I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 419

Chapter 419: The Supreme decree to assemble an army of tens of thousands, Gu Changge’s Plan

The Eight Desolations and Ten Regions lay on the far eastern edge of the Upper Realm. The terrain was harsh, marked by deserts and hills, bordered by numerous worlds and serving as a nexus for various lower realms, akin to a crucial passageway. While not as prosperous as the Inner Territory, it teemed with diverse beings, including many ancient hermits in secluded abodes.

Beyond the boundary monument, remnants of shattered ancient universes stood testament to a bygone war between the Upper Realm and the Eight Desolations and Ten Regions. Now, the area harbored fearsome creatures, rendering it too perilous for ordinary cultivators to tread.

“All factions in the Upper Realm are mobilizing, preparing to traverse the sea of boundary monuments. Leading the charge are immortal great sects and supreme factions, with even Dao-building experts venturing forth to forge a path…”

At the pinnacle, Gu Lintian sat cross-legged, his eyes flickering with divine light that conjured visions of terrifying scenes. As head of the Gu family, his knowledge far surpassed others’. He understood clearly that the dried-up sea of boundary monuments presented a golden opportunity for the Upper Realm.

“Has our Gu family sent any clan members there this time?” Gu Changge pondered for a moment before asking. His interest in the Eight Desolations and Ten Regions was minimal; his focus lay on the ancient warships of various clans he had observed crushing the sky upon his return to the Upper Realm, sparking his speculations.

His primary agenda still centered around the Demon Burying Abyss; everything else could wait.

“This time, our Gu family hasn’t made a move yet. However, I intend to dispatch your second uncle to lead our younger generation. With your capabilities, the younger ones’ conflicts likely hold little intrigue for you.”

“Regardless, the turmoil in the Eight Desolations and Ten Regions this time is a significant event affecting all Dao traditions in the Upper Realm.”

“The animosity between these factions has simmered for countless years, and the Eight Desolations and Ten Regions can no longer restrain themselves… Controlling such vast territories is akin to a feast for all Dao traditions.”

Gu Lintian paused. Though he had not yet intervened, it didn’t mean he wouldn’t; he was simply biding his time for the opportune moment.

After so many years, the current situation in the Eight Desolations and Ten Regions remained uncertain. Gu Lintian needed the other Dao Lineages to scout first before making any decisions. There were clear advantages and disadvantages to this approach; the Dao Lineage that ventured into the Eight Desolations and Ten Regions first would undoubtedly reap the greatest rewards. His priority was stability; he wished to avoid unnecessary sacrifices. To many, the Eight Desolations and Ten Regions represented a vast opportunity, and with the barrier protecting that opportunity on the brink of disappearance, restraint seemed futile.

“Indeed, this is an opportunity for the Upper Realm,” Gu Changge nodded. With Gu Lintian’s assurance, he could set aside his concerns. When the time came, the Gu family would undoubtedly send their members there. In the meantime, he could focus on resolving his own affairs.

This forthcoming clash between the Eight Desolations and Ten Regions and the Upper Realm promised to be the most intense in epochs. Afterward, Gu Changge and Gu Lin rose and departed. The absence of the Immortal Road and the dry boundary monument outside the Eight Desolations and Ten Regions signified to many Dao traditions in the Upper Realm that a new era was dawning. Only with the fusion of these two worlds could the cosmic order be restored, and the long-lost path to immortality reemerge.

At that moment, the true immortal era seemed imminent. Upon returning to his divine island abode, Gu Changge promptly dispatched someone to deliver the Immortal Divine Clothes to the Immortal Dynasty, then turned his attention to plotting his next moves. Drawing from Gu Lintian’s insights, he gleaned the current movements of various ethnic groups and lineages. The vicinity of the boundary monument teemed with adjacent lower realms, presenting a complex and volatile situation.

