I Am the Fated Villain Chapter 1270:

1631. Following his script, Chu Gucheng’s ruthless decision-making

The previous night's occurrences at the Champion Marquis’ residence sent shockwaves throughout the entirety of the Xian Chu Haotu Imperial Capital.

By early morning, a multitude of imperial guards and high-ranking generals had descended upon the Champion Marquis’ estate to commence their investigation into the incident.

The Champion Marquis’ residence was shrouded in mourning, draped in white, with the Marquis’ offspring openly displaying profound sorrow and indignation.

Such a significant event naturally ignited intense feelings of wrath and apprehension in everyone.

How audacious must that perpetrator have been to commit murder on the very day of the ruler Chu Gucheng’s birthday banquet?

Many ministers found themselves engulfed in a deep sense of panic and dread, with everyone on edge. They suspected an attack from a hostile force, enemies of Xian Chu Haotu, aiming to sow discord while the Champion Marquis was engaged on the front lines.

Naturally, some also speculated whether the culprit might have been one of the guests. Xian Chu Haotu was a melting pot of factions, with individuals from various Sects in attendance, making it inevitable that some would harbor ulterior motives or concealed ambitions.

Consequently, Chu Gucheng swiftly deployed personnel to investigate the whereabouts and activities of all guests from the previous night.

The entire Imperial Capital was rigorously sealed off, and magnificent, dazzling formations ascended from the city walls like a glowing shield, emitting the most brilliant light.

Ancient runes, intricately interwoven in layers, seemed to embody boundless power, sending shivers down one's spine.

At that moment, deep within the capital, in a grand hall.

Chu Gucheng's countenance was ashen, his fists tightly clenched beneath his robes, and his entire body trembled, struggling to contain his profound fury.

Before him, Chu Wushang, pale and crestfallen, knelt on the ground with his head bowed, appearing utterly defeated, as if his very soul had departed.

“You… you ungrateful son, are you attempting to end me with this?”

Chu Gucheng spoke, his words almost ground out through gritted teeth.

In that instant, he yearned to strike him directly. Yet, this was his own flesh and blood. Over the years, he had invested so much hope in him—how could he bring himself to do it?

“Father, please, kill me. I am truly sorry. I have failed you, and I have dashed all your hopes. I have utterly disappointed you.”

Chu Wushang, still prostrate on the ground, spoke in a low, murmuring tone.

His face betrayed no emotion, his eyes vacant, as though he were a mere husk. Behind Chu Gucheng, the figure of the Law Saint materialized.

Observing Chu Wushang’s current state, the Law Saint’s expression also reflected a measure of sorrow and helplessness.

Chu Wushang was, after all, Chu Gucheng’s firstborn son, the one in whom he had placed the greatest expectations.

The Law Saint had also witnessed Chu Wushang’s upbringing, regarding him almost as his own grandson.

Even the name “Chu Wushang” had been personally bestowed by him. But now, seeing Chu Wushang in this lifeless condition, as if he had lost his soul, and recalling the wild, incomprehensible actions he committed after the birthday banquet last night, deeply pained the Law Saint.

“…”

The Law Saint sighed, at a loss for words in that moment.

What Chu Wushang perpetrated at the Champion Marquis’ residence last night could not possibly remain concealed. This was because he had made no deliberate effort to erase his tracks. Anyone who exerted the slightest effort could easily follow the clues and trace them back to Chu Wushang.

Once this matter was exposed, the ramifications would be unimaginable.

Not only would Chu Wushang himself face severe repercussions, but even the entire royal family of Xian Chu Haotu would suffer from the unforeseeable fallout.

Before all the distinguished guests, his reputation would be utterly ruined.

What would it signify if it were to circulate that the crown prince of Xian Chu Haotu, while the Champion Marquis was away leading his troops to confront the enemy at the front, secretly infiltrated the Marquis’ residence at night and assaulted his wife?

If word spread, the entire Xian Chu Haotu would become a laughingstock to all the factions and Sects of the realm.

