I Am the Fated Villain

Chapter 1813. It’s Time for Us to Strike Back — The Great Upheaval Begins

Many years ago, within the ruins of the Yaoguang Ancestral Court, a fragment of Dao Source broke open, and a peerless woman emerged into the world. Her appearance shocked every region of the Vast Expanse.

The imperial uncles and clan elders of the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty personally welcomed her back. Only afterward did they learn her identity—she was the legitimate descendant of the Yaoguang Ancestral Court and, in a true sense, the ancestor of the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty itself.

After the ruler of the dynasty, the Weiyang Emperor, went to the Zhengyi Alliance to assume the position of Alliance Leader, the entire Weiyang Immortal Dynasty began serving this woman as their sovereign.

Under her iron-fisted governance and sweeping reforms, order flourished throughout the dynasty. The nation enjoyed prosperity, peace, and stability in all directions.

However, recently, rumors suddenly spread throughout the dynasty that this Ancestor intended to purge the Weiyang Emperor’s direct loyalists.

A bloody storm swept across the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty. Numerous clans and ancient aristocratic families became implicated in the purge. Naturally, this sparked widespread dissatisfaction throughout the realm and caused a tremendous upheaval.

Several feudal kings seized the opportunity to raise armies under the banners of “restoring the court” and “purifying the dynasty.” They gathered troops across various territories and prepared to march on the imperial capital.

Many could see that ever since the Weiyang Emperor assumed the role of Alliance Leader of the Zhengyi Alliance, he had rarely concerned himself with the affairs of the dynasty. It seemed as though he had shifted all his focus to the Zhengyi Alliance.

This naturally emboldened the various feudal kings.

With their deliberate encouragement, rumors spread across many regions that the Ancestor had usurped the throne. Her actions against the Weiyang Emperor’s loyalists were said to have crossed every acceptable boundary.

Under such circumstances, peace within the dynasty was shattered. Since the Weiyang Emperor remained stationed in the Zhengyi Alliance and refused to intervene, chaos began spreading across the various territories.

Of course, different rumors circulated within the imperial capital itself.

Some claimed that the Ancestor’s purge of the Weiyang Emperor’s followers was actually intended to protect the dynasty by eliminating the parasites that had infected it.

According to these reports, the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty had long been infiltrated by the Dark Race. Even the Weiyang Emperor himself had supposedly fallen victim to corruption by dark matter and was no longer the wise and enlightened ruler he once was.

His decision to remain in the Zhengyi Alliance without offering any explanation was said to be an act of helplessness—an attempt to prevent the dynasty from being completely devoured by the Dark Race because of him.

After all, this Ancestor was a descendant of the Sovereign Lord, one of the founders of the Yaoguang Ancestral Court. She had personally lived through the Dark Cataclysm, and her words carried tremendous credibility.

As this news spread throughout the capital and beyond, countless universes within the dynasty were shaken.

No one knew whether the rumors were true or false.

Yet it was undeniable that the Weiyang Emperor’s decision to become the Zhengyi Alliance’s leader while abandoning the affairs of his own dynasty raised many questions.

Naturally, no one could guarantee that these accusations were not simply fabrications by the Ancestor herself.

The Weiyang Immortal Dynasty was one of the most powerful forces in the Vast Expanse, so the turmoil within it naturally attracted widespread attention.

However, the founding of the Immortal Dao Alliance was imminent. Compared to that event, the situation within the dynasty drew far less interest. Most civilizations and worlds focused their attention on the Ethereal Sacred Domain instead.

And after Gu Changge personally appeared, even more eyes turned in that direction, to the point that very few people continued paying attention to the turmoil in the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty.

“Personally entering the field as the leader of the Heaven-Defying Alliance—this suits me perfectly…”

“The light of the Black Lotus will illuminate even more universes. As long as I obtain enough power of faith, I will truly become the Lord of the Black Lotus.”

