I Am the Fated Villain
chapter-569

“An old friend is looking for me?” Xiao Ruoyin was sitting cross-legged in the chamber, her body covered with glowing silver runes. Her eyes snapped open when she heard the voice of a disciple outside reporting to her.

She furrowed her brow as she wondered if it was Jiang Chen looking for her. Since she had been staying inside, she was unaware of the events that had unfolded in the Starcatching Pavilion earlier that day.

“Indeed, this is a letter from your old friend. Please have a look, Senior Ruoyin,” the disciple outside the chamber spoke with utmost respect, holding the letter in his hand. After some contemplation, Xiao Ruoyin nodded and rose from her seat. She walked toward the exit of the chamber, curious as to why Jiang Chen sought her out. In any case, she also wanted to meet him and try to reclaim her Celestial Boat of Creation.

As she unfolded the letter, surprise filled her face before her delicate brow furrowed deeply. “It’s not Jiang Chen who is looking for me but Niu Tian?”

Xiao Ruoyin’s expression changed as she recognized the writing in the letter, which only she and those from her world could understand. The message was very brief, informing her Jiang Chen was in dire need of assistance. She hesitated for a moment, considering whether to meet with Niu Tian.

After she had regained her memories as the High Priestess of Destiny, she had little interest in rekindling old friendships, including Niu Tian and Jiang Chen. Her sole focus was on restoring herself to the pinnacle of her strength. After all, nothing was more important to her than the Great Dao. She had only given Jiang Chen a little more attention because he was an incarnation of her Celestial Boat of Creation.

“What sort of predicament has Jiang Chen found himself in? Is it so dire that Niu Tian must seek my aid?” After contemplating the matter at hand, Xiao Ruoyin regained her composure and made the decision to meet with Niu Tian. She swiftly located him in the corner of the inn near the palace, as mentioned in the letter.

“Ruoyin, you’re here!” Niu Tian’s worried expression turned into pleasant surprise as soon as he saw Xiao Ruoyin. Her unexpectedly swift arrival proved her unwavering concern for Jiang Chen’s wellbeing and that she would never turn a blind eye to his plight.

The current Xiao Ruoyin was a far cry from the one he once knew. Though her appearance remained largely unchanged, she now exuded an air of loneliness and detachment, as if she was an enigmatic fairy from the moon. Her black hair swayed gently and her white clothes billowed in the wind. Her face was still exquisitely beautiful and her crystal clear eyes seemed to hold a world of secrets within them.

Compared to Niu Tian who had risen from his seat and was visibly excited, Xiao Ruoyin was calm and collected. She cast him a mere glance then asked, “What kind of trouble has Jiang Chen gotten into for you to come seeking my assistance?”

Her words lacked emotion, showing no interest in catching up with her old friend. The distant and indifferent expression on her face caused Niu Tian’s smile to falter, leaving him feeling a bit uneasy and incredulous. He slowly settled back into his seat, his wry smile deepening as he felt a sense of disappointment. He couldn’t help but recall the things Jiang Chen had mentioned to him. [Xiao Ruoyin really seems like a completely different person now…]

“I wouldn’t have bothered you if it weren’t urgent, but I really have no other option. Jiang Chen’s life is in peril… and you’re the only one who can save him. He was captured under Gu Changge’s order at the Starcatching Pavilion today.” Niu Tian took a deep breath, composed himself, and proceeded to recount the events of the day to Xiao Ruoyin in a clear and concise manner.

“Jiang Chen was captured by Gu Changge?” Upon hearing these words, Xiao Ruoyin furrowed her brow, realising that the situation was far more troublesome than Niu Tian had thought. Despite the perception that she was living a comfortable life, she was constantly walking on eggshells around Gu Changge every day. How could she possibly save Jiang Chen?

