I Am the Fated Villain
chapter-396

The black jade carriage stopped on the Sacred Mountain, the soldiers following it scattering around it while alertly observing their surroundings. They exuded strong auras, and were the elite squad of Empress Yao Xi. Having spent years fighting wars, they exuded a formidable aura, which resembled an unstoppable tsunami even from far away.

“Her Majesty the Empress is here. She even brought along her Asura Guards, which means she’s being extremely cautious in coming to the Banquet of Prodigies.”

Those from the Demonic World stared at this group in unison, with a mix of reverence, respect, admiration, and fear in their eyes. Empress Yao Xi rarely left the imperial palace, so very few in the Demonic World had seen her true appearance. All important missions or directives came from her were carried out by her female officials.

Everyone thus watched the scene curiously, trying to get a glimpse of her otherworldly beauty. It was said that she was the most beautiful woman in the Demonic World for the past 6000 years, as her looks surpassed everyone else. Thus, there was an immeasurable amount of curiosity to the common people of the Demon World as to what she truly looked like.

At the foot of the Sacred Mountain, many young prodigies looked up towards the black jade carriage, which had stopped above the clouds. Men and women alike looked on with fear and reverence, but some younger men felt some inappropriate feelings stirring inside them. No one had heard of any man appearing alongside her all these years, and all her closest advisors were women. It was impossible not to have any ‘other’ feelings for the all-powerful and gorgeous Empress who ruled over the Demonic World. This Banquet was now a chance for them to show off before her. At that thought, they became more motivated and driven.

[Yao Xi, have you ever expected our first meeting after 6000 years to happen like this?] Jun Fan was standing in the crowd, his tall figure and handsome features giving him a unique charm. His fists were clenched as he stared fixedly at the black jade carriage. A sneer then appeared on his face before his expression became calm and confident again.

The expanse of the top of the Sacred Mountain was surrounded by clouds, making it resemble a paradise. Empress Yao Xi’s four female officials, Qing Zhu, Qing Mei, Qing Ju, and Qing Lan, approached the carriage rapidly. Qing Zhu’s expression was obedient as she opened the curtains to the carriage and soon, the beautiful Empress Yao Xi, walked out clad in robes embroidered with a phoenix.

She had hair as black as ink, a tall and slender figure and a red pattern between her eyebrows. While she possessed a regal air, her features were indistinct as if blocked by a layer of Chaos Energy. Nonetheless, her eyes looked cold, noble, and condescending.

“Young Master Changge, come.” As she spoke, her expression softened like snow melting. It held a different kind of charm.

“I’ve troubled you in welcoming me this way. I feel flattered by this warm treatment.” Another man in black exited the carriage while laughing lightly. His movements felt almost ethereal and otherworldly, as if everything orbited around him. His hair glimmered with light, making him look like a young deity. His infinitely powerful aura made many from the Demonic World avert their eyes in shock, not daring to look at him directly.

“Young Master Changge was on the same carriage as Her Majesty, the Empress?” The important figures in the Demonic World look slightly taken aback. The Empress had to deem him important enough to let him ride in the carriage.

They knew the carriage held anotherworld within and wasn’t small like its appearance suggested, so the two of them weren’t huddled close together in the carriage. However, even her closest female officials didn’t have the right to ride in the carriage with her. So, why could a young man walk out of it in front of the important figures and ordinary folk of the Demonic World?

This was something previously unheard of, but considering Gu Changge’s status and abilities, they kept silent and smiled forcefully instead. Before this, Her Majesty had always behaved in a cold and aloof manner, so suddenly witnessing this astounded them immensely.

Unlike the others who expressed disbelief and astonishment, Jun Fan’s expression was dark. While he concealed it well, he couldn’t hide the coldness in his eyes. He hadn’t expected to see her walk so close to another man during his first meeting with her after 6000 years. There were no intimate interactions between them, yet it made him uncomfortable. He might want to kill her for revenge, but she had still been his betrothed before. How could she journey together with another man like this?

However, he was competent enough that he managed to regain a natural expression without showing any signs of change. Song Youwei, who had been standing nearby and noticed his expression, looked slightly puzzled but did not ask further. Instead, she walked lightly towards him, skirts flowing with her movements.

