I Am the Fated Villain

Chapter 1097

Chapter 1097: The temptation of the background characters, brother, please stay

The gray-robed elder was drenched in cold sweat, his face turning pale, trembling uncontrollably in place, consumed by fear. At this moment, he finally realized that if Gu Changge dared to take action and kill the young leader of the Wan Bao in front of everyone, even as they were within the Divine City, he wouldn’t care about a quasi-emperor powerhouse like him.

Although the Quasi Emperor realm implied standing at the pinnacle of the Upper Realm and overlooking vast territories, even Dao-Building beings had the risk of falling in the present era. What could he possibly count to in this situation?(Ed Note, the Dao-Building should be the next realm after the Quasi Emperor.)

Regret filled the gray-robed elder’s heart. Where had he summoned the courage to utter such words to Gu Changge just moments ago? How could he have dared to speak in such a manner?

The onlookers in the courtyard witnessed the fearful expression of this quasi-emperor powerhouse, and their emotions grew increasingly complex.

“Gu Changge, I hope you’re well,” Jiang Luoshen, on the other hand, took the initiative to greet him, looking at Gu Changge with her beautiful eyes.

Gu Xian’er cast a glance at Gu Changge and then quietly averted her gaze, returning to her icy and ethereal demeanor in front of others. She had no desire to speak with Gu Changge in public.

Gu Changge turned to Jiang Luoshen, smiling and saying, “It’s been a while, Luo Shen.”

Seeing that Gu Xian’er was ignoring him, he decided to do the same.

This girl always wore a cold and frosty expression in front of others. It was her signature look.

Jiang Luo Shen gave him a faint look and said, “It seems we’re not that close, are we?”

Apart from her parents, no one addressed her so intimately. Most people referred to her as Princess Luoshen.

Gu Changge smiled faintly and replied, “What do you think?”

His words seemed to carry a hidden meaning, causing a faint blush to appear on Jiang Luoshen’s face. She then feigned nonchalance and gave a light hum in response.

Observing this, Gu Xian’er’s eyes narrowed slightly as she glanced at Jiang Luoshen, but she quickly looked away, concealing her emotions.

She was aware of Jiang Luoshen’s identity. They had encountered each other at the Supreme God Tomb in the past. However, she didn’t know if anything had happened between Jiang Luoshen and Gu Changge afterward.

The current scene made her feel strangely uncomfortable, especially when Gu Changge chose not to speak to her and instead exchanged pleasantries with Jiang Luoshen. It ignited an inexplicable sense of jealousy within her.

“Gu Changge, don’t you care about the slanderous accusations others are throwing at you?” Jiang Luoshen was never one to shy away from trouble.

Having witnessed Wang Shun being casually slapped to death by Gu Changge just moments ago, the quasi-emperor expert in front of them had also caught the attention of Jiang Luoshen. Her golden eyes slightly narrowed, revealing a dangerous curiosity.

Upon hearing this, the gray-robed elder tensed up, his face growing even paler. He felt a chill creeping over him and silently cursed Jiang Luoshen in his heart.

“Indeed, if it’s dirty water, there will naturally be a day to wash it clean. After all, I am inclined to do good and dislike conflict, which should be understandable,” Gu Changge replied with a faint smile. “Unless someone actively seeks death, I will still show restraint.”

Jiang Luoshen gave him a faint look and said, “The words coming from your mouth don’t sound like the Gu Changge I know.”

However, she had already witnessed Gu Changge’s shamelessness before, so his words weren’t entirely surprising. After all, saying something and actually doing it were two different matters.

Observing this, the onlookers began to speculate and discuss the situation. Many young men couldn’t help but feel envious. After all, Jiang Luo Shen had just defended Gu Changge’s honor, implying something between them. Would she have done so without some unclear relationship between them?

Seeing that Gu Changge was still ignoring her, Gu Xian’er couldn’t help but cast an annoyed glance at him. She wanted to grab his collar and ask him some questions.

“Ahem…” However, at that moment, a light cough came from a distance.

“In all things, harmony is of utmost importance. It is better to be lenient to others. Young Master Changge, why hold onto this matter so stubbornly?”

“Indeed, the Wan Bao Business Alliance has made many mistakes, but they have already paid the price.”

An old man with a hunched back appeared, his body thin and frail, dressed in a shabby Daoist robe. He had one eye that was half-blind, with only the white of the eye remaining. So weak, he seemed like he could be blown away by the wind at any moment.

However, the person following behind him was shocking everyone present, causing many cultivators here to change their expressions in disbelief.

“The Lord of the Heavenly Emperor Mountain!”

