I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 418

Chapter 418: The weak, pitiful, helpless, and especially able to eat, entered the Eight Desolations and Ten regions

After returning to the upper realm, Gu Changge and Jiang Luoshen went their separate ways without much fuss. Though she was treated as a maid during this time, Jiang Luoshen, as the princess of the Supreme God Clan and the future clan emperor, would eventually need to return. Gu Changge’s straightforward attitude still left Jiang Luoshen somewhat taken aback.

Accustomed to Gu Changge’s commanding demeanor, Jiang Luoshen couldn’t help but ponder the merits of freedom. “You promised me something, so you can’t go back,” she asserted, her golden eyes tinged with suspicion. Her journey to the demon world had unveiled Gu Changge’s character; his words were eloquent, but she doubted his actions would align.

The incident with Jiang Bufan served as a stark example. “When have I ever reneged on a promise?” Gu Changge retorted, raising an eyebrow at Jiang Luoshen’s lack of trust. Though he could be untrustworthy when dealing with enemies, he maintained his integrity with allies.

Jiang Luoshen looked at him skeptically, her expression clearly asking, “Do you really think I can trust you?”

“You’re my little maid after all. Why would I lie to you?” Gu Changge’s voice held a hint of disappointment.

“Little maid? Why am I your little maid?” Jiang Luoshen’s dissatisfaction was evident, but as soon as the words left her mouth, she sensed something amiss. Did he just acknowledge that she was his disguised maid?

Gu Changge chuckled lightly, replying casually, “Well, there are still big maids around, of course.”

Feeling somewhat at a loss, Jiang Luoshen couldn’t help but correct him, “Who’s your maid? Gu Changge, just because you’ve given me orders doesn’t mean I’m your maid. This was a deal between us.”

“Alright, I understand, little maid,” Gu Changge nodded knowingly.

“You…” Jiang Luoshen seethed with anger, nearly gritting her teeth, wanting to shut him up. Yet, she knew she couldn’t outmatch Gu Changge, so she reluctantly let go of the “little maid” matter.

“Let’s go,” she said coolly, her expression returning to indifference as she led her clansmen away, back to the Supreme God Clan.

Meanwhile, Gu Changge instructed Tian Ze and the others to return to the Chaotic Star Territory and the Ancient Immortal clans. He himself accompanied Bai Lian’er and Bai Hua back to the Ancient Immortal Gu family.

“Don’t worry. Since I promised to release your father, I won’t go back on my word,” Gu Changge assured.

Bai Lian’er materialized in the void with a bang, snorting softly. “I hope so,” she remarked, having witnessed Gu Changge’s methods and hoping he wouldn’t betray his promise. If he did, she knew she’d be powerless to do anything about it.

Bai Hua, timid and fearful despite not having endured Gu Changge’s torture, followed behind quietly.

“I intend to make use of you, so naturally, I won’t lie to you easily. Why do you lack even this basic trust?” Gu Changge’s tone held a tinge of regret.

Bai Lian’er responded calmly, “You can use me, but you must show sincerity.” Sharp-witted and unafraid of death, she wasn’t one to be fooled by empty promises.

“Sincerity? Very well,” Gu Changge agreed. “I will spare your father and arrange for the transfer of crucial information to the Spring Breeze Pavilion.”

If his assumptions were correct, the Tang family within the Wan Dao Business Alliance was likely heavily infiltrated by now. It was the perfect opportunity for Yin Mei to seize control.

This way, most of the Wan Dao Business Alliance’s authority would fall into her hands. Gu Changge harbored no trust for Tang Wan; to him, Tang Wan was merely a pawn in the conflict between Chu Hao and Qin Wuya.

“Information?” Bai Lian’er’s expression shifted slightly. The scarcest resource in the Spring Breeze Pavilion was indeed information. Despite her years of cultivating informants, her efforts paled in comparison to the Dao lineage factions, which had histories spanning tens of millions of years across epochs in the Upper Realm.

