I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 395
Chapter 395: It’s a pity that she looks so beautiful but doesn’t warm the bed, the terrifying murderous intention at the Banquet of geniuses
Jun Fan’s words hit Qingzhu like a thunderbolt, causing her fingers to tremble, her face to drain of color, and her head to buzz with confusion. While she had considered betraying Her Majesty the Queen before, the notion of poisoning her was beyond comprehension. After all, the Queen had nurtured her for years and shown her kindness. Without the Queen’s guidance, Qingzhu wouldn’t have attained her current status. Betrayal was one thing, but harming her benefactor was inconceivable.
“Qingzhu, don’t fret. This matter doesn’t implicate you. The pill powder contains no poison; it’ll go unnoticed,” Jun Fan reassured her.
“I know you couldn’t do such a thing. But remember, Xi Yao is ruthless. If she suspects your involvement with me, she won’t hesitate to act… And then, who can protect you?” Jun Fan’s tone was somber, anticipating Qingzhu’s turmoil.
“You’re… you’re right,” Qingzhu conceded, her complexion draining further. The realization dawned on her: once the Queen learned of her involvement, there’d be no mercy. With trembling resolve, she knew her options were limited.
When Qingzhu had agreed to become the Queen’s informant through Jun Fan, she should have anticipated this moment. The prospect of being merely a court official, subject to the Queen’s whims, was unsettling. In the Queen’s eyes, they were expendable tools, easily discarded when deemed necessary.
“How certain are you?” Qingzhu inquired, her tone steady now as she scrutinized Jun Fan.
A white-eyed wolf? No, what good was loyalty if it couldn’t even save her life?
Taking the white porcelain bottle from Jun Fan’s hand, she demanded assurance.
“If this plan succeeds, over 90%,” Jun Fan replied with confidence. “I have control over the others, and everything is set. We just need the right moment. The pill powder you hold is merely a contingency; if the plan fails, it won’t have any effect.”
Jun Fan’s implication was clear: Qingzhu’s actions would go unnoticed. Qingzhu nodded, understanding the stakes and the necessity of secrecy.
Separated individually, the components of this mixed poison lacked toxicity but held recuperative properties. This strategy ensured that even if Empress Xi Yao grew suspicious of Qingzhu’s daily intake, she wouldn’t detect any poison. It provided a layer of safety, minimizing the risk of exposure.
“Then I’ll trust you,” Qingzhu declared firmly, a hint of madness gleaming in her eyes. Success would not only overthrow the Queen’s reign but etch her name in history.
After further discussion, Qingzhu rose to depart, her mind weighed down with the gravity of their plan. Jun Fan watched her leave, a faint sigh escaping him. “Qingzhu, forgive me. If we succeed, I’ll provide the antidote.”
His gaze lingered on the steaming tea in the cup before him, its fragrance filling the air. Jun Fan’s expression was complex, fraught with the weight of their actions.
He couldn’t be blamed; his clandestine status forbade exposure to daylight. Success in this assassination attempt would alter his circumstances. However, failure posed significant risks.
Qingzhu understood the stakes. Should Queen Xi Yao turn her attention toward her, Jun Fan’s secret would be exposed.
In contemplating the potential repercussions for his family and loved ones, Jun Fan was filled with dread. Unable to bear the thought of their suffering, he took a precautionary measure: he poisoned the tea, quietly ensuring Qingzhu drank it. She didn’t question him; in her mind, it was a necessary step.
Should the assassination fail, Qingzhu would perish without an antidote. To the outside world, it would appear as though she had taken her own life out of guilt, absolving Jun Fan of suspicion.
If their plan succeeded, Jun Fan would administer the antidote to Qingzhu, seeking her forgiveness for his deceit.
“This plan is foolproof. Once Xi Yao attends the Banquet of Geniuses, there will be no surprises,” Jun Fan affirmed, his demeanor chillingly resolute as he contemplated the imminent events.
“Young Master, the woman in the purple dress you instructed me to watch, she left the palace and headed toward the Black and White Academy,” Tian Ze reported respectfully, his demeanor deferential.
“But she didn’t linger there; she departed shortly after,” he added.
In the opulent palace, Gu Changge played chess leisurely, his interest piqued by Tian Ze’s revelation. Beside him, Jiang Luoshen observed, her expression perplexed.
“The Black and White Academy? If I recall correctly, it was established by Empress Xi Yao 6,000 years ago to identify geniuses,” Gu Changge mused casually. “It seems she went there to seek someone. Her brief visit was like a signal.”
A smile tugged at Gu Changge’s lips as he contemplated the implications. He hadn’t anticipated stumbling upon such a discovery; it was a stroke of luck.
Empress Xi Yao likely never suspected that her trusted confidant would become a spy for others, revealing her movements to an outside observer.
Jiang Luoshen frowned as she observed the chessboard, puzzled by Gu Changge’s enigmatic smile. She was skilled at chess, but his demeanor hinted at a deeper game.
