I Am the Fated Villain

Chapter 1529: The Birthday Banquet of Chu Gucheng, is not far from the day of destruction

Meanwhile, elders from various ashrams in Yu Xian Palace hurried back, accompanied by their disciples. In the Xi Yuan civilization, another significant event was unfolding—the conflict between Xian Chu and the Demon Realm had escalated, with the armies of both sides facing off at the border.

The 130th birthday of Chu Gucheng was approaching, and the world was widely invited to celebrate. Leaders and prominent figures from various powerful forces and ethnic groups had already received invitation letters, urging their presence at the event. Even Zixiao Mountain, known for its animosity toward Xian Chu, was not exempt from the invitations.

The birthday celebration of a figure as influential as Chu Gucheng was no small matter. All the dignitaries of the Xi Yuan civilization were invited, a gesture meant to honor Chu Gucheng. As the preeminent figure in the Xi Yuan civilization, he wielded substantial power; a single thought from him could dictate the fate of many.

Even some factions from the monster clans aligned with the Endless Demon Realm received invitations and were included in the festivities. Xian Chu’s decision to invite such a diverse array of guests shocked the various powers and leaders within the Xi Yuan civilization, igniting a flurry of speculation.

Some were concerned that the event could turn into a grand banquet, suggesting that given the current tumultuous state of Xian Chu, Chu Gucheng’s lavish invitations might be a sign of his unease. It appeared he might be plotting against the leaders of all factions. Conversely, others suspected that this could be part of Chu Gucheng’s strategy to forge a covenant, aimed at unifying the disparate forces amidst the rising tensions.

Chu Gucheng aimed to use his birthday celebration as an opportunity to reach agreements and forge covenants with various power groups to collectively confront the impending catastrophe. In addition to this, for his 130th birthday, he invited influential figures from other civilizations, including those from Xu Dan civilization, the Shangyin real world, the ancient hidden civilization, and other notable realms within the boundless world.

Having traveled extensively across the boundless world, Chu Gucheng had formed numerous friendships with powerful individuals. As his birthday approached, it was likely that these friends would come to celebrate, serving to demonstrate his strength and influence to the orthodox forces within the Xi Yuan civilization. This strategic move immediately sent shockwaves through various factions, igniting fervent discussions and speculations.

However, the situation for the Demon Court was increasingly precarious. While they had yet to receive an invitation, other demon clan forces in the Endless Demon Realm were beginning to show a subtle inclination toward rapprochement with Xian Chu. Chu Gucheng’s actions effectively served as a deterrent to the Demon Court.

Some demon kings within the court were acutely aware that when Chu Gucheng extended invitations to other demon factions for his birthday celebration, it would provoke the demon ancestor. Upon receiving this news, the demon ancestor was infuriated, unleashing the endless Golden Crow True Fire, which blazed across the sky, incinerating the surrounding universe near the Demon Court.

Clearly, Chu Gucheng found himself in a desperate situation. Amid the chaos engulfing both the Demon Court and Xian Chu, he boldly invited other demon clan forces from the Endless Demon Realm to attend his celebration, effectively compelling them to clarify their positions. This bold move completely disregarded the authority of the Demon Court, further escalating tensions within the region.

The remaining powerful forces within the Xi Yuan civilization, including Zixiao Mountain, also harbored grievances against Xian Chu. Their current stance was notably ambiguous; it appeared they preferred to observe the conflict from a distance, refraining from intervening in the struggle between the Demon Court and Xian Chu.

The Demon Ancestor initially believed that various forces within the Xi Yuan civilization were conspiring against Xian Chu, viewing the Demon Court merely as a pawn in this larger scheme. However, he did not anticipate that, at this critical juncture, the other factions would choose to remain passive and indifferent, as if the conflict did not concern them. This clearly indicated their intention to allow the Demon Court and Xian Chu to clash to the death.

Xian Chu, fully aware of this dynamic, remained undeterred and was intent on making an example of others by focusing on its conflict with the Demon Court. In a fit of rage, the Demon Ancestor sounded the demon-gathering whistle, rallying the demon forces to attack the borders of Xian Chu.

