I Am the Fated Villain
chapter-566

With a smile on his face, Gu Changge gracefully left his host seat and approached the Young War Immortal. After a few thoughtful glances, he said, “Oh, I see. It appears that your injuries are more severe than I initially thought. Someone, go prepare some Million Year Old Blood Reishi for the Young War Immortal. Those things can swiftly heal even the wounds of a Sacred Emperor Realm expert. It will be a problem if your wounds remain unhealed for our journey to Kun Mountain tomorrow, so we cannot afford to delay your treatment. Don’t you agree, Young War Immortal?”

Each Million Year Old Blood Reishi was a rare and invaluable treasure, coveted by many but inaccessible to most cultivators. If it were to appear in an auction house, it would surely cause a frenzy of bidding and bloodshed. Even if a Sacred Emperor Realm expert could acquire it, it would be their prized possession and only used to save lives in dire circumstances.

As Gu Changge generously offered a few of them as gifts, everyone’s expressions contorted with shock. At the same time, they couldn’t help sigh inwardly either. Gu Changge’s insistence made it difficult for them to decline.

They were not foolish either. Based on the words and actions of the Young War Immortal, they could tell that his injuries were just an excuse for him to not enter Kun Mountain. After all, why would the Successor of the esteemed War Immortal Mansion lack potent healing medicine?

Unfortunately, Gu Changge was aware of the Young War Immortal’s intentions. Not only did Gu Changge not pardon him from the expedition, but he even insisted on publicly giving him medicine, emphasizing that it was necessary to ensure their journey to Kun Mountain tomorrow would not be hindered. This left the Young War Immortal with no room to decline.

Seeing the Young War Immortal had failed to escape from the expedition, everyone felt slightly disheartened. An Xi and the others were filled with frustration and indignation, but they knew better than to voice their grievances right now, so they could only bear it in silence.

“Thank you, Young Master Changge. I’m truly grateful for your kindness. Indeed, we cannot afford to waste any time during such a critical moment.” The Young War Immortal’s face changed slightly. He clenched his fists tightly under his sleeves as he seethed with fury. Despite the turmoil within him, he quickly regained his composure and pretended to be grateful.

“Young War Immortal, there’s no need for formality between us. We are peers, and I can’t help but feel concerned for your well-being after your recent misfortune. Kun Mountain is a treacherous place, the chances of rescuing Senior Ji Shengchu will greatly improve if your injuries are healed. Your efforts will undoubtedly make you a hero in the eyes of all those in the Upper Realm.”

With a friendly smile, Gu Changge gracefully gestured for his guests to take their seats. Young and beautiful waitresses served platters of succulent fruit, savory beast meat, and fine wine, all glowing with hazy divine light. The young prodigies felt a mix of emotions as they sat down, knowing it would be difficult to decline the invitation to venture into Kun Mountain tomorrow.

Chosen Monk Jin Chan chanted Buddha’s name, then fixed his gaze on Gu Changge who sat on the host seat. Memories of Gu Changge’s past treachery against him and the Buddhist Mountain during his time in the Demon-Burying Abyss flooded his mind. He knew that if he were to enter Kun Mountain without caution, he would surely fall prey to Gu Changge’s wicked schemes. Thus, he resolved to take preemptive measures to avoid any tragedy that might befall him.

The King with Six Crowns, the Sky Demon Sovereign and others were also racking their brains for a viable strategy to ensure their survival. Since they couldn’t refuse the invitation, they could only proceed with caution. Fortunately, there were quite a few supreme experts in their entourage. They figured that they could bring additional reinforcements to Kun Mountain, in hopes of avoiding any unforeseen mishaps.

Numerous young prodigies had the same idea. If entering Kun Mountain was inevitable, they could only find a way to safeguard their lives within its treacherous terrain.

From his seat, Gu Changge observed Jiang Chen, Niu Tian, and the others with great interest. All of them were sipping on their wine in silence. He gracefully raised his cup with a smile and said, “Senior Ji Shengchu once valiantly protected our Upper Realm and tended to the various Forces. Now that he is in trouble, we cannot stand idly by… If Senior Ji Shengchu were to escape his predicament, he could undoubtedly resolve the crisis caused by the Eternal Overcast, which is also a rare blessing for the entire Upper Realm. On behalf of Senior Ji Shengchu, I extend my gratitude to all our friends for their assistance.”

Everyone quickly raised their wine cups in response too.

“Likewise, the Upper Realm is truly blessed to have a dedicated man like Young Master Changge, who tirelessly works towards the noble cause of rescuing Senior Ji Shengchu. Moreover, it is our duty to lend a helping hand. Our Ancestors were once cared for by Senior Ji Shengchu, and now that he is trapped in Kun Mountain, it would be an honor to offer our assistance.”

Many young prodigies fervently expressed themselves, their words brimming with sincerity and emotion.

