I Am the Fated Villain

Chapter 1638. Faith gradually crumbled, and the arrogant would eventually pay the price.

Chu Kui, Bi Xin, Han Feng, and others were unable to calm their minds for a long time. Especially after tonight’s close call with death, they felt as though everything that had happened before was like a dream.

Before this, they had all believed that Gu Changge was as the rumors described him— a disaster for the world, a remnant of a dark evil. A demon, full of malice, who required them to join forces and eliminate him.

But who could have imagined that it was Gu Changge who saved them?

Han Feng, a trusted aide of the Champion Marquis Chu Heng, had heard the Marquis speak of the mysterious leader of the Heaven-Devouring Alliance before. The Marquis believed that this person would likely bring disaster to the Xiyuan civilization, and he had even considered leading an army to the Immortal Spirit Civilization to quell the Heaven-Devouring Alliance.

However, everything that happened tonight made Han Feng’s emotions even more complicated. Especially after seeing the true face of the masked man, he felt that his previous thoughts had been laughable. Not just him, but even the Champion Marquis likely never could have imagined this turn of events.

“Tonight’s incident, indeed, is quite unbelievable. Had it not been for Young Master Gu’s timely intervention, we would have likely met our end with no chance of burial,” Wu Xuan said. Though he felt grateful, hearing Gu Changge’s words also made him sigh deeply, his emotions very complex.

He had already started to connect many things in his mind, feeling a chill in his heart. That masked man was actually a trusted confidant of the country’s ruler, Chu Gucheng. He had come to the Capable Men and Extraordinary Talent Mansion several times, reading out the ruler’s orders and royal decrees.

So when Wu Xuan recognized the man’s true face, he was left in disbelief.

Why would a trusted confidant of the ruler want to exterminate them? And who ordered him to do so? Was it the ruler, Chu Gucheng himself? Or had the ruler’s confidants colluded with the Divine General faction to secretly issue orders to make them disappear from the royal city, preventing the Champion Marquis from learning about what was happening in the capital at this time?

No matter which possibility it was, it made Wu Xuan feel cold. If the ruler, Chu Gucheng, did not approve of such actions, how could his confidants dare to act in such a manner? It couldn’t be ruled out that this was the ruler’s direct command.

Now, with the turmoil in the Xianchu Hao region and the invasion of external enemies, if internal chaos were to erupt, the region would soon fall apart. In weighing the situation, it wasn’t surprising that the ruler, Chu Gucheng, made this decision. Sacrificing the Champion Marquis might stabilize the situation and solve the region’s crisis.

“I had thought that the Xianchu Hao region, as the outside world portrays, was peaceful and stable. But from what I’ve seen today, it seems not all rumors can be trusted,” Gu Changge said with a light smile, taking a sip from his wine glass.

Chu Kui, Bi Xin, and the others’ expressions darkened. Before this, they had never imagined that the internal struggles of the Xianchu Hao region could be so terrifying and intense, to the point where even a Dao realm expert could be cast aside and erased at any time.

From their perspective, what happened tonight clearly indicated that the royal family was favoring the Divine General faction. Otherwise, how could the Divine General faction have persuaded a confidant of the ruler, Chu Gucheng, to act?

“What happened tonight, I will definitely report truthfully to the Marquis, so he can know how the various forces in the capital are plotting against him,” Han Feng gritted his teeth and said, his face full of anger and hatred.

“The Divine General faction, taking advantage of the Marquis’ absence from the capital, sent a lowly person to attack the Champion Marquis’ estate, causing the lady to suffer humiliation and take her own life. Despite knowing this, the royal family not only did nothing to punish the Divine General faction, but also covered up the matter, trying to hide the truth. Such actions are truly chilling,” Chu Bai also said coldly at that moment.

He had also faced great danger tonight and had nearly perished. While still fearful, he also felt immense rage. However, he had long seen through the true nature of the royal family of the Xianchu Hao region and had a clear understanding of Chu Gucheng’s methods. In thinking about it now, he surprisingly didn’t feel at all surprised.

