I Am the Fated Villain

Chapter 886: Ziji’s thoughts: have you ever thought of me in these hundreds of years?

When Gu Changge uttered those words, all the immortal kings present, including Moon King, King Luo, and others, were momentarily stunned. They came to an abrupt stop.

“Who are you addressing, my lord?” they asked in surprise. Their expressions reflected shock as they wondered if they had misheard.

Immortal King Ao Di of the Eastern Immortal Domain instinctively glanced at Ao Ling. He thought that Gu Changge might be acknowledging her, given her previous claim of meeting him. To his surprise, Ao Ling looked puzzled; Gu Changge hadn’t directed his words toward her.

Is it that woman?

Moon King suddenly grasped the situation. She followed Gu Changge’s gaze and laid eyes on the white-clad woman trailing behind all the true immortals of the Wang family.

Standing there with cascading blue hair, a fairy-like charm, bright eyes, and a jade-like complexion, she exuded an otherworldly beauty that made the heavens envious. Undeniably, this woman possessed the spiritual wisdom of Heaven and Earth that captivated everyone who beheld her. Even a mere glance at her was enough to hold one’s gaze.

Her aura emanated an extraordinary and refined presence among the crowd of true immortals. Many immortal kings also caught on, turning their attention to Wang Zijin, with the two immortal kings of the Wang family displaying intense surprise.

“Ziji, do you know your lord?” The elderly-looking immortal king from the Wang family couldn’t help but inquire.

Wang Ziji hadn’t anticipated Gu Changge calling her to a halt at this moment, and a hint of astonishment and surprise flashed across her face before she swiftly composed herself.

Her composed demeanor surprised all the immortal kings. Facing an entity that could make the entire immortal domain tremble with a single thought, Wang Ziji remained calm and collected. Even they found this feat challenging.

After all, this was an existence whose mere thoughts could determine the life or death of the immortal domain.

“Wang Ziji, you hail from the realm of origin; it seems you must have encountered this lord in that place,” the Immortal King of the Wang family suggested, a smile gracing his aging face at the prospect.

Another Immortal King from the Wang family wore an unnatural expression, surprised that Wang Ziji knew Gu Changge. If not for Gu Changge’s words, her calm reaction would have kept her connection to him a well-guarded secret.

This situation brought to mind the Immortal King’s longstanding desire to unite Luo Wang Mansion through a marriage proposal to Wang Ziji. If she shared a close bond with Gu Changge, would she harbor resentment and divulge this matter to him?

Such thoughts left the Immortal King of the Wang family feeling anxious and uneasy. The other immortal kings, unaware of Wang Ziji’s origin, were surprised by her connection to Gu Changge, sparking speculation about her background.

Now that we’ve discovered each other, why leave without a greeting?

Gu Changge, seated at the top, smiled lightly and gestured for all the immortal kings and guests to withdraw. This included Moon King and the others, who left promptly, sensing the unique and potentially familiar relationship between Gu Changge and Wang Ziji.

The tone of Gu Changge’s conversation with Wang Ziji hinted at an extraordinary connection, perhaps even a close one. This discouraged further questions from the departing immortal kings, who left with complex expressions.

On the other hand, Ao Ling, trailing Immortal King Ao Di, appeared hesitant to speak. It seemed as if she was wrestling with thoughts she couldn’t express. In a short span, the Immortal Bamboo Forest was left with only Gu Changge and Wang Ziji.

Amidst floating immortal mist and flowing colorful clouds, a sense of peace enveloped the surroundings. Cranes fluttered in the distance, and the sky radiated brightly creating an idyllic and tranquil scene.

“Should I address you as Young Master Changge or Demon Lord now?”

Wang Ziji approached Gu Changge with graceful steps, a subtle fragrance accompanying her movement. She exuded an air of emptiness and elegance, with fluttering hair and delicate features conveying a natural and relaxed demeanor. Despite her tranquil appearance, there was no anxiety or tension, given Gu Changge’s true identity and background.

Consciously picking up a bottle nearby, she poured herself a glass of wine.

I noticed this immortal wine earlier; it’s exclusive to the immortal king. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to taste it, but I’m quite famished.

The wine’s crystal-clear color transcended mere descriptions of delicate nectar and jade liquid. The fragrance alone could lead ordinary cultivators to epiphanies, significantly boosting their cultivation base. This exclusive fine wine, reserved for Immortal Kings, was a rare delight that ordinary cultivators would never encounter in their lifetimes.

Wang Ziji, unreserved in front of Gu Changge, picked up the wine glass and took a sip. Her beautiful eyes brightened, and a hint of dizziness was apparent. Her jade lips took on a rosy hue, carrying the subtle aroma of the wine.

“Good wine, but…” she suddenly began, shaking her head.

“With my current cultivation base, it seems I can only handle one sip anymore, and I might not bear it.”

Her face instantly took on a crimson blush, resembling a ripe red fruit—tender and delicate. A rich wine aroma permeated the air like immortal medicine had taken root in her body, generating laws and bearing Dao fruits. This transformation resulted in an abundant and vast cultivation base and mana.

In her current state, one sip was the limit. Any more and the intoxicating medicinal power could lead to her demise. Only Immortal Kings had the qualifications to savor this immortal wine. Ordinary cultivators who dared to take a sip might succumb to its overwhelming potency.

“Address me as you wish; you’re more than welcome,” Gu Changge replied with a nonchalant shrug, shaking his head as he playfully snatched the wine glass from her hand. At this moment, perhaps only Wang Ziji dared to be so informal in his presence, even daring to grab wine.

