I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 422

Chapter 422: There are people outside people, and there are heavens outside heavens, go and destroy the Sacred Land of Huangyue for me

And soon, several people passed through multiple mountains illuminated by radiant divine lights and arrived at a quiet courtyard. Simple fences surrounded the area, and a few modest houses stood among them, with some simple plants growing on the side, creating a leisurely atmosphere. A young man, with his back to everyone, was watering the plants, seemingly unaware of the few people outside the courtyard.

Upon arriving, Holy Maiden Yaoyue couldn’t help but narrow her eyes, her complexion changing slightly as a storm surged within her heart. She even trembled slightly, unable to restrain herself. However, worried that Shen Xian’er and the others would notice her reaction, she quickly composed herself.

“Li Xiu, someone is looking for you,” Shen Xian’er stated without noticing any unusual behavior from Holy Maiden Yaoyue.

Upon hearing this, Li Xiu paused his activities, turned to look, and calmly asked, “Are you here to annul the engagement?”

Shen Xian’er frowned, knowing the situation was unreasonable but feeling powerless to change it.

“I won’t marry you. If you need anything, just ask, and I’ll do my best to fulfill your wishes,” she replied.

Although Gu Xian’er had seen Li Xiu before and couldn’t detect any visible changes in him, her intuition suggested he wasn’t as simple as he appeared. A mere wastrel with a shattered spiritual sea wouldn’t carry himself with such demeanor. Yet, regardless of Li Xiu’s complexity, she resolved to stand firmly by Shen Xian’er’s side; this was a matter concerning Shen Xian’er’s future.

“Condition?” Li Xiu responded casually, his eyes showing little disturbance as he remained calm.

Shen Xian’er’s demeanor matched his calmness. “I have no need for such things. Since you’re set on ending the engagement, I hope you won’t regret this decision later.”

Li Xiu couldn’t help but smile faintly at Shen Xian’er’s composed response. “It seems I’ve made a blind choice.”

Glancing towards Holy Maiden Yaoyue, he regarded her intently before suddenly speaking, “Were you looking for me? You seem familiar, so you must be…”

Upon hearing Li Xiu’s words, Holy Maiden Yaoyue couldn’t contain her excitement. Her voice trembled slightly, struggling to maintain the composure she had just managed.

“Huang Yue Sacred Land sent Yaoyue to pay respects…” Holy Maiden Yaoyue began, preparing to offer a respectful salute, but Li Xiu interrupted her with a dismissive wave of his hand. “You don’t need to.”

“Yes, my lord,” Holy Maiden Yaoyue responded, momentarily taken aback but maintaining her respect and sincerity, her heart filled with reverence.

Some time ago, the ancestor of Huang Yue Sacred Land had felt a stirring in his spirit, summoning descendants bearing his bloodline to seek out a particular individual and handing them a portrait of this person. Holy Maiden Yaoyue, cherished by the ancestor, had learned of this individual’s identity from him. The revelation had filled her with a mix of horror and awe.

She had never fathomed Huang Yue Sacred Land’s profound history until then. Later, she heard from the Shen family that Li Xiu’s appearance matched that described in the portrait. This prompted her visit to the Shen family today.

Observing him now, she confirmed that this “son-in-law of the Shen Clan” was indeed the spitting image of the individual in the portrait. This revelation sent shockwaves through her heart, leaving her struggling to regain her composure.

Seeing this scene, Shen Xian’er frowned, puzzled by Holy Maiden Yaoyue’s actions. Given Yaoyue’s status in the Heavenly Lan Realm, why would she come to greet Li Xiu? Did Li Xiu harbor a hidden identity they weren’t aware of?

Despite these thoughts, Shen Xian’er felt a sense of relief at the prospect of voiding the marriage contract. Whoever Li Xiu truly was, she was now free from any ties to him. His identity was no longer her concern.

Meanwhile, Gu Xian’er observed the unfolding events with cold detachment, silent but perceptive. She had sensed something amiss earlier—why would Yaoyue seek out Li Xiu? Now she understood: Li Xiu possessed a mysterious identity.

