I Am the Fated Villain

Chapter 955: There are no eggs under the overturned nest, perhaps the real world of mountains and seas has been abandoned

With Gu Changge’s current level of cultivation, having children seemed practically impossible. It wasn’t something he actively pondered; rather, it felt burdensome. Su Qingge herself was aware of this, yet she held onto a glimmer of hope in her heart. Perhaps, for her, it served as a form of solace. Until now, she hadn’t entertained other thoughts; she simply found solace in the tranquility of her days.

She remained indifferent even if the world were to crumble and civilizations returned to dust. Years ago, she discreetly revisited her father in the lower realm. Shortly after her departure, her father remarried and started a new family. In her mind, once she left the lower realm, she might never return. Thus, he remarried, expanding his lineage and securing the future of the Taixuan Sacred Land.

Although Su Qingge didn’t personally reunite with her father, she left behind some remedies in the ancestral palace. Later, she visited her mother at the Ji family’s residence. However, her relationship with her younger sister, Ji Qingxuan, had soured over the years, losing the warmth they once shared. Ji Qingxuan now wielded great power and lived a regal life.

For Su Qingge, everything was clear, and she harbored no regrets. Originally, she intended to live out her days in seclusion at Green Mountain Village, embracing solitude until her final breath. Gu Changge’s unexpected arrival, in a way, fulfilled her last longing and hope. She had no lingering regrets.

Half a month later, the forest was painted in vibrant hues as the autumn wind howled. Gu Changge gazed at the sky adorned with rosy clouds, his mind swirling with myriad thoughts. Although he had awakened, he didn’t feel fully present; it was as if he had concluded this journey earlier.

In this vast world, amidst the tumultuous cycle of life, the inevitable march of time felt natural, carrying with it the ebb and flow of existence.

There was no malice in the way, but there was a conclusion. In this brief span, it was impossible for him to fully grasp the intricacies of human nature. Yet, it granted him a deeper insight into this alternate path. What defined mortality and what constituted divinity? The haze cleared, revealing the mundane world once more. Gu Changge preferred to view it as a return to mortality rather than a return to the ordinary. This process implanted a seed of “the way of mortals’ ‘ within him. Though this seed may not have sprouted yet, Gu Changge had a feeling that it presented a significant opportunity for him, a chance to transcend the uncertainties.

“Are you coming with me?” With his mind wandering, Gu Changge turned his gaze aside and spoke casually. He couldn’t remain in Green Mountain Village indefinitely. As he had stated earlier, he viewed this as a brief excursion into a new existence, a fresh reincarnation. Where there was a beginning, there must be an end.

Su Qingge emerged behind him, gently shaking her head. “I prefer to stay here. I’ve grown weary of the realm of cultivation and wish to avoid revisiting those experiences.”

Gu Changge wasn’t taken aback. Su Qingge had chosen retirement here for a reason. He respected her decision and wouldn’t compel her to depart with him. It was a coincidence that he had unexpectedly arrived during this time and encountered her once more. Even Gu Changge couldn’t shake the feeling that the hand of fate was at play in the shadows. Such matters were intertwined with destiny; even if Gu Changge had attempted to foresee it from the outset, he might not have succeeded. Clearly, Su Qingge had numerous connections to him. If he were to forcefully predict their future encounters, it could potentially backfire on her. It wouldn’t simply result in the dissolution of body and spirit but eternal damnation.

“Will the world face an unimaginable catastrophe?” Su Qingge inquired, though she didn’t delve deeply into the topic of parting.

Gu Changge nodded, then shook his head once more. For all beings, indeed, this was a catastrophe. Yet for him, it presented an opportunity to unify the entire tangible realm of mountains and seas.

“Beyond the limitless expanse of the sea, myriad civilizations have flourished and faded. The immortal civilization we currently practice is merely a single facet. The immortal domain and the upper realm represent merely a fraction of the vast tapestry of immortal civilizations…”

“Countless civilizations emerge and vanish daily, with competition as a perpetual theme. Even within these realms, competition is a daily occurrence, let alone in the expansive civilized world.”

