I Am the Fated Villain
chapter-394

As Gu Changge and Empress Yao Xi were indulging in their chat, a woman in purple suddenly dashed into the palace.

Recognising her to be Qing Zhu, one of Empress Yao Xi’s loyal officers, the crowd didn’t pay much attention to her.

With an icy expression, Qing Zhu walked to Empress Yao Xi’s back and respectfully stood next to Qing Mei, Qing Lan, and Qing Ju.

Empress Yao Xi glanced at her, but she didn’t bother to question where she came from.

Gu Changge, on the other hand, noticed the awkwardness within the expression of the woman in purple and tensed his brows without saying a word.

“To what does Demon World owe the pleasure, Young Master Changge?” Finished with their chat, Empress Yao Xi curiously asked. Although she had always kept in contact with Gu Changge through letters, the latter never mentioned his purpose of visiting Demon World, which certainly piqued her curiosity.

In response, Gu Changge put down the glass of wine in his hand and chuckled. “Empress Yao Xi, do you know about me obliterating Bandit Thirteen in Chaos Star Territory some time ago?”

Aware of the matter, Empress Yao Xi nodded. Essentially, the individual behind Bandit Thirteen was a remnant of the Five Demon Overlords who fled from Demon World 6000 years ago, Demon Master Bai Kun.

Knowing that, Empress Yao Xi was shocked as she never expected that Bai Kun had been hiding in Chaos Star Territory all these years, which explained she was never able to find traces of him despite having sent so many men. Nevertheless, now that Gu Changge successfully captured Bai Kun, she no longer bothered herself with such a matter.

“Young Master Changge, did you perhaps come to Demon World for this matter?” Empress Yao Xi asked with a contemplating look.

Gu Changge then nodded and smiled. “Indeed, Bai Kun plays a big part in my visit here, but so do you, Empress Yao Xi.”

“I’m involved?” Empress Yao Xi furrowed her brows.

However, given how Gu Changge did not proceed on the matter, her eyes twitched as she understood the probable graveness of the matter, and it was indeed inappropriate to talk about the matter under such circumstances, so she did not pursue it any further.

Meanwhile, Qing Zhu, who was standing humbly behind Empress Yao Xi, was rather disappointed by that as she was hoping to obtain crucial pieces of information, only for Gu Changge to leave such a teasing remark behind without finishing his story.

While Gu Changge and Empress Yao Xi was conversing, in the guest’s seats below, an impeccably stunning woman in a yellow dress was talking to an elderly man in white, whose aura was as deep as the abyss, beside her. She would take spying glances upwards from time to time. Her eyebrows were as exquisite as a painting, as though they were cast from an ancient canvas, carrying a benign, poetic aura.

“Youwei, what do you think of the rumoured Young Master Changge?” the elderly man in white inquired with a subtle smile.

The woman in yellow dress was none other than the sole Heiress of the Grand Tutor of the Demon World, Song Youwei, who was the greatest young prodigy in the Demon World.

Hearing that, she raised her head and took a look before subconsciously revealing a smile as she replied, “Father, appearance-wise, Young Master Changge is indeed flawless and unparalleled. He certainly is the amazing man others claim him to be. Be it his attitude or manner of speech, there’s not the slightest flaw.”

“Of course, as for his cultivation level, I dare not speak carelessly of it as rumours have it that he has already reached the Sacred King Realm, which is truly astonishing. With him present, I frankly do not deserve to be called a ‘prodigy,’ given how he and I are probably of about the same ages.”

Spoken with a normal expression, Song Youwei’s words were brief and straight, bearing no motive of ingratiation or obsequiousness as she was simply describing her first impression of Gu Changge.

Indeed, Gu Changge was a man of brilliance, even to the state of perfection as no other young prodigy was comparable. Still, Song Youwei had no other thoughts towards him apart from her dismay and astoundment. After all, she was someone who would be completely smitten by the appearance of another. Likewise, she was not the kind of person who wishes to curry favour just because the other party was powerful.

“Judging by his influence all over the endless Upper Realm, there is indeed no young man more splendid than him. Even using his fill might, a Sect Master was nothing to that youth. It intrigues me how such a monster exists in this world.”

