I Am the Fated Villain Chapter 1261:

1622. Is it worth risking one’s life just for a smile from a beautiful woman?

The passing of Chu Xiao remained a lingering ache in Chu Gucheng’s soul. Given his age and profound level of strength, fathering children had become an arduous task; thus, despite Chu Xiao’s reputation for being arrogant and unruly, Chu Gucheng had cherished him deeply.

He was well aware of the implications behind Chu Xinyue’s words. Yet, even with that understanding, what could be done? Was it truly feasible to seek vengeance for Chu Xiao based on mere conjecture?

Furthermore, with his birthday festivities underway, could he, as the sovereign host, disregard his reputation and strike at Gu Changge in front of a global audience?

Gu Changge was currently a guest of the Yuxian Palace. Would they truly stand idly by if he were attacked?

Such an escalation would surely plunge the entire celebration into absolute turmoil.

“Xinyue, your desire to avenge your brother is clear to me, but you must realize the crisis currently surrounding Xianchu Haotu is not something we can handle impulsively,” Chu Gucheng remarked in a heavy tone.

“But husband, are we simply to permit the murderer responsible for Xiao’s end to roam free?”

Wang Xuexin, the biological mother of Chu Xiao and wife to Chu Gucheng, dabbed at her eyes, her heart heavy with resentment.

“Once the banquet concludes, I shall ensure that individual pays the required price. He is aware of our grief, yet he possesses the audacity to enter Xianchu Haotu and attend my celebration openly. This is a blatant display of contempt for my authority.”

A frigid expression settled over Chu Gucheng’s features.

Now that Gu Changge’s identity was public knowledge, many of the guests were aware of his ties to Chu Xiao’s death. Most were merely watching the drama unfold with detached amusement.

Chu Gucheng refused to let them be entertained at his expense—at least not until the festivities reached their conclusion.

“Father, do not fret; I grasp the weight of your words,” Chu Xinyue replied, her expression turning sharp. She understood the burdens her father carried.

As the sovereign of Xianchu Haotu, Chu Gucheng was forced to prioritize the state, but his children were bound by no such constraints.

Chu Gucheng knit his brows together. Knowing his daughter’s temperament, he warned her sternly, “Xinyue, do nothing rash. This is not the moment for retribution.”

“Rest easy, Father, I know my limits. I will proceed with caution and avoid recklessness,” Chu Xinyue answered with a faint, knowing smile. “Lately, the Young Master of the Xiuyao Heavenly Palace from the Xudan Civilization has been pursuing me, constantly seeking my favor. A small hint from me should be enough for him to realize what needs to be done.”

Chu Gucheng was briefly taken aback before a smile touched his lips. He nodded, saying, “It appears you have a strategy. While the Xiuyao Heavenly Palace isn’t the absolute peak power within the Xudan Civilization, its heritage is formidable. That Young Master is exceptionally gifted and has already stepped into the Dao realm.”

He had always intended for his offspring to forge alliances through marriage with the successors of other civilizations and prestigious Sects.

Once the most brilliant jewel of Xianchu Haotu, Chu Xinyue had been the object of many admirers. However, her devotion to the Dao was absolute. After reaching the Dao realm, she had spent her time traversing various dimensions to further her Cultivation, making her returns rare.

Chu Gucheng maintained great faith in her. “Father, have no worries.” Chu Xinyue nodded before vanishing into a streak of divine light, departing the hall.

“The rest of you may leave. Regarding Xiao’s matter, do not interfere,” Chu Gucheng commanded, waving his hand to dismiss his wife and other children.

Before long, he was the sole occupant of the grand chamber.

With his hands clasped behind him, Chu Gucheng paced thoughtfully, his eyes fixed on the horizon as he whispered to the air, “Master, do you believe I ought to strike prematurely?”

As he spoke, the space around him rippled, and the Law Saint manifested from the void.

“The ramifications must be weighed carefully. Success is by no means certain,” the Law Saint replied. Clad in white robes with a flowing beard, he possessed a transcendent aura, his eyes reflecting the depth of a starry galaxy.

He looked incredibly grave, fully aware of the magnitude of Chu Gucheng’s ambitions.

“My resolve is set. To claim the Reincarnation Mirror, this path is necessary. I shall consult with Elder Jin shortly. Saintess Xiyuan did not bring the Reincarnation Mirror to Xianchu Haotu. I am certain I can ensure she never leaves this place,” Chu Gucheng declared with grim determination.

Observing such unwavering intent, the Law Saint ceased his objections. After countless epochs, the helpless youth Chu Gucheng once was had vanished, replaced by a ruler who commanded worlds and looked down upon the masses.

“Saintess Xiyuan is a powerhouse; even I may not be her equal. However, since your mind is made up, you have my support,” the Law Saint stated before his form dissolved into mist and faded away.

