I Am the Fated Villain
chapter-404

[As long as I restrain all my energy and have the jade pendant my father left for me, Gu Changge will definitely not recognize me. After all, I only met him once. We didn’t even get a proper look at each other’s faces. I just don’t know what Gu Changge is planning to do this time when he goes to Quelling Chaos King’s Manor. Could it be that he found out Jun Bufan’s true identity?] Bai Lian’er, who was by the street, quickly calmed her surprised heart. She then lowered her head and compliantly stared at the carpet in front of her.

Upon hearing what she said, Bai Hua, who was next to her, forced himself to calm down. Not wanting to make anything seem out of place, he also hid his hands in his sleeves so that his trembling would go unnoticed.

From their appearance alone, they were an ordinary pair of herbalist siblings. It didn’t seem odd at all for the plainly-dressed pair to live by collecting herbs in the mountains. They were now trying to reduce their presence to avoid being seen by Gu Changge, lest he noticed something off about them.

At the same time, in the palaces’ attics on both sides of the street, Many were gawking with their eyes wide open at this moment. They were shocked to see Gu Changge and many experts coming from the other side of the street.

Gu Changge’s identity was no secret in the Demon World. If it wasn’t for his help, Empress Yao Xi would have been harmed back on Sacred Mountain. To many Demonic Beings, Gu Change was of equal standing with their Empress. With that, they all looked at him with eyes full of admiration as they quickly made way for Gu Changge.

“I wonder what Young Master Change is here for. Is he going to the Quelling Chaos King’s Manor?”

“Empress Yao Xi would have been hurt if Young Master Changge hadn’t helped. He’s the Demon World’s saviour!”

Many people were discussing in low voices amongst themselves. At the same time, they were filled with curiosity as Gu Changge wasn’t someone they could usually see.

As Gu Changge walked on the street, the dark ceremonial robes on his tall frame fluttered with grandeur. The robes were woven with silk spun by Frost Weavers, using Immortal Silkworms that had been alive for eight million years. There were many ancient patterns embroidered on his robes. All kinds of faint divine brilliance and splendor flowed between each thread as Principles wove between them, unveiling magnificence and mysteriousness.

At this moment, Gu Changge seemed to notice the manor in the distance as he asked, slightly excited, “So this is the Quelling Chaos King’s Manor, hmm?”

“Yes, Young Master Gu,” the followers in charge of leading the way replied with a respectful face when he heard the question. “The manor in front is where the Quelling Chaos King resides. It has a radius of thirty thousand kilometres. It is a spectacular world of its own.”

“It seems that I have to pay a visit to Quelling Chaos King’s Manor when I have time.” Gu Changge smiled and continued to stroll along the street. However, he seemed a little surprised when he came to Bai Lian’er and Bai Hua’s stall.

When he suddenly stopped, Bai Lian’er and Bai Hua’s heads shot up to look at him, their bodies tense. Panic, fear, and caution were soon written all over their faces.

After Gu Changge took a glance at them, he seemed to have his interest piqued. “How much are you selling these herbs for?” he asked.

Bai Lian’er looked very nervous. She didn’t understand why Gu Changge suddenly stopped in front of them. Still, she kept her composure before she showed a nervous expression on her face as she spoke gingerly. “K-Kind sir, these herbs don’t cost a penny. Please, go ahead and take them.”

Her hoarse voice was shaky.

That unpleasant voice of hers, coupled with her horrible appearance, made it difficult for anyone to stop by her stall. However, Gu Changge didn’t seem to care at all as he took a few looks at the herbs before bringing his gaze up to take a proper look at her again. Seeing this, Bai Lian’er, who looked petrified and jumpy, quickly lowered her head to avoid his gaze.

Everyone on the street was watching this scene in shock. They didn’t know why Gu Changge suddenly stopped in front of the herbalist siblings. [Could there be something special about the herbs they’re selling? The siblings don’t look any special.]