Periodically, powerful surges emanated from that region, brimming with both peril and opportunity. Ancient emperor legacies, immortal inscriptions, sacred scriptures—the possibilities were endless. For Gu Changge, this impending conflict presented a perfect opportunity.

“When the time comes, I can use the Dao bottle to collect them…”

“Before that, I’ll have Yin Mei oversee affairs at the Tang family. Entrusting the Wan Dao Business Alliance to her will also ease my mind…”

After pondering briefly, Gu Changge began to jot down instructions on paper, detailing matters Yin Mei needed to attend to. Despite his physical distance, he maintained control over the Tang family through the Immortal Binding Technique, ensuring absolute authority over their fate.

Thus assured, he harbored no doubts about his decisions.

Additionally, Gu Changge decided to send the Blood Demon Emperor’s quasi-emperor weapon. Yin Mei possessed exceptional cultivation talent, but she focused on consolidating power and resolving issues for him rather than advancing her cultivation. Consequently, her progress lagged behind her peers, though a quasi-emperor weapon would suffice.

Once this matter was settled, Gu Changge turned his thoughts to Jiang Chen, Chu Hao, and Qin Wuya. Jiang Chen had his demonic puppet, and Qin Wuya was accompanied by Tang Wan, so their whereabouts didn’t concern him much. On the other hand, Chu Hao remained concealed in the Supreme Dao Cave, likely preparing to ascend to the Supreme Realm.

Previously, Chu Hao had reached the peak of the quasi-supreme realm during his time in the ancient country of Vermilion Bird. Gu Changge anticipated Chu Hao’s imminent breakthrough to the supreme realm. He expected Chu Hao and others to join the fray in the Eight Desolations and Ten Regions this time. The Supreme Dao Cave sought to bolster Chu Hao’s prestige, making this an ideal opportunity for him to make a name for himself.

As the future palace lord of the Supreme Dao Cave, Chu Hao’s attainment of the Supreme Realm at such a young age would undoubtedly cause a sensation beyond imagination.

“Just seizing this opportunity, I can reap the benefits from the seeds I sowed earlier…”

Afterwards, Gu Changge questioned Yan Ji about Xiao Ruoyin’s recent activities and arranged for the quasi-emperor weapon acquired from another demon emperor to be sent out impartially. Among the demon emperors of the demon world, only the weapons of the six demon emperors, apart from the one slain by Chi Xiao, remained elusive; the rest had already fallen into his possession.

The You Yue Demon Emperor’s You Yue Wheel was reserved for Empress Xi Yao, serving as her ultimate defense against attacks from the Emperor Realm. However, Gu Changge had yet to locate the Scarlet Sky Spear of Demon Emperor Chi Xiao. Chi Xiao had entrusted it to his descendants upon entering the Mirror Realm, but their trail had vanished 6,000 years ago, prompting Gu Changge to abandon the search.

After issuing these directives, Gu Changge made a trip to the Purple Pill Sect to meet Lin Qiuhan. She had since ascended to the position of young sect master, renowned for her terrifying alchemy talents that had earned her the respect of many elders. Finding her in seclusion, deeply immersed in deciphering an ancient alchemy formula, Gu Changge left his instructions and departed without waiting for her to emerge.

After resolving these minor matters, Gu Qingyi returned from the Demon Burying Abyss to the Gu family estate. Following Gu Changge’s instructions, she inspected the seal within.

“The entity sealed within will be released in approximately six months,” she reported to Gu Changge.

“Six months?” Gu Changge’s expression remained stoic, indicating he had ample time to prepare.

This half-year period seemed more than sufficient for his plans. In the coming days, a call resounded across the immortal mountains of the Ancient Immortal Gu family’s islands. Immortal mist shrouded the atmosphere, ethereal and majestic, as formidable figures emerged, their auras soaring to the heavens and enveloping the world. They began gathering the clan members.

Across the vast territory, numerous affiliated forces of the Ancient Immortal Gu family received orders. In the towering cities, spiritual mists ascended, and numerous masters appeared, accompanied by their followers, arriving in divine lights and ancient warships.

