I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 421

Chapter 421: Let the frog at the bottom of the well meet the dragon of nine heavens, that young existence

The Shen family sprawled across a vast expanse, its mountain peaks often concealed, while ethereal waterfalls cascaded into view.

In a tranquil courtyard, a young man with flowing hair donned a long gown, his face refined and natural, diligently tending to the flowers and plants before him. Despite his youthful appearance—barely in his twenties—and outward composure, his movements seamlessly blended with the surroundings. His actions drew spiritual birds to alight and colorful butterflies to flutter among the courtyard’s flora.

“Second elder, there’s no need to mention it again. When the time is right, I will naturally leave the Shen family, but not now.” The young man turned away from the elderly figure standing in the courtyard, his voice calm and unwavering, unaffected by the presence of the Shen family’s second elder.

He displayed a serious demeanor, meticulously watering each plant and meticulously removing dead leaves, his focus on the foliage before him surpassing that on the elder behind him. The second elder, a figure who had pressed for Shen Xian’er’s release from a marriage contract, bore a stern countenance with thin lips. Upon hearing these words, his expression darkened noticeably.

“Li Xiu, don’t be foolish. How could you speak like this? Do you now regret your past decisions?” His voice carried an edge of frustration. “Hasn’t the Shen family treated you well all these years? When your spiritual sea was damaged, who provided you with numerous elixirs and immortal fruits?”

Li Xiu shook his head faintly at the words. “I never promised anything beyond what was said. I’ve made it clear: when the time comes, I will depart from the Shen family. There’s no changing that.”

“I didn’t ask you to repair my damaged spiritual sea. I advised against it, but you chose not to heed my words,” he continued, his tone carrying a hint of disdain. “And had it not been for me, Shen Xian’er’s father and grandfather would have perished long ago. I am their savior. Is this how your Shen family treats its saviors?”

His smile was casual yet tinged with mockery, as if discussing something as mundane as eating and drinking. Yet this apparent disregard only fueled the second elder’s ire further.

“Enough of your nonsense,” the second elder retorted, his expression darkening further. “You must annul this engagement. How can someone like you, a crippled outsider of unknown origin, be deemed worthy of the beloved daughter of the Shen family?”

“Don’t deceive yourself. Xian’er will never marry you. Leave the Shen clan while you still have sense, and we can continue to coexist peacefully.”

“Even if your enigmatic master appears, my stance remains unchanged,” he asserted firmly. The elder was well aware of the formidable power wielded by Li Xiu’s mysterious mentor, who had rescued Shen Xian’er’s father and grandfather. According to their accounts, Li Xiu’s master effortlessly defied the boundary monument’s chaotic rules with a mere wave of his hand—a feat achievable only by those of the Supreme Realm or higher.

Acknowledging this prowess, they had initially intended to foster a cordial relationship.

This was also why many elders of the Shen clan opposed the decision now. Despite Li Xiu’s master not appearing in the last three years, his status as a cultivator surpassing the Supreme Realm meant he stood near the peak in the Heavenly Lan Realm. Who would dare provoke such a figure, unsure if he still lived?

Upon hearing this, Li Xiu merely smiled lightly, seemingly indifferent. “I’ve said it before—I have no master. If Shen Xian’er wishes to dissolve our original marriage contract, she can inform me herself.”

“In your eyes, perhaps Shen Xian’er’s reputation shines brightly, but to me, it’s nothing extraordinary,” he continued bluntly. “If it weren’t for her grandfather’s plea, do you think I would have agreed?”

He spoke truthfully. Shen Xian’er held no special allure for him. Yet, the unilateral desire to annul the marriage contract without even meeting him irked him. Since when had he been reduced to having his promises dismissed by someone withdrawing from their marriage?

“What arrogance,” the second elder of the Shen clan retorted, chuckling at Li Xiu’s apparent indignation. “Since you put it that way, I’ll bring Xian’er here to speak for herself.”

He genuinely believed that the presence of an old monolithic master behind Li Xiu allowed him to disregard everyone else. Li Xiu, however, merely cast a casual glance in his direction before resuming his leisurely task of watering the plants with indifference.

The second elder snorted coldly and departed the courtyard. Yet, as he stepped outside, a simple communication talisman in his possession suddenly glowed. His complexion shifted drastically, morphing from cold arrogance to deep caution and nervousness. Trembling slightly, he retrieved the talisman and read its contents.

