I Am the Fated Villain

Chapter 974: Eternal Daosit Monarch commands, Gu Changge’s training for them?

There were numerous ancient ethnic groups residing in the Nine Heavens. Their ancestral lands lay shattered, their homelands reduced to dust, compelling them to abandon their dwellings and embark on a journey of migration. Fen Ruo was not of human descent, but rather bore the blood of the Qing Hong divine bird, her lineage tracing back to a species of primordial avian beings born amidst chaos. Once sovereign over an ancient realm, Fen Ruo’s world met its demise in a catastrophic event, leaving nothing but ruins in its wake.

In this dire circumstance, Fen Ruo led her people on a pilgrimage across the vast sea, eventually discovering the Nine Heavens, where they settled. As the esteemed disciple of the ancient cultivator Yuan Chan, Fen Ruo had diligently climbed the ranks, attaining a formidable half-step Dao cultivation base, a force to be reckoned with in the Nine Heavens, capable of safeguarding her followers.

Accompanying Fen Ruo were various individuals, spanning genders and races, all disciples of the venerable ancient cultivator Yuan Chan. Qing Feng treated them with reverence, save for Fen Ruo, who held the esteemed position of elder sister. Among them, all but the elder sister held the esteemed title of Immortal Emperor, with the weakest among them still ranking as a Quasi-Emperor. In the realm of immortality of yore, such figures would unquestionably reign supreme, their authority unchallenged.

Furthermore, Qing Feng’s acceptance into the fold of the ancient cultivator Yuan Chan during their journey to the Nine Heavens was indebted to Fen Ruo’s benevolence. Had Fen Ruo not taken pity on him, recognizing the plight of his ravaged homeland, and facilitated his introduction to the ancient cultivator Yuan Chan, none of these events would have transpired.

“Master Fen Ruo speaks true. It appears that the fortune of this realm has been disturbed. Should a treasure fail to materialize, it is highly probable that a formidable individual has ascended beyond the Dao fruit…” spoke another figure, slightly taller, at this moment.

Though bearing a resemblance to the ancient monk Yuan Chan, his countenance was distinct, adorned in a golden robe that, despite exuding a sense of Buddha’s serenity, carried a hint of ferocity.

As he gazed upon the tangible world before him, a glint of determination flickered in his eyes, evidently scheming something. Qing Feng cast a glance at this individual, known as Yuan Xin, hailing from the same lineage as the ancient monk Yuan Chan, possessing remarkable talent. Within a mere few epochs, he ascended to the rank of quasi-immortal emperor, earning high esteem from the venerable ancient cultivator Yuan Chan.

This time, the ancient cultivator Yuan Chan deliberately brought forth Yuan Xin, aiming to aid him in ascending to the position of Immortal Emperor and consolidating the radiance of the Immortal Emperor. With hands clasped together, the ancient cultivator Yuan Chan nodded faintly and remarked, “You speak true. As Qing Feng mentioned earlier, this realm has unmistakably entered a phase of decline, teetering on the brink of annihilation, yet the currents of fortune are in motion, and vitality surges forth. This does not indicate premature senescence.”

“Furthermore, when I last departed this realm, I lacked experience and failed to perceive these prohibition patterns. Yet now, it’s evident that these are not mere markings left by ordinary cultivators. It appears that formidable beings once graced this realm, leaving behind inscriptions laden with untold secrets.”

Now an ancient cultivator of immeasurable strength, even he found himself taken aback by the intricacy of the formation patterns, suggesting a proficiency at least on par with the Dao Realm. However, as per Qing Feng’s account, no exceedingly powerful beings were ever birthed in this realm.

The world-ending demon lord he referenced, in the ancient cultivator Yuan Chan’s estimation, barely breached the threshold of the Dao Realm. Even his esteemed disciple, Fen Ruo, likely possessed the capability to effortlessly subdue him without encountering any peril.

However, at the level of the ancient cultivator Yuan Chan, one could easily peer into both the past and the future, though observing a single aspect of the real world demanded a significant expenditure of energy. He had no intention of exerting such effort, yet in the depths of his consciousness, a sense of unease lingered, hinting at something amiss.

“Ah, never mind. It’s merely a rebirth occurring in the real world; there’s nothing to fear, just a minor anomaly,” the ancient cultivator Yuan Chan dismissed the concern.

He didn’t dwell on this disturbance. After all, with the ability to peer into and discern the fate of one facet of the real world, he could grasp the machinations of destiny. Should any calamities or threats lurk in the shadows, he could foresee them, calculating various disasters, thus mitigating the risk of falling into crisis.

