I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 392

Chapter 392: If you can’t learn, there is no need to live, going to the demon world to find someone

As soon as Jiang Luoshen settled into her seat, a sense of unease washed over her. Why had she obeyed Gu Changge’s suggestion to sit down? She’d done it all on her own accord. With this realization, she promptly rose from her chair, her expression turning frosty as she fixed her gaze on him. “Gu Changge, I’ve come here to strike a deal with you,” she declared bluntly.

“I know.” Gu Changge’s response was calm as he lifted his eyes to meet hers before leisurely tending to the fire beneath the tea stove. The lavender flames emitted an eerie intensity, seemingly capable of consuming everything in their path, casting a slight distortion in the air as if it teetered on the brink of collapse.

“You know?” Jiang Luoshen’s brow furrowed at his unexpected acknowledgment. She had meticulously prepared for this encounter, anticipating Gu Changge’s reactions and responses. Yet, his admission left her feeling thrown off guard, unsure of what to say next. It was a miscalculation she hadn’t accounted for.

“It’s nothing more than wanting me to keep quiet and not expose the so-called explanation of your Supreme God Clan, isn’t it? And in return, you’ll promise not to reveal that the four great sect leaders died at my hands, correct?” Gu Changge smiled casually. “After all, there were quite a few witnesses. If you were ruthless enough to capture the spirits of the clansmen who fled, you could naturally reconstruct what happened, right? That’s what I call leverage.”

“Tell me, am I right?”

Jiang Luoshen’s expression shifted upon hearing this, and she looked at him in disbelief. She hadn’t expected Gu Changge to not only understand her intentions but also know precisely what she was going to say. In that moment, she felt as though her entire being was laid bare before him. Everything Gu Changge said was true.

At that time, not many people had witnessed Gu Changge killing the four great sect leaders. Besides her, there were a few clansmen who had also seen it with their own eyes. This was precisely why she had come to make a deal with Gu Changge. If he exposed their lies, they would naturally make the matter public and confront him directly. However, it now seemed that Gu Changge had been aware of their intentions all along and was unfazed.

“Looks like I’m right,” Gu Changge said with a smile, noting Jiang Luoshen’s changing expression. “It seems you’ve been a bit naive. Since I dared to kill those people, I’m not afraid of their revenge. How credible do you think it would be to bring this up now?”

“Gu Changge, what exactly will it take for you to agree?” Jiang Luoshen asked solemnly. Before coming here, she hadn’t anticipated the situation escalating this far. This matter was now a contest of words between her Supreme God Clan and Gu Changge.

Although they had a way to capture the souls of the tribesmen and restore the scene from that time, there would inevitably be doubts from the Dao lineage about the authenticity of this method. It could easily be perceived as an attempt to falsify evidence and shift the blame. With even slightly advanced spiritual techniques, memories could be tampered with, making this approach highly flawed and full of loopholes.

Gu Changge, clearly unconcerned, must have had other countermeasures in place. This realization made Jiang Luoshen feel increasingly troubled.

“My conditions are actually simple,” Gu Changge began. “If you stay here, I need a hostage from the Supreme God Clan by my side, someone I can summon at any time. Otherwise, I can’t trust you. Both parties must show sincerity in trading such matters.”

“Don’t look at me like that. I hold the lifeline of your family now. Believe it or not, with just one word, the rest of the Dao lineage will be swept away by hatred and send an army to attack your clan. At that time, I don’t believe the Supreme God Clan could withstand it… Tsk, but the eight great sect masters represent the eight great sects of Taoism…”

Gu Changge leisurely poured himself a cup of tea, speaking casually as if discussing something trivial.

Jiang Luoshen considered the possibility he mentioned, and her face turned pale, but she still gritted her teeth, her expression icy. “Gu Changge, don’t go too far. I can agree to the rest of your conditions, but this is absolutely impossible.”

“If you want a hostage, I can send a message to my royal father and ask him to send my sister here.” She proposed a compromise. Didn’t Gu Changge want hostages and sincerity? Then her sister could serve that purpose.

Given her own status, how could she remain by Gu Changge’s side as a hostage, especially one who was always on call? Gu Changge was extremely dangerous; staying by his side could easily result in her untimely death. She needed to be vigilant at all times. The deep-seated fear she felt, rooted in past experiences, occasionally resurfaced like a haunting nightmare.

“Your sister? Is she the future god emperor of the Supreme God Clan?” Gu Changge raised his brows, then took a leisurely sip of tea.

“My sister, although she is not the future emperor, is also a talented genius in the Supreme God Clan. Even if she is not as accomplished as I am, her future achievements will not be low…” Jiang Luoshen stared at Gu Changge, feeling very uneasy.

