I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 423
Chapter 423: Very good, you are too deceiving, so what if she is wrong?
The courtyard remained tranquil, with flowers swaying gently and a thick spiritual mist enveloping the surroundings. Colorful butterflies and birds flitted about, lending a serene ambiance to the scene. Despite this peaceful setting, tension hung heavy in the air.
No one dared to let their guard down. Faces were somber, and a chill ran down their spines. The visitors from Huang Yue Sacred Land, who had accompanied Holy Maiden Yaoyue, trembled uncontrollably. Their faces drained of color, their spirits quivered, and they struggled to resist the urge to kneel.
They couldn’t fathom that such a decisive fate could be determined for their sacred land with a casual command to destroy the forces backing them. Normally, such a notion would seem inconceivable in their immortal existence within the Heavenly Lan world.
Huang Yue Sacred Land had stood inviolate for ages, boasting an unparalleled heritage that spanned countless eons, watching over the myriad beings of the Heavenly Lan realm. The mere mention of its destruction sent a wave of fear through the other cultivators present.
However, the threat did not necessarily mean imminent destruction.
The words of the young man before them instilled fear and despair, leaving them unable to entertain any doubt. Their legs weakened, and many slumped to the ground in submission.
The magnitude and terror of the young man’s background were beyond comprehension. Even the ancestors of the Shen clan now stood by respectfully, not daring to show neglect. Such a formidable force was clearly not one they could provoke.
Deep regret and resentment filled their hearts towards Holy Maiden Yaoyue’s earlier contemptuous attitude. Had she not spoken as she did, would the young man have casually decreed the destruction of the Sacred Land behind them?
“Yes, my lord,” the powerhouses behind Gu Changge responded with solemnity. With swift movements, they transformed into divine lights and departed, dutifully carrying out Gu Changge’s command to obliterate Huang Yue Sacred Land.
In their eyes, the Sacred Land of Huang Yue in the Heavenly Lan Realm was no more significant than a mere speck of dust. Even if it housed a supreme being, it held no sway.
Offending their young master in this world meant inevitable destruction, regardless of any enlightened figures who might intervene. The infamous Purple Mansion, which once shook the upper realm, met its end for daring to cross the young master.
Thus, the small Huang Yue Sacred Land could be obliterated with a mere gesture.
This spectacle sent shivers through everyone in the Shen family, their spirits quivering. For the first time, they grasped the true meaning of fear. Many finally understood why the young man had commanded such respect from ancestors and elders alike.
After all, if he could decree the destruction of Huang Yue Sacred Land with a word, he could just as easily annihilate the Shen Clan.
“A single decree can dismantle entire forces.”
“This presence is truly formidable…”
Among the crowd, Mother Shen and Father Gu watched with mixed emotions. They took in a sharp breath, their hearts heavy with complexity.
While Gu Changge’s actions were shocking, they understood that he did it to defend Gu Xian’er’s honor, leaving them no room for further comment. Holy Maiden Yaoyue’s earlier words had indeed been a humiliation to Gu Xian’er, which they found intolerable.
“You… you really don’t need to do this,” Gu Xian’er said, her voice tinged with surprise. She hadn’t expected Gu Changge to take such drastic action.
Although she had been angry earlier, she had never intended to drag the Huang Yue Sacred Land into the matter. But once Gu Changge made up his mind, no one could sway his decision. To him, Huang Yue Sacred Land was insignificant, akin to ants beneath his notice. With a mere sentence, countless would trample it into oblivion for him.
Yet, despite her shock, Gu Xian’er found a sense of reassurance in Gu Changge’s unwavering protection.
“Since when have cats and dogs been allowed to bully my Gu family?” Gu Changge’s gaze swept over her, and even though Gu Xian’er was known for her stubbornness, she felt subdued and did not dare to argue.
“Sister…” Shen Xian’er murmured, still reeling from the sudden turn of events. She had never doubted Gu Changge’s words.
Instead, she felt that Gu Changge’s decision to destroy the Huang Yue Sacred Land stemmed from the humiliation inflicted upon Gu Xian’er, a thought that deeply troubled her.
Shen Xian’er had always been resolute, never imagining that a single sentence could bring about the destruction of an entire faction.
“Your Royal Highness…” The members of the Huang Yue Sacred Land looked at Holy Maiden Yaoyue in despair.
Yaoyue herself was pale, her mind blank with shock. She hadn’t anticipated that her actions would lead to such catastrophic consequences for her Sacred Land.
“Master…” She turned to Li Xiu, who remained stoic and cold. Desperately, she hoped he could protect her and their Sacred Land.
