I Am the Fated Villain

Chapter 1357: Immortal Civilization makes the final move, abandoned this place

Chu Lian and the artifact spirit’s insights had indeed inspired Gu Changge. After considering their perspectives, he found their suggestions highly feasible, simplifying his upcoming plans. However, he had yet to identify a second suitable target, so he would need to set that matter aside for now.

After half a month, Ling Huang emerged from her seclusion. Previously, she had been in the early stages of the Void Dao Realm, having only recently passed through the first major looting. Her strength was still far from reaching the threshold of the second heavenly decline.

However, while refining the immortal and creation substances, she had significantly stabilized her power, reaching the limit she could sustain. This marked a small degree of success in the early stages of the Void Dao Realm.

While Ling Huang was still far from the second decline threshold, the strength improvement was obvious. She had absorbed less than one percent of the immortal substances and could not yet refine them fully.

Ling Huang estimated that, with her current power, it would take thousands of years or even longer to fully utilize the forces at her disposal.

She was pleased with her progress but not overly ambitious; she focused on digesting these newfound energies and advancing step by step. After emerging from seclusion, she sought out Gu Changge. Following his instructions, she dispatched people to construct a large formation and forge containers within the palace to gather the luck of the Spiritual royal family accumulated over the years.

Naturally, Wan Yanxiu, Bone Ancestor, and the other ancestors perceived the changes in Ling Huang’s aura and were surprised. This was especially true for Bone Ancestor and Wan Yanxiu, who had closely observed Ling Huang’s growth. They had witnessed her cultivation journey, supported by numerous resources, and reflected on her remarkable talents, feeling a deep sense of nostalgia and admiration for how far she had come.

Initially, it was already reasonable for Ling Huang to enter the Dao realm and successfully pass the first decline. However, after following Gu Changge, her strength had improved significantly beyond expectations. This transformation was almost impossible and astonishing for Wan Yanxiu and the others.

As a result, many of the ancestors began to speculate and were eager to find Ling Huang to inquire about the reasons behind her remarkable progress. Ling Huang, considering herself to have benefited immensely from Gu Changge, felt strongly loyal to him. Not only did he trust her, but they had also shared heartfelt conversations, making it unlikely that she would divulge any details to them. Furthermore, with Gu Changge standing behind her, she felt secure in keeping this information.

Ling Huang needed to be polite and cautious around her ancestors in her daily interactions. Several were dissatisfied, their frustration simmering beneath the surface, and they felt increasingly helpless. They had invested in cultivating Ling Huang, hoping to support a puppet they could control to better manage the Spiritual royal family, ultimately saving them time and collecting more resources.

Now, with the backing of Gu Changge, Ling Huang seemed to disregard their authority entirely, leaving the ancestors both resentful and powerless.

This lord’s origin is mysterious, and he may possess resources to aid my cultivation. From a certain perspective, he likely wants to guide me for his own benefit.

Wan Yanxiu mused, demonstrating his wisdom as an ancestor of the Spiritual royal family. He quickly instructed the other ancestors to refrain from disturbing Ling Huang, recognizing the need to avoid displeasing Gu Changge.

Ultimately, Ling Huang was seen as Gu Changge’s ally, not merely a puppet to control. If she remembered her old ties, she might even speak favorably about the Spiritual royal family before him, which could lead to significant trouble for them. Gu Changge was not surprised by this outcome. The ancestors were no different if even the means of enhancing strength could not exempt them from challenges.

As the army assembled, some Spiritual royal family ancestors visited him occasionally, eager to express their loyalty. Many foresaw that they were approaching the second heavenly decline, and with their current strength, survival was unlikely—death was a near certainty. The notable improvement in Ling Huang’s strength gave them a glimmer of hope.

However, Gu Changge could not easily distribute immortal and creation substances. The time and effort required to condense such resources were considerable, and he felt he also needed them for his cultivation.