Gu Changge smiled and said, “What’s the use of saying this? As a sister, you sold off your sister so easily? But it’s a pity, I only want you. If this condition cannot be agreed upon, then there is no need to discuss this matter.”

After saying that, he drank his tea leisurely. Gu Changge was not in a hurry. He expected that Jiang Luoshen would eventually agree. Keeping her as a hostage would not only bind the Supreme God Clan but also provide him with a maid. The future god emperor of the Supreme God Clan—such a status was barely acceptable.

Of course, if Jiang Luoshen insisted on opposing him as she did at the Tomb of the Supreme God last time, Gu Changge wouldn’t mind killing her again. He didn’t believe she had an endless supply of protective measures.

“Gu Changge, you… can you change the conditions?” Jiang Luoshen clenched her teeth tightly. As strong and proud as she was, she felt extremely aggrieved at this moment. Although Gu Changge’s tone was somewhat ambiguously possessive, there was no mistaking his determination.

“I’m not very patient, and I don’t like repeating myself three times.” Gu Changge shook his head slightly, took another sip of tea, and waited for her to agree. This self-defeating attitude of hers struck him as ridiculous. After all, she was supposed to be the future emperor of the Supreme God Clan, yet she was so naive. He had overestimated Jiang Luoshen’s cunning.

“Why do you insist on this condition?” Jiang Luoshen’s face was full of unwillingness, her jade hand clenched tightly. Even though she had prepared herself for humiliation before coming to the True Immortal Academy to find Gu Changge, she hadn’t anticipated that his conditions would be so excessive. Yet, she found it hard to refuse.

As Gu Changge said, they believed they had leverage over him and could force him to submit and make a deal. However, this so-called leverage was insignificant to Gu Changge, and he didn’t care at all.

On the contrary, Gu Changge held the lives of her entire family in his hands. The perishing of the eight great sect masters! Although it might not sound like a big deal, the implications were terrifying. Among these Dao forces, even though none were individually as powerful as the Supreme God Clan, their combined strength was formidable. No matter how deep the Supreme God Clan’s foundation or how long its inheritance, they had to be cautious and weigh their actions carefully.

Even if she relayed Gu Changge’s demands to her father, he would undoubtedly make her agree.

“Why do I insist on this condition?” Gu Changge thought about it seriously, then looked at Jiang Luoshen carefully. “I have to ask you. Although your personality is quite bad, your appearance is barely enough to catch my eye.”

As the princess of the Supreme God Clan, Jiang Luoshen’s beauty was undeniable. Her blonde hair cascaded like a waterfall, she was tall and slender with straight legs. Her features were exquisite and flawless, her skin as white as ice, seemingly breakable by a mere touch, giving her a sculptural, three-dimensional allure.

Gu Changge said these words very calmly and directly, without any intention of covering up, which left Jiang Luoshen momentarily stunned. She had never heard anyone speak to her like that before. She was accustomed to flattery, but coming from Gu Changge, it felt different. Did he also acknowledge her beauty? Then why had he been so ruthless when he tried to kill her before?

“Humph! Gu Changge, you think I have a bad personality? But how can yours be any better?” Jiang Luoshen couldn’t help but sneer. “But at least your eyes aren’t blind.”

“Talking nonsense is pointless. In my eyes, if your beauty doesn’t please me, I could kill you at any time,” Gu Changge replied, taking another unhurried sip of tea before glancing at her. “I’ll give you the choice. It’s up to you.”

“Fine, I agree to your conditions,” Jiang Luoshen said, feeling the weight of his gaze from head to toe. She was not as bashful as other women. “But you must promise not to force me to do things I don’t want to do, and I cannot act against the interests of my Supreme God Clan.”

Seeing Gu Changge’s steady gaze, she knew she had little room to maneuver but had to make her stand clear.

Instead, she regarded him coldly, proudly displaying her beautiful face and figure. “What if I resist?” she challenged, her demeanor unwavering.

Gu Changge seemed intrigued by her defiance, smiling as he responded, “Then I’ll certainly enjoy the challenge.”

Jiang Luoshen’s eyes turned icy, clutching a golden decree tightly in her jade hand. “Okay, but you must address me as master first,” Gu Changge remarked, glancing dismissively at her outstretched arm, indicating that he didn’t take her conditions seriously.

“You…” Jiang Luoshen’s beautiful eyes flashed with anger, tempted to unleash her divine weapon. However, knowing she was no match for Gu Changge, she suppressed her rage. She hadn’t come seeking revenge or confrontation.

“I can’t agree to that,” she declared coldly, turning her face away.

“Then how about pouring me tea and giving me a shoulder rub? Surely you can manage that?” Gu Changge’s expression remained nonchalant, his demeanor casual.