“Brother Jun Fan.” She smiled in greeting.

Jun Fan looked back at her with a smile. “Youwei. I thought you would return to the Black and White Academy during this time, but you remained at the Grand Tutor’s Manor and only showed up now.”

She smiled. “I have no choice. Father had some things to tell me, and I couldn’t get out of it. Did you want to see me?”

Her voice was graceful, soft, and natural, like she treated everyone this way.

He smiled. ” I was planning to ask you about that famous man from the Upper Realm, who came recently, but I see that it’s no longer necessary.”

As he spoke, he stared at the man who resembled a deity, engrossed in conversation with Empress Yao Xi.

Song Youwei was surprised but replied honestly, “So you wanted to ask about Young Master Changge? I have only met him once, but he gave me a good first impression. This is a man too perfect to be real.”

Hearing Song Youwei’s words made Jun Fan uncomfortable, but he maintained his careless and natural expression. “Really? I rarely see you have such a high opinion of someone.”

He had asked her opinion of him before this but while she had praised him, it never achieved such heights. Compared to Gu Changge, he suddenly felt mediocre.

She smiled and bit her lip. “I haven’t seen such a perfect man before. He feels as unreal as the moon’s reflection in the water.”

Jun Fan nodded and did not continue pondering such a question. It didn’t matter if Gu Changge was beside Empress Yao Xi; he would still choose to assassinate her on this day. This concerned the Demonic World, and Gu Changge was just an outsider. If that man didn’t interfere, his job would be easier but he didn’t mind more trouble otherwise. Besides, Empress Yao Xi couldn’t bear the responsibility if something happened to Gu Changge in the Demonic World.

Soon, Jun Fan and Song Youwei continued their discussion, where he asked indirectly about the men her father had brought with him. They could be considered good friends due to their familiarity with one another. That was because they had trained together before and it was hard to see who was inferior during their fight in the Academy tests.

Since their backgrounds, looks, and abilities were more compatible than most, gossipers assumed there was something else to their relationship. However, Jun Fan knew well that she treated everyone the same way. Always soft and graceful, yet maintaining an appropriate boundary. He may be attracted to her, but he didn’t know what she thought of him.

Song Youwei did not suspect anything after hearing his questions, telling him everything.

“Really? Then I feel more assured.” Jun Fan nodded, pondering how he would make his move later. This was a rare chance for him and his subordinates, which they should never miss.

“I wonder how inferior you think the young prodigies of the Demon World are compared to those in the Upper Realm.” Empress Yao Xi and Gu Changge were seated side by side on top of the Sacred Mountain. She pointed to the group gathered at the foot of the mountain while asking the question and smiling.

She did not ask how they compared to each other, since she knew the young prodigies in the Demonic World were still far inferior to those in the Upper Realm in terms of Talent, background, and roots. However, she did want to know what the prodigies of the Demonic World were like in the eyes of Gu Changge, the number one of the younger generation in the Upper Realm.

Gu Changge smiled back at her before his gaze swept across the sea of young figures amassed below. “To me, the only difference they have is their environment. After all, the environment in which one is present determines their view of the world and the people one meets. In terms of the level of cultivation, the young prodigies of the Demonic World may only be ranked in the middle-to-lower rung, or even the lower rung of the Upper Realm at most.”

Empress Yao Xi nodded thoughtfully. She didn’t think his words were offensive but honest instead. How were the Demon World’s young prodigies comparable to those disciples born into Immortal Families and Immortal Sects?

“That’s why I want to change the environment of the Demonic World. Yet people still oppose me and want everything to remain the same.” She sighed with some sadness.

Gu Changge looked towards her with a smile. “Our descendants will judge whether it’s the right step or not. I think you are capable of doing that, so you don’t have to be concerned about those opinions.”

“Do you really have this much faith in me?” She looked at him meaningfully, her hair fluttering in the wind. Her features were flawless.

He smiled and said with some regret, “Why won’t you believe that everything can be achieved with enough determination? You are such a person in my eyes. Your will is great, but I can’t interfere in issues of the Demonic World since I’m still an outsider. Otherwise, I will lend you a hand.”

Empress Yao Xi stared at him, a feeling of dejection suddenly rising within her. He knew her so well but was still just an outsider.