Observing Yaoyue’s plight, Li Xiu’s expression hardened. He understood that he needed to intervene once more to rectify the situation. This crisis was now intricately linked to him.
Gu Changge’s formidable power sent chills down Li Xiu’s spine. Even during his prime, he had never encountered someone who wielded such overwhelming authority, casually dictating the fates of entire factions.
“Gu is not unreasonable. But if you insist on teaching me the lesson of ‘people outside of people, heaven outside of heaven,’ then allow me to witness it firsthand,” Gu Changge said calmly, yet his words struck fear into all present, who dared not meet his gaze.
“Why are you doing this, Brother?” Li Xiu stepped forward, disregarding the angered elders of the Shen family, and addressed Gu Changge calmly.
Despite his outward demeanor showing no signs of cultivation, Li Xiu exuded an aura of unshakable calm and indifference.
“Such a wasteful son-in-law dares to speak to Young Master Changge in such a manner. Do you truly believe you are beyond reproach? Are you courting death?” The second elder of the Shen clan’s voice was cold, surprised at Li Xiu’s audacity.
The Shen family members now knew of Li Xiu’s hidden identity, yet they remained unsure of its significance. His composure and boldness in this moment left them puzzled.
This display gave the members of the Huang Yue Sacred Land a glimmer of hope. If Holy Maiden Yaoyue had spoken in such a manner, Li Xiu’s identity must hold significant weight. Otherwise, he wouldn’t confront the situation with such confidence and serenity.
“Are you talking to me?” Gu Changge regarded Li Xiu with curiosity, finding the son-in-law’s luck intriguing. It seemed richer than even the reincarnation of a human ancestor, suggesting Li Xiu was more than a mere son-in-law.
“Exactly.” Li Xiu met Gu Changge’s gaze calmly, noting the young man’s unfathomable presence and overwhelming aura.
In Li Xiu’s assessment, Gu Changge likely hailed from an immortal great sect or supreme Dao sect in the upper realm. The Shen family’s deference confirmed this assumption. Yet, Li Xiu’s seclusion within the Shen family had left him unaware of many developments in the outside world.
Gu Changge, young master of the Gu family? Could he be from the upper realm?
Li Xiu realized the situation was delicate and required careful handling. If Gu Changge knew his true identity, perhaps acknowledging it openly would be prudent. While the Gu family was formidable, Li Xiu’s own background was no less significant.
“What? Are you planning to stand up for the Sacred Land of Huang Yue? You also claim to be an outsider?” Gu Changge’s smile was tinged with amusement as he glanced at the visibly shaken Holy Maiden Yaoyue and others. His words held a hint of curiosity. “As for a big fight? I don’t think it would be difficult for me to end it.”
Holy Maiden Yaoyue and her companions were unnerved under Gu Changge’s penetrating gaze, feeling as insignificant as ants before his overwhelming presence. Once, they had stood as lofty figures in the Sacred Land, commanding respect from all. Now, their fate hung at the mercy of Gu Changge’s whims.
“There is indeed a heaven beyond the heavens and people beyond people. No one’s view of heaven is guaranteed to be absolute,” Li Xiu interjected calmly, showing neither humility nor arrogance. His demeanor was composed, reflecting deep inner confidence.
“As fellow Daoists, why do we need to dwell on such matters?” Li Xiu continued evenly. “Moreover, forgiveness is a virtue. For today’s incident, I hope Brother Daoist can see my face and pardon Yaoyue and her companions. They will offer their apologies for their earlier rudeness and impetuosity.”
Li Xiu’s words conveyed a sense of profound understanding and a tacit acknowledgment of Gu Changge’s superior position. It was clear to Li Xiu that Gu Changge was not to be trifled with. Despite his restrained words, Gu Changge’s aloof and commanding aura spoke volumes about his status in the upper realms—a figure who commanded attention and respect beyond ordinary means.
“Lord…” Holy Maiden Yaoyue was taken aback by Li Xiu’s unexpected intervention. For someone of his stature to intercede in such a manner was tantamount to showing deference and submission.
In that instant, she began to piece together Gu Changge’s identity. Who else in the world could afford to provoke Young Master Changge? Her heart sank as regret gnawed at her.
Clearly, her judgment had failed her this time. She had never imagined that a figure like Gu Changge would descend upon the Heavenly Lan Realm. “It seems that resolving this matter won’t be easy for the lord…” She thought ruefully.
“Presumptuous! You think your face is worth something to Young Master Changge? It’s simply seeking death!” Gu Changge’s tone remained unchanged, but the atmosphere around him grew colder, sending a shiver down everyone’s spine.
