I Am the Fated Villain
chapter-423

In the serene courtyard filled with swaying floras and wafting spiritual energy, captivating butterflies and birds, accentuating the serenity.

However, at this moment, everyone appeared stern and in dread, not daring to act rashly, especially the followers of Saintess Yao Yue from Blazing Moon Holy Land who were now subconsciously trembling. Their faces blanched and their souls shiver as they almost fell onto their knees, daring not to imagine the fate of Blazing Holy Land would be so effortlessly determined by their adversary, who seemed intent on destroying the whole thing. In fact, they would never have believed that such a ludicrous incident would actually occur in this world.

Blazing Moon Holy Land was a long-lived force that had overwatched all beings of the Heavenly Tide Realm since the beginning of time. Given how its existence struck fear in the hearts of all other forces, it was not easy to be taken down.

Nonetheless, the followers couldn’t bring themselves to doubt the words of the young man before them. As they were frantic with dread and hopelessness, some of them even collapsed to the ground due to their shaking legs.

The origin of their adversary needed no introduction as it was unquestionably overbearing and unimaginably horrid. Even the Ancestor of the Shen Family was respectfully standing at that young man’s side, waiting to be commanded by him, Hence, there was no way Blazing Moon Holy Land could afford upsetting the young man.

In that instant, they felt deeply remorseful and piqued towards the smug, condescending attitude of Saintess Yao Yue earlier. If it weren’t for her scornful remarks, Gu Changge wouldn’t have expressed his intention to destroy their Holy Land.

“As you wish, Young Master.” Immediately, the formidable cultivators behind Gu Changge revealed solemn expressions upon those words as they hastily responded.

At once, they swiftly left as divine rainbows to obliterate Blazing Moon Holy Land, in accordance with Gu Changge’s order. In their eyes, the Holy Lands of Heavenly Tide Realm were nothing but lowly vermin. Even if they had Sacred Emperor Realm Masters in their midst, these formidable cultivators wouldn’t be intimidated at all.

In this world, any force that had offended Gu Changge—whether or not they harboured True Daoists—would instantaneously be wiped out. For instance, Purple Mansion, which could make the world tremble, eventually perished solely because they offended Gu Changge. The destruction of Blazing Moon Holy Land, on the other hand, would require only one flick of a finger.

Upon that sight, those of the Shen Family grew silent; their souls shivered as it was their first time experiencing fear, and many came to understand why the Ancestor and Elders were so reverent to this young man. After all, if Gu Changge could annihilate Blazing Moon Holy Land with one command, he undoubtedly had the capability to do the same to the Shen Family.

“Intending to wipe out the enemy solely by making orders, huh? He sure is as aggressive as ever.” Witnessing the event among the crowd, Mrs. Shen and Mr. Gu grew anxious and perturbed.

Although Gu Changge’s method was terrorising, at the end of the day, he was doing it in Gu Xianer’s defence, so they couldn’t say anything about it. Essentially, Saintess Yao Yue’s comments were blatantly derisive towards Gu Xianer, which also enraged her parents.

“T—There’s no need to go that far…” Gu Xianer was somewhat dazed by Gu Changge’s unexpected words.

Although she was infuriated as well, she never desired to harm the rest of Blazing Moon Holy Land. After all, they were irrelevant to the feud. Regardless, judging by Gu Changge’s personality, no one would be able to make him reconsider his decisions.

To him, Blazing Moon Holy Land was honestly as miniscule as ants. Something he didn’t have to slaughter by himself. All he needed to do was to make the call and countless would be more than willing to crush these ‘ants’ in his stead. Nevertheless, it was this very side of him that allowed Gu Xianer to feel safe.

“Since when have animals learnt to stain the Gu Family’s name?” Gu Changge glanced at her.

Although Gu Xianer had always been stubborn, in this instant, she seemed somewhat docile, not daring to defy him as she could discern that he was genuinely angered.

“Sister…” Shen Xian’er, who was also stunned, never expected things to turn out this way.

She didn’t doubt Gu Changge words, but she was indeed terrified by how he would go so far as to destroy Blazing Moon Holy Land solely because its saintess had embarrassed Gu Xianer. As Shen Xian’er had always remained neutral, she had never expected that, in this world, a force would be facing annihilating because of mere words.