“Let us return to your hometown and pay it a visit. After so many years away, you must surely long for it,” the ancient cultivator Yuan Chan remarked to Qing Feng, a smile gracing his lips as he clasped his hands together.

Simultaneously, the golden Dao of light beneath his feet extended, effortlessly bypassing the prohibition pattern encircling the Dao Chang Realm. When he departed the Immortal Realm, he was but a mere ape, his cultivation inferior even to Qing Feng’s. It was only through great fortune in the Nine Heavens, acquiring the relic left behind by a Dao realm ancient cultivator upon their demise, and with the assistance of the Eternal Daoist Monarch, that he achieved his current status.

The ancient cultivator Yuan Chan’s claim of a connection to the Immortal Domain held true. It was a native-born cultivator from the Immortal Domain who escorted him to the Nine Heavens. However, the immortal cultivator’s fortunes fell short, leading to their demise in the Nine Heavens.

In the vast expanse, countless cultivators embarked on quests to locate the Nine Heavens, akin to grains of sand in a river, their numbers beyond measure. Among them, one individual lacked substantial fortune and blessings. When he reached the pinnacle of his cultivation, his lifespan naturally concluded. Over time, the ancient cultivator Yuan Chan nearly forgot the visage and name of this person.

“Time is a relentless force, whittling away at the arrogance of heaven itself, sparing none from its trials. Yet, if I can fulfill the tasks set forth by Lord Eternal Monarch and earn his favor, perhaps I can ascend even higher…” contemplated the ancient cultivator Yuan Chan, his eyes harboring schemes and calculations.

Had it not been for the directive from the Lord of the Nine Heavens, the esteemed Lord Eternal Daoist Monarch, urging him to accept Qing Feng as his disciple, the ancient cultivator Yuan Chan would not have acquiesced, even if Fen Ruo, his most distinguished disciple, had personally pleaded for mercy. In his estimation, regardless of Qing Feng’s ties to the Immortal Domain, they had already severed their connection.

In this expansive realm, where worlds shattered and lives perished daily, he had little time to spare for such matters. Dao cultivation was a ruthless path, where strength dictated survival. However, the notice from the Eternal Daoist Monarch regarding Qing Feng signified his uniqueness, prompting the ancient cultivator Yuan Chan to comply.

Of course, accompanying Qing Feng back to the Immortal Domain to address the impending catastrophe was also at the behest of the Eternal Daoist Monarch. Unaware of these machinations, Qing Feng remained oblivious.

Within the Dao Chang Realm, Gu Wuwang had already apprised the leaders of all ethnic groups regarding the looming disaster, refraining from divulging Gu Changge’s disappearance to the public. In the Dao Chang Realm, Gu Changge’s presence served as its backbone. Should this backbone vanish, the people’s morale would falter.

In the main hall of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance, leaders from all ethnic groups hurried over, their concern palpable amidst the densely packed gathering of heads engaged in hushed discussions. Though the atmosphere weighed heavy with the impending catastrophe, there was no sense of despair or unease.

Clad in a black robe, Gu Wuwang stood at the head of the assembly, hands clasped behind his back. Observing the scene, he couldn’t help but shake his head faintly. If it were known that Gu Changge had vanished long ago, he wondered whether these individuals would still exhibit such calmness and converse freely.

“It seems Gu Changge aimed to fortify the Dao Chang Realm before employing the technique of disappearance. But it’s worth considering that if everything hinges on him, the growth of talents within the Dao Chang Realm would be stunted,” Gu Wuwang speculated inwardly. “Perhaps facing catastrophe is the catalyst for our swiftest growth.”

“Brother Wuwang, has the news been confirmed?” inquired Jiu Jianxian, who had nearly crossed into the Dao Realm, accompanied by his apprentice Wang Xiao Niu, his query direct.

Despite his disheveled appearance and ragged attire, none in the hall dared to underestimate Jiu Jianxian. Many among the younger generation, followers of various ethnic group leaders, and gifted individuals, cast their gaze towards Jiu Jianxian’s apprentice, Wang Xiaoniu.

As one of the few apprentices of an ancient cultivator in the Dao Realm within the Dao Chang Realm, Wang Xiaoniu inevitably drew attention. However, over the years, he had matured considerably, shedding his past as a mountain village cowherd. Standing there, resplendent and confident, his Dao sword resting on his back, he exuded an air of youthful swordsmanship.

