I Am the Fated Villain

When Gu Changge smiled at her, Ming Xiu shyly averted her gaze. Ling Huang nodded in response, stating, “I had some business to attend to on this trip, so I’m here waiting for my cousin to arrive.”

“Ah, I see,” Ming Xiu replied, not doubting Ling Huang’s explanation, though she couldn’t help stealing glances at Gu Changge.

In Ming Xiu’s eyes, being from a prominent family, Ling Huang’s cousin must also come from an extraordinary background. His noble appearance and refined demeanor set him apart from ordinary individuals.

Ling Huang added with a smile, “My cousin has heard about Mr. Chu Lian and admires him greatly. He wishes to meet him. Since we’re traveling together this time, we decided to wait here for Mr. Chu Lian.”

Upon hearing this, Ming Xiu nodded, withdrawing her gaze from Gu Changge. It wasn’t ignorance on her part; it was simply astonishment at encountering such a young man who seemed like a figure from a painting scroll in such a desolate place.

“If my brother knew about this, he would be thrilled. He’s brimming with ambition and ideas, just needing to find like-minded allies,” Ming Xiu remarked with a laugh, regarding Gu Changge as someone with lofty ideals dissatisfied with the actions of the Spiritual royal family, much like Ling Huang.

She believed that those who found their path would be of greater assistance, while those who had lost their way wouldn’t be as helpful. Many powerful factions were already discontented with the Spiritual royal family, nursing long-held grievances. However, they lacked leadership. Chu Lian had previously stated that with the right timing, numerous forces would rally behind him, overthrowing the Spiritual royal family and establishing a peaceful world for the common people.

Ming Xiu admired her senior brother’s ambition and didn’t perceive it as mere talk. With enough friends, resources, and connections, she reasoned, one needn’t fret over future plans.

“Brother Chu Lian’s lofty ambitions are truly inspiring. I’ve heard Ling Huang speak of them, and I too admire them. People with such noble ideals, like Brother Chu Lian, have long suffered under the Spiritual royal family. Given the right opportunity, they will undoubtedly be able to overthrow its rule,” Ming Xiu expressed, her tone earnest.

Upon hearing this, Gu Changge’s face lit up with a gentle smile, and he engaged in conversation with Ming Xiu. Initially wary and nervous around Ling Huang and the others, Ming Xiu gradually relaxed under Gu Changge’s deliberate guidance. Soon, they found themselves discussing their admiration for Senior Brother Chu Lian.

In truth, such discussions were not uncommon. However, many clans hesitated to challenge the authority of the Spiritual royal family, even their leaders refraining from intervening. The fact that Senior Brother Chu Lian was willing to confront them head-on greatly impressed Ming Xiu. Furthermore, his actions often surpassed those of others, earning him even more admiration.

“He not only possesses lofty ambitions but also foresight. He’s already contemplating how to confront the Spiritual royal family next…” Ming Xiu’s enthusiasm grew as she spoke, her eyes bright with admiration for Chu Lian.

With a subtle smile playing on his lips, Gu Changge interjected with a few words now and then. It seemed that individuals like Chu Lian, born at the right time or blessed as the sons of luck, all shared a common trait: a sense of purpose and duty, whether for personal goals or the greater good of the world and its inhabitants.

Meanwhile, Ling Huang, standing nearby, couldn’t help but feel a sense of disapproval.

Even though Chu Lian possessed the most precious treasure, facing the entire Spiritual royal family, he seemed like nothing more than an ant trying to halt a speeding car with his own strength. Now that he had attracted attention, there was no chance for him to grow. His future seemed bleak, and his aspiration to overthrow the Spiritual royal family appeared naive and futile.

Initially indifferent, Gu Changge gazed at the ruins below with his hands clasped behind his back. However, a flicker of interest crossed his face as if he had sensed something. Ling Huang noticed his expression but failed to discern anything herself. She couldn’t even detect Chu Lian’s aura, let alone perceive anything significant.

Meanwhile, deep within the miasma-shrouded ruins, Chu Lian rummaged through the crumbling walls, his expression grave. “Are you the spirit of the Ball of Ambitions?” he communicated silently, his face reflecting a mix of disbelief and astonishment.

“Yes, you can refer to me as the Artifact Spirit, the Eleventh Host,” came the voice in Chu Lian’s mind, devoid of emotion or fluctuation.

“In light of the current circumstances, it’s advisable for the host to escape from this location as soon as possible,” the voice continued, its tone indifferent.

Upon hearing this, Chu Lian experienced a tumult of emotions, endeavoring to maintain composure. He was puzzled by what transpired as he searched for the remnants of luck belonging to the Ghost Clan.

Suddenly, an indifferent, mechanical voice echoed in his mind, warning him of an impending threat and advising caution. This unexpected voice jolted Chu Lian, taking him some time to regain his composure and realize it emanated from the Ball of Ambitions.