“Of course. If you’re considering training operatives, I have several suitable candidates,” Gu Changge continued. Despite his considerable visible power, his covert influence was limited. However, this was an opportunity to assert control over the Spring Breeze Pavilion.

Bai Lian’er was deeply moved by Gu Changge’s words. In her darkest moments, it was the legacy of the Killing Emperor that had given her hope of seeing the world again. The former Killing Emperor had been a formidable powerhouse, renowned for creating the esteemed Holy Land of Killing Dao. However, for reasons unknown, the Holy Land had eventually disbanded, its legacy lost in the passage of time with no successor emerging.

Thus, Bai Lian’er harbored a strong desire to fulfill her emperor’s unfulfilled wishes and rebuild the world’s foremost assassin force. The establishment of the Spring Breeze Pavilion had a significant connection to the legacy of the Killing Emperor.

“Of course, I have no objections, provided your sincerity matches your words,” Bai Lian’er cautiously replied, still wary of Gu Changge’s intentions, knowing he was capable of betrayal.

Gu Changge simply smiled in response, saying nothing. He was confident that Bai Lian’er would agree. However, he had numerous tasks to attend to before he could fully entrust the affairs of the Spring Breeze Pavilion to her.

During his time in the demon realm, Gu Changge had remained informed about events in the upper realm through reports from his observers.

Gu Changge decided against visiting the True Immortal Academy for the time being, deeming his current cultivation sufficient.

“There’s been turmoil in the Demon Burying Abyss, with overwhelming demonic energy. The Buddhist Temple was nearly destroyed, and many from Buddha Mountain lost their lives,” Gu Changge recounted solemnly.

“At the abyss’s depths, a powerful demon has emerged, throwing all factions into chaos. Even one close to achieving Buddhahood nearly perished,” he continued, his eyes reflecting deep memories that flashed through his mind like fleeting light.

“It seems she’s finally ready to emerge, my dear apprentice,” Gu Changge muttered, his gaze distant.

In his memories, he saw a little girl in red with timid eyes tugging at his sleeve beneath a verdant hill. Despite his long preparation, success remained uncertain. The hatred, etched into the deepest abyss, was unfathomable. The monstrosity of her wrath could only be matched by her desire to exact a gruesome revenge—piece by piece, bone by bone.

Yet, despite the daunting challenge, Gu Changge believed he had a solution. She had been his apprentice during his time as a demon lord, and certain bonds persisted.

Upon returning to the Ancient Immortal Gu family, Gu Changge promptly ordered Bai Kun’s release. According to their agreement, Bai Kun was not worth any further attention.

For Gu Changge, handling such matters was simply a matter of a few words.

Bai Lian’er and Bai Kun, father and daughter reunited, couldn’t help but feel a sense of happiness. Bai Lian’er didn’t dwell on the topic of the demon world, and Bai Kun refrained from probing further. For him, mere survival had once seemed an unattainable luxury, and now he dared not ask for more.

“Thank you, Young Master Changge,” Bai Kun expressed his gratitude before being led away by Bai Lian’er. They planned to find a place for him to settle down before discussing matters concerning the Spring Breeze Pavilion with Gu Changge.

Gu Changge had intended to ask Bai Lian’er about something else, but instead, he decided to visit Gu Qingyi’s world. He found her sitting motionless on a bluestone atop a mountain.

She appeared unchanged, her blue silky hair cascading like a waterfall around her. Her entire being exuded an ethereal, cold aloofness, with skin as flawless and delicate as immortal jade, radiating a mesmerizing luster of perfection.

On closer inspection, her face seemed obscured by a layer of mist, except for her eyes—cold and profound, bearing the weight of the world’s vicissitudes and loneliness.

“You came?” Gu Qingyi’s voice broke the silence as Gu Changge stepped into her domain. She had anticipated his arrival, remaining still until he settled beside her on the blue stone.

Gu Changge nodded, casting a casual glance towards the distant sea of clouds where Xiao Wang Yue frolicked under the moonlight, her slender figure appearing tranquil and content.

“Take a look at her, isn’t she a sight?” Gu Changge remarked with a smile, his gaze lingering on Xiao Wang Yue.