After listening to his daughter, he nodded in agreement as he expressed his wonderment. “Youwei, why don’t you pay respect to Young Master Changge with me later? See it as leaving behind an impression. Who knows, it could be beneficial to you to be able to interact with a person like him.”

“As you wish, Father.” Song Youwei nodded as she was still curiously observing Gu Changge.

Nevertheless, Gu Changge seemed to have noticed her gaze and turned to her with a smile and a slight nod, which took her aback, but instead of bashfully shifting her gaze away like ordinary women, she responded with a generous smile during their exchange.

Seeing that, Empress Yao Xi tensed her brows and questioned, “Young Master Changge, do you know Youwei?”

Gu Changge then shook his head and answered, “I don’t know her, but she seems different, compared to the other women.”

“She’s the sole Heiress of the Grand Tutor, Song Youwei. She’s also the most outstanding young prodigy in the Demon World,” Empress Yao Xi explained in response as she nodded.

“Song Youwei. The name sure sounds melodious.” Gu Changge smiled as he withdrew his gaze.

Very soon, the welcoming banquet ended in joy for the hosts and guests, after which the influential figures of Demon World gradually departed. They fathomed that Gu Changge’s arrival to Demon World must lead to enormous commotions, causing unimaginable aftermath.

Earlier, in the imperial palace, by hearing bits of the conversation between Gu Changge and Empress Yao Xi, they grew to understand that Gu Changge didn’t come to Demon World without a purpose. Thus, what was to happen soon in Demon World would be immeasurable. Therefore, they would have to return to prepare for it.

Still, many of Empress Yao Xi’s trusted officers stayed, along with their families, intending to pay their respect to Gu Changge and get familiar with him.

“Greetings, Young Master Changge. I am the Grand Tutor of Demon World, and this is my daughter, Song Youwei.” The Grand Tutor stood up with Song Youwei and talked to Empress Yao Xi and Gu Changge, who were above them. He held his hand with a gesture of respect. As he was speaking, he started introducing Song Youwei, who was beside him.

Slightly nodding, Gu Changge turned to the Grand Tutor. “Please be at ease, Grand Tutor. Empress Yao Xi has introduced her to me earlier.” With that, he turned to Song Youwei with an amicable smile. “Youwei, what a nice name.”

Revealing a smile, Song Youwei took a graceful bow, seemingly noble and generous. “Thank you for the praise, Young Master Changge.”

Accordingly, the Quelling Chaos King and the rest, too, brought their families along to pay their respect, and they seemed more reverent than the Grand Tutor.

After all, judging by seniority, the Grand Tutor was Empress Yao Xi’s mentor, while the Quelling Chaos King and the rest were the Empress’s subordinates.

The Quelling Chaos King was a tall, muscular man who had a warm and welcoming heart despite his intimidating appearance. There was a scar between his eyebrows filled with an aggressive, daunting aura, reflecting his cultivation level of the Sacred King Realm.

Hearing that, Gu Changge node, retaining his natural, passionate face without feigning impatience, which made the Quelling Chaos King and the rest feel somewhat blessed. But of course, as the crowd was paying their respect,

Gu Changge was also observing those individuals, only to find the Fortuity on them was ordinary, unlike Song Youwei.

Although the Quelling Chaos King’s Fortuity was slightly higher, it was not enough for him to be considered as a fortuitous person. Thereupon, Gu Changge put more of his interest in Song Youwei. After all, individuals with abundant Fortuity tended to be close to or draw Fortuitous Ones out. The Heir of the Demon Overlord might possibly be related to Song Youwei, but to prevent startling his potential prey, he decided to give it some more time as he looked into Song Youwei.

Very soon, the crowd excused themselves, leaving only Gu Changge, Empress Yao Xi, and a few of her people in the palace.

“Young Master Changge, what was it that you were talking about earlier?” Empress Yao Xi intuitively asked. Since all eyes were on them previously, she refrained from asking about the matter, but now, it was only her trustworthy servants that remained in the palace.

Gu Changge took a glance at her before letting out a chuckle, but he had no intentions of keeping her in suspense. “Empress Yao Xi, do you perhaps still remember Jun Bufan?”