Gu Changge looked at the indignant group and put down his wine cup, smiling lightly. “How are you all so sure that it was the Divine General faction plotting against your Marquis? Without evidence, these are just baseless claims. Is this how things are done in the Xianchu Hao region?”

His words caused everyone to pause in surprise.

Yes, where is the evidence? What proof do they have to show that this was the work of the Divine General faction?

They could also hear the faint hint of mockery in Gu Changge’s words.

Previously, without any evidence, the ruler Chu Gucheng had declared the Heaven-Devouring Alliance to be a remnant of dark evil, calling on the forces of the Xiyuan civilization to jointly exterminate them.

Chu Bai’s expression flickered between gloom and clarity. At this moment, a cold mocking voice rang in his mind, the voice of the Sun Piercing Bow’s spiritual essence: “Could it be that the Divine General faction is merely being scapegoated?”

“Being a scapegoat?” Chu Bai was startled, suddenly realizing something. His face darkened even further.

“But besides the Divine General faction, which other force in the capital would see the Marquis as a thorn in their side?”

Bi Xin, wearing a purple long gown with skin as white as porcelain, slightly furrowed her brows and spoke to herself, seemingly pondering.

“Hehe, is your wise and virtuous ruler, Chu Gucheng, really as you perceive him to be?” Gu Changge smiled lightly, continuing to pick up the golden ancient scroll, as though enjoying reading it.

As for what happened tonight, he had already anticipated it. After all, everything was part of his calculation and plan.

Chu Gucheng certainly would not hand over the real culprit—the Xianchu Hao region’s first prince, Chu Wushang. No matter the reason, the royal family would suffer great damage to their reputation and prestige if they did.

Weighing the pros and cons, Chu Gucheng would likely try to cover up the matter, and release a smokescreen, letting various factions speculate that the internal struggle of the Xianchu Hao region’s factions was at play, or that other guests or the Marquis’ enemies were responsible.

In this way, no one would suspect Chu Wushang in the short term. Once the situation in the Xianchu Hao region had stabilized, they could address the issue or even make amends with the Champion Marquis.

The solution Chu Gucheng had in mind was already anticipated by Gu Changge. Now, he just needed to stoke the flames at the right moment, and this tiny spark would soon spread into a raging fire.

“Young Master Gu’s words are indeed correct. After all, we still don’t have evidence to prove this is the work of the Divine General faction. It’s all just speculation. Since the Divine General faction and the Marquis’ faction have had frequent conflicts, we instinctively linked them to this incident,” Wu Xuan said, slightly stunned before regaining his composure.

Although the Divine General faction had friction with the Champion Marquis’ faction, such underhanded and ruthless actions didn’t seem like something they would do. Moreover, before the Heavenly General fell, although the Champion Marquis, Chu Heng, and the Heavenly General had been competitors, they shared a sense of mutual respect.

Logically, the Champion Marquis’ campaign to the border was, in part, to avenge the Heavenly General. If it wasn’t the Divine General faction, then which force could it be? And why were even the trusted confidants of the ruler Chu Gucheng involved?

“You wouldn’t happen to know something, would you, Young Master Gu?” Wu Xuan, looking at Gu Changge who was seated in the distance, an otherworldly presence around him, asked with a hint of respect.

“What I know, even if I tell you, would you believe it?” Gu Changge smiled faintly.

“With Young Master Gu’s life-saving grace tonight, that alone is enough for us to trust you,” Wu Xuan said sincerely. His injuries were severe, and even if he fully recovered, it would take tens of thousands of years. Under such circumstances, if Gu Changge were to act against them, they wouldn’t have a chance to resist. Therefore, Gu Changge could not possibly deceive them.

“Hehe, you really think I’m a good person?” Gu Changge glanced at them, still with his faint smile, not bothering to hide his true intentions. “The reason I saved you is not because of any great kindness. It’s because being alive is more beneficial to me.”