“Saintess…” Growing dejected, those from Blazing Moon Holy Land turned to Saintess Yao Yue. Though, at that moment, her face was as pale as their; even her mind was filled with nothing but blaring rings. Never had she imagined that she would be the one to draw havoc upon her own people.

“Master Zhan…” As such, all she could do was turn to the cold Li Xiu with a pleading gaze and pray that he would protect her and Blazing Moon Holy Land.

Noticing her expression, Li Xiu recovered his composure as he realised that it would be unacceptable for him to refrain from standing up for her, given that he was a major factor to the dramatic episode. Indeed, Gu Changge’s belligerence was unnerving to him, and that, as well as Gu Changge’s pugnacious instinct to take down Blazing Moon Holy Land, was unprecedented even back in the era in which he was a prominent figure.

“I am no unreasonable man, but since you expressed your desire to enlighten me about the meaning of ‘Talent Among Talents and God Among Gods,’ I shall grant you the opportunity,” Gu Changge leisurely stated as he looked at Saintess Yao Yue and the rest, though they were too afraid to raise their head and look him in the eyes.

“Fellow Brother, is there a need to be this harsh? Yao Yue was merely venting her frustration. I believe it would only be a waste of time and effort to stir up a huge commotion over such an insignificant matter.” Unbothered by the vexed faces of the Shen Family’s Elders, Li Xiu walked forward and spoke to Gu Changge. Although there was no sign of cultivation on him, his strangely calm quality forbade others to belittle him.

“You waste! How dare you speak to Young Master Changge in that manner, thinking that you’re a mighty person!? You must be sick of living!” The face of the Second Elder of the Shen Family grew cold. To his surprise, Li Xiu still managed to retain his composure without feigning a hint of fear at such a moment, and he couldn’t help but wonder how Li Xiu gained the bravery to talk to Gu Changge in such a brazen manner.

At this point, the Shen Family was already aware that Li Xiu possessed another hidden identity, though they had yet to discover who he truly was. Therefore, they were all scowling upon his calm approach and boorish speech.

Seeing that, those of Blazing Moon Holy Land began to feel optimistic. Since Saintess Yao Yue put things that way, Li Xiu’s true identity must be a complex one. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have dared to be so bold and collected.

“You talking to me?” Gu Changge scanned Li Xiu with an interested look, fascinated by the ‘In-Law Fortuitous One’.

[His Fortuity is no simple amount. It’s shockingly more tremendous than that of the Mortal One. Hmm, he must be more than the ‘useless in-law’ he’s known to be.]

“Indeed.” Li Xiu calmly stared at Gu Changge. It was his first time facing such an enigmatic young man who even gave him immeasurable pressure. Despite that, he managed to keep himself together as he was pondering about Gu Changge’s identity.

[Without question, he must have come from a Immortality Force from the Upper Realm, or the Shen Family wouldn’t be treating him with such reverence.] Nonetheless, Li Xiu had never left the Shen Family Residence for the past few years, so he wasn’t exactly informed of the events in the outside world.

[Could this ‘Young Master Changge’ be an individual of that family of the Upper Realm?] Realising that the matter was more troublesome than he expected, Li Xiu thought that he had to handle it with utmost caution. Though, if Gu Changge was aware of his identity, he should look past the matter out of courtesy. Although the Gu Family was no force to be offended, Li Xiu, given his complex identity, was no man of fragility either.

“Why do you wish to defend Blazing Moon Holy Land? Wait, are you perhaps the ‘Talent Among Talents and God Among Gods’ whom she spoke of?” As Gu Changge snickered, he glared at Saintess Yao Yue and the rest, whose faces blanched and eyes filled with dread. In an enthralling tone, he continued, “As for the huge commotion you mentioned, it shouldn’t be difficult for me to slaughter each one of them.”

Upon Gu Changge’s glare, Saintess Yao Yue and the rest could feel the chill up their spine intensifying, as though they were as inconsequential as ants. Once, they were people of a noble Holy Land that oversaw the world. Yet, they now found their own fate slipping out of their hands and right into the grasp of their adversary.