In the bronze palace representing supreme authority within the Ancient Immortal Gu family, divine light radiated, treasure glowed faintly, and an aura of simplicity and antiquity pervaded the atmosphere. Numerous super-masters, their faces blurred but their formidable and chaotic auras unmistakable, gathered, their eyes sharp as swords, more serious than during their last encounter with Purple Mansion.

“This time, our Gu family has deployed tens of thousands of troops for the battle against the Eight Desolations and Ten Regions!” Gu Lintian’s presence at the apex exuded an abyssal aura. Holding the seal, he inscribed a divine decree where each word shone like stars, emitting a terrifying aura. With a gesture of the divine seal, he transmitted the decree.

Watching this solemn scene, many clan elders wore expressions of reverence. In an instant, a profound and supreme aura permeated the air, sweeping forth and surging beyond their territory. The intense fluctuations spread across the skies, resonating hundreds of millions of miles, shaking the boundless expanse.

In the Gu family’s domain, countless beings—creatures and cultivators alike—knelt with reverence and piety, bowing their heads towards the decree, trembling to their cores.

“It’s been ages since the Ancient Immortal Gu family issued such a supreme edict—not even during the last campaign against Purple Mansion.”

“Could this be related to the battle against the Eight Desolations and Ten Regions?”

“It must be summoning the mighty!”

Amidst the peaks and ancient palaces, a formidable figure emerged, his countenance awestruck and heart filled with reverence.

This decree was the longest-standing edict of the Ancient Immortal Gu family in the Upper Realm, echoing across epochs with its manifestation in this world, imbued with supreme divine power. It bore the formidable authority of the Ancient Immortal Gu family, instilling fear even in the enlightened, who dared not confront it directly.

Now, this ancient decree resurfaced, stamped with the unmistakable mark of the Ancient Immortal Gu family, rallying the powerhouses across their territory. For the impending conflict with the Eight Desolations and Ten Regions, the Ancient Immortal Gu family would mobilize thousands of troops.

Buzz!

On the divine islands, radiant gates of light burst open, immortal mist billowed, and the essence of teleportation permeated the air! Ancient soldiers surged forth from the gates of light, their presence evoking memories of battles past, where mountains of corpses and seas of blood lay in their wake. These powerful immortal warriors, veterans of the immortal wars fought in Purple Mansion, gathered once more, exuding monstrous auras.

Boom!

As the decree echoed across the world, numerous ancient warships and flying boats converged in the colossal cities. Strange beasts thundered, birds soared, darkening the sky and eclipsing the sun. Countless knights and soldiers marched in dense formations, numbering in the millions, trained by the Gu family’s affiliated forces.

“Woooooooo…”

In the heavens, a clarion call sounded, and horns blared. Enormous ancient warships streaked across the sky, swiftly approaching the Gu family’s domain. On board, cultivators and warriors assembled in vast numbers, emanating a palpable aura of menace and determination.

This was the arrival of ancient gods reborn!

Further afield, warships dotted the horizon like clouds, their sheer number obscuring the sky. Thousands of vessels and millions of cultivators stood ready, their combined presence casting endless shadows that darkened the heavens—a breathtaking and awe-inspiring spectacle.

“This is the decree of the Ancient Immortal Gu family, commanding the world to stand still!”

“One day, our decree will echo throughout the world, showcasing the might of our family!”

Atop a majestic platform on a towering mountain within the Ancient Immortal Gu family’s domain, numerous young prodigies stood, each a shining star among the current generation. Their blood surged with excitement as they beheld the spectacle unfolding before them, yearning to charge into the Eight Desolations and Ten Regions and join the fray.

“The so-called Eight Desolations and Ten Regions are merely the final refuge of defeated remnants. How could they withstand the iron cavalry of the Gu family?”

“Just wait until I step foot in the Eight Desolations and Ten Regions!”

