I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 394
Chapter 394: Gu Changge is very picky, but he can watch a big show
And just when Gu Changge and Empress Xi Yao were talking very happily, a woman in purple hurried into the palace. After everyone glanced at her, they recognized her as Qingzhu, the female official next to the queen, and didn’t pay much attention.
Qingzhu, looking cold and calm, walked behind Empress Xi Yao and stood with Qingmei, Qinglan, and Qingju, maintaining a respectful appearance. Empress Xi Yao glanced at her but did not inquire about her whereabouts.
Gu Changge, however, noticed the unnatural look in Qingzhu’s expression and raised his eyebrows slightly but didn’t comment.
“I wonder why the young master Changge came to the demon world this time?” Empress Xi Yao asked curiously after the conversation had ended. Although she had exchanged letters with Gu Changge, he had never mentioned the reason for his visit to the demon world, which piqued her curiosity.
Hearing this, Gu Changge put down the wine glass in his hand, smiled, and said, “Empress Xi Yao, do you know that some time ago, I went to the Chaotic Star Territory to exterminate the Thirteen Thieves?”
Empress Xi Yao nodded; she naturally knew about this. The person behind the Thirteen Thieves turned out to be Bai Kun, the demon master and remnant of the Five Emperors who had fled from the demon world 6,000 years ago. This revelation had shocked her at the time. Who would have thought that Bai Kun had been hiding in the Chaotic Star Territory all these years? No wonder she had dispatched many people without finding any trace of him. But now that Gu Changge had arrested Bai Kun, she no longer concerned herself with the matter.
“Is it possible that Young Master Changge came to the demon world this time because of this?” Empress Xi Yao pondered aloud.
Gu Changge nodded and said with a smile, “It does have a lot to do with this matter, but there’s still another part of it that concerns you, Empress Xi Yao.”
“It has something to do with me?” Empress Xi Yao raised her eyebrows.
Gu Changge, however, didn’t elaborate. Empress Xi Yao’s eyes moved slightly, understanding that this matter might involve significant issues. Realizing it was inappropriate to discuss it further here, she refrained from asking more questions.
Meanwhile, Qingzhu, who was obediently serving behind Empress Xi Yao, felt a bit disappointed. She had hoped to hear something crucial.
In the end, Gu Changge just said this and didn’t elaborate further. While he was conversing with Empress Xi Yao, a beautiful woman in a long coat and yellow dress caught everyone’s eye at the banquet below. She spoke with an old man in white, who exuded a calm aura, and occasionally glanced upward with curiosity. She appeared as if she had stepped out of a quaint picture scroll, exuding a poetic atmosphere and a gentle, generous demeanor.
“Youwei, what do you think of the rumored Young Master Changge?” the old man in white asked with a slight smile.
The woman in the jacket and yellow dress was Song Youwei, the only daughter of the Grand Master of the Demon Realm. She was the most brilliant young genius in the demon world at that time. Hearing her father’s question, she raised her head and looked up, then couldn’t help but smile.
“Reporting to my father, Youwei feels that in terms of appearance and temperament alone, Young Master Changge can be called a god-like immortal, unparalleled in the world. It can only be said that Young Master Changge is worthy of being a famous person in the upper world. Whether it’s his bearing or his speech, I can’t find the slightest flaw. Of course, regarding his cultivation, I dare not speak falsely. It’s rumored that he has already reached the quasi-supreme level. It’s just unbelievable.”
“In front of him, I really can’t be called a genius. Despite being about the same age as me, he is obviously far superior.”
Her words were simple and direct, with no intention of flattery or pleasing. She was merely expressing her first impression of Gu Changge.
Gu Changge was indeed exceptional, so much so that she couldn’t find any flaws in him, nor could she think of a genius who could compete with him. However, she felt only amazement and admiration, without any deeper intentions. Song Youwei was not a superficial person, nor someone who would fawn over others.