“What? This… young being intends to come to the Heavenly Lan Realm?”

Reading the message, the second elder was initially stunned, then overwhelmed with shock and excitement, his voice trembling uncontrollably. The communication talisman nearly slipped from his grasp, a stark contrast to his composed demeanor moments ago in front of Li Xiu.

Observing this transformation, Li Xiu raised an eyebrow, genuinely surprised by the elder’s reaction. Despite the elder’s chaotic state, he grasped the significance of the news that had prompted such profound respect and trembling.

“Young existence?” Li Xiu repeated the words of the second elder of the Shen clan, his brow furrowing slightly as he contemplated the meaning. He had his suspicions, but he didn’t dwell on them.

“The frog at the bottom of the well doesn’t know how vast the sky is. This time, I’ll show you what a True Dragon of Nine Heavens looks like,” the second elder sneered, casting a dismissive glance at Li Xiu before hurrying away. His intention was clear: he would inform the rest of the clan and rally them to greet this anticipated visitor.

Unbeknownst to many, the second elder had previously made contact with individuals from the upper realm. Initially, he had learned that a powerful young figure from that realm sought someone with the surname Gu, leading to his establishment of a connection with them. Now, upon receiving news of this young figure’s imminent arrival in the Heavenly Lan Realm, he couldn’t contain his excitement and hurriedly convened with other elders.

He quickly deduced that this visitor’s purpose likely pertained to Gu Xian’er, stirring his heart with anticipation. Despite past grievances between Shen Xian’er’s parents and this individual, their shared lineage presented a unique opportunity for the Shen family.

Meanwhile, in a mist-shrouded valley where immortal mist hung thickly and colorful clouds drifted, stones glimmered with a radiant glow, and strands of purple light danced like a scene from a fairyland.

Shen’s mother, Gu’s father, and Shen Xian’er were still grappling with their lingering dissatisfaction toward Gu Changge from the past.

“Xian’er, don’t defend him,” Mother Shen pleaded, her gaze filled with concern as she looked at her daughter.

Gu Xian’er’s expression remained composed but cold. She listened to Mother Shen’s words with a sense of resignation, compelled to explain herself.

“Father, Mother, you’ve misunderstood. Gu Changge isn’t to blame for what happened before. He’s been making earnest efforts to make amends,” Gu Xian’er spoke calmly. “I’m treated well in the Gu family, and the clan elders have shown me great kindness. Recently, an ancestor from our lineage emerged and nearly brought down the Sea King Palace…”

“You shouldn’t have to defend him. The elders miss you dearly,” Mother Shen shook her head with a sigh. “Xian’er, you’ve endured so much all these years. I understand you’re speaking in consideration of your clan, but how can such deep-seated grievances be resolved so easily?”

In her view, if Gu Xian’er didn’t compromise, how could Gu Changge have released her so readily? How could he have reinstated the exiled clan members and restored their status? Such wounds ran deep, akin to bone-deep pain, causing immeasurable heartache.

“Even though we’ve been away from the clan all these years, we’re still aware of some things. Gu Changge’s promise to reinstate the clan elders was merely a bid to secure his position as the young master of the Gu family,” Father Gu interjected bitterly, his fists clenched in frustration at his own powerlessness.

“How could he have been so kind otherwise?” he added, his tone laced with resentment. How young was Gu Xian’er when he excavated her Dao bone? No matter how Gu Changge explained it away, this harsh truth couldn’t be erased.

“Mother, Father… I…” Gu Xian’er faltered, unsure how to justify Gu Changge’s actions and feeling uneasy. She appreciated her parents’ concern but didn’t want them to harbor such deep-seated misconceptions about Gu Changge. Yet, the events of the past were intricately tied to Gu Changge’s secrets, making them difficult to explain.

Despite recounting everything that had transpired between her and Gu Changge since then, her parents remained skeptical.

“Sister, you don’t need to say more. It’s best for you to return to the Shen family now. Our family of four will always be together,” Shen Xian’er interjected softly. Influenced by what she had heard and seen since childhood, she harbored an inexplicable hostility toward Gu Changge, whom she had never even met.