“I refuse. I will never serve anyone,” Jiang Luoshen’s voice remained firm and resolute.

As the princess of the Supreme God Clan, she had always remained aloof, looking down on everything. When had she ever served? Pouring tea and giving shoulder rubs were beneath her dignity.

“Are you mocking me?” Gu Changge’s smile remained, but there was an edge to his voice. “If you can’t do this or that, then what exactly can you do? Do you want me to kill you?” Despite his seemingly calm demeanor, Jiang Luoshen felt a chilling wave of murderous intent wash over her, causing her to tremble.

“I…” Jiang Luoshen’s complexion shifted slightly, her silver teeth clenched tightly as a cold sweat broke out on her back. She knew Gu Changge was issuing her a final warning. If she persisted in her obstinacy, the outcome of today’s events would likely be dire.

“In my presence, it’s best to rein in your princess temper. Otherwise, one day, when I’m in a foul mood, I might just shake you out of your False Gods,” Gu Changge glanced at her. “It doesn’t matter if you don’t know how to serve. You can learn. But if you truly cannot, then perhaps you have no reason to live.”

His words were simple, yet the underlying threat was palpable, filled with a terrifying intent to kill.

Jiang Luoshen’s face drained of color as she was engulfed in a vision of carnage and chaos, causing her to tremble involuntarily. Clenching her small hands tightly, she felt an overwhelming sense of unwillingness, but she dared not confront Gu Changge.

“I… I understand, but Gu Changge, don’t push it too far,” she muttered through gritted teeth, taking a deep breath to steady herself. With determined steps, she approached Gu Changge, her movements awkward as she attempted to serve him for the first time.

Her clumsiness drew a frown from Gu Changge, who looked visibly displeased. Jiang Luoshen’s hands shook as she nearly spilled the tea.

“You can’t even manage a simple cup of tea. You truly are useless,” Gu Changge remarked with disdain, shaking his head.

Though her expression remained indifferent, Jiang Luoshen’s heart burned with humiliation. It was the first time she had been berated like this since childhood. She wanted to hurl the tea at his face, but dared only to entertain the thought in her mind.

After Jiang Luoshen entered the True Immortal Academy, she never left, choosing to remain there instead. This decision surprised many geniuses and elders who later discovered it. They had assumed that Jiang Luoshen had come to find Gu Changge for a specific reason, but her decision to stay by his side left them puzzled.

This situation stirred envy and resentment among many young geniuses, while also highlighting the vast disparities between individuals, leaving them deeply moved.

“Stay or not?” Yue Mingkong couldn’t help feeling a twinge of jealousy upon hearing the news. She didn’t know Jiang Luoshen’s motives for seeking out Gu Changge, but her current actions mirrored those from a previous life. In that life, Jiang Luoshen had visited Gu’s residence to see Gu Changge, whereas in this life, she came to the True Immortal Academy. However, Yue Mingkong didn’t bother confronting Jiang Luoshen about it; there was no need to concern herself with such matters.

Jiang Chuchu and Wang Ziji, unaware of the incident at the Human Ancestor Hall, had already left the True Immortal Academy. If they had known, their reactions would have likely mirrored Yue Mingkong’s.

Meanwhile, in the upper realm, all Taoists were focused on searching for traces of Jiang Chen and Monk Pu Du in the following period.

In addition, there were occasional appearances of places of absolute Heavenly Extinction in various locations, sparking widespread panic. Despite this, the overall atmosphere remained relatively calm.

During this period, Gu Changge dispatched numerous individuals to search for the branches of the Spring Breeze Pavilion. This endeavor caught the attention of many Taoist traditions and forces. The Spring Breeze Pavilion, an assassin organization, paled in comparison to long-established groups like the Buddha, the Human World, and the Underworld. However, in recent years, it had gained notoriety throughout the upper realm, claiming the lives of countless geniuses and cultivators.

Gu Changge’s efforts to locate the Spring Breeze Pavilion puzzled many. Had the organization offended him in some way? Moreover, Gu Changge offered a reward for their capture, enticing cultivators with promises of rich rewards. This announcement spurred many cultivators into action, prompting them to search for the Spring Breeze Pavilion’s whereabouts.

As a result, many branches of the organization were wiped out as cultivators across the upper realm mobilized to claim the rewards.

Although the assassins of the Spring Breeze Pavilion were adept at concealing themselves, many were apprehended and brought before Gu Changge. Despite their resilience, they eventually succumbed to Gu Changge’s various torture methods, revealing some recent developments within the organization.

“It appears that Bai Lian’er has left the upper realm, taking several powerful individuals from the Spring Breeze Pavilion with her to the demon realm,” Gu Changge remarked, arching an eyebrow. “Is she intending to offer an exchange and then negotiate Bai Kun’s rescue?”

