I Am the Fated Villain

Chapter 157: Never Planned To Let Him Live; Destiny Has Finally Arrived!

Hum!

Gu Changge left, stepping into the void as he went to the Ancient City where Ye Ling now resided in.

He had just received the information that Yin Mei sent him in secret.

Apparently, Ye Ling had now found the Immortal Cave.

Gu Changge smirked, ‘What a great piece of news.’

At this moment, the leek called Ye Ling had finally ripened and reached its fullest potential.

It may sound a bit distasteful, but without Ye Ling, it would have been very difficult for Gu Changge to ever find the long-forgotten remains of the Ancient Deity of Reincarnation.

‘At this moment, they should all be headed to that patch of ruins to hunt down Ye Ling… though I’m afraid they won’t find him there.’

‘However, with the many desecrated graves there, my previous claims will only grow stronger.’

Naturally, Gu Changge made sure to tighten the black pot of the Demonic Arts on Ye Ling’s head.

With most cultivators unable to let go of even the slightest bit of news regarding Ye Ling, rumours of his appearance alone were enough to move the masses right where Gu Changge needed them to be.

If those tombs were exposed to the public at that time...

The ancient corpses whose essences have been devoured would become the greatest evidence against Ye Ling, cementing his demonic title and pushing him into the abyss.

Insidious and flawless, this was precisely the kind of arrangement a villain such as Gu Changge would make.

When it reaches such a state, Ye Ling would find it impossible to wash clean of the blame, reaching the point of no return. 

Furthermore, Ye Ling was completely oblivious to the whole matter, having already gone to the cave of the Ancient Deity of Reincarnation.

And Gu Changge didn’t plan to let him come back alive either.

...

As Gu Changge “received” news of Ye Ling’s appearance…

Many of the younger generations also heard bits and pieces of interesting information.

“Ye Ling’s figure appeared in the ruins to the east...”

Chi Ling, who was leading people to search for Ye Ling in an ancient town, frowned slightly.

When she and Ye Ling travelled together before, Ye Ling did not reveal anything outside the norm.

He had never approached those ruins either.

However, Ye Langtian’s words made her suspicious. It was possible Ye Ling actually had the idea of entering those ruins but found it difficult to leave because she was by his side.

‘He must’ve felt it was troublesome to slip away.’

When she heard the news, the seeds of doubt planted in her heart only grew stronger.

‘I only hope that they don’t find anything implicating Ye Ling in the tombs; otherwise… that means he was hiding his true identity all this time, a terrifying thought’

Chi Ling’s eyes went cold as a murderous aura filled with bloodlust coursed through her body. She hated those who tried to deceive her the most, even more so when it came from a friend!

The suspicions she had for Ye Ling had now outgrown even those she had for Ye Langtian.

“Chi Ling, when you meet Ye Ling, I hope that kindness and sentimentality do not get in your way! There is no need to discuss the dangers of having the Forbidden Demonic Arts’ Inheritor kept alive.”

Dressed in colourful, feathered clothing with a handsome face, Kong Yang and the others persuaded her on the matter.

After all, their hatred for Ye Ling was deeper than anyone else.

It was especially so when they remembered the time when they had paired up with Ye Ling. It sent chills down their spins, giving birth to a terrible sense of fear and horror.

Such an insidious person… it was their good fortune that they had safety in numbers and never acted alone. If they did, they may have suffered from Ye Ling’s poisonous methods and already be six feet under, buried heartlessly beneath the soil of the Immortal Ancient Continent.

They only prayed that Yin Mei of the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox Family could also escape the devil’s claws.

Chi Ling’s cold and proud face darkened further after hearing their pleas.

“This time, I shall tear all face with him!” she spoke icily.

...

[Within the mountainous regions]

Wang Wushuang, Ye Langtian, and the descendants of the Immortal Lake received this news as well.

“The Demonic Arts Inheritor has appeared in a ruin in the East. Be careful, don’t let him escape!”

A Young Supreme relayed this information to his brothers and sisters behind him with a very stern look.

“Ye Ling dared show himself, but I fear he may yet escape once more.” Ye Langtian frowned, golden rings covered his body as his hair shone brighter than the morning star.

He knew Ye Ling well. The man looked honest enough, but in truth, he is a sinister and cunning individual.

If he dares show himself with so many people hunting him, it meant he was confident he could either escape or fight back with minimal issues.

“Nevermind, this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity must not be missed.”

Ye Langtian immediately summoned a group of his followers as they went to the rumoured ruins with the intent to kill.

The White Tiger Clan was getting impatient, pressuring them to hand over Ye Ling. In addition, the other Dao Sects have also come to play as they too sent out their forces. Needless to say, Ye Langtian was under a great deal of unwanted pressure as the Heir of the Ye Family.

