I Am the Fated Villain Chapter 1306: They jointly established and adhered to the Covenant of the Xi Yuan, but did they fall out?

The entire assembly in the grand hall quivered upon hearing the declaration from the Sacred Maiden of Xi Yuan.

A chill of fear gripped numerous individuals from her concluding statement.

The mentor of the Sacred Maiden of Xi Yuan had been Xi Nu, the former possessor of the Reincarnation Mirror, and even she had predicted that this calamity would strike in the times ahead?

Should the black catastrophe erupt once more, what fate awaited the creatures across Cang Mang, and how might they possibly stand against it?

Though they hadn't lived through that conflict from eons past, the old chronicles offered a faint glimpse into the sheer hardship and horror of that conflict.

Myriad races, empires, societies, and realms were obliterated, dissolving into the flow of time.

And a similar devastation could soon repeat itself.

Terror seized many hearts, rendering acceptance nearly impossible. Some even sensed an ominous premonition that the Xi Yuan civilization teetered on the brink of a massive calamity.

Chiefs from diverse sects and powers displayed solemn faces. The abrupt revelation from the Sacred Maiden of Xi Yuan hinted at a profound prophecy.

Ling Yuling endorsed the Sacred Maiden of Xi Yuan’s assertion.

“Yes, that ancient clash was extraordinarily grueling. Innumerable ancestors and wise ones battled to their end, sacrificing a tremendous toll. It was solely through such efforts that they managed to confine the origin of the black catastrophe.”

With a gentle tone, she inclined her head, “Yet, despite sealing the black catastrophe’s source within its birthplace, certainty eludes us regarding its potential breakout.”

“Furthermore, only its consciousness was imprisoned; no entity in existence could eradicate its form. Now, after endless ages, the six artifacts from the primordial civilization that bound it have nearly faded into oblivion.”

“It remains unclear whether any lineage still watches over the black catastrophe’s birthplace.”

“Maybe the black catastrophe’s essence has already broken free and lurks silently, peering at the realm from another plane or epoch.”

She observed how the Sacred Maiden of Xi Yuan fixed her eyes on Gu Changge throughout her speech.

This sparked curiosity in Ling Yuling.

Did the Sacred Maiden of Xi Yuan grasp concealed facts or mysteries? She now held the Reincarnation Mirror, after all.

Prior to the downfall of Xian Chu Haotu, the Sacred Maiden of Xi Yuan had undoubtedly foreseen its doom, prompting her choice to safeguard her own safety.

But at present, the whole Xi Yuan civilization, along with the expansive Cang Mang, confronted its impending destiny.

“Long ago, the black catastrophe swept across existence, unleashing boundless torment. After so many eras, will it surge back?”

“Yes, lately the heavenly signs in multiple areas have grown turbulent. It appears this crisis was fated all along.”

“In bygone days, the forebears and enlightened ones clashed with the black catastrophe, enduring a staggering sacrifice, and scarcely succeeded in containing it…”

“, woes persist without cease… as one crisis ebbs, the next surges forth.”

As Ling Yuling uttered these thoughts, murmurs spread among the crowd, their faces etched with intricate emotions.

The Pioneering Heaven Alliance issue lingered unresolved, and abruptly, word emerged that the black catastrophe’s core, which once devastated Cang Mang, could reawaken to dominate the realm anew.

Additionally, certain minds wondered if a hidden link tied these two crises together.

Particularly, Gu Changge’s enigmatic background stirred suspicion. His true origins and the age he hailed from eluded all knowledge.

In that instant, members of the Pioneering Heaven Alliance seemed utterly composed, as if they had foreseen this revelation and felt no astonishment. This stirred covert alarm and discomfort among cultivators from other paths. It suggested the Pioneering Heaven Alliance had long been privy to these developments. Or maybe the Pioneering Heaven Alliance linked directly to the black catastrophe’s lingering fragments.

“What are your thoughts on this, Leader of the Pioneering Heaven Alliance?”

Noting Gu Changge’s lack of response to her stare, the Sacred Maiden of Xi Yuan addressed him outright.

Xi Yin, positioned at her side, creased her brow faintly, her mind swirling with concealed worries.

Initially, she harbored thanks toward Gu Changge for aiding in the Sacred Maiden of Xi Yuan’s extraction from the Xi Yuan Sacred Hall. Without Gu Changge dispatching the Jing Clan’s ancient forebear to alert the Xi Yuan civilization, they might have remained blind to the Xian Chu Haotu schemers’ plot against the Sacred Maiden of Xi Yuan.

Yet afterward, Xi Yin discerned that the apparent aid to the Xi Yuan Sacred Hall served as mere pretense. Gu Changge’s real aim was to dismantle Xian Chu Haotu and orchestrate its ruin. Numerous paths, including the Xi Yuan Sacred Hall, had been mere instruments in his machinations.

In truth, the Sacred Maiden of Xi Yuan had foreseen it all, which explained her composure amid the Void Prison’s confines. She had even anticipated Gu Changge’s arrival to free her once Xian Chu Haotu crumbled.

