I Am the Fated Villain

Chapter 1652. The fall of Xianchu Haotu was an inevitable outcome

A massive army emerged from the time-space tunnel on the other side, like an endless, black tidal wave surging toward them, causing the entire sky to tremble.

Even from an unimaginable distance, one could hear the sound of iron hooves trampling through the starry sky, vast and surging, enough to make one shudder with fear.

Countless cultivators and beings of Xianchu Haotu looked up in horror at this scene. The sky seemed to turn transparent, and shadowy, indistinct figures of the army were descending. Behind them, one could see one ancient warship after another, resembling stars, draped in celestial mist and chaotic energy, exuding the ancient and desolate atmosphere of an era long past.

This was an unimaginable, terrifying army, formed by the various immortal Daoist forces of the Xiyuan civilization, capable of sweeping through all the realms and defeating any opposing forces—no Daoist force could resist.

“It’s over…”

In the imperial capital of Xianchu Haotu, countless people turned pale, their faces filled with fear and despair.

Such a massive army—who could resist? Even at its peak, Xianchu Haotu could not have done so.

“Why is this happening…”

“Why are so many armies suddenly arriving? When did Xianchu Haotu ever collude with the remnants of the Black Calamity? This is completely unjust…”

Many cultivators and beings shouted in disbelief and horror.

Countless people were filled with despair, unable to even think about resistance. This was the mightiest power assembled by the Xiyuan civilization, led by the Xiyuan Holy Hall. What force could stop it?

On the other side of the time-space tunnel, the leaders of the various Daoist forces had arrived, standing together on the same ancient warship, gazing at the Xianchu Haotu on the other side of the tunnel.

Xi Yin, an elder from the Xiyuan Holy Hall, stood at the bow of the ship, her expression calm and serene. With her cloud-like hairpins and a phoenix-patterned jade pendant on her forehead, she watched everything silently.

Beside her, Gu Changge stood with his hands slightly clasped behind his back, seeming to watch the scene with great interest.

“Xianchu Haotu brought about its own downfall. They insisted on colluding with the remnants of the Black Calamity, and this is the result. There is nothing to sympathize with,” said Jing Tianyuan, the ancestor of the Jing clan, shaking his head slightly as he observed the cries and despair unfolding around him.

The leader of Ling Shen Cave this time was an elder at the ancestral Dao level, who nodded and said, “All along, we thought this was the ambition of Xianchu Haotu, but we never expected that they were secretly colluding with the remnants of the Black Calamity. The so-called Yinxu Cave was probably just a fabricated name. We have never heard of such a force.”

“Indeed. I’ve never heard of the name Yinxu Cave. It’s likely a fabrication, and such a force probably doesn’t even exist,” another elder added.

Jing Tianyuan nodded again.

The leaders of the various immortal Daoist forces had now gathered here, with their vast armies following them, passing through the time-space tunnel to descend upon Xianchu Haotu.

This force was incredibly powerful, with more than five ancestral Dao level experts present among them. This did not even include Xi Yin and Gu Changge from the Xiyuan Holy Hall.

Upon learning that the Xiyuan Holy Hall had issued the fatal Xi Yuan decree to Xianchu Haotu, the leaders of the various Daoist forces were not only shocked but immediately responded, gathering their forces to come here.

Once Xianchu Haotu was destroyed, the rich resources and materials would naturally become a tempting prize for all these forces. Everyone wanted a share of it.

Now, some smaller nearby forces and Daoist factions were taking advantage of the chaos, looting the borders and surrounding areas of Xianchu Haotu.

With Xianchu Haotu facing imminent destruction and already unable to care for itself, it had no ability to deal with these marauding forces.

“Although Xianchu Haotu colluded with the remnants of the Black Calamity, its people are innocent. Everyone, please instruct your disciples to avoid harming the innocent,” Xi Yin spoke up, her gaze sweeping across the vast territories of Xianchu Haotu through the time-space tunnel.

