I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 397
Chapter 397: Oh no, I confused the two names, I’ll wait and see
Upon hearing this, Empress Xi Yao snapped back to reality, her gaze drifting downward to the man in blue before her. A faint frown creased her brow as she extended her hand, introducing him, “This gentleman is Jun Fan, third son of the King of Chaos. Here in the demon world, he shines as a remarkable prodigy.”
“However, he’s been concealed by the King of Chaos for several years, only recently surfacing,” she continued.
As the queen of the demon realm, her gaze traversed the surroundings, familiar with numerous young prodigies. Figures like Song Youwei and Jun Fan had long captured her attention. In fact, the inception of the Black and White Academy was partly to recruit such talents for her own purposes.
If all went according to plan, Jun Fan would undoubtedly secure a top spot in today’s Banquet of Geniuses. The thought left her in high spirits; rare was it to encounter such a promising talent destined for greatness in the demon world.
Caught up in the moment, Gu Changge chimed in with intrigue, “The King of Chaos’s third son, Jun Fan? The name carries a certain significance, doesn’t it?”
“What connection does it hold with Jun Bufan?” Qingzhu, standing behind Empress Xi Yao with her head bowed, paled at the mention, though her lowered gaze concealed her reaction from view.
Empress Xi Yao glanced toward Jun Fan at the mountain’s base, nodding thoughtfully as she remarked, “I must admit, I was taken aback when I learned of all this. However, the King of Chaos is someone I’ve personally selected, and I’m well aware of his lineage, so I’m not overly concerned.”
The King of Peace and Chaos was a figure she knew intimately, leaving her with no doubt regarding this seemingly identical heir’s identity. Moreover, Jun Fan’s cultivation prowess was truly remarkable, stirring within her a sense of appreciation for his talent.
Sensing Gu Changge’s lingering suspicion, Empress Xi Yao elaborated, “I have complete trust in his origins.”
Gu Changge offered a knowing smile before continuing, “It’s becoming evident that this man named Jun Fan possesses an extraordinary caliber. His strength seems to surpass that of his peers by a considerable margin. Both Jun Fan and Youwei have left me pleasantly surprised.”
Empress Xi Yao returned the smile, her gaze shifting to another equally impressive figure, Song Youwei. Despite trailing slightly behind Jun Fan, her ascent was steady, exuding an air of ease and scholarly refinement. It was evident that she wasn’t exerting her full potential, effortlessly outpacing her competitors with a grace that commanded respect.
As other contenders faltered in their attempts to challenge her, it became increasingly clear that Song Youwei’s strength was not to be underestimated.
“I see more than just surprises…” Gu Changge’s eyes gleamed with a keen interest, hinting at something deeper.
Near the sacred mountain, spectators were captivated by the unfolding spectacle, their hearts brimming with admiration. Among them, the King of Chaos, Jun Fan’s father, wore a proud expression, utterly delighted by his son’s remarkable display. Watching Jun Fan ascend the steps with unwavering determination, surpassing his peers effortlessly, filled him with immense joy. Many of the demon world’s brightest talents found themselves overshadowed by Jun Fan’s prowess, a fact that filled the King of Chaos with pride. The praises and envious murmurs from his peers only added to his elation.
“Fan Er truly exceeds my expectations!” he exclaimed inwardly, his elder son and second daughter sharing in his joy, their faces radiant with pride.
“Sister Lian’er, you were right about that young man,” Bai Hua whispered to Bai Lian’er amidst the crowd, his expression awash with astonishment.
Bai Lian’er remained composed, affirming, “There’s no mistaking it. He’s the one we’ve been seeking. There’s no one else in the younger generation of the demon world with such formidable strength.”
Bai Hua’s expression flickered, reflecting the gravity of their discovery.
“Then why is he still ascending the sacred mountain at a time like this? Logically, isn’t Empress Xi Yao the person he despises most? Why would he persist like this?” Bai Hua questioned, his disbelief evident.
“Could it be that he fears Empress Xi Yao will uncover his identity?” he mused aloud, struggling to comprehend Jun Fan’s motives.
Bai Lian’er responded calmly, “He simply seeks validation. Even if he were to rise from the dead, his excellence would remain unparalleled…”
“From love to hatred, he’s now consumed by resentment and fury, poised for revenge against Xi Yao.”
Yet, beneath her words lingered a hint of derision and disdain. Having spent years alongside Jun Bufan, she understood his character all too well.
Bai Hua listened intently, then inquired, “So, Sister Lian’er, should we still entrust him with our task, as Master instructed?”
Bai Lian’er hesitated, uncertainty clouding her features. Her gaze drifted to Gu Changge atop the sacred mountain, engaged in light-hearted conversation with Empress Xi Yao, a figure she couldn’t quite decipher.
