I Am the Fated Villain

Chapter 962: Gu Xian’er’s whereabouts, it’s time to prepare the second gift

Dao realm beings like Ming and Jiu Jianxian grasped this intuitively. Their cultivation had already reached a point where progress seemed impossible. Yet, the inexplicable surge in luck between heaven and earth hinted at a loosening of their bottleneck state.

While pleasantly surprised, they also felt a deep emotional resonance, knowing that their luck was undoubtedly substantial, paving the way for their current status. Luck was intricately linked to one’s strength, a symbiotic relationship. The more prosperous the Dao Chang real world’s luck became, the stronger they would naturally grow.

At this juncture, even the thought of abandoning this real world was out of the question. Meanwhile, in many places, luck had become disordered due to the opportunities Gu Changge had casually bestowed.

Some individuals with divine powers attempted to discern the cause through secret methods, only to find that incredible luck was transpiring in various universes and regions incessantly. Though their current cultivation remained largely unchanged, their future prospects undoubtedly soared.

These individuals blessed with great fortune emerged continuously, akin to mushrooms after a rain. To them, it signaled the dawn of a bright and prosperous era beyond compare.

Such scenes had unfolded in various places over the years. After Gu Changge initiated a deluge of opportunities, he refrained from further intervention, allowing these fortunate adventurers to flourish and grow.

Now, upholding the concept of the way of heaven, Gu Changge blessed all beings without expecting anything in return, knowing that these fortunate individuals would eventually bring him unexpected surprises in the future. However, for Gu Changge, time was of the essence.

The looming darkness continued to surge from the boundary embankment like relentless waves, shrouding the sky and obscuring the sun, casting endless shadows. Many peerless figures sensed the oppressive atmosphere and pinned their hopes on the unpredictable Ni Chen.

During this period, Ni Chen remained in seclusion, rapidly advancing his cultivation with the assistance of all sentient beings. Within a few months, he ascended from the realm of quasi-immortal king to that of immortal king, stunning and thrilling peerless figures of all races.

In their eyes, as the Daoist of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance, Ni Chen bore immense responsibilities and carried the hopes of many. His diligent cultivation in such dire circumstances resonated with the belief that he was born to confront the impending calamity.

Despite the scrutiny from all quarters, Ni Chen showed no signs of slowing down. While dedicating himself to intense cultivation, he also engaged in battles against veteran immortal kings from various races to hone his Daoism.

To all living beings, Ni Chen’s cultivation speed transcended mere awe; it was nothing short of unbelievable. If they hadn’t witnessed it firsthand, they would never have believed that such rapid breakthroughs were possible.

In comparison, their own cultivation progress over the years seemed sluggish, barely comparable. Yet, considering that Ni Chen was a variable acknowledged by the ancestor of the Gu family, Gu Changge, and others, his extraordinary aptitude seemed only natural.

Many peerless figures also speculated that the numerous individuals blessed with great luck during this period might potentially influence Ni Chen and pose competition in the future. However, even considering this, they still believed that those fortunate individuals paled in comparison to Ni Chen.

The concept of luck was so elusive that even they struggled to fully comprehend it. During this time, Gu Changge closely monitored the changes in luck within the Dao Chang Realm, expressing satisfaction with the outcomes.

When Wang Ziji approached him, casually mentioning Ni Chen’s situation, Gu Changge reassured her, indicating that he had already devised a plan. As for the matter entrusted to Wang Ziji by the two immortal kings of the Wang family, Gu Changge was already aware of it.

Ni Chen believed he had covered his tracks thoroughly, leaving no trace behind. Yet, he had underestimated Gu Changge’s perceptiveness. Gu Changge had noticed “Wang Wushang” when Ni Chen and Wang Ziji encountered him outside the Human Ancestor Hall a few years prior.

Although he initially paid little attention, considering “Wang Wushang” to be a person of minor significance, Gu Changge’s perception shifted when unknown variables began to emerge.

When “Wang Wushang” faced the quasi-immortal king’s calamity, Gu Changge meticulously deduced the various factors at play, prompting him to take notice and follow the unfolding events closely.

In the vast expanse of the heavens, certain real worlds would give rise to individuals with peculiar talents during their evolutionary process. Hence, initially, beings with higher cultivation levels than “Wang Wushang” might not discern any abnormalities, considering it an unsurprising occurrence.

“Wang Wushang” himself possessed formidable luck, making his future difficult to deduce or spy on. However, Ming and the ancestor of the Gu family refrained from probing into “Wang Wushang’s” origins due to a hidden motive behind Gu Changge’s actions.

Perhaps “Wang Wushang” himself remained unaware of this secret reasoning, believing it to be a manifestation of divine will. Yet, from another perspective, for the current Dao Chang Realm, Gu Changge’s intentions indeed seemed like divine will. By shielding “Wang Wushang,” Gu Changge ensured that no one else could discern any abnormal clues about him.

Not even Gu Wuwang, the ancestor of the Gu family who had survived the third decline, could accomplish this feat. Wang Ziji, upon hearing Gu Changge’s response, wasn’t surprised. She even smiled knowingly, feeling validated in her assumptions.

Was there truly anyone in this world capable of eluding Gu Changge’s scrutiny? However, Wang Ziji harbored little affection for “Wang Wushang”; in fact, she felt somewhat cold and repelled by him, indifferent to his fate.

Her inquiry to Gu Changge wasn’t solely motivated by concern for the Wang family; rather, she harbored some apprehension about the possibility of Gu Changge overlooking the situation.

After Wang Ziji departed, Gu Changge unexpectedly encountered Shen Xian’er, Gu Xian’er’s own sister, who approached him with inquiries about her sibling.