“You’re still young, and there are some things you don’t understand,” Gu Xian’er expressed with a hint of resignation. She had repeated these words countless times over the past days, yet they seemed to fall on deaf ears.

Her parents’ entrenched stance toward Gu Changge seemed unchangeable, making any effort to sway them feel futile.

“Forget it, let’s not dwell on this,” Gu Xian’er interjected quickly, sensing her parents’ readiness to broach the topic again. She feared they might say something hurtful inadvertently.

Deciding it was time to take them back home, she resolved to visit Gu Changge along the way, hoping firsthand contact might alter their perception.

“Alright, let’s not discuss it further. We wouldn’t want anyone getting upset,” Mother Shen sighed helplessly. She couldn’t fathom what charm Gu Changge had cast over Gu Xian’er. Every mention of him seemed to unsettle her daughter, despite her outward composure.

“I’m not upset…” Gu Xian’er began to protest, but her mother’s gentle rebuke halted her words.

Outside the valley, a divine light suddenly descended, and a messenger approached Shen Xian’er.

“Miss Xian’er, Holy Maiden Yue wishes to meet you outside the mountain gate.”

“An invitation from Holy Maiden Yue?” Shen Xian’er frowned slightly at the unexpected news. A graceful figure appeared in her mind, recalling their few brief encounters. She couldn’t discern why Holy Maiden Yue would seek her out at this particular moment.

“Saint Yaoyue, is she the descendant of the Sacred Land of Huang Yue?” Mother Shen interjected, her curiosity piqued. Despite her seclusion in the valley over the years, she kept abreast of notable figures in the Heavenly Lan Realm.

“Holy Maiden Yaoyue is renowned—a talented and striking figure, successor of the Sacred Land of Huang Yue,” Mother Shen continued. “She’s known for her strength, beauty, and has garnered numerous suitors.”

Mother Shen mused aloud, reflecting on the comparisons often drawn between Holy Maiden Yaoyue and Shen Xian’er, both distinguished young women in their own right.

Perplexed by the visit, she wondered aloud, “Why would Holy Maiden Yaoyue come to visit Shen Xian’er now?”

“Tell her I’ll be there shortly,” Shen Xian’er instructed calmly, despite her lingering confusion. Despite the surprise, she couldn’t afford to disregard the invitation. The Sacred Land of Huang Yue held a heritage older and deeper than even the Shen Clan’s, its influence spanning ages in the Heavenly Lan Realm.

Rumors circulated in the realm that the Sacred Land’s ancient ancestor had secluded themselves away for years, neither ascending nor passing on. For cultivators who surpassed the Supreme Realm, staying in the realm posed challenges—either by shielding their presence or slowing the aging process to evade the scrutiny of celestial laws.

“Our ancestors of the Shen clan opted for the latter, retreating into our ancestral lands and sealing their bloodlines,” Mother Shen remarked, offering context to Gu Xian’er.

“I’ll accompany you,” Gu Xian’er declared, sensing the intrigue of the situation.

Shen Xian’er nodded in agreement. Moments later, the two transformed into divine lights, departing the valley and heading towards the Shen Clan’s mountain gate.

In front of the splendid and ancient mountain gate, towering bluestones emanated a cyan glow, giving the place an aura of timelessness. Many members of the Shen Clan moved about, casting curious glances forward.

A woman in a red dress, with a graceful figure and a captivating face, stood before the gate. Her body emitted a faint radiance, and a jade flute at her waist added to her elegant appearance. She was accompanied by a diverse group of followers, men and women of various ages, many of whom exuded a powerful and unfathomable presence.

“Your Highness, are we just going to wait here? What if Shen Xian’er doesn’t come to see us?” an elderly man with white hair and a beard inquired from behind the woman in the red dress.

The woman, Holy Maiden Yaoyue, remained unperturbed. “Shen Xian’er will meet me. We just need to wait,” she replied with unwavering confidence, clearly not concerned about being turned away.

As she spoke, Holy Maiden Yaoyue’s gaze toward the Shen family compound was tinged with complexity, mingled with a deep-seated awe. It seemed as though something terrifying lay hidden within the Shen clan.