At this moment, Ye Langtian wanted nothing more than to kill Ye Ling with his own hands, to pacify both the public as well as his own boiling hatred.

Wang Wushuang and the other Young Supremes did not stand idle either, venturing forth to slay the rumoured Forbidden Demonic Arts’ Inheritor. An amazing fluctuation emerged from the nearby mountains as the almighty forces moved to attack.

Divine chariots soared through the sky as divine rainbows shook the four fields as these forces moved to the ruins.

Many natives of the Ancient Immortal Continent were startled as they looked up.

Especially the nearby Black Heavenly Eagles, Ancient Serpents, and Divine Crocodile clan members.

“What happened? Why did so many people rush to that place all of a sudden?”

“Could it be that some Immortal Treasure was born?”

As for the natives, the light in their eyes was cold, sinister. After all, their original plan was to join forces and besiege Gu Changge…

But now, they have merely turned into divine rainbows and fled.

Within the Black Heavenly Eagle Clan, a young girl stood on a cloud-shrouded cliff.

She looked only seventeen or eighteen years old and possessed delicate facial features. She was dressed in white as clouds and mist covered her body.

Her black hair flowed like a cloud, held by nine phoenix hairpins. She wore a splendid jade robe depicting endless rivers and mountains, her appearance as holy as an immortal lotus with an unrivalled demeanour.

“By the command of the True Dragon Order, The True Dragon Clan has decreed that all younger generations of the Immortal Ancient Races will participate in the crusade against the Villain Gu Changge.”

The girl whispered to herself, a gleaming light passed through her black, gem-like eyes.

‘Since Long Teng is dead, the younger generation of the Ancient Immortal Races are running around like a headless chicken. This is a perfect opportunity for me.’ 

She was none other than Hei Ming’s older sister, Hei Yanyu.

On the bright side of things, she could be regarded as one of the best talents among the younger generation from the various Immortal Ancient Races.

A rare, “once-in-a-hundred-thousand-years” genius of the Black Heavenly Eagle Tribe

Some time ago, when Long Teng was still looking for the Heavenly Daughters of each race, he took a fancy to her outstanding appearance, wanting to include her in his harem.

However, Hei Yanyu refused the offer. 

She kept a low profile and had no reputation, but that didn’t mean she was weak enough to just surrender to Long Teng and walk in his shadow for the rest of her life.

In truth, Hei Yanyu was a very ambitious woman, and she intended to lead the Black Heavenly Eagle Clan past their ancient glories, dominating the other Ancient Immortal Races.

She had originally planned to find an opportunity to challenge Long Teng and cement her position.

Unfortunately, Long Teng fell prey to Gu Changge before that thought could bear fruit.

Hei Yanyu had heard wind of Gu Changge and knew of his tyrannical strength. Unfortunately, most rumours that circulated among the various native groups of the Ancient Immortal Continent were faulty, to say the least. After all, they were far too focused on slander.

‘In truth, Gu Changge’s strength should at least be on the level of Godhood[1].’

[1. False God, True God, Heavenly God, God King.]

Hei Yanyu had personally investigated the outcome of that battle.

“Young Asura!”

Such a heavy title was not filled with mere words.

Nonetheless, all the clans were now united. And together, they were preparing their own crusade against Gu Changge.

Hei Yanyu thought that this might be an opportunity for herself.

No matter how powerful one is, how was it possible for them to face the entirety of the Ancient Immortal Continent’s forces on their own?

“The time has come, my followers! Come with me, and together, we shall put down Gu Changge!”

With Hei Yanyu’s words came several blasts of Qi, as numerous tyrannical figures rushed out of the mountains behind her.

Swoosh!

The sound of the sound barrier being broken rushed out from the depths of the cliffs as mysterious figures appeared beside Hei Yanyu with an earth-rending stomp.

A blond girl with glowing wings, an ancient and archaic dragon, a sturdy man with multi-coloured scales on his arms, and a giant of a man with bristling horns...

These creatures emitted immensely powerful auras, the weakest among them having a cultivation base in the False God Realm, they were personally conquered by Hei Yanyu.

After Hei Yanyu and the others disappeared, a pale and mysterious boy walked out from the edge of the cliff.

The boy had a pair of obsidian-black wings on his back. It was Hei Ming.

As he stared at the direction Hei Yanyu left in, a strange gleam coalesced within his piercing eyes.

“Now that the two ancestors have practised the Immortal Binding Technique... as soon as my sister fully leaves family grounds, it will be my time to ascend and take all the power for myself.”

Hei Ming muttered to himself, a flame called ambition burning violently in his eyes.

Yet, even he himself did not notice the silken, silver-white patterns that webbed across his irises, appearing one moment, and then vanishing the next.

