I Am the Fated Villain
chapter-422

Very soon, the party traversed through shimmering mountains and eventually arrived at a tranquil courtyard. Surrounded by basic fences, the courtyard harboured a few simple houses, beautified by the flowers and plants beside them, and it was a relaxing sight.

At that moment, a young man was watering those plants with his back facing the group of visitors, as though he had yet to notice their presence.

Upon reaching the courtyard, Saintess Yao Yue felt her heart rapidly beating. Her face subtly changed as her eyes twitched; even her body was slightly trembling out of her overwhelming emotions. Nonetheless, to prevent others from detecting her unusualness, she swiftly recovered from her daze.

“Li Xiu, you have some guests,” Shen Xian’er said as she failed to notice how odd Saintess Yao Yue was behaving.

Hearing that, Li Xiu halted his actions and turned over. “So you’ve come to terminate our marriage agreement.”

At once, Shen Xian’er furrowed her brows. Although she was aware of the absurdity of the matter, there wasn’t much she could do.

“I will never marry you. Voice any demand you have, and I shall fulfil each one of them as I can,” she stated.

It wasn’t Gu Xianer’s first time meeting with Li Xiu. Although she couldn’t feel anything off about him, her intuition could discern that he was more than meets the eye. Essentially, an individual with a fractured Spiritual Sea wouldn’t be this bold.

Nonetheless, regardless of how complex or powerful Li Xiu could possibly be, she would always stand by Shen Xian’er’s side, given that the matter pertained to her younger sister’s ultimate happiness.

“Demands? Forget it. I have no need for such trifles. Since it is you who wished for the termination of the marriage agreement, I hope you don’t regret it in the future,” Li Xiu casually noted, seemingly unaffected judging by the stillness of his eyes.

As calm as Li Xiu, Shen Xian’er replied, “I won’t. Since you also agree, the marriage contract shall be deemed void.”

Li Xiu was somewhat taken aback by Shen Xian’er’s serene attitude, and how she was willing to limit her future despite carrying the will to achieve the Great Dao.

“Such blind eyes.” He subconsciously scoffed before turning around to observe Saintess Yao Yue. Upon a moment of contemplation, he came to a realisation. “You were looking for me? Odd, you seem familiar… Ah, so it is you.”

Hearing that, Saintess Yao Yue began to lose control of her excitement. Unable to compose herself as she did before, she spoke with a shivering voice, “Yao Yue of Blazing Moon Holy Land greets you.”

As she was about to bow out of respect, Li Xiu waved his hand and interrupted her. “You may drop the courtesy.”

“Yes, Master Zhan.” Saintess Yao Yue was a little surprised, though she retained her awe and respectfully replied.

Some time ago, the ancestor of Blazing Moon Holy Land suddenly reawakened and summoned a number of heirs who carried his bloodline to have them locate a certain being after showing them a portrait of this person.

As the ancestor’s favourite, Saintess Yao Yue, upon detailed questioning, was enlightened by the identity of this person, after which she found herself stupefied and awestruck at the same time. Never once had she expected Blazing Moon Holy Land to possess a background of such depth.

Coincidentally, she overheard the Shen Family members’ description of Li Xiu’s physical characteristics, which felt quite similar to the features of the one in the portrait, which led her to visit the Shen Family Residence today.

She had now discovered that the ‘useless in-law of the Shen Family’ turned out to be the same individual in the portrait. As such, she grew extremely thrilled, unable to contain her excitement.

Seeing that, Shen Xian’er revealed a scowl as she was unable to comprehend Saintess Yao Yue’s actions. Judging by the latter’s identity in Heavenly Tide Realm, she shouldn’t have to be so polite to Li Xiu. Thus, Shen Xian’er couldn’t help but wonder whether Li Xiu had been hiding an alter ego from them, though despite knowing that, she didn’t feel the slightest remorse.

Instead, she felt rather liberated, following the voided marriage arrangement. Be it Li Xiu or any other man, she was no longer bound to anyone else from now on, and it didn’t matter to her who Li Xiu truly was.

Meanwhile, Gu Xianer had been observing the exchange wordlessly with her stone cold eyes. She knew something was up with how Saintess Yao Yue came all the way to look for Li Xiu out of nowhere, and apparently, she came with an ulterior motive.

[So Li Xiu carries with him such an identity, not that it matters how mysterious his alter ego may be. As long as the marriage agreement is terminated, Xian’er no longer has to be constricted by it.] And so, Gu Xianer felt remarkably relieved as nothing else was worth her concern.

