I Am the Fated Villain
chapter-293

“There’s no use saying all that rubbish. I don’t care which sect is behind you; I just want to ask you this: are you bent on protecting him?” Gu Changge didn’t let Chu Hao finish, interrupting him coldly with a condescending and careless look in his eyes. It gave everyone the impression that Gu Changge did not care for the Supreme Cave Heaven at all.

“Young Master Changge, please be more forgiving. Nothing can remain secret in this world, plus Junior Brother Wang didn’t do it on purpose. He can compensate for any loss the lady has suffered.” Chu Hao frowned. He had already humbled himself enough and pleaded with Gu Changge. Yet, the other refused to offer him any courtesy nor respect for Supreme Cave Heaven.

Chu Hao had his own pride to consider. He was only concerned about the forces behind Gu Changge. After all, he had already reached the Sacred King Realm after only a few hundred years. He had kept a low profile and refused to leak out any information, or he would have shocked the entire world and gained the attention of the forces everywhere. Gu Changge might be the so-called greatest of the younger generation, but he’s only at this level. The stronger young prodigies were around the Sacred Realm right now while he was on his way to breakthrough to the Sacred Emperor Realm.

His ego made him unable to accept Gu Changge’s behaviour. However, he had mostly let it up because of his respect towards his father. Nonetheless, Gu Changge’s behaviour towards him today had enraged him.

“Compensate? Do you think that I need that?” Gu Changge asked mildly. “You might think that he has the right, but sadly, he’s no more than a hair on Qingge’s head to me. He had caused her to be wounded so badly. His punishment will be too light if I don’t cut him into pieces!”

His tone was mild and calm, yet shocked everyone especially Su Qingge and Ji Qingxuan. The two of them had changed their identity but felt like he was directing those words at them. They felt extremely flustered and couldn’t calm down. The other prodigal damsels were all smitten and envious. How many women could incite such words from Gu Changge? These women would live happily for the rest of their lives!

“Eldest Senior Brother, help me!” Wang Xiao immediately shivered and turned pale from fear when he heard Gu Changge’s threat.

“Don’t worry.” Chu Hao nodded, not agreeing with what Gu Changge had said.

*Boom!* Gu Changge refused to play around any longer and immediately attacked. His surging power transformed into a terrifying golden millstone as he reached out a hand, blocking out the sky and grinding downwards. Runes streamed down from him and Principles weaved around it.

Such an attack was far too aggressive. Even Old Xuan, who was in the Sacred Lord Realm, became stricken with fear once he felt the terrifying aura. His body tingled with pain as if ready to crack open. The other young prodigies were worse off, running off in fear to avoid being caught in the aftershock.

This strength was not something a normal Sacred Lord Realm expert could counter against. Yet, came from Gu Changge, simply reaching out his hand. The young prodigies from the Immortal Academy could feel how immense it was and their eyes widened in disbelief.

“How frightening. Is that only the tip of the iceberg for Young Master Changge’s power?”

“I’ve always thought he was at most in the Sacred Realm, but the power he’s showing right now is approaching the Sacred Lord Realm!”

“Unbelievable. Who would have expected this? Young Master Changge has concealed this so well, and this may be only what he’s willing to reveal…”

The fear and respect they had for Gu Changge became greater. Yet, they did not pause as they raced away as divine rainbows. They feared that the impending battle would implicate the entire capital of the Vermillion Bird Empire and destroy everything.

“Gu Changge!” Chu Hao’s expression turned ugly as he hadn’t anticipated the other to suddenly attack without saying a word. He had no choice but to grab Wang Xiao by the hand and retreat for safety. If he attacked Gu Changge, that meant he would offend the great and terrifying force behind him? The feeling of helplessness made him frustrated.

*Boom!* As he retreated, Gu Changge’s palm dropped downwards and caused the buildings beneath to explode. A large crevice split the capital, and large swathes of palaces and mansions were now reduced to powder. Any who couldn’t escape in time died with a scream, as both their bodies and spirits were annihilated.

