I Am the Fated Villain

A trace of unease crept into her heart as she thought of Gu Changge’s unfathomable and terrifying strength, which even the Bone Ancestor and all the ancestors feared. In Gu Changge’s presence, she didn’t dare entertain any improper thoughts.

Ling Huang also doubted that Gu Changge would visit her for no reason; it was more likely that he had noticed some anomaly. After all, the existence of variables contradicted destiny, and for beings in the Dao realm, discerning such changes was particularly challenging. It was natural to detect a hint of deviation in destiny’s course.

This realization heightened Ling Huang’s unease. Mishandling this situation could lead to significant trouble, not only in explaining to Gu Changge but also facing the wrath of the ancestors if they found out. Ling Huang harbored no illusions about the cruelty, indifference, and ruthlessness of those ancient beings. They had long forsaken familial ties in pursuit of power.

“If nothing else, I must first appease him. His visit must be related to this matter.”

“I was negligent before, assuming he’d remain secluded for an extended period. I left the palace and came here to strategize about the treasure on Chu Lian’s person.”

Various thoughts raced through Ling Huang’s mind, but she quickly regained her composure. Rising from her seat, she exited the carriage, intent on meeting Gu Changge on the hill.

As for how to explain it later, that would depend on the situation, and Ling Huang felt a twinge of unease. Despite Gu Changge’s apparent calmness, she knew his ability to discern the Spiritual royal family’s existence with a mere thought, and his mood swings were inscrutable.

“Miss Huang…”

Ming Xiu, who also lingered atop the mountain, couldn’t help but be a bit surprised when she spotted Ling Huang emerging from the carriage. This area was rife with miasma and poisonous insects; even Ming Xiu sought refuge. The daughter of a prominent family like Ling Huang might struggle in such an environment, yet she remained there, patiently awaiting the return of her senior brother, Chu Lian. Ming Xiu admired Ling Huang’s empathy and righteousness, which kindled affection within her. Ling Huang’s polite, dignified, and gracious demeanor spoke of her noble upbringing.

Glancing at Ming Xiu, Ling Huang paused for a moment before offering a smile. “I’m stepping out to meet someone, Miss Ming Xiu, no need to worry.”

Ming Xiu hesitated briefly but refrained from probing further. Watching Ling Huang vanish from view, she strolled to the opposite side of the hill, stealing glances at the ruins.

“What is brother searching for? He’s never mentioned such things before…” She mumbled to herself.

Alone, Ling Huang ascended the other side of the mountain, devoid of attendants or maids. Gazing skyward, she sensed a subtle ripple descending towards her location.

Buzz!

At that moment, the sky seemed to blur, resembling a mirrored surface, as if piercing through endless time and space. From it emerged a slender, tall, handsome figure akin to an immortal – Gu Changge. Behind him, the Bone Ancestor appeared disguised as an elderly servant, while Liu Mei, Ling Huang’s confidant, trailed along.

“Greetings, my lord…” Ling Huang hastily pushed aside any distracting thoughts, respectfully addressing him. She wore a veil, her cascading blue hair reminiscent of a waterfall, her skin as flawless as jade, presenting the image of a perfect immortal.

Gu Changge nodded faintly, casting a glance her way before descending from the air. “There are some matters I wished to discuss with you, but to my surprise, you had already departed the palace. I took the initiative to seek you out. I hope my visit hasn’t inconvenienced you.”

The Bone Ancestor and Liu Mei followed respectfully behind him. As Ling Huang’s confidant, Liu Mei glanced at her with concern, while the Bone Ancestor wore a half-smile that sent a shiver down Ling Huang’s spine.

Upon hearing Gu Changge’s words, Ling Huang felt a chill creeping up her back. She hastened to respond, “Certainly not, my lord. It is an honor for you to visit me personally. Your presence could never disrupt my affairs. May I inquire if there is a task you wish to assign?”

She sensed that Gu Changge had more to convey than a mere command. His visit held deeper significance.

Noticing slight traces of sweat on Ling Huang’s forehead, Gu Changge offered a casual smile and said, “No need to be so nervous. Like I mentioned before, you can act as you normally would in my presence. As for why I sought you out, I’ll fill you in later.”

Encountering an anomaly was a matter of chance, not pursuit. Even in those worlds with deep-seated foundations, passed down through countless epochs, anomalies were rare occurrences. They defied logic, were unswayed by innate abilities, and their emergence was often a result of external factors such as celestial gifts, treasures, or inexplicable and profound transformations.

During his time in the Dao Chang Realm, Gu Changge had designated Ni Chen as a variable, employing him as a Daoist to manipulate heavenly fate. This decision stemmed from the unacceptable nature of anomalies in the shadows, condemned to endure countless trials and tribulations.

However, a variable’s essence could carry an immensely vast amount of luck. Despite facing numerous twists and turns and experiencing countless hardships, they could ultimately grasp the profound truths of the universe, attain knowledge beyond imagination, and reach heights inaccessible to ordinary individuals.

However, overcoming the three disasters and nine declines along the way was not guaranteed.

Ni Chen had been cultivated as a “variable” by the Dao Chang Realm, an intention originally set by Gu Changge. His true purpose was to allow Ni Chen, as a genuine anomaly, to endure much suffering and calamity, paving the way for a smoother future.

Encountering a suspected “variable” figure within the Spiritual royal family truly surprised Gu Changge. The bodies of variables often carried treasures and extraordinary luck. Despite facing numerous twists, turns, and catastrophes, they typically resolved them without peril. Many disasters seemed to vanish along their journey.

Dealing with variables safely meant calculating and planning. Resorting to robbery and plunder only disrupted fate and invited backlash from unknown quarters. This concept bore some resemblance to the notion of the Son of Luck.