Thus, after discerning the truth behind last night’s events, the Law Saint immediately intervened to cover for Chu Wushang.

For the time being, it should be impossible for anyone to uncover the truth. Initially, the Law Saint had intended to inform Chu Gucheng about this matter that morning. However, to his surprise, Chu Wushang had already come forward on his own, openly admitting to his actions from last night, and requested that Chu Gucheng grant him death to appease public indignation.

This scene caused the Law Saint even greater anguish.

Throughout this time, Chu Wushang had consistently appeared mature, composed, and capable of shouldering significant responsibilities.

The Law Saint could only speculate that perhaps Chu Wushang had been overwhelmed by rage at the time, leading him to act recklessly without considering the consequences.

But so many years had passed, and who would have thought that Chu Wushang’s obsession would still be so profound, almost as if it had transformed into a demonic thought within his Dantian?

“How am I to handle this, after you’ve committed such a deed…?”

Witnessing Chu Wushang in this state, Chu Gucheng’s heart was naturally filled with immense sorrow.

But the deed had already been done.

Considering all this, Chu Gucheng sighed deeply, closed his eyes, and turned his back on Chu Wushang. His hand beneath the large imperial robe clenched tightly, his fingers turning white from the exertion.

At that moment, a voice suddenly emanated from outside the hall.

“Your Majesty, Old Fu requests an audience.”

Chu Gucheng did not understand why Old Fu would seek him at this particular moment, but he nonetheless granted him entry.

“Your Majesty, this old servant is deeply sorry for you, and for the First Prince. Last night, I should not have uttered those words to the First Prince…”

Before Old Fu even appeared, his choked and sorrowful tone was already audible.

Chu Gucheng turned and looked back.

Old Fu, his face etched with wrinkles, stumbled in, tears streaming down his aged countenance, filled with regret and self-blame.

Initially, Chu Gucheng was perplexed as to why Old Fu would utter such things. But soon, as Old Fu explained that after observing the First Prince, Chu Wushang, depart the birthday banquet last night, appearing emotionally dejected and melancholic, he had anxiously followed him, Chu Gucheng’s expression finally shifted.

He had already surmised what had transpired next.

“So, you informed Wushang about that past matter?”

Chu Gucheng took a deep breath, gazing coldly at Old Fu. Due to his negligence, his youngest son, Chu Xiao, had perished.

Now, because of Old Fu’s words, his eldest son, Chu Wushang, had made such a reckless and foolish decision.

“Your Majesty, this old servant is truly sorry to you, and to the First Prince. I should not have spoken those words to the First Prince last night…”

Old Fu wept bitterly, kneeling on the ground, repeatedly banging his head in apology.

“I only realized this morning after hearing about the incident at the Champion Marquis’ residence, and I began to suspect it might be related to the First Prince.”

He continued to recount the events of the previous night with profound regret and remorse.

After learning that Chu Wushang had remained obsessed with the past matters between Qing Lan and Champion Marquis Chu Heng, harboring grudges against both Chu Gucheng and the Champion Marquis, Old Fu could no longer endure it and revealed the truth of that year to Chu Wushang.

Qing Lan had married Champion Marquis Chu Heng not because Chu Gucheng had intervened, but because she had actively sought out Chu Gucheng and requested him to arrange their marriage.

Chu Gucheng had never intentionally tried to separate Qing Lan and the First Prince; he had not informed Chu Wushang of the truth because he did not want him to resent the Champion Marquis and Qing Lan. He had intended to cultivate Chu Heng as Chu Wushang’s right-hand man in the future.

Old Fu had not wanted Chu Wushang to harbor resentment toward Chu Gucheng, nor did he want him to cling to his obsession. But he had not foreseen such an unpredictable outcome.

Upon hearing all this, Chu Gucheng’s face remained expressionless, but he could not help but let out a sigh.

Indeed, Old Fu’s initial intention had been correct.

