I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 390

Chapter 390: How did he cultivate? Being gagged with dog food?

The air reverberated with the chaotic cries and anguished shouts of numerous disciples and elders, their faces etched with profound sadness.

Countless Taoist elders and disciples made the grim discovery that their sect leader’s life token lay shattered.

What did this signify?

It meant their leader had met a tragic demise within the underground palace, encountering dangers beyond imagination. The realization struck them like a thunderbolt, leaving them incredulous.

Many fell to the ground, paralyzed, as if the very sky threatened to collapse upon them. The notion of their sect leader’s fall was inconceivable.

A leader-level figure stood at the pinnacle of the upper realm, reigning over their Dao sect with boundless territories and formidable power, their lifespan spanning ten million years. Who could dare to challenge such a formidable figure?

Yet, this tragedy didn’t befall just one sect leader, but several. It was evident they had encountered unfathomable perils within the underground palace.

“It must be a trap orchestrated by the Supreme God Clan, a scheme to exact retribution from the myriad Dao forces present here…”

“The audacity! They’ve declared themselves the enemy of us all! To even dare to slay our esteemed leader!”

“Ahhhhhhhhh… This injustice is intolerable! How dare they target our sect master and extinguish his life!”

Many elders seethed with fury at the thought, their faces contorted with hatred and anger, their minds consumed with thoughts of vengeance against the Supreme God Clan.

“Could it be that they stumbled upon peril within the underground palace? After all, it is the tomb of the Supreme God Clan’s ancestor; perhaps traps were left behind,” speculated others, entertaining the possibility that the Supreme God Clan may not possess the audacity to commit such acts.

Nevertheless, the slaughter of numerous sect leaders would undoubtedly send shockwaves throughout the world. Were the Supreme God Clan prepared to antagonize countless Dao traditions?

“The might of the Supreme God Race surpasses even the Supreme himself! Whether directly or indirectly, this calamity is undoubtedly linked to them.”

“I haven’t seen any members of the Supreme God Clan emerge yet. They must have seized the relics and escaped in another direction!” The old man’s retort dripped with venom, his eyes ablaze with hatred. Regardless of the circumstance, the blame ultimately fell upon the Supreme God Clan. They were determined to demand answers from them.

The geniuses of the True Immortal Academy exchanged perplexed glances at the vehement accusations.

Though the underground palace lay in ruins and posed no immediate threat, many pondered Gu Changge’s whereabouts.

The Six-Crowned King’s gaze seemed to pierce through the debris, searching within. Yet, despite the collapse, numerous formations remained intact, obstructing any attempts at exploration.

“Our young master has yet to emerge. Despite his strength, many sect leaders have perished in this cemetery.”

“Will our young master be safe?”

Anxiety creased the brows of the Ancient Immortal Gu family’s powerhouses. Witnessing the demise of other patriarchs, they fretted over Gu Changge’s well-being.

Boom!!

A sudden upheaval caught everyone’s attention, prompting shocked gazes to converge on the source of the noise.

From the debris of the collapsed underground palace, a figure emerged, his demeanor composed as he swiftly descended upon the scene.

“It’s Gu Changge!”

Many young prodigies couldn’t help but feel a twinge of disappointment. If Gu Changge had met the same fate as the group of sect masters, it would have been a boon for them. The burden weighing on their minds would have lightened considerably.

Alas, their hopes were dashed as Gu Changge appeared relatively unscathed. Though his complexion was pallid and his robes stained with blood, he seemed to have weathered the ordeal.

“Gu Changge sustained injuries… What transpired within?”

The older generation’s powerhouses regarded Gu Changge with surprise, perplexed by the notion that even he, with his formidable strength, could be harmed. Yet, considering the demise of numerous sect leaders, it seemed only natural that Gu Changge would emerge wounded.

Now, curiosity gnawed at them, eager to uncover the truth of what transpired within the collapsed underground palace.

Yue Mingkong cast a penetrating gaze at him before approaching and inquiring, “Are you alright?”

Despite knowing that Gu Changge was undoubtedly unharmed, she recognized his penchant for feigning injuries to deceive others. Yet, in this public setting, it was prudent to display concern and cooperation to avoid raising suspicion.

“Master, are you alright?” The formidable members of the Ancient Immortal Gu family encircled him, their worry palpable.

Gu Changge surveyed the gathering, shaking his head as he reassured, “I’m fine, just a minor injury. It’s nothing to worry about.”

His words elicited a collective sigh of relief from the Gu family members, their anxiety dissipating.

“You were concerned,” he remarked, smiling at Yue Mingkong.

“I knew you’d be alright,” she responded coolly, retrieving a clean handkerchief from her sleeve and delicately wiping the faint blood from the corner of his mouth.

Observing this exchange, Jiang Chuchu, who had intended to express her concern, felt a sudden stasis wash over her. She stood frozen in place, silently processing the scene.

“Brother Gu is fortunate to have such a thoughtful fiancée,” Wang Ziji interjected with a smile, though internally feeling a pang of jealousy.

