I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 402

Chapter 402: I really hate Gu Changge, it’s about what you want and what I want

The sky quaked and the mountains trembled! The rumbling sound echoed as though a thousand troops were thundering towards battle. From beyond the heavens descended the black army, launching their assault in every direction. They were a formidable group, mounted on pure-blooded beasts with scarlet eyes, immense strength, and sleek coats that shimmered with brilliance.

“Attack!”

Receiving urgent news from the palace, this elite troop had swiftly mobilized to the scene. The assassination attempt on Her Majesty the Queen had sent shockwaves through both the court and the opposition, igniting fury among all.

Soon after, the palace forces hastily assembled and teleported to the Black and White Academy. Like a relentless torrent, they encircled and engaged the remaining assassins who had yet to flee. A brutal massacre ensued, punctuated by cries of agony.

The tide had turned, leaving many assassins with no choice but to flee, though their escape was no match for the swift pursuit and relentless attacks of the massive army.

Many witnessed the futility of escape and opted for self-destruction on the spot. Their bodies and spirits were obliterated, blood mist dispersing ruthlessly into the air, leaving no survivors.

“It’s over. These assassins are retreating. They’ve all fled outside.”

“It was almost a disaster. Thanks to Young Master Changge’s restraint of the Night Demon, the consequences could have been unimaginable.”

“Yeah, without Young Master Changge, Her Majesty the Queen would have been furious this time. It’s unbelievable that they had so many methods prepared just to assassinate her, even involving weapons from the Xuan Yang Demon Emperor…”

“That’s an imperial weapon! Thankfully, Young Master Changge still wields the Heavenly Palm Tower, or it would have been difficult to resist.”

Many important officials of the demon clan who witnessed the scene breathed a collective sigh of relief at this moment, their hearts filled with gratitude and emotion. They had sustained injuries in the recent battle, but their foremost concern remained Her Majesty the Queen’s poison. If it proved potent, the demon realm could descend into chaos, sparking widespread panic.

It was likely that many prominent figures were implicated in this attack.

Even a powerhouse as formidable as the Night Demon wielded the Xuan Yang Heavenly Sword. Even in her prime, Her Majesty the Queen would likely struggle to contend with it.

“Hmph, that person fled. He’s a coward who doesn’t dare to face us directly!”

“But Your Majesty is unharmed, so I can rest easy for now.”

From above, the Heavenly King of Chaos, the Demon Master, and others descended. Their bodies were bathed in red, some even revealing bones due to severe injuries. Their opponents were exceptionally strong, with some surpassing their own abilities. If not for their numbers, they might have been defeated and killed already.

Whoosh! Whoosh!

Without time to recover fully, they transformed into divine light and ascended towards the summit of the sacred mountain.

“Thank goodness, we survived, and the assassins have fled.”

Relief washed over the faces of many geniuses as they realized the attack had finally ended. Several collapsed to the ground, supported only by sheer will.

“I failed this time, but there will be another chance.”

Jun Fan closed his eyes, hearing similar sentiments from the other young geniuses around him. He sat cross-legged, focusing on recovering from his injuries. Though he felt deep frustration, no one paid it any heed in the aftermath.

“Your Majesty, are you all right?” Song Youwei, bloodstained, emerged from beneath the sacred mountain and asked respectfully.

“I’m fine…” Queen Xi Yao shook her head.

Standing atop the mountain, she gazed beyond her domain. Despite her considerable power, she couldn’t sense the ongoing battle there. She knew Gu Changge was formidable, yet uncertainty lingered until the outcome was clear. After all, Night Demon was a figure from 6,000 years past, now wielding the nearly invincible Xuan Yang Heavenly Sword.

As Queen Xi Yao pondered, a faint ripple from outside the realm blurred the void before her, and Gu Changge’s figure materialized. He appeared calm, his robes pristine as if untouched by dust.

Empress Xi Yao and Song Youwei were stunned. Seeing Gu Changge so composed seemed unbelievable after witnessing his battle with Night Demon. There was no trace of injury on him, his breathing steady and undisturbed.

