I Am the Fated Villain

In contrast to the “madman” who forsake all, like the Bone Ancestor, the so-called masters of the restricted area appeared more akin to solitary souls adrift in an unending sea, tethered to an unyielding fixation. Some sought vengeance, others sought the resurrection of loved ones, while a few endeavored to alter the relentless flow of time and rewrite history.

Though the two may appear similar, their essences diverged significantly. A “madman” such as the Bone Ancestor, for better or worse, could forsake all in the pursuit of survival, willing to demean himself before Gu Changge, discarding dignity without hesitation.

Gu Changge, on the other hand, solitary in the vast expanse, driven by a singular obsession, likely possessed a more conventional temperament. Yet, when that obsession consumed him, he would stop at nothing to achieve his aims.

After coming to this realization, Ling Huang found Gu Changge to be much less intimidating, inexplicably easing her mood.

Initially, she had perceived Gu Changge as a brooding monster, capable of launching a dark upheaval across the vast expanse, sacrificing countless lives to restore his vitality and blood.

This misconception had instilled a deep-seated fear within her.

However, now that she understood better, she realized her perception of Gu Changge, shared by generations before her, was entirely mistaken.

“You seem less fearful of me now,” Gu Changge remarked with a faint smile as he lifted the teacup.

Returning the smile, Ling Huang replied, “I had a profound misunderstanding of you, my lord. It wasn’t until recently that I realized the fear I harbored stemmed from the actions of the Bone Ancestor after boarding the ship…”

After boarding the ship, the Bone Ancestor had resorted to direct violence, slaying an ancestor and consuming him. Ling Huang was well aware of this incident, which had also fueled her fear of the Bone Ancestor.

Even the Great Ancestor found himself compelled to acquiesce to the Bone Ancestor’s actions in the face of his formidable presence. Gu Changge, however, surpassed the Bone Ancestor in terror many times over. How could she not have been afraid of such a being initially? Especially when her ancestors relied on her to gain favor with Gu Changge.

Despite her trepidation, Ling Huang possessed a strong resolve, often maintaining a composed demeanor outwardly. Gu Changge took a sip of tea, offering no immediate response. He knew he had achieved the desired effect. Fearing power without virtue was not the ideal path to imperial authority.

Recognizing that he couldn’t handle everything alone, Gu Changge’s words planted a seed in Ling Huang’s heart, making her future service to him easier. As a confidant of Dao Realm’s strength with commendable talent, Ling Huang held promise. With the bestowal of immortal and long-lived substances, Gu Changge hoped she might ascend to a higher level, rivaling the current spiritual royal family ancestors.

Facing a shortage of capable individuals, Gu Changge couldn’t rely solely on the Bone Ancestor, who, despite his respect, harbored fear of his strength. Ling Huang, though less experienced and innocent, offered a more earnest alternative.

“My lord, you’re unlike the Bone Ancestor in every way. He’s a true lunatic, reckless and lawless. You, however, possess your own principles and remain unswayed by external influences,” Ling Huang remarked with genuine respect.

Her words weren’t merely flattery; they were based on her observations during their interactions and the insights gained today. Gu Changge exemplified such traits.

“Really? My own heart? But how long can it endure? Thousands of years? Tens of thousands of years? Billions of years? Or even longer?” Gu Changge smiled noncommittally.

Ling Huang was slightly taken aback, interpreting Gu Changge’s remark as a reference to his obsession. How long could his obsession endure?

“My lord, if I may inquire, could you share your plans with me?” Ling Huang hesitated briefly before posing the question. In the past, she wouldn’t have dared to ask such a thing even at the cost of her life.

Upon hearing her question, Gu Changge gave her an odd look before offering a faint smile. “I’ve laid it all out, so there’s no need for you to be nervous or reserved around me. I’ve never been fond of complexity. Many times, I prefer those around me to engage with me as equals.”

“Just the act of you removing your veil earlier startled you so. If I were to pursue other endeavors, how would you respond?”

“From now on, in my presence, you need not address me as ‘my lord.’ You may simply refer to me as ‘young master.\'”

“Yes, young master,” Ling Huang replied, feeling an inexplicable joy at the address, akin to that of a maid. In a sense, wasn’t this a sign of her growing closeness with Gu Changge?

“If the young master decides on other actions, Ling Huang will certainly not dare to intervene. However, I would implore you not to, young master,” she responded, feeling that her cultivated mindset of many years had been completely disrupted in this moment.

The queen of a generation within the Spiritual royal family, overseeing all universes and billions of creatures, found herself behaving like a young girl in this moment, her words unexpectedly coy.

Gu Changge smiled and remarked, “It seems you’ve become quite familiar with me.”

“I simply believe it’s inconceivable for you, young master, to resort to coercion. However, if you were to express a desire for Ling Huang to accompany you intimately, she would willingly oblige,” Ling Huang spoke with newfound boldness, free from the worries and fears that had plagued her before.

Despite the disparity in status and power, Gu Changge actually met her criteria for a potential partner.

“Let’s not dwell on this topic any longer,” Gu Changge interjected with a smile, waving his hand to dismiss the matter.

“Yes, young master,” Ling Huang replied, feeling a twinge of inexplicable disappointment and dejection. Though she couldn’t claim to be the foremost beauty of the Spiritual Royal family, within her domain of influence, her allure was unmatched. Yet, Gu Changge appeared indifferent to her charms.

Sighing softly to herself, Ling Huang cast her gaze upon Gu Changge. He sipped his tea, his countenance exuding a handsome and refined air, reminiscent of an innocent youth untouched by the worldly affairs.