“‘Talent Among Talents and God Among Gods,’ such words couldn’t be truer. No matter who one may be, they can never prove that all they have known is only a smidgen of what the world offers. Fellow Brother, given your position, why lower your own standards just to meet theirs? Besides, mercifulness is an honourable virtue. I hope that, for my sake, you can bring yourself to forgive Yao Yue and the others for what they have done today, and they, too, shall apologise for their insolence and ignorance,” Li Xiu suggested calmly without sounding submissive nor boastful.

He could tell that Gu Changge would certainly make a formidable foe. Although the latter didn’t say much, the self-sufficiency and dominance etched in the deepest part of his soul indicated his absoluteness, and such a being must be an eminent and respected person in the Upper Realm. Thus, it would take more than ordinary means to draw his compliance.

“Master Zhan…” Yao Yue was taken aback by Li Xiu’s statement in spite of his identity, and he was obviously trying to compromise.

Simultaneously, she also vaguely figured out Gu Changge’s identity, given that there was no other man in the world who assumed the title of ‘Young Master Changge.’

As such, she was so regretful that she had the urge to smack her own cheek. Her perception had never failed her, yet she found herself committing such a grave mistake today. After all, none would have expected that Gu Changge himself would come all the way to Heavenly Tide Realm.

[It seems even Master Zhan himself is unable to resolve the matter easily…] Her heart was filled with bitterness.

“The boldness and absurdity! For your sake? Who do you think you are, demanding Young Master Changge to act for your sake?”

Upon those words, Gu Changge’s face remained straight, though that of the Shen Family members drastically changed, especially that of the Second Elder of the Shen Family. As the Shen Family was aware of Gu Changge’s position, seeing how Li Xiu told Gu Changge to forgive Blazing Moon Holy Land for his sake, they were stupefied by Li Xiu’s boldness and confidence.

Worried that Li Xiu’s behaviour would draw Gu Changge’s annoyance towards the entire Shen Family, the Second Elder of the Shen Family immediately charged towards Li Xiu as soon as he was finished speaking.

*Boom!* As his wide sleeves were rolled up, the might of Sacred Lord Realm erupted, forming gleaming golden runes that stormed forward to subdue Li Xiu as a token of apology to Gu Changge. Despite his ingratiation, his strength was not to be belittled by any means as he was one of the most daunting Elders in Heavenly Tide Realm. As soon as he drew his attack, those of Blazing Moon Holy Land intuitively retreated.

“Master Zhan!” Saintess Yao Yue instinctively yelled out of concern.

After all, right now, Li Xiu appeared to be an ordinary man without cultivation, so he wouldn’t be a match for the Second Elder of the Shen Family.

At the same time, Gu Xianer, Shen Xian’er, and the rest instantly turned over with their brows furrowed, surprised by how Li Xiu, despite possessing no cultivation power, behaved ever so serenely, as if he wasn’t at all worried. There was even a subtle grin on his face. Seeing that, they were baffled, suspecting that Li Xiu might bear a card up his sleeves, since the man who was attacking him was a true Sacred Lord Realm Master.

“I’d refrain from attacking me if I were you,” Li Xiu claimed collectedly, unaffected by the Second Elder of the Shen Family, who was currently charging at him.

The next moment, the air began to tremble, and as the attack of the Second Elder of the Shen Family was about to land on him, a blinding, golden pattern appeared on his forehead, emitting golden lights that then turned into a golden barrier that parried the Second Elder’s attack. The golden barrier seemed as though it was made of Immortal Divine Gold, and the incomparably daunting, shimmering runes on it caused the air to appear hazy.

*Boom!* Upon an explosion, the air was almost torn apart like a sheet of paper.

Li Xiu retained the subtle grin on his face.

Despite being a cultivator of the Sacred Lord Realm, the Second Elder of the Shen Family had a hard time attempting to strike Li Xiu.

“What? How is this possible!?” Sceptical, he then pressed on once again. Terrifying purple runes formed a purple lightning that blaringly struck from the sky, making the nearby mountains seem as though they were about to collapse.

In spite of that, Li Xiu remained unfaltering as the golden barrier was relentlessly unbreakable.