A cultivator exclaimed, deeply shaken. The Lord of the Heavenly Emperor Mountain was a massive figure with dazzling gem-like eyes that emitted a peculiar radiance. His figure appeared blurry and ethereal, with pulsating light and Dao-Order intertwining around him, exuding a terrifying aura of oppression. Undoubtedly, he was not a member of the human race, although his appearance resembled a human, even down to his silvery-white skin.

The true master of the Heavenly Emperor Mountain was a figure of unparalleled cultivation, deep and unfathomable, holding dominion over the vast Heavenly Emperor Mountain. With a single command, he could bring about the upheaval and destruction of countless worlds and sects. Such a person, now following behind the old Daoist in tattered robes, appeared unusually respectful.

In addition to the Lord of the Heavenly Emperor Mountain, other formidable beings were present, their cultivation immeasurable, akin to the depths of an abyss. They looked at Gu Changge without showing any emotion on their faces, seeming cold and indifferent. However, deep within their eyes, there was a profound sense of wariness.

“This person should be the Daoist ‘One-Eye’ of the Heavenly Emperor Mountain. It is said that his original form is a one-eyed dragon, has reached the Dao-Building realm countless epochs ago and is the lineage guardian of the Heavenly Emperor Mountain…”

An elder among the cultivators noticed the situation and couldn’t help but speak softly, recognizing the identity of the one-eyed Daoist. In terms of seniority, the Lord of the Heavenly Emperor Mountain was considered his junior. In terms of cultivation, Daoist “One-Eye” far surpassed him, so it was quite normal for him to step behind the one-eyed Daoist.

“Senior ‘One-Eye’…”

The quasi-emperor expert from the Wan Bao Business Alliance saw the appearance of the one-eyed Daoist and displayed an expression of pleasant surprise. He couldn’t help but respectfully speak. At the same time, he breathed a sigh of relief in his heart, as it seemed he had found support.

He previously intervened to stop Gu Xian’er from harming Wang Shun, clearly indicating that someone was guiding the situation from behind. Now that the one-eyed Daoist had appeared, if there seemed to be a certain connection.

“Young friend Changge, you has reached such an extraordinary realm at such a young age; it truly makes me envious.”

The Daoist ‘One Eye’ approached with a smile and took the initiative to speak, as if extending an olive branch to Gu Changge.

“Senior, you are right; indeed, harmony is of utmost importance.”

Gu Changge looked at the Daoist ‘One Eye’ and showed a friendly expression, giving a faint smile. “I am not unreasonable; I also believe in the value of reconciliation.”

A quasi-emperor expert was insignificant, as well “killing such a ant” was not Gu Changge’s intention here.. Moreover, Gu Changge’s current goal was these real formidable figures like “One-Eye”. The grand scheme he was about to set in motion was meant to capture these figures from various races and sects.These Dao-Building individuals had reached the pinnacle of Dao cultivation and were only a step away from becoming Immortals, commonly referred to as Remnant-Immortals.

The appearance of the Daoist ‘One Eye’ created a tremendous commotion, and many cultivators turned into streaks of divine light as they flew toward the scene. After all, most of the formidable figures present in the Divine City had yet to reveal themselves. Many cultivators speculated that they might be waiting for the arrival of the Reincarnated Heaven Lord.

The presence of the Daoist ‘One Eye’ from the Heavenly Emperor Mountain today seemed more like a signal to many observers.

In this current era, the upper realms are undeniably flourishing. Not only are there exceptional talents shining like stars, but also many ancient figures are making appearances one after another. In the past, those who achieved the Dao-Building realm would rarely reveal themselves. However, things have changed, and their power was not enough to deal with the current situation; it now requires individuals with higher power to emerge.

“Have you heard, young one, that the Reincarnated Heaven Lord will appear in the Divine City? Can you confirm if this is true?” The Daoist ‘One Eye’ asked with a remarkably friendly demeanor, smiling as he inquired.

His question mirrored the doubts in the minds of many, who were eager to meet this legendary figure.

Upon hearing this, Gu Changge smiled and replied, “Indeed, it’s true. My master will manifest in the Divine City tomorrow. At that time, all of you esteemed seniors can go and meet him.”

Receiving such a definitive answer, the excitement and joy in the hearts of those present were evident, dispelling their doubts. The Daiost ‘One Eye’ nodded in agreement, saying, “If that’s the case, then I can rest assured.”

“Let’s look forward to the arrival of the Reincarnated Heaven Lord tomorrow.”

With that, he glanced at the quasi-emperor expert from the Wan Bao Business Alliance, then turned and led the people of the Heavenly Emperor Mountain away, not lingering in this courtyard. It seemed as if they had come here solely to obtain a definite answer from Gu Changge.

Watching the departure of the Daoist ‘One Eye’ and the others, Gu Changge smiled faintly, his eyes displaying a hint of curiosity, but he did not voice his thoughts.

