I Am the Fated Villain
chapter-348

The palace was divided into two sections, and Gu Changge, donning his white robe, was sitting in the primary seat. His inky hair was sparkling with vibrant mists while his eyes were amiable and calm. In a graceful posture, he put the glass of White Jade Wine near to his lips. Carrying a faint smile, spoke with Xiao Ruoyin.

On the other hand, Xiao Ruoyin, blessed with delicate, captivating features, toasted to Gu Changge. Her face was rather red and her eyes were glistening. As she was conversing with Gu Changge, she grew more accustomed and astounded with the vastness and mysteriousness of this world

“That admirer of yours doesn’t seem right. Shouldn’t you check on him?” Suddenly, Gu Changge took a glance at Jiang Chen and the rest, who were below him, and leisurely inquired.

Hearing that, Xiao Ruoyin turned around and subconsciously tensed her brows when she saw Jiang Chen looking at her with an expression of surprise and dismay.

As their eyes came in contact, Jiang Chen stared at her as if he was dazed.

For some reason, Xiao Ruoyin felt discomforted by his gaze as she didn’t want Gu Changge to take it the wrong way. Although she merely bore gratitude for him, not daring to carry any other thoughts towards him, she didn’t want him to think that Jiang Chen and her shared some sort of special relationship. However, with how Jiang Chen was staring at her, not allowing her to salvage her pride, she was visibly irritated.

“Jiang Chen…” She intuitively shouted at Jiang Chen, sounding somewhat angered.

At that moment, Jiang Chen was startled and regained his senses. Ignoring Xiao Ruoyin’s grudgeful glare, he hastily lowered his head and continued drinking, obviously perturbed.

Seeing that, Niu Tian and the rest could only contain their rattled emotions. Nonetheless, it wasn’t like Xiao Ruoyin did anything wrong. Furthermore, if it weren’t for Xiao Ruoyin, they would still remain in the underground dungeon, without knowing what might have happened to them. But of course, they could tell that Jiang Chen’s action wasn’t exactly unreasonable.

“Ah’chen, you have to calm down…” Niu Tian felt obliged to warn him. “Xiao Ruoyin is no longer a part of us. You should move on. There’s plenty of fish in the sea. There’s all sorts of goddess-like women in the world. There’s no need for you to dwell on Xiao Ruoyin, you know?”

He could tell that it wasn’t Gu Changge who bore intentions towards Xiao Ruoyin, but the other way round. Thus, his form of address for Xiao Ruoyin also changed, unlike how he used to refer to her as ‘Goddess Xiao.’

Back then, despite her prideful attitude, Xiao Ruoyin would never completely sever her tie with Jiang Chen, and that could only mean that one’s out-of-reach goddess might only be a plain Jane to another.

“I know. You don’t have to tell me that, Niu Tian.” Having calmed down, Jiang Chen nodded and stopped looking at the banquet seats in front of him, as though he already accepted the reality.

Nonetheless, only Jiang Chen himself knew about his palms that were pierced by his fingernails, with his fists clenched tightly. Despite his reluctance and vexation, he ultimately chose to understand. Thanks to the clarification of the Artifact Spirit of Celestial Boat of Creation, he got the gist of the matter.

[I knew Gu Changge is no good man. Releasing us and inviting us to this banquet and assisting Ruoyin in cultivation. Tsk, how could such a wonderful thing happen in this world? It must be merely the pretence of a predator.]

Retaining his calm look, Jiang Chen snickered in his heart as he was contemplating a way to solve his problem. As a transmigrator with the Celestial Boat of Creation, all he needed to do was make his plans assiduously and he could easily trump Gu Changge.

<Jiang Chen, we have to save Mistress. She has yet to reawaken her memories, so she’s very fragile now. She was our original Mistress, and she’s destined to be a High Priestess. We can’t just ignore her!>

In Jiang Chen’s mind, the Artifact Spirit’s voice was trembling in fear. Losing its complacency, it was now filled with stupefaction, restlessness, and fear, as if Gu Changge was some sort of terrorising being.

<That man is highly dangerous. Although I don’t know who he is, the scary sensation from him irresistibly seeps into my soul. It is very dangerous for Mistress to be by his side, and we won’t see it coming when he eventually hurts her,> the Artifact Spirit persistently explained, awfully concerned.