“This barrier…” Raising his hand, the Ancestor of the Shen Family blocked off the aftershock, preventing the nearby mountains from falling apart, though his eyes remained fixated on the golden rune on Li Xiu’s forehead, which felt somewhat familiar, as though he had somehow heard of it, yet he was temporarily unable to recollect anything about it.

“Halt your vain effort. You will never break through my defence with your strength,” Li Xiu blandly claimed as he stared at the hideous, dismayed grimace of the Second Elder, seemingly unfazed.

At once, the courtyard was filled with silence as the crowd was thoroughly dumbfounded.

Then, Gu Changge, gazing at Li Xiu, revealed an uncanny grin. “You are right. Talent among talents and god among gods. Though, should I spare you the courtesy, would you dare to accept it?”

…

Meanwhile, somewhere an infinite distance away from the Shen Family’s territory, within the spectacular gates from which vibrant beams were shot through the clouds, a vast aura suddenly surged in an ancient, magnificent palace.

*Whoosh!* A sturdy old man came into view. His face was as rosy as that of a child and his hair was as white as snow. In this instant, he seemed thrilled.

“Judging by the shockwave, it is no mistake that that is Master’s aura! I knew he wouldn’t have perished in that war!” His voice was overflowing with unsuppressable emotions and excitement, and as he was speaking, he took a step forward and instantaneously vanished from the giant palace.

“Spread the word: All from Sky Blade Sacred Sect are to attend the conference in the hall!” The old man’s voice was as thunderous as the strike of a bell, harbouring inexplicable godly might, as he was summoning all disciples and fellow elders.

Hearing that, disciples and Elders were stunned for a second before regaining their senses. Without tarrying, they immediately turning into divine rainbows and arrived at the hall, after which they took a forward bow. “Greetings, Ancestor.”

The old man was the very Sky Blade Ancestor, the founder of Sky Blade Sacred Sect, who possessed fathomless strength, and it had been many years since he last surfaced, which led others to suspect that he had already passed away. Little did they expect, the Sky Blade Ancestor would resurface on this very day.

“Follow me, and we shall welcome Master’s return.” Exhilaration was all over the Sky Blade Ancestor’s face and his shout was full of energy as he led the disciples and Elders towards the location from which he detected the aura.

In that instant, countless regions across Heavenly Tide Realm, similar occurrences emerged, and many were startled, oblivious to what happened. At the same time, huge forces were also affected as countless divine rainbows pierced through the skies towards the location.

Nevertheless, unlike the rest of the forces, within the palaces and mountains where Blazing Moon Holy Land was based in, gruesome sights and agonised scream were all over the place. As dazzling beams gushed towards the sky, dense auras surged as murderous shouts filled the air.

However, a giant palm surrounded by Principles plummeted from the sky, causing the disciples and Elders to bleed, explode, and disintegrate, as runes were obliterated while mountains and palaces fell into ruins.

It was a devastating sight for residents of Blazing Moon Holy Land. Even Elders in the Sacred Lord Realm were unable to defend against the enemy’s palm. Aimed to annihilate Blazing Moon Holy Land, the overwhelming assault came out of nowhere, sparing them no chance for any questioning.

Amid a number of god-like figures shrouded in frightening auras and heavenly lights then appeared in the sky, and as they opened their eyes, traces of divine beams evolved into traumatising sights. Vast and unrelenting, their Dharma Bodies were immeasurably gigantic, covering the entire sky and leaving cultivators who were passing by trembling in fear upon detecting the suffocating pressure.

“What is happening? Why is there a battle in Blazing Moon Holy Land?”

“It is said that they offended someone they shouldn’t have, and these monstrous beings were ordered to destroy Blazing Moon Holy Land.”

In the distant valleys, many were observing the event in stupefaction, and they couldn’t imagine the gargantuan Blazing Moon Holy Land, which had stood for innumerable ages, to be this fragile. Even their Grand Protective Array, laced around the mountains, was shattered by the enemies.

As a matter of fact, Blazing Moon Holy Land was not to be blamed for being weak, but the strength of its opponent was simply overpowered. The enemies even possessed artifacts that resembled the glaring sun, and a fragment of its power was enough to wipe out everything from existence.

Upon the assault of such beings, catastrophes were spread across the bases of all forces without exception as they were unable to resist the attack.