…

[Inside the dry well, Ancient City.]

As Ye Ling took Yin Mei inside…

The world spun in front of them. Space itself began to mix and overlap, shattering and reforming as if stuck in an endless loop.

In the end, the two seemed to pass through a ripple in the void before landing firmly on the ground.

There was an odd flash in Yin Mei’s eyes, seeming rather surprised, “Where is this place? Did we come to another world?”

“Yes, we are in another world. This place can be regarded as a Minor World left to me by my Master.”

Ye Ling tried to suppress the excitement blooming in his heart as he replied.

Normally, he addressed the one who left this inheritance to him as the Ancient Deity of Reincarnation. 

However, inside the Immortal Cave left by the Ancient Deity of Reincarnation, he must now address him as Master.

This was just in case the Ancient Deity had placed a remnant of his soul here. It would be a great loss if he heard Ye Ling’s disrespectful words and decided to promptly expel him from this Minor World.

Ye Ling’s usually had a deceptively simple appearance, but in truth, his heart harbours unfathomable secrets.

“The Ancient Deity of Reincarnation… could it be?”

At this moment, Yin Mei held an expression of shock, matching the gravity of Ye Ling’s words.

She was wowed, awed even.

In truth, Gu Changge had already said as much to her, so she wasn’t surprised in the slightest.

“Yep, you guessed it.” Ye Ling felt a little proud, even boastful. Him being the Ancient Deity of Reincarnation’s rightful heir had made his ego swell to maximum capacity.

Unfortunately, he didn’t dare expose such a secret for fear of being hunted down.

Confessing this fact in front of Yin Mei made him smile as he enjoyed Yin Mei’s ‘shock and awe’.

“The Ancient Deity of Reincarnation is an existence infinitely close to True Immortals. You have such a background, it is really unexpected… it’s simply too much.” Yin Mei blushed as she said these words, ‘admiring’ him.

Ye Ling shook his head and continued, “So you need to know that the rumours from the outside that I am the Forbidden Demonic Arts’ Inheritor are completely false. The real Forbidden Demonic Arts’ Inheritor is actually Gu Changge, the Heavenly Dao Immortal Palace’s successor...”

“He framed it all on me!”

“Gu Changge, this despicable and shameless villain. Sooner or later, I will tear off his self-righteous face and let the world know who the real villain is so that they can feed his flesh to the dogs...”

While speaking of Gu Changge, deep hatred and murderous intent bloomed in his eyes.

There has never been anyone in the world who he hated as deeply as Gu Changge.

Even Ye Langtian was far behind in this regard.

It was apparent that the two of them had never really met before, or even said a word to each other.

And yet... Gu Changge still framed him like this, making him carry such a big black pot of blame, becoming a rat crossing the street that everyone shouted and beat!

The whole world was practically his enemy!

“You need not say anymore… I’ve always believed in you, Ye Ling.”

Yin Mei had a slight frown as she interrupted, ending Ye Ling’s tirade against her beloved Gu Changge. She grit her teeth, because at this moment, she could barely hold back from slapping that mouth of his. 

“Sister Yin, only you would treat me with such kindness!” Ye Ling exclaimed, a little moved.

However, this wasn’t the time to get emotional.

He immediately paved the way forward, guiding Yin Mei through his master’s abode.

…

’The trail left by Yin Mei ends here.’

Gu Changge’s figure walked out of the void and arrived at the same abandoned ancient temple.

He stared at the dry well in front of him, his eyes thoughtful.

’Ye Ling should have already entered by now. In any case, it seems that this spatial passage is quite similar to my inner world...’ Gu Changge’s spiritual sense penetrated the empty well.

As one who wields the Void Talent, it was no surprise that he noticed the faint spatial fluctuations.

Obviously, this well led to another world with hidden secrets.

‘Somebody should have rushed over to the ruins by now. However, other than me, no one else knows where Ye Ling truly is.’

Gu Changge smiled lightly as he stepped into the passage.

It wasn’t his first time plucking up such a nicely fattened leek.

As such, he was already quite familiar with the flow of events.

Ye Ling would stand in the frontlines, charging forth to eliminate all kinds of dangers for him. He would then come from the back, happy and relaxed, following the easy road laid out for him. 

Unfortunately for Ye Ling, his reward could be summed up into a single word...

Death!

Gu Changge did not plan for Ye Ling to leave this Immortal Cave alive.

That said, on the surface, a massive and heaven-shaking battle with the ‘Forbidden Demonic Arts’ Inheritor’ would break out after he followed him into his devilish lair.

And in the end, Ye Ling bursts out with all his strength, escaping from Gu Changge’s hands.

