I Am the Fated Villain

Chapter 1351: The causes and effects come first, so the past isn’t that important.

Chu Lian felt a mix of confusion and doubt, but his primary emotion was caution. He attempted to reach out to the spirit of the Ball of Ambitions in his mind, but it seemed to be in a deep sleep and did not respond. With no solution, Chu Lian could only calm himself and wait for things to unfold. He was uncertain if the terrifying presence described by the Ball of Ambitions was among the people before him.

Chu Lian observed the Spirit Emperor and the young man nearby, noting their close relationship as if they were well-acquainted.

The two remained at the mountain’s peak, conversing quietly. The powerful and mysterious dark force accompanying them was likely responsible for the young man’s protection and safety. The woman with a gentle demeanor and elegance was probably his wife. From this, it appeared that the young man was wealthy and significant.

When Chu Lian asked questions, his wise mentor explained:

“This is the honored guest. He represents the noble family and will be waiting here due to important matters.”

“Representative?”

Chu Lian was puzzled and wondered about the Spirit noble family.

It was rare to encounter such a noble presence. He had never heard of a family with such influence. Was this family really that significant?

He felt a growing confusion.

At that moment, the honored guest met Chu Lian’s gaze as if sensing his thoughts. He smiled slightly and said, “It’s truly an honor to receive your attention. I am deeply grateful and feel very honored.”

The honored guest then added, “Chu Lian, don’t worry. The representative you’re referring to is just a person like yourself. For those with noble aspirations, mutual respect is key. I have previously mentioned your situation to the representative, who is very respectful and understands the importance of this meeting. He will certainly come to see you.”

“This time, if you and the representative have a good rapport, it will be very convenient for you to wait here until he arrives.”

Chu Lian’s gaze shifted between the honored guest and the Spirit Emperor, sensing they were not what they appeared to be.

The honored guest’s gaze toward Chu Lian remained calm and indifferent, with a little hint of emotion.

It felt like the honored guest was maintaining a high-level, distant demeanor, as if looking down from a lofty position and giving only minimal attention.

“Is this how it is? Is the honored guest really so indifferent to the Spirit Emperor’s situation?”

Chu Lian wondered to himself before posing the question.

Regardless of the relationship between the honored guest and the Spirit Emperor, Chu Lian’s priority was to leave this place as quickly as possible.

The spirit of the Ball of Ambitions remained unresponsive to his inquiry.

Chu Lian speculated that perhaps the powerful and mysterious force had returned after a period of absence. The spirit of the Ball of Ambitions showed no unusual signs, but he had to stay cautious and attentive to his surroundings.

Water can both carry and guide a boat, but it can also sink it.

The Spirit Emperor’s situation might provoke dissatisfaction and lead to resentment. The honored guest appeared very indifferent. He seemed to have other interests. During this tense period, it was evident that he was focused on something else.

Thus, Chu Lian remained calm and showed no unusual signs in response to the situation.

The honored guest observed that this might be the true significance of Chu Lian’s predicament.

In tense circumstances, someone who is genuinely powerful usually takes control.

When a person of great power arrives, they typically assert their presence and lead. Often, it is not the individual who chooses a high position but rather the high position that selects the individual. Even though Chu Lian’s situation is somewhat special and difficult to predict, his current strength is undeniably too weak. Even if someone helps him attain a high position, he still lacks the strength to sustain it.

The high position might choose to issue a warning due to some external factors. For now, selecting another individual for the role seems unfeasible.

Alternatively, did Chu Lian earn the recognition of the high position?

The second possibility, according to the honored guest, seemed unrealistic.

He was attempting to find an opportunity and establish a connection with this high position. If Chu Lian could become an extraordinary figure through this process, assessing his current strength would still be challenging. It was unlikely to be straightforward.

Just now, when Gu Changge observed Chu Lian, he was largely certain that Chu Lian’s abilities had indeed surpassed ordinary limits and could be considered an anomaly.

However, this anomaly was unlike the “false anomaly” of those in the Dao chang Realms who manipulate fate to create such beings. Instead, it was due to Chu Lian being chosen by a supreme treasure—a real anomaly in every sense.

