I Am the Fated Villain Chapter 1277:

1638. Faith gradually crumbled, and the arrogant would eventually pay the price.

For a long time, Chu Kui, Bi Xin, Han Feng, and the rest found it impossible to settle their racing hearts. The brush with death they had experienced tonight felt surreal, as if the preceding events were nothing more than a fever dream.

Previously, they were convinced by the rumors surrounding Gu Changge—that he was a global catastrophe, a lingering shadow of a dark evil. They viewed him as a malicious demon who needed to be destroyed by their collective strength.

Han Feng, the Champion Marquis Chu Heng’s loyal lieutenant, had heard his master speak of the Heaven-Devouring Alliance’s enigmatic leader before. The Marquis was certain this individual would bring ruin to the Xiyuan civilization and had even contemplated marching an army into the Immortal Spirit Civilization to crush the Heaven-Devouring Alliance.

However, the night's revelations left Han Feng’s mind in a state of turmoil. Having glimpsed the true identity of the masked assailant, his former convictions now seemed absurd. He realized that even the Champion Marquis likely never anticipated such a shocking twist of fate.

“The events of this evening are truly beyond belief. If Young Master Gu had not intervened at the perfect moment, we would have perished without even a place to be buried,” Wu Xuan remarked. Despite his gratitude, he sighed heavily as he processed Gu Changge’s words, his heart heavy with conflicting thoughts.

He began connecting the dots, a cold shiver running down his spine. That masked figure was actually a close confidant of the sovereign, Chu Gucheng. The man had frequently visited the Capable Men and Extraordinary Talent Mansion to deliver the ruler’s royal decrees and commands.

Recognizing that face had left Wu Xuan in a state of total shock.

Every possibility led to a chilling conclusion. Even if the ruler, Chu Gucheng, hadn't explicitly sanctioned the act, it was impossible to dismiss the idea that this was a direct order from the throne.

Currently, the Xianchu Hao region was besieged by foreign invaders and internal strife; any civil explosion would lead to immediate collapse. Weighing the stakes, it wasn't far-fetched to think Chu Gucheng had made a cold calculation. Sacrificing the Champion Marquis might be the price to stabilize the realm and end the crisis.

“I once assumed the Xianchu Hao region was as stable and serene as the world claimed. But based on today’s observations, it appears many rumors are unreliable,” Gu Changge remarked with a soft smile, taking a measured sip of his wine.

The faces of Chu Kui, Bi Xin, and the others grew somber. They had never imagined the internal power struggles of the Xianchu Hao region were so vicious that even a Dao realm expert could be discarded and liquidated at a moment's notice.

To them, tonight’s events signaled that the royal house was siding with the Divine General faction. How else could that faction have convinced a personal confidant of Chu Gucheng to draw his blade?

“I will report tonight’s treachery to the Marquis in full detail. He must know how the capital's various powers are conspiring against him,” Han Feng said, his voice trembling with fury as he gritted his teeth.

“The Divine General faction took advantage of the Marquis’ absence to send a scoundrel to assault his estate, driving the lady to end her own life in shame. Knowing this, the royal family chose silence over justice, covering up the truth to protect the culprits. This behavior is truly heart-chilling,” Chu Bai added, his tone frigid.

Having narrowly escaped death himself, Chu Bai felt a mixture of lingering fear and explosive rage. Yet, having long understood the true nature of the Xianchu Hao royalty and Chu Gucheng’s ruthless pragmatism, he found himself strangely unsurprised upon reflection.

Gu Changge observed the group's indignation and set down his wine cup, a faint smile playing on his lips. “How can you be so certain the Divine General faction is behind the plot against your Marquis? These are merely empty accusations without proof. Is this the standard of justice in the Xianchu Hao region?”

His question caused a startled silence to fall over the room.

They could detect the subtle thread of irony in Gu Changge’s voice.

Not long ago, without a shred of evidence, Chu Gucheng had branded the Heaven-Devouring Alliance as a dark evil remnant, rallying the Xiyuan civilization to wipe them out.