The expressions of the Shen Clan members, especially the second elder who knew Gu Changge’s true identity, turned grave. They couldn’t fathom where Li Xiu found the audacity and confidence to intervene in such a manner.
The second elder’s anger flared, and without hesitation, he launched an attack on Li Xiu, fearing that his actions might incur Gu Changge’s wrath and bring dire consequences upon the entire Shen Clan.
Boom! The wide sleeves rolled up, and the Great Sacred Realm’s cultivation erupted, transforming into a vast golden rune that surged forward, suppressing him and seeking retribution for Gu Changge. Despite leaning towards the flames, his own strength was formidable, renowned among the older generation masters of the Heavenly Lan Realm. His move caused everyone from the Sacred Land of Huang Yue to pale and involuntarily step back.
“Lord…”
Holy Maiden Yaoyue couldn’t help but exclaim with concern. Currently, Li Xiu appeared to have no cultivation and seemed no match for the second elder of the Shen clan. Gu Xian’er, Shen Xian’er, and others glanced over, their brows furrowed, sensing Li Xiu’s lack of cultivation. Yet, he remained remarkably composed, a faint smile playing on his lips.
This puzzled them. Did Li Xiu possess some hidden confidence? They were facing a powerhouse of the Great Sacred Realm, after all!
“If I were you, I wouldn’t act against me,” Li Xiu said calmly, unperturbed by the second elder of the Shen clan’s attack.
In the next moment, the void rumbled and trembled just as the second elder of the Shen clan was about to descend before him. A dazzling golden pattern suddenly appeared on Li Xiu’s brow, followed by the emergence of a golden brilliance that formed into a radiant curtain of light, intercepting the palm strike of the second elder of the Shen clan.
The golden light curtain resembled condensed immortal gold, its runic patterns flashing and causing the surrounding void to distort with formidable power.
Boom! The surroundings erupted, the void almost tearing like paper on the verge of unraveling. Li Xiu’s expression remained unchanged, a faint smile playing on his lips.
The second elder of the Shen clan, despite being in the Great Sacred Realm, found it daunting to break through.
“What… How is this possible?” His face betrayed shock and disbelief.
In the next instant, disbelief turned into determination as he attacked once more. Terrifying purple runes transformed into bolts of purple lightning, crashing down from the heavens, threatening to obliterate the nearby mountains. Yet, Li Xiu stood firm, the indestructible golden light curtain resisting all onslaughts.
“This light curtain…” The Shen clan ancestor waved his sleeve to shield against the ensuing chaos, protecting the nearby mountains from destruction. His gaze, however, remained fixated on the golden divine inscription between Li Xiu’s eyebrows, a faint sense of familiarity stirring within him. It seemed he had heard of it before, but the realization eluded him momentarily.
“Don’t waste your energy. With your current strength, you won’t be able to break through my defense,” Li Xiu said calmly to the astonished second elder of the Shen clan, his expression unruffled and relaxed.
On his forehead, the golden lines seemed to pulsate, transforming into runes that condensed in the air, radiating an unmatched power.
A hushed silence fell over the surroundings, everyone deeply shocked by the scene unfolding before them. Gu Changge gazed at Li Xiu, a mysterious smile playing on his lips. “There are heavens beyond the heavens, and people beyond people. Your words ring true. However, I can afford to give you some face. Do you dare to ask for it?”
At the same time, thousands of miles away from the Shen clan’s territory, within a magnificent mountain gate where beams of light soared into the sky, a profoundly grand and ancient palace suddenly emitted a vast aura.Buzz! An elderly man, robust in appearance with a ruddy complexion, suddenly appeared, his excitement palpable.
“The fluctuation just now, if I’m not mistaken, it must be the lord’s aura.”
“I knew it! How could our lord perish in that battle!”
His words brimmed with undisguised elation. Stepping forward, he vanished from the hall in an instant.
“Spread my command! Summon all disciples and elders of the Heavenly Sword Sect to convene at the square.”
His voice resounded like a bell, imbued with an indescribable divine power, calling upon disciples and elders to gather.
Upon hearing this commanding voice, disciples and elders were initially stunned, then swiftly responded, transforming into beams of divine light as they hurried to pay their respects.
“I pay my respects, Ancestor.”
The elderly man was the founder of the Heavenly Sword Sect, its venerable ancestor. His cultivation was immeasurable, and he had not been seen for many years. Many believed he had passed away, but his breakthrough today shattered those assumptions.
“Follow me to greet the return of our lord!” The ancestor of the Heavenly Sword Sect’s face brimmed with excitement as he shouted energetically, leading numerous disciples and elders towards the direction of the perceived aura.