“Jun Bufan…” Empress Yao Xi’s face changed. Naturally, she still remembered the name of the being that was a taboo to her.

Normally, not even the higher-ups or servants would bring up the name given its severity.

In that instant, there was a subtle change in the faces of Empress Yao Xi’s four closest officers, Mei, Lan, Zhu, Ju, especially Qing Zhu.

“What you are about to say is related to him?” Empress Yao Xi said with a scowl as her face grew dark.

Gu Changge smilingly answered, “Yes, I’ve received something fascinating from interrogating Bai Kun. The Solar Demon Overlord once requested him to find an opportunity to hand a brocade bag to an individual named Jun Bufan. But according to what I know, isn’t Jun Bufan the Heir of the Solar Demon Overlord who died 6000 years ago? So, I thought this piece of information may be of your help.”

“So Jun Bufan actually faked his death…” Upon Gu Changge’s words, a trash of coldness flashed across Empress Yao Xi’s eyes, but after a moment of daze, she quickly regained her composure. To be honest, she had her suspicions back when she did not find Jun Bufan’s body in his grave.

“What? His death was a ruse?” Mei, Lan, Zhu, Ju widened their eyes in stupefaction.

Qing Zhu’s face turned a little pale, but Empress Yao Xi failed to notice that.

“Thank you for telling me this, Young Master Changge.” Empress Yao Xi looked at Gu Changge deeply. Although she figured that Gu Changge didn’t disclose the entire truth, she was grateful for his generosity for revealing this much. After all, prior to this, Gu Changge and her shared a fateful encounter.

“Don’t mention it, Empress Yao Xi,” Gu Changge said with a smile. Given his words, Empress Yao Xi would undoubtedly scour for Jun Bufan, which would certainly alleviate his burden.

Empress Yao Xi nodded before turning to look at the moon outside the imperial palace. “It’s getting late. You should get some rest, Young Master Changge.”

“Mei, Lan, Zhu, Ju are my trustworthy subordinates, whom I raised since they were children. They are pure and obedient. If you don’t mind, perhaps they could accompany you to sleep tonight,” she then added as she pointed to Mei, Lan, Zhu, Ju who were behind her.

Hearing that, Mei, Lan, Zhu, Ju were stunned for a second before blushes would surge on their faces. Qing Mei, Qing Lan, and Qing Ju bashfully lowered their heads, surprised by Empress Yao Xi’s words.

As the most trustworthy officers of the Empress, their identities in Demon World were incomparably valuable, and even influential figures and young prodigies always treated them with great respect.

Having been raised by Empress Yao Xi since they were children, they were brainwashed to do everything for her, including sacrificing their lives. Should they one day be bequeathed to a powerful individual, they were not allowed to bear any disdain and grudge.

As for a man like Gu Changge, they never imagined being able to come in contact with him in their lives. Thus, in that instant, they were frantic with glee and excitement.

Nonetheless, unlike Qing Mei, Qing Lan, and Qing Ju, Qing Zhu wasn’t thrilled. Instead, she felt unnerved as her face grew somewhat pale. Essentially, she already had a target of admiration in her heart, so she was reluctant to be sent by Empress Yao Xi to accompany another man into the bed.

“Oh?” Gu Changge was visibly surprised as he didn’t expect those words to come from Empress Yao Xi.

Although the beauty of Mei, Lan, Zhu, Ju was rare and unrivalled in the world, now that he was used to being with women such as Yue Mingkong and Jiang Chuchu, he couldn’t help but perceive the four subordinates of the Empress as lowly women.

Even though he was not a disciplined monk nor an honourable man, sleeping with the four didn’t seem to excite him. Besides, he sensed that the woman in purple among the four seemed odd, which would require someone to keep an eye on.

But of course, if Empress Yao Xi herself was the one who volunteered to sleep with him, that would be another story, aside from the fact that he already had Jiang Luoshen by his side.

“Forget it, Empress Yao Xi. Gu Changge is far too picky.” However, before Gu Changge could reject the offer, Jiang Luoshen, who kept silent the entire time with an icy face, suddenly spoke. She glanced at Gu Changge with her golden eyes, in which runes were swirling, as though she could tell what he was thinking.

