I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 432
Chapter 432: Once confused an eminent monk, if she was sane, she will be fooled
In the early morning of the following day, atop a mountain outside the Hanging Buddhist Temple, Gu Changge, Jiang Chuchu, Jinchan Buddha, and others stood gazing towards the turbulent abyss in the distance. The dark purple demonic energy surged relentlessly, its vastness shrouding the sky like a dense, dark cloud. It created an ominous atmosphere, where light struggled to penetrate.
The Demon Burying Abyss, despite its name, resembled more of a colossal portal than a mere abyss. This terrifying gateway appeared like a gaping wound in the fabric of heaven and earth, emitting a chilling aura that hinted at an eternal darkness beyond.
Within the depths of this portal, numerous terrifying corpses lay visible, some as massive as mountains. Despite their deathly stillness, they radiated a brilliant light akin to miniature suns, though tainted by demonic energy. Their surfaces were marred with countless scars and pockmarks of varying sizes.
Near the Demon Burying Abyss, numerous earth-shattering formations erupted with divine lights, transforming into celestial weapons—swords, knives, halberds—that cleaved through the air, preventing creatures from surging out unchecked.
In addition, numerous cultivators surrounded the Demon Burying Abyss. While they kept a cautious distance, they battled against the formidable demons among them. Their presence here wasn’t solely for maintaining world peace; rather, they sought the valuable substances left behind after slaying these great demons—materials like divine cores, skulls, and hand bones that fetched high prices in markets and stalls beyond.
These divine cores were crucial not only for refining divine weapons but also for crafting powerful formations, and they were exceedingly rare, found primarily near the Demon Burying Abyss. Thus, many daring cultivators risked their lives to venture here.
Upon noticing Gu Changge’s group, these cultivators were initially shocked. They hadn’t expected others to brave this perilous place. However, some quickly recognized Gu Changge, which left them even more bewildered and amazed. How could someone of Gu Changge’s esteemed status venture into such a dangerous domain?
“What is Young Master Changge doing here?”
“Does he intend to resolve the calamity at the Demon Burying Abyss?”
“I must say, Young Master Changge is truly remarkable!”
Considering this possibility, their expressions shifted to one of profound respect. How many young elites from the upper realms would risk their lives to come to such a place? Their courage and actions on behalf of the people were truly admirable.
Though they wouldn’t have ventured close were it not for the necessity of their livelihoods, Gu Changge knew the dangers lurking here and still chose to tread into them.
“Up ahead is the entrance to the Burying Demon Abyss, guarded by a formation set up by our esteemed monks from Buddha Mountain to prevent the monsters from escaping…”
“Brother Gu, stay close to me and don’t stray into the formation,” Jin Chan Buddha advised. Since his discussion with the old monk with white eyebrows the previous night, his heart had settled.
With those words, he led the group from Buddha Mountain, enveloped in divine light, surging forward with flickering golden radiance, ascending the mountain peaks.
There was a surge of vast demonic energy ahead, but all of it was countered by a string of Buddha beads in Jin Chan’s hand, radiating with the light of Buddha. Simultaneously, a Buddha phantom appeared behind him, exuding solemn dignity and emitting a powerful golden light. The roar of Buddha’s wrath sliced through the air like a blade, charging towards the multitude of monsters ahead with immense force.
Gu Changge, Jiang Chuchu, and the others followed behind, keeping a respectful distance. Since Jin Chan Buddha took the lead in clearing the path, it spared Gu Changge from unnecessary trouble.
Gu Changge’s eyes held an inscrutable gaze as he recalled the conversation from the previous night. He had nearly been discovered by the old monk with white eyebrows, which had caught him off guard. Fortunately, he had departed early without incident.
The cultivation of the white-browed old monk was formidable, at least at the quasi-emperor level, making him an ancient being of unknown age. His divine powers were deeply tied to perception, allowing him to grasp even the most subtle changes in space.
Yet, what surprised Gu Changge the most was Jin Chan’s true identity. He had known Jin Chan possessed the heart and bones of Buddha, but he hadn’t realized Jin Chan was actually the reincarnation of a revered monk from Buddha Mountain.
“The Meditation robe?”
“It seems it must have fallen into the Demon Burying Abyss, so Jin Chan intends to retrieve it.”
Gu Changge was deeply intrigued by the Meditation robe. If his intuition was correct, it was likely a sacred Buddha artifact meant to suppress the demonic energies within the abyss. Its unexpected descent into this realm puzzled him.
Upon arriving here, Gu Changge not only felt no discomfort from the surrounding demonic auras but instead sensed a familiar and natural energy, with Great Dao runes faintly appearing and disappearing in his blood, as if celebrating. This aura seemed to resonate deeply with his own origins.
