I Am the Fated Villain Chapter 1273:
Previously on I Am the Fated Villain...
1634. The primordial civilization’s treasures
“Hehe, if my intuition serves me, Zixiao Mountain has likely established a link with the Celestial Court already. That dark casket currently terrorizing the Immortal Chu Hao Earth is undoubtedly a creation of the Celestial Court—no other power possesses the craft to forge such an object.”
The veteran Taoist grew pensive upon hearing those words. “The progenitor Sage of the Xi Yuan Sacred Hall spent ages battling the Celestial Court and the Eight Follower Sect. Most kingdoms and civilizations that joined that conflict were wiped out by the Celestial Court’s vengeance, though a few remnant clans remain hidden within various pockets of chaotic space, making them nearly impossible to track down.”
“On that note, if we can eliminate the Sage of the Xi Yuan Sacred Hall and successfully claim the Mirror of Reincarnation, the Eight Follower Sect will no longer be trapped in such a defensive position against the Celestial Court.”
Control over the Coffin of the Burial World had always rested with the Celestial Court. Furthermore, the physical remains of the former Lord of the Celestial Organization had been imprisoned within that very casket for countless millennia.
As time passed, the Celestial Court exploited the power of that trapped entity, likely tainting numerous unknown void realms and birthing grotesque, horrific beings like the Shèn and Shadows. Their intentions were far from simple.
The six treasures of the primordial civilization possessed unimaginable creative and destructive potential. Even the legendary Lord of the Celestial Organization, who once possessed the audacity to defy the Realm of Truth, was only subdued because of these six artifacts. Consequently, the Eight Follower Sect would never permit the Celestial Court to assemble the complete set of primordial treasures.
Within a quiet, refined pavilion in the Immortal Chu Hao Earth, the Xi Yuan Saintess remained oblivious to the fact that the Mirror of Reincarnation belonging to her Xi Yuan Sacred Hall had been marked by several clandestine, terrifying entities. She sat motionless behind a translucent veil, her silhouette so faint and hazy that her true form was impossible to discern.
“Did Chu Gucheng dispatch you here?”
The Xi Yuan Saintess was not wearing a mask. Her elegant eyebrows were slightly pinched, and her pale, delicate fingers gripped an ancient manuscript, as if she were lost in deep reflection or study.
With her free hand, she softly stroked a wine cup of flawless jade, appearing to enjoy a refined vintage.
Across the misty veil, white vapors rose as Chu Xinyue knelt in a show of respect. She spoke, “Actually, this was not my father’s command. I wished to pay my respects to the Saintess personally. I was unable to find a moment to visit you during the feast, and I hope the Saintess can forgive my tardiness.”
The audience with the Xi Yuan Saintess had proceeded without incident. Upon learning of Chu Xinyue’s arrival, the Saintess had not turned her away.
“Your natural gifts are truly impressive. Back when you studied at the Xi Yuan Sacred Hall, you were merely at the quasi-Immortal Emperor realm. After so many eras, you have already attained the True Dao realm,” the Xi Yuan Saintess’s voice drifted through the veil as she set aside her ancient book.
Her tone was gentle and serene, reminiscent of heavenly music. It held a soul-cleansing quality that caused anyone listening to lose themselves in its melody.
Chu Xinyue had previously undergone Cultivation at the Xi Yuan Sacred Hall under the personal mentorship of the Xi Yuan Saintess. In the Saintess's eyes, Chu Xinyue was a woman of high ambition and talent whose future potential was significant. This shared history was why she favored Chu Xinyue and allowed her entry, even though she had rejected countless other prominent guests during this period.
“I have been blessed for a lifetime because of the guidance you gave me back then, Saintess,” Chu Xinyue replied with deep respect.
The cloud-like veil separated the two women, offering only a vague glimpse of the Xi Yuan Saintess’s lithe and elegant frame. She brought her slender white wrist to her face, taking a small sip from her jade vessel.
The Saintess did not offer a direct reply to Chu Xinyue’s flattery.
Still kneeling, Chu Xinyue observed that the Saintess seemed preoccupied with the wine. She lowered her voice and added, “I once came across a flask of Daoist Immortal Brew that had been preserved for several eras. If it pleases you…”
At these words, the Xi Yuan Saintess turned her gaze toward Chu Xinyue, as if trying to read her hidden thoughts. She gave a faint smile and cut her off, saying calmly, “There is no need for that. Speak plainly—what is the reason for your visit? If you are here as a messenger for your father, Chu Gucheng, then you may save your breath.”
Chu Xinyue shook her head with a look of slight resignation before turning solemn. “Saintess, you misunderstand me. As his daughter, I would never presume to interfere in my father’s affairs. I came to see you not just to reconnect after all these years, but because I have run into several Cultivation obstacles that I hoped to consult you about.”
Having lived at the Xi Yuan Sacred Hall, Chu Xinyue was well-acquainted with the Saintess’s temperament. She knew that any hesitation or deceit at this stage would only irritate her. Thus, she chose to be direct about her supposed intentions.
“Queries regarding your Cultivation?” The Xi Yuan Saintess lifted an eyebrow, her eyes scanning Chu Xinyue through the mist.
She suspected this was merely a pretext. What kind of Cultivation dilemma could someone of Chu Xinyue's status and rank have that couldn't be solved by the numerous experts and Grand Dao masters within the Immortal Chu Hao Earth?
The Xi Yuan Saintess figured this was likely just a tactic for Chu Xinyue to get closer to her, perhaps waiting for a better opening to advocate for Chu Gucheng.
“I have recently faced some profound difficulties in my Cultivation. I have sought advice from my father and our ancestors, yet no solution was found. That is why I took the liberty of seeking your wisdom, Saintess. If my presence is a disturbance, I shall leave you to your rest,” Chu Xinyue explained with practiced humility.