“Aren’t you curious about my intentions? Allow me to elucidate,” Gu Changge stated, setting down his empty teacup, sensing that the moment was ripe and that Ling Huang was now less guarded against him.

Upon hearing his words, Ling Huang’s energy surged, her attention fully captivated.

She couldn’t contain her curiosity as she fixed her gaze on Gu Changge.

“I aim to unite the boundless world,” Gu Changge stated calmly, adding the second half of the sentence unhurriedly.

“What?” Ling Huang exclaimed, startled. Initially, she thought she had misheard, but judging by Gu Changge’s expression, he wasn’t joking.

Frozen in place, her small mouth slightly agape, Ling Huang’s face registered shock and disbelief. In the vast expanse where the edge remained unknown, where countless civilizations and eras had flourished across time and space, the Spiritual Realm, though ancient and formidable, was but a minuscule speck in the grand scheme, liable to be crushed and submerged at any moment.

And yet, Gu Changge proposed to conquer the entire boundless world?

Ling Huang had never conceived of such a notion; it seemed utterly fantastical. Yet, here was Gu Changge, speaking of it as if it were within reach.

“Young master…” It took Ling Huang a while to realize her mouth was dry, not due to doubting Gu Changge’s strength. Rather, the idea seemed too surreal, beyond the realm of possibility. Even in ancient legends, those who had attained the pinnacle of power would have struggled to achieve such a feat.

Moreover, within the boundless world, how many True Realms existed? Beyond the True Realm, numerous undiscovered powerhouses lurked in obscure corners, and perhaps entities stood at the apex of the Ninth Decline in its truest form. The boundless world harbored countless unknowns and mysteries, surpassing speculation and imagination.

“If I can’t accomplish even this, how can I contend with the heavens?” Gu Changge smiled, seemingly anticipating Ling Huang’s reaction and remaining unfazed.

“Contend with the heavens?” Ling Huang was once again taken aback by these words.

The way of heaven was not benevolent; before calamity struck, all sentient beings would face annihilation. During such times, many real worlds would rebel against the heavens, giving rise to heaven-slayers. But who could truly defeat the heavens? Such endeavors amounted to choosing death to postpone demise.

If not for their inherent weakness, incapable of resisting calamity, heaven-slayers would not exist.

Clearly, Gu Changge’s notion of defeating the heavens now and facing them during calamity were distinct.

“My lord, are you intending to confront calamity head-on and challenge the way of heaven?” Ling Huang struggled to regain her composure, still reeling from the shock. In a way, Gu Changge was a more fearsome “madman” than the Bone Ancestor. How could he dare declare such a thing and deem it an obsession?

“Defeating the heavens and attaining Dao” was not a feat achieved through mere determination and resolve. The true “heavens” in that realm were beyond their reach.

Gu Changge paid no heed to Ling Huang’s reaction; he merely sought to prepare her psychologically. The earlier the notion of battling the heavens was introduced, the better. Ling Huang’s astonishment was expected and understandable.

At the time, when Gu Wuwang broached the subject to Gu Changge in the Dao Chang Realm, Gu Wuwang’s reaction mirrored Ling Huang’s—shocked and incredulous. Not everyone possessed the fortitude to confront the potential repercussions, even just contemplating them.

Observing Gu Changge fall silent, Ling Huang turned her gaze to the undulating mountains outside, gradually calming herself. Ling Huang was no ordinary individual; after the initial shock wore off, she pondered the matter seriously.

Even though the revelation had initially left her speechless with disbelief, Ling Huang recognized the enormity of the situation. Even if all the ancestors were privy to such knowledge, they would be shaken to their core. Yet, Gu Changge spoke of it with such nonchalance, as if it were inconsequential.

“My lord, what should we do about Chu Lian? Should we allow him to continue his growth, or…?” Ling Huang hesitated to broach the topic of challenging the heavens and redirected her inquiry toward Chu Lian.

“Let him continue to develop. If an opportunity arises, I’ll engage in a conversation regarding that item he possesses,” Gu Changge replied casually.

As things stood, Chu Lian likely remained unaware of Ling Huang’s true identity. Gu Changge harbored a curiosity about the treasure in Chu Lian’s possession. Since it possessed spiritual intelligence, a direct confrontation might not yield results. Gu Changge preferred a more diplomatic approach; forcibly seizing the treasure could lead to unnecessary complications and risks, given its apparent connection to Chu Lian.

Coincidentally, it would take some time for the Spiritual royal family to mobilize all their forces.

Meanwhile, trailing behind the team, Chu Lian found himself in a state of restlessness.

“Artifact spirit…” He attempted to communicate with the spirit within the Ball of Ambitions, but it remained unresponsive, seemingly plunged into a deep slumber. Though this left Chu Lian feeling helpless, he found solace in the fact that it didn’t affect the ball’s functionality.

His strength continued to increase steadily and discreetly, wary of drawing attention from the old man in the black robe accompanying Gu Changge.

Several days later, they arrived at Juxian Village, nestled deep within lush green mountains, its grandeur striking.

The village bustled with diners from diverse ethnic backgrounds, their mysterious strengths hinting at a hidden potential akin to a unicorn concealed within the mountains.

This revelation surprised both Chu Lian and Ming Xiu.

Ling Huang explained to them that the village was a covert establishment of her cousin, dedicated to recruiting peculiar individuals from across the world to plot the overthrow of the Spiritual royal family. Additionally, it served as a hub for recruiting soldiers and acquiring resources, crucial for future endeavors.

This news both astonished and thrilled Chu Lian. It aligned perfectly with his own goals and aspirations. He hadn’t anticipated that Ling Huang’s mysterious cousin was already orchestrating such plans, surpassing his expectations.