Nevertheless, Jiang Chen cut in with a composed look, [Got it. Now, you just have to tell me what your functions are and how you can be of use to me. Ruoyin still doesn’t know she’s being manipulated by Gu Changge, and nobody except us is able to save her.]

In response, the spirit artifact of Celestial Boat of Creation answered, <Since I’ve just awakened recently, my uses are quite limited, but my biggest features are my abilities to observe fate and Fortituity, as well as dispelling arrays. I can even transfigure your physique to the Sacred Physique of Creation.>

[Sacred Physique of Creation? What kind of physique is that? It already sounds so cool!] Jiang Chen then asked, [Also, what are observing fate, Fortituity, and dispelling arrays for?]

<I won’t tell you how powerful the Sacred Physique of Creation is. All you have to know is that it is one of the Ten Mightiest Sacred Physiques as it allows one massive strength and the mastery of the Dao of Creation. As long as we get out of here and head to the outside world, with my ability, I can help you to effortlessly locate the opportunities normal people can’t and identify treasures that are indiscernible to others. Furthermore, Origin Stones, mountainous terrains, and sealing arrays are no problem to me,> the spirit artifact of Celestial Boat of Creation explained with its habitual smugness.

[So it’s something like taking cheating in stone gambling?] Listening attentively to the Artifact Spirit, Jiang Chen nodded as a glimmer of hope occurred in his heart. Though, to others, he was still bitterly chugging down his wine.

[Did his cheat get activated? Well, it should be about time.] On the primary seat, Gu Changge finished the wine in his glass with a gulp. Carrying a subtle smile, he was constantly observing Jiang Chen’s movement.

In his eyes, Jiang Chen’s Fortuity was exponentially growing, as if it was an erupting volcano, unlike how it would only encounter a minor bump once in a while. In other words, Jiang Chen finally became a true Fortuitous One and received his own cheat, as well as his right to become Gu Changge’s prey.

[One is the spirit and the other is the vessel, Reversed Universe of Creation? What can they possibly mean? Perhaps they’re related to the Celestial Boat of Creation?] Gu Changge ponder on the answer his System gave him as his eyes grew enthralling.

Very soon, he figured out what kind of character Jiang Chen was. Possessing an Artifact Spirit, he was reincarnated as a person, and the rest was only simple, trivial stories.

“Qingxuan, why don’t you fetch some Fruits of Knowledge over?” All of a sudden, Gu Changge ordered Ji Qingxuan who was beside him.

The Fruit of Knowledge, as its name suggested, could allow its consumer to swiftly understand the languages of this world, and it was an object of utmost rarity to cultivators that ascended from the Lower Realms and were unfamiliar with the languages of the Upper Realm.

“As you wish, Young Master Gu.” Immediately, Ji Qingxuan stood up and went to grab some fruits. As a matter of fact, the Upper Realm was abundant in Fruits of Knowledge as they could be commonly found in shops and stalls.

“Fruit of Knowledge?” Xiao Ruoyin turned to Gu Changge with a look of bafflement.

Seeing her confused expression, Hei Yanyu slightly smiled and explained, “It’s a common spirit fruit in the Upper Realm. Since you and your acquaintances do not understand the languages of this world, you’ll quickly understand what we say once you consume it. Thereupon, even if your friends failed in cultivating, they could still live comfortably in this world.”

Upon Hei Yanyu’s explanation, Xiao Ruoyin was enlightened and she grew even more thankful to Gu Changge as sentimentality surged in her heart. Earlier, she simply mentioned that her acquaintances intended to learn to cultivate, and to her surprise, not only did Gu Changge agree to help, but he even provided them with Fruits of Knowledge. As such, she felt as though she was eternally indebted to him.

“Thank you so much, Young Master Gu,” Xiao Ruoyin softly thanked Gu Changge as she looked at him with her charming, crimson eyes, thinking that Gu Changge wouldn’t have minded such an insignificant matter if it weren’t for her.

“It’s nothing. Don’t mention it,” Gu Changge replied with a smile, seemingly unbothered as he continued to toast and drink.

With that, Ji Qingxuan returned with a jade plate in her hands. On the jade plate, there were seven exquisite, vibrantly glowing fruits with the size of a fist covered in gleaming mists. At the same time, the fruits emitted a wondrous scent and a thick aroma that could give anyone goosebumps.

“So these are the Fruits of Knowledge…” Xiao Ruoyin curiously peered at the fruits.

“They are indeed.” Gu Changge nodded.

