I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 403

Chapter 403: The heart of defending people is indispensable. After waiting for a long time, the fish is finally hooked.

“All styles for the entire night,” Empress Xi Yao mused lazily, her voice tinged with doubt. Gu Changge gently ran her fingers through Xi Yao’s hair and replied with a smile, “Why not?”

Xi Yao sighed softly, expressing her unease. “The more I get to know you, the more unsettled I become. Sometimes I wonder if you’re truly just in your twenties.”

If Xi Yao needed someone to rely on now, Gu Changge was undoubtedly her best option. With this in mind, Gu Changge planned to leverage Xi Yao’s influence to mediate in the demon world, a strategy that made perfect sense.

Xi Yao understood that Gu Changge would provide crucial support when needed, but beyond that, she knew better than to expect anything more. It felt more like a transaction.

Gu Changge’s approach wasn’t driven purely by selfishness but rather an extreme rationality that dictated her actions, unaffected by personal emotions. Xi Yao realized there was no point in expecting any emotional depth from her, which left her somewhat disappointed.

For a time, the entire demon world was thrown into turmoil following the attack on Empress Xi Yao. Every day, numerous patrols could be seen around the imperial city, scrutinizing and detaining suspects. Anyone showing the slightest abnormality was swiftly imprisoned in the Heavenly Prison.

The assassination attempt on the queen deeply affected the psyche of many creatures in the demon world. Other domains were equally shaken; in several places, powerful demons saw it as a rare opportunity and began gathering forces to resist.

The once tranquil demon world was now fraught with unrest and instability. Many among the demon populace harbored intense hatred towards the traitors who had targeted Queen Xi Yao, actively hunting down suspicious individuals and reporting them to the authorities.

It was undeniable that over her six thousand years of reign, Empress Xi Yao had garnered widespread support across all ethnic groups in the demon world. “Empress Xi Yao has won the hearts of the people over the years through her dedicated efforts, and many are willing to stand by her.”

Inside the Heavenly King’s Mansion, Jun Fan, dressed in serene blue attire, quietly savored tea in the courtyard. Despite the numerous rumors swirling around, his expression remained placid. He couldn’t help but feel somewhat surprised that instead of rejoicing, the assassination attempt on Empress Xi Yao had sparked anger among many creatures in the demon world.

In Jun Fan’s estimation, this situation underscored Empress Xi Yao’s considerable efforts and strategies in winning the allegiance of her subjects.

Demons were typically known for their cold demeanor; even in the face of personal tragedies, they often remained detached. The current widespread anger was indeed unusual.

“I still haven’t received any news from Uncle Ye. According to reports, he should have escaped from Gu Changge’s grasp.”

“That’s what Gu Changge claimed… but why hasn’t Uncle Ye contacted me yet?” Jun Fan’s brow furrowed, a sense of unease gnawing at him.

Uncle Ye was his greatest reliance, and the Xuan Yang Heavenly Sword he entrusted to him made it highly improbable for anything untoward to happen. Jun Fan refused to believe that Uncle Ye would simply abandon him.

“Perhaps Uncle Ye sustained injuries and is recovering in seclusion. There’s no need to overreact,” Jun Fan reasoned, his mind turning to contemplation. He considered his next steps carefully; abandoning his vendetta against Empress Xi Yao was out of the question.

During this period, Empress Xi Yao’s agents were actively searching for him, narrowing down their focus to the Black and White Academy based on Qingzhu’s movements. This was troubling news for Jun Fan because it meant he would inevitably be discovered. He couldn’t shake the feeling that Gu Changge was somehow aware of his whereabouts.

Later, upon careful reflection, Jun Fan considered Gu Changge’s use of “Jun Bufan” atop the sacred mountain as possibly a lure. While Empress Xi Yao hadn’t initially paid much attention to his reaction, he couldn’t discount the possibility of her reconsidering later.

“This is the only vulnerability I have left. Unless Xi Yao probes my soul, she’ll never uncover my true identity.” Jun Fan found solace in this thought.

As the third son of the Heavenly King of Peace and Chaos, his lineage was prestigious. Moreover, during the recent attack on Empress Xi Yao, both he and his father had valiantly fought, making significant contributions. If Xi Yao were to suspect him and probe his soul without solid evidence, it would send a chill through many, including his father.

To maintain stability, Empress Xi Yao would refrain from targeting him unless she could substantiate her suspicions.

“My father mentioned that some elders would come to deliver something to me, but I don’t know when,” Jun Fan mused, pacing in the courtyard.

During this time, Uncle Ye wasn’t his father’s only supporter. Thus, he needed to prepare contingencies with other allies.

In the palace, the poison that had afflicted Empress Xi Yao was nearing resolution. Seated at the head, she remained engrossed in handling various memorials, accompanied only by three female officials.

“Have you found anything?” she asked casually while skimming through the documents.

