I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 407

Chapter 407: Fits a flawless image, old acquaintance meets

The pavilion stood magnificently amidst lingering immortal mist, where many graceful demon women danced with beauty and grace. The scent of tea permeated the air, soothing every pore, transforming the space into an elegant chamber.

Seated elegantly in a green robe, a woman crossed her legs, revealing slender limbs under the fabric, flawless and delicate. Her beauty was striking, with a powdered face, delicate features, and skin like porcelain, her hair cascading like clouds.

Despite the loose robe, her tall, graceful figure was unmistakable. Across from her, a young man sat casually, his expression easy-going with a warm smile, akin to a gentle spring breeze. Secretly, many dancers glanced over with envy and admiration in their eyes.

“This is the tea I just brewed. What do you think, Young Master Changge?” Jun Yao’s demeanor showed a hint of shyness, a stark contrast to her usual confident exterior in front of others. Those who knew her well, like Jun Fan, would find this transformation surprising and incredible.

Upon hearing this, Gu Changge lifted the white jade teacup, took a sip, and couldn’t help but praise, “As expected of Miss Jun Yao. This tea is truly unique.”

“Bitterness mellows into sweetness, revealing the intricate emotions and desires of all beings upon careful tasting. It’s truly remarkable.”

Gu Changge’s words filled Jun Yao with joy and deepened her shy smile even further.

“Young Master Changge, you’ve praised me too much. I’m glad you enjoy it,” she said, nervously pinching the corner of her skirt, betraying her outward calmness.

Preparing for today’s meeting with Gu Changge had taken Jun Yao three days and left her sleep-deprived. She had dressed meticulously, her makeup delicately enhancing her beauty without sacrificing her ladylike aura.

“I’m glad you like it. I didn’t expect that on my journey to the demon world, I’d encounter Miss Jun Yao’s tea art. It’s a stroke of luck for me,” Gu Changge remarked with a smile. “I had heard of Miss Jun Yao’s skill in tea before, but experiencing it firsthand today confirms its excellence.”

“Young Master Changge, your praise is too kind. I’ve simply had a lifelong passion for these pursuits, though some remain informal,” Jun Yao modestly replied. She waved off his compliments, saying, “There are many masters of tea far more skilled than I.”

Gu Changge shook his head, looking directly at her. “Miss Jun Yao, why should you downplay your talents? Throughout history, pursuits like Taoism, the art of tea, painting, chess… These are all profound paths deserving of recognition.”

“In my view, Miss Jun Yao’s tea art deserves a prominent place in the future,” he concluded.

Jun Yao felt a mix of embarrassment at being praised so highly and joy at his sincere appreciation. While she typically brushed off flattery from other young talents, Gu Changge’s words genuinely delighted her today.

After chatting for a while, Gu Changge suddenly recalled something, made a polite excuse, and hinted at leaving.

“If Young Master Changge enjoys it, Jun Yao will gladly prepare tea for you every day. Whenever you have the time, feel free to visit…” Jun Yao’s words trailed off as she spoke, torn between reluctance to see him go and the realization of how privileged she was to share this moment with him.

However, in a rare surge of courage, she blurted out her invitation to Gu Changge. As the words left her lips, a blush crept onto Jun Yao’s face, her heart racing with newfound boldness.

Gu Changge appeared slightly taken aback at first, then smiled warmly. “In that case, I’ll gladly accept Miss Jun Yao’s invitation,” he replied graciously.

With that, he left the attic swiftly, his figure fading into the distance.

“Young Master Changge, take care,” Jun Yao managed to stammer out, her voice trembling slightly. She had never imagined she would have the opportunity to converse with Gu Changge, let alone sit across from him in such a casual setting.

Even after Gu Changge departed, Jun Yao remained in a dreamlike state, her heart still fluttering with excitement, savoring the surreal encounter.

Jun Yao had initially anticipated Gu Changge’s rejection, expecting him to dismiss her invitation. Yet, to her surprise and delight, he had accepted.

“However, did Young Master Changge agree, or did he refuse…” Jun Yao’s brows furrowed, her heart torn between joy and uncertainty. She feared that this newfound happiness might dissolve into mere fantasy.

Over the next few days, Gu Changge visited her occasionally, ostensibly to discuss tea art and related topics. Jun Yao, unable to contain her happiness, eagerly welcomed his visits, finding herself hopeful at times that there might be something more.

In Jun Yao’s eyes, Gu Changge’s demeanor was remarkably graceful and approachable, far from the aloofness often associated with someone of his status. This portrayal aligned perfectly with the flawless image she held of him.

Her feelings grew stronger with each interaction. If her father and younger brother, Jun Fan, hadn’t been away with the army, she would have eagerly shared her newfound joy with them.