Meanwhile, in various corners of the Heavenly Lan Realm, similar scenes unfolded, shocking many as they struggled to comprehend the events unfolding before them. Major factions experienced upheavals, with divine lights streaking across the sky towards specific destinations.
In stark contrast, within the mountain palace of the Sacred Land of Huang Yue, a scene of tragedy unfolded. Grief and mourning permeated the air amidst dazzling, splendid brilliance that soared into the heavens. The atmosphere was fraught with the sounds of battle and cries of combat.
Above, a colossal palm, wrapped in ominous runes, descended upon them. Disciples and elders alike coughed up blood and were annihilated in body and spirit. Countless runes were extinguished as the mountain palace crumbled into ruins.
This scene plunged everyone in the Sacred Land of Huang Yue into despair, even the elders who wielded Great Sacred Realm strength were severely overwhelmed. The attack was sudden and merciless, leaving no room for negotiation as destruction loomed over the Sacred Land of Huang Yue.
On the horizon stood several figures emanating terrifying auras akin to demons and gods. Their forms were colossal, radiating divine light that flickered with scenes of awe-inspiring power. Their presence alone cast a suffocating pressure over the world, causing passing cultivators to tremble in fear and awe.
“What’s happening? Why is there a war in the Sacred Land of Huang Yue?”
“It’s said they offended someone they shouldn’t have, and these formidable beings have been sent to annihilate them.”
From distant mountain ranges, many cultivators watched in horror. They couldn’t fathom how the long-established Sacred Land of Huang Yue, spanning tens of thousands of miles, could be so vulnerable. Even their mountain protection formations were torn asunder by the invaders bare-handedly.
It wasn’t that the Sacred Land of Huang Yue was feeble, but rather that their adversary wielded overwhelming strength, wielding a weapon resembling the sun whose mere aura could bring destruction upon everything. When such a formidable entity struck, no force could withstand its devastating power.
Fear gripped them as they trembled in disbelief, unable to fathom whom the Sacred Land of Huang Yue had offended to incur such a catastrophe.
“We have no grievances! Why are you attacking us?” shouted an elder from the Sacred Land of Huang Yue, his face contorted with fury and anguish.
“We have been ordered by our young master to destroy the Sacred Land of Huang Yue,” declared the imposing figure in the sky. “If you seek blame, blame your holy maiden. Her actions offended someone she shouldn’t have, and now you bear the consequences.”
The words fell lightly, tinged with mockery. The revelation stunned everyone from the Sacred Land of Huang Yue. They could scarcely believe that their holy maiden had unwittingly brought about this calamity.
Boom!
“You are too presumptuous!” At that moment, deep within the Sacred Land of Huang Yue, a terrifying aura suddenly surged. A brilliant and dazzling light burst forth from an ancient altar, revealing a thin old man whose face was cold with a murderous intent.
He stared icily at the formidable figures on the horizon who had brought ruin upon the Sacred Land of Huang Yue. “Do you think you can stop us alone? You’re like ants, while we are like mantises.”
A chilling voice echoed across the sky, resonating with a ferocity that shook the world. It belonged to a supreme powerhouse from the Chaotic Star Field, possessing a quasi-supreme realm cultivation, and pledged allegiance to Gu Changge.
Just as major events stirred every corner of the Heavenly Lan Realm, within the Shen Clan, tension simmered outside a secluded courtyard.
“Young man, it’s wise not to be overly arrogant. I’ve seen many like you come and go. Beauty attracts attention, but also invites destruction.”
“Both sides share blame in this matter. There should be apologies and reparations, not aggression,” Li Xiu advised with a furrowed brow, but Gu Changge remained reticent.
Despite the provocation, Li Xiu stayed composed, unwilling to escalate the situation. Though he had once stood at the pinnacle of the upper world, he now preferred avoiding unnecessary conflicts.
“Is it truly both sides at fault?” Gu Changge countered with a smile. “I wonder where Xian’er went wrong?”
“Furthermore, even if she erred, what of it? She’s a direct descendant of the Gu family, a distinction you do not share.”
Shen Xian’er listened quietly, her gaze shifting to Gu Changge. She pondered his words but said nothing in response.
“You… very well, very well. Is this how family members behave? It’s truly audacious,” the Shen clan’s second elder seethed, his expression darkening with anger at Gu Changge’s words.
Li Xiu couldn’t suppress the slight bitterness in his expression. Gu Changge’s words had struck a nerve, and the humiliation was hard to bear in front of everyone.
Gu Changge shook his head slightly. “It’s merely an explanation. If you choose to see it that way, so be it.”