With this revelation, there was little reason for Gu Changge to remain in the True Immortal Academy. His original plan had been to await Bai Lian’er’s appearance, but her astuteness had thwarted that. “It seems we must turn our attention to Bai Kun’s homeland,” he declared, issuing the order to proceed.

Leaving the True Immortal Academy without any accompanying followers, Gu Changge deemed the younger generation’s assistance unnecessary. Their strength paled in comparison, serving only as mere placeholders. Instead, he set his sights on engaging with powerhouses from other realms.

Only cultivators with at least a sacred realm cultivation base were deemed qualified to follow Gu Changge and serve him. He instructed Jiang Luoshen to return to the Supreme God Clan to gather individuals, while he headed to the Chaotic Star Territory.

True to its name, the Chaotic Star Territory was a tumultuous expanse, resembling fragmented continents amidst vast and majestic starlight. Countless star corpses and islands dotted the landscape, with cultivators and caravans bustling about.

In an ancient city nestled deep within the chaotic star field, Gu Changge encountered Ji Qingxuan. She was addressing a group of people within the palace, her white complexion and beautiful features accentuated by her long purple dress, exuding a cool and radiant aura.

Ji Qingxuan did not disappoint Gu Changge. Under her leadership, the Chaotic Star Territory had achieved a semblance of order, far more stable than during the rule of the Thirteen Thieves. She had already begun to emanate the aura of a superior.

Having tasted power, Ji Qingxuan’s ambition burned fiercely, driving her to aspire for greater heights. Upon seeing Gu Changge, she appeared excited, linking her arm with his and eagerly reporting the progress made during his absence.

“The revenue during this period has increased by at least 30% compared to when the Thirteen Thieves held sway. Many caravans have grown wise and no longer dare to evade tolls, resulting in significantly fewer casualties,” Ji Qingxuan reported confidently. “In three years, I am certain I can double our gains!”

Impressed by her confidence and natural governing talent, Gu Changge nodded approvingly, acknowledging her progress. Subsequently, numerous powerhouses were selected from among the thieves, with the weakest possessing a cultivation base at the Sacred Realm level. Among them were several Great Sacred Realms, individuals who had incurred the wrath of other Dao lineages and sought refuge in the Chaotic Star Territory, where they eked out a perilous existence.

These desperadoes were seasoned fighters, well-acquainted with Gu Changge’s identity. Their joy was palpable upon learning they could join him. With Gu Changge’s patronage, their former enemies became allies, willingly relinquishing their outlaw status to serve under him.

Additionally, Gu Changge ordered various tribes of the Ancient Immortal Continent and the Ancient Immortal Gu family to dispatch numerous powerhouses to bolster their ranks.

Having completed his preparations, Gu Changge led his subordinates to the designated meeting place and awaited Jiang Luoshen’s arrival.

“You’re going to the demon world to find someone. What does it have to do with me?” Jiang Luoshen’s voice echoed from a distance as she approached, riding golden clouds with brilliance soaring into the sky. Accompanying her were numerous powerhouses from the Supreme God Clan.

Her face bore an indifferent expression, her tone laced with dissatisfaction. Jiang Luoshen had endured much at Gu Changge’s hands during this time, and her once-proud demeanor had been significantly eroded. She felt resentful at being treated like a mere servant by Gu Changge, especially now, when he tasked her with recruiting individuals from the Supreme God Clan while he embarked on his own mission.

However, despite her grievances, Jiang Luoshen couldn’t deny that she had grown accustomed to following Gu Changge’s orders.

“Greetings, Young Master Changge,” many powerful individuals from the Supreme God Clan greeted Gu Changge respectfully as they arrived.

Though aware that Gu Changge intended to employ them as mere laborers, the members of the Supreme God Clan dared not voice any complaints.

“Why then do you follow?” Gu Changge responded, casting a casual glance at Jiang Luoshen.

“I… Naturally, I am concerned that you might endanger the powerhouses of my clan,” Jiang Luoshen retorted coldly.

“Is that so? Well, I happen to need a maid for the journey,” Gu Changge remarked nonchalantly before proceeding towards the space channel leading to the demon world.

Unlike other realms, the demon world held a unique position within the upper world. It resided in the central area, featuring space passages that easily traversed the boundary barriers.

Gu Changge’s reputation had skyrocketed in the upper world, with many closely monitoring his every move and speculating about his potential ascension to familial leadership. Given his formidable strength, such an outcome seemed inevitable.

The sudden influx of powerhouses accompanying him to the demon world captured the attention of numerous Taoist factions. Speculations and rumors swirled regarding the reasons behind Gu Changge’s actions, leaving cultivators and creatures alike stunned and intrigued.