“Father, none of this is Old Fu’s fault. Everything was done by me. I am willing to bear the consequences. What Old Fu said was only for my sake, so please do not blame him.”

Chu Wushang had been kneeling with his head lowered, his eyes hollow and his expression despondent, as though he no longer cared about his own life or death.

But upon hearing Old Fu’s words, he couldn’t help but lift his head and speak up in his defense.

At that moment, his mind was still in a haze, and he couldn’t fully comprehend what had transpired.

No matter what, the deed had already been done. Regret and remorse were of no use now.

Indeed, he had been overly impulsive last night. His actions had not only shamed Xian Chu Haotu, but also implicated the well-intentioned Old Fu.

Chu Wushang still couldn’t understand why he had become so enraged last night. In that moment, he had even been unable to control his thoughts, as if a demon within him had been whispering, urging him on.

It felt as if years of accumulated pain, disappointment, and anger had all erupted at once. Especially when he confronted Qing Lan, inquiring why she had actively sought out his father, Chu Gucheng, to request a marriage between her and Chu Heng.

Her response was unexpectedly calm and indifferent. She had already fallen in love with Chu Heng at that time, desiring to be with him and remain together for life, and that was all. When she was younger, she did indeed like Chu Wushang, but later, she found herself developing feelings for Chu Heng as well.

For both of them, who had been quite exceptional at the time, she found it difficult to choose, and had even considered only accepting one of them. But she truly couldn’t do it. She couldn’t bring herself to reject either of their affections and advances.

During the years when Chu Wushang had vanished from the Imperial Capital, her relationship with Chu Heng had flourished. Moreover, Chu Heng had become increasingly remarkable, eventually becoming the renowned Champion Marquis of Xian Chu Haotu.

“For all these years, I actually knew I owed you an apology. But you kept avoiding me, never wanting to meet me, so how could I voice those words to you? Tonight, you’re the one who came to find me, and I’m actually quite happy. That way, I can finally tell you what I should’ve said back then. I truly am sorry. I was immature back then and didn’t directly reject you, which caused you so much pain later on.”

“But at that time, I truly couldn’t disregard your feelings for me. I simply didn’t want to hurt anyone. What was wrong with that? Yet, for all these years, you refused to meet me, treating me like a stranger, resenting me, and unwilling to face me…”

Qing Lan’s face appeared sorrowful, her tone laced with a hint of resentment.

As she uttered those words, she sighed deeply, as if a heavy burden that had weighed upon her heart for years had finally been lifted.

Chu Wushang, however, stared at her blankly, then suddenly burst into cold laughter.

So, this was the truth.

What she cared about wasn’t the past infidelity, but that he shouldn’t have blamed her.

She had done nothing wrong. The mistake was his, not hers…

“If it were to happen again, my choice would still be the same as last night. I don’t know how I was so blind back then to fall for someone like her… a woman like that.”

Chu Wushang mumbled to himself, and a trace of hostility suddenly appeared in his previously vacant eyes.

The scene from last night stirred the most unbearable chord in his heart once more. All these years, he had resented Chu Gucheng for separating him and Qing Lan, for forcing them apart.

That was why he had been too ashamed to meet Qing Lan, believing it was his weakness, that he couldn’t defy his father and protect her.

But after learning everything from last night, he realized how foolish he had been, like a puppet being manipulated in someone’s palm.

“…”

“Old Fu, you must rise. This is not your fault.”

Looking at the elderly man who had served him for so many years, kneeling on the ground and repeatedly banging his head, his forehead already broken, blood staining the floor, Chu Gucheng’s heart ached.

Chu Gucheng’s heart softened somewhat. Although Chu Xiao had perished due to Old Fu’s failure to protect him, Old Fu had indeed accomplished many things for him over the years.

When Chu Gucheng was younger, it was thanks to Old Fu’s care that he was not bullied to death by members of his own clan.