“Has Chu Lian found that important relic left by your parents?” Ling Huang asked, gently shifting the topic with a hint of concern.

Chu Lian quickly responded, shaking his head, “I went to the most likely place where it might have been and searched but found nothing. Someone must have taken it, or perhaps it fell elsewhere.”

His expression showed a trace of disappointment.

Ming Xiu stepped in to comfort him, “Brother, don’t be discouraged. Maybe one day you’ll find it. It’s possible it wasn’t lost, or maybe you just forgot where you put it.”

Chu Lian forced a smile, his mood dampened.

Although he doubted Gu Changge’s identity, Chu Lian did not feel comfortable asking directly. Neither the mysterious old man in black nor the beautiful woman seemed like individuals he could confront.

Later, Chu Lian decided to leave the area and asked Ling Huang where she was headed next. If their destinations were along the same path, they could travel together.

Ling Huang, aware of Chu Lian’s itinerary due to having someone track his movements, mentioned a location directly.

“That’s great! We can travel together again!” Ming Xiu happily chimed in.

Chu Lian had a good impression of Ling Huang and was pleased to travel with someone so agreeable. However, he couldn’t quite understand the relationship between Gu Changge and Ling Huang. Not only did they share the same carriage, but when boarding, Ling Huang even stepped back half a step to let Gu Changge board first.

This detail caught Chu Lian’s attention, making him more curious about Gu Changge’s identity. Additionally, Ling Huang seemed to show considerable respect and fear toward the man in black.

Since they were supposed to be cousins, logically, Ling Huang and Gu Changge’s statuses shouldn’t differ significantly. So why was there such a display of respect and deference?

“Unfortunately, the spirit of the Hongyuan Ball isn’t responding to me right now. Otherwise, I could ask for its opinion,” Chu Lian thought as he mounted his horse and fell to the back of the group as they left the grassy hills.

He hadn’t considered that Gu Changge might be the terrifying presence described by the spirit of the Ball of Ambitions. The mysterious figure in the black cloak or the graceful woman seemed more likely candidates to him.

Inside the carriage, there was far more space than it appeared from the outside. Gu Changge sat quietly on a cushion, deep in thought, while Ling Huang, seated ahead of him, delicately sipped her tea, careful not to disturb his contemplation.

The space around them was sealed with powerful restriction formations, isolating it from external perceptions or divination. Even for those with great power, it would be difficult to understand what was happening inside.

“How is the army that’s been summoned?” Gu Changge suddenly asked, snapping out of his thoughts and glancing at Ling Huang.

“The elders have already issued commands. Powerful figures from across the vast realms are responding. It won’t be long before they assemble,” Ling Huang replied respectfully.

To this day, she still didn’t know which faction Gu Changge planned to target. If the provocation had come from the other realm, it wouldn’t require such a large army.

Although the Dao Chang Realm wasn’t among the most powerful ancient realms, it had deep foundations and could easily sweep through most realms with plenty of strength to spare. However, Ling Huang didn’t dare to ask too many questions about such matters.

Gu Changge nodded slightly, his gaze settling on the veil covering Ling Huang’s face. He smiled faintly and extended his hand, as if intending to remove it.

Ling Huang, who had been brewing tea, froze, her movements becoming stiff. She didn’t dare to react or even move.

“Sir… Sir…”

Her voice trembled slightly with fear, unsure why Gu Changge was making such an abrupt gesture. She didn’t want to be seen as just another pawn or become dependent on him. Besides, Gu Changge had previously stated that he wasn’t interested in her.

“I don’t like it when others cover up before me. There’s no need to be so tense. It looks better this way—easier on the eyes.”

Gu Changge maintained his calm, faint smile, disregarding her discomfort and unease. He simply removed her veil with ease.

Ling Huang let out a sigh of relief and tried to calm herself, but a strange feeling stirred within her, making her face flush.

She had never experienced such a sensation in all her years of cultivation. Unable to help herself, she glanced at Gu Changge, only to quickly avert her gaze.