Gu Changge, who was standing beside her, also nodded slightly and said, “This is what I wanted to say as well. Xianchu Haotu’s sins are unforgivable, but its people are innocent. Back when Chu Gucheng and I fought, he had already sacrificed countless lives. Seeing the devastation of the people of Xianchu Haotu now, I can’t help but feel some sympathy.”

“Young Master Gu is indeed virtuous. We will naturally ensure our disciples do not harm the innocent. When you had the chance to destroy Xianchu Haotu, you chose to spare the lives of countless beings and left without further conflict. Such actions deserve our admiration,” said an elder from Guangming Temple, who was of the Ancestral Dao level. His words were full of respect for Gu Changge.

“Compared to that, it is disheartening that Chu Gucheng, as the ruler, cared so little for the lives of his own people,” he continued, with a tone of disapproval.

His words were agreed upon by the other leaders of various factions present.

Although Xianchu Haotu’s ruler, Chu Gucheng, believed that Gu Changge was involved with the remnants of the Black Calamity, everyone present could clearly see who was more likely to be involved with the remnants of the Black Calamity. It was not Gu Changge.

Xi Yin’s gaze subtly flickered as she looked at Gu Changge. Although she was a disciple of the revered Xi Nu and held an ancient position, the elders present, all at the Ancestral Dao level, clearly held Gu Changge in higher regard, almost as if he were the leader.

She knew that this was due to the recent battle between Xianchu Haotu and Gu Changge, a battle that had catapulted Gu Changge’s reputation to an astonishing level throughout the Xiyuan civilization.

The world operated on the principle of survival of the fittest, and those with power were always respected, no matter where they went.

Although she was confident in her own strength, she knew that she could never match Gu Changge.

The events in Xianchu Haotu had once again drawn the attention of the entire Xiyuan civilization.

It had been less than a month since the last earth-shattering battle, and Xianchu Haotu had already suffered severe damage. Now, faced with a united army that was even more terrifying than the Demon Court and Zixiao Mountain, how could they resist?

Everyone believed that this battle would end without any surprises. Xianchu Haotu’s audacity to imprison the Xiyuan Holy Maiden had already sealed its fate.

Unless Xianchu Haotu could somehow leave no trace and hide all its secrets, the outcome was certain.

Finally, the vast army crossed through the time-space tunnel and descended upon Xianchu Haotu.

Chu Gucheng, wearing celestial golden armor, was already prepared. His battle robe billowed in the air as his overwhelming aura filled the sky. The dragon Qi of the heavens spiraled around him, producing a roar that shook the universe, making him seem like an immortal human emperor.

Behind Chu Gucheng, his many subordinates, including the Eight-Headed True God and others, had also made preparations to face the coming enemy.

Other star lords, generals, and numerous officials had gathered in the imperial capital, their faces solemn and serious as they gazed at the infinite army advancing towards them from the horizon.

Within the many mansions and caves of the Extraordinary Talent and other forces, a large number of cultivators and beings emerged, looking at the scene with horror and disbelief.

The dark sky seemed like it would fall upon them at any moment, the vast, surging clouds obscuring everything, making the entire world feel dim and foreboding, as if the apocalypse was descending.

Xianchu Haotu’s imperial capital, like a suspended starry river surrounded by floating life stars, now looked insignificant, like dust or mud in the face of this terrifying army.

Not to mention the figures of the Ancestral Dao beings standing among the army, each one surpassing the limits of heaven and earth, as if a single hand could destroy the entire imperial capital of Xianchu Haotu.

“Lord, today Xianchu Haotu will surely perish. No one can stop it. We should not…”

Behind Champion Lord Chu Heng, Han Feng and the others tried to persuade him, their expressions full of concern.

“Xianchu Haotu has shown me kindness. No matter what, the Great Prince has already paid the price for his actions. How can I abandon Xianchu Haotu now?” Chu Heng shook his head and waved his hand firmly, cutting off Han Feng and the others’ objections.

Han Feng and the others sighed deeply. Many of them opened their mouths but fell silent. They had followed Chu Heng for a long time, but today, everyone could see that Xianchu Haotu had no way out.Faced with such a terrifying alliance of various Daoist factions, which faction within the Xiyuan Civilization could possibly resist? The outcome had already been sealed.