At this moment, two divine lights descended from the sky within the Shen Clan’s mountain gate—it was Gu Xian’er and Shen Xian’er. Holy Maiden Yaoyue noted the unfamiliar face of Gu Xian’er, who bore a resemblance to Shen Xian’er, but chose not to comment.

“I wonder why the Holy Maiden Yaoyue has come to see me?” Shen Xian’er asked, her tone flat and direct. She wasn’t one for pleasantries, going straight to the point without any formalities.

Her blunt manner caused the followers behind Holy Maiden Yaoyue to frown. They had been waiting for some time, and Shen Xian’er’s lack of courtesy seemed dismissive, almost disrespectful, towards the Sacred Land of Huang Yue.

However, Holy Maiden Yaoyue remained unperturbed, waving off their displeasure. She had encountered Shen Xian’er before and was familiar with her straightforward nature.

“I heard you’re planning to annul the marriage contract with that worthless son-in-law of the Shen family,” Holy Maiden Yaoyue stated plainly.

Shen Xian’er frowned, “How did you know about this?”

This matter was barely known outside the Shen clan. How could Holy Maiden Yaoyue from the Sacred Land of Huang Yue have heard of it? Could there be spies within the Shen Clan? This thought troubled Shen Xian’er, making her suspicious.

“I don’t think it matters,” Holy Maiden Yaoyue replied, noticing Shen Xianer’s suspicious expression. She smiled, adding, “I’ve already come all the way to your mountain gate. Isn’t it customary for the Shen family, one of the most prestigious clans in the Heavenly Lan world, to invite guests in for a conversation?”

“What do you want?” Shen Xian’er retorted, still blunt and increasingly puzzled. Why was Holy Maiden Yaoyue interested in her useless fiancé? Shen Xian’er had no personal grievances with Li Xiu, but she had no intention of marrying or having children, as her sole focus was on pursuing the Dao. Even if Li Xiu were not deemed worthless, she would still reject the engagement.

“I’m just curious,” Holy Maiden Yaoyue said with a smile. “I want to see the person your Shen family invited back then, only to now consider annulling the marriage contract.”

Even Gu Xian’er sensed that something was amiss. Why was Holy Maiden Yaoyue so interested in Shen Xian’er’s fiancé? This unexpected curiosity from the Holy Maiden added a layer of intrigue to the situation.

“Since you want to see him, let’s go,” Shen Xian’er said, deciding not to refuse. After all, the other party came to the Shen family specifically to see Li Xiu through her. Although she had no feelings for Li Xiu, she wouldn’t restrict his actions or interfere with others wanting to meet him.

“Thank you, Miss Xian’er,” Holy Maiden Yaoyue replied, her expression unchanged, maintaining a polite smile. She followed behind Shen Xian’er, her steps graceful, the red skirt swaying as she moved deeper into the Shen family’s grounds.

“What is she up to?” Gu Xian’er wondered, a sense of unease growing within her. Holy Maiden Yaoyue seemed to have an ulterior motive.

As they walked, the atmosphere was filled with an undercurrent of tension, the silence only amplifying the mysteries surrounding Holy Maiden Yaoyue’s true intentions.

But at this moment, a mighty aura suddenly rose from within the Shen family. Lights flickered and glowed in the palace at the center, followed by a powerful presence sweeping across the sky. This ancient and formidable aura permeated the air, and then terrifying figures appeared one after another, rushing out of the mountain gate with evident urgency.

Holy Maiden Yaoyue and her entourage, on their way to Li Xiu’s courtyard, noticed this scene and looked puzzled.

“What happened?” she asked. “Those were the elders of the Shen family, right?”

Shen Xian’er was also perplexed. It was the first time she had witnessed such a grand scene, with many clan elders mobilizing together and heading outside the mountain gate. Even in the face of a powerful enemy, this wouldn’t be the norm.

“Could it be that something major happened to alarm all the clan elders?” she wondered, shaking her head gently. Soon, she dismissed the thought, believing it had nothing to do with her.

Gu Xian’er frowned slightly, the scene reminding her of the day she first came to the Shen Clan. Despite her low profile, many Shen family elders had come to pay their respects, not daring to neglect her.

“This situation… Could it be that he himself is coming here?” A strange feeling suddenly arose within her. However, she quickly dismissed the idea. How could Gu Changge be concerned with such trivial matters, let alone come to the Heavenly Lan Realm in person?