All this time, Gu Changge had been ordering her around like a slave, but she got used to it quickly, and although she had her share of resentment, it was not as heavy as it was previously.

Upon the interaction between Gu Changge and Empress Yao Xi, she felt somewhat disaffected. In her eyes, given Gu Changge’s identity, these lowly women were not worthy of sleeping with him.

“Oh, forgive my bluntness.” Hearing that, Empress Yao Xi turned to Jiang Luoshen with a straight face.

Naturally, she knew of the princess of Godly Illusion Clan. She simply saw this as her expressing her jealousy. In Yao Xi’s opinion, Jiang Luoshen following Gu Changge to the Lower Realm suggested that their relationship was more than meets the eye. Of course, she only brought the matter up on a whim, knowing that given Gu Changge’s identity, no women would ever turn him down.

Thus, Qing Mei, Qing Lan, and Qing Ju were disappointed, but they didn’t reveal their feelings on their faces. At the same time, Qing Zhu felt relieved as the weight in her heart dissipated.

With that, Gu Changge, Jiang Luoshen, and the rest returned to the chamber arranged by Empress Yao Xi to rest as the Empress dismissed her four subordinates, except Qing Zhu.

Empress Yao Xi’s face was extremely cold as her pride of an Empress returned, which made Qing Zhu feeling restless. Still, she managed to keep herself composed on the outside.

“Tell me. What happened back there?” Empress Yao Xi blandly shot Qing Zhu a glare. Although the change on Qing Zhu’s face was momentary, she didn’t fail to catch it. Judging by Qing Zhu’s identity, she should be thrilled to accompany Gu Changge to sleep, yet she was reluctant and hesitant.

At once, Qing Zhu’s face blanched as immense dread arose in her heart.

“I sincerely apologise! I beg for your mercy, Your Majesty!” Immediately, she dropped down to her knees and pleaded with her shivering voice.

“You’re in love with someone,” Empress Yao Xi stated as though she could read Qing Zhu’s mind.

As such, Qing Zhu’s face grew even paler as she hastily shook her head and explained, “I kept myself pure and clean! I’ve never exceeded my boundaries! I wouldn’t lie to you, Your Majesty!” Knowing that Empress Yao Xi abhorred an unclean woman by her side, she never did anything which crossed the line with Jun Fan, despite her admiration for him.

Empress Yao Xi did not doubt her confession. After all, having followed her for so long, Qing Zhu was sure to know the consequences of lying to her.

“I’ll allow you one chance to deal with the issue. If I were to know who the man is, I’ll make sure he rests eternally in pieces. You may leave.” Cold and emotionless, Empress Yao Xi then faintly stated. It was as if she was another person compared to how she was in front of Gu Changge.

…

[It seems that even those right beside Empress Yao Xi are not to be fully trusted. Aren’t you a crafty one, Heir of the Demon Overlord?] After returning to his chamber, Gu Changge sent one of his underlings to keep an eye on Song Youwei as well as the trustworthy subordinates of Empress Yao Xi without informing the Empress herself. If nothing went wrong, he should be able to enjoy a magnificent show very soon.

In the blink of an eye, numerous days had passed. Gu Changeg’s arrival in Demon World caused quite a commotion across Domain of the Demon World. Unlike the Lower Realm, the Demon World shared constant communication with the Upper Realm, so whatever happened in the Upper Realm, it would only take one question for the entire Demon World to be informed of it.

Even in Demon World, Gu Changge was tremendously reputable as many were aware of his existence.

Nevertheless, the people of the Demon World were guessing the purpose of his visit, given how such a significant matter was not led with prior news informing them of his visit. This left innumerable Clans of the Demon World dumbfounded.

At the same time, another major event was also taking place in Demon World. To the younger generation of Demon World, the Banquet of Prodigies was an opportunity to promote themselves. Should they be glorified in the Banquet of Prodigies, they would earn Empress Yao Xi’s respect, which could potentially allow them into becoming honoured royal officers.