“Given Jun Yao’s luck, she stands out from the rest of the Jun family,” she mused to herself. “Surely Jun Fan must take his younger sister seriously.”

Unbeknownst to Jun Yao, Gu Changge harbored no romantic intentions towards her; at most, he saw her as a means to gauge Jun Fan’s character. To ordinary people, she might be considered a celestial goddess with high standards and pride, making her elusive and desirable. He simply aimed to fulfill the beautiful fantasies she held in her heart.

Jun Yao seemed to possess more luck than Qingzhu in Gu Changge’s view, likely due to her close relationship with Jun Fan. Even the King of Chaos, Jun Fan’s father in this life, didn’t seem to have as much luck, indicating Jun Fan’s stronger bond with Jun Yao than with his own father, the King of Chaos.

Meanwhile, in the days following the assassination attempt on Empress Xi Yao, the demon world gradually settled back into calmness. Empress Xi Yao tightened her grip on her surroundings, purging both upper and lower echelons of the imperial court. Despite initial turmoil, the situation gradually stabilized.

The great families of the demon world now lived in fear of Empress Xi Yao’s scrutiny, their respect for her deepened by her connection with Gu Changge.

“Have you been avoiding me?” Gu Changge’s voice suddenly broke the silence in the palace as Empress Xi Yao processed a memorial.

She looked up, surprised to find Gu Changge standing before her. His arrival seemed almost ethereal, devoid of any preceding indication. If he hadn’t spoken, she might not have noticed his presence at all.

“Greetings, Young Master Changge,” Qingmei, Qinglan, and the others hurriedly greeted him, their gazes deferential as they bowed their heads respectfully.

“I’ve been quite occupied lately. Have you felt neglected?” Gu Changge inquired casually, his eyes shifting to Empress Xi Yao.

Empress Xi Yao glanced up briefly, momentarily taken aback before regaining her composure and returning her focus to the memorial in her hand.

“With Her Majesty the Queen being so busy, if you don’t come to see me, I have no choice but to come find you,” Gu Changge remarked with a smile, dismissing Qingmei, Qinglan, and the others with a wave of his hand.

Empress Xi Yao felt uneasy under his scrutiny. Though they shared an intimate relationship, she couldn’t shake the feeling that Gu Changge’s actions were calculated rather than genuine, leaving her uncomfortable and at a loss for words. Her deliberate avoidance of him had been intended to maintain distance, yet his unexpected visit today caught her off guard.

“What brings you here?” she asked, her gaze still fixed on the memorial.

Gu Changge looked down at her delicate, swan-like neck, smiling gently as he leaned closer and wrapped an arm around her. “Am I not here to help you resolve your troubles?”

“Troubles?” Empress Xi Yao’s body stiffened briefly, but she quickly composed herself, meeting his gaze knowingly.

“Indeed,” Gu Changge affirmed with a smile.

“Are you certain that Jun Fan is Jun Bufan?” Empress Xi Yao turned her head slightly to glance at Gu Changge, then relaxed naturally into his embrace. She had harbored suspicions for some time but found no evidence to confirm them. She believed Gu Changge must know something but had never disclosed it to her. With these thoughts, Empress Xi Yao maintained an unusually calm demeanor.

“Of course. What does it matter? Aren’t you the queen?” Gu Changge replied with a smile. “You shouldn’t ask me about everything. Some things you must figure out on your own.”

Empress Xi Yao shook her head. “If I knew, would I still be asking you? What about that day? After deceiving me, do you not care?”

“It was what you desired and what I wanted. Can that truly be called deceit?” Gu Changge countered with a smile. “Jun Fan’s matter will soon be resolved. You will understand when you see it.”

Empress Xi Yao nodded in response and refrained from further questioning.

In the days that followed, Gu Changge occasionally visited the palace to discuss various matters with her. Despite discovering Gu Changge’s true intentions, Empress Xi Yao harbored resentment but kept it hidden. In the vast demon world, Gu Changge was the closest person to her, and she never expressed these feelings, nor did she refuse any of Gu Changge’s requests. She was eager to understand Gu Changge’s plans and how Jun Bufan and Jun Ruoxi would influence him.

Boom!

The army surged forward, shaking the very sky and causing the ground to tremble lightly. Beasts roared and birds scattered in fright. They entered a vast, ancient forest shrouded in thick fog, where colorful clouds encircled many areas. Towering trees knotted like mountains covered the landscape, while spiritual herbs, fruits, flying springs, and waterfalls dotted the terrain. Deep thickets revealed the expanse and grandeur of the surroundings.

To those who had not witnessed it firsthand, it was unimaginable that this lush paradise could be the forbidden area of the demon world, where all who ventured in over the past 6,000 years vanished without a trace, akin to stones sinking into the sea. From the outside, it resembled a realm from fairy tales.