Although there were weak aura fluctuations from their bodies, their cultivation levels were not high. At most, they were a little better than ordinary people. Even Bai Lian’er’s behaviour seemed normal to them. In fact, anyone would have such a reaction if Gu Changge suddenly talked to them like this.

“Is that so?” Hearing this, Gu Changge suddenly let out a smile. “But I’m not someone who would take your things for free. I’ll pay you ten times the usual price. Please sell them all to me.”

Bai Lian’er’s eyes widened in disbelief. When she realised what Gu Changge was saying, she couldn’t believe that such a wonderful thing could ever happen. A surprised look soon replaced her initial fear, and she blurted out her gratitude excitedly, “W-What? Ten times!? Thank you, kind sir!”

However, her current face was difficult to look at. The birthmark that covered half of her face made the stomachs of many beings churn, and they couldn’t help but quickly look away.

“Where did you pick these herbs from?” Gu Changge nodded and continued to offer with great interest, “Take me there, and I’ll give you a hundred times the price.”

“A hundred times?!” Bai Lian’er seemed shocked when she heard his words as a look of disbelief appeared on her face. She even began to wonder if she was too blind recognise the treasure that was right under her nose. [Is there something special about the medicinal herbs that I randomly found? Why didn’t I notice anything different? Or did Gu Changge find out my identity, and he’s deliberately tricking me by offering a high price for the herbs?]

Bai Hua also looked astounded. These were some medicinal herbs that they happened to find in the mountains to play the part of the pair of herbalist siblings. Even he was doubting his eyes as he wondered if the herbs were special enough for Gu Changge to pay a hundred times their usual price just so they would bring him to the place they picked the herbs.]

Even though the offered sum was a meagre amount to Bai Lian’er and Bai Hua, there was a possibility Gu Changge had already found out their identity, and was messing with them.

Gu Changge looked at Bai Lian’er and hummed, “What’s the matter? Are you going to refuse?”

Hearing this, Bai Lian’er hurriedly shook her head. “We’ll do it! If you want to go to that place, my brother and I can lead the way. We won’t ask for your money, sir.”

No matter what Gu Changge was up to, she had no proper reason to reject him now. She couldn’t even begin to imagine what would happen if she did. It wasn’t like she would be able to win against him even if she used all her power. It would be her and Bai Hua that couldn’t get away then.

“I’m glad.” Gu Changge slightly nodded again. “Don’t worry. I won’t take advantage of you if you show me the way.”

After he said that, the experts behind him came forward and took away all the herbs in front of him while they tossed two clear, jade-like Origin Stones to the ‘herbalists’. As though she had never seen anything more precious, Bai Lian’er immediately kept the stones well.

[It’s actually related to those herbs.] Everyone who saw this felt themselves waver for some reason. The last thing that came to mind was that they seem to have missed out on an opportunity. Since the herbs were valuable to Gu Changge, those seemingly ordinary herbs must be extraordinary!

And when they heard that Gu Changge wanted the siblings to take him to the place where the herbs grew, they couldn’t help but grow suspicious. [Doesn’t this mean that there is actually something hidden there? Did these ordinary looking herbs absorb some sort of special energy from the place they were collected? That’s why he is looking for where they were picked from?]

Many people regretted not noticing what was so extraordinary about herbs earlier and missing out on their opportunity.

“Come with me to the Quelling Chaos King’s Manor. You can take me to that place later,” Gu Changge smiled.

“Yes, sir.” Not daring to reject him, Bai Lian’er and Bai Hua obediently followed after him. Their emotions were in turmoil right now. Bai Lian’er, especially, was shocked and uneasy about blindly following Gu Changge. She couldn’t help but wonder if Gu Changge had found out their identities, or if they had really stumbled upon an unknown land where extraordinary herbs grew when they were not paying attention.

Just when everyone was confused and deep in their thoughts, a burly, regal man hurried over from the Quelling Chaos King’s Manor. “Greetings, Young Master Changge.”