Accordingly, Xiao Ruoyin got up from her seat and accepted the jade plate from Ji Qingxuan before walking towards Jiang Chen, Niu Tian and the rest.

Upon their puzzled faces, Xiao Ruoyin revealed a smile and explained, “These are the Fruits of Knowledge. Once we eat them, we’ll be able to understand the languages of this world. Other than this, Young Master Gu also accepted my request, and shortly, you’ll be able to test out whether you have the aptitude for cultivation.”

“The Fruits of Knowledge?”

“Seriously?”

“That’s great! Young Master Gu is so kind!”

At once, Niu Tian, Wang Ning, and the rest were dazed. When they realised what was happening, their faces instantly reddened from the thrill as they instantly got excited, shooting gazes of gratitude towards Gu Changge and Xiao Ruoyin.

In that instant, they couldn’t be more grateful to Gu Changge as not only did he agree to help them, but he even gave them the Fruits of Knowledge so they could understand the languages of this world.

At that moment, they couldn’t feel more indebted to Gu Changge, and the frustration they amassed from being confined completely dispersed. In fact, they didn’t even care about their fallen friend anymore as they would soon be cloud-riding, stars-picking godlike beings.

“Young Master Gu is quite a good man. No wonder Xiao Ruoyin has changed to act like this…” Niu Tian muttered, but fearing that he might upset Jiang Chen, he quickly shut his mouth.

Nonetheless, at this point, Jiang Chen no longer cared about it, nodding and revealing a faint smile as he agreed, “Indeed. Young Master Gu is a wonderful man. I must have been blind to misunderstand him.”

Having said that, he turned to Xiao Ruoyin and added, “Ruoyin, you must relay my gratitude to Young Master Gu. I will never forget what he did for us.”

As he was no fool, he was aware that causing a scene out of momentary frustration not only would upset Gu Changge, but he would also attract Gu Changge’s attention, which would be disadvantageous for his future plans.

Hearing that, Xiao Ruoyin revealed a smile on her emotionless face. “Alright, I’ll pass it to Young Master Gu, though I think it’s best that you tell him yourself. Given his personality, I’m sure he won’t blame you.”

Despite saying that, Xiao Ruoyin couldn’t help but be relieved as she was still worried that Jiang Chen might still bear a grudge. Otherwise, given Jiang Chen’s strength, him going up against Gu Changge would be equivalent to striking a rock with an egg, and that would only lead to his demise. As his acquaintance, she didn’t want to see Jiang Chen throwing his life away either.

“Of course. Whenever I have the chance.” Not affected by Xiao Ruoyin’s words, Jiang Chen responded with a slight smile as he grabbed one of the Fruits of Knowledge on the jade plate. However, instead of eating the fruit right away like the others, he curiously, carefully studied it.

Taking a deep glance at him, Xiao Ruoyin, for some reason, felt as though Jiang Chen was different than before. It was as if he became another person. Judging by his refreshing sense of confidence and serenity, it wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that he was reborn. In such a short time, Jiang Chen went through such a drastic change, and after a moment of contemplation, Xiao Ruoyin could only come to a conclusion, it was the evolution of Jiang Chen’s mind when he came to realise that he could also take on the Path of Cultivation.

“I’m glad you’ve thought this through,” Xiao Ruoyin said with a smile before returning to Gu Changge’s side and discreetly discussing some matter with him.

Then, Gu Changge, in his elegant posture, politely chatted with a smile. Naturally, he answered every question of hers without omitting any details.

On the other hand, Niu Tian, Wang Ning, and the rest impatiently consumed the Fruits of Knowledge the moment they got their hands on them. Since it was their first time eating a spirit fruit of the Upper Realm, they were indubitably stunned by the wondrous sensation.

The instant they swallowed the Fruits of Knowledge, the fruits turned into a spring, filling their bodies with an invigorating sensation as every cell and inch of their skin felt the fantastic gush of magical energy. They also felt a revitalising aura entering their heads, as if it was opening their minds. At once, the inaudible noises around them suddenly became crystal clear.

“How wonderful…” One of them widened his eyes in disbelief when he realised he could understand the conversation happening around him. As such, he grew extremely ecstatic. [Am I going to be a flying Immortal whose presence alone attracts the most beautiful women in the world? Am I going to control the world?]