The word will spread that Gu Changge and Yin Mei joined hands to gravely wound the evil Ye Ling who fled. Meanwhile, he himself would take on the appearance of being seriously injured by the battle, all to convince the masses.

In Gu Changge’s view, this strategy seemed to be flawless.

After all, no one knows where Ye Ling will show up next. The Forbidden Demonic Arts’ Inheritor possessed the means to hide in plain sight, after all. He could be lurking anywhere in the world. 

All the forces of Daoism will look for Ye Ling, but how does one find a dead man?

Ye Ling’s various methods to change his face and hide his origin would then bite him in the a*s.

The cultivating masses will not know that Ye Ling is dead, instead, they would think that he has escaped from view and is merely hiding in the dark.

Hence, any future misdeeds that Gu Changge commits will be attributed to the dead Ye Ling. That was, of course, unless someone catches him in the act – the chances of which were slim.

Once these events have taken place, how could anyone suspect Gu Changge?

…

Ye Ling and Yin Mei walked a long way.

The scenery had changed. An underground cavern, directly connected to the depths, sprawled out in front of them. A scorching breath tickled their faces as a certain unseen pressure enveloped them.

Engraved in the space surrounding them were intricate arrays, if one didn’t possess the power of reincarnation, they would severely hinder the movement of even those in the Sacred Realm.

“Ye Ling, you must pay close attention. This is the final test set by the Ancient Deity of Reincarnation. Be wary of the array structures in the void…” The Old Turtle’s voice spoke to him from within the pendant.

Ye Ling’s heart shuddered as he didn’t dare to relax his vigilance.

Boom!

Boom!

Boom!

He soon saw a bright light ahead of him as hot magma coiled under his feet.

A single-plank bridge across the lava connected to the opposite side.

“There will naturally be creatures with the fire attribute thanks to the magma, so be careful” The Old Turtle reminded.

Ye Ling nodded.

A fiery wave of magma oozed from below, continuously striking him.

Fortunately, the debris was effortlessly broken apart by the power of reincarnation hidden within his body, unable to hurt Ye Ling in the slightest.

It carried an impossible amount of heat. Not only that, but the crushing gravity that followed would make even the sturdiest of body cultivators crumple and die.

The average False God Realm cultivator would probably explode in an instant, and even True God Realm cultivators would find it difficult to pass.

In short, the test set by the Ancient Deity of Reincarnation was gruelling. Fortunately, such a test was well-suited for the Ye Ling of the present.

Such a test wasn’t enough to turn this into a life-and-death crisis, but it wouldn’t be a walk in the park either.

If Gu Changge were here, he’d remark on how highly unnecessary everything was.

“Roar!”

A swarm of creatures wrapped in flickering flames jumped out of the magma and moved towards Ye Ling, momentarily embroiling him in an intense fight.

All while Yin Mei stood at the back, watching the events unfold as she quietly left yet another invisible trail.

Unfortunately for him, Ye Ling did not notice Yin Mei’s actions.

In his eyes, boundless opportunities lay at the end of the road ahead.

Nothing was more important than this!

After the last magma creature died, Ye Ling took Yin Mei to overcome the other difficulties barring his path forward.

He solved the multitude of tests left by the Ancient Deity of Reincarnation, destroying a series of formations and dispelling traps filled with killing intent along the way as they finally reached the depths of the abode.

It was there that he would find a cave emitting an illustrious divine light.

Three bronze columns supported a bronze white-jade palace that lay suspended in the void.

The Laws of Reincarnation take on strands of black and white that surged throughout the entire structure, creating an incomparably dazzling view, a stark contrast to the surrounding darkness.

Inside the palace, a lake rose and fell like a boundless galaxy, emitting a peculiar silver mist. 

A small, silver-bark tree with white and black stripes containing the profound rules of reincarnation stood tall and proud in the centre of the hall as its leaves swayed.! 

When he saw all this, Ye Ling who stood outside the cave, was incredibly surprised and excited.

Even Yin Mei was surprised, such a scene was simply too shocking.

“The Ancient Deity left behind this lake for you to attain the Reincarnation Physique…”

“The great root with the power of reincarnation! The immortal essence located in the Lake of Reincarnation will allow you to condense the Origin of Reincarnation, which may even be used as an almighty weapon to slash through all things!”

“What’s more, this portable cave was refined with a World Core containing the remains of the Ancient Deity alongside a few terrifying puppets that were refined alongside it.”

The Old Turtle’s excited voice resounded in Ye Ling’s ears.

“Haha! It seems my efforts weren’t in vain!”

Ye Ling jumped in excitement upon seeing all the opportunities, his whole body trembling slightly.

“All of this is mine! Destiny is with me, Ye Ling! Just you wait, Gu Changge! I’ll kill you myself!”