His body, concentrated with an aura of evil, had an underlying Chaos Qi. He was unmistakably a powerful man. Many people, including many big figures from the Quelling Chaos King’ Manor, as well as the family’s direct descendants, were behind him. Jun Fan was among them.

The man that had come forward was the Quelling Chaos King himself.

He had received word when Gu Changge appeared nearby. Quickly, he brought a group of family members to greet him and show him respect.

“We are honoured by your arrival, Young Master Changge,” the Quelling Chaos King held his hands together in front of his chest and humbly greeted. Even though he was many generations older than Gu Changge, he dared not call himself an Elder in front of the latter. Regardless of whether it was cultivation level or status, the current Gu Changge was someone he needed to be respectful to. Those behind him also bowed to Gu Changge one after another. Jun Fan, who was among the crowd, didn’t let any emotion show as he kept his head down.

“No need to stand on ceremony, Quelling Chaos King,” Gu Changge replied with a slight nod.

The Quelling Chaos King then led the way and brought Gu Changge into his manor. Seeing Bai Lian’er and Bai Hua following behind Gu Changge shocked many members of the Jun Family.

The Jun Family were filled with disdain as they wondered how someone dressed in rags and only had cultivation levels slightly higher than the average person had the right to walk alongside Gu Changge. The woman was especially odd and ugly to look at. However, they knew better than to ask anything about the siblings.

Among the Jun Family crowd, a woman in a green robe looked at the young man walking with the Quelling Chaos King, and she began to sigh in a voice full of admiration and longing. “Fan, this is the first time I have seen Young Master Changge up close. Am I dreaming? He smiled at me just now. How can such a perfect man exist? Ha… It’s a pity that someone of my identity has no reason to get closer to him. I’m sure it’s the dream of many prodigal damsels to be his concubine.”

The woman who spoke was an absolute beauty who only had a thin layer of makeup to enhance her exquisite features. Her skin looked so soft and smooth it might break from just a light touch, and she had locks as smooth as silk. Not even the loose robe she had on could hide the sensual curves of her body.

This was Jun Fan’s second eldest sister, Jun Yao.

Jun Yao was beside him when his face immediately turned sour upon hearing his sister’s words. Even though he had been reborn with memories of his past life, his elder sister in this lifetime treated him well. He, too, genuinely thought of her as his sister. However, he couldn’t help feeling upset when Jun Yao said that about the man he loathed for sabotaging his plans again and again. If it wasn’t for Gu Changge’s obstruction, Jun Fan wouldn’t have failed the assassination and had to force Qing Zhu to die.

Just as Jun Yao was talking, she couldn’t help asking out of confusion when she noticed the strange look on Jun Fan’s face. “What’s the matter, Fan? You don’t look too good.”

“It’s nothing. I just feel weird hearing you say that. With your beauty and status, there have been so many young prodigies in the enormous capital who have come for you, but none of them stood a chance to take you as their wife. I didn’t think you’d say something like this.” Jun Fan had quickly collected himself, and he shook his head, seemingly in resignation.

Hearing that, Jun Yao turned red in the face as she rolled her eyes at him. “What do you mean by that? Can’t I have someone I admire? Someone of Young Master Changge’s identity and status must have tons of admirers. Who am I but another one among the crowd?”

Jun Fan sighed again, “Indeed. It’s a shame. With your identity, you probably don’t even stand a chance to get along with him. I advise you to let go of your fantasies and give up completely. I bet a man like Gu Changge has more women by his side than he needs. You probably won’t catch his fancy anyway.”

He knew that slandering Gu Changge behind his back would only bring about the opposite effect of making Jun Yao think Jun Fan was a narrow-minded man. Moreover, Jun Yao had always had a difficult personality, which made it difficult to change the things she believed in.

And so, he decided to change his approach in letting her understand those were just pipedreams. Useless and she was better off giving up on having ideas about Gu Changge.