At that moment, in a Cave Mansion within Black and White Academy, Jun Fan was speaking with his back facing a number of individuals.

“What’s the progress?”

Standing behind him was a number of people in wide robes, with ambiguous auras concealing their faces. They resembled the Elders of Black and White Academy.

“Young Master, as you requested, we’ve gained control of the personnel responsible for the royal wine during the Banquet of Prodigies. We’ve captured their wives and daughters, confined them in a safe and secure location. With such a threat, they wouldn’t dare to defy our orders.” They reported in response.

“Very well. Although we have gained control of the royal wine, judging by Yao Xi’s wariness lately, she will certainly have someone test it for poison.”

As coldness flashed across Jun Fan’s eyes, he slightly nodded before continuing, “Therefore, this does not suffice just yet. By then, the Banquet of Prodigies will be held on a Sacred Mountain in the Black and White Academy, and influential people of the Demon World will be attending. Since the surrounding lands are rather spacious, without cover, it’ll be difficult for us to hide our men.”

“Besides, Yao Xi’s slyness will surely drive her to assign formidable experts as guards in the dark, so you, too, must hide among the crowd and only proceed upon my signal. I’ve been planning for this assassination for too long. I can’t afford any mistakes.”

“Rest assured, Young Master. We have gathered forces in the dark all these years, and they are hidden perfectly in the different Clans. Also, not only us, but the rest of the remnants of the five Demon Overlords will move during the Banquet of Prodigies,” Someone, whose face was vague and body was hidden in his robe, confidently claimed.

Hearing that, Jun Fan subconsciously nodded. His face grew even colder as he clenched his fists. “It’s been 6000 years. Yao Xi’s cultivation level must be at most in the Sacred Emperor Realm. Without opportunities available to her, it would be hard for her to reach the Quasi-Nirvana Realm. But even so, the Solar Heavenly Blade is a Nirvana Grade Artifact designed by my father and personally forged by Uncle Ye. Yao Xi will not be able to run from me this time.”

Jun Fan waved his hand to dismiss the individuals behind him, leaving total silence in the Cave Mansion. He then turned to the outside of the Cave Mansion as his eyes glistened, as if he was pondering. Recently, he had been trying to reach Song Youwei to ask some questions, but ever since she returned to Grand Tutor’s Manor, she had yet to come back to the Black and White Academy, which somewhat let him down.

“Jun Fan.” Very soon, a woman in purple slowly entered the Cave Mansion with a cold expression and a pair of troubled eyes. It was one of Empress Yao Xi’s personal officers, Qing Zhu.

“What’s wrong?” Seeing her expression, Jun Fan was confused, after which he wordlessly fetched her the tea on the table. “What happened? Relax. Take a sip, why don’t you?”

Taking a glance at him, Qing Zhu heaved a sigh as she accepted the tea and took a sip before recounting what happened back in the imperial palace to him.

After listening to her, Jun Fan was obviously livid. “How dare Yao Xi make you sleep with Gu Changge in an attempt to gratify him!”

Also furious, Qing Zhu nodded. “Not only that, the Empress is also scouring every corner for you.”

Emotions zoomed across Jun Fan’s face and he eventually let out a deep sigh. “Frankly, I called you over because I need your help. Once we are finished with this, we won’t have to worry about Yao Xi anymore, and we will no longer have to meet so discreetly.”

“What is it?” Qing Zhu roughly guessed the answer as her face paled.

“I bought this poison with a huge sum of money. It’s effective even to cultivators in the Sacred Emperor Realm.” Jun Fan pulled out a white clay flask from his garment and continued with a solemn expression, “But don’t you worry. This alone works as supplementary pill powder. No one will see it as poison, so you don’t have to be worried about getting suspected.”

At that moment, Qing Zhu’s heart violently palpitated as her face grew even whiter, and even her fingers were trembling. [Poison the Empress? Jun Fan actually wants me to poison Empress Yao Xi to death?]

“I’m aware that you’re in charge of Yao Xi’s daily meal as well as her cultivation pill. Regardless, this mission is safe. No one will discover the truth nor will they suspect you. I assure you of this.” Jun Fan intensely looked her in the eyes as he persuaded.