However, the specifics of that identity didn’t matter to her. With the engagement annulled, Shen Xian’er was no longer bound as before, which brought Gu Xian’er a sense of relief. Beyond that, she remained indifferent to the situation.

Li Xiu observed the expressions of Gu Xian’er and Shen Xian’er, their indifference unchanged despite the unfolding scene. He raised an eyebrow and chuckled, “Quite unexpected. I never thought I’d be so thoroughly disregarded one day. Quite amusing.”

Shen Xian’er had carried the marriage certificate with her, intending to tear it up when necessary. Upon hearing Li Xiu’s words, both she and Gu Xian’er frowned slightly, finding his self-assured demeanor somewhat presumptuous. Even if his hidden identity was extraordinary, shouldn’t they show some respect? Would they come to regret their indifference?

“My lord,” Holy Maiden Yaoyue interjected respectfully, her demeanor contrasting with her earlier presence at the Shen clan’s gates. “The Shen family is unaware of your true identity. It may be best not to linger here. They may come to regret their actions.”

“They will regret it sooner or later,” she continued earnestly. “Perhaps you should come with me to Huang Yue Sacred Land. Our ancestor has been searching for your whereabouts and earnestly wishes to see you again.”

Holy Maiden Yaoyue’s words were sincere and filled with respect, her demeanor reflecting her deep reverence for Li Xiu.

“Shen Xian’er, if I were you, I would offer a swift apology to the adult. Otherwise, your clan’s elders will bear the consequences, and it will be beyond your ability to mitigate,” Holy Maiden Yaoyue asserted sternly.

“The adult’s true identity is far more formidable than you can comprehend. It has been an honor for your Shen family to have him among you for three years,” she continued, her tone carrying a hint of admonishment. “You have a marriage contract with him, yet you treat it so lightly, even contemplating its dissolution. It’s a pity. For anyone else, even offering all their wealth and heritage wouldn’t capture the adult’s attention. What’s gotten into you?”

As she spoke, Holy Maiden Yaoyue glanced pointedly at the marriage certificate in Shen Xian’er’s hand, her previous politeness replaced by a subtle mockery. She knew that standing beside her was the formidable figure of Li Xiu. If she impressed him now, her future prospects could be limitless.

Li Xiu remained mostly silent, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips. Though he tried to maintain detachment, the years spent with the Shen family had inevitably left traces of concern. Mundane emotions were difficult to completely shed.

Shen Xian’er, who typically cared little for external matters, felt a surge of anger at Holy Maiden Yaoyue’s words. She gripped the marriage certificate tightly in her jade hand, her expression tense.

“It’s quite bold of you. If Xian’er tears up the marriage certificate today, who would dare to criticize her?” Gu Xian’er’s voice turned cold, her words cutting through the air with an icy edge.

She hadn’t anticipated Holy Maiden Yaoyue’s humiliating tone, and it irked her deeply. Initially, she had intended to let Shen Xian’er handle the situation alone and stay out of it. However, Yaoyue’s disrespect crossed a line.

“I know the Shen family has connections in the Upper Realm. Perhaps you’re not from the Heavenly Lan Realm, but you should understand that there are always greater powers beyond what you know,” Gu Xian’er retorted sharply. “Some people’s backgrounds are beyond your imagination.”

Holy Maiden Yaoyue responded calmly to Gu Xian’er’s challenge, her tone carrying a hint of condescension masked by persuasion. “There are indeed greater powers beyond any one person, and heavens beyond the sky. Today, you will see who the lord is that I speak of, and why his demeanor is so commanding.”

Gu Xian’er’s expression remained cold as she took her sister’s hand, steadying herself against the escalating tension.

“Elder sister…” Shen Xian’er cast a concerned glance at her sister, sensing her underlying unease.

“Enough said. If this marriage certificate is to be torn up, let’s do it now. The Shen family clearly doesn’t wish to delay any longer,” Shen Xian’er declared calmly, determined to proceed with the dissolution.

“I happen to have plans to meet some old friends as well,” Li Xiu added nonchalantly, gesturing for Holy Maiden Yaoyue to cease speaking. Some matters simply unfolded as they should, and the truth would eventually come to light, likely bringing regret.