“Your Majesty, we have identified all the young talents from the Black and White Academy who had contact with Qingzhu,” Qinglan reported respectfully.

“Is that so? Did Qingzhu interact with the elders back then, or was it confined to the younger generation?” Empress Xi Yao nodded, continuing her inquiries. Yet, Gu Changge’s words from that night echoed in her mind, causing her brow to furrow.

Even if she now knew the identity of Jun Bufan, she was powerless to act—those were Gu Changge’s exact words. At the time, she hadn’t fully grasped their meaning, only speculating that Gu Changge had a hidden agenda he chose not to divulge.

In response, she initiated a sweeping investigation, starting with the creatures near the sacred mountain on that fateful day, eventually narrowing her focus to the Black and White Academy. Consequently, the prime suspects now resided among the younger generation of the demon world, the very individuals she had asserted her trust in before Gu Changge.

Ironically, the culprit seemed to be among those she had vouched for. This irony brought back Gu Changge’s assertion of her innocence at the time.

“Among those identified, there are no older generation elders involved. Qingzhu followed your instructions when she visited the Black and White Academy, and the elders there were unaware of her activities or contacts,” Qinglan replied respectfully.

Empress Xi Yao nodded thoughtfully and gestured with her jade hand, “In that case, continue investigating all the geniuses she had contact with. I refuse to believe there won’t be any leads.”

“Also, provide me with a list of the geniuses who had the most interactions with Qingzhu,” she added, intending to scrutinize them herself.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Qinglan acknowledged promptly.

Soon, a list was presented to her, detailing the notable geniuses of the Black and White Academy, with certain names highlighted.

“Song Youwei, Luo Tian, ​​Ye Geng, Jun Fan, Chen Xiao…” Empress Xi Yao whispered these names softly, her eyes narrowing with a hint of danger.

Since Qingzhu’s betrayal, her memories had sharpened considerably. The geniuses before her were all familiar figures, prominent in the ranks and renowned for their bravery during the recent onslaught of assassins.

Before, she wouldn’t have harbored any suspicions towards them. But now, in her assessment, these individuals seemed the most suspicious, including Song Youwei, despite being a woman.

“Being cautious is crucial. Just as he said, he’ll never fully trust anyone…” Empress Xi Yao murmured to herself, reflecting deeply. “What I see isn’t just their outward appearance.”

She sighed softly, then instructed decisively, “Monitor their every move closely. Whatever they do, I want immediate reports.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Qinglan acknowledged promptly before stepping back.

Empress Xi Yao lapsed into contemplation. With the culprit likely among these individuals, she also needed to consider their families. This included the family of her teacher and most trusted subordinate, the King of Chaos, who commanded formidable forces. If any issues arose involving their children, it would be exceptionally delicate and fraught with repercussions.

“So this is what he meant. Even if I know who Jun Bufan is, I can’t act without solid evidence,” she reflected, recalling Gu Changge’s words once more. A faint, self-deprecating smile touched her lips.

“By the way, the words he spoke atop the sacred mountain, ‘Jun Fan, Jun Bufan,’ surely hold deeper meaning… Is there truly something amiss?” Empress Xi Yao pondered, her brow furrowing. “Jun Fan’s behavior at that time does seem peculiar now that I think about it.”

She couldn’t help but feel a headache coming on as she rubbed her temples. Initially, she hadn’t questioned it, but now she considered it a potential flaw.

“Did he say it casually, or did he know something?” Empress Xi Yao wondered aloud, grappling with uncertainty. In her view, Gu Changge’s methods were no longer just mysterious and unpredictable—they withheld crucial information she sought.

Meanwhile, as Empress Xi Yao’s suspicions swirled around numerous young geniuses, Bai Lian’er, who had faithfully shadowed Gu Changge, finally received crucial information.

“Young master, following your instructions, we’ve been monitoring the vicinity of the Heavenly King’s Mansion. We’ve identified a suspicious couple—they appear to be ordinary farmers, carrying baskets filled with medicinal materials. They set up a stall near the Pingchaan Palace daily,” Bai Lian’er reported.

“The woman is particularly astute. She detects anyone approaching within a hundred paces, so we haven’t acted rashly. Moreover, she seems to be in disguise and appears highly suspicious.”

In the palace, where the aroma of tea lingered amidst swirling mist, Tian Ze stood respectfully behind Gu Changge.

Upon hearing the report, Gu Changge calmly set down his chess piece, a smile playing on his lips. “Excellent work. After all this waiting, our fish has finally taken the bait.”

“It was worth the effort to set this trap for so long,” he continued, confident in his strategy.

Deep down, Gu Changge knew that Bai Lian’er, stationed on the sacred mountain, must have uncovered Jun Bufan’s true identity.

During this period, Empress Xi Yao decided to keep a low profile, waiting for the opportunity to meet him and fulfill her father’s mission. Meanwhile, Gu Changge instructed his people to keep a close watch, anticipating Bai Lian’er falling into the trap he had set. He planned to act swiftly once she did, confident she wouldn’t escape as she had in the ancient city of Northern Marsh.