Somewhere within the Vast Expanse, inside a mysterious underground palace hidden in space-time—

A pitch-black figure sat silently in meditation.

Ancient armor covered his body. Rusted patches were visible in several places, exuding an aura of primordial bloodshed.

Before him floated a black lotus platform.

Blood-red radiance swirled around it.

Within it was enshrined an object shrouded in dense black mist.

It was—

A piece of flesh no larger than an infant’s fist.

An astonishing life force surged from it, vast and boundless like the primordial source of all life.

A rhythmic thumping sound echoed from it like the beating of a heart, as though it might transform into a human form and revive at any moment.

The black-clad figure stared at the piece of flesh, his eyes filled with unconcealed fervor and desire.

Streams of dark matter flowed continuously from the flesh, like the source of all darkness itself.

Beneath the black lotus lay a pool already filled with a layer of black mist.

As countless strands of silver faith power gathered from the void and poured into the pool, dark matter quickly spread along the paths by which the faith power arrived.

Rather than merging with it, the dark matter was actually contaminating and eroding that faith power.

Every strand represented a devout believer.

And there were countless strands—endless as rivers and seas, blanketing every inch of space.

The sheer quantity revealed just how many believers existed today.

Watching this scene, the figure’s breathing quickened.

The step he longed for was drawing ever closer.

Once he became the Lord of the Black Lotus, let alone Ancestor Xu of the Declining Heaven Multitude—even the Grand High Priest of the Heaven Multitude could be replaced by him.

At that point, no one in the Vast Expanse would possess the power to rival him.

He would usher in a new Age of Darkness that belonged solely to him.

“Soon… soon… even closer now…”

“Once I become the Lord of the Black Lotus, I will enter the realm at the end of the path.”

“Then I will seize Ancestor Xu’s power and perhaps advance even further.”

“If one seeks cooperation with a tiger, one must be prepared to be devoured by it.”

Dense black mist surged forth.

Soon the entire underground palace was submerged, including the figure himself.

His muttered words faded into silence.

Long ago, a great upheaval had erupted within the Heaven Multitude.

The Coffin of World Burial had been forcibly opened, and the sealed body of the Lord Acting on Heaven had been contested and stolen.

Although the Grand High Priest eventually suppressed the disturbance, several fragments of flesh and portions of blood had been lost.

Now, one such piece of the Lord Acting on Heaven’s flesh was enshrined in the deepest chamber of the Black Lotus Cult.

It continuously generated vast quantities of dark matter, which polluted and corrupted the faith power of the cult’s believers.

Within the central region of the Zhengyi Alliance stood countless palaces and pavilions.

Ancient figures had established their own Dao fields in various regions, each vast enough to form a world unto itself.

“The leader of the Heaven-Defying Alliance personally attended the Immortal Dao Alliance ceremony. Scouts have also reported that many armies stationed throughout the alliance’s territories have suddenly disappeared.”

Within one Dao field, an ancient being clad in armor rose from his meditation cushion.

A crack opened between his brows.

A golden vertical eye appeared.

Its terrifying golden light pierced through endless layers of space-time.

“So, they intend to attack the Zhengyi Alliance again?”

His voice rumbled like heavenly thunder.

With a single step, he vanished.

Elsewhere, amid mist-shrouded mountains filled with immortal energy—

A white-robed figure sat quietly in a pavilion.

A clear stream flowed nearby while mountain winds stirred his robes.

A guzheng rested before him, though he did not play it.

Two attendants beside him brewed tea as fragrant steam rose into the air.

The surroundings were tranquil.

“As expected, just as he predicted—the Heaven-Defying Alliance would never agree to a permanent truce.”

Suddenly, the white-robed figure sensed something.

Confusion appeared on his face.

“Have they concluded that the Zhengyi Alliance is weak during this period and lacks powerful defenders?”

“Or are they simply that confident in their own strength?”

“Master, is the Heaven-Defying Alliance attacking again?” the two attendants asked curiously.

The white-robed figure nodded.

