I Am the Fated Villain

Chapter 957: Claiming to be the successor of the true world of mountains and seas, using the power of the world to help it grow

“Greetings, seniors…” Ni Chen’s voice was calm, his demeanor composed as he addressed the assembly. Unfazed by the scrutiny, he met their gazes with equanimity.

Observing Ni Chen, the Gu family ancestor, Ming, the Daoist-robed elder, and others nodded in acknowledgment. Their scrutiny revealed the unfathomable fortune coursing through Ni Chen’s being, far surpassing their expectations. He appeared to be a man destined for greatness, favored even by the celestial forces.

Ni Chen, also known as Wang Wushang, then humbly introduced himself as a member of the Immortal Domain’s Wang family. Sensing the elders’ curiosity, he proceeded to elucidate his background without preamble, anticipating their reactions. As a member of the Underworld Clan, he harbored no fear of detection by his kin, especially given his current celestial favor.

Satisfied with Ni Chen’s demeanor, the elders refrained from interruption, awaiting his comprehensive explanation. King Luo covertly contacted the other two immortal kings of the Wang family, seeking insights into Wang Wushang’s identity. However, to his surprise, they professed ignorance.

Further perplexing King Luo was the revelation that the other two immortal kings were not within the Immortal Domain but rather resided in the royal family of the upper realm.

Unable to contact them, King Luo resolved to seek answers in person, venturing to their abode to inquire about the situation firsthand. However, the revelation that they had left the Immortal Domain with some of their clansmen for the Upper Realm left King Luo baffled.

“What’s happening? Why have they departed from the Immortal Domain and taken some of our clansmen to the Upper Realm?” King Luo pondered silently, though as a junior in this gathering, he dared not voice his concerns aloud. Instead, he listened attentively to Ni Chen’s forthcoming explanation.

Upon hearing Ni Chen’s account, the Gu family ancestor’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. The subtle auras emanating from Ni Chen hinted at a connection to the true spirit of the real world of mountains and seas.

The true spirit of the Mountain and Sea Realm was the primordial will conceived at the realm’s inception, integral to its very existence. In the primordial battle against the heavens, the true spirits of the mountains and seas stood against the forces of dissolution, establishing the Immortal Palace prior to the dark era.

These revelations weren’t secrets to Ni Chen; he had witnessed the realm’s evolution firsthand. While uncertain of the true spirit’s current whereabouts, it was likely that its absence left the realm vulnerable to catastrophe.

The other ancient beings, lacking the Gu family ancestor’s comprehensive understanding, shared in his skepticism. However, Ao Teng, Ao Ling, and others from the age of innate mythology provided clarification, elucidating the significance of the true spirit of mountains and seas and its protective role over the realm’s inhabitants.

Moved by this revelation, the elders couldn’t help but feel a sense of reverence, realizing the magnitude of the true spirit’s influence in safeguarding the realm’s populace.

However, according to Ao Teng and Ao Ling’s accounts, the true spirit might have indeed dissipated.

“Not necessarily,” countered some survivors of the Immortal Palace. “Uncle Yi and others have been resurrected before. Perhaps the Master True Spirit is orchestrating events behind the scenes.”

“How could she truly dissipate?” They couldn’t quite reconcile themselves to this possibility. For many, the Grand Palace Master of the Immortal Palace, the incarnation of the true spirit of the Mountain and Sea Realm in the mortal world, was an entity beyond ordinary comprehension. Initially revered as godlike figures alongside the Demon Lord, their subsequent fate left many bewildered.

Ni Chen, unaware of these intricacies, nonetheless felt compelled to fulfill his role, elaborating on the process of inheriting the true spirit’s legacy. Recounting a significant dream, he described encountering a woman who proclaimed his existence as a response to the impending catastrophe, tasked with safeguarding the realm’s inhabitants and spirits.

However, when pressed about the woman’s true identity, Ni Chen could only shake his head, admitting to her ethereal presence, seemingly distant from this world.

The ancient beings listened in astonishment. While transmitting teachings through dreams wasn’t unheard of, the fact that the true spirit of the Mountain and Sea Realm employed such a method raised doubts about its current state. Was it truly unable to manifest, or had it indeed dissipated?

Cen Shuang and others found the prospect difficult to accept, their expressions darkening at the implications.

Beneath his robe, Ming Yi’s hand trembled imperceptibly, attempting to discern clues within Ni Chen’s narrative. He sought to trace the origins of the significant dream and verify the truth behind Ni Chen’s words.

Despite harboring doubts, Ming refrained from fully embracing Ni Chen’s words. After all, with countless years of experience, he wasn’t one to easily trust others. Yet, his deduction yielded a perplexing outcome, shrouded in thick fog.

“If it were merely a quasi-immortal king, I should have been able to deduce the truth. Is someone concealing the truth, or perhaps it’s the hand of fate, veiling the cause and effect with overwhelming fortune?” Ming mused, his confusion evident. Nevertheless, he chose not to dwell on the matter too deeply.