Gu Changge smiled after seeing her expression. “The Demonic World is like a basin of sand. The harder you try to grab that sand, the more it will spill from between your fingers. It’s truly admirable that you have reached this point all by yourself while facing internal and external issues.”

Empress Yao Xi’s mouth curved slightly before returning to normal. She asked with interest, “Are you flattering me, Young Master Changge?”

She was already tired of hearing compliments and praises just to please her, as she had already gotten used to them. Had it been anyone else, she would have had him executed at once. When it came from Gu Changge though, she couldn’t help feeling delighted. That was a strange feeling as she usually hated to have any man with her, yet that didn’t happen when she was with Gu Changge. She wasn’t irritated by him, be it back at the Immortal Academy, or the first time they had met.

“If your Majesty thinks I’m flattering you, then you may be right. I rarely say such things to others except when I have ulterior motives.” Gu Changge smiled, looking open and honest.

Empress Yao Xi gazed at him, seemingly intrigued by his direct attitude. “Then what ulterior motives do you have towards me?”

“There are only two things I desire: power or you. It isn’t a difficult question to answer, no?” He continued smiling.

She panicked internally after hearing that but maintained her usual calm demeanor.

“The Banquet of Prodigies is starting.” She changed the subject and looked down towards the many young prodigies gathered below as if concentrating on watching the event. Gu Changge smiled and did not speak any further.

This Banquet was just an elaborate show for him to watch, as he had already found Jun Bufan after looking around a bit. It would’ve been better if Jun Bufan had maintained a low profile, but he was too conspicuous. Gu Changge would’ve taken a long time to check every young prodigy’s Fortuity due to the sheer number of them present, but Jun Bufan had to show up and deliberately flaunt his powerful Talents and strength.

Of course, the main reason was Song Youwei. Gu Changge had been paying attention to her movements, and as soon as she walked towards a blue-clothed man, he had a hunch. After checking his Fortuity, Jun Bufan’s identity was revealed.

Naturally Gu Changge didn’t expose it as it would cause panic. He was planning on enjoying the entire show first.

The Demon World was murky, and Empress Yao Xi was just a moveable pawn to him.

Many eyes had been watching her from the shadows while she was fighting against Jun Bufan. Although she seemed to have the upper hand, that was far from the truth. After all, Jun Bufan had easily obtained knowledge of all her movements and locations, much less those large fishes hiding within the shadows. The Five Demon Overlords of the past had eventually disappeared; but had they really died? Still the greater value of Jun Bufan’s existence in Gu Changge’s eyes lay in luring out the bigger fishes behind him.

Just as Gu Changge was talking to Empress Yao Xi, the Banquet of Prodigies had already started. Many young prodigies began displaying their strong abilities and techniques as they climbed towards the peak.

The cliffs of the mountain were tall and steep, shimmering with arrays and runes which exuded a formidable auras. Anyone with a low cultivation level wouldn’t be able to balance themselves and fall off after several steps. This was merely a checkpoint for the Sacred Mountain; anyone who wanted to reach the peak had to power through the checkpoints and also defend themselves against sneak attacks. It was truly difficult. Besides that, 108 jade stairs were glowing in different colours and covered with terrifying swirling energy.

The young prodigies attempted to reach the top as fast as they could by utilising their abilities. Two people who had quarrelled before this were fighting, eliciting terrifying quakes which spread everywhere and gained attention from the others. Similar scenes occurred all over the mountain, too many to count. This often occurred in the Banquet of Prodigies which was held every twenty years, and each time innumerable members of the younger generation would die. None of their families, nor force behind them dared to interfere and stop it.

Soon, many began seeing it as a chance at a fair battle so they could fight to the death.

Gu Changge had no interest in all this, naturally. According to the usual plotlines, there wouldn’t be any surprises for events like this, which had been designed to let the Fortuitous Ones show off their strength.

Jun Bufan had encountered several opponents claiming to be superior young prodigies of the Demonic World, and fought with them, causing the ground to shake intensely and attracting the attention and shock of everyone else.

However, Gu Changge knew this wouldn’t continue for much longer. As the reborn son of a Demonic Overlord, Jun Bufan’s abilities and strength could easily surpass other young prodigies in the same cultivation level. With his Fortuity to protect him, it was expected that he would hide his abilities and feign weakness to overpower his enemies. Thus, he lost all interest in watching the event after glancing several times at Jun Bufan.