The sight made Chu Hao furious. This was his place of birth. and he was deeply attached to it. Gu Changge would not hold any concerns to it but he did. Especially those cultivators, who were familiar to him, but now dead.

Gu Changge let go of Ji Qingxuan as he marched towards them from the void. “Are you going to protect him the whole time?”

“Gu Changge, you’re the Successor of the Immortal Gu Family and a Ranked Disciple of the Immortal Academy. Why are you bullying others for no reason without caring about the lives of others?” Chu Hao shouted angrily at him.

“What’s wrong with that?” Gu Changge’s tone remained mild. “You are the prince of the Vermillion Bird Empire, yet here you are opposing me to save your so-called Junior Brother while ignoring your citizens. Does that mean they aren’t comparable to him? He must be pretty useful to you then.”

His words hit right on target, as they incited the rage and frustration of many from the Vermillion Bird Empire. They did not dare blame Gu Changge. So, their thoughts immediately went to cursing how Chu Hao dared to protect his Junior Brother and offend Gu Changge, instead of protecting his people? Anyone could see that Gu Changge had to be given closure for this. Yet, Chu Hao had to risk himself and the lives of his people to protect Wang Xiao. This was clear provocation!

“Gu Changge, what a cunning plan you have. How can your consciousness be clear when you’ve plotted all of this?” Chu Hao’s voice was cold, as he had already understood the meaning of Gu Changge’s words. However, he couldn’t voice out his troubles right now nor give a good explanation to those of the Empire.

“I never said I was a good person.” Gu Changge smiled, looking undisturbed. “It seems the Empire is adamant about opposing me today, huh?”

<Ding, the Fortuitous One, Chu Hao, has lost his people’s confidence, and his Fortuity has been harmed…>

Gu Changge did not pay attention to the notifications from his System, as this was all within his expectations. Chu Hao had assumed Gu Changge’s target was Wang Xiao but didn’t know he was merely taking advantage of the chance he was given. His target had always been the Fortuitous One, Chu Hao.

“Gu Changge, the whole thing is my fault and has nothing to do with the Empire. Don’t bring it into this,” Chu Hao said in a low voice. His Achilles heel was the Empire as well as his father. He was an extremely sentimental person. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have rushed back after knowing that the Empire was under attack by the Eternal Overcast. However, Gu Changge was now using that to threaten him.

“Didn’t you call yourself the Third Prince of the Vermilion Bird Empire? Why does it have nothing to do with you now?” Gu Changge smiled before his expression turned cold. “Someone capture the head of the country.”

“Yes, Master!” His followers behind him transform into divine rainbows and head towards the imperial palace.

“Gu Changge, stop this at once!” Chu Hao turned fearful upon hearing Gu Changge’s words. He hadn’t expected the man’s mild demeanour to drop so quickly to reveal terrifying jaws, and it scared him.

*Boom!* He could not suppress himself any longer and showed his Sacred King Realm strength, exploding from him. It immediately swept through the entire capital. All cultivators were in extreme shock and fear. They were ready to drop down onto their knees.

An enraged Sacred Emperor Realm expert could move the entire world and result in its destruction. He would have enough power to block the moon with one hand and destroy stars with a snap of his finger. Meanwhile, a Scared King Realm expert held indescribable power as well; Chu Hao could destroy the capital easily with a single finger if he so wanted.

“Sacred King Realm…”

“The Third Prince is actually in the Sacred King Realm. Unbelievable. He has only been in the Enlightened Noble Realm when he left the capital, yet he’s now in the Sacred King Realm.”

“What? That’s unbelievable!”

“The Third Prince is a monster. Such strength cannot be described as that of a young prodigy. A Sacred King that is only a few hundred years old cannot be real…”

“There’s never been news of anyone achieving the Sacred King Realm at such an age…”

Everyone looked shocked and disbelieving as their eyes widened. Su Qingge, Ji Qingxuan, as well as the beautiful woman in the tower were aghast as well.