“Regardless of the reason, Young Master Gu’s rescue of us is a fact that cannot be denied,” Wu Xuan said, a smile appearing on his face. However, deep down, he still didn’t fully believe that Gu Changge would save a group of strangers like them without any reason.

At that moment, hearing Gu Changge speak so directly about his intentions, Wu Xuan felt a sense of relief in his heart. He had a greater respect for Gu Changge, along with an inexplicable feeling of goodwill.

This mysterious Young Master Gu was candid, open, and had a straight forward approach to things. He didn’t seem like someone who would secretly stir up trouble from behind the scenes.

“Back when Uncle Fu was in Ziguicheng, he was saved by Young Master Gu. Naturally, Young Master Gu’s character is beyond doubt,” Chu Bai suddenly spoke, as if recalling something.

His words caused everyone to freeze in surprise and look at him in unison. Uncle Fu was saved by Gu Changge?

But how did this match the previous rumors circulating in the capital, saying that Uncle Fu had abandoned Chu Xiao to save himself and escape?

Chu Bai saw the expressions on their faces and knew what they were thinking. With some anger on his face, he coldly explained, “The ruler knows about this, but he has never stopped the spread of rumors. At the time, Uncle Fu sacrificed everything to hold off the Seventh Prince of the Demon Court, Di Kun, to give Chu Xiao a chance to escape. But Di Kun was too strong and severely injured Uncle Fu before pursuing Chu Xiao…”

Under his explanation, Wu Xuan and the others finally understood the events surrounding Chu Xiao’s death, their expressions becoming complex.

They had doubted it before—how could a loyal old minister who had always been faithful to the Xianchu Hao region’s royal family abandon Chu Xiao to save himself?

But why had Chu Gucheng never intervened to stop these rumors? Was it because Gu Changge was the one who saved Uncle Fu?

If so, wasn’t he being too petty and narrow-minded?

They, coming from the Capable Men and Extraordinary Talent Mansion, had all received Uncle Fu’s kindness to some degree and held great respect for the old man. At that moment, while feeling some relief, they were also deeply troubled. The ruler, Chu Gucheng, seemed far from the wise and righteous man they had thought him to be.

“I have always admired loyal and dutiful ministers. To drag on a strong enemy despite knowing one’s death was imminent, just to leave a sliver of hope for the ruler’s successor—such a person should not die protecting a useless and reckless prince,” Gu Changge said with a slight smile.

No one, including Chu Bai, Chu Kui, and others, contradicted Gu Changge’s words about the late Chu Xiao being a useless, reckless prince. It was a well-known fact in the Xianchu Hao region. However, because of Chu Xiao’s status, no one had dared to speak out about it before.

Now that Chu Xiao was dead, they had no reason to avoid the topic.

What surprised them, though, was that Gu Changge, who should have regarded the Xianchu Hao region as an enemy, had still chosen to save Uncle Fu—an old minister who had always been loyal to the region. After returning to Xianchu Hao, this old minister, instead of being praised, had been tormented by rumors and depression. Even the ruler he served had gradually become distant and indifferent, allowing the rumors to spread despite knowing the truth.

“This is truly disheartening…” Chu Kui, with his direct character, felt a sense of empathy. He couldn’t help but express his anger.

“The ruler is a man of great skill. He has always been seen as wise, kind, and loved by his subjects. Even when the Demon Court threatened Xianchu Hao, demanding that I be handed over, the ruler never agreed. Under normal circumstances, I should be grateful to him. But do you know, when he summoned me to the palace, he left several marks on my Sun Piercing Bow? Officially, he claimed it was to prevent anyone from taking it, but in truth, he was subtly trying to take control of the Sun Piercing Bow and refine it for himself…” Chu Bai said coldly.

Everyone present knew that he possessed a remarkable treasure, the Sun Piercing Bow, which was incredibly precious and coveted even by many Dao realm experts. But who would have thought that even the ruler Chu Gucheng was eyeing this treasure?

