I Am the Fated Villain Chapter 3: Posturing? I Can Do That Too!

"Young Lord Gu, please do not take this disciple's behavior to heart. This Ye Chen is truly lacking in manners."

The Taixuan Holy Lord spoke with a face clouded by gloom. While offering his apologies to Gu Changge, he couldn't resist casting a subtle, meaningful glance toward the Sect Elders. All the assembled guests were watching this spectacle with intense curiosity; never before had the Taixuan Holy Land endured such a public loss of face!

"Holy Lord, allow me to handle Ye Chen and offer our apologies to Young Lord Gu personally!"

Seeking to gain Gu Changge’s favor, Chu Xuan, the newly appointed Holy Son of the Taixuan Holy Land, took the initiative. He was already in motion before his sentence concluded. Magical runes shimmered within his palms as he unleashed a probing strike toward Ye Chen.

A thunderous explosion echoed throughout the hall. The runes in Chu Xuan's grip coalesced, transforming into a terrifying bolt of lightning that took the shape of a snarling dragon. As the Holy Son of the Taixuan Holy Land, his abilities naturally far surpassed those of his contemporaries. Conversely, Ye Chen was merely an obscure Inner Sect Disciple. The gap between them was viewed as a vast abyss; how could Ye Chen possibly stand against Chu Xuan?

Rays of spectral light and flashing runes dazzled the audience as they observed the clash. However, the most powerful figures in the hall, including the leadership of the Taixuan Holy Land, were indifferent to the fight's progression. To them, Ye Chen’s defeat was a foregone conclusion. They were simply relieved they didn't have to intervene personally, which would have been even more humiliating given the presence of representatives from other Holy Lands and prominent Clans attending the Coronation Ceremony. The Taixuan Holy Lord had no desire to deepen the embarrassment.

"Fine, then let us fight!"

Ye Chen, however, showed no fear and met the challenge with visible excitement. His aura flared as he countered his opponent's strike with a palm of his own.

"This Ye Chen truly fails to recognize the immensity of the Heavens! Is he not simply overestimating himself and seeking his own end?"

Disdainful mockery rose from the Inner Sect Disciples in the crowd.

"Holy Son Chu Xuan has reached the half-step Transcendent Realm, while Ye Chen is stuck in the Spirit Palace Realm. That is without even mentioning the Holy Son's [Hell Thunder Divine Physique]..."

"The result is already decided..."

One after another, the disciples reached the same conclusion: Ye Chen was throwing his life away. In the following instant, thunder roared and flames erupted. A massive boom was born from the collision of brilliant light and intense heat. As the dust settled, Chu Xuan’s frame shuddered, a numbing sensation spreading through his limbs. In contrast, Ye Chen remained immovable, a confident smirk on his face as he stood like a young God of Fire.

"What?!"

"He possesses such strength..."

A sparkle appeared in the eyes of several female disciples as they took in Ye Chen’s striking presence. His power had far surpassed their expectations, leaving many observers in a state of shock. It was clear from that single exchange that the two were evenly matched.

"Ye Chen is only at the Spirit Palace Realm, yet he managed to halt a strike from the Holy Son, who is a half-step into the Transcendent Realm?"

Both Elders and disciples were stunned by the turn of events. Even the Taixuan Holy Lord, who had been watching with a dark expression, was visibly shaken. After all, Chu Xuan possessed the [Hell Thunder Divine Physique] and was capable of fighting those in higher Realms. He had few rivals among his peers. How could he fail to defeat someone nearly an entire Realm below him with a single blow? Was Ye Chen's potential actually superior to Chu Xuan's? Why had such talent gone unnoticed until now?

Of course, there was one person among the crowd who remained unsurprised: Gu Changge. Ye Chen was a Favored Son of Heaven, after all. Overturning expectations and humiliating rivals was standard behavior for such individuals. Gu Changge took a slow, composed sip of his tea.