As for Gu Changge’s sudden appearance in the demon world, she suspected it was either because of her or the object in her possession. After all, her father had fallen into Gu Changge’s hands; with his resources, extracting information would be effortless.
The timing seemed too perfect—she arrived in the demon world, and Gu Changge followed suit.
Now she found herself torn between two options. One was to fulfill her father’s request and hand over the bag to Jun Bufan. The other was to seek out Gu Changge, strike a deal with him to secure her father’s release, and surrender the bag in exchange.
Yet, her heart was entangled in uncertainty. Could she truly trust Gu Changge? If she dared to believe in him, she would opt to give him the bag, hoping it would ensure her father’s safety.
As for Jun Bufan, he was now practically a stranger to her. Once, they had grown up almost like siblings, their bond akin to that of true brothers and sisters. But everything changed after encountering Xi Yao.
She had harbored grand aspirations for Jun Bufan, envisioning him as a future demon emperor akin to Xuan Yang. She wished for his reign to span all directions. However, Jun Bufan’s actions had deeply wounded her. Despite her repeated warnings about Xi Yao’s true nature, he remained steadfast in his love, meeting his demise as expected.
During that time, Jun Bufan had even stooped to maliciously slandering Xi Yao due to her affairs. The instances were countless.
In the end, she, who had cared for Jun Bufan the most, found herself becoming the person he despised above all others. Reflecting on this, Bai Lian’er couldn’t help but feel a tinge of self-ridicule curling the corners of her lips. How foolish she had been in the past! Now, she wished she could turn back time and strangle her naïve self to spare her from this anguish. If it weren’t for her father’s final request, she would never have agreed to this ordeal.
Amidst the shifting emotions of those gathered, atop the sacred mountain, Jun Fan’s form radiated with an otherworldly glow as intricate runes danced around him. With each step, anticipation mounted until he reached the final ascent. A resounding hum filled the air as he completed the one hundred and eight steps.
In that moment, a spectacular brilliance erupted, bathing the surroundings in a cascade of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple hues. The dazzling display of light interwoven with colorful clouds marked his triumphant claim to first place.
A sensation rippled through the onlookers, evoking a chorus of awe and admiration. All eyes were fixed on the man in blue ascending the sacred mountain, their expressions a mix of wonder, reverence, and envy.
“It’s him!”
“The King of Chaos’s third son—has he shattered records spanning thousands of years with such speed?”
“Incredible! His strength is unparalleled, leaving all others in his wake!”
“To think even Song Youwei, the Demon Master’s sole daughter, trails behind him…”
The crowd watched in stunned silence, realizing that at the Banquet of Geniuses, someone had indeed broken a six-thousand-year-old record. Today’s events would undoubtedly send shockwaves throughout the demon world.
“Breaking the record…”
Even Empress Xi Yao couldn’t conceal her rare smile as she watched Jun Fan approach. His talent was truly exceptional, surprising even her.
Gu Changge, on the other hand, remained impassive, his interest piqued. The higher Jun Fan rose, the harder he would fall when the time came.
Jun Fan’s expression remained neither humble nor arrogant as he swiftly reached the summit of the sacred mountain. Yet, inwardly, a sense of gloom settled over him as he glanced at Empress Xi Yao and Gu Changge seated before him.
Moments ago, as he neared the mountaintop, he had observed their interaction, noting the seemingly cordial conversation between Gu Changge and Empress Xi Yao. Although their exchange lacked any overt familiarity or indiscretion, it still left him uneasy. In response, he unveiled his true cultivation, shattering the Banquet of Geniuses record in one fell swoop.
Now, the spotlight was momentarily on him, yet he maintained a semblance of humility as he approached.
“You are Jun Bufan, correct?” Gu Changge’s voice, filled with a smile, shattered Jun Fan’s thoughts, sending shockwaves through his mind.
His thoughts buzzed like a tempest, reeling from the unexpected blow. His features twitched slightly, instinctively tensing as he prepared to shatter the jade talisman hidden in his sleeve, signaling his hidden subordinates to strike.
He couldn’t believe it.
Gu Changge’s sudden recognition of Jun Fan’s identity left him baffled. Could Qingzhu have betrayed him, revealing the truth to Gu Changge?
“Oh, my apologies. Your name is Jun Fan, I mistook it for another,” Gu Changge’s voice came again from the front, tinged with surprise and a hint of apology.
Jun Fan’s mind raced with various possibilities, his nerves still on edge as he contemplated making a move.
