I Am the Fated Villain

Chapter 1386: But someone is helping her? All parties speculate about the origin

The events in Gufeng Ancient City sent shockwaves throughout the Zhuo clan’s territory, causing significant upheaval. In a vast, desolate land with sparse population, a slender figure clad in rough linen fell from the void, quickly transforming into a streak of divine light. Stumbling and coughing up blood, the figure fled towards this remote area.

Behind this fleeing figure, the sky was illuminated with a radiant light, creating an almost transparent effect. Dazzling and terrifying Dao runes filled the heavens, resembling stars while stirring the energies of chaos and flowing with boundless divine power. Each Dao rune held the capacity to seal and confine, effectively trapping the universe in all directions and leaving no escape for any living being.

This was the ten-direction universe barrier order of the Zhuo clan, renowned for its ability to seal the entire ten-direction universe. The term “ten directions” encompassed east, west, north, south, up, and down, representing every conceivable space and time in the truest sense.

“You’re quite adept at escaping, but I wonder what else you can do now. If you dare provoke my Zhuo clan, be prepared to pay a steep price,” a voice called out from the hills of this vast land.

Many glowing silhouettes rushed forward, their faces obscured by radiant light, making it impossible to discern their true identities. These figures, whether humanoid or foreign, bore cold, cruel expressions as their eyes glinted with malice.

Swish!!!

As these figures quickly converged, divine lights flared from various directions. The newcomers were surrounded by starlight, some radiating a brilliant sun-like aura, their energies pulsating with heat. Coldness filled their eyes as they fixed their gaze on the fleeing figure below.

Clearly, they had all arrived in response to the wanted order issued by Elder Zhuowu, eager to claim the sky-high rewards. The news that Elder Zhuowu intended to bestow a rare treasure known as the Qiantian Bag had stirred even greater interest. Some beings, comparable to quasi-immortal emperors, had emerged from their usual places of cultivation, traversing multiple universes to reach this location.

The figure fleeing for her life was Mu Yan, who had separated from Gu Changge and the others. To avoid implicating innocent people, she had deliberately sought out remote, sparsely inhabited galaxies for her escape.

However, the Zhuo Clan was so powerful that escaping from this area, especially with the ten-direction universe barrier sealing all time and space, was nearly impossible. After several twists and turns, Mu Yan’s figure was finally located. Elder Zhuowu had specifically used the aura she had previously emitted to issue a wanted warrant. This meant that as long as Mu Yan remained within the territory of the Zhuo Clan, she would eventually be discovered.

At first, she clung to a glimmer of hope, believing that the vastness of the Zhuo Clan’s territory made it akin to finding a needle in a haystack for anyone searching for her. However, she underestimated the power and tenacity of the Zhuo Clan. Not long after the reward amount on the arrest warrant was increased, her movements were tracked, forcing her to continue her desperate escape.

Throughout this process, the space sacrificial talisman that had been aiding her in traversing the universe finally collapsed and shattered.

This time it seems that I am really in danger.

Mu Yan coughed up a few more mouthfuls of blood, staggering as she nearly fell.

As she fled for her life, Mu Yan inevitably encountered several enemies who were hot on her trail. Although she possessed strength that allowed her to hold her own against anyone in the same realm, the sheer number of foes pursuing her this time was overwhelming.

Mu Yan fought fiercely but was forced to keep moving, as she had no desire for combat. Yet, despite her best efforts, she sustained numerous injuries, causing wounds that had previously healed to reopen. Now, she found herself in a desperate situation, with little hope of escape in sight.

“It’s interesting that you continue to resist. Just surrender without a fight, and you might yet escape. But under the encirclement and pursuit of so many of us, you’ve managed to delay for this long,” a voice taunted from the shadows.

A member of the Zhuo clan emerged, her white hair flowing and her features reminiscent of Elder Zhuowu’s. This was Zhuo Ling, a distant descendant of Elder Zhuowu and the cousin of Zhuo Tianyin, whom Mu Yan had killed earlier. With a mocking sneer, Zhuo Ling approached, brandishing several strange crystals in her palm that shimmered ominously. They transformed into a pair of purple-gold shackles and a headband, gleaming with a powerful, entrapping energy.

Figures from various directions continued to descend rapidly, closing in on Mu Yan and steadily tightening the encirclement. Those who could track her movements with such precision were formidable opponents, far from ordinary. Even Zhuo Tianyin, one of the most powerful talents of the Zhuo clan, had fallen under the protection of Elder Zhuowu, demonstrating just how strong these pursuers could be.

Mu Yan furrowed her brow; she was unwilling to meet her end without a fight, yet the situation seemed increasingly dire. With her current strength, breaking free from this deadly stalemate appeared nearly impossible.

