I Am the Fated Villain

Chapter 1817. The Master of the Black Lotus Is the Leader of the Heaven-Felling Alliance? The Guests Are Shaken

“What exactly are these Black Lotuses? Why do they possess such bizarre abilities? They simply can’t be killed off!”

“No matter how many times we destroy those creatures, they revive again before long. The Black Lotuses are protected by some mysterious force and cannot be destroyed at all. If this continues, we’ll be exhausted to death first!”

“We can’t just sit here and wait for death. Everyone must join forces and destroy those Black Lotuses one by one!”

“This Black Lotus Cult is truly terrifying.”

Chaos engulfed Piao Miao Peak.

Terrifying auras permeated the air, and the entire world trembled violently.

In the distant heavens, golden radiance surged across the skies. Countless Dao artifacts shone with dazzling brilliance as they floated through the universe and crashed down repeatedly.

One terrifying beam after another split through heaven and earth, accompanied by primordial light and chaotic light, piercing through everything.

Many unfathomably powerful ancient figures had taken action.

These were beings who had once dominated the world and swept through multiple eras, yet today they repeatedly met with frustration, their faces pale with disbelief.

Neither the enormous Black Lotuses nor the continuously resurrecting Ancestor Dao Realm creatures within them were enemies they could handle.

To be honest, this was the first time in their lives they had ever encountered such a situation.

The Protectors emerging from the Black Lotus Cult seemed to possess immortal bodies.

As fellow Ancestor Dao Realm beings, completely erasing them was already extremely difficult.

Even when everyone joined forces and swiftly eliminated them, it would not be long before those Black Lotus Cult Protectors resurrected from the Black Lotuses they guarded, returning in their peak condition.

Such methods sent chills down everyone’s spine.

“All living beings in existence cannot truly return from death,” one ancient figure declared solemnly.

“Especially not at our level.”

“These Black Lotus Cult Protectors are not ordinary living beings at all. They are completely manufactured war puppets.”

“As expected, this Black Lotus Cult cannot be separated from the former Substitute Heaven Organization.”

His expression grew grave, yet fear was also evident in his voice.

“During the era when darkness once shrouded all worlds, the Substitute Heaven Organization enslaved countless civilizations and accumulated believers in precisely this manner, creating immortal war puppets.”

“These war puppets are almost impossible to destroy through ordinary means. In the past, they conquered countless worlds and were virtually unstoppable.”

“Unless one destroys the source of their faith…”

At this point, terror filled his eyes.

“But destroying that source of faith is even more impossible.”

“I can now conclude with certainty that the so-called Master of the Black Lotus is none other than the former Lord of Substitute Heaven. Only he could provide these war puppets with such an inexhaustible supply of power.”

His words immediately caused a huge uproar on Piao Miao Peak.

Many ancient beings revealed expressions of profound shock. If that were true, then wouldn’t it mean that the Lord of Substitute Heaven’s power had already begun influencing all the worlds of the Vast Expanse?

Could he revive and descend into the world at any moment?

“It’s over! It’s over!”

“The appearance of the Black Lotus Cult must be an attempt to wipe out all the powerful figures gathered here for the Immortal Dao Alliance, using them as a dark blood sacrifice to pave the way for the Lord of Substitute Heaven’s return!”

“This is definitely a conspiracy by the Dark Clans!”

Fear and panic spread throughout Piao Miao Peak.

Everyone felt suffocated by despair.

The younger generation who had followed their elders here to broaden their horizons felt it most deeply.

“So before we even have a chance to shine, we’ll become sacrificial offerings?”

Many young prodigies and peak experts of the middle generation felt despair and unwillingness.

Under such overwhelming tides of destiny, even Dao Realm experts could become cannon fodder at any moment.

How much less people like them?

This era did not belong to them. To them, it was instead the most tragic and hopeless era imaginable.

“The Black Lotus Cult is actually connected to the Lord of Substitute Heaven?”

The high-ranking members of the Heaven-Felling Alliance were equally alarmed.

Even Piao Miao Sacred Ancestor wore an ugly expression filled with disbelief.

With his power, he simply could not kill the creatures that continuously resurrected from the Black Lotuses.

Every time he killed one of the so-called Black Lotus Cult Protectors, the Black Lotus would bloom with a strange power, reviving it to fight again. He had attempted to destroy the Black Lotuses themselves.

However, each lotus contained some supreme and terrifying power capable of resisting his attacks.

Whenever a Black Lotus faced destruction, a blurry phantom would appear.

Just a trace of that aura was enough to shock the world. Even Piao Miao’s Sacred Ancestor felt his scalp go numb.

Under such circumstances, even he experienced a profound sense of dread. He also became convinced that the ancient expert’s speculation was correct.