Without any hint of urgency, he remarked, "You seem to possess a great deal of confidence in Ye Chen's skills?"

Upon hearing his voice, Su Qingge turned her head. Her usually composed figure trembled slightly, releasing a faint, elegant scent of orchids. Though she remained silent, her small movements betrayed her internal state.

Gu Changge fixed her with a deep, knowing look and smiled. "This act of yours... is it to convince me you have no connection to Ye Chen? Are you worried I might move against him? You are quite a cunning woman."

With just a few words, he had exposed her scheme. Su Qingge realized this man was far more formidable than she had envisioned, and his insight made her feel more unsettled than his previous indifference. Still, she kept her lips pressed tight and said nothing.

Gu Changge glanced at his teacup and noted flatly, "It is empty..."

Su Qingge looked at him before silently reaching for the teapot to provide a refill.

"Interesting..."

Gu Changge spoke with a cryptic grin. It was unclear if he was talking to himself or addressing Su Qingge directly, but her hand shook as she poured. To Gu Changge, this cliché plot was transparent. Ye Chen’s outburst today was driven by news that the Holy Lord had sent his daughter to Gu Changge’s quarters the previous night. What Ye Chen didn't realize was that the original Gu Changge was a cultivation-obsessed man who hadn't even touched Su Qingge.

Based on the unfolding events, Gu Changge recognized Su Qingge as a typical Heroine. From a narrative standpoint, Ye Chen—a boy from a backwater region who traveled through countless dynasties to join the Taixuan Holy Land—was the Protagonist. The story seemed to be reaching its midpoint. Su Qingge, with her immense talent, beauty, and status as the Holy Maiden, was also highly intelligent. She knew that Ye Chen challenging Gu Changge was like an egg hitting a rock. Consequently, she didn't beg for mercy, knowing it would only make Gu Changge hate Ye Chen more. Her best move was to act indifferent to distance herself from him.

If she wasn't the Heroine, then who was? Unfortunately for her, Gu Changge saw through everything. He held an omniscient perspective over this world. Knowing he was the villain, he had no intention of letting Su Qingge slip away. A melon picked by force might lack sweetness, but it would still satisfy one's thirst.

"I certainly underestimated you!"

Chu Xuan, the Holy Son, spoke coldly, clearly intending to continue the fight. Failing to suppress Ye Chen in front of everyone, especially Gu Changge, would be a permanent stain on his reputation. However, Gu Changge had already moved toward them, raising a hand to halt the conflict.

"How boring."

The moment those words were uttered, Ye Chen stood frozen in shock.

"Since this involves me, I will not trouble Holy Son Chu Xuan further," Gu Changge added, his eyes settling on Ye Chen. "This fearlessness of yours... is it born of pure ignorance?"

Gu Changge murmured as his gaze sharpened. Suddenly, a massive pressure descended upon the hall as if the heavens themselves had collapsed. A violent storm of spirit energy and runes erupted. Everyone present felt a primal dread, and even the Elders were visibly shaken.

"So this is the true strength of Young Lord Gu..." the Taixuan Holy Lord noted, his expression becoming grave.

As the primary target of this overwhelming force, Ye Chen’s face turned ghostly pale. His legs gave way, and he was forced to his knees. Even with his hands braced against the floor, he could barely keep his head up. He was being crushed. No matter how much he tried to contact the Master residing within his ring, there was no response.

Struggling with all his might, Ye Chen managed to look up at the white-robed man who stared down at him as if he were an insect. He could not believe this was happening; he refused to accept this reality.

Gu Changge maintained a cold, distant face while mocking him internally. The outcome of the previous fight was obvious; if left alone, Ye Chen would have beaten Chu Xuan to humiliate the Sect. Then, Ye Chen would have likely challenged Gu Changge to a future duel, a bet he would surely win with the help of the powerful "Grandpa" in his ring. It was a classic setup. Too bad for him, Gu Changge was a Transmigrator who had arrived with his own set of advantages!