“This catastrophe could be interpreted as another civilization’s bid to seize and occupy the immortal domain for its continuation…”

In succinct terms, he outlined the current state of affairs in the tangible realm of mountains and seas. Su Qingge nodded, grasping the gist of his explanation. Despite her seclusion in Green Mountain Village, she maintained some awareness of the turmoil beyond its borders. However, as a quasi-emperor, she remained distant from Daoist cultivation. What role could she possibly play in this catastrophe? She hadn’t been actively pursuing cultivation lately.

Yet, owing to her close association with Gu Changge, an invisible force of providence seemed to aid her cultivation, despite her lack of dedicated effort. Indeed, those with profound divine powers should perceive this phenomenon more keenly.

Throughout history, there had always been advantages to aligning with the mighty, influential sects, and powerful forces. In ancient times, certain primordial deities even had relatives and attendants who received their protection and blessings.

“I cannot offer assistance now. All I can do is refrain from burdening you. The Immortal Domain, the Real World of Mountains and Seas, and the boundless sea are beyond my reach. I am merely a mortal being, an ordinary woman. If you hadn’t brought me to the upper realm, I might have remained trapped at my bottleneck and withered away.”

“Perhaps all I can do now is pray for you. Here, tidy up your living space. If you ever feel weary or in need of rest, you can return here and find solace.”

“I’ll be here, waiting for you,” Su Qingge spoke softly, wearing a gentle smile.

Gu Changge returned the smile, placing his hand on her face before nodding. “Alright.”

He departed from Green Mountain Village, still clad in the rough sackcloth that Su Qingge had painstakingly sewn over the years. Though it lacked grandeur, each stitch and thread bore her mark. Gu Changge didn’t wish to disregard her kindness.

Meanwhile, on the lands belonging to the Gu family, ancestral figures clad in black robes emerged. As more powerful beings arrived from various corners and even ancient creatures from distant lands, a sense of foreboding permeated the atmosphere.

“What brings you all to the Gu family?” questioned the ancestor, Gu Wuwang, concealed beneath his black robes. Despite his obscured appearance, none dared to underestimate him.

“This Gu family ancestor is truly formidable,” murmured the old man in worn Daoist robes, his demeanor growing serious. The sudden appearance of the Gu family ancestor had startled him, nearly causing him to exclaim.

As a half-step Dao realm cultivator, he was considered invincible in his era, yet today’s events had shaken him. In addition to the enigmatic Ming, now there was another Gu family ancestor.

This prompted the Daoist robed old man to recall the young man he had encountered in Green Mountain Village. Could he be related to this Gu family as well?

In this moment, Ming Ye wore an expression of utmost seriousness as he discerned the formidable strength of the Gu family ancestors, who undoubtedly surpassed his own. Ming found himself standing before the threshold of the Dao Realm, yet to confront the first trial of Heaven’s Decline. Conversely, the Gu family ancestor had weathered Heaven’s Decline multiple times, a fact that filled Ming with both reverence and shock.

Had it not been for a sudden impulse, driven by a desire to inquire about Gu Changge’s whereabouts, Ming wouldn’t have been aware of such a formidable figure within the Gu family. Perhaps this individual was the last remaining powerhouse in the tangible realm of mountains and seas.

Those who hadn’t touched the Dao realm’s threshold couldn’t fully grasp the power emanating from the Gu family ancestor. However, judging by Ming’s demeanor, it was clear that this ancestor was no ordinary individual. Even the survivors of the Immortal Palace, once revered as immortals in the former Immortal Domain, dared not speak out of turn now.

Cen Shuang and the others stood silently behind Uncle Yi, awaiting developments.

“I am here to seek guidance from seniors on how to address the impending crisis,” Ming addressed the ancestor respectfully. “A catastrophe looms beyond the boundless sea. Without intervention, the entire realm of mountains and seas may face destruction.”

Facing the Gu family ancestor, Ming felt compelled to acknowledge his junior status, given the vast disparity in their origins and longevity.