The Black Lotus Cult was indeed deeply connected to the Lord of Substitute Heaven.

That blurry phantom was likely a projection of the Lord of Substitute Heaven from beyond the worlds.

No wonder the Black Lotus Cult was so fearless.

They truly had something to rely upon. They simply did not care how many powerful experts were gathered here. If even Ancestor Dao Realm experts could do nothing against them, then those at lower realms stood even less chance.

They could only watch helplessly. The scenes throughout the rest of Piao Miao Sacred Domain were even more tragic.

As black rain poured from the sky, countless living beings and cultivators were corroded by it. Even defensive treasures could not stop it.

Once infected, they no longer merely suffered damage to their souls or became believers of the Black Lotus Cult as before.

Instead, they truly transformed into beings resembling half-dark creatures. And they would immediately attack the people closest to them.

The horrifying scenes caused everyone to pale.

After repeated attempts yielded no results, many ancient experts sighed and withdrew. They retreated back to Piao Miao Peak, focusing on protecting their clansmen and descendants.

“Alliance Leader, do you have any method of dealing with the Black Lotus Cult?” Someone finally could not hold back and asked Gu Changge.

From the very beginning, Gu Changge had appeared calm and indifferent, as though he had never taken the Black Lotus Cult seriously.

Such an attitude naturally led many people to speculate. Moreover, as the current leader of the Heaven-Felling Alliance, his strength required no explanation.

Even Piao Miao Sacred Ancestor treated him with utmost courtesy. Since he had yet to make a move, many secretly hoped he might possess a solution.

Even many members of the Righteous Unity Alliance looked over, deeply wary of this great enemy.

“The Black Lotus Cult is somewhat troublesome.”

“I am not completely certain whether it can be dealt with. More observation is needed.”

“You may continue trying. Perhaps once all of their believers are wiped out, the problem will resolve itself.” Gu Changge merely replied casually.

The ancient figures present all sighed inwardly.

The Heaven-Felling Alliance had sent many experts and senior members here.

As its leader, Gu Changge naturally would not allow his subordinates to perish. If even he spoke this way, it could only mean that the Black Lotus Cult was indeed difficult to handle.

Perhaps even he found it troublesome.

“Heh…”

“May I ask, Alliance Leader, is it that you are unwilling to act?”

“Or that you do not wish to act?”

At that moment, a sharp voice suddenly rang out across the somewhat silent Piao Miao Peak.

A creature whose eyes shone with silver light abruptly rose into the air and stared directly at Gu Changge.

“Today, countless Daoists have gathered here.”

“May I ask why Alliance Leader Gu is plotting against all of us?”

Several senior members of the Righteous Unity Alliance beside him also stood up.

Their voices rolled like thunder.

“Presumptuous!”

Their words instantly caused shock and commotion throughout Piao Miao Peak.

Many people stared over in astonishment, unable to understand why the Righteous Unity Alliance was suddenly challenging him.

Even Zhao Tianqi, the vice leader of the Righteous Unity Alliance, looked surprised and shaken. He had known nothing about this beforehand.

Nor had he expected these individuals to suddenly launch such accusations.

Meanwhile, several high-ranking members of the Heaven-Felling Alliance immediately shouted in anger.

Murderous intent surged from them. Terrifying killing energy coiled around their bodies like smoke, threatening to tear apart the heavens.

“Can it be that all of you still fail to see the truth?”

“The Heaven-Felling Alliance and the Black Lotus Cult have long been working together behind the scenes!”

“This Immortal Dao Alliance gathering was merely a trap planned jointly by both sides!”

“We were wondering why the Alliance Leader of the Heaven-Felling Alliance would personally attend.”

“Now it seems obvious. He came personally to oversee the situation and ensure that no accidents occurred.”

“How much longer does Alliance Leader Gu intend to continue this performance?”

The senior members of the Righteous Unity Alliance wore expressions of complete resolve, clearly prepared to face any consequences.

Their cold gazes swept across the assembled guests.

“Our Righteous Unity Alliance has already investigated.”

“From the very beginning, when the Black Lotus Cult first emerged, we discovered countless connections between it and the Heaven-Felling Alliance.”

“The Black Lotus Cult first appeared within Heaven-Felling Alliance territory.”

“Only afterward did it spread elsewhere and grow into the terrifying force it is today.”

“If the Black Lotus Cult truly possesses such terrifying abilities, why has it never attacked the Heaven-Felling Alliance?”

“Why choose this exact moment, during the founding of the Immortal Dao Alliance, to reveal itself?”

“We would like to ask Alliance Leader Gu.”

“Did you already know of the Black Lotus Cult’s existence and deliberately choose not to interfere?”