His attention turned to the surrounding area and he made guesses as to where any potential riots would begin. The Grand Tutor, the Quelling Chaos King, and the commander of the Demon World military had their armies hidden nearby. Besides, the major clans from all Nine Domains of the Demon World were here as well, which meant they would have powerful cultivators accompanying them. He wasn’t sure if those powerful cultivators were allies of the Empress, though. Thus, from what he could observe, Empress Yao Xi was truly surrounded by danger.

[Bai Lian’er, the owner of the Nephrite Breeze Pavilion, is probably here too. I just don’t know where she’s hiding. Except for Empress Yao Xi, it seems that her side doesn’t know Jun Bufan’s true identity and that’s why they’re still observing the situation. What is in that brocade bag she’s holding? Why is it so valuable that the Solar Demon Overlord has handed it to the Demon Master, Bai Kun, like this?]

Gu Changge narrowed his eyes as he glanced around. From where he sat, there were far too many people crowded near the Sacred Mountain. It would be difficult to find Bai Lian’er here. Besides, she would change her appearance since she wouldn’t show her true face to outsiders. As the daughter of the Demon Master Bai Kun, her looks wouldn’t be a mystery to the Demon World.

At that thought, Gu Changge’s eyes flashed and he summoned a subordinate. “Pay attention to the surrounding areas. If you see anyone with a suspicious aura approaching, capture them at once.”

“Yes, Young Master.” Tian Ze and his fellow cultivators concealed themselves in the void and rapidly disappeared.

Qing Zhu, who had been standing behind Empress Yao Xi, looked slightly awkward but no one noticed. She knew something drastic would happen today, which would have an enormous impact on Empress Yao Xi as well as the Demon World.

Her palms were damp with sweat even now. A few days ago, Jun Fan had handed her the pill powder which made her feel frantic and uneasy after she returned. However, after considering that this concerned her future survival, she calmed down and began carrying out the plan.

They were all responsible for the resources Empress Yao Xi used in her cultivation as well as the spiritual teas and celestial fruits she consumed daily, so it was easy enough adding the pill powder to it. Empress Yao Xi did not notice anything strange either. Just as Jun Fan had said, the ingredients of the pill powder weren’t poisonous so Empress Yao Xi wouldn’t possibly suspect her if Her Majesty became suspicious. Qing Zhu thus relaxed her guard and waited for him to carry out the final stage of his plan.

Now that Gu Changge was with Empress Yao Xi though, things might have become more complicated. He had even sent out his subordinates to kill anyone suspicious.

[Had he noticed anything?] Qing Zhu felt anxious, especially since she could discern from the conversation between the two that he would not stand by if anything happened. [What is the probability that Jun Fan’s plan would work now?]

“What happened, Young Master Changge? Did you see anything?” Empress Yao Xi was studying the young prodigies below when she suddenly heard Gu Changge’s order and couldn’t help but raise her eyebrows.

Gu Changge smiled in reply. “Nothing. I just feel uneasy suddenly.”

Empress Yao Xi knew what he meant and felt warm. She smiled and did not enquire further, as she would encounter assassination attempts either from the remnants of the Five Demon Overlords’ or the other major Clans every time the Banquet of Prodigies was held. She had already gotten used to it. Under normal circumstances, there would be many who couldn’t wait any longer and find an opportunity to attack. Gu Changge sending out his subordinates to find anyone suspicious was undeniably his indirect attempt to protect her. This made that strange feeling rise in her again.

Over the past 6000 years, she had dealt with every danger herself. While the Grand Tutor would sometimes provide ideas and strategies, she had to face them herself while relying on her cruel methods and abilities to clear up and control everything. It was exhausting and taxing, so seeing Gu Changge do this made her feel a certain dependence on him. She shook her head quickly to clear that thought. After all, she was the Empress ruling over uncountable people in the Demonic World and Gu Changge was merely a young Junior.

“What does your Majesty think of that man?” Just while Empress Yao Xi was deep in thought, Gu Changge spoke again. His eyes were trained on Jun Fan, who seemed to be superior to everyone else, and his tone one of intrigue.