“If my perception is correct, they are indeed preparing to move again.”

With a sweep of his sleeve, he collected the two attendants and departed from the mountains.

The central hall of the Zhengyi Alliance had already gathered numerous powerful figures.

The moment news arrived that Gu Changge had appeared at the Immortal Dao Alliance ceremony, the Zhengyi Alliance immediately implemented emergency measures.

Many ancient experts rushed to the hall to discuss a response.

As the alliance’s headquarters, powerful foundation-level figures from every member force were stationed there.

Only a portion of their members had accompanied Vice Alliance Leader Zhao Tianqi and others to the ceremony.

Naturally, the news placed the entire alliance on high alert.

“Alliance Leader, why do you continue hiding it from us?”

“Which senior expert truly supports the Zhengyi Alliance from behind the scenes?”

An ancient being shrouded in golden radiance finally spoke.

His true form was a Saint Spirit that had successfully evolved, granting him strength comparable to an Ancestor Dao Realm expert.

“There is no need for you to inquire about this matter,” Jiang Yun replied calmly.

“You will know when the time comes.”

The Master of Yinxu Cave was extraordinarily cautious.

He never revealed himself openly before the alliance’s leadership.

Even now, he merely manipulated events from the shadows.

Not even Jiang Yun knew how many of those present were secretly the cave master’s pawns.

Nor did he understand why the cave master no longer pressured him or feared betrayal.

“The leader of the Heaven-Defying Alliance has personally attended the Immortal Dao Alliance.”

“I fear he may join forces with them.”

“If both sides pressure us simultaneously, we’ll be caught between enemies while still having to guard against attacks from the Dark Race.”

Another ancient being spoke.

Then another figure added coldly,

“We have heard certain rumors concerning you, Alliance Leader.”

“They say you have already been corrupted by darkness.”

“I wonder whether that is true.”

The atmosphere in the hall immediately shifted.

Many remained silent, choosing neither to interfere nor take sides.

Jiang Yun’s expression remained calm.

“And what do you all think?”

The questioning figure merely smiled faintly.

Yet a trace of scrutiny appeared in his eyes.

After all, rumors did not arise from nothing.

The Weiyang Emperor’s strange behavior remained highly suspicious.

Suddenly, a calm voice echoed through the hall.

Ripples spread across space as the white-robed figure emerged.

“Senior.”

All the Zhengyi Alliance leaders bowed respectfully.

They had personally witnessed him use the Fourth Ancient Killing Formation to trap Ling Yuling, Vice Leader of the Heaven-Defying Alliance, before exiling her.

Moreover, he clearly possessed deep ties to the mysterious supporter behind the alliance.

Even the Weiyang Emperor received little regard from him.

“The Heaven-Defying Alliance is mobilizing armies near our borders.”

“Prepare yourselves.”

The hall immediately erupted in shock.

“Could they really be attacking us now?”

Many found it unbelievable.

The truce had ended only recently.

Yet the Heaven-Defying Alliance seemed intent on stirring war once again.

Numerous faces darkened with anger.

To them, the alliance’s actions were arrogant and intolerable.

The white-robed figure ignored their reactions and instead glanced at Jiang Yun.

“Jiang Weiyang, daughter of the Weiyang Emperor, is currently in the Heaven-Defying Alliance, correct?”

Jiang Yun’s expression did not change.

“That rebellious daughter defied her marriage agreement and disobeyed her father.”

“I have long ceased caring about her.”

“Where she is now has no influence on my position.”

“If Senior doubts me, you may ask my master directly.”

It was the first time he publicly referred to the Master of Yinxu Cave—the Fate Lord—as his master.

The alliance’s leaders were visibly startled.

Only now did they realize that the Weiyang Emperor possessed a master behind him.

That mysterious master was likely the true supporter of the Zhengyi Alliance.

The white-robed figure smiled faintly.

“It is not that I doubt you.”

“I merely find it interesting.”