If they hadn’t witnessed the fierce confrontation earlier, no one would believe Gu Changge could emerge from such a battle unscathed.

“Thank you, Young Master Changge, for your concern. Are you all right?” Queen Xi Yao asked, respectfully cupping her hands.

Song Youwei also regarded Gu Changge with disbelief. How could he appear so composed right after the battle?

“Of course, I’m fine,” Gu Changge replied casually, waving his hand. Then, with a hint of regret in his tone, he added, “That fellow was cunning and managed to escape suddenly. I was concerned about this side, so I didn’t pursue him. But everything is alright on your end, correct? I believe the assassins have already retreated.”

“The Night Demon escaped?” Song Youwei was taken aback, his admiration for Gu Changge growing.

“Thank you, Young Master Changge, for your concern. I’m fine,” Queen Xi Yao nodded, though she harbored doubts about Gu Changge’s words. She suspected the situation was more complex than he let on.

She believed that Gu Changge likely didn’t let Night Demon escape but had dealt with him decisively. If Night Demon had truly escaped, Gu Changge wouldn’t appear so composed now. She had started to understand him better.

Thus, the Xuan Yang Heavenly Sword must now be in Gu Changge’s possession.

However, since Gu Changge chose not to elaborate, she wisely refrained from asking. She had already accepted a significant favor from him today. Although the Xuan Yang Heavenly Sword was precious, it was likely insignificant to Gu Changge. When the Purple Mansion was destroyed, most of its resources fell into his hands. While one or two imperial weapons might be invaluable to ordinary Daoist sects, Gu Changge possessed even rarer artifacts like the Heavenly Palm Tower.

She was now curious about how Gu Changge had managed to kill Night Demon.

“It’s fine,” Gu Changge said, smiling with apparent concern. Just as Queen Xi Yao suspected, the Xuan Yang Heavenly Sword had indeed fallen into his possession after Night Demon’s death. He had also acquired Night Demon’s supreme origin.

There was no need for him to disclose these details; Queen Xi Yao was astute enough not to inquire further.

Gu Changge’s trip to the demon world, while primarily intended to find the son of the demon emperor and Bai Lian’er, also meant he wouldn’t pass up something like the Supreme origin if it came his way. He didn’t plan to hide the news of Night Demon’s death, but since Night Demon had left no life token or similar marker, spreading the news might cause Jun Bufan to panic. Gu Changge wanted to use Jun Bufan to lure out the bigger players behind the scenes, so he opted not to startle them prematurely.

Given the current situation in the demon world, Queen Xi Yao was merely a pawn, while the real masterminds remained hidden. Even Jun Bufan, despite his role as the son of luck, was just a piece in a larger game. To intervene effectively, Gu Changge needed to draw out these elusive players.

“The real masterminds must be the six demon emperors who vanished. What secrets do they hold?” Gu Changge pondered. These secrets likely involved one of two possibilities: matters pertaining to the demon world or matters concerning the emperors themselves.

“So, it’s either related to the demon world or to their personal ambitions, perhaps involving the world’s luck. Could they be planning to ascend to a higher realm or attack the fairyland?” Gu Changge mused, his interest piqued by the potential revelations.

Afterward, a group of ministers arrived. Seeing that Queen Xi Yao was safe, they expressed their worries and fears while heaving sighs of relief. The attack had shocked many, and they had not yet fully recovered from the ordeal. It was considered a stroke of great luck that Empress Xi Yao survived. Without Gu Changge’s timely arrival in the demon world, Queen Xi Yao might not have been as fortunate.

“I wonder if Her Majesty the Queen has any thoughts on this rebellion?” Gu Changge asked, his gaze shifting to Qingzhu and Jun Bufan. While Jun Bufan maintained his composure, Qingzhu looked noticeably paler and more anxious. Gu Changge didn’t need to say much, as Queen Xi Yao had already discerned the problem.

“Thank you, Young Master Changge, for your earlier warning. My ignorance and arrogance led to betrayal by those close to me,” Queen Xi Yao said, sighing deeply. “Such a thing will never happen again.”

Gu Changge smiled and replied, “Then, Your Majesty must act swiftly, or you might be left without proof.”