As such, the spectating cultivators grew awfully terrified, subconsciously shivering, and they didn’t even dare to imagine what kind of being Blazing Moon Holy Land offended to have drawn such great calamity.

“We bear no grudge against each other. Why did you do this!?” An Elder of Blazing Moon Holy Land yelled out of rage as his reddened face was full of hate and agony.

“Young Master ordered for the annihilation of Blazing Moon Holy Land. You should blame your saintess for having upset someone she shouldn’t have, hence bringing all these destruction upon you all,” the terrifying figure in the sky blandly answered, sounding somewhat sarcastic.

Hearing that, the people of Blazing Moon Holy Land were rendered shocked and dismayed when they realised that it was their saintess who caused the disaster.

*Boom!*

“Unacceptable!” Nonetheless, at this moment, an alarming aura suddenly arose from the depths of Blazing Moon Holy Land as ancient altars emitted brilliant lights, from which, a willowy old man walked out of with an icy face filled with murderous intent. He was coldly gazing at the terrifying figures in the sky, those very individuals who wreaked havoc upon Blazing Moon Holy Land.

“Do you intend to take us all by yourself? Senile fool! A bug would know to value its life, yet you seek death so eagerly!” An ambiguous voice from the sky scoffed, harbouring an awing aura. The voice belonged to a supreme expert in the Sacred King Realm. He was from Chaos Star Territory, who willingly followed Gu Changge.

…

Right when disturbances were scattered all over Heavenly Tide Realm, in the tranquil courtyard within the Shen Family Residence, the atmosphere was similarly turbulent.

“It is not good for a young man to be this rampant. I was once like you—a man too powerful who ended up being envied by the rest. Both parties are at fault here, so an apology and appropriate compensation are due, yet you just had to aggravate it,” Li Xiu said with a glower, taken aback by Gu Changge’s persistent reluctance to move on from the matter.

Nonetheless, he retained his composure without giving in to his anger, since he had no intentions of worsening the situation. Although he was a renowned figure in the Upper Realm back when he was at his peak, he was no longer that person. Thus, he would rather avoid unnecessary conflicts.

“Oh, both parties are at fault, is it?” Gu Changge sneered and continued, “But how is Xian’er at fault? Besides, even if she is at fault, so what? She is a direct descendant of the Gu Family, whom you are clearly not worthy of being with.”

Hearing that, Shen Xian’er subconsciously glanced at Gu Changge, though she remained wordless as she pondered on his words.

“Perfect, absolutely perfect! You think you deserve to be so conceited solely because you are of the Gu Family, don’t you, pompous brat?”

At once, a hint of vexation arose on Li Xiu’s face as he lost his patience upon Gu Changge’s irking words. It seemed his goal to resolve the conflict could no longer be actualised. Furthermore, he couldn’t bear being humiliated by Gu Changge right in front of the crowd.

In response, Gu Changge shook his head and replied, “I am simply explaining the context. Though, your assumption is not wrong.”

Glaring deeply at him, Li Xiu then visibly recovered his calm. “Very well, ‘Changge.’ Your presence today sure has enlightened me.”

“Silence! You are not allowed to call out Young Master Changge’s name like that!” The Second Elder’s face was ever so gloomy. He never expected that he, a being in the Sacred Lord Realm, was unable to take down a good-for-nothing as his attacks were continuously parried, and he felt especially ashamed to be humiliated in front of Gu Changge.

“Such a matter is of no significance. Changge would not be offended by this.”

“Useless in-law! this old one shall have you subdued today, and we’ll see if you’ll still be as arrogant as you are now!” Having said that, the Second Elder attacked once again as his fearsome power engulfed his surroundings. This time, he was visibly more serious than before as the power he now displayed was remarkably more daunting.

In spite of that, Li Xiu remained unaffected as he coldly replied, “As I said, you will never break through my defence with your strength.”

As he was speaking, a golden rune surged on his forehead, growing more and more radiant as an irresistible pressure arose in the air. Vaguely, one could perceive the ‘Zhan’ word within the rune, carrying a dense aura that would instil fear in anyone in its presence.

“Impossible… Perhaps…” The face of the Shen Family’s Ancestor grew restlessly doubtful as he suddenly remembered something that left his heart palpitating.