The Capable Men and Extraordinary Talent Mansion was founded by the ruler Chu Gucheng himself to gather the greatest talents and most fortunate people from across the lands. Most of its members held deep respect for him, and many even treated him as their faith.

But now, these revelations left Chu Kui and others feeling like their beliefs were crumbling.

Gu Changge, watching the stunned group, wasn’t surprised.

A thousand-mile dike could be destroyed by an ant hole. Now, that ant hole was gradually expanding. It was only a matter of time before the entire dike collapsed.

He withdrew his gaze and continued to look at the golden ancient scroll in his hands. Tonight, the Xianchu Hao region was bustling, and this bustling was not confined to just outside the royal capital.

At that moment, deep inside the Xianchu Hao region’s palace, things were equally lively.

“This… this is…”

But when Wu Xuan and the others finally snapped back to reality, they couldn’t help but be drawn to the golden ancient scroll in Gu Changge’s hands.

On the blurred paper, there were no visible words. Instead, it seemed like clear water, with ripples expanding, and images began to emerge.

In the depths of the palace, mist rose like clouds, with dancers in graceful motion, their movements elegant and ethereal. Near them, musicians played their instruments, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.

At the surrounding banquet tables, many figures sat. What was once a joyful gathering now seemed to have an air of tension, as though something was about to happen.

A slender woman, draped in light gauze, her black hair cascading like a cool moon goddess, stood up. Her gaze was cold, and as she raised her jade-like hand, powerful and terrifying waves of Dao energy began to form.

“Saintess of Xiyuan…” Wu Xuan murmured in recognition. He identified the woman as the Saintess of Xiyuan, who had appeared at the birthday banquet of Chu Gucheng.

But why was she here in the depths of the palace, seemingly attending a banquet?

Around the banquet, the figures who had been sitting at the tables also rose one by one. Their faces, once smiling, gradually turned serene and even cold.

“The ruler, Elder Jin, and that mysterious old woman from Yinxu Cave… Even the elusive Law Saint has appeared,” Wu Xuan said, recognizing each figure. His shock grew deeper.

What was happening? Were the ruler and others planning to deal with the Saintess of Xiyuan?

“This is impossible…” Not only Wu Xuan, but also Chu Bai, Chu Kui, Bi Xin, and the others were equally shocked and unable to believe their eyes.

“Tonight, something huge is about to happen…” Wu Xuan muttered, his gaze filled with disbelief and even a hint of fear.

The Saintess of Xiyuan held an extraordinary position in the Xianchu Hao region. She was supremely influential, and her name alone carried the weight of the Xiyuan civilization. Could it be that the ruler, Chu Gucheng, had lost his mind and was going to act against her at such a time?

If this were to become public, it would undoubtedly bring unimaginable disaster to the Xianchu Hao region.

“Looks like they want to replace her?” Compared to Wu Xuan and the others’ shock and disbelief, Gu Changge remained as calm as ever, even showing a hint of amusement as though he were watching a spectacle.

He knew that Chu Gucheng would act against the Saintess of Xiyuan. Over the past few days, Chu Xinyue had been approaching the Saintess, likely plotting something. The Saintess of Xiyuan had become overly confident in her own strength and underestimated the Xianchu Hao region’s courage, which is why she dared to attend the banquet tonight.

Gu Changge had specifically warned her about this beforehand.

“Hehe, the arrogant will ultimately pay the price for their carelessness,” Gu Changge said lightly.

He then gave a faint smile, gently flicking his hand, and the previously blurry image on the golden scroll became clearer. Sound also began to emanate from it.

“Chu Gucheng, you really have some nerve to plot against me like this?”

“Elder Jin, I once respected you as a senior, but that was in the name of our master. I never thought you would stoop so low, colluding with Chu Gucheng and others to scheme against me.”

In the depths of the palace, the Saintess of Xiyuan stood tall, her hair swirling in the air. Her expression was icy, and her voice matched her frigid demeanor. She coldly scanned Chu Gucheng, the Elder from Yinxu Cave, and the Law Saint, her words filled with disdain.