In Wang Ziji’s estimation, apart from the four sect leaders who met their demise by Gu Changge’s hand in the main tomb, the remaining fallen sect masters today undoubtedly fell victim to Gu Changge’s lethal tactics. While she had departed before the events unfolded, her intuition left no doubt.

Given Gu Changge’s formidable abilities, she surmised that dispatching the group of sect leaders amidst the chaos wouldn’t have posed much difficulty. However, what puzzled her was Gu Changge’s motive behind these killings. Was it to shift blame onto the Supreme God Clan, stoking conflict and discord between them?

“Would Gu Changge really get hurt, or is this another ruse?” Gu Xian’er pondered calmly, returning the handkerchief to her sleeve with a hint of suspicion in her eyes. Her trust in Gu Changge’s supposed injuries had waned.

Each time she worried for his safety, only to find him unscathed and able to continue his antics, including tormenting her.

“What transpired with Young Master Changge? Why did the underground palace collapse, and did you encounter any members of the Supreme God Clan?” Elders from various Dao lineages converged on Gu Changge, seeking answers. Regardless of the motive, they were determined to uncover the truth behind their leaders’ deaths to justify seeking retribution.

Upon hearing Gu Changge’s account, the gathered individuals listened attentively, absorbing the details of the chaotic events within the underground palace. Gu Changge’s explanation shed some light on the unfolding of events, yet many mysteries remained unsolved.

While Gu Changge refrained from divulging the specifics of his conflict with Jiang Luoshen, speculation swirled among the onlookers. Most suspected it revolved around the ancestral divine orb left by the Supreme God Clan’s progenitor. However, its current possessor remained a mystery, a detail deemed inconsequential amidst the larger turmoil.

The old man, his back hunched and compass in hand, contemplated Gu Changge’s words. He concurred with Gu Changge’s assessment, noting the involvement of Jiang Luoshen, the mysterious monk, and an enigmatic companion. Their intricate knowledge of the terrain and their involvement in triggering the palace’s collapse suggested a deeper understanding of the situation.

While questions lingered and suspicions simmered, the immediate focus shifted to understanding the events that transpired and the repercussions they entailed.

As the old man’s words sank in, a sense of realization dawned among the gathered crowd. The puzzle pieces clicked into place, revealing a clearer picture of the events that transpired. Jiang Luoshen’s choice of companions, once deemed peculiar, now made sense in light of their suspected involvement in triggering the palace’s collapse.

Regret lingered in the air as attendees contemplated what might have been had they recognized the danger sooner. Had they been more vigilant, perhaps their leaders wouldn’t have met such tragic ends.

The atmosphere turned heavy with vengeance as the older generation powerhouses brimmed with animosity towards the Supreme God Clan and those they believed responsible for the calamity. Their eyes gleamed with a cold determination to seek retribution for the lives lost.

Wang Ziji observed the unfolding scene with a mix of surprise and intrigue. She couldn’t help but marvel at Gu Changge’s adeptness in shifting blame effortlessly. It was a skill she found both unsettling and fascinating, a testament to his cunning and resourcefulness.

With each passing moment, Wang Ziji grew more certain of Gu Changge’s capabilities and the depths of his manipulation. It was a revelation that left her simultaneously shaken and intrigued, eager to witness more of his machinations.

Wang Ziji’s mind raced with thoughts, contemplating the implications of the events that had transpired. She couldn’t shake the suspicion that Gu Changge was somehow involved in the demise of the real human ancestor. Her gaze bore into him, searching for answers, even if only for a fleeting moment.

Jiang Chuchu’s inquiry brought her back to the present, prompting Wang Ziji to compose herself with a playful smile. “Just admiring someone who knows how to make hearts flutter.”

With the departure of the elders and disciples from various Dao lineages, mounted on their ancient chariots, the aftermath of the day’s events began to unfold. News of the tragic deaths of eight leader-level figures within the tomb of the Supreme God would surely send shockwaves throughout the upper realm.

The scale of this catastrophe surpassed even that of the Immortal War, as the loss of a leader-level figure represented a significant blow to their respective Dao forces. It was an occurrence that reverberated with finality, leaving little room for hope or redemption.

Anticipation simmered among the populace as they braced themselves for the impending upheaval in the upper realm. The aftermath of this tragedy promised to reshape the landscape of power and influence, sparking waves of speculation and unrest.

In the aftermath of the tumultuous events, the Supreme God Clan braced itself for the turbulent storms that lay ahead, their tranquility shattered by the echoes of tragedy.

As the members of the Heavenly Dao Immortal Palace bid farewell to Gu Changge, Xiao Ruoyin found herself increasingly drawn to his formidable strength. Witnessing his power firsthand only deepened her resolve and yearning, though she harbored no illusions about her own standing in his eyes. Determined to prove herself worthy of his attention, Xiao Ruoyin silently vowed to hone her skills until she could stand before him as an equal.

With the departure of the Heavenly Dao Immortal Palace’s contingent, the members of the Gu family prepared to return to their ancestral home. Unlike before, Gu Xian’er chose to accompany them instead of returning to the True Immortal Academy. Her heart heavy with the burden of familial duty, she resolved to confront the unresolved matters concerning her parents and grandfather.