Seeing how both Gu Xianer and Shen Xian’er were unfazed by the occurrence before them, he instinctively furrowed his brows as he snickered. “A surprise, indeed. Never have I expected to be belittled to such an extent in my life. How fascinating.”

Followingly, Shen Xian’er pulled out the marriage contract, which she had been keeping on her all this time, and was about to tear it apart. Nevertheless, upon Li Xiu’s words, she and Gu Xianer intuitively tensed their brows, revolted by how Li Xiu was so full of himself.

[Are we to treat him with utmost reverence and be regretful for all we have done solely because he possesses an extraordinary identity? How pompous!]

“Master Zhan, the Shen Family are blind and ignorant to who you truly are. They are undeserving of you. They shall regret it one day. Instead, why don’t you return to Blazing Moon Holy Land with me? It was my Ancestor who asked for your search and he is looking forward to meeting with you.”

With that, Saintess Yao Yue hastily spoke as the nobleness of a Saintess she feigned earlier vanished. Now, she was nothing but obsequious as, to Li Xiu, every word of hers was expressed with extreme deference.

“Shen Xian’er, if I were you, I’d apologise to Master Zhan right away. Otherwise, you’d be sorry for what your Elders are about to blame you for. Master Zhan’s identity exceeds whatever you are capable of imagining. The Shen Family should be honoured for his three-year stay. Not only did you fail to appreciate the marriage arrangement between you and Master Zhan, but now you intend to destroy it. I feel nothing but pity for you. In fact, Master Zhan wouldn’t have batted an eye had someone else offered him everything in their position. Yet, you chose to forgo the privilege bequeathed upon you.”

Simultaneously, Saintess Yao Yue glanced at the marriage contract in Shen Xian’er’s hands. She was no longer as courteous as she was back at the gates, and was even carrying scorn in her tone. After all, now that the mighty ‘Master Zhan’ was by her side, all she had to do was please him and gain his favour and her future would be limitless.

Hearing that, Li Xiu revealed a subtle grin despite remaining wordless. Although his mind wasn’t affected by the matter, thanks to the Shen Family, his frustration certainly accumulated over the years. Regardless, he inevitably experienced mortals’ emotions as he was unable to thoroughly detach from them.

“You!” Although Shen Xian’er was always unaffected by external stimuli, in that instant, she couldn’t help but be infuriated by Saintess Yao Yue’s words. Grasping the marriage contract in her delicate hands, she couldn’t decide whether to tear it apart.

“Such big words, huh. Xian’er, you should rip the marriage contract, and blame it on her.” As such, Gu Xianer’s face grew colder and her tone was filled with iciness.

She never expected such scorn coming from Saintess Yao Yue and how the latter disrespected them so blatantly. Initially, she wanted to let Shen Xian’er deal with the matter herself without her intervention, but Saintess Yao Yue’s condescending remarks enraged her.

“I’m aware of the Gu Family’s background in the Upper Realm. You from the Upper Realm, may not be of Heavenly Tide Realm, but you should know there shall be talent among talents and god among gods. The origin of certain beings far exceeds the capability of your mind.” Saintess Yao Yue wasn’t angered by Gu Xianer’s words. Instead, she breezily spoke, as if she was convincing her out of kindness, though her speech was overflowing with ridicule.

“Talent among talents and god among gods, eh? I shall bear witness to the true identity of your oh so mighty Master who allows your shameless rampancy.” Gu Xianer’s face remained icy as she held her sister’s hand, forcing herself to calm down.

“Sister…” Shen Xian’er peered at her with concern, and she could tell that her older sister wasn’t as calm as she appeared.

“Say no more. If you wish to destroy the contract, so be it. Indeed, the Shen Family is unworthy to have me. Well, this works fine for me since I, too, intend to meet with an old friend.” Li Xiu faintly grinned as he raised his hand, signalling Saintess Yao Yue to speak no further.

“Yes, Master Zhan.” Hearing that, Saintess Yao Yue nodded and respectfully answered.

*Whoosh!* All of a sudden, the sky began to tremble as countless divine rainbows were shot off from between the distant mountains towards the courtyard, emitting thundering sounds that were soon followed by a large number of individuals.

At the same time, a golden path surged in the sky, occurring amid supernatural hums and blooming golden lotuses; vibrant mists wafted around the golden path, harbouring shapeless celestial energy. An extraordinary-looking Elder, whose hair and beard was as white as a sheet, was seen standing on the golden path with a smile as he bent his beck.

