I Am the Fated Villain

Chapter 740: The Heavenly Bull Demon King’s thoughts, wanting to backstab Gu Changge

“We pay our respects to you, the Reincarnated Heaven Lord,” said the one-eyed Daoist and ChaNa Ancient Buddha, showing profound respect as they bowed to the Reincarnated Heaven Lord. The other powerhouses in the central hall followed suit, paying their respects to him.

Heavenly Phoenix Maiden, Jin Chan, Six-Crown King, and many other young supremes also brimmed with reverence as they carefully observed this mythical figure. Surprisingly, it was the previously agitated Heavenly Bull Demon King who took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down, shifting his gaze away from Gu Changge.

The others assumed that he displayed such a demeanor because he had seen the Reincarnated Heaven Lord appear. However, only he knew the truth. His blood-related ancestor had been a terrifying figure from the Forbidden Era and had witnessed the true form of an unspeakable forbidden existence. This blood-related ancestor had paid a terrible price to create a portrait of that being.

That portrait had been passed down within their clan and had been handed down through generations. Naturally, the Heavenly Bull Demon King had seen that portrait before, which was why, when he saw Gu Changge, he was overwhelmed with turbulent emotions. He would have never believed that there could be two individuals so strikingly similar.

In his eyes, Gu Changge’s demeanor and behavior were an exact match for the person in that portrait. It was as if the person in the portrait was none other than Gu Changge. This realization left the Heavenly Bull Demon King in shock.

Especially in recent times, there had been rumors circulating among the upper realms that Gu Changge was actually a reincarnation of a supreme being. When he connected these two pieces of information, the Heavenly Bull Demon King couldn’t help but be astounded.

“The Gu Changge before me is undoubtedly closely connected to the figure in that portrait. His origins are unimaginable, unfathomable…”

“The records in the ancient scriptures indicate that the great world catastrophes and the ruptures in the eras are all related to that figure.”

Various thoughts raced through the Heavenly Bull Demon King’s mind, but he maintained a cold and impassive demeanor on the surface.

Having lived to his age, the Heavenly Bull Demon King had let go of many things and had a very open-minded perspective. Previously, like many other background figures, he had been curious about Gu Changge. His greatest curiosity had been about how Gu Changge had achieved such an extraordinary and unimaginable level of cultivation at his age. However, after today’s revelation, the Heavenly Bull Demon King dared not harbor any more curiosity or speculations.

…

When the Reincarnated Heaven Lord appeared in the grand hall, he didn’t display any impatience or displeasure. Instead, he wore a gentle, welcoming smile and spoke willingly, “There’s no need for excessive courtesy. Those of us on the path of cultivation have already walked a challenging journey. If we still bind ourselves to worldly constraints, wouldn’t that be restricting our progress?”

“Regarding the matter of the Absolute Heavenly Extinction scourge, Changge had already discussed it with me beforehand.”

“Now that it has emerged in this era, I will naturally take action to resolve this calamity, ensuring peace and tranquility for the common people of the world.”

He spoke concisely and to the point. Before coming to the Divine City, he and Gu Changge, this master-disciple pair, had already planned how to present this matter to the outside world. The outbreak of the Absolute Heavenly Extinction in the upper realms was, in a way, connected to him and Gu Changge.

Of course, the Reincarnated Heaven Lord had his own motives. After all, he had just manifested in this world and needed to employ various means to build his reputation. Moreover, there were secrets about Gu Changge that had piqued his interest. This “small matter” naturally fell within his scope of action.

“The Heavenly Lord’s willingness to intervene in resolving the Scourge of Absolute Heavenly Extinction was truly an honor for all living beings. On the behalf of all living beings, express our gratitude to the Heavenly Lord.”

“The immense grace and benevolence of the Heavenly Lord, I believe, will be eternally remembered by all living beings. They will build shrines and temples in your honor and offer eternal worship.”

Upon hearing this, the one-eyed Daoist from Heavenly Emperor Mountain couldn’t help but show a heartfelt sense of gratitude. He bowed and expressed his thanks with great sincerity. The other Background figures followed his example, expressing their gratitude to the Reincarnated Heaven Lord.

However, many of them had come here not because of the Catastrophe of the Absolute Heavenly Extinction but because they wanted to confirm whether the Reincarnated Heaven Lord truly existed in this world. At their current level of cultivation, the calamity caused by the scourge of Absolute Heavenly Extinction wouldn’t harm them. What they were truly interested in was the path to take beyond their current realm. They wanted to seek guidance from the Reincarnated Heaven Lord.