Gu Changge intentionally allowed Ling Huang to collect the power of luck, as he understood its significance. The ancestors of the Spiritual royal family wore their hopes on their faces, with some even considering surrendering their soul lights, willing to serve Gu Changge like loyal beasts. For them, survival had become more important than anything else.

However, Gu Changge firmly rejected these notions. He had no desire to waste resources on these individuals; for now, having Ling Huang and Bone Ancestor was sufficient. In future conflicts against other civilizations, he viewed the ancestors of the Spiritual royal family as little more than cannon fodder.

Meanwhile, the war between the Dao Chang Realm and the immortal civilization raged for several years. Outside the vast battlefield, the sounds of fierce combat echoed daily, with blood and light flooding the universe. Large blocks of debris fell from the sky like rain, a testament to the ferocity of the struggle.

The runes on the boundary embankment had been significantly damaged, losing their former brilliance. Powerhouses from the immortal civilization diligently studied the ancient runes, analyzing their meanings and gradually uncovering some of their mysteries.

During this process, a powerful being who surpassed the Immortal Emperor directly tore open a horrific breach in the edge of the vast battlefield. From this gaping maw, a massive army surged forth. The various ethnic groups of the Dao Chang Realm were forced to retreat, taking positions in the expansive battlefield to engage in a fierce competition with the immortal civilization.

Both sides suffered significant losses in this war, with several Immortal Kings from the Dao Chang Realm falling in battle. The foreign emperor who had fought previously was severely injured and had to retreat to recover. The immortal civilization also faced considerable casualties; the terrifying divine shadow commanding the ancient warships had personally torn through the barrier of the vast battlefield to facilitate their army’s entry.

However, at a critical moment, an ancient cultivator Yuan Chan apprentice intervened, unleashing a devastating sword strike that shattered the world and forced the formidable divine shadow to halt its advance.

In the years that followed, the immortal civilization refrained from launching an all-out attack, opting instead to engage with the heritage of the Dao Chang Realm gradually. Yet, the various ethnic groups within the Dao Chang Realm faced severe losses, especially as multiple Immortal Kings from several major factions perished in the conflict, leaving countless dead. Even if the fighting ceased, recovery would be a long and arduous.

Many ancient existences in the Dao Chang Realm began to discern the enemy’s intentions: the opponent would continually drain the Dao Chang Realm’s power as long as the battle continued.

In particular, the ancient warship loomed ominously, harboring many terrifying auras that remained dormant. The outcome often hinged on the peak combatants in such a life-and-death conflict. A single powerful individual could take down an Immortal King, traverse vast worlds, and defeat countless cultivators and creatures.

“I sense four auras that surpass the Dao Realm in this world. The strongest is likely on par with me. If he truly attacks, he may not be my match,” Zhouyou remarked, his voice calm and indifferent.

“As for the other three auras, one is indeed formidable, but we only need to send two who have achieved the second transformation to handle the other two.”

His eyes gleamed with a strange substance, reflecting a depth of power and determination.

In front of her stood a crystal wall radiating a soft glow, vividly displaying the tragic war outside the Dao Chang Realm. Countless creatures fell like leaves caught in an autumn wind, yet her expression remained unchanged.

Before her, the powerful figures of the immortal civilization stood calmly, closely observing the battles unfolding on the crystal wall. On this journey, she had left her family behind and brought many solid allies from her lineage. Among them were six individuals who had transformed, making a total of seven.

In other words, she now commanded seven existences beyond the Dao realm. This invincible force could sweep away any new civilization or realm. However, she remained cautious, even after her grandfather’s divination aimed at gauging the strength of the Dao Chang Realm. She intended to assess their true heritage before launching an attack, with a focus on destruction.

You can truly achieve it; the other side’s Dao realm existence does not hold an advantage in numbers. Plus, I carry a secret treasure from my family that can disrupt their minds at a critical moment.

Her eyes flickered with cold determination as a crystalline armor materialized around her, transforming into a streamlined aesthetic suit that shimmered with brilliance.