“Why has she failed so many times in his hands? Is there no chance at all?” Jiang Luoshen pondered aloud.
Ignoring her, Gu Changge tapped the chessboard thoughtfully. An idea sparked in his mind – he could orchestrate all this while remaining undetected.
“Three days from now, the Banquet of Geniuses of the demon world will commence at the Black and White Academy. It will attract numerous prominent families from the nine domains, including Empress Xi Yao,” Gu Changge explained, his voice tinged with anticipation. “It’s a perfect opportunity.”
“If I were the Demon Emperor’s son, I’d strike then… And if my assumptions are correct, Jun Bufan is likely hiding within the Black and White Academy.”
With narrowed eyes, Gu Changge swiftly devised his plan. The academy boasted hundreds of thousands of disciples, making a direct search impractical. Instead, he’d wait for the Demon Emperor’s son to reveal himself.
“Poor Empress Xi Yao, kept in the dark without realizing it. If things unfold as expected, Jun Bufan might just succeed at the Banquet of Geniuses,” Gu Changge remarked, though he harbored no belief that Empress Xi Yao was defenseless.
Despite seeing through the intricacies, he had no intention of informing her.
Gu Changge’s strategy to control Empress Xi Yao hinged on fostering her dependency on him. Whether this would materialize depended on the opportunities Jun Bufan created.
The female official Qingzhu could also play a pivotal role in influencing the Banquet of Geniuses in three days’ time.
“Keep monitoring her closely. If anything seems amiss, report it to me immediately,” Gu Changge instructed Tian Ze after a moment of contemplation.
“Yes, Master,” Tian Ze acknowledged before swiftly vanishing from sight.
Gu Changge resumed tapping the chessboard thoughtfully. “Currently, Bai Kun’s daughter, Bai Lian’er, and her apprentice have arrived in the demon world. They’re searching for Jun Bufan, but it’s uncertain if any developments will arise…”
He pondered the situation, considering the potential outcomes.
As the master behind the Spring Breeze Pavilion, her cultivation reached at least the quasi-supreme realm level—a power not to be underestimated anywhere.
“Gu Changge…” Jiang Luoshen’s voice, tinged with dissatisfaction, interrupted Gu Changge’s thoughts.
“You’ve lost again,” Gu Changge observed casually, a hint of amusement in his tone. “Will you admit defeat?”
Gritting her teeth, Jiang Luoshen approached silently and thumped his shoulders. She had to admit, practice had honed her skills; her movements were now more refined, neither too forceful nor too gentle.
Her delicate hands rested on his shoulders, exuding a subtle elegance. Her blond hair cascaded down like sunlight, carrying a delicate fragrance.
“Well, it seems you’re not entirely hopeless. You’ve finally mastered it,” Gu Changge remarked with a smile.
Jiang Luoshen shot him a cold glance before rolling her eyes. Never had she imagined that she, in her own right, would learn to serve others. It had once been nothing more than a distant fantasy.
“When will you learn to warm the bed?” Gu Changge inquired with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.
Jiang Luoshen’s fair neck flushed faintly at his words, the delicate veins beneath her skin hinting at her divine lineage. The Supreme God Clan’s golden blood coursed through her veins, imbuing her with unmatched divinity.
However, Jiang Luoshen’s demeanor remained icy, her expression unchanged as she sneered, “Gu Changge, I’ve told you before: you’ll never coerce me into such a thing, or I’ll meet my end alongside you.”
Gu Changge’s tone carried a hint of helplessness and regret, but he never pressed the issue. “Truly? What a shame. With your beauty, it’s a waste not to grace a bed.”
Though Jiang Luoshen enjoyed Gu Changge’s compliments on her appearance, she couldn’t help but feel his reasoning was flawed. Just because she was beautiful, did that mean she had to warm his bed? It was a bizarre notion.
“Gu Changge, even if you flatter me differently, I still won’t consent,” Jiang Luoshen retorted with disdain.
“Is that so?” Gu Changge’s tone remained casual, almost indifferent. “No rush. You’ve said as much before. But you seem quite adept now.”
Caught off guard, Jiang Luoshen faltered briefly before regaining her composure. “Mixing things up like this is inappropriate.”
Gu Changge, sensing her discomfort, decided to drop the subject. Soon enough, three days had elapsed.
Prominent figures from the major demon families across the Nine Regions had gathered for the Banquet of Geniuses—a once-in-a-twentieth event. Empress Xi Yao herself would grace the occasion, bestowing royal wine upon the victors—a remarkable honor for the young geniuses in attendance.
The Banquet of Geniuses held immense significance. Not only did it offer participants the chance to bask in the limelight and gain worldwide fame, but being recognized by Empress Xi Yao could lead to promotion, honor, and perpetual glory—a prospect that illuminated their futures.
News that even Gu Changge would attend the banquet, offering generous prizes to the victors, ignited a fervor across the realms. Countless creatures from the monster world flocked to witness the event, eager to catch a glimpse of the enigmatic figure.