Despite Gu Changge’s words, Ling Huang dared not relax. Nonetheless, she mustered the courage to respond, “Yes, my lord.”

Gu Changge glanced at her but remained largely silent. Ling Huang took the lead, her expression shifting several times as she already surmised the purpose of Gu Changge’s visit.

“My lord, is that why you’ve come?” Ling Huang eventually mustered the courage to ask. She had already considered that once Gu Changge noticed the existence of the variable, that treasure might no longer be hers. It was a realization Ling Huang had carefully contemplated. Thus, rather than concealing it, she believed it wiser to voice it, perhaps earning Gu Changge’s respect and appreciation.

At that moment, even if all the ancestors were aware of it, they wouldn’t dare to speak up. Moreover, given Gu Changge’s abilities, he likely already knew everything, yet he refrained from directly addressing it.

Upon hearing Ling Huang’s words, the Bone Ancestor’s eyes immediately narrowed. In truth, he harbored a keen interest in such matters. If Gu Changge hadn’t been present, he might have seized Ling Huang and subjected her to interrogation.

“Oh, really?” Gu Changge strolled behind at a leisurely pace, offering only a faint smile in response.

His nonchalant reaction to Ling Huang’s revelation wasn’t surprising. She was a clever woman who understood how to act in critical moments. Her solitary pursuit of the treasure without informing any of the ancestors also spoke volumes about her ambition.

Observing Gu Changge’s lack of anger, Ling Huang breathed a sigh of relief and continued, “To be honest, my lord, I left the palace and ventured here alone in pursuit of a treasure. While I don’t have full knowledge of its nature yet, I am certain of its extraordinary properties. It has the potential to transform an ordinary person into an extraordinary variable.”

She dared not withhold anything and forthrightly disclosed all she knew. With Gu Changge’s prowess, she harbored no illusions about keeping secrets from him.

“A treasure capable of transforming ordinary individuals into extraordinary variables?” The Bone Ancestor’s complexion shifted noticeably, his expression betraying a hint of shock, his breath quickening.

At his level, there were naturally few things that could pique his interest or desire.

In this moment, he grasped why Ling Huang had ventured out from the palace alone. With the treasure within reach, who wouldn’t entertain the notion of seizing it?

Liu Mei, Ling Huang’s confidant, appeared bewildered. Despite being an immortal king, she remained ignorant of the concept of a variable.

“A treasure?” Gu Changge’s expression cleared somewhat. After all, Ling Huang was a genuine Daoist, possessing keen insight. From this perspective, the emergence of this variable shouldn’t have occurred long ago. If it were a fully developed anomaly, it would be challenging to manipulate. Such individuals typically boasted extraordinary wisdom, easily discerning and evading hidden dangers and disasters.

“Yes, but I stumbled upon it by chance. After several encounters, I confirmed its existence. You must understand, my lord, the nature of variables is elusive, and fate is unpredictable. While they bring unforeseeable catastrophes, the potential gains outweigh the risks. Hence, I devised a plan to gradually unravel the mystery…” As Ling Huang walked, she elaborated, also sharing some insights into Chu Lian.

She had relinquished her original plan to seize the treasure, realizing that being valued by Gu Changge might prove beneficial. Offering flowers to Buddha, so to speak, was a shrewd and prudent choice.

Listening attentively, Gu Changge simply nodded in acknowledgment.

Forcibly plundering the variable would disrupt fate, potentially unleashing disaster in the shadows. For beings in the Dao Realm, such catastrophes were even more daunting, as they could hasten the onset of heavenly decline. Without corresponding strength, they risked annihilation. Yet, even with formidable power, there were still numerous reservations.

“This individual named Chu Lian hasn’t reached maturity yet. Even if he possesses a treasure, it’s unlikely he’ll wield its full potential,” Gu Changge mused, considering his options based on the circumstances.

“So, have you made any headway?” he casually inquired, glancing at Ling Huang.

Observing Gu Changge’s lack of reproach for her earlier concealment, Ling Huang breathed a sigh of relief, feeling a weight lift from her shoulders. Her anxiety dissipated, and her demeanor returned to normal as she responded, “My lord, during my interactions with Chu Lian, I’ve grown quite acquainted with him. Under the pretense of getting close, I’ve learned a fair bit about him. Despite his youth and vigor, he harbors grand ambitions, aspiring to overthrow the rule of my Spiritual royal family. Currently, he holds favorable sentiments towards me and harbors no suspicions about my true identity and intentions.”

“Up ahead lies the former territory of his Ghost clan. Although he claims to be searching for a relic belonging to his parents, I suspect it’s merely a pretext. He likely has other motives.”

The past and future of variables were shrouded in thick fog, making deductions challenging. Otherwise, Ling Huang wouldn’t have resorted to such methods.

As Ling Huang spoke, Gu Changge’s mind conjured the image of a young, confident, and upright face. Possessing treasures and harboring lofty ambitions, this individual could easily overthrow the rule of the Spiritual royal family in the future, becoming a new generation of great emperors and sages. In essence, this so-called variable resembled the child of luck, albeit with even more astonishingly potent fortune, having already undergone a transformation.

As Ling Huang discussed these matters, they arrived at the mountain where Chu Lian had disappeared. Ming Xiu was taken aback to see Ling Huang accompanied by such a young and handsome man, as if a figure from a painting had stepped into the present world. Ming Xiu’s persistent stare at Gu Changge bordered on rudeness, prompting a frown from Ling Huang, who worried about upsetting Gu Changge.

However, Gu Changge simply waved his hand and addressed Ming Xiu in a gentle tone, “Cousin, is this the junior sister of the little brother you mentioned to me?”

Ling Huang quickly grasped the situation and explained, “Yes, indeed. This is Miss Ming Xiu.”