“Niu Tian…” Watching as Niu Tian eagerly swallowed the fruit in his hand, Jiang Chen revealed a scowl. He wanted to warn Niu Tian to wait a little longer before eating the fruit, but it was too late, and he could only helplessly sigh.

Essentially, Jiang Chen was aware of Gu Changge’s evil intentions, and the Fruits of Knowledge Gu Changge gave them might be problematic, so cautious would be useful at such a moment. Besides, Jiang Chen could already understand the languages of this world, so it didn’t matter whether he consumed the Fruit of Knowledge.

“What’s wrong?” After eating the fruit, Niu Tian turned to Jiang Chen with a baffled look and assumed that he was reluctant to consume it out of concern that the fruit might be unsafe, after which he subconsciously laughed. “Don’t worry, it’s safe. We can already understand what they’re saying. This fruit is indeed wonderful.”

“Mm.” Jiang Chen nodded, but in reality, he was questioning the Artifact Spirit of Celestial Boat of Creation in his heart. However, if he refused to eat the fruit now, he would be disrespecting Gu Changge right in front of everyone, and who knew what the consequences would be.

<Jiang Chen, don’t eat the fruit. I mean, put it in your mouth but don’t swallow it. For some reason, this Fruit of Knowledge feels different from the usual ones. You must remain wary,> the Artifact Spirit of Celestial Boat of Creation warned Jiang Chen with uneasiness and caution in its child-like voice.

[Mm, got it.] Jiang Chen nodded and swallowed the fruit right before everyone’s eyes. However, when the Fruit of Knowledge was melting into a spring, he didn’t swallow it like the rest, and instead, he kept it in his mouth before pretending to swallow it by moving his throat.

Then, Jiang Chen would continue drinking on his own, seemingly troubled. Nonetheless, as if he chugged the wine down too quickly, he seemed to have choked and immediately vomited the alcohol in his mouth.

“Steady, brother! What’s the rush?” Niu Tian helplessly stared at Jiang Chen, but knowing that Jiang Chen was currently upset, he stopped himself from saying anything more.

“I’m good. I’m fine now.” Jiang Chen chortled as if nothing just happened.

In the meantime, on the primal seat, Gu Changge, who caught every sneaky action of Jiang Chen, intuitively laughed without exposing him. To him, Jiang Chen’s actions were nothing but ridiculous child’s play as they wouldn’t affect him in the slightest. Nevertheless, in order to allow Jiang Chen to grow into a healthy, vigorous leek, Gu Changge didn’t mind him pulling off this little mischiefs.

“Young Master Gu, Jiang Chen wanted me to relay his apology for his rashness back then, and hope that you’d be generous to forgive him.” A waft of a subtle fragrance could be detected.

Naturally, Xiao Ruoyin didn’t know what Gu Changge was thinking, and she passed on Jiang Chen’s message as she raised her glass to Gu Changge and toasted.

“It’s fine. Such a small matter means nothing to me.” Gu Changge turned to her with an unbothered smile.

“Mm.” Xiao Ruoyin seemed to be blushing, as though she grew bashful upon Gu Changge’s gaze.

Seeing that from afar, after a moment of visible awkwardness, Jiang Chen quickly regained his composure, though the clenching fists hidden under the table remained forceful.

Later, the guests would indulge in the banquet as many appeared to have gotten drunk. As Niu Tian, Wang Ning, and the rest lost their alertness against Gu Changge, one of them was even so bold as to toast to Gu Changge.

In response, Gu Changge simply nodded like an amicable man with his usual, ever so noble smile, leaving the crowd pleasantly surprised.

Eventually, as the banquet neared its end, a figure suddenly appeared outside the palace.

[She’s here?] Sensing the minor disturbance, Gu Changge’s eyes slightly moved towards the direction.

In the air, a stunning woman in a scarlet robe showed up. Her bare feet were paler than snow; her skin, as white as snow, was glowing amid godly mists. Her features were impeccable; her tranquil eyes resembled glassy gems, and there was a mole at the corner of her eye, accentuating her extraordinary charm.

Immediately, Niu Tian and the rest were dumbfounded and their breaths grew unstable as they never saw such a perfect being, who could be labelled as the most beautiful woman in the world. Be it Hei Yanyu or Ji Qingxuan, none of them carried the same elegance and grace as the woman in red.

[She must be a terrifying, formidable cultivator!] The crowd intuitively thought.