After all, being trapped in their current realm for many years without any signs of progress or possibility of advancement, suddenly hearing that an existence surpassing the immortal realm still existed in this world from the mythical era was exhilarating and thrilling for them.

On the other hand, the choice of why the Reincarnated Heaven Lord had manifested in this era was a matter worth contemplating and scrutinizing for them. The Reincarnated Heaven Lord was highly perceptive, and he knew well what the various background figures were thinking. However, the key to reach the immortal realm was something even he couldn’t explain; it depended on the appearance of an immortal gate. How could he provide a definite answer to everyone?

As the conversation continued, the crowd asked questions and sought advice from the Reincarnated Heaven Lord, obtaining valuable insights. This included the question of why the Reincarnated Heaven Lord had remained in this world instead of the rumored immortal world?

The Reincarnated Heaven Lord’s response mirrored what he had discussed with Gu Changge during their time at the Gu family. He had explained that when he was exploring a mysterious realm, he had encountered unexpected danger and became trapped within it. After regaining his senses, countless ages had passed, and the world had undergone immense changes.

Later, he had used a secret technique to contact the current disciple, Gu Changge, who had assisted him in breaking free from his captivity and returning to the outside world. This explanation had been pre arranged by him and Gu Changge. Even the ChaNa Ancient Buddha, who had deep knowledge of the destiny and research of Buddhism, couldn’t determine its authenticity.

Regarding the timing of the immortal gate’s appearance, his response was the same—there were no concrete messages or prophecies, and they would have to wait.

After listening, the crowd indeed felt somewhat disappointed, but they had no choice and dared not ask further questions, fearing to offend the Reincarnated Heaven Lord. In terms of cultivation, he had unquestionably surpassed the so-called immortal realms during his peak. As for his current strength, it was impossible to determine.

Even the thinnest camel was larger than a horse, especially when it came to a figure from mythical times.

“I am Jin Chan. I have had the honor of meeting the Reincarnated Heaven Lord. However, there is one matter that remains unclear to me. I hope that Heavenly Lord can enlighten me.”

But at that moment, an abrupt voice suddenly rang out in the central hall. Even the background figures present there frowned in slight displeasure. At this moment, they were engaged in conversation with the Reincarnated Heaven Lord and had no room for a junior to interject. Even the leaders of many immortal sects remained silent and respectful on the sidelines. Heavenly Phoenix Maiden, Six-Crown King Jun Yao, Jiang Luoshen, and others were equally surprised by Jin Chan’s audacity. In this situation, they dared not speak and could only watch from the sidelines.

“It seems this fellow had some prior plan…” Gu Changge squinted his eyes and suddenly became more interested. He felt that Jin Chan’s timing for speaking was directed at him.

Seemingly I didn’t directly kill him in the Demon Burying Abyss causing him to misunderstand something.

“Jin Chan, what matters that makes you have to trouble the Heavenly Lord?” ChaNa Ancient Buddha hadn’t expected Jin Chan to speak at this moment, but he raised an eyebrow and calmly inquired without anger. After all, Jin Chan was the next Buddha Lord of Buddha Mountain and held a significant position. Even in the eyes of someone with a profound understanding of destiny like the ChaNa Ancient Buddha, Jin Chan’s future was filled with numerous unknown variables, and he possessed great opportunities. Therefore, he didn’t blame Jin Chan for the breach of etiquette at this time.

“Ancient Buddha, what Jin Chan wishes to inquire about is related to the inheritor of the demonic art and also to the disciple of the Reincarnated Heaven Lord,” Jin Chan said with folded hands. Despite the attention of the Reincarnated Heaven Lord and everyone in the central hall, he remained composed, exuding a serene Buddhist nature. While speaking, he glanced at Gu Changge briefly and then withdrew his gaze nonchalantly.

“The inheritor of demonic art? The disciple of the Heavenly Lord?” Upon hearing this, the Golden Sun Goddess and the one-eyed Daoist became immediately interested. Their gazes shifted to Gu Changge, especially Golden Sun Goddess, who had a profound interest in him. She always felt that this young man harbored many secrets, each capable of triggering significant waves of change.

“It seems that Jin Chan, you have quite a few suspicions about me, even though you never found the real inheritor of the demonic art,” Gu Changge remarked with a faint smile, appearing nonchalant and unconcerned. He paid no attention to the gazes of anyone.