“I have nothing to observe,” Gu Qingyi replied, her expression stoic and unyielding, rarely shifting.

Knowing her demeanor well, Gu Changge chuckled softly. “No, you look fine.”

Gu Qingyi glanced at him sideways, wordlessly reaching out to touch the blue silky hair cascading over his shoulder—a gesture that indicated her good mood.

Gu Changge didn’t pull away, turning his attention back to Xiao Wang Yue. “Xiao Bai’s strength has grown considerably during this period. You’ve done well.”

“She eats heartily and grows quickly. She must have been starved before,” Gu Qingyi remarked, shaking her head. “I simply watch her eat every day, that’s all.”

“It’s fine. Let her eat,” Gu Changge reassured her, smiling. “Do you think a Wang Yue could possibly devour my entire family?”

Although ancient texts contained tales of a Wang Yue supposedly consuming an entire family, it was largely regarded as folklore—a story circulated for amusement, not fact.

However, Wang Yue’s form resembled a galactic entity, vast and expansive, making even the ancient gods who studded the stars appear minuscule in comparison.

As Gu Changge and Gu Qingyi conversed, Little Bai in the distance seemed to notice Gu Changge. Without the previous apprehension, she transformed into a streak of silver light and descended towards them. Yet, just before landing in front of Gu Qingyi, a moon-white brilliance enveloped her, transforming her into a silver-haired little girl, barely half the height of Gu Changge’s waist.

Her features were exquisite and picturesque—slender eyebrows, a petite nose, eyes like glass tinged with a hint of crimson, porcelain-like complexion with faint golden veins visible beneath, exuding an aura of aloofness and grace. It was difficult to reconcile this composed figure with the carefree little Wang Yue who had frolicked in the sea of clouds moments ago.

When Gu Changge gazed at her, instead of fear, she flashed him a mischievous grin, revealing delicate and slightly pointed teeth.

“I am your master,” she declared firmly.

Gu Changge remained unruffled, responding calmly.

“Sister Qingyi…” she huffed, turning her head away from Gu Changge to focus on Gu Qingyi, displaying a rather clingy demeanor towards her. Her voice held a pleasant, jade-like coldness, reminiscent of Gu Qingyi’s own.

“Don’t think like that. I haven’t forgotten how joyful you were just now,” Gu Changge remarked casually, hitting the mark.

The silver-haired little girl clenched her teeth, her porcelain-like face turning slightly red with sudden anger.

“What’s the difference?” Gu Changge inquired.

“How can there be no difference?” she retorted, glaring at him. “Can ‘joyful’ describe a girl?”

“You’re just one of my pets, and a girl at that. Why ask for more?” Gu Changge shook his head, maintaining his calm demeanor.

“You’re the pet, and I am the noble immortal beast Wang Yue,” the silver-haired little girl protested with dissatisfaction.

“The immortal beast Wang Yue is also my pet. I am your master,” Gu Changge replied casually.

“I don’t have a master like you,” she shot back, brimming with complaints. She vividly remembered Gu Changge’s deception when they were at Purple Mountain, and now, upon his return, he had simply left her behind. She felt small, weak, pitiful, lonely, and helpless—only able to eat. How could he be so heartless, regardless of the reasons? Even worse, he had given her such an unappealing name.

Observing the argument between Gu Changge and Xiao Wang Yue, Gu Qingyi silently gathered her green silky hair, saying nothing.

“You came to me. Is something the matter?” she finally spoke up, breaking the tension. Gu Qingyi knew Gu Changge well; he was always up to something whenever he sought her out.

“It’s nothing major, just need a favor from you,” Gu Changge smiled, having waited for Gu Qingyi to ask.

“What’s keeping you busy?” Gu Qingyi inquired.

“I need you to accompany me to the Demon Burying Abyss to check on the seal there,” Gu Changge requested, watching Gu Qingyi closely for her reaction.

Gu Qingyi remained composed, showing no emotion other than mild surprise. This reaction disappointed Gu Changge somewhat.