Chu Bai’s expression shifted between darkness and clarity. Suddenly, the mocking voice of the Sun Piercing Bow’s spirit echoed in his mind: “Is it possible the Divine General faction is just a convenient scapegoat?”

“A scapegoat?” Chu Bai was stunned as the realization hit him. His expression darkened further.

“But if not the Divine General faction, who else in the capital would view the Marquis as such a major obstacle?”

Bi Xin, draped in a purple gown with skin as pale as porcelain, knit her brows in deep thought, murmuring to herself.

“Hehe, is your supposedly virtuous and wise ruler, Chu Gucheng, truly the man you believe him to be?” Gu Changge smiled thinly, returning his attention to the golden ancient scroll as if savoring a fine book.

He had foreseen tonight’s chaos. In truth, every move was a component of his grand design.

Chu Gucheng would never surrender the true offender—the first prince of the Xianchu Hao region, Chu Wushang. To do so would inflict irreparable damage on the royal family's prestige.

After calculating the costs, Chu Gucheng would naturally attempt to suppress the incident, creating a smokescreen to make it look like a factional dispute or the work of the Marquis’ personal enemies.

This would keep suspicion away from Chu Wushang for the time being. Once the region’s stability was restored, they could settle the matter or appease the Champion Marquis later.

Gu Changge had already mapped out Chu Gucheng’s logic. Now, he only needed to fan the embers at the perfect moment to turn this spark into a conflagration.

“Young Master Gu is right. We lack the evidence to tie this to the Divine General faction. It was only our intuition, given the frequent clashes between them and the Marquis,” Wu Xuan admitted, regaining his composure after a moment of shock.

While the Divine General faction had their grievances with the Champion Marquis, such a dishonorable and bloody move seemed out of character. Furthermore, before the Heavenly General perished, he and Chu Heng had maintained a level of mutual respect despite their rivalry.

In fact, the Marquis’ current border campaign was partly intended to avenge the Heavenly General. If the Divine General faction wasn't responsible, who was? And why were Chu Gucheng’s own inner circle involved?

“Young Master Gu, do you perhaps know the truth?” Wu Xuan asked with newfound respect, looking at the young man who sat with an ethereal, detached aura.

“If I told you what I know, would you even believe me?” Gu Changge replied with a faint, knowing smile.

“You saved our lives tonight. That fact alone earns our trust,” Wu Xuan stated earnestly. His wounds were so grave they would take tens of thousands of years to heal. If Gu Changge intended them harm, they were defenseless. He had no reason to lie to them.

“Hehe, do you truly think I am a benevolent person?” Gu Changge glanced at them, his smile never wavering, making no effort to hide his pragmatism. “I didn't save you out of the goodness of my heart. I saved you because you are more useful to me alive.”

“Whatever your motives, the fact that you rescued us remains undeniable,” Wu Xuan replied with a small smile. Though he knew Gu Changge wouldn't act without a reason, hearing such blunt honesty actually put him at ease. His respect for Gu Changge grew, accompanied by a strange sense of affinity.

This mysterious Young Master Gu was transparent and direct. He didn't seem like the type to weave cowardly schemes from the shadows.

“Back in Ziguicheng, Uncle Fu was also rescued by Young Master Gu. His character is certainly beyond reproach,” Chu Bai suddenly interjected, remembering the past.

The group froze, turning to him in unison.

Seeing their bewilderment, Chu Bai explained with a touch of bitterness, “The ruler is aware of the truth, yet he allowed the rumors to persist. Uncle Fu sacrificed everything to stall Di Kun, the Seventh Prince of the Demon Court, so Chu Xiao could flee. Di Kun was overwhelming; he nearly killed Uncle Fu before chasing after Chu Xiao…”

As Chu Bai detailed the circumstances of Chu Xiao’s demise, the expressions of Wu Xuan and the others turned complicated.

They had always found it hard to believe that a loyal veteran would abandon a prince to save his own skin.