“In terms of his current power, it’s true that there are no young people better than him in the vast upper realm. Even the leaders of those great sects are inferior to him. I really don’t know how such a monster can exist in this world,” the old man in white nodded in agreement, then sighed. “Youwei, you can come with me to meet Young Master Changge later. It can be good to make a familiar face in front of him. If you can connect with people like him more, it will be beneficial for you.”
He didn’t suggest that Song Youwei should try to please Gu Changge. His character wouldn’t allow such a thing, and Song Youwei herself would refuse. It was impossible for her to agree to such a request. Besides, for someone like Gu Changge, there were countless beautiful girls, and Song Youwei likely wouldn’t catch his eye.
“Hmm, Youwei listens to her father,” Song Youwei nodded, still looking at Gu Changge curiously.
However, Gu Changge seemed to have noticed her gaze. He looked over, smiled, and nodded slightly. Song Youwei was slightly startled, but instead of looking away shyly like ordinary women, she smiled generously and continued to look at Gu Changge.
Noticing this scene, Empress Xi Yao raised her eyebrows slightly and asked, “Does Young Master Changge know Youwei?”
Gu Changge shook his head slightly and said, “I don’t know her. I just think she is a little different from the rest of the women.”
“She is the only daughter of the demon master, her name is Song Youwei, and she is also a very dazzling genius in our demon world,” Empress Xi Yao explained after hearing this.
“Song Youwei? This is a name full of poetry,” Gu Changge smiled and looked away.
Soon afterward, the reception banquet ended, with the guests and hosts enjoying themselves. Many prominent figures in the demon world bid their farewells and left. They could imagine that Gu Changge’s arrival in the demon world would definitely cause a huge sensation and have unimaginable effects.
In the hall today, they had overheard part of the conversation between Gu Changge and Empress Xi Yao and understood that Gu Changge did not come to the demon world without reason. It was very likely that there would be significant turmoil in the demon world, and they needed to prepare in advance.
However, many important officials trusted by Empress Xi Yao stayed behind in the palace. Along with their family members, they planned to personally visit Gu Changge to make themselves familiar.
“The old master of the demon world greets Young Master Changge. This is my daughter, Song Youwei,” the Demon Master said, standing up with Song Youwei and bowing to Gu Changge, who was seated at Empress Xi Yao’s place of honor. While speaking, he introduced Song Youwei.
Gu Changge nodded slightly and said, “Demon Master, there’s no need to be too polite. Empress Xi Yao has already introduced her to me.”
He then looked at Song Youwei with a warm smile, “Youwei, that’s a good name.”
Song Youwei smiled gracefully, appearing decent and generous. “Thank you, Young Master Changge, for your praise.”
Afterward, the King of Peace and Chaos and other officials also brought their family members to meet him. Their attitude was different from that of the Demon Master, showing more respect. After all, in terms of seniority, the Demon Master was Empress Xi Yao’s teacher, while they were merely her subordinates.
The King of Peace and Chaos was a tall, burly man with an arrogant demeanor. A scar between his eyebrows added a fierce aura, and his cultivation base was at the quasi-supreme realm.
Gu Changge nodded at each introduction but remained composed and gentle, without any sign of impatience. This demeanor made the King of Peace and Chaos and others feel somewhat flattered.
As everyone greeted him, Gu Changge also observed the group. Aside from Song Youwei, everyone else had normal luck points.
The luck points of the King of Chaos were also slightly higher, but not enough to categorize him among those with great luck. This made Gu Changge focus more on Song Youwei. Generally, people with great luck could easily lead to the sons of luck. This time, the son of the demon emperor might have something to do with Song Youwei. However, he decided not to alert anyone and planned to wait and see, investigating her along the way.
Soon, everyone had left, and only Gu Changge’s people and Empress Xi Yao’s people remained in the palace.
“Young Master Changge mentioned something about me earlier. I wonder what it is?” Empress Xi Yao couldn’t help but ask, having refrained from probing earlier. Now, only her trusted confidants were present.