These young geniuses, bearing the innate pride of direct descendants of the Gu family, exuded confidence and prowess, their status elevated by powerful talents and divine abilities. Amid their conversation, their eyes invariably turned to a young man standing atop the Divine Mountain, their reverence and zeal profound.

This sentiment was shared equally among the young men and women present. As direct descendants of the Ancient Immortal Gu family, they bore the noblest bloodline in the Upper Realm. They dismissed the descendants of other Dao Lineages with ease, exuding unwavering confidence. However, in the presence of their own clan’s young master, they displayed a deep-seated respect and deference.

“It’s said that the young master won’t be accompanying us this time. He has other matters to attend to. He’s here just to see us off,” someone whispered, unable to contain their curiosity.

“Now even the clan elders admit they can’t gauge the young master’s strength anymore. Some even say they wouldn’t be his match,” nodded the person beside them.

“The young master is only in his twenties! Yet he’s already earned such praise from the supreme clan elders… It’s astounding!”

“In today’s Upper Realm, or even in countless epochs past, who could stand alongside the young master?” They spoke with reverence and fanaticism, their eyes fixed on the young man standing atop Divine Mountain, his back turned to them.

At that moment, the horn sounded once more, signaling the departure of the younger generation. They transformed into beams of divine light, accompanied by their attendants and followers, making their way towards the ancient warships, ready to breach space and journey to the sea of boundary monuments.

“I wonder if this war will bring unexpected changes…”

“Despite the Eight Desolations and Ten Regions often being on the losing side, times like these tend to bring surprises. Conversely, while the Upper Realm seems poised for victory, there are hidden dangers. Something feels amiss.”

As the horn echoed, Gu Changge snapped out of his contemplation. His gaze swept over the scene, his expression impassive.

Watching the multitude of clansmen depart through the spatial passage, Gu Changge’s figure swiftly vanished from the scene. The purported farewell had been unnecessary—a mere gesture to inspire the younger generation.

Gu Changge’s renown now transcended mere identity; it was a symbol of supreme honor in the eyes of countless youths. To them, he was unmatched and invincible, a figure without equal in their generation.

Before long, news of events in the Ancient Immortal Gu family’s territory reverberated throughout the Upper Realm, drawing global attention to the battle of the Eight Desolations and Ten Regions. Many Dao sects had already dispatched their own members there.

With the Ancient Immortal Gu family’s formidable entrance, ripples of uncertainty spread across the upper realms. Numerous Dao sects began forming alliances, preparing to jointly invade the Eight Desolations and Ten Regions. Yet, despite signs of the boundary sea drying up, the residual power left there remained formidable and unconquered.

Severa Dao enlightened powerhouses rushed to the boundary monument, attempting to neutralize its power and pave the way for the army following behind. However, they were met with fierce resistance from the boundary’s waves, leaving them battered and unable to advance.

For those at higher cultivation levels, crossing proved challenging, while younger generations found it comparatively easier, facing less suppression. Particularly talented young supreme beings, though not as senior in cultivation, led the charge as the first wave of explorers into the Eight Desolations and Ten Regions.

The battle raged fiercely as both sides marshaled their forces. The Eight Desolations and Ten Regions mobilized their own troops from various ethnic groups to repel the invaders from the Upper Realm.

During this tumultuous period, Gu Changge remained in the Ancient Immortal Gu family’s domain, tending to the World Tree’s seed and contemplating the prototype of his inner universe. Meanwhile, the token left by the Heavenly Extinction Imperial Court finally activated, yet it did not yield the origin of Heavenly Extinction that Gu Changge sought.

Complications arose within the Heavenly Extinction Imperial Court, delaying the agreement between Gu Changge and Princess Jia Lan. Though surprised, Gu Changge remained unfazed. At the peak of the Supreme Realm, he stood on the threshold of the Quasi-Emperor Realm. The impact of the origin of absolute heavenly extinction, while beneficial, was marginal without a substantial quantity—it was, at best, an added bonus.