But why did Chu Gucheng let the slander spread? Was it simply because Gu Changge was the savior?

If that was the case, his pettiness was staggering.

As members of the Capable Men and Extraordinary Talent Mansion, they had all benefited from Uncle Fu’s guidance and held him in high esteem. While they felt relief for the old man, they were deeply unsettled. Chu Gucheng was looking less like a sage king and more like a small-minded tyrant.

“I have always respected those who are loyal. A man who faces certain death to protect his lord’s heir deserves better than to die for a talentless, arrogant prince,” Gu Changge said smoothly.

No one defended the late Chu Xiao. His reputation as a reckless fool was an open secret in the region, though no one had dared say it aloud while he lived.

Now that he was gone, there was no need for pretense.

What shocked them was that Gu Changge—an enemy of the region—had saved a loyal minister like Uncle Fu, while the ruler the old man served had abandoned him to depression and public scorn despite knowing his innocence.

“This is truly disheartening…” Chu Kui, known for his bluntness, grumbled in frustration.

“The ruler is a master of image. He is seen as a wise and loving father to his people. He even refused to hand me over when the Demon Court threatened us. I wanted to be grateful. But when he called me to the palace, he secretly placed marks on my Sun Piercing Bow. He claimed it was for protection, but he was actually trying to seize control of the artifact for himself…” Chu Bai revealed coldly.

Everyone knew the Sun Piercing Bow was a legendary treasure that even Dao realm experts craved. To think their own ruler was plotting to steal it from his subordinate was a heavy blow.

The Mansion was founded by Chu Gucheng to house the realm’s elite. Many members viewed him with religious devotion.

But now, those foundations of faith were crumbling before their eyes.

Gu Changge watched them, unsurprised by their reaction.

A massive dam often fails because of a single ant hole. That hole was now widening. It was only a matter of time before the flood followed.

He turned his gaze back to the golden scroll. Tonight, the capital was not the only place where the fires were burning.

Deep within the royal palace, a different drama was unfolding.

“This… what is this?”

When Wu Xuan and the others looked toward the scroll in Gu Changge’s hands, they were instantly captivated.

The blurred surface of the scroll didn't show text, but rather rippled like water, revealing vivid images.

Deep in the palace, amidst rising mists and ethereal dancers, a grand banquet was in progress. However, the festive music couldn't hide the thick tension in the air.

A graceful woman in light silks, her hair flowing like moonlight, stood up. Her eyes were cold as she raised a hand, gathering terrifying waves of Dao energy.

“The Saintess of Xiyuan…” Wu Xuan whispered. He recognized her from Chu Gucheng’s birthday celebration.

The other guests at the table rose as well, their friendly smiles replaced by icy glares.

“The ruler, Elder Jin, that crone from Yinxu Cave… even the Law Saint is there,” Wu Xuan noted, his horror deepening with every name.

What was happening? Was the sovereign actually moving against the Saintess of Xiyuan?

“This can’t be real…” Chu Bai and the others stared in disbelief.

“Tonight, the world changes…” Wu Xuan muttered, trembling.

The Saintess represented the will of the Xiyuan civilization. To attack her was to invite total destruction upon the Xianchu Hao region. Had Chu Gucheng lost his mind?

“It seems they intend to replace her,” Gu Changge remarked calmly, watching the scene like a bored spectator.

He had known this was coming. Chu Xinyue had been maneuvering around the Saintess for days. The Saintess, blinded by her own power, had underestimated the desperation of the Xianchu Hao royalty.

Gu Changge had already sent her a warning.

“Hehe, the arrogant will always pay for their lack of caution,” he said softly.

With a flick of his wrist, the image sharpened, and the sound of the confrontation filled the room.

“Chu Gucheng, you actually have the audacity to plot against me?”

“Elder Jin, I respected you as a senior for our master’s sake. I never imagined you would sink to this—conspiring with Chu Gucheng to trap me.”

In the palace depths, the Saintess of Xiyuan stood defiantly. Her voice was like shards of ice as she looked upon the gathered experts with pure contempt.