I Am the Fated Villain

Chapter 1538: Rejected for the fourth time, experience in dealing with the enemy named Gu

What transpired in the meeting hall of Yu Xian Palace today left all the elders feeling a whirlwind of emotions. After leaving the hall, it took them a considerable time to calm down. Once the patriarch returned, the situation of Yu Xian Palace would undergo earth-shaking changes, and restoring its former glory would be merely a matter of time.

However, even the Palace Master approached this monumental event with extreme caution, choosing not to elaborate much on the details. This left all the elders speculating about the circumstances surrounding the patriarch’s entrapment and the reason his descendants needed to assist him.

Who was the patriarch of Yu Xian Palace? What had led to his current predicament? Such questions bubbled up in the minds of many elders and their disciples. Yet, amidst these uncertainties, a more significant sentiment prevailed: the joy surrounding the patriarch’s impending return.

In a time when the Xi Yuan civilization was in turmoil, the patriarch’s return would provide the Yu Xian Palace with a strong backbone. Even in the face of impending catastrophe, the palace could stand immortal, soaring high above the world like an eternal sun.

In the following days, all the elders of Yu Xian Palace eagerly awaited news from Palace Master Ling Qiuchang, their excitement palpable. Many disciples also engaged in hushed discussions about the situation. Although the Palace Master had issued an order prohibiting the dissemination of information regarding the patriarch’s return, the noticeable activity within Yu Xian Palace caught the attention of some factions in the Xi Yuan civilization.

Despite the Palace Master’s caution, there was no response from orthodox influences. However, many speculated that Yu Xian Palace might have sensed an impending catastrophe, similar to the actions of Xian Chu, which had summoned its elders and disciples in an attempt to avert disaster.

Meanwhile, outside of these developments, all eyes were on the approaching birthday of Chu Gucheng. Even clans from extremely distant universes were sending representatives to deliver congratulatory gifts. Ancient warships surged through the cosmos, making their way toward the territory of Xian Chu, further heightening the anticipation surrounding the event.

In the grand realms of various factions, divine lights soared into the sky. Many powerful sects and groups led their disciples to carve a grand tunnel through the universe, rushing there personally to pay their respects to Chu Gucheng. Even influential orthodox forces like Zixiao Mountain, Endless Demon Realm, Guangming Temple, and the Buddha Kingdom sent important figures bearing valuable gifts to attend.

Meanwhile, at the Xi Yuan Temple, Chu Gucheng had hoped to borrow the mirror of reincarnation after meeting with Holy Maiden Xi Yuan. However, his request was swiftly denied. Even with Elder Jin present, Holy Maiden Xi Yuan firmly stated that the mirror of reincarnation was a treasured artifact of the Xi Yuan Temple and could not be lent out. She explained that she needed it for her own cultivation and that it would be difficult for her to leave the temple during this time, especially to violate its rules by lending the mirror to an outsider.

Unsurprisingly, this refusal displeased Chu Gucheng. The fact that Holy Maiden Xi Yuan had been so dismissive, even in the presence of Elder Jin, only added to his frustration. Holy Maiden Xi Yuan had her reasons, of course; the rules of the Xi Yuan Temple were strict, and as a holy maiden, she could not break them.

She also inquired about Chu Gucheng’s intentions in wanting to borrow the mirror. Although he suspected that she was aware of his true purpose, he bluntly stated that it was to address the impending catastrophe facing Xian Chu. With Elder Jin present, Chu Gucheng felt no hesitation in airing his grievances. He expressed his disappointment with Holy Maiden Xi Yuan, feeling that she had been dishonest, especially given their prior friendship and their collaboration to eradicate the remnants of evil.

As Xian Chu faced an invisible catastrophe, it would have been reasonable for Holy Maiden Xi Yuan to lend her assistance, yet she insisted on distancing herself from any potential karma. The mirror of reincarnation held many mysterious powers, capable of altering the course of destiny. In this critical moment, Xian Chu needed the mirror to pierce through the fog and discern the path ahead.

Upon hearing Chu Gucheng’s concerns, Elder Jin couldn’t help but intervene, hoping that Holy Maiden Xi Yuan would make an exception and assist Xian Chu for his sake. However, both Chu Gucheng’s plea and Elder Jin’s request were met with a firm shake of her head. Holy Maiden Xi Yuan replied in a tone devoid of emotion, asserting that the Xi Yuan Temple had survived through the ages without concerning itself with the turmoil of the outside world.

She emphasized that the temple would never intervene in or take sides in the grievances and conflicts between various forces. If Xian Chu were to break this precedent, how could other factions within the Xi Yuan civilization, such as Zixiao Mountain and Lingshen Cave, react? Would they still treat the Xi Yuan Temple with the same respect as before? Such a decision would undoubtedly undermine the temple’s transcendent status, shaking its foundation and altering its standing within the Xi Yuan civilization.

Given this resolute stance from Holy Maiden Xi Yuan, Elder Jin felt helpless. He recognized the validity of her points; this issue was intricately tied to the Xi Yuan Temple’s status and survival. Moreover, as an outsider, he was reluctant to overstep his bounds or meddle in the internal affairs of the Xi Yuan Temple.

The last encounter ended on a sour note. This was the fourth time Chu Gucheng had been turned down, and he could no longer maintain his composure as he left with a visibly displeased expression. Elder Jin had initially intended to discuss the remnants of the Black Disaster and the sealed source of the calamity with Holy Maiden Xi Yuan. However, given the circumstances, it was inappropriate to linger, and he followed Chu Gucheng out.

Elder Jin planned to return alone on another day to continue his discussions with the Holy Maiden. Meanwhile, Holy Maiden Xi Yuan expected that after this rejection, Chu Gucheng would likely abandon his pursuit of the mirror of reincarnation. To her surprise, after storming out, he sent an invitation for his birthday celebration the very next day, inviting her to attend.

Though there was still time before the birthday festivities, many cultivators from across the Xi Yuan civilization were already making their way there. Holy Maiden Xi Yuan, however, was reluctant to attend. Finding an excuse to decline was not as simple as refusing to lend the mirror of reincarnation. If she continued to reject Chu Gucheng by claiming a need for retreat, it would seem ungrateful and defiant. She imagined that even someone like Elder Jin would perceive her actions as deliberately belittling and humiliating to Xian Chu.

With this dilemma weighing on her, Holy Maiden Xi Yuan realized she had no choice but to attend Chu Gucheng’s birthday celebration, viewing it as a necessary gesture of goodwill. In the following days, she focused on exploring new vitality and possibilities within the mirror of reincarnation. Through repeated trials and revisiting past experiences, she gradually accumulated valuable insights into dealing with the “enemy surnamed Gu.”