The Black and White Academy sprawled across hundreds of thousands of miles, its landscape adorned with majestic mountains, towering peaks, and mythical creatures. The most magnificent among them was the sacred mountain, rumored to house dragon veins spanning a radius of a million miles, bathed in ethereal mists and radiant lights.
As the banquet approached, throngs of people converged near the mountains, eager to secure prime viewing spots regardless of their cultivation levels. Men, women, young, and old—all sought to witness the spectacle unfold.
The Banquet of Geniuses wasn’t limited to disciples of the Black and White Academy; participants hailed from various races and factions across the demon world. True to its name, the banquet aimed to offer a transformative opportunity for all budding talents.
As countless youths made their way to the event, two figures traversed a mountain trail. The man, garbed in humble sackcloth and carrying a basket, resembled a mere herbalist. Beside him walked a woman, equally attired in modest clothing, her complexion pallid and unremarkable. Yet, her presence exuded an undeniable allure, capturing the attention of passersby.
“Sister Lian’er, do you think we’ll find the person the master mentioned?” the man inquired eagerly.
Glancing at him with a hint of certainty, the woman replied, “If he’s not here, he won’t be found anywhere in the demon world. My intuition tells me he’ll be here, ready to embark on a daring endeavor.”
The man’s eyes brightened with hope. “Then, after we deliver the items to him, we can return and rescue the master…”
However, the woman shook her head, offering no further response.
Bai Lian’er and Bai Hua, the masterminds behind the Spring Breeze Pavilion, had fled the upper realms to fulfill Bai Kun’s mission in the demon realm. Now, they hurried to the area near the sacred mountain, mingling with the throngs of attendees.
The foot of the mountain teemed with geniuses emanating powerful auras, bathed in immortal light, eagerly anticipating the festivities. As the Banquet of Geniuses unfolded, millions of creatures from across the demon world gathered to witness the spectacle, capturing the attention of realms far and wide.
Above the sky, a dazzling array of lights captured everyone’s attention, as a grand path extended from the heavens to the sacred mountain below. Upon it walked four magnificent women, each bearing pen, ink, paper, and inkstone. Their graceful strides resembled those of celestial beings, captivating all who beheld them.
“The four female officials beside Empress Xi Yao.”
“Their presence heralds Her Majesty’s imminent arrival.”
Excitement rippled through the crowd as they recognized the women’s identities. Near the sacred mountain, important officials began to assemble, accompanied by their families and retinues, taking their places in the banquet’s guest area.
Observant attendees noted a significant increase in the demon army’s patrols around the mountain. Vigilant knights scoured the area, swiftly neutralizing any perceived threats. The safety of Her Majesty the Queen remained paramount, despite her formidable cultivation. Caution prevailed in ensuring her security during this momentous occasion.
The arrival of the demon world’s geniuses stirred up a cacophony of excitement, their formidable presence captivating onlookers with resounding voices and eager gazes.
Among them, a woman in a light yellow dress descended at the foot of the sacred mountain, exuding an air of grace and scholarly refinement. She was Song Youwei, the sole daughter of the current Demon Master. Her appearance immediately drew the attention of many, eliciting a range of emotions—awe, admiration, envy, and even fear.
“Demon Master, your daughter’s remarkable presence at such a young age is truly enviable,” remarked the Heavenly King of Peace and Chaos jovially to the Demon Master, maintaining a respectful tone.
The Demon Master smiled gently in response. “You flatter me, Heavenly King. I’ve heard that your third son is also making waves. Despite keeping a low profile for over a decade, he has emerged as a remarkable talent. Youwei has mentioned him on numerous occasions.”
The Heavenly King of Peace and Chaos beamed with pride. He never imagined his seemingly unremarkable third son, whose cultivation was average, would garner such attention. Whether it was due to his discretion or unforeseen opportunities, as long as his son basked in the limelight, he was content.
Moreover, the Heavenly King was intrigued by the budding friendship between Song Youwei and his third son, sensing a potential match between the two. Such an alliance would undoubtedly benefit him greatly.
As the two conversed, a figure descended from the distance, clad in azure attire. With a handsome visage, towering stature, and an air of confidence and aloofness, it was Jun Fan. His gaze swept the surroundings, a faint smile gracing his lips as he whispered inwardly, “Xi Yao, the day has arrived. Are you prepared?”
Suddenly, a resounding roar pierced the sky, reverberating in all directions. Nine auspicious beasts resembling unicorns descended from above, their hooves treading upon the void with the force of wind and thunder.
Trailing behind them, a black jade chariot soared through the sky, emanating an aura of fierce majesty. An imposing army of knights followed suit, some driving chariots while others rode upon fearsome beasts.
“The Queen is here,” someone exclaimed, prompting awe-struck gazes from the assembled crowd as they turned their attention skyward.
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As I’m aware, Gu has no need to kill her and he doesn’t do unnecessary things.
I wonder if this is the recorded future and not the current.
The original Gu did kill his cousin 🤔