I Am the Fated Villain Chapter 1277:

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

The minds of Chu Kui, Bi Xin, Han Feng, and the rest remained turbulent for a long duration. The brush with death they had experienced this evening made everything prior feel like a fleeting hallucination.

Previously, they were convinced that Gu Changge was exactly as the legends portrayed—a source of global calamity and a remnant of ancient darkness. They viewed him as a malicious demon who needed to be destroyed through their unified strength.

As a loyal subordinate to the Champion Marquis Chu Heng, Han Feng had previously heard the Marquis discuss the enigmatic leader of the Heaven-Devouring Alliance. The Marquis was certain this individual would bring ruin to the Xiyuan civilization, and he had even contemplated mobilizing an army toward the Immortal Spirit Civilization to crush the Heaven-Devouring Alliance.

However, the events of tonight had left Han Feng’s mind in a state of chaotic conflict. Seeing the true identity behind the masked man made his former assumptions seem pathetic. It wasn't just him; even the Champion Marquis likely never anticipated such a revelation.

“The events of this night are truly beyond belief. If Young Master Gu had not intervened at the critical moment, we would have perished without even a place to be buried,” Wu Xuan remarked. Despite his gratitude, he sighed heavily upon hearing Gu Changge’s words, his heart filled with complicated emotions.

He began connecting the dots in his mind, feeling a cold shiver. That masked assailant was actually a close confidant of the sovereign, Chu Gucheng. The man had visited the Capable Men and Extraordinary Talent Mansion on multiple occasions to deliver royal decrees and the ruler's commands.

Consequently, Wu Xuan was gripped by denial when he identified the man's face.

Regardless of the underlying reason, the realization chilled Wu Xuan to the bone. If the sovereign, Chu Gucheng, hadn't merely authorized this, it was highly possible that it was his direct order.

Currently, the Xianchu Hao region was beset by external invaders and internal instability; any further domestic chaos would lead to a total collapse. Considering the stakes, it wasn't shocking that Chu Gucheng might make such a choice. Sacrificing the Champion Marquis could potentially stabilize the realm and resolve the ongoing crisis.

“I was under the impression that the Xianchu Hao region was as serene and steady as the public claims. However, based on today’s observations, it appears the rumors are not entirely reliable,” Gu Changge remarked with a subtle grin while sipping his wine.

The faces of Chu Kui, Bi Xin, and their companions turned grim. They had never suspected that the internal power plays within the Xianchu Hao region were so ruthless that even a Dao realm expert could be discarded and eliminated at a moment's notice.

From their perspective, tonight's events proved the royal family was siding with the Divine General faction. Otherwise, how could that faction have convinced a personal confidant of Chu Gucheng to move against them?

“I will report tonight’s treachery to the Marquis in full detail, so he understands how the capital’s various powers are conspiring against him,” Han Feng stated, his teeth clenched in fury and resentment.

“Exploiting the Marquis’ absence, the Divine General faction sent a coward to assault the Champion Marquis’ home, driving the lady to end her own life in shame. Even with this knowledge, the royal family chose to protect the Divine General faction and suppress the truth rather than deliver justice. Such betrayal is truly sickening,” Chu Bai added with a freezing tone.

He had narrowly escaped death tonight as well. Though still shaken, he was consumed by rage. He had long understood the true character of the Xianchu Hao royal family and was familiar with Chu Gucheng’s cold tactics. Reflecting on it now, he found himself strangely unsurprised.

Gu Changge glanced at the furious group and set his cup down, smiling faintly. “How can you be so certain the Divine General faction is the one sabotaging your Marquis? Without proof, these are merely empty accusations. Is this the standard of conduct in the Xianchu Hao region?”

His query caused the group to falter in confusion.

They could detect a subtle trace of derision in Gu Changge’s tone.

Earlier, without providing any 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 realization. Suddenly, the mocking voice of the Sun Piercing Bow’s spirit echoed in his mind: “Is it possible the Divine General faction is simply a convenient scapegoat?”

“A scapegoat?” Chu Bai was startled as the realization hit him, causing his face to darken further.

“But who else in the capital besides the Divine General faction would want the Marquis gone so badly?”