In the ensuing days, an overwhelming murderous aura erupted at the junction of the two forces, accompanied by the thunderous sounds of battle that reverberated across the region. Countless figures engaged in fierce combat, and blood flowed like rivers, leaving behind a grim scene of corpses strewn everywhere. A vast expanse of the universe bore the scars of the conflict, punctured and marred by the violence.

As the karma generated by this conflict spread like wildfire, it began to radiate outward, affecting both the territories of the Demon Court and Xian Chu. Many ancient beings sensed a growing darkness enveloping the sky, making it increasingly difficult to discern signs of the future.

The confrontation between the Demon Court and Xian Chu could be regarded as one of the most devastating battles since the modern era of the Xi Yuan civilization, resulting in countless deaths and a heavy burden of karma. Even those not adept at divination and fortune-telling could perceive that the fortunes of both the Demon Court and Xian Chu had begun to cloud over, stained by the turbulence of war. Such signs were ominous and not to be taken lightly.

In the serene expanse of Xi Yuan Temple, a tranquil lake mirrored the surroundings. On one side, the temple stood tall and magnificent, adorned with flowing misty light, where the sun and moon rotated in a cosmic dance.

At the center of the temple, a figure in snow-white garments appeared to be kneeling on a radiant ancient mirror. Her bright eyes were tightly shut, and her slender hands rested upon them, as if engaged in deep deduction. This was a stunning woman, almost ethereal, resembling a luminous pearl amid swirling clouds—exuding an aura of unmatched beauty.

Draped in pure white, her attire reflected an inner grace, while her exquisite features seemed sculpted from jade. Even with her eyes closed, her appearance remained nearly flawless, and her refined, cold demeanor added to her mystique. Her skin was immaculate and delicate, akin to immortal jade, devoid of any blemishes.

Suddenly, the tranquility of the temple was disrupted. A maid, appearing like a vibrant rainbow, arrived with urgent news. “Holy Maiden, Chu Gucheng, the lord of Xian Chu, has come again, accompanied by an old man in a golden robe.”

The Holy Maiden of Xi Yuan frowned, her displeasure evident at the interruption. However, she opened her eyes and responded calmly, “How many times has Chu Gucheng come here? Tell him that I am in a critical phase of my cultivation and cannot see anyone.”

Though her words were composed, they could not conceal the simmering frustration beneath. This marked at least the fourth time Chu Gucheng had sought an audience. After being rejected the first three times, she had hoped he would take the hint. Yet, his persistence in coming back felt like a refusal to accept her boundaries. Was he truly so unwilling to understand her need for solitude?

“But Holy Maiden, it’s not Chu Gucheng who wishes to see you this time; it’s the old man in the golden robe beside him,” the maid replied, her voice tinged with embarrassment.

“Huh? The old man in the golden robe?” Holy Maiden Xi Yuan furrowed her brow once more. She mentally sifted through the names of those she knew who might wear such a robe.

“Could it be Jin Lao? How did he come to Xi Yuan Civilization?” A sudden realization struck her, and she felt a wave of dread wash over her.

With a soft sigh, she extended her slender jade hands and gently pinched the bridge of her nose, seeking relief from the impending headache. If it was indeed Jin Lao, she couldn’t simply ignore his presence. Jin Lao had a knack for sensing when trouble was brewing, particularly with the ominous black mist that threatened to return, potentially linked to the remnants of the previous disaster. He had sent word to Xi Yuan Temple, alerting them of the danger.

Armed with the insights Jin Lao provided, she had become vigilant, using the mirror of reincarnation to trace the threads of future fate. This ancient artifact held mysterious powers, capable of reshaping destinies and predicting outcomes.

Throughout this time, she had diligently harnessed its abilities, striving to find a glimmer of hope for Xi Yuan Temple amid looming catastrophe. However, if the trajectory of fate remained unchanged, the foreseen future revealed in the mirror might soon unfold. Xian Chu teetered on the brink of destruction.