“That’s all…” she thought, a sense of resignation washing over her. With a soft sigh, Mu Yan decided to abandon her resistance. She realized that as long as she remained alive, there was still hope for escape. Rather than stubbornly fighting for a slim chance of survival, it would be wiser to wait for a better opportunity.

Seeing Mu Yan relent, Zhuo Ling’s sneer deepened, reveling in the anticipated triumph. In her mind, she could already envision the moment she would present Mu Yan to Elder Zhuo Wu, reaping the rewards of her capture and gaining the attention she so desperately sought.

“You don’t have to think about it,” Zhuo Ling said with a sneer as she closed the distance.

“This pair of shackles and headband, if you put them on obediently, you can still avoid some flesh and blood pain.”

With that, she tossed the purple-gold shackles and headband at Mu Yan, her eyes glinting with a mixture of triumph and disdain. The surrounding figures watched impassively, ready to counter any last-minute resistance from Mu Yan.

Feeling a deep sense of humiliation, Mu Yan hesitated for a moment. But with survival at stake, she had no choice but to lower her pride. She picked up the shackles and headband, placing them around her wrists and forehead.

“Haha, now this is interesting! You’re alive, but you’ll be worthless when you’re dead,” Zhuo Ling mocked, a triumphant smile spreading across her face.

“If you dare to kill my cousin, you’ll have to pay the price. Otherwise, the anger of Elder Zhuo Wu will never be quelled.”

With her opponent subdued, Zhuo Ling felt a rush of relief and amusement. She waved her arm, and instantly, Mu Yan, stripped of her cultivation and spirit, was enveloped in a powerful force and transformed into a stream of light. Zhuo Ling took off, leaving the area in haste.

The other figures quickly followed suit, disappearing into the distance as they left the desolate landscape behind.

“Miss Zhuo Ling, the ancestor Zhuo Wu told me before that after we catch this person, we must first investigate her identity,” one of the Zhuo clan members cautioned, stepping forward with a concerned expression.

“Old Ancestor Zhuo Wu is worried that there may be individuals of equal strength behind this girl, calculating against us. If that happens, we could face retaliation from someone else.”

Zhuo Ling, in a buoyant mood after her apparent victory, frowned at the reminder. She glanced at Mu Yan, who was being carried alongside her. Though dressed in coarse cloth, Mu Yan’s delicate features radiated an undeniable charm, and she maintained an air of calm, even in her current predicament. This composure was atypical for someone in her situation.

The Zhuo clan member continued, “Her strength is only on par with a true immortal, yet she was able to kill one of our most powerful contemporary geniuses. If she truly had no strong backing or guidance, I find it hard to believe.”

Zhuo Ling shook her head, dismissing the concern. “No matter what, Patriarch Zhuo Wu will investigate when the time comes. Even if there is someone supporting her, I doubt they would have the guts to show themselves on Zhuo Clan territory.” She felt reassured, allowing herself to focus on the triumph of her capture rather than the potential threats lurking in the shadows.

If a person of the same caliber as Elder Zhuo Wu were to enter the Zhuo clan’s territory, their presence would undoubtedly be detected. Moreover, not everyone could withstand the consequences of such an act.

Listening to the conversation among the Zhuo clan members, a flicker of doubt and confusion crossed Mu Yan’s features. She realized that the killing intent from the elder of the Zhuo clan had not simply vanished due to exhaustion; rather, someone had intervened to mitigate it.

Who could it be?

Could it be… that family?

As the thought crossed her mind, a glimmer of hope ignited in Mu Yan’s eyes. “Are they still watching over me? Or perhaps my brother?” The possibility of support rekindled a sense of optimism in her, momentarily overshadowing her dire circumstances.

Meanwhile, in Gufeng Ancient City, the immortal mist hung thickly in the air as majestic clouds flowed around the magnificent palace. Many elders from various branches of the Zhuo clan hurriedly gathered there, taking their seats one by one.

The palace was vast and self-contained, resembling a world of its own. Singing birds flitted among fragrant flowers, and immortal waterfalls cascaded down, surrounded by purple clouds and lush green vines. Nearby, tranquil lakes were dotted with ancient peaks, creating a scene reminiscent of a true paradise.

Stars of great brilliance surrounded the peaks, casting their magnificent light upon the gathering. Young and middle-aged talents of the Zhuo clan followed the elders into the banquet hall, sitting quietly at the back of the seats.

In the center of the hall, graceful and charming Zhuo clan women sang and danced slowly, presenting rare spiritual fruits and delicacies that fluttered between the guests like butterflies, captivating all who beheld them. The thoughtful arrangements and elaborate etiquette reflected the Zhuo clan’s commitment to honoring their guests.

