“Young Master, should we wait it out or make our escape?” inquired a Gu family powerhouse, concern etched on his features as he glanced back at the young clan members under his charge.

Uncertainty lingered regarding the hidden dangers lurking beneath the ground.

“You take the others and leave,” replied Gu Changge nonchalantly upon hearing the inquiry, his gaze sweeping over the assembly of Gu family members, most of whom belonged to the younger generation.

While there were numerous direct disciples among them, the majority were collateral members, unfamiliar faces with whom he rarely interacted.

“Yes, Young Master,” the Gu family members acknowledged, promptly initiating their evacuation.

Amidst the chaos, preserving lives took precedence.

No matter how enticing the opportunity may have been, nothing outweighed the value of life.

Wang Ziji, Heavenly Phoenix Maiden, and others swiftly instructed their respective families and forces to evacuate the area, urging them to avoid entanglement.

Soon, numerous young prodigies retreated, leaving only a handful of the strongest individuals who commanded recognition from the younger generation.

Jin Chan, Heavenly Phoenix Maiden, and their comrades remained steadfast, refusing to depart.

Likewise, many esteemed sect leaders stood their ground, their formidable strength rendering them impervious to the threat posed by the tomb-suppressing beasts.

“It appears the true tomb lies underground…” remarked an elderly man, his eyes emanating golden rays as he surged forward, brushing aside the oncoming tomb-suppressing beasts.

Other sect masters, cloaked in divine light, followed suit, effortlessly repelling the assaulting creatures.

“It seems Jiang Chen will soon uncover it…” Gu Changge observed with narrowed eyes, sensing the approaching climax. He too rose to his feet, his disciples from the True Immortal Academy trailing behind him, acknowledging him as their leader.

He uttered few words, knowing that once they reached the underground passage, they would part ways.

Heavenly Phoenix Maiden and her companions weren’t oblivious; they recognized Gu Changge’s formidable strength and the unknown dangers lurking beneath the ground.

With Gu Changge at their side, safety was assured.

Soon, everyone traversed the several-meter-long crack, descending directly into the underground depths.

As anticipated, the surroundings appeared to be in ruins, indicating the necessity of journeying further downward.

Before long, they encountered an ancient city buried deep within the earth.

Once adorned with powerful formations, the city now lay in ruins, their remnants scattered and broken—a testament to Jiang Chen’s handiwork.

Surveying the scene, Gu Changge noted the desolation and decay that pervaded the atmosphere.

Ahead lay nothing but ruins, their ancient walls and structures weathered by time and neglect.

Leading the way, a group of esteemed sect masters unleashed a myriad of powerful techniques, illuminating their path as they delved deeper into the heart of the ancient city.

“It appears this is the tomb left behind by the Supreme God’s ancestor. The paths branch out in all directions. I wonder where the main tomb lies…” remarked a young disciple, bewildered by the myriad pathways before them.

“This place is fraught with peril. While traveling together may ensure safety, it also means we risk wasting time wandering aimlessly,” another added.

“It’s indeed a conundrum,” agreed Gu Changge, shaking his head slightly, visibly vexed by the maze-like paths ahead.

As the great sect leaders advanced, they meticulously assessed the peril of each path, exercising caution despite their supreme status.

Upon reaching this place, even the most powerful beings treaded carefully.

“In that case, let’s split up. With so many paths to choose from, the likelihood of success is slim if we all take the same one. Your fate will depend on your own abilities,” Gu Changge proposed.

Yue Mingkong cast a knowing glance at him, instantly grasping his intent, and nodded in agreement. Her subtle suggestion prompted some discomfort among the other disciples. Had Yue Mingkong not spoken up, they would have eagerly followed Gu Changge, regardless of the odds. However, her insistence on separation left them with no choice but to acquiesce.

Wang Ziji, aware of Yue Mingkong’s strategy, offered her a knowing smile without objection.

“It’s settled then,” declared Gu Xian’er in her characteristic cold tone, preferring solitude as always. Upon arrival, she had already decided to venture alone.

If not for Gu Changge’s insistence on keeping her close, Gu Xian’er would have charged ahead long ago. With resolve, she strode towards a forked path ahead, swiftly disappearing from sight.

Gu Changge observed her departure with a faint smile, refraining from comment.

Witnessing the scene, Heavenly Phoenix Maiden, Jin Chan, and the others couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.

“With limited options remaining, I’ll follow Brother Gu,” declared Wang Ziji, his loyalty unwavering.

“I’ll go wherever Brother Gu goes,” he affirmed sincerely, devoid of any hesitation.

Yue Mingkong regarded him with a knowing look, recalling Wang Ziji’s steadfast character from past experiences.

Subsequently, she chose a different path, opting not to accompany Gu Changge.

For Gu Changge, the divine orb of the Supreme God Clan’s ancestor held paramount importance, while for Yue Mingkong, the opportunity presented by another path held greater appeal.

“I’ll take this route,” Jiang Chuchu announced, shooting Wang Ziji a slightly irritated glance, unable to conceal her frustration at his audacity, though she begrudgingly acknowledged his determination.

“Wherever Brother Gu goes, I plan to follow,” declared Wang Ziji as she remained with Gu Changge.

Observing her relaxed demeanor, Gu Changge understood her true intentions.

As a transmigrator, Wang Ziji’s perspective differed significantly from that of others. While most sought opportunities within the tomb, she seemed more interested in the adventure itself.

“In that case, I’ll take this path,” Gu Changge stated calmly, sensing Jiang Chen’s location. Despite his composed demeanor, he remained vigilant.

Noticing his demeanor, Wang Ziji couldn’t help but smile, her expression playful. “Brother Gu, we’re quite familiar with each other, aren’t we?”

“May I ask you something?” she inquired.