Beside him was a young man, who was standing with his arms resting behind his back as his face was concealed. He resembles a young god. Unstained, his garment was paler than snow. His hair glistened amid divine light, and Chaos Mist would flicker around it, emphasising his distinctiveness.

Upon every step this young man took, the starry sky would tremble. Such an incomparably overwhelming aura could instil awe, leaving all souls to shiver. Even the air around the young man seemed as though it was about to fall apart, indicating his immeasurable cultivation level and unpredictableness.

Meanwhile, many Elders of the Shen Family were warily following him with respectful grins on their faces, though they dared not to get too close to him.

Upon such a sight, everyone of the Shen Family was dumbfounded, including those who just came out of the Mystic Mountains to observe what was happening, only to find themselves shocked.

“Didn’t our Ancestor enter retreat? Why did he show up, looking so careful? Who is that young man in white? Why is our Ancestor treating him so courteously? All the Elders are there as well? How strange? Is the young man an important guest of the Shen Family?” Stunned, they witnessed everything in dismay.

“Judging by the direction they are heading, are they going to Li Xiu, the useless in-law’s courtyard? Has he perhaps come for Li Xiu?”

Numerous divine rainbows appeared in the sky, following the golden path, which piqued the curiosity of the members of the Shen Family as they intended to join in on the hype.

“Such great commotion… Who has come to visit the Shen Family?” In the valley that resembled a Celestial Realm, Mr. Gu and Mrs. Shen noticed the disturbance outside their home and peered at each other in disbelief.

“To have the entire Shen Family startled, could it be someone from the Gu Family? How flamboyant…” Mrs. Shen inferred.

In response, Mr. Gu softly replied, “They must have come for Xianer. No, I must see it for myself. This is too unnerving.”

Having said that, he transformed into a divine rainbow and shot into the sky, after which, the mother, upon a moment of hesitation, speedily caught up.

“Young Master Changge, Lady Xianer has been staying in the Shen Family Residence all this time. She never departed to any other location. Should she wish to travel, we will surely order the most formidable cultivators to accompany her to protect her from any accidents, so please do not worry.”

On the golden path, the Ancestor of the Shen Family answered with a smile. As he was assiduously tending to the guest, he would rub off the cold sweat on his forehead from time to time.

He was absolutely in awe in that instant. Despite having achieved the Sacred Emperor Realm, he detected a suffocating sensation coming over him as he stood by Gu Changge’s side, and that must indicate that Gu Changge’s strength was significantly more terrifying than that of his, and even ‘immense’ wouldn’t able to describe the power Gu Changge possessed.

“Really? This young lady has left the Upper Realm for half a year without writing a letter to her family. I thought she got herself killed somewhere.” Hearing that, Gu Changge responded with a faint smile. “It appears she’s as animated as ever. I am relieved.”

Then, the golden path descended from the sky to the entrance of Li Xiu’s courtyard.

At that moment, Gu Xianer, who grew flustered and anxious, idly watched as Gu Changge landed. As soon as she overheard the conversation, the glee in her heart instantaneously faded away. [His tongue is as vile as ever. Who would ever express their concern in such a way!?]

On the other hand, the Ancestor of the Shen Family dared not to respond with Gu Changge’s remark as he could only wipe the cold sweat on his forehead. Though, it was clear that Gu Changge cared about Gu Xianer. Else, he wouldn’t have come all the way to the Lower Realm solely because she had completely disappeared for half a year.

Only when Gu changge and the Ancestor of the Shen Family landed did the Elders of the family dare to catch up. Though, they remained too afraid to get closer as all they could do was welcome him with respectful faces.

“Saintess Yao Yue of Blazing Moon Holy Land? Why is she here?” Only then, the Elders noticed Saintess Yao Yue and her followers who were in the courtyard.

“Greetings, Elders.” Hearing that, Saintess Yao Yue swiftly recovered from her daze, after which she greeted the Elders of the Shen Family.

It was her first time witnessing such grandness, wherein the being of the older generation would personally come to receive a single young man. As a matter of fact, the very Ancestor of the Shen Family, who was rumoured to have entered retreat for many years, had come out just to welcome him. Such an amazing sight left her dumbfounded.