This sensation was eerily familiar, reminiscent of memories long sealed away but now stirring, flashing fragmented images and thoughts through his mind. It was like the parting of clouds to reveal the sky.
“The demonic energy here is already formidable. Even monks of the sacred realm must approach with caution to avoid corruption…”
A faint fairy light enveloped Jiang Chuchu, warding off the surrounding demonic energies. She frowned, speaking softly to herself.
Gu Changge glanced at her, sweeping his sleeves. A powerful shockwave emanated, dispersing the demonic energies around her.
“If you don’t stay outside, entering could trouble your cultivation,” he frowned slightly.
Jiang Chuchu glanced at him, shaking her head firmly. “No, I want to go in with you. You don’t need to worry about me; I have my own methods.”
It was her involvement that had implicated Gu Changge in this matter. How could she remain outside while he ventured in alone? Seeing her determination, Gu Changge remained silent. Besides, if anything went wrong, he could always stow her away in the inner universe.
Jin Chan led the way, but the path was fraught with challenges. They not only had to navigate treacherous formations but also contend with creatures tainted by demonic energy, which corrupted their minds.
Fortunately, the presence of Buddha Mountain masters offered protection. Even the weakest among them boasted a quasi-sacred realm cultivation. Their profound understanding of Dharma allowed them to effectively dispel demonic influences, ensuring their safety.
After traversing hundreds of miles, they finally neared the abyss ahead. A suffocating, oppressive aura enveloped them, solemnizing their faces and trembling their souls. It felt as though they were confronting a profound terror, compelling them to kneel and bow involuntarily.
The demonic energy here had become so dense that it seemed to liquefy, pooling into a small lake on the ground. Within this eerie lake, flickering runes adorned the surface, while scattered dark purple divine stones emitted a rare and precious original aura.
“My lord, over there…” A Great Sacred Realm powerhouse behind Gu Changge pointed with astonishment towards a lotus in the distance.
It was a deep purple lotus rooted within a small lake formed by demonic energy. Despite the lake being less than a hundred miles wide, the fragrance it emitted was akin to immortal purple gold.
“What is this?” Some ventured closer out of curiosity, but before they could reach it, they were engulfed by the deep purple mist emanating from the lake.
Without even a chance to scream, they were transformed into blood mist, a terrifying sight that chilled onlookers and prompted many to instinctively step back.
“This is the Soul Destroyer Lotus, do not approach,” Jin Chan frowned, then eased and explained to the group, “It grows near the Demon Burying Abyss, feeding on living beings and demonic energy exclusively. Despite its beauty, it harbors great danger. Avoid getting too close to pluck it.”
His words instilled a sense of dread among the onlookers, reminding them of the escalating peril as they neared the mouth of the abyss.
“The Soul Destroyer Lotus.”
“It must be tens of millions of years old, having established its domain nearby.”
Gu Changge, intrigued, approached.
The expressions of the Buddha Mountain cultivators tightened, though they didn’t intervene. Jin Chan had already advised him; if Gu Changge chose not to heed it, he would bear the consequences.
Yet, to everyone’s surprise, as Gu Changge advanced, the Soul Destroyer Lotus trembled slightly, almost as if intimidated. Then, astonishingly, as he moved closer, the lotus emerged from the lake, its purple glow shimmering mysteriously underfoot.
This sight left everyone wide-eyed and almost motionless, incredulous at what they were witnessing.
Even Jiang Chuchu was taken aback momentarily, but she quickly composed herself, glancing at Gu Changge and pondering his unusual connection with the Soul Destroyer Lotus. Could it be that this spiritual entity actually feared him?
At that moment, everyone watched in astonishment as the lotus extended its rhizomes like feet, moving towards Gu Changge. Unperturbed by the crowd’s reactions, Gu Changge calmly seized the Soul Destroyer Lotus and tossed it into his storage ring. The lotus seemed to acknowledge its fate, surrendering without resistance.
“What’s the purpose of taking the Soul Destroyer Lotus?” Jiang Chuchu asked, her curiosity piqued. To her knowledge, aside from its perilous nature, the lotus held no medicinal value.
Gu Changge smiled knowingly. “Let’s keep it. A millennia-old Soul Destroyer Lotus is rare, and it may soon undergo a transformation. Its unique properties could potentially neutralize abyssal energies if it transforms.”
To him, the lotus held value beyond its danger; it could even serve as nourishment for his primordial spirit if needed. While others regarded it as poison, he saw it as a potential tonic.
“Raising a Soul Lotus?” Jiang Chuchu nodded, refraining from further comment. The Soul Destroyer Lotus fed exclusively on flesh and blood, a formidable challenge for most. Yet, with Gu Changge’s abilities, it posed little threat.
Though Gu Changge had recently treated her more kindly, Jiang Chuchu hadn’t forgotten his true nature and original temperament.