“When I leave the imperial palace, I wear a veil and rarely show my true face to others. It’s not out of disrespect for you…” Ling Huang explained softly.

However, Gu Changge seemed not to hear her. His gaze was fixed outside the carriage as he spoke casually, “I understand your fears and concerns. Your clan is curious, wanting to learn about my past, my plans, and why I’ve gathered such a large army.”

Ling Huang quickly pushed aside her scattered thoughts and focused her attention. She had no idea why Gu Changge was suddenly discussing these matters with her.

Normally, Gu Changge maintained a calm, quiet demeanor whether interacting with her or the elders of the Linghuang clan, speaking very little.

Was he revealing his thoughts now?

“Your strength is immeasurable. In the entire Upper Realm, you likely have no equal. In the Dao Chang Realm of the Ghost Clan, we do not wish to oppose you and risk being wiped out, buried in the endless flow of time,” Ling Huang responded cautiously, choosing her words carefully.

She had gathered some information from the elders. Most believed Gu Changge was an inheritor of demonic art, wandering the Upper Realm. Wherever he went, that place became the forbidden ground. After long ages, he had awakened again, searching for suitable Dao Chang Realms to feed on, regaining his strength and vitality.

If the Realm of the Ghost Clan resisted, they would surely be devoured and become mere sustenance for him.

“Those who follow will thrive; those who resist will perish. Your Ling Huang Clan is indeed wise, and so are you,” Gu Changge remarked casually.

“However, I’ve always believed it’s better to earn respect than fear. After all, standing too high can be quite lonely,” he added with a faint smile.

For some reason, Ling Huang felt lonely from his words, as if he sat alone at the heights of the nine heavens, gazing down at all of existence with no one by his side.

She carefully considered her words before replying, “But I don’t believe you would do such things. You have a larger goal… the Dao Chang Realm must seem insignificant in your eyes.”

“Is that so? I didn’t expect you to think that way,” Gu Changge said with a smile, indifferent as ever.

Ling Huang realized that her clan had likely misunderstood and feared Gu Changge initially. But after interacting with him, she sensed a change in his mood. This man must have been through much despite his youthful appearance. His actions and demeanor all seemed to serve a larger purpose.

Otherwise, why would he seem to reveal his heart now, saying such words to her?

At that moment, Ling Huang felt much pressure lift from her shoulders. It was as if the heavy weight she had been carrying had lessened, and she no longer felt the same fear when speaking with Gu Changge. There was no longer a need to tread as cautiously as before.

Gu Changge noticed the shift in Ling Huang’s emotions, but his face still carried the same faint smile.

Yet there was no ripple of change within his heart—calm and still as always.

Since he had decided to use the name of the Heaven Alliance to respond to the Dark Abyss, he had to carefully craft a legitimate goal that would align with his intentions.

As for Ling Huang, she appeared to be an ideal opportunity in his eyes.

These seemingly heartfelt words were meant to draw her closer, to close the distance between them. But in reality, they were meant to plant a seed in her mind, shaping a perfect image of himself in her heart.

The Bone Ancestor, symbolizing a “madman,” would undoubtedly bring terrifying consequences and face endless challenges. But why, without any apparent reason, was he willing to establish the Bone Ancestor and seek the path to “madman”?

As the Demon Lord, he had once traversed the Dark Abyss, confronting entities within the Origin Realm. Had he perished, with his body and soul extinguished? Was that why he harbored such deep resentment?

That wasn’t all. Before becoming the Demon Lord, his past was a complete blank, unknown to anyone.

So naturally, this led him to trace his even more distant past.

As for what that past entailed, it didn’t matter. It was sufficient for others to know that such a past existed—enough to explain his motivations.

Because of this past, Gu Changge had sworn a great vow: to establish the Bone Ancestor and unite the entire power of the Dark Abyss in pursuit of the path to “madman.”

Gu Changge had always conducted his affairs meticulously, never leaving loose ends. Every cause would inevitably lead to an effect. He was focused on perfecting the cause to ensure the desired outcome.