He could tell that the one-eyed Daoist was eager to test his current strength. However, as a figure representing the Heavenly Emperor Mountain with a profound background, bullying a junior weaker than him at this moment would not be acceptable. Moreover, this wasn’t just a test for the Heavenly Emperor Mountain; other major forces like the Violet Sky Valley and the Endless Fire Nation were also observing him from the shadows.

The entire upper realm was likely eager to know the extent of his cultivation. The hat of being the inheritor of the Demonic Arts was becoming increasingly precarious, especially with his current cheap master, who was crucial in dealing with the impending disaster of the Absolute Heavenly Extinction. So, no force dared to really take a move on him.

“Gu Changge, I…”

After the crowd from the Heavenly Emperor Mountain had left, Gu Xianner, who had been waiting for Gu Changge to speak first, finally couldn’t hold back and spoke up.

“If you have something to discuss, wait until we’re alone,” Gu Changge replied, glancing at the girl. He noticed the undisguised resentment in her eyes and couldn’t help but smile faintly, reaching out to ruffle her hair.

“You……”

Gu Xian’er gritted her teeth, growing frustrated and swatting away his wandering hand. Many questions and concerns she had wanted to discuss were forced to stay unsaid. She had been eager to confirm the visions she had seen in the Lake of Transcendence, but upon returning to Peach Village, she refrained from asking anything out of fear that it might disrupt the peaceful atmosphere there.

However, she hadn’t expected Gu Changge to quietly leave without even a word to her. This had left Gu Xian’er nursing a deep resentment.

Later, when she learned that Gu Changge had appeared near the Absolute Heavenly Extinction, she hurried to the scene. Along the way, Da Hong sensed a promising treasure hidden in a forthcoming cave, so she decided to explore it.

To her surprise, inside that cave, she stumbled upon evidence of the so-called inheritor of the Demonic Arts being responsible for the murder of Jin Yun. The so-called inheritor of the Demonic Arts had made statements filled with numerous inconsistencies, suggesting that the real inheritor was someone else entirely.

All the evidence and indications seemed to point toward Gu Changge actually being the rumored inheritor of the Demonic Arts. This thought left Gu Xian’er deeply conflicted and unsure of what to do. If Gu Changge had indeed concealed his identity, how should she react? Should she pretend not to know? Should she continue pretending not to know? Or should she still pretend not to know?

On the surface, Gu Xian’er appeared calm and aloof like an immortal being, but inside, she was becoming increasingly agitated, yearning to draw her Dao sword and pierce a few holes in Gu Changge if he had indeed deceived her.

If he had truly deceived her…

…

Later on, many young supremes in the courtyard, including the Six Crown King, the Phoenix Maiden, Jin Chan, among others, approached to greet Gu Changge. Despite her reluctance, she put on a facade of warmth and politeness.

Gu Changge, seeing this, smiled faintly and patiently exchanged pleasantries with them. The news of his appearance in the Divine City would undoubtedly spread rapidly today, and that was precisely what he had hoped for. The bigger the commotion, the larger the ripples it could create, which would work to his advantage in his future plans.

“Gu Changge, rest assured, my ancestor has great expectations for you. If anything unexpected were to happen in the Divine City, she will stand by your side.”

Before taking his leave, Jiang Luo, with her divine and penetrating gaze, fixed her eyes on Gu Changge’s face and uttered this word. The “ancestor” she mentioned was no ordinary figure; it was the elderly woman who had accompanied her into the city that day, leaning on a cane. This elderly woman was also a significant figure within the Supreme God Clan, possessing immeasurable cultivation that surpassed even the Daiost ‘One Eye’ who had appeared earlier.

“Then I must express my gratitude to the Supreme God Clan for their kindness,” Gu Changge replied with a slight smile.

Soon, the talented cultivators from various clans began to leave the courtyard. Even young supermes  like Jin Chan and others had already bid their farewells and did not linger.

“Brother Lan, please stay a moment,” Gu Changge suddenly spoke, halting Lan Yifei, who was preparing to depart.

Upon hearing this, Gu Xian’er, who had harbored resentment in her heart and had been mentally stabbing Gu Changge with a small needle, suddenly jolted awake. She fixed her gaze on the scene with a subtle intensity.

Normally, Gu Changge and Lan Yifei didn’t appear to have any prior acquaintance or interaction. So why did Gu Changge suddenly call him over?

For the average person witnessing this scene, it might not raise any suspicions. However, Gu Xian’er had personally witnessed Lan Yifei secretly attacking Jin Yun from the Violet Sky Valley and understood that he was the rumored inheritor of the Demonic Arts. She also knew that Lan Yifei was not acting of his own accord but was a pawn manipulated by someone else. There was a puppet master behind him.