“It’s a rare opportunity; how could I let it slip by? After all, this is the Immortal King’s Wine. As a humble cultivator, without your blessing, Lord Demon Lord, I’d never get a chance to taste it,” Wang Ziji expressed with a generous smile, lounging lazily on the steps of the pavilion beside her. The slight intoxication added a charming touch to her demeanor.

Initially surprised by Gu Changge’s identity, she harbored no fear, unlike other cultivators. In the Upper Realm, she often teased Gu Changge, who took it lightly then and now. After the initial shock, she reverted to her carefree and calm self.

Gu Changge’s eyes wandered at her words, swirling the wine glass in his hand. Raising it to finish the remaining contents, he remarked, “I never expected that after hundreds of years, we’d meet again in this place.”

“My lord, you have no shame in snatching the wine from my lips. If the Immortal Domain witnesses this, what will they think of you?” Wang Ziji’s teasing words were accompanied by a playful expression tainted with a strong hint of alcohol.

Although she only took a sip, the effects of the immortal wine left her feeling dizzy. The Moon King, the usual connoisseur of this rare brew, would likely feel a pang of regret as it was served to entertain a group of immortal kings.

Gu Changge leisurely poured himself another glass of wine, responding, “If they see it, they’ll find a way to forget. Besides, this is my wine; there’s no need to be hasty with words.”

“You’re as domineering as ever,” remarked Wang Ziji, her smile emphasizing the compliment.

With her black hair cascading like a waterfall, some strands floating in the air, her face aglow in the twilight, and her eyes slightly blurred. She gazed at the white-clad man before her. Gu Changge appeared to be smiling, sipping his drink calmly.

His flawless and perfect face could incite jealousy in any woman. Yet, he seemed distant at this moment, sitting in the depths of the endless void, indifferent and emotionless.

Wang Ziji wondered if the images she perceived were overlapping or if she was hallucinating. She extended her white wrist like a lotus root as if attempting to dispel the illusion in the void before her.

What? Still eager for another sip?

Gu Changge remained unaware of Wang Ziji’s hallucinatory state. Observing her extended jade hand, he smiled and handed her the wine glass.

Refusing to drink more? I might get truly intoxicated if I continue. Why the persistence? Are you trying to get me drunk? What’s your game?

Wang Ziji hesitated to accept the offered wine glass and attempted to stand, unsteady on her feet. She grasped the pavilion’s pillar for support and shot Gu Changge an annoyed glare, attempting a fierce demeanor. However, the red lips, tainted with the wine’s fragrance, appeared delicate and tender like flower petals.

Feeling the weight in her head, regret dawned on Wang Ziji. She chastised herself for her earlier greed. After indulging in the immortal wine, she had intended to engage in a meaningful conversation with Gu Changge. Now, her head throbbed, thoughts escaped and her mind turned blank.

Wang Ziji hadn’t expected that the reunion with Gu Changge after a hundred years would unfold like this. Only a few words were exchanged, and she was already on the brink of drunkenness.

“You haven’t changed a bit, still as straightforward as ever,” Gu Changge remarked with a smile, reaching out to support her. Unaware of whether Wang Ziji intentionally fell into his arms, she looped her jade arms around his neck like a pendant. The fragrance of elegance mingled with the scent of alcohol wafted towards him.

Looking down, Gu Changge’s eyes darkened unexpectedly. He hadn’t anticipated that the reunion with Wang Ziji, his “fellow townsman,” after a century would transpire in this manner. They hadn’t exchanged more than a few words before she surrendered to intoxication, a surprising level of trust she exhibited in him.

In the past, upon discovering Wang Ziji’s identity as a time traveler, Gu Changge had considered her a fellow villager. Yet, as he delved into numerous memories later on, he realized that the notion of a time traveler was merely a fabricated anomaly. It was a tool to confound the other two original ancestors in the actual world.

Now, questioning whether Wang Ziji, the time traveler, was genuinely an anomaly or an artificially created one, Gu Changge found himself without an answer. Wang Ziji had guarded the secret of time travel, revealing it to no one. Her calm demeanor concealed a more profound loneliness from her disconnection from this world. This very detachment granted her true freedom, steering clear of the typical pursuits of ordinary cultivators.

Are you intentionally drawing near to me? Or is there an unseen fate at play in the shadows? If you are someone’s pawn or vessel, should I end you now?

Setting aside his wine glass, Gu Changge peered down at the already inebriated Wang Ziji, his eyes dark and contemplative. He extended his palm, considering probing for any significant secrets hidden within her. However, after a brief pause, he withdrew his hand, opting not to proceed.

Noticing the jade pendant protruding from Wang Ziji’s robe, Gu Changge’s expression turned complex. He had almost forgotten about this jade pendant, a token given to her during the outbreak of Absolute Heavenly Extinction. It was a favor owed for her assistance in locating the calamity’s origin.

Is this the jade pendant I gave her back then? She still wears it constantly, close to her body.

Suddenly, his thoughts were interrupted by Wang Ziji’s almost sleepy voice. She seemed half-asleep and half-awake, with a faint murmur, “Gu… Gu Changge…”

Realizing she wasn’t entirely drunk, Gu Changge decided it was time for someone to escort her to rest. However, Wang Ziji appeared oblivious to his words. Still tired, she murmured.

It’s been… hundreds of years. Have you ever thought about me?