Li Xiu regarded him deeply, his composure gradually returning. “Impressive, Young Master Changge. Today, I’ve learned much.”
“Silence! The title ‘Young Master Changge’ isn’t for your lips!” The second elder of the Shen clan’s face darkened further. He hadn’t anticipated being repeatedly thwarted by someone he considered inferior, especially in Gu Changge’s presence.
“It’s a trivial matter. Young Master Changge need not trouble himself,” he continued dismissively. “Today, I will suppress you here. Dare you, a mere son-in-law of the Shen clan, challenge the master?”
With those words, the second elder attacked once more, his aura now significantly more intense than before, displaying formidable power. Yet, Li Xiu remained unperturbed, his expression calm as he uttered, “As I’ve said, your current strength cannot breach my defense.”
With each word, the golden rune between his brows shimmered brighter, radiating a supreme power within the virtual space.
In the faint light, the ancient word “war” emerged, its presence sending a vast aura that instilled fear in many hearts.
“This… this shouldn’t be…”
“Could it be…”
Even the complexion of the Shen clan’s ancestor turned slightly suspicious, as a thought suddenly struck him, causing his heart to tremble. However, when he looked back at Gu Changge, he regained his composure. Regardless of Li Xiu’s identity, he couldn’t gain any advantage in front of Gu Changge.
In an instant, a tremendous aura erupted, akin to countless stars exploding. The Shen Clan’s mountain protection formation was activated, unleashing myriad terrifying divine patterns into the sky. The brilliance was so dazzling that onlookers had to avert their eyes.
“This is impossible…”
The second elder of the Shen clan groaned, blood staining his lips from the shock of his injuries. Everyone watched in astonishment as Li Xiu, the supposedly powerless son-in-law, once again managed to withstand the attacks of the Great Sacred Realm’s second elder.
“My lord!”
Holy Maiden Yaoyue and others were overjoyed, sensing a miraculous turn of events.
“What is Li Xiu’s origin?” Gu Xian’er, despite her training under several masters in Peach Village, couldn’t discern Li Xiu’s true identity. It defied logic for an ordinary person without cultivation to wield such secret techniques and divine weapons.
How did he withstand all of this?
“It doesn’t seem to be a secret technique, but rather a rune I’ve encountered in the Heavenly Lan Realm’s ancient texts,” Shen Xian’er remarked, surprised by Li Xiu’s unexpected ability. She hadn’t anticipated such depths from him, explaining Holy Maiden Yaoyue’s respect toward him.
At this moment, the only one seemingly unsurprised was Gu Changge himself. He found himself intrigued.
“This son-in-law Li Xiu knows how to hide his strengths. If he lacked means, how could he remain so composed?” Gu Changge mused silently, opting to observe Li Xiu’s current limits.
The golden rune seemed to activate only in response to attacks, suggesting it was Li Xiu’s defensive method. Yet, if this was his sole capability, Gu Changge would be disappointed. His gaze shifted to Li Xiu’s luck point, contemplating the potential it held for harvesting.
Coincidentally, Gu Changge planned to exchange the remaining transcendental bones during this period. Advancing to the next realm hinged significantly on insights gained through cultivation, making transcendental bones crucial.
In these exchanges, Gu Changge felt an inexplicable familiarity, as if the memories sealed within his mind were gradually resurfacing. This realization led him to speculate that these detached bones might indeed be remnants of his past self.
However, whether true or false, this matter delved into the origin of the system, a concept beyond his current comprehension.
As the brilliance in the field subsided, the second elder of the Shen clan was thrown backward, bloodied and in a humiliating state on the ground. His eyes widened with shock and disbelief—he couldn’t breach Li Xiu’s defense and was even injured by the counterforce.
“You brought this upon yourself,” Li Xiu remarked lightly, casting a glance at Gu Changge before focusing on the second elder of the Shen clan.
The golden light between his brows shimmered, its ancient and mysterious lines exuding a formidable and awe-inspiring aura. Though he had lost his spiritual sea and couldn’t access his full power, Li Xiu still possessed formidable means.
Within the virtual space, an ancient word “war” materialized, evolving into myriad weapons—swords, spears, and halberds—emitting a terrifying murderous intent. The manifestation of the war talisman intercepted the second elder’s attack, a sight that awed everyone present.
“This is indeed a war talisman,” acknowledged the Shen clan’s ancestor, his expression grave as he recognized the ancient symbol. Its reappearance in the Heavenly Lan Realm after countless years would undoubtedly cause significant upheaval, even unsettling the upper realms.
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Kieleana
Sad :<