But Gu Changge’s unexpected clarification brought a momentary sense of relief, albeit tinged with surprise. His earlier tension had been unnecessary, he realized.
Jun Fan couldn’t shake the feeling that his reaction might have seemed abnormal. He wasn’t accustomed to such nerves, especially not in front of Empress Xi Yao.
Regaining his composure, Jun Fan greeted both Gu Changge and the queen respectfully, slipping back into his natural demeanor.
Gu Changge regarded him with an inscrutable expression, offering a smile as he remarked, “Please, there’s no need for such formality. Witnessing your talent today has truly opened my eyes, making this journey worthwhile.”
Jun Fan responded with neither arrogance nor false humility, saying, “You flatter me, Young Master Changge. In your presence, I hardly qualify as a genius.”
Empress Xi Yao observed the exchange with a puzzled expression, unsure why Gu Changge had referred to Jun Fan as Jun Bufan moments ago. Was it a jest gone awry?
Observing Jun Fan’s slightly altered and suddenly nervous demeanor, Empress Xi Yao couldn’t help but feel a twinge of unease. Despite Jun Fan’s reaction appearing normal to her, she couldn’t shake the strange feeling in her heart.
In her estimation, anyone familiar with Jun Bufan would understand the significance of his name. Thus, it was only natural for Jun Fan to react with panic upon hearing Gu Changge’s unexpected proclamation. She reasoned that Jun Fan might have perceived no harm in displaying such emotion given the circumstances.
Addressing Gu Changge with a gentle smile, Empress Xi Yao interjected, “Young Master Changge, there’s no need to startle him.” Her demeanor softened further as she motioned for a female officer to provide Jun Fan with a seat.
Jun Fan’s eyelids flickered with gratitude as he accepted the offered seat, his gaze scrutinizing Empress Xi Yao’s every gesture and expression. Gradually, his racing heart began to settle.
The intensity of Empress Xi Yao’s gaze as she glanced at Gu Changge moments earlier left an indelible impression on Jun Fan. He couldn’t fathom it. How could Xi Yao, now the queen of the demon world, display such an intimate expression toward a man?
Lost in contemplation, Jun Fan’s restlessness only grew. He found himself pondering Gu Changge’s intentions—was it truly a misunderstanding, or did it betray a hint of ill taste, or perhaps something else entirely?
His gaze then flickered towards Qing Zhu, pondering whether she held any clues to unraveling this enigma.
Seeing Qingzhu subtly shake her head at him, Jun Fan took it as a sign that there was nothing amiss, allowing himself to exhale a breath of relief. It appeared that Empress Xi Yao hadn’t detected anything out of the ordinary.
Despite feeling unsettled by the conversation between Empress Xi Yao and Gu Changge, Jun Fan maintained his composure, concealing any hint of distress. Their dialogue, he noted, carried a familiarity typically reserved for close acquaintances. This stark departure from Empress Xi Yao’s usual demeanor—a stark contrast to her usual dignified and aloof manner—unsettled him further.
Taking a deep breath, Jun Fan quickly composed himself, mindful of the proverbial “small leak sinking a great ship.”
Before long, several figures ascended the white jade ladder, each a young genius boasting formidable cultivation and talent, among them Song Youwei. Jun Fan’s unprecedented feat of breaking the Banquet of Geniuses’ six-thousand-year record stirred a mix of awe, envy, and resentment in their hearts.
However, in the presence of Empress Xi Yao, they dared not voice their discontent. After exchanging greetings, they settled into their seats, anticipating the queen’s personal bestowal of royal wine and the palace’s signature spiritual delicacies, brimming with unfathomable energy and profound rhythmic essence.
In addition to the royal wine, the spiritual delicacies served at the Banquet of Geniuses held sacred significance, coveted treasures that remained beyond the reach of ordinary practitioners. These delicacies held immeasurable value, capable of facilitating breakthroughs in cultivation.
However, with only 108 seats available at the banquet, competition among the tens of thousands of geniuses was fierce. Only the top 108 individuals were deemed worthy of a seat, further underscoring the event’s prestige and exclusivity.
“The display of strength by Brother Jun Fan today truly astonished Youwei,” Song Youwei remarked, her gaze directed towards Jun Fan with genuine surprise.
Jun Fan responded with a smile, “Indeed, this is a rare opportunity to showcase one’s prowess in the presence of Her Majesty the Queen. Naturally, I must seize it.”
His words resonated with many of the attending geniuses, who turned their attention towards Empress Xi Yao with admiration and longing. Despite the chaotic mist veiling her features, her mere presence exuded a captivating allure that left them entranced.
Satisfied with Jun Fan’s response, Song Youwei didn’t press further, though she couldn’t shake the feeling that the Jun Fan she witnessed today bore subtle differences from the one she had known in the past.