With her words spoken, she vanished from the ancient warship, appearing in the vast universe outside. The remaining figures on the battlefield quickly donned their armor, weapons in hand, and disappeared alongside her.

In the Dao Chang Realm, within the headquarters of the Heaven Slaying Alliance, leaders from various ethnic groups gathered in the magnificent palace. Their faces were grave as they convened to discuss pressing matters, the atmosphere heavy with tension. Ancient cultivators like Gu Wuxian and Jiu Jianxian were present, each wearing expressions that reflected their concerns.

Before them, a crystal flat ancient mirror flickered with light, displaying images from outside the Dao Chang Realm. The great army resembled a cosmic torrent, relentlessly attacking with an intensity more formidable and horrifying than ever before. Most alarming was the movement of the terrifying divine shadow that had previously loomed on the ancient battleship; now, it was drawing closer to the Dao Chang Realm as the army advanced.

“The opponent has launched their final assault. Do they intend to cease testing?” an old-fashioned quasi-immortal emperor remarked, his expression heavy with apprehension.

“It seems they must have gauged the reality of the Dao Chang Realm today. They wouldn’t take such risks otherwise,” another ancient being remarked, his tone heavy with concern.

Many in the room felt a chill in their hearts, uncertain about how to respond. Faced with such formidable foes, was there any way to mount a defense?

The atmosphere in the hall grew increasingly oppressive, with Dao realm existences falling into silence. All ethnic groups had endured significant losses in recent times, and while they had hoped to delay the inevitable, the enemy’s ferocity had shattered that expectation.

“It appears we can only take drastic measures, letting the boat sink,” one individual sighed, despair evident in their voice.

They felt the chances of victory were slim, bordering on hopeless. The adversary had clearly understood the reality of the Dao Chang Realm and, armed with that knowledge, had chosen to launch an all-out assault. Despite all ethnic groups rallying their forces, it seemed futile given the tremendous losses they had already suffered.

Although the younger generations from all ethnic groups were rapidly maturing, producing many talented individuals, the cost of the current situation was too great for anyone to bear.

At this moment, a leader from an ancient sect couldn’t help but ask Gu Wuxian and the others, “Vice Lord, do we have any updates on the Leader’s whereabouts?”

This question lifted the spirits of many in the hall, and a wave of hopeful eyes turned toward them. Even the young talents, who had emerged in recent years, looked on with curiosity. The rumored Leader, a figure who evoked both fear and respect, intrigued them immensely.

These young individuals, both men and women from various races, had all displayed remarkable prowess in the fight against the immortal civilization. They were brought into the Heaven Slaying Alliance and received focused cultivation.

Gu Wuxian, wearing a black robe that shrouded his face in shadows, stood in the hall. His expression remained hidden as he shook his head. “The Leader is currently handling a significant matter. We cannot rely on him for this incident.”

His response cast a shadow over the room, darkening the hopes of those present.

Over the years, Gu Wu’s consistent, arrogant response was that Gu Changge was occupied with important matters whenever the question arose. Initially, everyone accepted this at face value, but doubts began to creep in as time went on. Perhaps even the deputy leader didn’t truly know Gu Changge’s whereabouts.

Whispers began to circulate in the hall.

“It seems he’s likely no longer in the Dao Chang Realm and has abandoned it altogether. Some speculated that his establishment of the Heaven Slaying Alliance was merely a passing interest; he never intended to manage it seriously…”

“Yes, with the strength of the Alliance Leader, he could easily find peace in the boundless sea. Why would he bother with all this effort?”

As these murmurs spread, the already heavy atmosphere became even more oppressive. In the past, such discussions would have been unthinkable—no one would dare to slander or question Gu Changge.

But now, with Gu Changge absent and calamity looming, it was uncertain whether the Dao Chang Realm would even survive. Who among them felt secure in this situation? Even Gu Wuxian frowned but chose not to intervene.

Their only remaining hope rested on the ancient cultivator Yuan Chan and his apprentice. The weight of despair hung heavily as they faced the impending crisis with dwindling confidence.