“Your Majesty, this old servant is so sorry to the First Prince. It was my manipulation that led him to make such a grave error. Last night’s incident—I am willing to bear all the consequences for it. I am old now, no longer useful. But the First Prince is still young, with a bright future ahead. He should not be tainted by such a trivial matter. As for my reputation, it is already ruined; what does one more scandal matter?”

Old Fu remained kneeling on the ground, tears streaming down his face, his voice choked with sorrow.

Upon hearing this, both Chu Gucheng and the Law Saint were deeply moved.

“Old Fu, this is my doing. Whatever consequences there are, I should bear them. Why should you take the blame?” Chu Wushang hastily spoke, attempting to help Old Fu stand.

He was incredibly moved but also filled with guilt and regret.

“First Prince, it’s this old servant who is sorry for you…” Old Fu wept uncontrollably.

“Enough of this. It’s merely Qing Lan. If her demise can aid my son in expelling his inner demons and regaining his resolve, then it will have been worth it.”

“My master has already acted and obliterated all traces of last night’s events. Even if a Great Luo Golden Immortal were to arrive, they would never unearth any clues.”

“Do not worry, Wushang. It’s just a woman. How could I permit her to become your blemish?”

Witnessing this scene, Chu Gucheng had already reached his decision. With a wave of his hand, he coldly declared,

“All these years, you have never disappointed me. I would never punish you for this matter. Besides, Qing Lan’s death was of her own making.

Everything was predestined, and this is simply the consequences catching up with her. As for Champion Marquis Chu Heng, I possess my own methods to deal with him. Currently, Xian Chu Haotu is besieged by enemies from all directions.

If I attribute this to an external enemy or guest, does he truly believe he can investigate and uncover the truth?”

“Father…”

Chu Wushang gazed at the cold, ruthless Chu Gucheng before him, and while feeling profoundly touched, he couldn’t help but sense a strange coldness and distance between them.

“Chu Heng previously acquired a pair of Yin-Yang Twin Jade. He had Ling Yezi fashion them into a pair of mandarin duck pendants. He must have left one with Qing Lan. The two pendants possess a mutual connection, and with the other pendant, he might be able to uncover something.”

Chu Gucheng frowned, as if realizing something significant.

Currently, Champion Marquis Chu Heng was still battling enemies at the border. He could not permit him to uncover the truth.

Since Chu Heng could not personally return to investigate, he would undoubtedly dispatch his trusted subordinates with the other pendant to gather information.

“We cannot allow Chu Heng’s subordinates to return to the Imperial Capital. We must intercept them outside…”

Chu Gucheng’s face darkened, his expression hardening with ruthless determination. Although Chu Heng had earned his trust, at this moment, he had no choice but to place him in a difficult predicament.

…

The events that unfolded last night in Xian Chu Haotu caused a stir, and those at the Imperial Palace were naturally questioned as well.

However, this kind of matter, even if questioned, would not yield much information.

The Heart-Searching Stone of Xian Chu Haotu was not potent enough to detect the spiritual fluctuations of beings in the Dao realm, so it couldn’t ascertain the veracity or falsehood of anyone’s words.

By morning, many ministers and guests, accompanied by their families or disciples, had journeyed to the Champion Marquis’ residence to offer their respects and condolences.

Meanwhile, Gu Changge was still leisurely sipping tea and admiring the bamboo in the courtyard, completely at ease. Before him, an ancient book surrounded by chaotic Qi hovered, with the flow of Dao laws running through it in a hazy, mysterious manner.

Waves of black smoke emanated from it, transforming into a faint, slender figure in the void, which was the spiritual entity sealed within the Book of Scavenging.

On the other side, a formless mass of black mist morphed into the shrunk figure of Old Fu, who was respectfully reporting the situation.

“Master, everything has progressed precisely as you foretold. Last night’s events transpired without incident. Chu Gucheng has secretly dispatched his dark guards to intercept Champion Marquis Chu Heng’s trusted subordinates outside the Imperial Capital, preventing their safe return.”

“Furthermore, Chu Guch