“I understand,” Gu Qingyi nodded. She had never turned down Gu Changge’s requests, both in the past and now.

“Then I’ll leave first. By the way, these are some rare items I came across in the demon world this time. You’ve been here all along, so you probably haven’t seen them before,” Gu Changge said as he rose to depart. Before leaving, he retrieved several items from his sleeves.

Among them were tassels, hair ornaments, hairpins, and makeup rouge unique to the demon world—items not necessarily rare there, but exclusive to that realm due to their materials that couldn’t be found elsewhere.

Gu Qingyi watched Gu Changge vanish from sight. Her gaze then shifted to the objects before her, gently picking up a wooden comb. She rarely left her realm except for cultivation, avoiding contact with people and objects from the outside world. Thus, Gu Changge occasionally brought her such trinkets.

Being no ordinary mortal, she lacked the habit of handling mundane objects.

After leaving Gu Qingyi’s world, Gu Changge headed straight to the main hall to meet his father.

Seated at the pinnacle, Gu Lintian exuded a profound and imposing aura, akin to an abyss or a fortress, filling the space around him.

“You’re back?” Gu Lintian greeted him, his expression gentle.

“Father,” Gu Changge nodded respectfully. “I wish to know about the current situation in the Eight Desolations and Ten Regions.”

Gu Changge was already aware of the unrest in the Upper Realm during his time in the Demon Realm. Specifically, the boundary monuments that once safeguarded the Eight Desolations and Ten Regions were now showing signs of depletion and their power was waning. This had drawn the attention of numerous Taoist sects in the Upper Realm, prompting major clans to mobilize their forces and initiate invasions into these territories.

News of these developments had spread widely, sparking concern among all Dao lineage forces and aristocratic families in the Upper Realm.

The Eight Desolations and Ten Domains constituted a world similar to the Upper Realm in vastness and ancient heritage. However, epochs ago, a war between the two realms had resulted in the defeat of the Eight Desolations and Ten Territories. They were forced to retreat, leaving behind territories that were fortified with a sea of boundary monuments jointly erected by powerful forces. These monuments contained formidable power, challenging even the most enlightened beings to breach.

Over the centuries, occasional skirmishes and conflicts had occurred between the two sides, resulting in casualties on both ends. Generally, however, the Upper Realm maintained superiority. The name “Eight Desolations and Ten Regions” hinted at a less hospitable environment compared to the Upper Realm, with less complete rules of heaven and earth. This posed challenges for the longevity of powerhouses there; even those who reached the Emperor Realm struggled to extend their lives and faced shorter lifespans compared to their counterparts in the Upper Realm. Moreover, cultivation conditions were harsher, making the emergence of strong individuals more rare.

Despite these differences, both worlds shared common origins, with similar rules, systems, and ethnic groups. A belief circulated in the Upper Realm that only through full integration of the Eight Desolations and Ten Domains with the Upper Realm could the curse of immortality be broken and the path to immortality restored.

Therefore, with the boundary monument sea showing signs of depletion, it presented the Upper Realm with a prime opportunity. However, they still had to remain wary of the looming threat of Absolute Heavenly Extinction.

Upon hearing this, Gu Lintian showed no surprise. “Some time ago, news of the depletion of the boundary monument sea reached us from the frontier lands, causing a stir among all factions. Many Daoist forces have begun gathering their strength, preparing to invade.”

“Now, numerous forces are on high alert and have dispatched large armies,” he continued. “The True Immortal Academy, Emperor Mountain, Huaman Ancestor Hall, Ancient Immortal Wang Family, Ancient Ye Clan, Supreme Dao Cave, and many others have sent their elites and young talents to seize this opportunity and enter the Eight Desolations and Ten Regions.”

Gu Changge nodded thoughtfully, his expression reflecting deep contemplation. It was indeed a tumultuous time. The riot in the Demon Burying Abyss and the threat of Absolute Heavenly Extinction were not matters to be taken lightly. Now, with the boundary monument sea drying up, all factions were converging to launch an assault on the Eight Desolations and Ten Regions.