Bi Xin, dressed in a purple gown with skin like white porcelain, knit her brows and whispered to herself in deep thought.

“Hehe, is your supposedly virtuous ruler, Chu Gucheng, truly the man you believe him to be?” Gu Changge smiled softly, returning his attention to the golden ancient scroll as if he were merely enjoying a good book.

He had foreseen the night's developments. Everything was moving according to his precise designs.

Chu Gucheng would never surrender the true culprit—Chu Wushang, the first prince of the Xianchu Hao region. The royal family's prestige would be decimated regardless of the justification if they did.

After weighing the options, Chu Gucheng would likely attempt a cover-up, creating a distraction to make people believe it was either factional infighting or the work of the Marquis’ personal enemies.

This would keep suspicion away from Chu Wushang for the time being. Once the region stabilized, they could settle the matter or attempt to reconcile with the Champion Marquis.

Gu Changge had already predicted Chu Gucheng's strategy. Now, he only needed to fan the embers at the perfect moment to turn this small spark into a conflagration.

“Young Master Gu makes a fair point. We lack concrete evidence against the Divine General faction; it is all conjecture. Because of the long-standing friction between them and the Marquis, we naturally assumed they were responsible,” Wu Xuan admitted, recovering his composure after a brief shock.

While there was tension between the two factions, such cowardly and bloodthirsty methods didn't align with the Divine General faction's style. Furthermore, before the Heavenly General’s passing, he and Chu Heng had maintained a level of mutual respect despite their rivalry.

Logic suggested that the Champion Marquis’ border campaign was partly intended to avenge the Heavenly General. If the Divine General faction wasn't behind this, then who was? And why was a trusted aide of Chu Gucheng involved?

“Do you happen to possess some knowledge we don't, Young Master Gu?” Wu Xuan asked with a newfound respect, looking at the ethereal figure of Gu Changge.

“Even if I shared what I know, would you actually believe me?” Gu Changge replied with a thin smile.

“The fact that Young Master Gu saved our lives tonight is reason enough to trust you,” Wu Xuan said earnestly. His wounds were catastrophic; even with healing, it would take millennia to recover. If Gu Changge wished them harm, they were powerless to stop him. Thus, there was no reason for him to lie.

“Hehe, do you truly take me for a saint?” Gu Changge looked at them, his smile remaining as he spoke with blunt honesty. “I didn't save you out of the goodness of my heart. I saved you because your survival serves my interests.”

“Whatever the motive, the fact that Young Master Gu rescued us remains undeniable,” Wu Xuan said, a small smile forming. Internally, he had found it hard to believe Gu Changge would save strangers for no reason at all.

Hearing Gu Changge admit his motives so directly actually made Wu Xuan feel more at ease. His respect for Gu Changge grew, accompanied by a strange sense of liking.

This mysterious Young Master Gu was transparent and straightforward. He did not seem like the type to manipulate things from the shadows.

“When Uncle Fu was in Ziguicheng, he was also rescued by Young Master Gu. It's clear that Young Master Gu’s integrity is beyond reproach,” Chu Bai suddenly interjected, remembering a previous event.

The group was stunned into silence by his words, turning to look at him simultaneously.

Seeing their shock, Chu Bai explained with a trace of bitterness, “The sovereign is aware of this, yet he did nothing to stop the rumors. Uncle Fu sacrificed everything to stall Di Kun, the Seventh Prince of the Demon Court, to ensure Chu Xiao could escape. Di Kun was overwhelmingly powerful, nearly killing Uncle Fu before going after Chu Xiao…”

As he explained, the truth behind Chu Xiao’s death became clear to Wu Xuan and the others, their expressions turning complicated.

They had always found it hard to believe that a loyal veteran would desert the prince to save himself.

But why had Chu Gucheng allowed the slander to continue? Was it simply because Gu Changge was the one who performed the rescue?

If that were the case, wasn’t the ruler being incredibly petty?

Coming from the Capable Men and Extraordinary Talent Mansion, they had all been helped by Uncle Fu and respected him deeply. While they felt relief for the old man, they were also disturbed. The image of Chu Gucheng as a wise and just ruler was beginning to fracture.