“Death without proof?” Queen Xi Yao was momentarily stunned, then understood Gu Changge’s implication, her expression turning colder.

“Come here, bring Qingzhu to me,” she commanded, her voice cold and authoritative.

Gu Changge glanced with interest at Jun Bufan amidst the crowd. True to his reputation as the son of luck, Jun Bufan appeared composed and meticulous in his actions. Gu Changge surmised that Jun Bufan’s calm demeanor stemmed from confidence that Qingzhu wouldn’t expose his true identity, suggesting he had a plan in place.

Indeed, there seemed to be no one alive who could keep secrets as securely as the deceased. However, Gu Changge couldn’t help but wonder: how exactly did Jun Bufan exert control over Qingzhu’s life and death? Was it through a life soul, sorcery, Gu worms, or poison? If Qingzhu was aware of it, controlling her fate with a life soul or demonic arts would be the likely methods.

Typically, the timing of Gu worms or poisons couldn’t be controlled at will, though there were exceptions he wasn’t familiar with, especially concerning Jun Bufan’s ruthlessness.

Upon hearing this, those present were momentarily stunned before grasping the implications. Their expressions shifted abruptly. The Queen had been poisoned, and besides those closest to her, who else could have orchestrated it? And seemingly, it was one of Her Majesty’s trusted female officials, Qingzhu.

Disbelief rippled through the crowd. The four female officials by Queen Xi Yao’s side were her steadfast aides, having served by her side for centuries. Many regarded them as an extension of the Queen herself.

As a result, they realized that Qingzhu, a female official, had indeed betrayed Queen Xi Yao. The revelation was so shocking that disbelief rippled through them.

“What… How is this possible, Qingzhu?” Qingmei, Qinglan, and the others exclaimed, their eyes widening in disbelief. The sisters who had stood by Her Majesty’s side for centuries had actually betrayed her? It seemed inconceivable, like something out of a fantasy.

However, as they observed Qingzhu’s pale and trembling lips, they fell silent. Despite their initial disbelief, they had no choice but to accept the harsh truth.

In the midst of the crowd, Jun Fan maintained a calm exterior, but inside, his heart was in turmoil. According to his initial plan, if the assassination failed, he intended to trigger the poison within Qingzhu to erupt before Queen Xi Yao could uncover the betrayer, thereby annihilating her both physically and spiritually, erasing all evidence.

However, he had anticipated this process would take time. He doubted Queen Xi Yao would swiftly identify the traitor; he expected an investigation process. Yet, to his astonishment, Queen Xi Yao seemed to have deduced the betrayer’s identity almost immediately. As for Qingzhu, her demeanor practically confirmed her guilt, displaying the telltale signs of betrayal on her face.

“This exceeds my expectations. I overestimated Qingzhu and underestimated Xi Yao…” Jun Fan frowned. Fortunately, the poison he had administered earlier was no ordinary toxin; he retained control over its effects. If the situation deteriorated, he could reluctantly induce the poison’s eruption within Qingzhu’s body to prevent her from exposing his identity. The thought brought him some measure of relief.

“And it’s Gu Changge again. If he hadn’t intervened just now, none of this would have happened. I have no personal grudge against him, but he has repeatedly thwarted my plans…” Jun Fan’s expression darkened as he glanced at Gu Changge.

At that moment, everyone watched in silence as Qingzhu was escorted to the front of Empress Xi Yao. Her face was pale, lips trembling, and her entire body radiated fear and trepidation.

“I’ve asked myself if I treated you poorly. Seven hundred years ago, you were just an ordinary girl, nearly consumed by a bull demon. I rescued you and brought you back to the palace…” Queen Xi Yao’s voice remained calm, devoid of fluctuating emotions or anger. She didn’t demand an explanation for Qingzhu’s betrayal; instead, she spoke casually of their shared history.

In her eyes, Qingzhu had evolved from an ordinary girl with minimal spiritual energy, nurtured and transformed over time into the person she had become today. Though Qingzhu was a female official, the bond they shared transcended mere duty; it resembled more the relationship of a guardian watching a child grow.