“Yes, my lord,” Holy Maiden Yaoyue acknowledged respectfully.

Suddenly, the sky trembled, drawing their attention. From between the distant mountains, radiant divine lights surged toward them, accompanied by a formidable presence and a host of followers. A golden Dao pattern appeared in the sky, adorned with blooming golden lotuses amidst colorful clouds, exuding an immortal aura.

An elderly man with a dignified air, his hair and beard white as snow, stood atop the golden Dao, smiling gently with a slight bow.

Beside the elderly man, a young figure stood with hands clasped behind his back, his features blurred like those of a young immortal. His white attire gleamed whiter than snow, exuding an aura that could make stars tremble beyond the realm. Even the surrounding void seemed on the brink of collapse, a testament to his profound cultivation and formidable power.

Following closely behind them were numerous elders of the Shen clan and other dignitaries, all wearing respectful smiles but keeping a cautious distance. This spectacle sent shockwaves through the entire Shen Clan. From various mountain peaks and sacred locations, Shen clan members emerged, their expressions filled with astonishment.

“I thought the ancestor was in seclusion?”

“Why has he suddenly appeared, accompanied by such reverence? And who is that young man in white whom even the ancestor treats with such deference?”

“All the elders are present—is this some sort of momentous occasion? Who could possibly command such respect from the Shen clan?”

They watched in disbelief, unable to comprehend the gravity of the scene unfolding before them.

“Look, aren’t the ancestors heading in the direction of Li Xiu’s son-in-law?” someone exclaimed as divine lights streaked across the sky, converging towards the golden aura.

Intrigued by the commotion, many from the Shen clan planned to join in and witness the spectacle.

“This energy fluctuation…”

“Who could be visiting the Shen family?”

In a valley resembling a fairyland, Father Gu and Mother Shen sensed the disturbance in the aura outside. They exchanged surprised glances.

“It’s caused such a stir throughout the Shen family. Could it be someone from the Gu family? It’s quite a grand entrance,” Mother Shen speculated.

Father Gu spoke with solemnity, “I suspect it’s related to Xian’er. I’m going to investigate. Don’t worry.”

With that, he transformed into divine light and departed, prompting Mother Shen to hesitate briefly before following suit.

“Reporting to Young Master Changge, Miss Xian’er has remained with the Shen family and hasn’t left,” one of Gu Changge’s attendants relayed. “If she intends to go out, we’ll dispatch a contingent of powerful guards to ensure her safety. There’s no need for concern.”

On the golden Dao, the current Shen clan ancestor smiled cautiously as he accompanied Gu Changge, wiping sweat from his brow. Despite his cultivation in the Supreme Realm, he felt a suffocating pressure around Gu Changge. It was clear that Gu Changge’s strength far surpassed his own, leaving him in awe of the young man’s seemingly boundless power.

“Oh?”

“This girl has been absent from the Upper Realm for half a year, and there has been no news. I almost thought she had perished,” Gu Changge remarked lightly, a hint of relief in his voice.

Descending gracefully on the golden Dao, Gu Changge arrived at Li Xiu’s courtyard. Gu Xian’er, who had been staring in astonishment at his sudden appearance, felt a wave of dizziness. His words, however casual, instantly dispelled the joy she had felt.

“This guy’s tongue is still as sharp as ever,” she thought bitterly. Some might call it concern.

The Shen clan ancestor dared not respond to Gu Changge’s words, only wiping sweat from his forehead nervously. It was evident that Gu Changge held a deep regard for Gu Xian’er, having traveled to this realm upon hearing no news from her for half a year.

After landing, Gu Changge and the Shen clan ancestor were followed by many of the Shen clan elders, who maintained a respectful distance.

“Wait, isn’t that the Holy Maiden from Huang Yue Sacred Land? What brings her here?” the elders finally noticed Holy Maiden Yaoyue and her retinue.

“Yaoyue greets the elders of the Shen clan,” Holy Maiden Yaoyue responded promptly, regaining her composure and offering respectful greetings to the Shen clan elders.

It was unprecedented for Holy Maiden Yaoyue to witness so many revered elders greeting such a young man in person, especially the Shen family ancestor who had secluded himself for years, according to rumors. The situation was beyond belief and left her deeply unsettled.

