I Am the Fated Villain

Chapter 1525: The true face of Chu Gucheng, a step-by-step plan Without Bloodshed

Chu Bai was both surprised and shocked by the extremely reverent tone of the artifact spirit of the Sun-Shooting Bow. However, he realized that such an existence was far beyond his reach. While he admired it, he understood that it was not something he could touch at present.

Later, the spirit of the Sun-Shooting Bow warned him that someone had left a strong imprint on the bow and was quietly eating away at its origin, attempting to secretly refine it. If he wanted to prevent the Sun-Shooting Bow from being taken from him, he needed to pay more attention to it.

When Chu Bai heard this, he was filled with shock and concern. He had no doubts about the warning from the Sun-Shooting Bow Spirit. As he reflected, he recalled his audience with Chu Gucheng in Chu Wang City. At that time, Chu Gucheng had bluntly stated that he had left a mark on the Sun-Shooting Bow, worried that it would be robbed by others. Chu Bai had felt grateful for Gucheng’s consideration, never suspecting that there might be an ulterior motive behind it.

The idea that Chu Gucheng had left such a mark merely to secretly refine and control the bow shattered Chu Bai’s earlier perception of him as a broad-minded and upright person. Instead, he realized that Gucheng was capable of deception, igniting feelings of resentment and indignation within him.

Upon further reflection, it became clear that Chu Gucheng’s apparent favoritism toward him was likely a means to win over more people’s hearts. Chu Bai had initially thought that Xian Chu was different from other factions in the Xi Yuan civilization, believing it free from the intrigues and schemes that plagued other forces. However, he suddenly realized that he had only scratched the surface of Xian Chu, failing to see the darkness and filth hidden beneath.

With this in mind, no matter who Chu Bai looked at now, he always felt that beneath their seemingly gentle exterior lay a calculating and deceitful nature. The same went for the colleagues and partners he had once considered friends; they all appeared kind, yet deep down, they wished for him to pay for Chu Xiao’s death and were envious of his possession of the heaven-defying Sun-Shooting Bow.

The saying “know people, know their faces, but not their hearts” resonated deeply with him, and he grew increasingly wary of his surroundings. “It’s a pity that I can’t leave Xian Chu yet. Although the Demon Court attacked Chu Xiao, they may not let me go. Furthermore, if they discover the existence of the Sun-Shooting Bow, they will undoubtedly stop at nothing to destroy it.”

He decided he should maintain a low profile in Xian Chu and avoid causing any trouble. Chu Bai drew his bow and retracted his arrow, sighing slightly as he reflected on the events of this past period. Despite his dissatisfaction with Xian Chu, he wasn’t foolish enough to consider leaving at this time. After all, departing would only bring him closer to death, as the Demon Court would certainly not allow him to escape.

“Even such a little trouble makes me shy away. Although you keep giving me high regard, I don’t know how to think highly of you,” he muttered to himself, a hint of frustration creeping into his voice.

At that moment, the cold and indifferent words of the Sun-Shooting Bow echoed in his mind again, causing Chu Bai to pause in surprise and touch his nose in embarrassment. He couldn’t help but wonder why the spirit of the Sun-Shooting Bow seemed to know his thoughts. Could it be that their time together had fostered a silent understanding between them?

This situation left Chu Bai feeling dull and somewhat unhappy. “Artifact Spirit, according to what you said, what should I do?” he asked, seeking guidance.

“It’s just a small matter, yet you act so cautiously. The lord of Xian Chu plotted against you like this? Planning to covet the Sun-Shooting Bow? Are you really so indifferent?” The Sun-Shooting Bow Spirit let out a disdainful sneer.

Chu Bai’s expression soured at her words. However, he couldn’t refute her; after all, what she said held a grain of truth. Chu Gucheng had indeed manipulated him, making him feel like a fool. Was he really going to be indifferent in response to this betrayal? No wonder the spirit of the Sun-Shooting Bow looked down on him.

“Artifact Spirit, you’re right; I am a bit timid. But my current strength is too low, and I may not be able to do anything,” Chu Bai sighed helplessly, bitterness creeping into his voice. As an Immortal King in Xian Chu, he was regarded as a minor player, lacking the authority to make his voice heard. Unless he rose to the level of a Heavenly General or Star King Bai Mei, he would remain in this predicament.

“However, Chu Gucheng calculated against me like this, and I finally see his true face clearly. No matter what, I have to make him pay a price. Doesn’t he like to pretend to be a sage? Then I’ll let the world know his true nature…” As he spoke, he noticed the Sun-Shooting Bow Spirit had grown silent, realizing it would be increasingly difficult to gain her approval. If he continued to act timidly and fearfully, she would only despise him more.

Determination flickered in his eyes as he spoke in a deep voice, “I can’t let this go. I must act!” In his mind, a vague plan began to take shape.

“While I may be foolish, I still possess vigor. It seems I’ll need to rally my strength and support myself from behind.”

In the Taiyuan Ancient Domain, at the Yu Xian Academy on Biluo Peak, Gu Changge smiled faintly as he casually waved his hand. The mirror surface before him shattered like gravel, the scene within disappearing in an instant.

Chu Bai, with his cultivation at the Immortal King Realm, was inconspicuous in the vast landscape of Xian Chu. Yet, it was this seemingly insignificant individual who had laid the complete cornerstone of Xian Chu. The loosening and disintegration of a small piece of base soil might go unnoticed, but the gradual collapse of many pieces could easily trigger a series of avalanche-like chain reactions.

Moreover, the great land of Xian Chu had managed to stand strong largely due to the presence of Chu Gucheng. He was a belief and a pillar for countless people within Xian Chu. When that belief began to crumble from within, no external defenses would be able to withstand the fallout.

Whether it was orchestrating the Bone Ancestor to save Fu Lao previously or positioning Chu Bai as a key chess piece now, all of Gu Changge’s actions were part of a meticulous plan aimed at conserving time.

“It’s truly chilling for such a minor Immortal King to wield such an influence.”

The Book of Scavengers floated silently beside Gu Changge, and the spirit within observed the scene unfold with a sense of awe. She quickly grasped Gu Changge’s intentions, leaving her filled with admiration and trepidation. Any lingering complaints about Gu Changge’s earlier indifference dissipated instantly.

The weapon spirit within the Sun-Shooting Bow was not an innate creature, as some might assume. Instead, it was a clone, a ray of Dao differentiated according to Gu Changge’s instructions. This spirit could sever its connection with its original form at any moment, allowing it to disintegrate and collapse without leaving any traces or cause-and-effect behind.