The betrayal cut deeper than mere emotional pain could describe.

Upon hearing Queen Xi Yao’s words, everyone present fell into silence.

“How could Qingzhu, a female official, betray Her Majesty the Queen…”

“Why?” Song Youwei muttered, finding the scene surreal.

Among the onlookers, Jun Fan couldn’t help but feel a hint of satisfaction. Wasn’t this the same satisfaction he had felt when Queen Xi Yao had betrayed him? Perhaps all of this was simply Queen Xi Yao reaping what she had sown.

“Your Majesty, please kill me. I have betrayed you, and I am deeply sorry,” Qingzhu pleaded, falling to the ground with a pained expression.

“Kill you?” Empress Xi Yao turned to Qingzhu, her eyes betraying an inexplicable emotion.

In truth, after questioning Qingzhu that night, Empress Xi Yao should have been more vigilant. Initially, she had dismissed the matter, believing Qingzhu would unquestioningly follow her orders. However, she had overestimated Qingzhu’s loyalty.

“Kill me, Your Majesty, I’m sorry for you. I shouldn’t have poisoned your meal,” Qingzhu pleaded, her expression filled with agony as she knelt before Empress Xi Yao.

Empress Xi Yao shook her head gently. “Tell me, who orchestrated this? You weren’t the only one who poisoned me. There was another toxin in the imperial wine, and only their combination would trigger the explosion.”

Qingzhu shook her head vehemently. “Your Majesty, please just kill me. I cannot say.”

“Foolish,” Empress Xi Yao frowned. She hadn’t anticipated Qingzhu’s continued loyalty to the mastermind behind the poisoning.

“I think, Your Majesty, instead of questioning her, it would be quicker to directly search her soul,” Gu Changge interjected suddenly, his smile hinting at his understanding of Empress Xi Yao’s soft-hearted nature. As queen, she couldn’t afford to be lenient on such matters.

Jun Fan’s complexion shifted slightly at Gu Changge’s words, harboring resentment towards him. Empress Xi Yao glanced briefly at Gu Changge, then nodded resolutely. “Young Master Changge is correct. Since you refuse to speak, Qingzhu, I have no choice but to order a soul-search.”

Empress Xi Yao hadn’t anticipated being pushed to this extent by Gu Changge, but once the suggestion was made, she couldn’t find a reason to refuse.

“A soft heart shouldn’t be something she should have,” Gu Changge remarked quietly, his tone tinged with disdain.

“Your Majesty, I…” Qingzhu’s voice faltered, her expression pale and terrified. She understood all too well what a soul-search entailed. It was a form of torture she dreaded, one that would inevitably expose her secrets with Jun Fan.

“In fact, the Night Demon approached me and asked for my cooperation…” She began, still grasping at a faint hope that Jun Fan might intervene, concocting a story to buy time and evade the impending truth.

“How foolish,” Gu Changge scoffed, his smile carrying a hint of mockery. “Even now, you refuse to speak the truth and continue to deceive me.”

“Silence!” Empress Xi Yao’s voice turned cold, her patience wearing thin. Unaware of Qingzhu’s desperate plan, she felt a mix of anger and icy resolve.

Suddenly, Qingzhu’s eyes widened in disbelief, and black blood gushed from the corner of her mouth. She seemed unable to comprehend the reality unfolding before her. Desperately, she turned her head as if seeking something, but the light in her eyes dimmed and she vanished on the spot.

“It’s not a suicide out of fear of punishment; it seems the mastermind left an escape route,” Gu Changge remarked, observing the unfolding scene with a knowing expression.

“The person who orchestrated Qingzhu’s actions must be in the vicinity of this sacred mountain, not far away,” Empress Xi Yao responded, her expression unchanged. Qingzhu’s choice meant she had committed to it fully. Now, with the suspicions raised among those present and Qingzhu’s previous contacts, narrowing down the search for the culprit seemed plausible.

Gu Changge smiled confidently. “Indeed, Your Majesty, I believe you will apprehend the mastermind behind this.”