Observing this, Jiang Luoshen, seated opposite him, expressed some dissatisfaction. “Can’t you play chess with me first?”

“You’re going to lose anyway, so why bother?” Gu Changge replied casually, walking past her without intending to continue their game.

During this time, Jiang Luoshen had grown accustomed to Gu Changge’s nonchalant attitude, though she remained submissive. Yet, in front of others, she maintained her aloof and noble demeanor as the princess of the Supreme God Race and the future Taixu God Emperor.

“No, even if I lose, you have to finish the game with me,” Jiang Luoshen insisted, turning to him with evident displeasure. Finally seeing a chance to win against Gu Changge, she was determined not to let it slip away.

Gu Changge’s smile widened as he remarked, “Who granted you the audacity to speak to me like this? Has someone been overly kind to you these past few days?”

Upon hearing this, Jiang Luoshen gave a cold snort and chose not to press further.

During this period, she had come to understand Gu Changge well. When he needed her, he would shower her with sweet words, but when he didn’t, he desired nothing more than to keep his distance.

Soon after, Gu Changge led a group of formidable warriors towards the vicinity of the Heavenly King’s Mansion. Situated to the east, the mansion was a magnificent complex of palaces and estates. Intricate formations adorned the surroundings, and vibrant clouds billowed overhead, lending it an otherworldly aura akin to a celestial palace grounded in the mortal realm.

To the west of the gate of the Heavenly King’s Mansion lay an expansive street. Flanked by towering palace towers and pavilions shrouded in mist, the area exuded a majestic aura. Numerous shops, restaurants, and gambling stone establishments lined the street, creating a lively atmosphere with cultivators and creatures bustling about.

“Sister Lian’er, we’ve been waiting here for five days. How much longer do we have to stay?” a thin, malnourished man asked in a low voice. He and a woman beside him were selling simple medicinal herbs like Huangjing, Poria, Tianma, and ginseng, still fresh with soil clinging to them.

The woman, her expression indifferent, replied sparingly to the man’s questions, offering only brief responses. Her gaze frequently darted towards the Heavenly King’s Mansion, as if keeping watch for something.

Despite her sackcloth attire, her extraordinary charm was evident. Many passersby, both cultivators and creatures, couldn’t help but glance her way, only to recoil in disgust and nearly vomit. The woman appeared hideously ugly, with a large black spot on her face, mismatched eyes, and a crooked nose. While not terrifying, her appearance was undeniably repulsive.

It was for this reason that their stall had few visitors and remained largely deserted.

“Be patient,” the woman replied coolly. “The demon world is unsettled right now. Moving rashly will definitely arouse Xi Yao’s suspicion and create unnecessary trouble.”

The woman was Bai Lian’er, accompanied by Bai Hua. They had left the vicinity of the Sacred Mountain and were temporarily residing in the imperial capital. After witnessing Jun Bufan’s failed attempt to assassinate Empress Xi Yao, they discreetly departed from the Black and White Academy without attracting attention.

After some discussion, they decided to follow Bai Kun’s instructions and deliver a crucial item to Jun Bufan. However, given the current chaos in the demon world, they opted to bide their time near the Heavenly King’s Mansion, waiting for an opportune moment to approach Jun Bufan.

Bai Hua nodded in agreement. Since arriving in the demon world, Bai Lian’er had taken charge of most matters, while he occasionally assisted with divination and deductions.

“Sister Lian’er, look to the east—it’s Gu… Gu Changge!” Bai Hua’s voice trembled with fear. His sudden exclamation prompted Bai Lian’er, who had been focused on the Heavenly King’s Mansion, to shift her gaze.

She saw a slender, tall man dressed in black, exuding an aura as bright as a young god. He was surrounded by many formidable warriors.

All the cultivators and creatures near the street were in awe, retreating and daring not to block the road.

Bai Lian’er couldn’t help but narrow her eyes.

“What should we do, Sister Lian’er? Why did Gu Changge suddenly appear here?” Bai Hua’s voice trembled with uncontrollable fear. In this world, the person he feared most and least wanted to encounter was undoubtedly Gu Changge.

“Don’t worry, calm down, and don’t show any abnormality,” Bai Lian’er instructed calmly. “Gu Changge appearing here is probably related to his investigation of the Heavenly King’s Mansion. It has nothing to do with us. Don’t be nervous and scare yourself.”

Over the years, Bai Lian’er had managed the Spring Breeze Pavilion and lived a life of seclusion behind the scenes. From her perspective, it was unlikely that Gu Changge knew she was here. She reasoned that he was merely passing through and would eventually head to the Heavenly King’s Mansion to settle matters.

“We just need to stay calm and act naturally,” Bai Lian’er reassured, maintaining her composed demeanor.