Gu Changge glanced at her and smiled, deciding not to keep her in suspense. “I wonder if Empress Xi Yao still remembers Jun Bufan?”
“Jun Bufan?” Empress Xi Yao’s complexion changed slightly. She naturally remembered the name. It was almost a taboo subject for her. Ministers and maids usually did not dare to mention this name, keeping it a secret.
Behind her, the four female officials—Qingmei, Qinglan, Qingzhu, and Qingju—all showed slight changes in their expressions, especially Qingzhu.
“The matter Young Master Changge mentioned is related to him?” Empress Xi Yao frowned, her face darkening.
Gu Changge smiled and said, “Yes, I learned something interesting from Bai Kun. The Demon Emperor Xuan Yang once instructed him to deliver a gift to a man named Jun Bufan at an opportune time. But as far as I know, isn’t Jun Bufan the son of Demon Emperor Xuan Yang, who died 6,000 years ago? So I think this matter may be of great help to the Empress.”
“Jun Bufan… he really faked his death!” Empress Xi Yao’s eyes flashed with coldness. After a moment of shock, she quickly regained her composure. She had suspected this ever since she discovered Jun Bufan’s tomb was empty.
“What… just faked his death?” The other female officials, Qingmei, Qinglan, and Qingju, widened their eyes in surprise. Qingzhu’s complexion turned pale, but Empress Xi Yao didn’t notice.
“Thank you, Young Master Changge, for informing me of this.” Empress Xi Yao’s beautiful eyes gave Gu Changge a deep look. She sensed that Gu Changge might still have more to reveal, but for now, he had been benevolent and righteous in sharing this information. After all, prior to this, her relationship with Gu Changge was only superficial.
“Empress Xi Yao, you are too kind,” Gu Changge smiled. He knew that once Empress Xi Yao began searching for Jun Bufan, it would save him some effort.
Empress Xi Yao nodded, then glanced at the moonlight outside the hall. “It’s late, Young Master Changge should rest early. Qingmei, Qinglan, Qingzhu, and Qingju are confidants I have cultivated since childhood. They are pure, well-behaved, and clever. If Young Master Changge doesn’t mind, let them serve you tonight.”
She then gestured towards the four girls, Qingmei, Qinglan, Qingzhu, and Qingju, standing behind her.
Hearing this, the four girls were momentarily taken aback. Qingmei, Qinglan, and Qingju blushed and shyly lowered their heads, not expecting Empress Xi Yao to make such an offer. As the most trusted female officials around the queen, their identities were extremely noble within the demon world, rivaled by few. Many important figures and geniuses had tried to win their favor.
They had been cultivated by Empress Xi Yao since childhood, instilled with the idea that everything they did was for the Queen, even to the extent of their lives. So if one day they were given to a prominent figure by the queen, they wouldn’t dare to complain. Characters like Gu Changge were beyond their previous expectations of who they might interact with. At this moment, they were happy and looking forward to it, except for Qingzhu, who looked pale and uneasy. She had someone in her heart and was naturally unwilling to be given away like this by Empress Xi Yao.
“Oh?” Gu Changge was slightly surprised by Empress Xi Yao’s suggestion. Although the four women—Qingmei, Qinglan, Qingzhu, and Qingju—were all exceptional, they gave him the impression of being too conventional. After seeing women like Yue Mingkong and Jiang Chuchu, they seemed somewhat ordinary. He wasn’t an ascetic monk or a playboy, but this kind of thing didn’t pique his interest much. Moreover, he couldn’t shake off the feeling that there was something off about the woman in the purple skirt among them.
Of course, if Empress Xi Yao herself were to offer, it might be a different matter. Not to mention, Jiang Luoshen was already by his side.
“Empress Xi Yao should spare this matter. Gu Changge is very selective,” Jiang Luoshen spoke up before Gu Changge could refuse. Her expression remained indifferent, but her voice held a hint of authority. As she glanced at Gu Changge, runes flowed in her golden eyes, as if she could discern his thoughts.