Nonetheless, he found himself calming down after turning around to look at Gu Changge. No matter who Li Xiu truly was, there was no way he could stand a chance against Gu Changge.

In a split second, overwhelming auras broke out across the region, as if a million of stars exploded at once, emitting blinding lights that forced everyone into shutting their eyes and render them too afraid to look him in the eye. Even the Grand Protective Array of the mountains were triggered, releasing horrifying runes that stormed into the sky.

“Impossible!” The Second Elder of the Shen Family groaned. As he was injured by the deflected shockwave, blood began to flow from the corner of his lips.

Everyone else was also dumbstruck upon that sight, unable to believe that Li Xiu, the useless in-law, was able to ward off their Second Elder, who was in the Sacred Lord Realm.

“Master Zhan!” Saintess Yao Yue and the rest were pleasantly surprised, seeing how things shifted in their favour.

“Where did Li Xiu gain such power from?” Back when Gu Xianer was in Peach Village, she was taught by her few Masters, hence she developed an extraordinary sense of perception. Yet, she was unable to perceive what kind of method Li Xiu was using.

Theoretically, he, being an ordinary person without cultivation, shouldn’t be able to resort to Secret Techniques, divine abilities or any sort of magic treasure. Therefore, it became a question as to how he was able to fend off the Second Elder’s attacks.

“That is no Secret Technique, though it seems like a rune that I’ve read about in the ancient text about the Heavenly Tide Realm.” Shen Xian’er was also taken aback by Li Xiu’s display of such abilities, which was obviously why Saintess Yao Yue dared to be so complacent earlier.

In this instant, if there was anyone that wasn’t surprised, it would be Gu Changge. There was faint interest on his face. [The In-Law Fortuitous One has been pretending to be harmless, only to ultimately reveal his ferocity. Of course, he wouldn’t have been so calm had he not had the means to protect himself.]

However, Gu Changge had still yet to draw his hands, as he wished to witness Li Xiu’s current limit. Plainly, the golden runes were only triggered when he was attacked, which must be one of his abilities from the past. Though, if that was all that he offered, Gu Changge would be disappointed. Regardless, he believed that Li Xiu would make a fruitful harvest as his gaze fell upon Li Xiu’s Fortuity.

In fact, Gu Changge had been planning to acquire some more Absolute Detachment Bones. After all, cultivation teachings were crucial for a cultivator of a high cultivation level like him, and Absolute Detachment Bones were a pivotal part of it.

At that moment, Gu Changgen noticed that, whenever he acquired an Absolute Detachment Bone, he would feel an indescribably familiar synergy, and as the sensation persisted, the memories sealed within him would gradually grow clearer.

As such, he began to infer whether Absolute Detachment Bones were actually his bones in the past. Though, the accuracy of his inference still depended on the origins of the System, which would be hard for him to investigate given his current cultivation level.

With that, as the dazzling lights dispersed, the Second Elder was sent flying away with his entire body covered in blood. Miserably, he then lay on the ground with his eyes widened in shock and disbelief. Not only was he unable to break through Li Xiu’s defence, but he was also heavily injured by the deflection.

“Ignorant fool, you asked for this.” Li Xiu shot a glance at Gu Changge before turning to the Second Elder and spoke.

The golden light on his forehead remained glaring, and the ancient, mysterious patterns emitted his spine-chilling, unwavering will to battle. Although he lost his Dantian, hence was unable to use Qi, that didn’t strip him of all his abilities.

An immensely ancient ‘Zhan’ word floated in the air, seemingly taking the shapes of infinite types of heavenly artifacts such as those of a sword, polearm, cauldrons, and runes, overflowing with malicious and menacing intent. Earlier, the ‘Zhan’ word condensed into a giant cauldron that blocked off the Second Elder’s attacks. Such an astounding sight evoked irresistible awe in the hearts of all observers.

“As expected, that is the Rune of Zhan.” The face of the Shen Family’s Ancestor slightly froze as he recognised the ‘Zhan’ word which left him dazed.

As a matter of fact, the Rune of Zhan had been lost for countless years; now, it reemerged once again in Heavenly Tide Realm, and if words regarding this were to spread, the world would be absolutely shocked.