Jin Chan softly said, “At this time, Young Master Changge still remains remarkably composed. I truly admire your cultivation of inner peace.”

“Is that so?” Gu Changge chuckled and didn’t explain further. “In life, there is always a price to be paid for everything. Since you insist on this path, you should have already considered the consequences, right?”

He stated this matter-of-factly, without any hint of aggression or threat. However, the people in the central hall felt a terrifying sense of impending doom wash over them, making them almost suffocating. Many of them couldn’t help but recall what had happened yesterday when Wang Shun had been killed with a single palm strike by Gu Changge after attempting to test him.

While Jin Chan was undoubtedly powerful, compared to the current Gu Changge, he was like an ant in front of the moon—insignificant and minuscule. The Heavenly Bull Demon King felt a chill in his heart, and cold sweat inexplicably trickled down his back. At this moment, he became even more certain about his earlier speculations.

The Lord of the Demon Mountain, Chan Hongyi, the infamous Red-Clothed Demoness in the eyes of the world, was indeed related to the forbidden demonic arts, and she had significant connections with that figure from the past. The reason the Heavenly Bull Demon King chose to pledge allegiance to Chan Hongyi was also due to this.

During their time in Kunwu City, Chan Hongyi had appeared and spoken many enigmatic words to Gu Changge. No one knew why, and no one could fathom the meaning behind her words. However, at this moment, everything became clear in the eyes of the Heavenly Bull Demon King.

“What you wish to inquire about, Jin Chan, I can deduce for you with Destiny technology. There’s no need to trouble the Heavenly Lord,” ChaNa Ancient Buddha said, shaking his head gently. He was aware of the incident concerning the Hanging Buddha Temple in the Demon Burying Abyss, the heavy losses suffered by Buddha Mountain due to Gu Changge’s calculations, and the blame placed on them for releasing Chan Hongyi, the Red-Clothed Demoness. Later, during the battle to besiege Chan Hongyi in the Divine City, many monks sent by Buddha Mountain had perished, with almost none surviving.

Jin Chan, having grown up in Buddha Mountain since childhood, found it difficult to accept these events. Although he often appeared indifferent on the surface, he harbored deep-seated grudges and resentment in his heart. Now that he had found an opportunity, he naturally chose to attack Gu Changge. Only Buddha Mountain knew the truth, so even ChaNa Ancient Buddha felt that Gu Changge’s actions back then were not as simple as merely dealing with the loose seals and formations in the Demon Burying Abyss.

“In this matter, Jin Chan wishes to hear the Heavenly Lord’s verdict. After all, Young Master Changge is the successor of the Heavenly Lord. He must have a reason and rationale for choosing him,” Jin Chan said, maintaining his composed and respectful demeanor, with hands folded in prayer.

Over the years, Jin Chan had investigated many things and finally discovered some clues. This included the source of Gu Changge’s inheritance from the Reincarnated Heaven Lord. He believed that Gu Changge was not the true chosen successor of the Reincarnated Heaven Lord but had acquired this portion of the inheritance through other means. The true successor of the Reincarnated Heaven Lord might have long fallen victim to Gu Changge’s schemes.

In this regard, the Reincarnated Heaven Lord remained unaware, concealed behind a veil of deception. So today, in front of everyone, Jin Chan intended to expose this matter and reveal Gu Changge’s true nature.

As for the matter of the heir of the demonic arts, even though Jin Chan lacked substantial evidence, his intuition kept telling him that there was a significant issue with Gu Changge.

“Are you doubting my judgment in choosing a successor?” At this moment, the Reincarnated Heaven Lord, who had remained silent all along, suddenly spoke. While he still wore a faint smile on his face, the discontent in his words was apparent. Regardless of the circumstances, Gu Changge was now officially his disciple and successor. To be questioned in such a manner by a young junior in front of everyone was a slight. Even though the Reincarnated Heaven Lord maintained his composure, he couldn’t help but feel humiliated and disrespected.

A sense of terror between all the leaders of immortal forces permeated the hall, and it felt like a divine mountain pressing down on their heads, causing them to break out in cold sweat. The leaders of various sects and schools cursed Jin Chan internally. How could a mere young junior dare to speak so audaciously?

“I implore the Heavenly Lord to calm your anger. I believe the disciple of Buddha Mountain didn’t intend to provoke you deliberately,” the one-eyed Daoist spoke, trying to mediate the situation. While his words seemed conciliatory, they carried a hint of mockery, suggesting that Jin Chan wanted to create trouble for Gu Changge.