In the past, Jun Fan would have operated with discretion, preferring to scheme and make his moves covertly. However, Song Youwei didn’t dwell on this observation. After all, they were at the Banquet of Geniuses—a platform where seizing opportunities to gain fame and recognition was paramount for any young aspirant.
Before long, all 108 seats atop the sacred mountain were occupied, each occupant casting a respectful gaze towards Empress Xi Yao who held the prime position.
“The banquet is full; let us proceed,” Empress Xi Yao announced, rising from her seat. Her eyes swept across the assembly before settling briefly on Jun Fan, Song Youwei, and the others, her expression light and composed.
As the other geniuses attempted to catch up, a female official above declared the conclusion of the ceremony, prompting them to depart with a sense of disappointment and regret.
Meanwhile, observers from the demon world, including numerous prominent figures, watched eagerly from nearby mountains, their eyes filled with envy. Though they merely observed the ceremony, they could sense the abundance of treasures and opportunities contained within the Banquet of Geniuses.
With three resounding bell tolls echoing across the vicinity, the Banquet of Geniuses officially commenced. Throughout the banquet, a procession of radiant, shimmering spiritual delicacies was brought forth by numerous maids.
The air was filled with a fragrant aroma imbued with unimaginable divine essence, causing pores to dilate in anticipation.
The initial offering was a selection of spiritual foods crafted from the meat of various formidable beasts, enhanced with potent spiritual herbs, promising remarkable effects.
As many geniuses took their first bite, blood erupted from their pores, forming a crimson mist that hung in the air. The aura’s power surged like a mighty river, prompting them to swiftly meditate and refine the energy on the spot, leaving no trace to waste.
Jun Fan monitored Empress Xi Yao’s actions closely, noting her cautious approach of having a female officer test the food for poison before partaking herself. While not surprising, it demonstrated her meticulous nature.
However, these were but minor details compared to the main event yet to unfold.
“The Banquet of Geniuses comprises three feasts: a meat feast, a fruit feast, and finally, a wine feast,” Empress Xi Yao explained with a slight smile from her seat at the pinnacle.
Gu Changge nodded in understanding, expressing admiration, “These meat dishes are extraordinary, containing unparalleled energy and blessings. While refining them under normal circumstances would be challenging, their preparation renders them gentle.”
He sampled a few mouthfuls without concern for potential poison, confident in the safety of the meats.
Even the most potent poisons in the world were inconsequential compared to the ability to refine and ingest them at will, a testament to the geniuses’ formidable capabilities.
As the first meat feast unfolded, many young prodigies found themselves overwhelmed, opting to sit cross-legged and refine the energies rather than continue indulging. They knew that to absorb such profound creation energies alone was beyond their current capacity, risking missing out on the subsequent fruit and wine feasts.
Soon, the second fruit feast commenced, presenting an array of crystal-clear spiritual fruits imbued with myriad rhymes. Their varied shapes and ethereal glow, some enveloped in divine light with intricate lines etched upon their surface, stirred the hearts of the Tianjiao present, rendering them unable to contain their excitement.
Even distant observers, high-ranking figures included, watched with envy and longing, eager to partake in the banquet themselves.
“It seems Her Majesty the Queen spared no expense in preparing this Banquet of Geniuses, even offering the Bodhi Dao Fruit,” remarked one observer.
“Obtaining so many at once must have required considerable effort, even for the Imperial Palace,” another added wistfully.
Their sentiments were echoed by many, for even individuals of their stature coveted the Bodhi Dao Fruit with great fervor.
The Bodhi Dao Fruit held the promise of breakthroughs, capable of propelling individuals past their current limitations and into new realms of understanding. The fact that Empress Xi Yao had offered such a coveted treasure at the banquet left the attendees thoroughly astonished.
Without hesitation, many geniuses eagerly seized the opportunity, grasping the Bodhi Dao Fruit and promptly beginning the process of refinement. Even Song Youwei, known for her confidence, handled the fruit with rare caution.
Jun Fan, however, remained composed, swiftly consuming the fruit without drawing attention to himself.
As the fragrance of the fruit filled the air and the surroundings were bathed in interwoven rays of light, echoing with the resonance of Tao from all directions, Gu Changge couldn’t contain his curiosity.
“After the meat and fruit feasts, the main event is the wine feast, correct?” he inquired, observing the geniuses who had entered states of epiphany.
Empress Xi Yao confirmed with a mysterious smile, “Indeed. I have been preparing for this banquet for quite some time.”
Gu Changge regarded her with an enigmatic smile of his own, remarking, “Then I eagerly await what is to come.”
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