“I have always respected those who are loyal. A man who faces certain death against a powerful foe just to provide a chance for his lord's heir deserves better than to die for a worthless, arrogant prince,” Gu Changge said with a light smile.

No one challenged his assessment of the deceased Chu Xiao. It was an open secret in the Xianchu Hao region that the prince was a failure, though no one dared say it while he lived.

With Chu Xiao gone, there was no longer a need for silence.

They were astonished that Gu Changge, an enemy of the Xianchu Hao region, had saved a loyal minister like Uncle Fu. Yet, upon returning home, that same minister was met with slander and neglect. Even the sovereign he served had turned a cold shoulder, letting lies fester despite knowing the truth.

“This is truly heartbreaking…” Chu Kui, known for his bluntness, couldn't hide his indignation.

“The sovereign is a man of immense talent, widely regarded as wise and benevolent. He even refused to hand me over when the Demon Court threatened the region. Normally, I would be indebted to him. However, when he called me to the palace, he placed several seals on my Sun Piercing Bow. He claimed it was for protection, but he was actually trying to seize control of it for himself…” Chu Bai revealed coldly.

Everyone knew Chu Bai held the Sun Piercing Bow, a treasure so valuable that even Dao realm experts craved it. But they never imagined Chu Gucheng would stoop to such levels to take it.

The Capable Men and Extraordinary Talent Mansion was Chu Gucheng’s own creation, designed to gather the elite. Most members viewed him with religious devotion.

Now, those foundations of faith were crumbling for Chu Kui and the others.

Gu Changge watched them, entirely unsurprised.

A massive dam can be brought down by a single ant hole. That hole was now widening. The total collapse of the dam was inevitable.

He looked back at the golden scroll in his hands. Tonight, the Xianchu Hao region was full of activity, and the chaos wasn't limited to the city streets.

At that very moment, deep within the royal palace, the atmosphere was just as intense.

“What… what is this?”

When Wu Xuan and the others finally looked up, they were captivated by the golden scroll Gu Changge held.

The blurred surface of the paper didn't show text. Instead, it acted like a pool of water, with ripples revealing emerging images.

Deep inside the palace, amidst rising mists, dancers moved with ethereal grace while musicians played festive tunes.

However, the celebration at the banquet tables was underscored by a palpable tension, as if a storm were brewing.

A graceful woman in light robes, her hair like a dark moon, stood up. Her eyes were freezing, and as she raised her hand, terrifying pulses of Dao energy surged forth.

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

The other guests at the banquet stood up as well, their friendly smiles replaced by cold, hard expressions.

“The sovereign, Elder Jin, that old woman from Yinxu Cave… even the Law Saint is there,” Wu Xuan noted, his shock intensifying as he identified each figure.

What was happening? Was the ruler actually plotting against the Saintess of Xiyuan?

“This can't be real…” Chu Bai, Chu Kui, Bi Xin, and the others stared in total disbelief.

“Tonight, the world is going to change…” Wu Xuan muttered, his eyes filled with fear.

The Saintess of Xiyuan held a position of immense power; her very name represented the authority of the Xiyuan civilization. Had Chu Gucheng lost his mind to attack her now?

If this came to light, it would bring an apocalypse upon the Xianchu Hao region.

“It seems they intend to replace her?” Unlike the others, Gu Changge remained perfectly composed, watching the scene with amusement.

He knew Chu Gucheng would move against the Saintess. Chu Xinyue had been maneuvering around her for days. The Saintess had become overconfident in her power and underestimated the desperation of the Xianchu Hao region, which is why she walked into the trap.

Gu Changge had already given her a warning.

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

With a flick of his wrist, the image on the scroll sharpened, and audio began to play.

“Chu Gucheng, you truly have the audacity to conspire against me?”

“Elder Jin, I respected you as a senior out of regard for our master. I never expected you to crawl so low as to plot with Chu Gucheng.”

In the palace depths, the Saintess of Xiyuan stood with her hair whipping in the wind. Her voice was as cold as her gaze as she looked upon Chu Gucheng, the Elder of Yinxu Cave, and the Law Saint with pure contempt.