In the days that followed, the capital of Xianchu Haotu teemed with guests arriving from every corner of the Vast Realm. The city was alive with the roar of crowds and constant celebration.

“Xinyue, put your heart at ease. Your concerns are my own. Though I do not hail from the Xiyuan Civilization, I have heard that the Seventh Prince of the Demon Court took your brother Chu Xiao’s life.”

“Now, the one responsible has the gall to show himself here in Xianchu Haotu, showing you no respect. Worry not, I shall help you settle this score.”

Within a secluded, mist-shrouded room lit by the glow of treasures, Chu Xinyue sat across from a refined, handsome youth, sharing wine.

This young man possessed silver dragon horns on his brow and faint scales upon his arms. His pale silver eyes flashed with chaotic light, emanating a powerful presence. This was Ouyang Ji, the Young Master of the Xiuyao Heavenly Palace.

His mother was a high-ranking Elder of the True Dragon Clan with immense power. Carrying the True Dragon lineage himself, his strength was formidable.

“The man who caused my brother’s end is currently staying with the Yuxian Palace. Ouyang Gongzi, would assisting me bring you trouble? The Yuxian Palace is not an entity to be provoked lightly.”

Chu Xinyue’s face showed a calculated touch of worry and hesitation.

Ouyang Ji offered a small smile and reached out as if to take her hand, though she gracefully avoided the contact without a word.

“Xinyue, do not be concerned. This is a trivial matter. As the successor of the Xiuyao Heavenly Palace, I do not fear the Yuxian Palace,” he declared boldly, seemingly unbothered by her avoidance.

Chu Xinyue looked instantly appreciative. Raising her cup to toast him, she said, “My thanks, Ouyang Gongzi. Your kindness is so great that I am unsure how I could ever repay you.”

Ouyang Ji drained the cup she offered in a single gulp, laughing loudly. “What is such a small task compared to the smile of a beautiful woman?”

With a moved expression, Chu Xinyue refilled his wine.

They spoke and drank for some time, and only when Ouyang Ji was thoroughly pleased did he take his leave.

The moment he was gone, Chu Xinyue’s smile vanished. She whispered, “I hope this fool is useful and doesn’t fail me. Xiao, rest easy; your sister will ensure you are avenged.”

She didn't truly expect Ouyang Ji to slay Gu Changge, but she intended to ensure Gu Changge had no peace during his stay.

In her mind, Gu Changge was to blame for Chu Xiao’s death, stemming from the conflict over a courtesan in the Southern Wilderness Ancient Domain.

Had Gu Changge not fought Chu Xiao over that woman, her brother’s identity would never have been compromised.

Chu Xinyue had also been hunting for that courtesan, intending to send her to the afterlife to serve her brother.

Though the woman had vanished, she was determined to make Gu Changge pay in blood eventually.

Furthermore, she planned for the Seventh Prince of the Demon Court, Di Kun, to join her brother in death by her own hand.

The following morning at the Yuxian Palace’s quarters, Ouyang Ji arrived with his attendants, demanding an audience with Ling Yuxian.

His arrival sparked immediate gossip and curiosity among the Yuxian Palace disciples.

However, given his status as the Young Master of the Xiuyao Heavenly Palace, they did not dare turn him away and quickly informed Ling Yuxian.

Ling Yuxian was caught off guard by the news. She had no prior acquaintance with Ouyang Ji; why was he seeking her out so specifically?

Was it due to the rumors circulating through Xianchu Haotu, or perhaps because of her status?

“I am Ouyang Ji of the Xiuyao Heavenly Palace. Greetings, Miss Yuxian.”

Ouyang Ji greeted her with the practiced charm of a noble Young Master. Ling Yuxian frowned, wary of his motives.

“Miss Yuxian, pray do not be alarmed. I mean no harm. I simply wish to offer some friendly advice: surrender the one responsible for Chu Xiao’s death so that your Sect avoids unnecessary conflict,” Ouyang Ji said smoothly, reading her expression.

Ling Yuxian responded with a cold sneer. “It is common knowledge that Lord Chu Gucheng’s son was slain by Di Kun, the Seventh Prince of the Demon Court. If you seek justice, go find Di Kun. Senior Brother Gu had no part in those events.”

Ouyang Ji’s smile didn't waver. “That is not for you to decide. If you are wise, you will hand over this 'Senior Brother Gu.' Otherwise, do not blame me for being forceful.”

Having reached the Dao realm years ago, his eyes suddenly glowed with silver light as he unleashed a terrifying pressure. It felt as though a mountain was collapsing, a tidal wave of aura that instantly paralyzed Ling Yuxian and the surrounding disciples.

The other members of the Yuxian Palace turned pale, completely suppressed by the overwhelming weight.

“You dare...”

Ling Yuxian’s eyes flashed with icy fury. She had not expected such blatant audacity.