“Chu Hao is still so brilliant and outstanding. No one can compare to him.” The woman’s gaze was full of admiration.

“Eldest Senior Brother is in the Sacred King Realm… That’s great, I’m saved.” Wang Xiao was surprised and hopeful. He hadn’t thought that Chu Hao would be this strong. The Supreme Cave Heaven would protect Eldest Senior Brother to death if anything happened, which meant his life was no longer at risk.

Just as Chu Hao displayed his strength, however, a powerful wave of energy rose from behind Gu Changge like a sun. It was blindingly bright and brilliant yet looked as heavy as a mountain. Scenes of great mountains and rivers as well as the heavens and constellations shimmered in the air, looking realistic enough that they might be reflections of the past. The energy seemed to directly stem from the Great Dao and had the strength of the Sacred Emperor Realm. That was a seal that could move mountains and rivers. Its energy was boundless.

The sky was immediately blocked out after its appearance. Nonetheless, the sky seem to be unable to contain the energy and was on the verge of breaking.

“A Sacred Emperor Grade Weapon!” Everyone turned pale with shock. It was surprising enough that Chu Hao exhibited Sacred King Realm strength, yet Gu Changge immediately utilised a Sacred Emperor Grade Weapon. The crowd felt cold from fear and their scalps tingled. How resourceful must a youth be to possess a Sacred Emperor weapon!? It was unimaginable, yet it was all too real as Gu Changge had already activated and wielded it.

“Are you sure you want to fight against me?” Gu Changge’s expression was calm and unruffled.

“You…” Chu Hao’s expression shifted violently before he suppressed his anger. He hadn’t expected Gu Changge to be prepared for this scenario and wield a Sacred Emperor Grade Weapon. If they fought it out, the entire capital would be reduced to ruins. The other territories of the Empire might not be able to withstand the onslaught as well since the aftershocks could reach a great distance away. He had thought Gu Changge would be intimidated by the Sacred King energy he exuded and retreated. However, Gu Changge had instead displayed more of his methods, which was something he never had expected.

“Eldest Senior Brother, help me! If I get harmed, my family will never let the Empire go so easily. You know my uncle would…” Wang Xiao immediately shouted. He had understood the situation and fell silent when he saw how silent Chu Hao was. Especially the latter’s conflicted expression. He could feel his heart stutter as the fear from before surged through his body.

“Son, what’s happening…” Just then, the emperor, looking pale, confused and shocked, arrived accompanied by Gu Changge’s followers. He felt panicked and anxious about the entire situation as he didn’t know what was happening. Gu Changge probably wanted to destroy the Empire since he was wielding a Sacred Emperor Grade Weapon!

“Father…” Chu Hao gritted his teeth and forced himself to calm down. He felt frustrated and unhappy as he looked at the prideful yet calm expression on Gu Changge’s face. His had never felt so humiliated and embarrassed before. However, he couldn’t do anything but compromise when Gu Changge had already captured his father.

“Young Master Changge, what’s this…” the Emperor asked slowly, looking anxiously at Gu Changge.

“I merely want you to watch this. It’s not bad and you don’t need to worry too much.” Gu Changge smiled and glanced at his followers. “I told you to invite the Emperor; who asked you to be disrespectful to him?”

“We apologise for our mistake.”

“Please forgive us, Young Master!”

The group of followers immediately knelt cooperatively.

Gu Changge nodded and his expression eased. “The Emperor may not be strict about such things. You can all get up.”

“Okay. Thank you, Young Master!”

The cultivators watching the scene shivered with fear. Even the Emperor was putty in Gu Changge’s hands now, which meant they were no more than tiny bugs to the latter.

“Chu Hao…” The Emperor sighed, already guessing what had occurred.

“Father, it’s okay.” Chu Hao shook his head and relaxed his fists, deciding to yield to Gu Changge. His terrifying Sacred King Realm aura evaporated, signalling that he had made his decision.