Who was this young man before her?

Li Xiu, who typically maintained an indifferent smile, furrowed his brow at this unusual scene, sensing something amiss. Despite his lost spiritual sea and lack of visible aura, his perceptiveness remained intact.

Shen Xian’er scrutinized Gu Changge with a discerning gaze. She surmised that he must be the young man who had unearthed her elder sister Gu Xian’er’s Dao bone from the Ancient Immortal Gu family—a figure renowned as the most powerful and cultivated among his peers in the Upper Realm. The aura he exuded was indeed awe-inspiring.

Even in the Heavenly Lan Realm, Shen Xian’er had heard rumors about him. His presence in their realm, ostensibly due to Gu Xian’er, promised to stir unimaginable sensation upon spreading.

Shen Xian’er pondered over what kind of significance her sister held in Gu Changge’s eyes. Could it be that Gu Xian’er’s recent claims held truth?

“What are you doing in the Heavenly Lan Realm? And why are you staring at me like that?” Gu Xian’er, feeling uncomfortable under Gu Changge’s gaze, turned her head away with a dissatisfied tone.

“Why wouldn’t I be concerned? If you dare to disappear for over half a year without a word, and not send any news, should I not find a dungeon to lock you up in?” Gu Changge replied with a smile, his tone light but carrying a hint of seriousness.

“I’m not your pet. Why should you care where I go?” Gu Xian’er muttered under her breath, though she couldn’t ignore the concern in Gu Changge’s words. After all, she had left the Gu family abruptly without explanation. His personal visit here surprised her and secretly pleased her.

“I’m relieved to see you up and about. With the Upper Realm in conflict with the Eight Wildernesses and Ten Regions, the Heavenly Lan Realm is at the forefront. How can I not worry if you’re here? If anything were to happen to you, wouldn’t I miss out on a lot of amusement in the future?” Gu Changge’s expression softened slightly as he spoke seriously.

“After all you’ve said, I think your last statement might actually be true,” Gu Xian’er retorted, giving him a pointed look.

Gu Changge chuckled and then turned his gaze to Shen Xian’er, Li Xiu, Holy Maiden Yaoyue, and the others. During his conversation with Gu Xian’er, the others remained silent, hesitant to interrupt.

At that moment, Holy Maiden Yaoyue felt a twinge of regret in her heart, but seeing Li Xiu’s unchanged expression reassured her. No matter how formidable the young man before her was, the presence behind her was even more extraordinary.

“What happened just now? Who upset my Xian’er?” Gu Changge’s voice carried a peculiar intensity as he glanced past Li Xiu, seeming to already know the answer.

“Who are you to—” Gu Xian’er started sharply, annoyed by Holy Maiden Yaoyue’s earlier remarks.

Interrupting her, Gu Changge cut to the chase, prompting Gu Xian’er to explain the situation succinctly without embellishment.

“How audacious!” Gu Changge’s tone turned serious. “There are always people beyond individuals, and heavens beyond heavens.”

These words struck a nerve among many Shen clan elders, including the patriarch, whose expressions shifted from shock to anger. They were well aware of Gu Xian’er’s identity. Who in the world dared to speak to her in such a manner? Holy Maiden Yaoyue seemed utterly ignorant of the consequences of her words.

“The mere son-in-law of the Shen family dares to speak out. Do you know that Xian’er still carries the blood of her other half? That’s not something you can afford to provoke,” the second elder of the Shen clan retorted angrily, his gaze fixed on Li Xiu.

Though taken aback by Li Xiu’s concealed identity, he felt no hesitation in speaking up before Gu Changge.

“If you want Xian’er to understand that there are always greater powers and realms beyond, then let’s see,” he declared boldly. “Someone, go and raze Huang Yue Sacred Land. I dare anyone to stop us.”

Gu Changge’s initial smile faded as he responded calmly, his demeanor suggesting he was merely instructing someone to squash a small ant without any emotional ripple.

A chill swept through everyone present.

“What…?” Holy Maiden Yaoyue’s complexion drained of color. Her eyes widened in shock, her head spinning, almost causing her to collapse.