Upon grasping this, Xi Yin couldn’t suppress a blend of irritation and fury, sensing she’d been toyed with. Simultaneously, dread lingered within her. In the vast scheme to topple Xian Chu Haotu, every path in the Xi Yuan civilization had danced to Gu Changge’s tune, reduced to simple pieces. Only later did realization dawn, underscoring his fearsome nature.

Even those at the Ancestor Dao realm, mighty as they were, amounted to pawns under his control. Now, with legions of formidable experts in his fold, his might sufficed to overwhelm and shatter any path in the Xi Yuan civilization.

“With that black mist descending anew, wouldn’t it be wise for all life to unite and confront it jointly?”

A subtle smile played on Gu Changge’s lips as he replied, seemingly oblivious to the Sacred Maiden of Xi Yuan’s regard.

“Yes, Young Master Gu speaks truly. The disaster looms near, so the optimal path is for all to band together and purge the black mist once more, scattering it throughout the cosmos.”

Ling Yuling gave a slight nod, echoing Gu Changge’s sentiment. Her words prompted shifts in the countenances of many elder beings and sect chiefs present, fearing she might be siding with Gu Changge.

Yet before they could voice objections, Ling Yuling pressed on.

“Thus, I’ve summoned the assorted powers to Yuxian Palace to deliberate and forge the Xi Yuan Covenant.”

“The Xi Yuan Covenant?”

This pronouncement jolted and roused the gathering. Those who had braced for this turn exhaled in relief, seeing their earlier fears as baseless.

Should the Xi Yuan Covenant foster equilibrium among powers, the Pioneering Heaven Alliance would scarcely risk bold aggression and absorption of neighbors as before. Such a pact would curb the Pioneering Heaven Alliance’s expansion and thwart its drive to consolidate the Xi Yuan civilization.

This stood as the prime resolution many had envisioned prior.

After all, none desired a direct clash with the Pioneering Heaven Alliance, for victory would prove pyrrhic at best, exacting a devastating price.

“Oh? The Xi Yuan Covenant?”

“If memory serves, Chu Gucheng, sovereign of Xian Chu Haotu, once sought to create the Xi Yuan Covenant alongside the Xi Yuan Sacred Hall, yet he faltered and met his end.”

“Does Miss Yuling intend to wed in the manner of Chu Gucheng, allying with the Xi Yuan Sacred Hall? Will you tread the doomed road of Xian Chu Haotu?”

Gu Changge voiced this with feigned astonishment, as though ignorant of Ling Yuling’s deeper aims.

His pointed barbs made the Sacred Maiden of Xi Yuan clench her slim hand beneath her flowing sleeves. She itched to shoot Gu Changge a sharp glare.

Discomfort gnawed at her deeply. This subject marked utter disgrace, one she yearned to obliterate from recollection. Though a fabrication spread by Chu Gucheng via his daughter Chu Xinyue’s impersonation, it clung like a degrading yoke.

Each recollection stirred revulsion, as if choking her breath.

“Chu Gucheng’s bid for the Xi Yuan Covenant stemmed purely from personal greed. He harbored no care for worldly protection, so his ultimate failure came as no shock.”

“I, alongside countless forebears, once battled the black catastrophe and forged a pact. Ultimately, we validated our method — absence of order breeds turmoil.”

“Today, the Xi Yuan Covenant aims to bind all paths in the Xi Yuan civilization, enforcing guidelines to avert petty squabbles from sparking strife and depletion. We shall preserve harmony and calm.”

Ling Yuling’s words flowed softly, laced with unyielding resolve.

“Precisely, Senior. Lacking boundaries yields anarchy. In this pivotal era, a fresh covenant serves to bind all and deter rash actions that defy statutes and unbreakable edicts.”

“As head of Shouyang Tianzong, I declare my support foremost. We pledge to honor the Xi Yuan Covenant and collaborate to forge and maintain the Xi Yuan civilization’s framework and discipline.”

The sect leader, adorned with a dark-golden Daoist crown and violet robes, voiced assent first.

While Shouyang Tianzong’s roots lacked the antiquity and renown of Yuxian Palace, Zixiao Mountain, or Ling Shen Cave, it boasted a Grand Dao realm presence. Its strength demanded respect. This leader, a Grand Dao realm expert himself, had confronted Gu Changge boldly when united with fellow sect heads.

“Absolutely. The Xi Yuan civilization of now differs vastly from its past. A colossal peril draws near, inescapable for any. Persistent self-interest and narrow focus on self-preservation will doom us all in this trial.”

“Esteemed companions, Xian Chu Haotu’s fate serves as stark warning. Let us heed it and select wisely now.”

The Shouyang Tianzong headmaster led the way, and soon other chiefs and sect heads chimed in. They voiced endorsement and readiness to partner with Yuxian Palace in crafting the Xi Yuan Covenant.