“We will make camp here. No one is to advance further,” commanded the mighty army of the demon world, emanating a palpable aura of suffocation and aggression.

Perched atop a mountain peak, the King of Chaos surveyed the scene ahead and spoke. Clad in bronze armor and wielding a large axe, his eyes gleamed brightly with intertwining runes that exuded a formidable divine power, imposing a daunting presence upon all who beheld him.

“Father, are we really going to clear out this place?” Jun Fan, beside the King of Chaos, frowned slightly as he gazed at the forbidden area ahead, feeling a mix of helplessness and reluctance in his heart.

This secluded place was where his biological sister, Jun Ruoxi, resided. Despite starting anew in life, Jun Fan had never visited here, wishing to respect Jun Ruoxi’s peace and keep her out of the turmoil. Yet now, circumstances forced his hand.

“Isn’t this all rather absurd? It’s Her Majesty the Queen’s direct order. Besides, Jun Bufan is likely hiding here. He’s the mastermind behind the attempted assassination of Her Majesty. Capturing him would solidify the Jun family’s power,” the King of Chaos remarked, casting a meaningful glance at Jun Fan.

Eyes ablaze with ambition, Jun Fan stared at the vast ancient forest ahead, envisioning a future of greatness within it.

Jun Fan fell silent, his mind racing with futile ideas to halt the operation. Yet he knew he lacked the power to defy Gu Changge’s will at present.

He couldn’t believe that Empress Xi Yao would issue such an order; it had to be orchestrated by Gu Changge using her authority as a cover. The true aim, Jun Fan suspected, was to draw him out into the open. For various reasons, he saw through this ruse clearly. Now, his immediate concern was how to rescue Jun Ruoxi and prevent her from being captured.

“Six thousand years ago, my elder sister was on the verge of reaching the quasi-supreme realm. Even if her talent hasn’t matched mine, she should have achieved quasi-supreme status by now,” Jun Fan muttered, his brow furrowed in concern. Jun Ruoxi’s safety weighed heavily on his mind.

“She must escape safely,” he concluded.

Jun Fan had always held his sister in higher regard than his father, the King of Chaos. Besides Jun Yao, Jun Ruoxi was the one who truly mattered to him in this life. The fact that they were siblings was a twist of fate that he couldn’t ignore.

“Father, I’ll scout ahead to assess the situation. If there’s anything unusual, send me a signal,” Jun Fan announced, preparing to leave the army’s ranks. He intended to approach the restricted area from a different direction, aiming to locate Jun Ruoxi before the King of Chaos did.

Hearing his son’s decision, the King of Chaos nodded without suspicion and asked, “Would you like me to assign you a team?”

“No, it’s more convenient for me to go alone,” Jun Fan declined. Without waiting for his father’s approval, he swiftly departed, transforming into a divine light headed towards the distant mountains.

Meanwhile, the King of Chaos focused on organizing the army’s deployment and dispatched scouts to gather intelligence on the area. Jun Fan, now alone, navigated through the designated forbidden zone. Despite its restrictions, Jun Fan found it manageable as long as he remained attuned to subtle fluctuations.

Suddenly, a faint ripple disturbed the air as Jun Fan hastened onward.

“Who’s there?” Jun Fan’s expression tensed, halting abruptly with heightened vigilance.

“It’s been a while. Is this how you greet old friends?” A voice emerged from the void, followed by the appearance of a figure exuding both allure and coldness.

“Lian’er?” Jun Fan’s initial shock gave way to disbelief and a hint of excitement as he recognized the figure before him.

“It’s been a long time,” Jun Fan acknowledged, his curiosity piqued. “I didn’t expect to find you here. How did you locate me?”

Jun Fan quickly composed himself, observing Bai Lian’er’s calm and indifferent demeanor. He hadn’t anticipated encountering someone from his past after more than 6,000 years, especially not Bai Lian’er, whose appearance had markedly changed. Despite the transformation, Jun Fan’s familiarity with her allowed him to recognize her instantly, stirring up a swirl of emotions within him.

Bai Lian’er’s cold, emotionless demeanor struck Jun Fan as unusual. Her words cut through the air with an icy edge, causing him to furrow his brow in response.

“Seeing an old friend, and you speak like this. Jun Bufan hasn’t changed in over 6,000 years,” Bai Lian’er remarked lightly, her tone devoid of warmth.

Jun Fan detected the underlying frostiness in Bai Lian’er’s demeanor and realized the source of her aloofness. A smile tugged at his lips as he recalled past grievances—instances where he had disregarded Bai Lian’er’s counsel, swayed instead by Empress Xi Yao’s words that had unjustly tarnished Bai Lian’er’s reputation.

Guilt pricked at Jun Fan’s heart for the woman who had once been like a sister to him.