In the grand scheme of things, whether Ni Chen’s claims were true or not, they seemed to hold tangible benefits for the realm of Mountains and Seas. Many shared Ming’s sentiment, recognizing the potential value in Ni Chen’s assertions.

Ni Chen himself addressed the true spirits of the realm with reverence, suggesting a profound connection between himself and the realm. He spoke of his meteoric rise in cultivation, attributing his success to what he perceived as divine favor. Even the simplest acts seemed to lead to breakthroughs, propelling him from a novice cultivator to a quasi-immortal king in a matter of years.

The listeners, including Cen Shuang and Ao Ling, couldn’t conceal their astonishment. Despite their age and esteemed lineage—Cen Shuang’s father being the Immortal King of the Immortal Palace, and Ao Ling’s father the ancestor of Dragons—they couldn’t match Ni Chen’s rapid ascent. In their eyes, Ni Chen appeared as an ordinary individual, yet his achievements were nothing short of extraordinary.

“It’s astounding…” The young man accompanying the Daoist-robed elder widened his eyes in disbelief, utterly astonished by Ni Chen’s incredible journey.

“No wonder they say that variables encompass all possibilities. This breakthrough speed is simply unprecedented, beyond the bounds of common sense—it’s truly unimaginable,” remarked an ancient figure in awe.

“In just a few years, he has achieved such heights. If given more time, could he not ascend to levels comparable to our own?” Another figure couldn’t contain their astonishment, grappling with the sheer magnitude of Ni Chen’s accomplishments.

They, too, had ascended from humble beginnings, transcending numerous trials and tribulations to become the paragons of their respective eras. The journey from enlightenment to quasi-immortal king typically demanded immense sacrifices, hardships, and years of cultivation. Ni Chen’s rapid ascent disrupted their understanding, defying the conventional limits of cultivation.

In this surreal moment, even the likes of the Gu family ancestor couldn’t help but feel incredulous, as if witnessing a fantastical dream unfolding before their eyes.

“It appears that he truly is a variable. It’s no wonder I couldn’t discern his past or future,” the Gu family ancestor mused, a rare smile gracing his lips.

Though momentarily unsettled, the assembly swiftly regained their composure, recognizing that envy or jealousy had no place in this extraordinary circumstance. The very existence of a variable defied reason, let alone its origins or purpose.

“Senior, does this mean there’s hope for the realm of Mountains and Seas?” inquired an ancient figure from afar, voicing the collective concern.

“There is indeed hope,” affirmed the Gu family ancestor, casting a satisfied glance at Ni Chen. The enigmatic nature of variables rendered their potential boundless, their growth trajectory unpredictable. In the face of such uncertainty, the realm dared to dream of a brighter future.

The ancient ancestor of the Gu family was himself a person of variable aptitude in ancient times. His rapid ascent was so astounding that it defied belief, scarcely documented in the annals of history. Ni Chen’s puzzled expression suggested he didn’t fully grasp the significance of their remarks.

“If you manage to persevere without mishap, you’ll undoubtedly ascend to heights beyond my reach. The fate of the entire world and all its spirits rests on your shoulders,” the Gu family ancestor declared, masking his inner envy with solemn affirmation.

Ni Chen seemed to comprehend, his demeanor resolute as he spoke of his dream mentor’s directive to become a new guardian spirit of the realm.

Suddenly, a profound resonance rippled through the cosmos, as if Ni Chen’s words had triggered a cosmic awakening, igniting a sense of grand purpose among the assembled beings.

“Is this some sort of grand ambition?” murmured the ancients, sensing a profound shift in the celestial energies.

The Gu family ancestor’s gaze turned steely as he issued a warning, sensing a hint of covetousness among some of the ancients, particularly given Ni Chen’s astonishing rate of progression.

Perhaps there were individuals present who cared for nothing but their own gain, seeking to exploit Ni Chen’s extraordinary potential to reshape their own destinies. The Gu family ancestor’s warning served to deter them, ensuring they didn’t jeopardize the newfound hope.

Upon hearing the warning, a ripple of unease passed through the gathering. Even Ming, with all his experience, felt a chill down his spine. The Gu family ancestor’s aura far surpassed his own, a testament to the countless calamities he had endured.

Ni Chen expressed his gratitude with a respectful bow, acknowledging the Gu family ancestor’s protective stance. His excitement was palpable, as everything unfolded according to plan, without a hitch.

The Gu family ancestor brushed off Ni Chen’s thanks, expressing his desire to safeguard the familiar realms from destruction in the years to come. Lost in contemplation, he pondered other pressing matters.

Suddenly, footsteps echoed from the void, accompanied by a voice filled with purpose. A young figure clad in sackcloth emerged, his gaze impassive as he spoke of reunifying the world and nurturing Ni Chen’s growth. His words carried an air of foreboding, hinting at dire consequences should Ni Chen falter on his path.