“Lord, this is blind loyalty…” Chu Bai gave a bitter smile, feeling somewhat helpless, unsure of how to persuade the Champion Lord.

The elderly woman of the Yinxu Cave, Xing Ying, stood in the royal palace, her silver-white eyes coldly gazing at the heavens.

“What a collusion with the remnants of the Black Calamity, and now they have placed my Yinxu Cave among those remnants,” she sneered coldly.

Outside the imperial capital of Xianchu Haotu, many armies were gathering under Chu Heng’s command.

Although they had suffered heavy losses in the battle with the Demon Court and Zixiao Mountain, Xianchu Haotu still had the power to field an army in the billions.

From many different corners of the universe, numerous vassal kings, generals, and branches of the Chu clan were now sending large numbers of cultivators to reinforce the capital.

“To accuse us unjustly is easy; Xianchu Haotu has never colluded with the remnants of the Black Calamity. If you wish to destroy Xianchu Haotu, first ask if we agree to it!”

“Today, we fight together with Xianchu Haotu to the bitter end!”

“Kill!”

The sounds of battle and slaughter echoed from far-off corners of the universe.

Beings of all levels and cultivation realms roared in anger, a vast, unstoppable force resembling a cosmic dragon rushing towards the imperial city.

“Chu Gucheng, release the Xiyuan Holy Maiden you have imprisoned. If you do, we may spare the innocent people of Xianchu Haotu!”

Suddenly, a cold voice rang out through the vast, swirling clouds, reverberating across the realms.

Xi Yin had arrived. Her robes fluttered, her black hair billowing in the wind. Her brows were sharp, and a chilling aura emanated from her, causing the entire universe to tremble. Standing atop the ancient warship, she gazed down upon all of Xianchu Haotu.

“If the others of Xianchu Haotu continue down this reckless path, and still refuse to repent, then they shall be buried here along with the empire.”

“The remnants of the Black Calamity attempt to sow chaos across the realms. Chu Gucheng colluded with them and not only tried to challenge the Daoist authority, but also sought to control the Xiyuan Civilization. This crime deserves death.”

Beside her, the leaders of the various factions and Daoist sects also appeared, their expressions cold as they looked toward Xianchu Haotu, issuing a final ultimatum and warning.

“To the victor go the spoils, to the defeated go the crimes. Xianchu Haotu has met its end, and I have no further words to say.”

“Indeed, we did imprison the Xiyuan Holy Maiden. It’s unfortunate that this secret was exposed too soon, and I lost this gamble,” Chu Gucheng stood tall above the imperial palace, laughing wildly. His eyes burned with a fiery light.

Since the Xiyuan Holy Hall had issued the Xi Yuan decree for Xianchu Haotu’s destruction, it was clear they had undeniable evidence that the true Xiyuan Holy Maiden had been imprisoned by Xianchu Haotu.

Chu Xinyue was not the true Xiyuan Holy Maiden. Although she resembled her in appearance, aura, and demeanor, she was not the real one. If they made a move now, it would be immediately exposed.

At that point, Chu Gucheng could no longer argue, so he chose to admit the truth.

“What?”

Many of the ministers, who had previously thought this to be an unjust accusation from the Xiyuan Holy Hall, were now stunned by Chu Gucheng’s confession. They could hardly believe their ears.

Many ministers were left speechless, unable to comprehend what they had just heard.

“So it’s true?”

Champion Lord Chu Heng was also shocked. He hadn’t expected Chu Gucheng to have such audacity. It seemed he had placed everything on the line in a gamble. If he won, Xianchu Haotu would experience a radical shift and might even unify the Xiyuan Civilization. But if he lost, the consequences would be catastrophic.

“Heh, since you dared to do this, you must pay the price,” Xi Yin’s expression was icy.

The Xiyuan Holy Hall had existed for an incredibly long time and was one of the most transcendent Daoist forces within the Xiyuan Civilization. Since its founding, no faction had ever dared to provoke it in such a way—imprisoning the true Holy Maiden and then replacing her with someone else in an attempt to deceive everyone.