He was actually attempting to force his way into Yuxian Palace territory. Ouyang Ji, unconcerned, moved toward the inner palace as dragon scales shimmered on his skin.

Several Yuxian Palace Elders rushed to intercept him, but they were met by Ouyang Ji’s own experts of equal Cultivation. A standoff ensued in the sky.

A fearsome aura radiated outward, chaotic mists swirled, and the very fabric of space seemed to buckle as if universes were clashing.

“This man is seeking his own grave, how utterly foolish...”

Ling Yuxian remained composed, not fearing for Gu Changge’s safety in the slightest. She was merely enraged that the Xiuyao Heavenly Palace would insult her Sect’s prestige so openly.

It was obvious to her that someone was pulling the strings from the shadows.

Why else would a power with no history of conflict with the Yuxian Palace suddenly provoke them?

“Does Xianchu Haotu truly believe they rule the Xiyuan Civilization? To be this arrogant during a birthday celebration, do they hold no other power in regard?”

With a freezing glance at the Elders locked in confrontation, Ling Yuxian blurred into motion, following after Ouyang Ji.

She knew the disturbance would soon draw the attention of every major force in the city.

However, she was more intrigued to see Ouyang Ji’s fate. Deep within the palace grounds, the symbols of the Great Dao flickered in the void. A massive golden hand formed from thin air, solidifying before crashing down from above.

Ouyang Ji, standing before Gu Changge’s residence, barely had time to register the threat before the golden palm struck. He was slammed into the earth, coughing up blood, unable to stand.

“Since you lacked murderous intent, I shall permit you to live today.”

Gu Changge stepped out from his courtyard, approaching the fallen Ouyang Ji with an air of casual indifference.

Ouyang Ji struggled to look up at the elegant youth in white, who appeared like a transcendent immortal. Spitting more blood, he managed a strained smile. “My thanks... Young Master Gu... for your mercy.”

Though Ouyang Ji had not yet reached the pinnacle of the Dao realm, he had survived three Heavenly Calamities. He was far beyond the reach of ordinary Dao realm cultivators.

Yet, against Gu Changge’s effortless strike, he had been as defenseless as a commoner.

His very existence was held in the palm of the other man’s hand.

This staggering disparity in power, which filled him with a sense of hopelessness, only proved that his gamble was correct.

“Speak. What is your purpose?”

Gu Changge observed the struggling Ouyang Ji, his expression unreadable.

He had seen everything that had transpired.

This Young Master of the Xiuyao Heavenly Palace, while appearing hostile, lacked any genuine malice.

“Chu Xinyue, the second daughter of Chu Gucheng, requested that I provoke you, Young Master Gu.”

Ouyang Ji was blunt, wasting no time in exposing Chu Xinyue’s scheme.

“I suspected as much,” Gu Changge replied with a nod.

Such petty maneuvers were beneath his notice. While Chu Gucheng was too cautious to act now, his children were clearly more impulsive.

“Naturally, nothing escapes your notice, Young Master,” Ouyang Ji said respectfully.

“I came to Xianchu Haotu on my father's orders to offer congratulations. He desires a marriage alliance between our Palace and Xianchu Haotu. However, I have been in the Xiyuan Civilization for months. I see the reality of the situation. Xianchu Haotu appears grand, but it is hollow and brittle. Its current prosperity is a facade that will eventually lead to its ruin...”

Chu Xinyue had treated him like a pawn, but he was no simpleton.

Setting aside Gu Changge’s sheer power, his enigmatic background alone was enough to make any major power in the Xiyuan Civilization hesitate.

Ouyang Ji might be seen as a pampered heir, but he was far more astute than the late Chu Xiao.

“And why are you telling me this?”

Gu Changge smiled faintly. He wasn't shocked by the turn of events; those who reached the Dao realm were rarely idiots.

Ouyang Ji had lived through enough to know he shouldn't be easily manipulated.

Ouyang Ji spoke with deep sincerity, “I know this is a trifle to you, Young Master. I also know that while your identity is known, Xianchu Haotu will wait until the celebration ends before they strike to avenge Chu Xiao. Yet, you remain here without fear, clearly showing that you do not fear them at all.”

“My father wanted me to marry into their line to gain influence against our rivals in the Xudan Civilization. But I believe that rather than aligning with Xianchu Haotu, it is far wiser to align with you.”

By the end of his speech, his tone had shifted to one of profound reverence.

Ling Yuxian, who had just arrived, stood frozen in shock at his words. She had never imagined this was Ouyang Ji’s true goal. Seeing him battered and bloody, she felt a strange sense of bewilderment.

She had expected a fierce battle when he forced his way in, but it was clear that Gu Changge’s power was on an entirely different level.

She realized Ouyang Ji had been struck down in an instant, his aura completely shattered.