“He couldn’t help it. When we were at the Starcatching Pavilion, Gu Changge seemed to have already seen through Jiang Chen’s disguise. Jiang Chen is being held captive right now, and at the mercy of Gu Changge. Given how cruel and merciless he is, Jiang Chen may be subjected to unimaginable torture. Unless he is rescued, his chances of survival are grim.” Niu Tian let out a heavy sigh, his words laced with sadness.

Xiao Ruoyin fell silent for a moment. Without much emotion on her face and in her voice, she asked, “What makes you think I am able to save him?”

Niu Tian smiled wryly and said, “I believe you have a way to do it, given how well Gu Changge treats you. Perhaps a few well-placed words from you could make him consider releasing Jiang Chen for your sake.”

Xiao Ruoyin frowned, uncertain if Niu Tian was being serious or just jesting. He should know the true nature of Gu Changge. Persuading him could lead to dire repercussions and she could only imagine how Gu Changge would react to the situation. It might even make her current situation worse.

As Xiao Ruoyin remained silent, Niu Tian couldn’t help but feel uneasy. He feared that she might reject his proposal and hastily clarified, “Please don’t misunderstand, Ruoyin. I don’t have any other ulterior motives. When Gu Changge set us free from the dungeon, he must have been aware of your relationship with Jiang Chen. Given your friendship with him, Gu Changge would surely understand if you were to appeal for him. If that’s not an option, then I’ll have to come up with an alternative plan.”

After a brief silence, Xiao Ruoyin sighed inwardly and said, “I understand. I’ll do everything in my power to rescue Jiang Chen, but I cannot make any promises.”

Despite her reservations, she knew there was no other option. If Gu Changge killed Jiang Chen, she would lose the Celestial Boat of Creation forever. Therefore, she had no choice but to find a way to save Jiang Chen. At least, she must prevent his death at the hands of Gu Changge.

“That’s great, I knew you would agree.” Niu Tian’s face lit up with joy as he let out a long sigh of relief. After getting Xiao Ruoyin’s agreement, he didn’t stay for too long and quickly left to avoid causing Xiao Ruoyin further trouble.

He believed that she must have made certain sacrifices to attain her current position. Beyond her stunning appearance, he struggled to think of any other qualities that she could have used to her advantage.

“How troublesome…” Once Niu Tian had departed, Xiao Ruoyin shook her head. She pondered for a moment before heading toward the place where Gu Changge was now staying.

She was aware that Gu Changge would be leading a group to Kun Mountain to rescue the Prime Ancestor of the Ji Family the following day. If she didn’t hurry to meet Gu Changge today, she had no idea how long she would have to wait for the next opportunity.

……

*Splash!!* In the damp and dark dungeon, a young man lay unconscious on the floor, his body drenched in blood. Suddenly, a basin of cold water was poured over him, jolting him awake. His bloodshot eyes snapped open, ablaze with rage and resentment.

“Awake?” The warden sneered as he set down the basin he had refilled with cold water for the next pour. Jiang Chen slowly regained his consciousness and attempted to get up from the ground.

He felt excruciating pain all over his body, probably caused by the numerous broken bones and ruptured internal organs in his body. The old man who was dressed like a butler had hit him so hard that he felt worse than getting crushed under a mountain. Had he not possessed the Sacred Physique of Creation, his injury would have been much worse.

“What is this place?” Jiang Chen surveyed his surroundings, and noticed the bloodstains and scratches that marred the walls. Not only that, there were also cold chains specially used as torture device to discolate shoulders. It was clear that he was in a dungeon. He then noticed the figure of a man in black standing before him. Jiang Chen shuddered. Humiliation, anger, and resentment filled his eyes.

“Gu… Chang… ge!” With an intense gaze, he uttered the words through gritted teeth. Standing behind Gu Changge were Ji Yaoxing and Ji Chuyue, who couldn’t bring herself to meet his gaze. During the banquet, Jiang Chen had been staring at her, and though she understood his intentions, she shied away from his gaze even until now.

“It appears that your injury is not severe enough. You still have the strength to speak.” Gu Changge smiled. The warden served him a cup of piping hot tea, which he leisurely blew on to cool it.