“The solution?” The Gu family ancestor chuckled, waving his hand dismissively. “I have no solutions. Have you come to the wrong person? My sole concern is preserving the Gu family’s legacy. As for the fate of the realm of mountains and seas, it holds no relevance to me.”

These words sent a ripple of shock through the gathered crowd. Ming couldn’t believe the response he received.

“Senior, when the nest is overturned, there are no eggs left unbroken,” Ao Teng interjected, attempting to sway the Gu family ancestor. “If the realm of mountains and seas is sacrificed, the Gu family will not escape unscathed…”

At this critical juncture, unity among the realms was imperative to repel external threats; otherwise, they risked crumbling under the weight of sacrifices.

The formidable cultivation of the Gu family ancestor could greatly tip the scales in their favor. The other powerhouses furrowed their brows, sensing the gravity of the situation.

Even former adversaries within the immortal factions had set aside their grievances, recognizing the urgency of addressing the looming catastrophe. If left unresolved, they and their respective factions would be consigned to history’s annals.

“Senior, while your strength is formidable, do you truly believe you can safeguard your family alone?” Luo Yanxi, once a quasi-immortal emperor, spoke up. Having endured the loss of her homeland, she understood the importance of unity in times of crisis. She, too, sought to persuade the Gu family ancestors.

As she delved deeper into Gu Changge’s actions during this period, Luo Yanxi grasped his underlying intentions. The realm of mountains and seas was her awakening ground after reincarnation, and she couldn’t bear to witness its downfall akin to her former homeland.

Initially hesitant due to their differing statuses, many now found their voices, urging the Gu family ancestors to intervene. This enigmatic master’s realm of cultivation remained a mystery to them.

Uncle Yi, once the esteemed commander of the Immortal Palace, joined the chorus, respectfully imploring, “Senior, this matter is of paramount importance, encompassing the entire realm of mountains and seas and the vitality of myriad spirits. We beseech your aid. Though the Gu family is mighty, its lineage is invaluable.”

“However, should this catastrophe prove insurmountable, the entire realm of mountains and seas will be sacrificed, leaving no sanctuary for the Gu family…”

As the former commander of the Immortal Palace, he had marshaled countless celestial soldiers and generals, boasting exceptional cultivation and enduring fortune. Despite surpassing his previous zenith after resurrection, he remained distant from the Dao Realm.

“There’s no need to belabor the point; the old man understands the situation better than you,” the Gu family ancestor interjected firmly. “The brutality of this catastrophe surpasses your comprehension. If you wish to spare your family from destruction alongside the realm of mountains and seas, you should relocate as swiftly as possible.”

Despite his stern demeanor, the Gu family ancestor’s reluctance to forge an alliance with Gu Changge stemmed not from fear of the “hunters.” While these adversaries possessed strength comparable to his own, they posed no genuine threat to him. Rather, his concern lay with the presence of “lunatics” among the hunters.

These “lunatics” roamed the boundless sea, wreaking havoc and consuming realms with reckless abandon. Their numbers were countless, and their power far exceeded that of ancient cultivators in the Void Dao Realm.

In the boundless sea, the Dao Realm was divided into the Void Dao Realm and the True Dao Realm, with Heaven’s Declines marking the thresholds. Upon surmounting the fourth calamity of Heaven’s Decline, cultivators ascended to the True Dao Realm. Beyond that lay the Ancestral Dao Realm, achievable after overcoming the seventh Heavenly Decline.

The Gu family ancestor knew that many “lunatics” among the hunters hailed from the ancestral realm. However, these individuals represented only a fraction, as few had reached such heights. Forsaking all ties, they existed beyond the confines of time and space, impervious even to calamity.

The Gu family ancestor’s concern stemmed from the possibility of encountering such a “lunatic” among the hunters converging on the realm of mountains and seas. With Gu Changge’s disappearance, it appeared he had forsaken the realm entirely. Thus, the Gu family ancestor’s sole recourse was to safeguard the family’s legacy and, if necessary, relocate them during critical junctures.