“The Weiyang Immortal Dynasty is undergoing tremendous upheaval.”

“Even the Princess of the Yaoguang Ancestral Court has appeared.”

“Yet the Weiyang Emperor shows no concern whatsoever.”

Jiang Yun’s gaze sharpened.

“Since Senior raises the matter,” he replied,

“I also have a question.”

“With Senior’s connection to the Yaoguang Ancestral Court, why have you not gone to acknowledge that princess?”

The white-robed figure narrowed his eyes.

“So you know who I am.”

Jiang Yun replied,

“With the Fourth Ancient Killing Formation in your possession, your identity is not difficult to deduce.”

The figure laughed softly.

“Interesting.”

“It seems he accepted you as a disciple for reasons beyond merely establishing the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty.”

His gaze then swept across the hall.

“The Heaven-Defying Alliance is invading.”

“The Zhengyi Alliance cannot remain passive.”

“Moreover, Gu Changge is absent from the Heaven-Defying Alliance.”

“Is this not the perfect opportunity to strike back?”

Jiang Yun frowned but remained silent.

The alliance leaders, however, were visibly tempted.

Rather than waiting for another invasion, why not seize the initiative?

The white-robed figure turned toward Jiang Yun.

“What does the Weiyang Emperor think?”

Jiang Yun’s heart sank.

He knew some of his actions had already aroused suspicion.

Yet the Fate Lord still refused to appear personally.

Was he still waiting for the right opportunity?

The white-robed figure before him was almost certainly one of the Fate Lord’s incarnations—or perhaps even a clone.

After a moment, Jiang Yun nodded.

“Senior speaks wisely.”

“It is indeed time for us to launch a counterattack against the Heaven-Defying Alliance.”

The alliance leadership unanimously agreed.

Immediately, decrees shot from the hall like divine beams of light, traversing countless universes and reaching every corner of the Zhengyi Alliance.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

War drums thundered throughout the cosmos.

Ancient horns sounded.

Their notes carried supreme Dao laws.

They resembled awakened true dragons or ancestral demons whispering from the abyss.

The sounds shook heaven and earth and alarmed all realms.

At Ethereal Peak, the Immortal Dao Alliance Assembly proceeded as scheduled.

The event drew the attention of countless cultivators and living beings throughout the Vast Expanse.

Fortunately, everything progressed smoothly.

No unexpected incidents occurred.

The Dark Race did not attack.

Gu Changge personally remained present to oversee the gathering.

Powerful foundation-level figures from countless civilizations descended one after another to participate.

The entire Ethereal Peak was immersed in celebration.

It was arguably the grandest gathering in recent eras.

An extraordinary number of Ancestor Dao Realm experts attended.

Many were ancient monsters who had hidden themselves away for countless epochs.

As for ordinary Dao Realm cultivators, their numbers were beyond counting.

Civilizations from across the Vast Expanse signed the Immortal Dao Pact and agreed to unite against the Dark Race.

The festivities were planned to continue for half a month.

However, on the fourth day of the assembly—

Disaster struck.

Across vast regions of the Ethereal Sacred Domain, unrest erupted.

Followers of the Black Lotus Cult appeared on a massive scale.

Temple after temple was constructed.

Each was carried by enormous black lotuses that stretched across the heavens.

As they advanced, they scattered black rain across the world.

The experts of the Four Great Families of the Ethereal Sacred Domain had been monitoring the cult’s movements all along.

They immediately dispatched forces to exterminate them.

At the same time, an even greater riot erupted within Ethereal Sacred City.

Many hidden Black Lotus believers revealed themselves.

Among the guests from various civilizations, numerous powerful experts suddenly became corrupted.

A chaotic battle exploded throughout the city.

Meanwhile—

Along the border between the Heaven-Defying Alliance and the Zhengyi Alliance, an unprecedented war erupted simultaneously.

The truce was over.

This battle was far more brutal and intense than any previous conflict between the two sides.

The Great Upheaval had finally begun.