Even the Sky Demon Sovereign and the rest, who were dissatisfied and upset, refrained from speaking further at this moment. The situation had escalated too far for them to express any dissent.

“Thank you all for your dedication in rescuing our Prime Ancestor. We are forever grateful.” The siblings from the Ji Family, Ji Yaoxing and Ji Chuyue, rose from their seats and raised their wine cups in a toast to the young prodigies. Despite feeling a bit uneasy, Ji Chuyue managed to put on a smile and convey her heartfelt gratitude to the young prodigies who had come to their aid.

It was at this moment, many began to take notice of the princess from the Ji Family, whose beauty was comparable to that of a flawless jade. Her figure was delicate, her features were stunning and her complexion was fair. She was slender and exuded a peerless allure. The princess seldom made public appearances so she was truly a rare sight to behold.

Jiang Chen was momentarily stunned as he gazed upon Ji Chuyue, who was clearly dressed up for the occasion today. It took him a while to snap out of his daze and regain his composure. He was well acquainted with Ji Chuyue, having trained alongside her near Kun Mountain. In fact, he was the reason why the Ji Family was able to discover that their Prime Ancestor was trapped in Kun Mountain. However, the Ji Family never mentioned a word of it to anyone. It was as if they never acknowledged it.

“Chuyue…” Jiang Chen took a sip of his wine, but his heart felt heavy as he observed Ji Chuyue. Despite her bright and charming exterior, her eyes lacked the usual spark and energy. They were dull and lifeless. She looked no different to a forest fairy who had lost her wings, unable to soar freely as before. Clearly, Ji Chuyue had not been happy lately, and her life was far from ideal.

Jiang Chen felt a pang in his heart. He couldn’t deny the affection he felt for Ji Chuyue. From the moment they met on Purple Mountains, he sensed that this intelligent and vivacious woman was not a bad person. Although her brother had tried to frame him back then, he knew that was due to lack of options. Not long ago, Ji Chuyue had even come to warn him to stay on his toes as her brother had already figured out his true identity.

Niu Tian noticed the unusual expression on his friend’s face and couldn’t help but feel a little concerned. “What’s wrong, Ah’chen?”

Jiang Chen let out a soft sigh, his gaze fixated on Ji Chuyue.

“That lady at the front is a friend of mine, and I would like to rescue her,” he replied in a hushed tone. Niu Tian was taken aback by Jiang Chen’s words. Though he had never met Ji Chuyue, he could sense the importance of her status.

[Jiang Chen is actually acquainted with her?] He found it difficult to inquire about how the two of them had crossed paths.

“She seems to be doing fine, why do you want to rescue her?” he asked with a hint of confusion, unsure of why Jiang Chen had mentioned his desire to rescue Ji Chuyue.

“You know nothing. She isn’t happy. She is akin to a canary trapped in a cage, devoid of any freedom.” Jiang Chen sighed softly. The dullness in Ji Chuyue’s eyes was a stark contrast to the vibrant energy he had once known her for. She looked no different from a prisoner.

Niu Tian was silent for a moment before asking, “Then what are your plans? I’m here to help you in any way possible.”

Jiang Chen’s heart stirred with emotion when he heard his friend.

“I’m not sure what to do at this moment. Perhaps we can discuss it later. I can only imagine how devastated Chuyue must feel, being used by her own brother as a mere tool to gain favor with other young prodigies,” he replied in a hushed tone.

As Jiang Chen and Niu Tian conversed in hushed tones, Ji Yaoxing and his sister stood before Gu Changge and expressed their gratitude. “My sister, Chuyue, and I are deeply grateful for the tremendous effort Young Master Changge has put into gathering so many young prodigies here today at this banquet to rescue our Prime Ancestor. We would like to raise a toast to you.”

Ji Chuyue was dressed in a gorgeous flowing pale yellow dress that accentuated her tall and slender figure. Her face was lightly powdered, her eyebrows were beautifully drawn and her lips were painted cherry red. Many young prodigies couldn’t help but secretly admire her beauty. What made her even more captivating was her unique heterochromia. She gracefully followed behind Ji Yaoxing, silently holding a wine cup which she was ready to offer to Gu Changge.

“There’s no need for such formality, Brother Yaoxing. As I have made a promise to you, I am more than happy to fulfill it.” Gu Changge’s lips curved into a gentle smile as he graciously accepted the wine cup from Ji Chuyue’s delicate hand.

It was at this moment, Ji Chuyue’s fingers accidentally brushed against Gu Changge’s. A shiver rippled through her, causing her to falter and lose her grip on the wine cup. With a deafening crash, the cup fell on the ground and the wine in it spilled all over Gu Changge’s hand.

Everyone paled at the sight of this. Even Ji Chuyue herself was taken aback. Color immediately drained from her delicate face. The banquet hall was now so silent that one could hear a pin drop.