“The past is behind us; there’s no threshold in this world that can’t be overcome. Lian’er, how did you discover my identity and locate me?” Jun Fan asked with a wry smile, his tone tinged with seriousness.

Bai Lian’er merely sneered at his words. “My connection to you is deeper than you think. As for finding you, ask yourself whether attempting to assassinate Xi Yao was worth the risk. Did you truly believe everyone is as gullible as she is?”

Jun Fan’s expression shifted slightly at Bai Lian’er’s mocking tone, understanding the implications behind her words. Did Bai Lian’er know his true identity when he attempted to assassinate Empress Xi Yao?

“So you’ve been observing near the Heavenly King’s Mansion all this time, waiting for an opportunity to approach me alone?” Jun Fan queried, swiftly piecing together the chain of events and curious about Bai Lian’er’s intentions.

“You’re not as foolish as you look,” Bai Lian’er sneered, her voice casual. “I need your help to rescue my father.”

“My father?” Jun Fan’s complexion darkened slightly. He was aware of Bai Lian’er’s father, Bai Kun, who had fallen into Gu Changge’s hands. But how could he possibly confront Gu Changge with his current capabilities? Rescuing Bai Kun seemed beyond his reach, let alone resisting Gu Changge’s authority. Unless he could overturn Empress Xi Yao’s rule and seize control of the demon world, any attempt would be futile.

As these thoughts raced through his mind, Jun Fan’s expression shifted subtly, his heart torn by internal conflict.

Bai Lian’er, Jun Fan’s childhood sweetheart, and Bai Kun, who had been like an elder to him, were deeply rooted in his heart. It was inconceivable for him to stand by and watch Bai Kun perish, even though rescuing him from Gu Changge seemed insurmountable.

“Don’t rush to refuse. Just because you can’t match Gu Changge now doesn’t mean you won’t in the future,” Bai Lian’er remarked calmly, sensing his turmoil. “Your father once entrusted something to mine, with instructions to pass it to you when the time was right. But when Gu Changge took him, my father entrusted it to me and tasked me with finding you in the demon world to deliver it.”

Jun Fan’s heart quivered at Bai Lian’er’s revelation, recalling the Xuan Yang Demon Emperor’s words about receiving something important from someone who would seek him out.

In that moment, Jun Fan harbored no doubts about Bai Lian’er’s sincerity.

“No problem, Lian’er. Your father’s matter is my concern now. I won’t rest until Uncle Bai Kun is safe,” Jun Fan declared with conviction, a sense of relief washing over him.

He knew that if he refused, Bai Lian’er would not hand over whatever his father had entrusted to her. Hearing her confirmation, Jun Fan nodded in understanding, and Bai Lian’er seemed satisfied. She reached into her sleeve and retrieved a simple-looking bag.

The bag appeared unremarkable, devoid of patterns or enchantments, yet Bai Lian’er had discovered it contained a potent and dangerous power when she attempted to open it. She realized that forcing it open could not only destroy the bag but potentially harm her as well.

As Jun Fan beheld the bag, he felt a profound stirring within him, a powerful urge as if something inside belonged to him alone. His expression shifted with intense surprise, reflecting his inner turmoil.

“Is this…?” Jun Fan began, his voice filled with astonishment.

Bai Lian’er noticed his reaction and nodded, her expression unreadable. Without handing over the bag, she sneered slightly, catching Jun Fan off guard with her changed demeanor.

“What’s the meaning of this, Lian’er?” Jun Fan’s tone betrayed his confusion. He couldn’t believe how Bai Lian’er, once so compliant, had transformed over the span of 6,000 years.

“I want you to swear on your Dao’s heart that you will rescue my father from Gu Changge. Otherwise, I won’t give you this treasure,” Bai Lian’er declared, her gaze unwavering as she observed Jun Fan’s reaction. Despite her pity for him being manipulated by Gu Changge, she knew her own stakes and couldn’t afford any missteps.

Jun Fan’s brow furrowed at her demand. He hadn’t expected Bai Lian’er to distrust him, but her insistence confirmed his suspicions. After a brief moment of consideration, he swore an oath on his Dao’s heart, solidifying his commitment to rescue Bai Kun.

Satisfied with his oath, Bai Lian’er nodded and handed over the bag. Jun Fan accepted it solemnly but refrained from opening it in front of her. His caution showed he wasn’t the naive boy of 6,000 years past.

Bai Lian’er didn’t seem to mind. She understood Jun Fan’s newfound discernment. “What are your plans now?” Jun Fan inquired, acknowledging Bai Lian’er’s formidable strength, evident in her quasi-supreme status.

“I have no plans at the moment. I’m waiting for you to rescue my father,” Bai Lian’er replied coldly, her tone revealing her single-minded focus on the task at hand.