Certainly, rumors circulated that Wang Xiaoniu shared a connection with Gu Changge, the leader of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance, and had once addressed him as “Uncle Gu.” However, neither the rumor nor Wang Xiaoniu himself had confirmed this speculation.

Leaders from various ethnic groups and factions attempted to entice Wang Xiaoniu, extending various offers such as alliances or marriage proposals, but all their efforts proved fruitless. In the Dao Chang Realm, where luck abounded and prodigies emerged like mushrooms after rain, Wang Xiaoniu undoubtedly stood among the brightest of the younger generation, earning the moniker “Little Sword Immortal” from many.

“Indeed, the news is accurate. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have sent out a message alerting all tribes that external forces will arrive within a few years, albeit different from my initial deduction. It’s likely they’re not affiliated with the same faction,” confirmed Gu Wuwang with a nod.

The revelation stunned the leaders of all ethnic groups in the hall. Someone couldn’t help but inquire, “Deputy leader, does this mean there’s more than one force beyond the vast expanse eyeing the Dao Chang Realm?”

Gu Wuwang cast a glance at the individual, nodding before responding, “It’s a possibility. That’s why I convened this meeting to strategize. Without proper preparation, it will be challenging for the Dao Chang Realm to withstand this impending catastrophe.”

Assuming his duties as the deputy leader of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance with earnestness, Gu Wuwang acknowledged that in the past, he wouldn’t have bothered with such matters or spoken at such length. However, with Gu Changge’s disappearance and subsequent hands-off approach, Gu Wuwang found himself compelled to take charge.

In truth, during his tenure managing the Heaven-Slaying Alliance, he keenly felt the benefits derived from the collective willpower and faith of all beings. His cultivation, previously stagnating at a bottleneck, showed signs of progress, and his understanding of Daoism deepened.

Despite these benefits, Gu Wuwang harbored a sense of dissatisfaction. With his cultivation seemingly reaching its limit, he faced uncertainty about the path forward, lacking hope and direction in his cultivation journey.

The power of faith and belief from all beings offered Gu Wuwang a glimmer of hope. Perhaps he could harness these forces to embark on a new path, condensing the essence of the Dao for his cultivation.

The leaders of all ethnic groups in the hall were visibly stunned by these words. Many furrowed their brows, contemplating how to address the situation. Gu Wuwang’s remarks served as a stark reminder that the forthcoming catastrophes would not be singular occurrences.

“If we don’t progress swiftly, we won’t even qualify as cannon fodder in the face of these calamities,” some young individuals inwardly lamented, feeling the urgency of their cultivation journey. Time seemed to slip away too swiftly, leaving insufficient opportunity for their growth.

Before long, streams of light heralded the arrival of others outside the main hall. Cen Shuang and fellow survivors from the Immortal Palace trailed behind Uncle Yi, while Ao Ling, Ao Teng, and other figures from the era of innate mythology, along with Shen Xian’er, accompanied Ming, another Dao realm ancient cultivator within the Dao Chang Realm.

Gu Wuwang briefed everyone on the situation he had discerned and urged them to prepare. The impending catastrophe loomed nearer than anticipated, casting a somber mood over the gathering.

Cen Shuang, Shen Xian’er, Ao Ling, and other young geniuses fell silent, weighed down by a sense of despondency. Despite their diligent cultivation, their progress still lagged. In the face of the approaching catastrophe, they feared they might not even qualify as cannon fodder.

While Cen Shuang and Ao Ling had cultivated for an extended period, attaining the status of immortal kings, Shen Xian’er, despite receiving guidance from Gu Changge and Ming, remained too youthful to be considered a true immortal.

The cultivation bases of the younger generation were notably lower, despite their exposure to heaven-defying opportunities and remarkable fortune leading to rapid strength advancement. However, enlightenment in the realms of humanity would require many years of dedicated effort.

“Deputy leader, I’m curious about the leader’s whereabouts. It’s been quite some time since we last heard from the leader,” inquired a foreign powerhouse respectfully, prompting a collective curiosity regarding everyone’s aspirations.

These words drew the attention of all present, including Cen Shuang and others who harbored grievances towards Gu Changge. However, Gu Wuwang anticipated this question; he remained unaware of Gu Changge’s current location. He merely shook his head slightly and responded, “The leader is presently occupied with important matters, thus unable to intervene in this affair. Resolving this catastrophe necessitates the collective efforts of the Dao Chang Realm.”

Upon hearing this, the atmosphere in the hall grew tense. Initially indifferent individuals now bore expressions of gravity and solemnity, realizing the gravity of the situation.