Qingzhu’s death had been anticipated by Gu Changge. He knew Jun Bufan would prevent any soul-searching to avoid exposing his identity. For now, Gu Changge refrained from revealing Jun Bufan’s involvement, awaiting the opportunity to draw out Bai Lian’er with the items potentially revealing the whereabouts of the demon world’s six emperors.

Jun Fan observed the situation calmly, his thoughts settling. While the immediate problem had been resolved, he acknowledged there were still lingering issues to address in the future.

Soon, news of the events at the sacred mountain of the Black and White Academy spread throughout the demon world, reaching even the ears of many cultivators in the upper realms.

This attack marked the largest scale disturbance in six thousand years. It featured a Supreme Realm powerhouse wielding the formidable Xuan Yang Heavenly Sword once held by the Xuan Yang Demon Emperor. Alongside them were numerous assassins ranging from quasi-supreme to great sacred realm, displaying monstrous strength.

Many prominent demon clans suffered significant losses in the assault. Even their loyal followers erupted in betrayal and violence. Numerous young prodigies also fell victim to the brutal onslaught of assassins.

The most shocking revelation was the attempt on Queen Xi Yao’s life, orchestrated by someone close who poisoned her meal. Although the perpetrator met their end, the repercussions persisted.

Empress Xi Yao launched a thorough investigation into her inner circle, purging the entire court. None of the officials responsible for the imperial wine were spared; regardless of their motives, they faced execution.

The entire demon world plunged into a bloody upheaval, with many prominent clans fearing Empress Xi Yao’s sudden retribution. Amidst the aftermath of the rebellion, some faced execution while others were rewarded.

The King of Chaos, Demon Emperor, and their allies were hailed for their bravery in quelling the rebellion. Empress Xi Yao generously rewarded them with treasures and sacred objects. Likewise, many young geniuses gained fame and substantial rewards for their roles in protecting the queen.

Having purged her court, Empress Xi Yao directed efforts towards tracking Jun Bufan’s whereabouts. She meticulously investigated Qingzhu’s movements, seeking any leads. A shift in perspective revealed critical insights; if Jun Bufan had reincarnated from a remnant soul, he likely had relatives in this life. Her previous oversight now cast suspicion on familiar faces who may be his accomplices or kept in the dark.

With determination, Empress Xi Yao believed it was only a matter of time before she located him. Meanwhile, she fulfilled her promise to Gu Changge, divulging truths about events spanning over 6,000 years. Managing these affairs left her profoundly fatigued.

Fortunately, the poison had not been severe. After several days of treatment by numerous physicians, its effects began to diminish, and her strength gradually returned.

Now, in the palace, Queen Xi Yao luxuriated in a bluestone bath filled with steaming water vapors and floating petals. Her exquisitely beautiful form seemed like the embodiment of the finest immortal jade, her blue silk hair cascading loosely as she half-closed her eyes and murmured softly to herself.

“Was your assistance genuinely for my sake, or merely a transaction between us?”

“If I had declined then, would I be in this moment now?”

She couldn’t quite articulate it.

Gu Changge had always been an enigma to her.

The perfection he projected was just one facet he chose to reveal to others.

Initially, she had seen Gu Changge as a younger counterpart with whom she could converse openly—a confidant, even. He seemed to understand her many aspirations and the altruistic efforts she dedicated to the demon world.

However, as she got to know him better, she realized that every word and deed of Gu Changge carried profound intent. Such a person was undoubtedly someone she could depend on, as long as she served a purpose to him.

If there was no utility or value, Gu Changge could ruthlessly sever their dependency at any moment. He meticulously curated an image that appeared flawless and almost surreal, revealing only what he wanted others to perceive.

“You shouldn’t dwell on ‘ifs’ like that. There are no guarantees in this world,” Gu Changge remarked casually, his voice muffled slightly by the white jade wine glass he raised to his lips. He took a sip, exuding calmness as he smiled.

“Besides, what matters is what you desire and what I desire.”

“Do you not agree, Your Majesty?”

Outside the bath, a curtain hung, separating them from the rest of the room. Hearing his words, Empress Xi Yao nodded thoughtfully. With a rustle of movement, she rose from the bath and walked gracefully toward him.