Even a fierce figure like Bone Ancestor nodded in approval as he stood aside, sipping a drink for himself while selecting a variety of immortal delicacies that suited his taste, indulging freely in the feast.

Gu Changge’s demeanor was utterly casual, almost as if he regarded the banquet hall as his own home. Zhuo Fengxie, the host, didn’t need to say anything; Gu Changge’s presence conveyed a sense of ease that suggested he felt entirely at home. Yet, to many members of the Zhuo clan, this nonchalance seemed more like a dismissal of their importance, as if he viewed them as mere players in a larger game, indifferent to their status.

In his eyes, all beings—whether mighty or weak—appeared equal, inconsequential like the bugs and stones beneath an immortal’s feet. This attitude sparked speculation among the various factions of the Zhuo clan, leading them to believe that Gu Changge’s origins were far beyond anything they could fathom.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

He held his cup delicately with slender fingers, sipping occasionally while engaging in light conversation with Zhuo Fengxie. Ling Huang, seated nearby, made sure to refill his cup at the right moments. For some of the delicacies, she even peeled the skins off with her exquisite, flawless fingers, adding to the overall impression of grace and elegance.

This relaxed and carefree demeanor elicited envy among the young members of the Zhuo clan. It was clear that Ling Huang possessed power on par with that of an elder, and despite her veil, her beauty was unmistakably rare, adding to the allure of her presence in the banquet hall.

At such a young age, Gu Changge commanded an old man in black robes, whose unfathomable strength served to protect him. The accompanying maid was equally powerful and stunningly beautiful. Meanwhile, Gu Changge himself was still diligently cultivating and striving to strengthen his own abilities. Even as disciples of the Zhuo clan, the other young members could scarcely imagine enjoying such treatment and status.

Zhuo Fengxie observed the reactions of those around him, recognizing their astonishment and envy. However, despite the buzz of speculation, he remained uncertain about Gu Changge’s true intentions and purpose. He understood that they would likely need to discuss business once the banquet concluded.

While everyone in the Zhuo clan perceived Gu Changge as a young man of incredible background, Zhuo Fengxie was cautious in his assumptions. He knew that even the future successors of super civilizations would never allow an entity as powerful as a Dao Realm existence to act as a maid for someone of seemingly lesser stature. Gu Changge’s strength was undoubtedly more terrifying and unpredictable, yet Zhuo Fengxie could not fully perceive it.

What he could see, however, was how easily the woman and the old man before him submitted to Gu Changge’s presence. In the boundless world, strength remained the most direct and fundamental source of reliance, dictating relationships and hierarchies among beings of varying power.

At the reception banquet, the Zhuo clan learned little about Gu Changge apart from his surname. Despite their curiosity, they found no further information. Some elders within the Zhuo clan were hesitant to inquire too eagerly, opting instead to gather details gradually over time.

“Mr. Gu, since you’re not far away, it would be best for you to stay with our Zhuo clan during your visit. If you have any requests, just inform the clansmen,” Zhuo Fengxie suggested, emphasizing the hospitality of his clan.

“Zhuoyou has spoken of you many times, and it’s thanks to her that you have become friends with us.”

As the banquet concluded, Zhuo Fengxie was still unaware of Gu Changge’s true purpose for visiting. However, he proved to be a shrewd individual; with just a few words, he subtly strengthened the connection between himself and Gu Changge. By mentioning Zhuoyou, he also aimed to dissuade other elders from any notions of dependency on Gu Changge, steering their perceptions in a more favorable direction.

Even now, Zhuo Fengxie remained uncertain whether Gu Changge was an ally or an adversary.

“Since that’s the case, this visit will certainly lead to much discussion, Elder Fengxie,” Gu Changge replied, fully aware of Zhuo Fengxie’s implications. He chose not to address them directly, maintaining a smile as he engaged in the conversation.

The other elders present chose to hold their tongues for the moment, planning to ask their questions later. Meanwhile, the Zhuo Clan’s warm welcome for distinguished guests in the Gufeng Ancient City created quite a stir across the expansive territory of the immortal civilization. Many creatures and forces throughout the universe closely monitored and discussed the event.

Witnesses who saw the elders of the Zhuo clan personally greet their guests recounted the scene with vivid detail. The figure in white leading the group sparked rampant speculation among various races and forces, with many theorizing that he might hail from a super civilization, a level above even their own.

The foundation of a supreme civilization vastly overshadowed that of an ancient civilization, with an immeasurable gap between their capabilities. For instance, the immortal civilization itself was actually a subordinate of the Xi Yuan civilization. Within the realms of Xi Yuan civilization, there were numerous affiliated civilizations, including the immortal civilization, each with its own unique strengths and resources.