I Am the Fated Villain Chapter 1256 Then don't blame this old servant for being disloyal-Control!
Previously on I Am the Fated Villain...
"If you intend to take my life, then do so. However, expecting me to turn against the Immortal Chu Dynasty and its ruler is utterly out of the question. Regardless of whether the ruler still holds me in regard or has pulled away from me, my devotion to the Immortal Chu Dynasty remains unshaken," Uncle Fu declared with a grave look, his features hardening.
His survival until now and the heights of his cultivation had all been granted through the exceptional resources provided by Chu Gucheng.
Thus, should Chu Gucheng call for his sacrifice, it would be entirely justified.
A subordinate under a sovereign must perish at the sovereign's command, especially one who was nothing more than a humble servant like himself.
"It's unfortunate that your unwavering faithfulness to Chu Gucheng goes completely unnoticed by him. He suspects you of orchestrating his son's demise. As a mere servant, how could you ever rival his heir? Indeed, he elevated you to your present position and power, yet have you overlooked every sacrifice you've made on his behalf? Ha, such blind allegiance amounts to nothing more than idiotic devotion."
Gu Changge appeared to pierce right through Uncle Fu's inner resolve, releasing a derisive chuckle.
In truth, he had no desire to expend so many words on the matter.
Yet Uncle Fu had overseen the Immortal Chu Dynasty for countless years, steering and supporting numerous Sons of Fortune along the way. Through the hidden threads of destiny, the Immortal Chu Dynasty's fortune intertwined deeply with Uncle Fu's very existence.
Should Gu Changge permit the Eternal Life Spirit to outright consume and seize Uncle Fu's form, it would spell Uncle Fu's end.
Instantly, irregularities in the Immortal Chu Dynasty's fortune would emerge,
putting Chu Gucheng and his allies on high alert.
As such, Gu Changge intended to preserve a fragment of Uncle Fu's
awareness, thereby lessening the disturbance to the Immortal Chu Dynasty's fortune.
"Idiotic devotion? Be that as it may, this elder has always followed his path without regret. Entering this life, I've fulfilled my responsibilities."
Uncle Fu confronted Gu Changge squarely, his voice steady and filled with conviction.
Death held no appeal for him, but with events reaching this juncture, alternatives had vanished.
Forcing him to forsake the Immortal Chu Dynasty was simply unthinkable.
"Ha, such lofty ideals—entering this life, I've fulfilled my responsibilities! Your fate in life concerns me not, but beyond the grave? That falls wholly under my sway."
Gu Changge responded with a casual, dismissive laugh.
"Master, why bother debating with this stubborn fool? End him quickly and allow me to claim his shell. All that he accomplished alive, I can compel in his corpse."
A chilling cackle escaped the Eternal Life Spirit as the churning dark fog twisted and solidified into a vague outline resembling Uncle Fu, poised to lunge and possess him without delay.
At this sight, a flicker of unease crossed Uncle Fu's steadfast visage.
He remained ignorant of the nature of this eerie dark fog, yet an ominous, soul-chilling presence radiated from it.
Furthermore, Gu Changge's remarks had hit a vulnerable spot.
Throughout his existence, he had upheld honor and truth, leaving no space for reproach.
Though the affairs of the departed would cease to trouble him, if this bizarre dark fog assumed his form and wrought chaos, would he not bear the infamy even in death?
His lifetime of honor would be defiled, his legacy stained by false accusations?
Such an outcome proved intolerable to him.
Lately, whispers had circulated across the Immortal Chu Dynasty, accusing him of cowardice in forsaking Chu Xia to preserve himself, then fabricating a pretext to retreat briefly before reappearing solo.
Chu Gucheng had been aware of these tales for some time, yet owing to Uncle Fu's veteran status and wisdom, he refrained from public censure.
Instead, he slowly withdrew his trust, delegating the dynasty's key affairs to Bai Zhi Xingjun and similar figures.
Uncle Fu found himself powerless to dispel or justify these slanders. Once tainted by misconception, his reputation lay forever scarred.