Gu Changge had been treating Jiang Luoshen like a servant this whole time, but she had grown accustomed to it. Though she harbored some complaints, they weren’t as strong as before. Witnessing this scene, she couldn’t shake off the discomfort. With Gu Changge’s status, how could these ordinary women match his standards?
“Oh, my apologies for the abruptness,” Empress Xi Yao said, casting a glance at Jiang Luoshen without any change in her expression. She was well aware of the princess’s status in the Supreme God Clan and couldn’t help but feel a tinge of jealousy.
From Empress Xi Yao’s perspective, Jiang Luoshen being by Gu Changge’s side and accompanying him to the demon realm indicated a close relationship between them. Mentioning such matters casually, she couldn’t envision any other woman besides Gu Changge who Empress Xi Yao might desire.
Hearing Empress Xi Yao’s remark, Qingmei, Qinglan, and Qingju felt a twinge of disappointment, though they dared not display it openly. Qingzhu, on the other hand, breathed a long sigh of relief, finally releasing the tension in her heart.
Afterward, Gu Changge, Jiang Luoshen, and the others went to the palace arranged by Empress Xi Yao to rest. Empress Xi Yao dismissed Qingmei and the others, leaving only Qingzhu. Her demeanor shifted back to the regal queen before her.
Despite feeling a bit uneasy, Qingzhu maintained a calm expression. Empress Xi Yao glanced at her lightly, sensing the subtle emotional change in Qingzhu.
“Tell me, what happened just now?” Empress Xi Yao’s question was direct. Though Qingzhu’s emotional shift was brief, Empress Xi Yao noticed it.
As Qingzhu, the opportunity to serve Gu Changge in bed should have been cause for excitement, so any resistance or reluctance was unexpected.
Upon hearing Empress Xi Yao’s inquiry, Qingzhu’s face turned pale, fear creeping into her heart.
“Your Majesty, this servant knows she’s wrong, and I hope for your forgiveness,” Qingzhu knelt with a plop, her voice trembling.
“Do you have someone you like?” Empress Xi Yao seemed to see through her thoughts in an instant.
Qingzhu’s complexion grew even paler, and she hurriedly shook her head in explanation, “Your Majesty, this servant has always remained pure and clean. There is no room for overstepping, and I dare not deceive you.”
She understood that Empress Xi Yao disliked having impure individuals around her. Despite her mutual affection with Jun Fan, they had never crossed any lines.
Empress Xi Yao didn’t doubt Qingzhu’s words. Qingzhu had been by her side for so long and understood the consequences of deceiving her.
“I’ll give you a chance to handle this matter yourself. Otherwise, if I find out who he is, I won’t leave him whole. You may leave now,” Empress Xi Yao said lightly, her expression devoid of emotion, contrasting starkly with her demeanor in front of Gu Changge.
“It seems that the people around Empress Xi Yao aren’t entirely trustworthy,” Gu Changge remarked to himself. “And the methods of this son of the demon emperor are not simple.”
Upon returning to the palace, Gu Changge instructed someone to keep an eye on Song Youwei, whom he had encountered earlier. He also monitored Empress Xi Yao’s confidants, but he chose not to alert her. If everything proceeded without incident, he anticipated witnessing a grand spectacle soon.
In the blink of an eye, several days passed, and Gu Changge’s appearance in the demon world caused a sensation throughout the realm. Unlike other lower realms, the demon world had close interactions with the upper realm, allowing news to travel swiftly. Gu Changge’s reputation preceded him even in the demon world, where many were aware of his existence.
However, his purpose for visiting the demon world remained a subject of speculation. The suddenness of his arrival surprised many influential clans.
During this period, another significant event unfolded in the demon world as scheduled—the Banquet of the Geniuses.
For the younger generation of the demon world, the Banquet of Geniuses presented an opportunity to rise to prominence. Those who gained recognition and favor from Empress Xi Yao at this event could expect promotions and honors.
In a cave within the Black and White Academy, Jun Fan stood with his back to several figures, questioning them lightly. These figures, with indistinct features and wearing voluminous robes, resembled the academy’s elders.