[Who is this young man?] In that instant, Li Xiu, who was donning a subtle smile on his face, subconsciously revealed a frown as he sensed that something was up. For some reason, the young man before him felt extremely enigmatic. Although he lost his Spiritual Sea and powers, his perception remained decently intact.

In the meantime, Shen Xian’er was also studying Gu Changge with a judging look. She could tell that the young man before her was the very man who seized her older sister’s bone, the Young Master of the Immortal Gu Family, Gu Changge.

As of late, Gu Changge was the most powerful and influential youth in the Upper Realm, and he was also known to be the best of the younger generation. His power knew no bounds and he had yet to find a rival. His aura whenever he made a gesture was awfully spine-chilling.

Despite living in Heavenly Tide Realm her entire life, Shen Xian’er indubitably heard rumours about him. And for such a renowned figure to come all the way to Heavenly Tide Realm purely for Gu Xianer’s sake, a commotion of unimaginable scale would surely erupt should the news be spread.

In that instant, she couldn’t fathom what kind of being her sister, Gu Xianer, was in Gu Changge’s eyes, and she couldn’t help but wonder if Gu Xianer had actually been telling the truth all this time.

“Why did you come to Heavenly Tide Realm? And why in the world are you staring at me?” Feeling as though Gu Changge was scrutinising her, Gu Xianer, unable to withstand his gaze, hastily turned away and questioned with a dissatisfied tone.

“Can’t I take a good look at you? I was so worried that you might have died here. Why, are you not happy to see me?” Gu Changge chuckled and continued, “If you dare to wander off for half a year without telling me, without keeping the family updated again, I’ll have you locked up in the most gruesome underground prison.”

“I’m not your pet. Why do you care where I go?” Gu Xianer impatiently muttered.

Regardless, she could tell that Gu Changge was genuinely worried about her. After all, she left the Gu Family Residence without telling a soul. She naturally had not expected Gu Changge to come to her personally, which she certainly found joyous about.

“Well, I’m finally in harmony to find you as live as ever. With the war between the Upper Realm and Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains going on, you coming to Heavenly Tide Realm, so close to the battlefront of the war, is nothing reassuring. If you were to die here, whose pain am I supposed to build my happiness on?” Gu Changge claimed with a somewhat stern face.

“All those words, yet only the last ones are the most sincere.” Gu Xianer glared at him.

In response, Gu Changge chuckled before turning to Shen Xian’er, Li Xiu, Saintess Yao Yue, and the rest.

While he was conversing with Gu Xianer, everyone else kept their mouths shut, not daring to interfere.

In this instant, a feeling of remorse suddenly surged in Saintess Yao Yue’s heart, but after taking an instinctive glance at Li Xiu’s unbothered expression, she felt tremendously relieved. No matter how terrifying the young man before her could be, the man beside her was no simple being either.

“What happened? Who upset my Xianer?” An uncanny sensation flashed across Gu Changge’s eyes as he scanned across Li Xiu, asking a question he already knew the answer to.

“Who the hell is your Xianer?” Gu Xianer shot him a glare. Though, the rage she received from Saintess Yao Yue’s words had yet to wane.

Following Gu Changge’s question, she without omitting or adding any detail, recounted everything that happened prior to his arrival.

“Such boldness. Talent among talents and god among gods, eh?”

After listening to the story, the Elders of the Shen Family, including the Ancestor, were greatly stunned before finding themselves irked. Others might not know of Gu Xianer’s identity, but not these Elders. [No one in the world would say such foul, brazen words to Xianer. Saintess Yao Yue must be tired of living!]

“Such shameless smugness from a mere in-law of the Shen Family! You should know that the other half of Xianer’s blood is the very portion you should be aware of violating!” The Second Elder of the Shen Family vexedly gazed at Li Xiu. Although Li Xiu’s hidden, mysterious alter ego came to a surprise to him, it was unquestionably nothing to Gu Changge, who was now present.

“Since you wish to teach Xianer the principle of ‘talent among talents and god among gods,’ I don’t mind learning about it as well. Men, have Blazing Moon Holy Land erased from existence. I shall gladly welcome any sort of defiance.” Upon Gu Xianer’s recount, Gu Changge said aloud, after which he withdrew his smile as he leisurely voiced a command, as though he was ordering his men to step on a defenceless, puny ant.

At once, the crowd felt a chill up their spines.

“What…” As Saintess Yao Yue did not expect things to develop this way, her face immediately blanched as her vision grew blurry. Her mind was filled with a violent ring, which almost left her collapsing to her knees.