“Let’s move,” Jin Chan said, glancing back with a heightened fear of Gu Changge lingering in his heart.
As they advanced, everyone grew increasingly cautious, especially Jin Chan, who led the way, mindful of every step to avoid missteps. They encountered vein-like Dao textures everywhere, emitting dazzling brilliance, signaling the formidable energies at play.
The presence of larger demons, emerging from the depths of the Demon Burying Abyss, added to the peril. These beings possessed monstrous strength and cruelty, posing a significant threat.
After traversing another area, they finally reached the mouth of the Demon Burying Abyss. The overwhelming surge of demonic energy before them seemed capable of engulfing the entire world. Even those in the Great Sacred Realm trembled; their faces drained of color.
Jin Chan halted, turned to the group, and spoke solemnly, “Those who haven’t attained cultivation in the Great Sacred Realm will remain here for now. I’ll establish a spatial formation. If anything goes wrong inside, you can quickly return here for safety.”
“Additionally, some of you need to stay here.”
With that, he retrieved a purple-gold Buddha pestle and began meticulously setting up the formation, laying out numerous materials with great care.
The cultivators from Buddha Mountain understood the plan and swiftly divided into two groups: one followed Jin Chan deeper into the abyss, while the other remained behind.
“Then you’ll stay here,” Gu Changge said, looking directly at Jiang Chuchu.
“I won’t,” Jiang Chuchu shook her head firmly, meeting his gaze with determination. “I want to accompany you down there.”
Despite not yet reaching the Great Sacred Realm in cultivation, she possessed other means to compensate for her lesser cultivation level.
Gu Changge frowned, a hint of potential anger flickering in his expression. Jiang Chuchu felt a momentary pang of uncertainty but gathered her courage, locking eyes with him. “I don’t want to stay here.”
“It’s my responsibility,” Gu Changge sighed softly, not appearing to blame her. Instead, he questioned gently, “If it concerns you, isn’t it also my concern? What’s the difference?”
Jiang Chuchu hesitated briefly, taken aback by Gu Changge’s unexpected response. A warm sensation filled her heart, momentarily leaving her unsure how to refuse.
However, she quickly composed herself. Gu Changge’s words, spoken openly before everyone, seemed to acknowledge a deeper connection between them. This realization made the usually reserved girl feel a shy warmth spreading within.
Of course, as the Holy Maiden of the Human Ancestor Hall, Jiang Chuchu swiftly regained her composure, seamlessly returning to her natural state.
“Then you must be careful. I’ll wait for you here,” she agreed.
Gu Changge nodded, his expression normalizing. He directed those behind him to divide into groups: some would accompany him into the abyss, while others would remain behind.
After the arrangements were made, Jin Chan turned to Gu Changge. “Brother Gu, we can proceed down.”
With a faint aura of Buddha’s light surrounding him, Jin Chan solemnly tore through the demonic energy ahead and entered the Demon Burying Abyss.
Gu Changge’s eyes flickered as the void blurred, the formidable demonic energy parting before him effortlessly. He stepped forward and soon disappeared into the thick, malevolent aura, descending into the depths of the Burying Demon Abyss.
The abyss was vast, a cavernous realm steeped in terrifying atmosphere. Countless monsters clashed within, seemingly relentless in their battles.
Here, every creature, physical or spiritual, was consumed by terror, fighting with a reckless abandon for life or death.
Gu Changge envisioned the abyss as a place sealed for countless years, perhaps even epochs.
For the red-clothed witch, being in this place would have been sheer torment. The monsters here, even the mighty ones with strength akin to quasi-supreme levels, lacked sanity entirely. Their sole instinct was to fight and kill—either slaying others or being slain themselves.
Such a dark and chaotic environment would likely drive anyone else insane. If any of these creatures were to escape into the outside world, it would inevitably lead to unimaginable disasters, with bloodshed across all realms a distinct possibility.
“Brother Gu, what are your thoughts on the upheaval in the depths of the Demon Burying Abyss?” Jin Chan suddenly turned his eyes, smiling, as he led the way.
Gu Changge, pondering the situation, replied calmly, “It seems the seals of this place have been breached, or perhaps something formidable is on the brink of emerging.”
He had considered attacking Jin Chan earlier but reconsidered upon hearing his question. It would be prudent to withhold any action until he had confirmed the presence of the meditation robe.
Jin Chan, unfazed by Gu Changge’s response, pressed further, “There’s turmoil erupting here, and all the great demons are fleeing outward, which is quite unusual. I’m curious what Brother Gu makes of this.”
His inquiry was intended to gauge Gu Changge’s intentions and how much he knew about the mysteries of the Demon Burying Abyss.
If Jin Chan had also come for the meditation robe, he would need to employ some strategy to ensure Gu Changge stayed in the abyss forever. Despite Gu Changge’s formidable strength, he was unfamiliar with the perils of the Demon Burying Abyss.