She had rehearsed this explanation thoroughly.
The Xi Yuan Saintess had a known weakness for talent. During Chu Xinyue's time at the Xi Yuan Sacred Hall, the Saintess had mentored her several times and had even considered making her a formal disciple. However, she had ultimately decided against it due to Chu Xinyue’s duty to return to the Immortal Chu Hao Earth.
“It is no disturbance. I plan to remain in the Immortal Chu Hao Earth for several days. You may come to me with any Cultivation questions you have during this time,” the Xi Yuan Saintess nodded gently, her eyes shining with a faint, clear light from behind the veil.
Since the Immortal Chu Hao Earth was attempting a diplomatic approach, she decided to be accommodating. This would help pacify them and discourage any desperate or reckless maneuvers.
Naturally, the Xi Yuan Saintess felt no true sense of danger. She was confident in her own power and doubted that the Immortal Chu Hao Earth would ever be brave enough to strike at her.
Chu Xinyue immediately brightened with joy, saying gratefully, “I am deeply indebted to you, Saintess.”
While her expression radiated gratitude, she was internally celebrating.
Things were progressing far better than she had hoped. This was only the first day; if she could maintain this for three more days, the Yi Tai Zao Hua Da Wu Dan she had ingested would fully record the Xi Yuan Saintess’s physical form, movements, aura, destiny, and karmic threads.
Once that was complete, she could perfectly impersonate the Xi Yuan Saintess. The Saintess detected nothing out of the ordinary, and seeing Chu Xinyue’s excitement, she even wondered if she had been too cynical about her motives.
Chu Xinyue didn't waste the opportunity, immediately presenting the Cultivation problems she had prepared to seek the Saintess's perspective.
The Xi Yuan Saintess’s expression softened, and shimmering light gathered around her ears as she listened intently. The two women soon became engrossed in a deep discussion regarding the Dao.
The problems Chu Xinyue raised were genuine issues she had faced. Even though her visit was a ruse, the answers provided wouldn't trigger an immediate breakthrough but would certainly smooth her future path of Cultivation.
Hours slipped by, and half a day vanished in what felt like a moment.
Around the veil, light danced and strange mists swirled as golden lotuses manifested, radiating a sense of transcendence and purity. Each petal seemed to carry the essence of the Dao. This was a miraculous phenomenon born from their high-level discourse. Although the Saintess kept the effect contained within the room, it was nonetheless a spectacular sight.
The Xi Yuan Saintess was carefully suppressing the display. Without her intervention, the sheer weight of the Dao laws they were discussing would have caused the surrounding universe to shudder in resonance.
Chu Xinyue listened with rapt attention, her heart racing.
She had to admit that the Xi Yuan Saintess was an incredible mentor. Her talent was frightening, and her unique grasp of the Grand Dao and the path to transcendence provided Chu Xinyue with moments of sudden clarity.
For a brief second, Chu Xinyue’s heart felt heavy with a flicker of guilt. She didn't want to deceive the Saintess, but given the precarious state of the Immortal Chu Hao Earth, as the Second Princess, her loyalty to her people and their survival had to come first.
She apologized silently in her mind.
After pushing those feelings aside, Chu Xinyue regained her composure.
By now, she could feel a growing resonance with the Xi Yuan Saintess’s aura and behavior. It felt as though she could mirror her perfectly with just a single thought.
The power of the Yi Tai Zao Hua Da Wu Dan was even more potent than she had imagined. Not wanting to overstay her welcome, Chu Xinyue prepared to depart, promising to return the next day so the Saintess could rest.
The Xi Yuan Saintess remained behind her veil, giving a slight nod of her chin without asking her to stay.
However, as Chu Xinyue reached the exit, a servant suddenly entered with a message.
“Saintess, Young Master Gu has arrived for an unannounced visit and is waiting outside the pavilion.”
Chu Xinyue’s face paled at the news. Her eyes flashed with a mix of alarm and shock.
Knowing he was responsible for her brother’s death, Chu Xinyue could barely contain the urge to strike him down. But remembering the sheer terror the Starling Elder of the Yinxu Cave felt toward Gu Changge, she forced herself to bury her murderous intent deep within.
“Why has he come?”
The previously unflappable Xi Yuan Saintess lost her calm at the mention of his name. Her expression shifted visibly. Remembering what Gu Changge had done to her in this very room previously, her voice turned icy. “I have no desire to see him.”
The sudden shift in the Saintess’s mood startled Chu Xinyue. The serene, detached woman she knew had vanished, replaced by someone sounding curt and deeply irritated, as if she held a personal grudge.
And yet, just yesterday at the banquet, the Saintess had clearly taken the side of the Celestial Court and the Tianya Alliance.
Before Chu Xinyue could make sense of it, a soft laugh filled the room.
“I’ve already walked in. Are you truly going to throw me out?”
Gu Changge’s voice vibrated through the pavilion. He appeared from the hallway, moving with effortless grace, his white robes making him look like a figure from a divine painting. His presence seemed to make the very air around him lose its color.
Chu Xinyue was shaken. Despite her high cultivation, she hadn't detected his approach at all. He was as untraceable as a ghost.
“My greetings, Young Master Gu,” she said, quickly masking her emotions with a graceful smile.
“Ah, it seems the Second Princess is here as well,” Gu Changge remarked with a light smile, as if he had only just noticed her. His tone was casual yet polite.
Chu Xinyue gave a courteous smile in return. “Since Young Master Gu has matters to discuss with the Saintess, I shall depart and leave you both in peace.”
With a final nod to the Saintess behind the veil, she hurried out. She couldn't stand being near Gu Changge; she feared he might sense her secret or that her hatred would finally boil over.