“Greetings, Young Master Gu.” Unquestionably, the woman in red was Yan Ji, who hurried over upon receiving Gu Changge’s instruction. As of now, her aura was significantly more daunting compared to before as she was now in the Sacred King Realm. Although she just broke through recently, she would never forget that she was merely a Cursed Spirit, who could have faded away anytime before she first met Gu Changge.

“Congratulations, you’ve reached the Sacred King Realm. It seems you didn’t let me down,” Gu Changge smilingly stated.

Yan Ji silently looked at him and turned to Ji Qingxuan, Hei Yanyu, and Xiao Ruoyin accordingly. There was no telling what she was thinking.

“I thought you had forgotten about me, Young Master Gu.” Yan Ji sounded rather calm, but Niu Tian and the rest sensed a vague jealousy in her tone. Thereupon, they grew immensely envious as their eyes reddened. [When can we have such a beautiful woman by our side?]

“Why? Did you not enjoy cultivating in silence?” Gu Changge let out a chuckle before turning to Xiao Ruoyin and stated, “This is the mentor I’ve found for you. From now on, she’ll guide you in cultivation.”

“My mentor?” Xiao Ruoyin was somewhat dazed. Initially, she thought the mentor Gu Changge looked for for her would be some old man with his hair full of white hair. Little did she expect, her mentor turned out to be an excessively beguiling woman.

Nevertheless, Xiao Ruoyin quickly regained her senses and hastily greeted, “Honoured to meet you, Master.”

Although she didn’t have any experience of cultivating, she was aware of the cultivation levels in this world, and the excessively beguiling woman before her who seemed to be around her age, was actually in the Sacred King Realm. As for the significance of a Sacred King, Xiao Ruoyin was very much aware of it, so she had nothing but respect for her.

Knowing the purpose of Gu Changge summoning her, Yan Ji wasn’t confused. With a tranquil look, she had Xiao Ruoyin be at ease.

[Master?] Niu Tian, Wang Tian, and the rest never expected Gu Changge even arranged a mentor for Xiao Ruoyin, let alone such a bewitching one. As such, they were left greatly envious.

[Sacred King Realm… What level is that? Is that very strong?] Nonetheless, Jiang Chen’s focus was on another point as he asked the spirit artifact of Celestial Boat of Creation about the strength of the Sacred King Realm and intended to estimate Gu Changge’s true power. After all, Gu Changge, being able to make someone with that cultivation level subservient to him, must be far more powerful than the Sacred King Realm.

Hearing that, the spirit artifact of Celestial Boat of Creation, who was rather boastful earlier, suddenly grew wordless, after which it replied, <Very strong. For you right now, too strong. Too powerful.> It even accented its words, fearing that Jiang Chen might fail to comprehend its message.

[So how strong is it?] Jiang Chen wasn’t exactly satisfied with the spirit artifact’s answer.

<They can destroy an entire star with a lift of a finger…> The spirit artifact of Celestial Boat of Creation replied.

[What!?] Despite his intense resentment towards Gu Changge and urge to avenge himself, Jiang Chen couldn’t help but gasp, shaking as he was overwhelmed by a chilly sensation. [If the woman’s in the Sacred King Realm, then how powerful is Gu Changge? I can’t even begin to imagine!]

In that instant, as if he was bashed with a bucket of cold water, chills overwhelmed his body. The determination and confidence he had earlier instantaneously vanished as they were replaced by hopelessness. [Destroying a star with a lift of a finger? How is that possible? In other words, Gu Changge can obliterate the world I previously lived in with a lift of a finger? Can a person actually be that powerful?]

<Don’t lose hope, alright? By the time we reach our peak, Immortals are hardly a trouble. Look at you, so startled by someone only in the Sacred King Realm…> Detecting Jiang Chen’s strangeness, the spirit artifact of Celestial Boat of Creation hastily comforted him. Although he currently has no chance to beat an expert in the Sacred King Realm, in the future, such experts would be nothing but insects to him.

Hearing that, Jiang Chen was successfully convinced, after which he swiftly calmed. Although he was indeed weak now, no one could truly predict the future.

<Oh boy, your mind still has a long way to go,> the spirit artifact of Celestial Boat of Creation stated.

Soon, the banquet ended.

Xiao Ruoyin brought Jiang Chen, Niu Tian, and the rest to test out their aptitude and physique, but instead of following them, Gu Changge dismissed Hei Yanyu and Ji Qingxuan, staying behind in the palace with Yan Ji, alone.