“How are things progressing?” Jun Fan inquired.
“We’ve followed the young master’s orders. We’ve secured control over the ministers responsible for the royal wine at the Banquet of Geniuses. Their wives and daughters have been relocated to a safe location. With this leverage, they won’t dare to disobey us,” they reported.
“Good. However, given Empress Xi Yao’s cautious nature, she’ll likely have the wine tested beforehand,” Jun Fan noted, his eyes flashing with cold determination.
“It’s not enough. The Banquet of Geniuses will be held on the sacred mountain of the Black and White Academy, with numerous powerful figures in attendance. Our presence will be difficult to conceal, and Empress Xi Yao will undoubtedly deploy numerous skilled individuals to protect against threats. You must blend into the crowd and act when signaled,” Jun Fan continued, his tone resolute.
“I’ve meticulously planned this assassination, and there can be no mistakes.”
“Fear not, young master. We’ve amassed considerable power in secret over the years, deeply embedded within major families. Moreover, we won’t be the only ones acting. The remnants of the Five Emperors will also make their move,” one figure assured confidently from within their robe.
Jun Fan nodded in approval, his expression growing colder, fists clenched tightly.
“More than 6,000 years have passed, and Xi Yao’s cultivation is at most in the Supreme Realm. Unless she obtains another fortuitous encounter, reaching the Quasi-Emperor Realm will be difficult. But even if she does, it won’t matter. Uncle Ye has already refined the imperial artifact passed down from father. Xi Yao is doomed this time…”
After dismissing the individuals behind him with a wave of his hand, Jun Fan was left alone in the cave, surrounded by silence. He gazed outside, his mind deep in thought, clearly awaiting something.
In the past few days, he had intended to inquire with Song Youwei about a matter. However, Song Youwei hadn’t returned to the Black and White Academy after leaving the demon master’s mansion, leaving him disappointed.
Soon, a purple-clad woman arrived outside the cave, her expression cold and tinged with sadness. It was Qingzhu, the female official serving alongside Empress Xi Yao.
“What’s wrong?” Jun Fan inquired, noticing her troubled expression. He calmly offered her the prepared tea on the stone table. “Tell me what happened. Don’t worry, have some tea first.”
Qingzhu glanced at him, sighed, and took a sip of tea before recounting the events of the day in the palace.
Upon hearing her account, Jun Fan’s expression darkened, his anger simmering beneath the surface.
“This Xi Yao actually asked you to serve in bed just to please Gu Changge?” Jun Fan’s voice resonated with anger and disbelief.
Qingzhu nodded, sharing his indignation. “Not only that, but the Queen is also investigating things about you.”
Jun Fan’s expression wavered, eventually giving way to a deep sigh. “Since she’s unjust, don’t blame me for being ruthless.”
“I’ve sought you out because I need your help. Once this plan succeeds, we won’t have to worry about Xi Yao anymore.”
“What’s the plan?” Qingzhu’s heart sank as she faintly grasped the gravity of the situation, her complexion turning paler.
Jun Fan retrieved a white porcelain bottle from his robes, his demeanor growing solemn. “This is a poison I obtained at great cost. It possesses miraculous effects, even for cultivators of the Supreme Realm.”
Assurance flashed in Qingzhu’s eyes, albeit overshadowed by fear and turmoil. Jun Fan’s intentions became clear as he continued, “Rest assured, when used alone, this substance acts as a medicinal powder with nourishing properties, undetectable as poison. You won’t arouse suspicion.”
Her heart raced as the reality of Jun Fan’s plan sank in. Poisoning the Queen! She couldn’t believe what she was hearing.
“I know you’re responsible for Xi Yao’s spiritual nourishment and medicinal cultivation. This plan is foolproof; no one will suspect you,” Jun Fan reassured, his gaze unwavering as he sought to persuade her.
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Kieleana
Wow wth, I hope that was just the timeline without MC’s intervention