Although Gu Changge was aware of Gu Xian’er’s intentions, he respected her decision to handle her family affairs independently. Observing her departure, he refrained from prying into her concerns, trusting her to confide in him if she so chose.

Following the tumultuous events in the tomb of the Supreme God Sect, disciples from the True Immortal Academy and other esteemed geniuses departed, each returning to their respective sects. The news spread like wildfire, sparking widespread shock and outrage throughout the upper realm.

The brazen actions of the Supreme God Sect, resulting in the deaths of numerous talented individuals and eight revered sect leaders, incited fury and disbelief among the Dao lineages. Many resolved to seek retribution, their ancestors roused from slumber as their immortal energies surged in preparation for justice.

While it was acknowledged that the tomb was the ancestral domain of the Supreme God Clan, the indiscriminate slaughter of so many was deemed excessive and unforgivable. The Supreme God Clan had provoked the ire of numerous Dao traditions to an unprecedented degree.

Amidst the chaos, another revelation sent shockwaves through the realm: Gu Changge’s astonishing strength, capable of rivaling even the quasi-supreme powerhouses. Witnessing him dispatch a peak Great Sacred Realm powerhouse of the Supreme God Clan firsthand left observers reeling in disbelief.

The impact of this revelation was profound, eclipsing even the gravity of the sect leaders’ deaths. It forced many to confront the unsettling reality that even those at the pinnacle of power were not immune to Gu Changge’s formidable prowess.

As the shockwaves of Gu Changge’s unparalleled strength reverberated throughout the realm, many found themselves dumbfounded. After all, wasn’t Gu Changge merely in his early twenties?

Older generation powerhouses fell into contemplative silence, realizing their own inadequacies compared to Gu Changge’s meteoric rise. Some couldn’t help but feel as though they had lived their lives in vain.

The question on everyone’s mind was: How did Gu Changge achieve such extraordinary cultivation at such a young age? Even if he were a reincarnated true immortal, reaching such heights in his twenties seemed implausible.

Even those considered born prodigies, like Wang Ziji, Jiang Chuchu, and others with nine orifices immortal souls, had not surpassed the quasi-sacred realm. Even the remarkable Chu Hao, who achieved quasi-supreme realm status in his several hundred years of life, seemed overshadowed by Gu Changge’s brilliance.

The mystery surrounding Gu Changge’s cultivation left many bewildered and awestruck. Speculations ran rampant, with some positing that the only one capable of contending with Gu Changge among the younger generation was the enigmatic inheritor of demonic arts.

Though the inheritor of demonic arts seemed to have vanished from public view, whispers of their continued activities persisted. Tales of assassinations attributed to them circulated, prompting Dao traditions across the realm to scour for any trace of their whereabouts.

Jiang Luoshen stood before her father, the current Supreme God Emperor, and recounted every detail of the recent events without holding back. She detailed her encounters with Gu Changge, her confrontations with him, and her narrow escape from his grasp.

As she spoke, the Supreme God Emperor’s expression darkened, his usually composed demeanor replaced by an ominous fury. The very atmosphere within the palace seemed to crackle with his rage, as if the very fabric of reality trembled before his wrath.

“Luo Shen, is what you say true?” he thundered, his voice echoing with authority. “If so, this scion of the Gu family has truly overstepped his bounds. His actions are despicable and vile, unworthy of being hailed as the strongest of the younger generation!”

The Supreme God Emperor’s presence was imposing, his figure towering in his golden imperial robes. His eyes, deep and commanding, seemed to pierce through the heavens themselves. Behind him, a formidable phantom loomed, ready to unleash its might upon the world. It was evident that he was seething with anger over the incident.

News of the Supreme God Clan’s actions in the tomb had spread far and wide, sparking outrage among various Dao sects. Now, emissaries were being dispatched to demand retribution for the slain leaders. If not addressed swiftly and justly, the Supreme God Clan risked incurring the wrath of the entire realm.

“Everything my daughter has recounted is indeed true, without a shadow of falsehood. Were it not for the dead puppet bestowed upon me by the Emperor, I might not have survived to stand before you now,” affirmed Jiang Luoshen’s father, the Supreme God Emperor.

“Gu Changge possesses formidable power, his cultivation reaching depths beyond measure. His heart is as callous as his methods are deplorable. It was Gu Changge who orchestrated this calamity,” Jiang Luoshen declared through gritted teeth, a hint of lingering fear tainting her otherwise composed demeanor.

From the moment of her birth until now, Jiang Luoshen had held herself in high regard, looking down upon others with an air of superiority. Yet, for the first time, she had come face to face with the specter of death, a chilling realization that sent shivers down her spine.

Even now, the memory of her brush with mortality haunted her, leaving her with an unshakeable sense of dread. Merely thinking of Gu Changge, let alone speaking his name, sent waves of weakness through her legs.

Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined that she would find herself teetering on the brink of death at the hands of Gu Changge. The memory of his cold, merciless gaze lingered in her mind, casting a pall of unease over her thoughts.