“Because the Black Lotus Cult was founded by you personally, wasn’t it?”

“The so-called Master of the Black Lotus is none other than you!”

Their string of accusations was amplified by immense magical power. The words spread not only across Piao Miao Peak but throughout the surrounding universe. Even the countless cultivators battling the Black Lotus Cult in distant regions froze in shock.

The expressions of many Heaven-Felling Alliance officials changed dramatically.

“Master…”

Yao Yao was equally stunned.

Previously, after discovering the Black Lotus Cult, she had personally returned to the Heaven-Felling Alliance to report the matter to Gu Changge. Although he had agreed to send people to investigate, he had seemed indifferent and unconcerned.

At the time, she had already felt puzzled.

Now, hearing the thunderous accusations of the Righteous Unity Alliance elders, an absurd thought surfaced in her heart.

Because she was the only person who had personally witnessed a Black Lotus Cult sacrificial ceremony.

The blurry figure she had seen there had felt strangely familiar.

It truly resembled Gu Changge.

“Could it really be true?”

Yao Yao’s face turned pale.

Behind Gu Changge, the Luo Lord and the Eternal Origin God were also inwardly startled.

They had not expected someone within the Righteous Unity Alliance to see through it. Nor had they expected anyone to possess such courage as to say it publicly before so many people.

However, in their eyes, that person was already dead.

Their gazes immediately became filled with pity.

“What a joke.”

“If we follow your logic, then we should also ask why the Black Lotus Cult has never attacked the Righteous Unity Alliance.”

“The entire world knows that your Alliance Leader, the Unending Emperor, has already been corrupted by darkness and joined the Dark Clans.”

“You know this and yet still honor him as your leader.”

“What does that say about you?”

Several Heaven-Felling Alliance officials immediately retaliated.

Their voices boomed across the heavens, causing many people’s blood and qi to churn.

“You slander us!”

“Our Alliance Leader was framed by your side!”

“There has never been anything wrong with him.”

“If he were truly corrupted by darkness, how could it possibly remain hidden from the many experts of the Righteous Unity Alliance?”

The silver-eyed elder replied coldly. “My father’s condition is something I know better than any of you.”

“Those who colluded with the Dark Clans and infiltrated the Unending Immortal Dynasty were members of the Righteous Unity Alliance.”

“Father sensed the danger long ago.”

“To prevent an even greater disaster, he was forced to leave the Unending Immortal Dynasty and infiltrate the Righteous Unity Alliance.”

“Compared to the Heaven-Felling Alliance, the Righteous Unity Alliance’s suspicions are far greater.”

“As for why the Black Lotus Cult never attacked the Heaven-Felling Alliance, don’t all of you already know the answer?”

“With the Alliance Leader guarding the Heaven-Felling Alliance, even the Dark Clans dare not invade.”

“How could the Black Lotus Cult dare to?”

“If they had shown any intentions, the Alliance Leader would have discovered them long ago and crushed them in their infancy.”

At that moment, a graceful figure with a silk cloth covering her eyes stepped forward from among the Heaven-Felling Alliance members.

Her voice was gentle, yet carried an unshakable conviction.

“The princess of the Unending Immortal Dynasty?”

Many younger cultivators recognized her instantly and were greatly shocked.

Soon, many recalled earlier rumors claiming that the princess had fled her arranged marriage and escaped to the Heaven-Felling Alliance.

Apparently, the rumors were true. And she had even come to Piao Miao Sacred Domain.

“You little brat.”

“Does your father know you’re colluding with the Heaven-Felling Alliance and slandering him like this?”

“As the daughter of the Unending Emperor, you cooperate with outsiders and publicly accuse your own father before so many experts.”

“You embody both disloyalty and unfilial behavior.”

The Righteous Unity Alliance elder sneered.

Jiang Weiyang calmly replied, “Whether it is true or false, I believe all of you know better than I do.”

“When Father sent me away from the Unending Immortal Dynasty, he left behind a jade slip and instructed me to flee to the Heaven-Felling Alliance.”

“In today’s Vast Expanse, that is the only place that can still be considered a pure land, untouched by darkness.”

As she spoke, a pouch appeared.

She opened the jade slip within it. A misty scene emerged, transforming into countless streams of light.

A tall, elegant, scholarly-looking man appeared. It was none other than Jiang Yun, the Unending Emperor.

The expressions of the Righteous Unity Alliance leaders changed instantly. Whether this was truly Jiang Yun or not, his aura could not be forged.

The guests on Piao Miao Peak were equally shaken. They could all recognize him and determine whether Jiang Weiyang’s words were genuine.

Some ancient figures among them had personally dealt with the Unending Emperor in the past. They were fully capable of recognizing his aura.