Had she not been awakened in time, the Xiyuan Holy Hall might have truly suffered a major blow.

Especially when Chu Gucheng had even dared to attempt to marry the Xiyuan Holy Maiden and form an alliance with the Xiyuan Holy Hall.

This was absurd, unbelievable, and an act of boundless arrogance.With a deafening crash, the battle erupted suddenly, without any warning.

Xi Yin was enraged. Her hand, as translucent as jade and radiating with celestial light, descended upon the battlefield, covering the entire sky. From her fingers, an aura of order and rules swirled, and as it fell, the very mountains and rivers shattered, the earth cracked open, and the stars fractured. A terrifying and overwhelming force radiated outward, shaking the very foundations of Xianchu Haotu.

It was a sight that made all cultivators and beings tremble with fear, as if the apocalypse had truly arrived—no one could resist.

Xianchu Haotu’s armies, urged forward by the furious shouts of their generals, charged toward their enemies. But under the weight of Xi Yin’s hand, they disintegrated and collapsed instantly, exploding into blood mist, their forms and souls obliterated.

Even beings at the Dao realm dared not face her directly. Their expressions were filled with shock and terror, and their bodies trembled uncontrollably.

Boom!

Behind Xi Yin, the armies of various factions surged forward like a flood, scattering in all directions. Warriors of all cultivation levels and realms joined the fray, and as they clashed, the heavens trembled with the force of their battles.

The war was earth-shattering, upending the very fabric of reality. Vast regions of the multiverse erupted under the shockwaves of the conflict.

Countless figures flew through the sky, and terrifying hands swept across the heavens, tearing apart everything in their path.

Spectacular magic artifacts—scrolls, divine cauldrons, bronze tripods, heavenly umbrellas—fell from the sky, covering the universe. A mere tremor from these artifacts caused the world to crack, everything shattering and turning to dust.

Even beings of the level of Immortal Kings and Semi-Immortal Emperors were instantly killed without any exception. This was a battle with no suspense. Even with all of Xianchu Haotu’s current forces combined, they were no match for the might of this army, especially with the presence of the core figures from various factions, and the ancestors of the Dao realms.

Feelings of despair, fear, and unwillingness spread across the skies of Xianchu Haotu. Vast swathes of the universe were occupied, many star systems were shattered, destroyed by the shockwaves of the ongoing battle.

The borderlands descended into chaos. Many factions and groups seized the opportunity to plunder, as the flames of war spread in all directions.

Gu Changge calmly observed all of this, his expression devoid of emotion. The fate of Xianchu Haotu had long been sealed; it was only a matter of when this tragic end would be enacted.

“Once Xianchu Haotu falls, the situation within the Xiyuan Civilization will truly be under my control,” he thought, his gaze sweeping across the entire territory of Xianchu Haotu, over the powerful cultivators of Xianchu Haotu still fighting against the Daoist forces, and over the furious, crazed figure of Chu Gucheng.

At that moment, Chu Gucheng was drenched in blood, battling fiercely against multiple strong enemies. Though he had survived the Eight Heavenly Calamities, he was no longer at his peak. As he clashed with these formidable opponents, he was quickly falling into a disadvantage, spilling blood and being sent flying in all directions.

Blood poured from his eyes, nose, and mouth. His armor was shattered, and his once proud figure was no longer whole. He had already witnessed many of his former subordinates being overwhelmed by enemies, surrounded and ultimately blown apart, perishing on the spot.

Everywhere, the scene was filled with brutal slaughter. Divine light surged throughout the imperial capital. Many figures rushed towards the light like moths to a flame, only to quickly perish, their forms and souls destroyed.

The gruesome sights caused Chu Gucheng’s eyes to burn with hatred, but he was powerless to change the outcome. Even his master, Fa Sheng, severely wounded, fought desperately, using what little strength remained to combat the enemy.

“It’s all because of you. It’s because of you that Xianchu Haotu has come to this,” Chu Gucheng gritted his teeth, his face twisted with rage and pain. He could already see Gu Changge, calmly observing everything from beyond the sky.