Gu Changge’s nonchalance caused Jiang Chen to clench his teeth so hard that he nearly shattered them. Despite the excruciating pain coursing through his body, he was prepared to launch himself at Gu Changge with all his might. “You’re going to pay for this!”

Before he could even make a move, the stern-looking warden intervened, delivering a swift kick to Jiang Chen. “How dare you act so insolently in the presence of Young Master! Cease your foolishness!”

“Oooogggg!!” Jiang Chen was unable to withstand the force of the kick in his current condition. Blood and bits of his damaged internal organs spewed out of his mouth as he was sent flying into the wall, further adding to his already pathetic state. Ji Chuyue was filled with sympathy for him, but she did not dare to speak out of turn in Gu Changge’s presence.

“Sister, it would be better for you to tell him yourself,” Ji Yaoxing shook his head and advised Ji Chuyue. He was concerned that Gu Changge might misunderstand the situation, so he advised Ji Chuyue to sever ties with Jiang Chen. This would allow both parties to move on and let go of any false hopes.

Ji Chuyue’s delicate face was slightly pale. Her gaze flitted between her brother and the seemingly indifferent Gu Changge before she gritted her teeth and stepped forward resolutely. As if the realisation had dawned upon her, her countenance gradually relaxed into a peaceful composure.

“Chuyue… I know you have your own circumstances and don’t have many choices in this matter. I don’t blame you.” Jiang Chen got up from the ground, gazing at her with an understanding smile. He seemed to have anticipated what Ji Chuyue was about to say.

“Jiang Chen, stop deceiving yourself. Haven’t you realised the truth yet? Why has your true identity been revealed?” Ji Chuyue shook her head and spoke in a chilly tone, “You’re an intelligent man. Young Master Gu is a merciful man. If you cooperate with him, there’s a possibility that he may pardon your actions and spare your life.”

“Chuyue, there’s no need for you to say that, I know you’re not someone like this.”

Despite the excruciating pain coursing through his body, Jiang Chen couldn’t help but laugh. He knew that Ji Chuyue was coerced into saying all that. She was a gentle soul who would never betray his trust and expose his identity. She was merely putting up an act.

“You…” Ji Chuyue furrowed her brow, feeling secretly anxious. If Jiang Chen would just cooperate with Gu Changge, his life could be spared. She was determined to rescue Jiang Chen, but why couldn’t he see that?

With a smile, Gu Changge gracefully gestured for Ji Chuyue to stop speaking. He then approached her and, with a swift movement, wrapped his arm around her slender waist, leaving her momentarily stunned and bewildered.

“It appears that you may not have fully grasped the situation. Allow me to be frank with you. The Ji Family is seeking to rescue their Prime Ancestor, and as the Successor of a Divine Source Master, you possess the ability to aid them in Kun Mountain. By rescuing the Ji Family’s Prime Ancestor, they will regard you as their benefactor, and you may even earn the gratitude of their Prime Ancestor. You have been considering the possibility of winning the heart of Ji Chuyue, no? With the support of the Ji Family’s Prime Ancestor, it may be possible for you to become their esteemed son-in-law.”

“Gu Changge, what do you mean by that?” Jiang Chen’s face contorted into an expression of pure rage, his eyes blazing with fury. He could hardly restrain himself from chopping off Gu Changge’s hand then and there.

Gu Changge remained oblivious to the expression on Jiang Chen’s face, or more like he was intentionally ignoring it. With a gentle smile, he reached out to softly stroke Ji Chuyue’s delicate and fearful face.

Ji Chuyue’s mind was reeling with shock. She stood frozen in place, not daring to make any movement.

“You can clearly tell that Ji Chuyue is not interested in becoming my concubine. If you wish to prevent her from being subjected to my whims like today, I suggest you find a way to rescue her. Save the Prime Ancestor of the Ji Family, earn the opportunity to marry Ji Chuyue and become the respected son-in-law of the Ji Family, or be killed by me. The choice is yours to make.”