“How dare you look down on me? Are you looking for a beating?” Jun Yao glared at him when she heard that. “But you sound like you know Young Master Changge well.”

Even though she knew Jun Fan was speaking the truth, it irked her to hear it directly. She was confident there was no other woman more beautiful than her in the Demon World. Not even Song Youwei stood a chance against her in terms of appearances.

“It’s not like I particularly know or don’t know him. I just don’t want you to waste your time. Give up on him, sister.” He shook his head. “You should give it a go if you don’t believe me. You’ll see for yourself if you stand a chance.”

Hearing this, Jun Yao only became more unwilling to accept the fact. However, she soon became discouraged again when she thought about Gu Changge’s status and ability.

As Jun Fan and Jun Yao were talking, Bai Lian’er, who was quietly following behind Gu Changge, peeked at Jun Fan with a rather complicated expression. She didn’t expect to be able to look at Junfan so closely again after 6000 years. If she hadn’t come along with Gu Changge, she probably wouldn’t have been able to take half a step into the Quelling Chaos King’s Manor. At the thought of this, she began to think of a way to pass the brocade bag to Jun Fan.

However, doing such a thing in the Quelling Chaos King’s Manor, especially under Gu Changge’s nose, could easily expose her true identity. It would instead put her at risk, and her losses might even be more than her gains.

The group soon arrived in the hall of the main room. After the Quelling Chaos King invited Gu Changge to take a seat, he ordered his servant to bring tea before he asked curiously, “May I know to what do we owe the pleasure of your visit, Young Master Changge?”

He knew that someone like Gu Changge wouldn’t just drop by for no reason. [He must have come for something.]

Hearing this, Gu Changge lifted the cover of his teacup and lightly blew. The corners of his mouth then raised into a small smile. “I’m actually here because of Yao Xi,” he mentioned.

“Her Majesty? Is there news about the assassins that attacked?” Quelling Chaos King’ expression changed ever so slightly as he asked. He didn’t seem to mind the way Gu Changge addressed the Empress. However, everyone else in the room turned solemn in an instant. Even Jun Fan was paying attention now. As uncomfortable as it was for him to hear Gu Changge calling Empress Yao Xi so intimately, now wasn’t the right time for him to worry about such trivial things.

Relaxed, Gu Changge took a sip of tea before he smilingly replied, “It has something to do with that. Yao Xi’s body has been aching. So, I wanted to share her burden for her, and I happened to recall something that might have something to do with the assassination a while ago.”

Unlike him, the Quelling Chaos King was serious as he urged, “Please, do tell, Young Master Changge.”

[Yao Xi’s body is aching?] Jun Fan froze when he heard those words. He swiftly lowered his head so that no one would notice the glum look on his face.

He thought of the news from the past few days. Empress Yao Xi hadn’t been to court for three days because of her aching body. However, she had never been absent even when she was poisoned!

[Is that why Gu Changge is addressing her so intimately now!?] The only possibility that came to Jun Fan’s mind instantly made his temper boil as hatred blinded him.

[You pair of pigs!] He clenched his fists and bit his teeth. Even his face looked like he was in agony.

Noticing this, Jun Yao shot a worried glance at him and asked, “What’s the matter, Fan? Do you feel sick?”

Jun Fan’s expression quickly changed again as he took a deep breath to calm himself. “I’m fine, Sister. Remembering that damned assassin who almost murdered Her Majesty made me so angry I can’t control myself.”

“Is that so? You should head back to your room and rest if you’re not feeling well.” Jun Yao knew Jun Fan well. She knew that he, like many young prodigies in the Demon World, admired Empress Yao Xi. She was also aware that her brother would ask their father about the Empress every now and then.

After hearing what Gu Changge said, anyone with a discerning eye would know what happened between Gu Changge and Empress Yao Xi. She could understand the reason her brother was reacting this way.