Noticing the shift in Uncle Fu's demeanor, Gu Changge recognized the elder's lingering attachments.
He could easily suppress segments of Uncle Fu's awareness and unleash the Eternal Life Spirit to engulf and dominate his body.
Nevertheless, this approach risked unintended fallout, like evident shifts in the Immortal Chu Dynasty's fortune. Amid the throng of visitors, even minor discrepancies would draw scrutiny.
For caution's sake, Gu Changge opted for the more arduous route, coaxing Uncle Fu to yield his mind voluntarily.
This method also allowed him to monitor the Immortal Chu Dynasty's fortune and regulate the alterations' scope.
"During our time in the Southern Wilderness Ancient Domain, I arranged your rescue because your steadfastness and honor impressed me. Your readiness to stake your life for your master's heir earned my respect. But that's the extent of it. I'm engaging you in conversation now solely due to that faint regard. Absent that, why squander effort on you? Even after claiming your form, I could still bend you to my will. The outcome remains unchanged for me."
Observing Uncle Fu's inner conflict, Gu Changge addressed him with composed detachment.
Uncle Fu fixed his gaze on him piercingly, as though peering into Gu Changge's soul. Meanwhile, Gu Changge lifted his teacup, softly exhaled the rising vapor, and
partook of a delicate sip.
"Both paths you've laid out lead to the same end for me. Aid you or resist, I'll still betray the Immortal Chu Dynasty and its ruler."
Uncle Fu uttered through clenched jaws, his thoughts in disarray.
"Precisely. The choice rests with you. Whichever route you take, betrayal of the Immortal Chu Dynasty awaits. Yet should you lend your aid, survival is yours—and perhaps even the throne to supplant Chu Gucheng."
Gu Changge offered a subtle smile.
Agony contorted Uncle Fu's features as he grappled inwardly. He understood, just as Gu Changge stated, that true options eluded him.
Life or death held little weight for him now.
What gnawed at him deepest was Chu Gucheng's doubt, rejection, and
estrangement, alongside the vicious gossip.
Gu Changge savored his tea with unruffled patience, showing no haste.
"You were the first to question and shun me. Despite my every clarification, you dismissed them, branding me a craven responsible for Chu Xia's fall. If that's how it stands, then don't fault me for turning disloyal."
Suddenly, Uncle Fu's countenance grew savage, and he spat the words through gnashing teeth, unleashing the pent-up bitterness, injustice, and rage from recent days.
At that instant, a subtle ripple stirred in Gu Changge's awareness. With a casual flick, the Eternal Life Spirit morphed into a tendril of dark vapor and darted
towards Uncle Fu's forehead.
"Open your mind," Gu Changge commanded coolly.
Upon his return to the repose quarters of the Imperial Immortal Palace within the Immortal Chu Dynasty's capital,
Gu Changge was surprised to encounter Ling Yuxian beyond the courtyard.
She lingered there, arms folded, reclining against a venerable pine near the entrance. A gentle gust raised the edge of her floral gown, exposing a glimpse of her
flawless, ivory-smooth leg.
"Senior Sister Yuxian, have you come seeking me?"
Gu Changge approached and inquired lightly, his eyes gliding across her form. Ling
Yuxian, typically clad in martial attire and robes, seldom appeared in such garb.
"Senior Brother Gu, you've clearly been occupied. Where exactly have you wandered off to this time?"
Ling Yuxian had stationed herself awaiting Gu Changge. Upon spotting his arrival, she advanced promptly, evidently set on interrogating him.
She couldn't fathom why Ling Yuling had subsequently directed Gu Changge to escort her in visiting the Saintess of Xiyuan the following day.
Still, as it stemmed from her sibling's directive, compliance was assured. That said, Ling Yuxian hadn't anticipated Gu Changge slipping from the courtyard unbeknownst to her.
Having only just reached the Immortal Chu Dynasty's capital, and already he had vanished.
Ling Yuxian had little recourse but to bide her time here until his reappearance.
"I met with an individual," Gu Changge answered offhandedly.
"A female?" Ling Yuxian arched a brow abruptly.