“These monsters seem more like they’re fleeing from something rather than causing a revolt. In my view, it looks more like an escape,” Gu Changge remarked calmly, seemingly seeing through Jin Chan’s intentions in an instant.
“Could it be that Jin Chan didn’t thoroughly investigate before leading us here?” he continued evenly.
Jin Chan’s heart skipped a beat at Gu Changge’s insight, but he maintained his composure, the faint glow of Buddha’s light on his robes contrasting with the surrounding demonic energy.
With many injured cultivators around him fighting to clear the path ahead, Jin Chan pressed on, asking cautiously, “Then what is Brother Gu’s plan?”
Gu Changge responded casually, “I came here out of concern for Chuchu’s safety. Despite my attempts to dissuade her, she insisted on accompanying me. Perhaps Jin Chan assumed I came to resolve the crisis in the Demon Burying Abyss?”
“If so, you might find yourself disappointed,” Gu Changge added with a hint of amusement, his tone frank yet tinged with mockery.
Jin Chan was momentarily taken aback by Gu Changge’s straightforwardness, not expecting such honesty. He almost revealed that his true intent was merely to gauge favorability and that he had no intention of involving himself in the affairs of the Demon Burying Abyss. Yet, this honesty aligned with Gu Changge’s reputation; how could someone like him genuinely care about others’ lives and deaths?
Assuming Gu Changge had ulterior motives concerning the Holy Maiden Chuchu, Jin Chan concluded that he risked his life to accompany the maiden here.
This realization brought Jin Chan a measure of relief, simplifying matters in his mind. “So Brother Gu is indeed forthright,” he remarked with a smile. If Gu Changge had no intention of meddling in the Demon Burying Abyss, then he likely knew nothing of the meditation robe.
“In that case, may I ask what brings Jin Chan to this place? I’m quite curious,” Gu Changge inquired with genuine interest.
Jin Chan’s complexion returned to normal. He dared not lie at this juncture, as Gu Changge’s suspicions could jeopardize his own plans. If Gu Changge became aware of the meditation robe and decided to seize it, it could ruin everything.
Thus, Jin Chan opted for composure but acknowledged the necessity of concealing certain details.
“Actually, I’ve come here to recover a Buddha treasure that was lost in this place,” Jin Chan explained, noticing Gu Changge’s initial skepticism. “It’s a bit embarrassing to admit, but this matter involves a scandal within my Buddha Mountain. In my previous life as a monk of Buddha Mountain, I had a strong aspiration to bury a significant Buddha treasure in the Demon Burying Abyss. However, upon entering, I was ensnared by a fierce and powerful female demon lurking in its depths. She bewitched me and stole the treasure, hoping to alleviate her own suffering. Unfortunately, that female demon was cruel…”
He sighed deeply, recounting his previous life’s actions as though observing them from a distance, given that his past memories had yet to fully awaken.
“Just to clarify, she was slain here?” Gu Changge asked calmly, though inwardly, he sensed a complication arising.
If the Red-clothed Witch remained unconscious, it might not pose a problem. However, if she were awake, wouldn’t all the pain and torment she endured over the years come flooding back the moment she laid eyes on him?
Not to mention the complexities from before being cast into the Demon Burying Abyss; many grudges were not easily resolved in Gu Changge’s perspective. Hatred born from love was often indelible, even in the deepest depths of hell.
Yet, Gu Changge found some solace in the fact that the Red-clothed Witch hadn’t perished outright from his powerful blow; her situation was far from simple. Even if there was a chance she had survived, the injuries inflicted by his devastating power would linger for a long time.
Thus, Gu Changge sought a means to nurture her soul. If she regained her sanity, he could deceive her. If she remained deranged, he would need an alternative approach.
“In this matter, due to my past entanglements with Buddha Mountain, it’s seldom discussed until now,” Jin Chan admitted with a touch of wryness, visibly moved by the memory. He then resumed leading the way forward, relying on the Buddha bones on his person to locate the meditation robe.
As he delved deeper into the abyss, Gu Changge sensed a stirring within the core of the Demon’s Heart, where the Eight Desolate Demonic Halberd seemed to stir from its usual dormancy.
The oppressive presence of the entire Demon Burying Abyss descended like a heavy shroud, making movement difficult and suffocating. The aura contained within felt as if it surpassed even emperors and immortals, resonating with a power sealed within.
“This Demon Burying Abyss came into being from a drop of my true blood when I was the Demon Lord,” Gu Changge murmured softly, his gaze distant as he navigated the oppressive atmosphere.
However, amidst the overwhelming sensations, Gu Changge detected a familiar aura deeper within the abyss—not that of the Red-clothed Witch, but something else entirely, originating from a more profound source.
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