“Eldest Senior Brother, you can’t just give up on me…” Wang Xiao felt desperate when he realised this.

“The Third Prince knows how to read the situation.” Gu Changge smiled without saying more. The Seal hovering behind him shivered and made a wisp of Principle fall from it, before it dropped onto Wang Xiao. The man had no chance to defend himself at all as he exploded at once, dead in both body and soul.

It was just like what Gu Changge had threatened to do to him.

“Wang Xiao is dead…” Ji Qingxuan, who was standing behind Gu Changge, and covered in blood, was filled with many emotions. Happiness, freedom, satisfaction… the feeling was indescribable. The man who she had to be careful not to offend, was easily crushed like a bug.

This difference in power was a little hard to get used to. She had warned Su Qingge before this to be wary of Wang Xiao, but now he was gone in both body and soul.

Her original plan was to use Gu Changge’s strength to teach Wang Xiao a lesson, but the entire thing had ended with his death.

[So, this is what Qingge’s life is like…] She immediately had a thought she shouldn’t have, [wouldn’t it be great if we didn’t return to our original identities.]

[Young Master…] Su Qingge, like her, felt complicated emotions about the situation.

“Are you feeling better now that you have expressed your rage?” Gu Changge ignored the Emperor and Chu Hao and walked towards Ji Qingxuan.

Multiple notifications from his System were ringing within his mind, as the Fortuity and Fatums he had gained from bringing down the Fortuitous One was no small number. Nonetheless, he wasn’t so anxious about Chu Hao. He knew he could gain more benefits from exploiting the prince little by little.

“Yes, thank you. You are too kind, Young Master.” Ji QIngxuan smiled sweetly and sincerely at him. She had expected him to carry her like before, but he walked past her instead after talking to her. Ji Qingxuan almost wondered if he had noticed something wrong and began to panic, before remembering what Qingge had told her. Gu Changge had always behaved like this, refusing to do anything which wasn’t meaningful to him.

[Did that mean he hadn’t done that entirely for my sake?] This made her relieved. Still, she now realised Gu Changge was a man hard to read, and she couldn’t be sure if he had noticed anything.

Ji Qingxuan, ignoring her injury, ran after him. She didn’t even look at Qingge beside her, worried that he would sense something unusual.

[I’m afraid Qingxuan will want to remain there. I’m not sure how I should deal with it if that’s the case.] Su Qingge sighed internally as she recalled who she was currently playing.

“Eldest Senior Brother, what are we going to do? We offended Gu Changge, and now Senior Brother Wang…” she asked anxiously.

Chu Hao forced a small smile and waved a hand. “No worries. I’ll report this to the Elders first.”

He then looked to Old Xuan, who looked unhappy. “As for Wang Xiao, I hope you will inform his family, sir. I tried my best but Gu Changge is too powerful and I was left with no choice. This isn’t your fault; I will tell them everything if the Wang Family tries to blame you. You don’t have to worry.”

Old Xuan nodded in reply, feeling relieved. “Don’t worry, Prince Chu. Trust me with this. The Wang Family is reasonable and will know how to resolve this properly without embarrassing you.”

They both sighed in relief, minds occupied with their own troubles. How would the Wang Family react to the news of Wang Xiao dying in the Empire when Gu Changge was the one that had killed him?

“Oh, yes. Junior Sister, what is your relationship with that woman? Do you know anything?” Chu Hao immediately realised Ji Qingxuan looked so similar to the woman in white as if they were twins.

Su Qingge looked puzzled at this. “I don’t know either. I’ve also felt confused about this, which was why I left the palace to explore outside.”

Chu Hao pondered silently for a while. “Do you have an older or younger sister who your mother never told you about?”

He had heard some things about her background and knew that her mother had escaped her marriage by going to the Lower Realm before her capture. That was the reason for his question.

“I’ll go home and ask her when I have the time.” Su Qingge nodded, and Chu Hao eventually left the matter alone.