“We likewise commit to the fresh Xi Yuan Covenant and unite with you all,” declared heads from entities like Tuoyang Mountain, Fanyin Hall, Gouchen Palace, Xuanguang Cave, and Jiuyou Mingque, without delay.

Evidently, beyond premier immortal paths such as Yuxian Palace, Zixiao Mountain, and Guangming Temple, who held back, the lesser groups had all pledged fealty.

Even recent ancient figures, after momentary reflection, opted to follow the tide. Wisdom prevailed — better to merge with Yuxian Palace’s might than face absorption by the Pioneering Heaven Alliance.

This choice far outshone vanishing mysteriously into the Pioneering Heaven Alliance.

To myriad cultivators and groups, the Pioneering Heaven Alliance loomed not merely as a blight, but as a treacherous serpent or scorpion to evade fiercely.

The Pioneering Heaven Alliance shrouded itself in mystery. Though untouched directly, it wielded an uncanny power to transform individuals into devoted adherents, often unwittingly. Even titans like Jing Tianyuan of the Jing Clan, Zixiao Mountain’s Ziwang He, and Demon Court’s Di Kun had succumbed to its influence.

“The Xi Yuan Covenant’s terms won’t rest on my sole judgment. It shall emerge from joint input, drawing in as many groups and sects as feasible, to guarantee equity and shun bias,” Ling Yuling stated, eyeing the undecided powers and paths. Among them ranked Xi Yuan’s premier forces, including Xi Yuan Sacred Hall, Ling Shen Cave, Guangming Temple, and Tathagata Buddha Kingdom.

She deemed their positions vital, given the vast networks and subordinate paths they commanded.

“Junior Sister, your thoughts on this?” Xi Yin inquired, directing her words solely to the Sacred Maiden of Xi Yuan.

Despite her slight edge in rank, the choice hinged on the Sacred Maiden of Xi Yuan.

“The Xi Yuan Covenant can wait. Let us watch events and gauge developments,” the Sacred Maiden of Xi Yuan replied, giving a subtle shake of her head.

Unease troubled her. Gu Changge plainly discerned Ling Yuling’s strategy and the motive behind her open call, yet he guided the Pioneering Heaven Alliance here regardless. For what reason?

“Amitabha, the Xi Yuan Covenant bears immense weight. My Tathagata Buddha Kingdom ever embraces mercy and kinship with all life. We abhor calamity’s touch. Thus, our stance mirrors Senior Ling Yuling’s,” proclaimed the Tathagata Buddha Kingdom’s representative.

With their sovereign absent, a modest monk in frayed garments and faded Buddhist headwear spoke on their behalf. He pressed palms in reverence, shared a look with adjacent ancient Buddhas, and affirmed their backing.

Soon after, paths like Guangming Temple and Ling Shen Cave echoed the sentiment, pledging cooperation to form the Xi Yuan Covenant for the welfare of Xi Yuan civilization’s inhabitants.

Ling Yuling, her form lithe and poise refined, beamed at the unfolding unity. “Your collective endorsement and recognition bless the Xi Yuan civilization’s denizens greatly. In their name, I offer profound thanks,” she conveyed, her tone infused with warmth and esteem.

Sect heads and leaders promptly raised hands in salute, replying, “Senior overpraises us. Your guidance for the folk honors us deeply.”

“Who can say what chaos might engulf Xi Yuan civilization otherwise?”

“We honor the Xi Yuan Sacred Hall and revere Senior Xi Nu, yet never foresaw such detachment from Xi Yuan civilization’s plight by the Xi Yuan Sacred Hall.”

“Though Xian Chu Haotu earned its collapse, it remains a sorrow for Xi Yuan civilization.”

Besides the silent Pioneering Heaven Alliance and a handful of external Cang Mang wanderers, only the Xi Yuan Sacred Hall withheld consent.

This bred widespread irritation. Curiosity mounted over the Sacred Maiden of Xi Yuan’s position.

During the Xi Yuan Sacred Hall’s time in Xian Chu Haotu, she had defended Gu Changge, insisting no proof tied the Pioneering Heaven Alliance to black catastrophe remnants.

Later, when Zixiao Mountain’s lord dispatched the false burial coffin of Xian Chu Haotu, igniting chaos, the Sacred Maiden of Xi Yuan had clarified the black coffin’s irrelevance to black catastrophe traces.

A single instance might pass, but repeated occurrences eroded trust in the Sacred Maiden of Xi Yuan’s reliability.

With the Xi Yuan Sacred Hall’s ongoing silence, dissatisfaction swelled among many paths.”Junior Sister…” Xi Yin’s gaze betrayed concern at this sight.

Yet the Sacred Maiden of Xi Yuan stayed composed, as if she had long expected this juncture.

“Young Master Gu, what is your take on the Xi Yuan Covenant I’ve proposed?” Ling Yuling bypassed others, fixing her query on Gu Changge, as if craving his insight.

Ling Yuling, her neck slender and bearing elegant, spoke with a