In reality, much like numerous members of the Gu family, she too harbored a curiosity regarding Gu Xian’er’s current whereabouts. Her biological parents grew increasingly anxious and had journeyed to Peach Village in search of answers, but even Tao Yao was now missing. The remaining villagers were unaware of Gu Xian’er’s location.

Due to past events, Gu Xian’er’s parents had become somewhat estranged from Gu Changge. Despite Gu Xian’er’s persistent efforts to speak favorably of Gu Changge, their relationship remained strained. They speculated that Gu Changge, with his great powers, might possess information about Gu Xian’er’s whereabouts, prompting them to send Shen Xian’er to inquire.

“Cousin… cousin…” Shen Xian’er, appearing to be in her twenties, wore a simple plain long dress and no makeup. Her hair cascaded like clouds, framing delicate and beautiful features strikingly similar to Gu Xian’er’s. Standing before Gu Changge, she clenched her hands tightly, exhibiting a sense of uncertainty in addressing him.

She hesitated momentarily, ultimately opting to address him as “cousin,” akin to her sister, considering their shared bloodline. During her time in the Heavenly Lan Realm, her interactions with Gu Changge were limited to a few conversations. Now, Gu Changge’s status far surpassed what it had been back then. Even her enigmatic master displayed deference in Gu Changge’s presence.

“Xian’er, there’s no need to be so cautious around me. Just be yourself. You could learn a thing or two from your sister in that regard. She’s not as reserved as you are,” Gu Changge remarked, seated on a stone bench beside a boiling teapot emanating scalding heat.

With a gentle gesture, he opened the teapot, casually adding some tea leaves as he observed the woman before him, offering a warm smile.

The courtyard exuded a simple and elegant charm, devoid of ostentation, even in its surrounding decor. Perhaps it was Gu Changge’s gentle demeanor and relaxed tone that eased much of the tension in Shen Xianer’s heart.

“Yes… yes, cousin,” she responded, though her demeanor still betrayed a hint of unease despite Gu Changge’s encouragement.

Unperturbed, Gu Changge surmised the purpose of Shen Xian’er’s visit and gestured for her to take a seat on a nearby stone bench.

“You’re here to inquire about your sister’s whereabouts, aren’t you?” he asked casually while preparing tea, as if discussing a family matter with an acquaintance.

Shen Xian’er lowered her gaze, unable to meet Gu Changge’s eyes as she confirmed his assumption.

“Well, my sister has been missing for quite some time now, and my parents are deeply concerned. They wish to know if she’s safe or if she’s trapped somewhere,” she explained, her voice tinged with worry.

In truth, not only were her parents worried, but her master also shared the same concern, attempting to deduce Gu Xian’er’s whereabouts to no avail. The fruitless search left them feeling despondent and helpless.

Shen Xian’er couldn’t shake the realization that Ming had taken her under his wing likely due to her resemblance to her elder sister, Gu Xian’er. Initially, she hadn’t grasped the significance of Ming’s mention of a “lord” who bore a striking resemblance to her. However, upon reflection, she recognized that the “lord” referenced was likely her sister.

Reflecting on these thoughts, Shen Xian’er found herself entangled in a complex web of emotions, tinged with a hint of bitterness.

She had always harbored ambitions of surpassing her sister, but now she found herself relegated to the role of her sister’s substitute. Were it not for Gu Xian’er, she wouldn’t have garnered the attention of someone like Ming or been accepted as his apprentice. Achieving such cultivation prowess at her age would have been inconceivable, let alone establishing contact with Gu Changge and addressing him as cousin.

“You don’t need to fret over your sister. When the time is right, she’ll return safe and sound. There’s no immediate danger,” Gu Changge reassured her, his words laced with understanding as he met her gaze.

Sensing the depth of Shen Xian’er’s emotions, Gu Changge didn’t elaborate further. He recognized that such feelings were only natural; after all, no one could claim to be entirely selfless or devoid of desire.

“As long as she’s out of harm’s way,” Shen Xian’er replied, her relief evident in her voice. Despite her envy towards her sister, she harbored no ill will towards her and had no intention of causing her any trouble. Family ties ran deep, and she knew herself well enough not to betray that bond.

With a nod from Gu Changge, the conversation came to a natural close, and he focused on preparing tea. While he hadn’t actively sought to ascertain Gu Xian’er’s whereabouts, he trusted in her resilience. As the former lord of the Mountain and Sea Realm, guided by the auspices of the big red bird, she was fated to navigate through both fortune and adversity.

As Shen Xian’er prepared to take her leave, Gu Changge insisted she stay and enjoy a cup of tea before departing. Being Gu Xian’er’s younger sister granted her certain privileges, and if extending a bit of luck to her could offer some solace, then why not?

After taking a sip of the tea, Shen Xian’er immediately sensed something amiss, her eyes widening in surprise, mirroring her sister’s expression.

“Cousin…this…,” she began, realizing the tea she had just consumed couldn’t possibly be ordinary.

Gu Changge merely smiled in response, offering no explanation, and encouraged her to return home and refine it. This cup of tea was akin to the great fortune bestowed upon those individuals with extraordinary luck, a life-altering gift.

Understanding the significance, gratitude filled Shen Xian’er’s eyes as she rose to accept Gu Changge’s generous gesture.

Once Shen Xian’er had departed, Gu Changge too left the courtyard. Though the mountain he now stood upon lacked grandeur, it held a striking resemblance to the Demonic Mountain where he once resided, a detail that would not escape the notice of Chan Hongyi and Tao Yao.

“It’s about time to prepare another significant gift for that fellow,” Gu Changge muttered to himself, gazing out at the mountains and sea veiled in clouds with a slight shake of his head.