The voice claimed to be the spirit of the Ball of Ambitions, identifying Chu Lian as its eleventh host. Prior to him, the Ball of Ambitions had ten hosts. Chu Lian hadn’t anticipated the existence of such an artifact spirit within the Ball of Ambitions. Despite the lack of perceptible changes upon its recognition of him, Chu Lian’s mind buzzed with various thoughts. Fortunately, his experiences had acquainted him with the mysteries surrounding the Ball of Ambitions, preventing him from reacting impulsively.

With a composed demeanor, Chu Lian inquired in a deep voice, “What do you mean by warning me of an impending threat and advising caution?” He sought clarity on this matter. Aware that only the ruins of the Ghost clan adorned the desolate mountainside, Chu Lian questioned the source of this supposed terror. Could it be the lingering spirits of the Ghost Clan’s ancestors? With his current strength nearing the realm of the Immortal Dao, could he not contend with them?

Once again, the indifferent voice of the Ball of Ambitions resounded, explaining, “It means that within a radius of ten thousand miles from the host, an extremely menacing aura is approaching, undetectable by your current strength.”

Chu Lian was taken aback by the revelation. His scalp tingled with apprehension, an impulse urging him to glance behind him. However, his strong willpower suppressed any overt reactions, though cold sweat continued to bead on his forehead. He forced himself to remain calm and engaged with the spirit of the Ball of Ambitions, seeking guidance. “What should I do now? Where is this terrifying presence? Is it watching me?” he inquired, his mind racing with questions. “Has it been residing in this area all along? Did my arrival startle it, or was its approach sudden?”

Relying on the Ball of Ambitions for guidance, Chu Lian pinned his hopes on the artifact. With his current capabilities, he stood defenseless against an adversary he couldn’t even perceive. Moreover, if the other party desired his demise, it would be effortless. The fact that the Artifact Spirit of the Ball of Ambitions had detected the impending threat suggested it might offer a solution.

“Don’t rely on me. I’m merely a weapon spirit, existing due to special substances, devoid of the power to aid you. If I hadn’t sensed the sudden approach of that menacing aura, I wouldn’t have awakened. The fluctuations of that aura are reminiscent of those from the first master; it’s astonishing that such a being exists in your civilization,” the Artifact Spirit of the Ball of Ambitions responded indifferently, though a hint of emotion colored its latter words.

Chu Lian noted the use of “the first master” instead of “the first host,” indicating a matter of significance. However, he shelved his curiosity for the moment. Unable to decipher the Ball of Ambitions’ cryptic words, Chu Lian remained uncertain of his next course of action.

He vaguely grasped the extraordinary and unimaginable strength possessed by the terrifying entity that had suddenly approached. The Ball of Ambitions was the catalyst for this realization. Had the other party sensed the Ball of Ambitions’ presence and arrived abruptly? Or was it merely a coincidence?

“The Ball of Ambitions can obscure the causality of celestial secrets, rendering deduction and divination futile. Even if my first master were reborn, discerning the Ball of Ambitions’ existence would be impossible. As the eleventh host, your aura is shielded by the Ball of Ambitions, ensuring that no one can perceive you. Therefore, our communication remains undetected by others,” the Artifact Spirit of the Ball of Ambitions assured Chu Lian. “Though the menacing aura has dissipated, you must remain vigilant.”

Chu Lian felt a wave of relief wash over him at the news of the aura’s disappearance. Had the threat subsided? Had the entity departed? As long as the adversary wasn’t targeting the Ball of Ambitions, he could find solace. Yet, a lingering doubt lingered in his mind: What if the Artifact Spirit of the Ball of Ambitions was mistaken? What if the entity’s purpose was indeed the Ball of Ambitions?

His upbringing in such a perilous environment left Chu Lian with a lingering sense of suspicion and concern. “If our conversation remains hidden from others, why insist on my immediate departure from this place?” he questioned.

The spirit of the Ball of Ambitions responded dispassionately, “The Ball of Ambitions is a coveted treasure sought by numerous powerful individuals. Can you, with your current strength, safeguard it should its existence be discovered? Even with your acumen as the host, can you ensure there are no oversights that might arouse suspicion? Despite the Ball of Ambitions concealing your aura, observant individuals may still discern irregularities. Wisdom is the most formidable power in this world; the slightest anomaly invites scrutiny and conjecture. Your task now is to evade detection as much as possible. Even if the entity has departed, retrospection may reveal discrepancies.”

“Wisdom?”

Chu Lian’s heart raced at the implication. Perhaps he had been too conspicuous of late. If someone were to scrutinize him closely, they might indeed uncover something amiss.

The thorough reminder from the Artifact Spirit of the Ball of Ambitions spurred Chu Lian into action. Regardless of the reason for the terrifying entity’s presence, he knew he had to flee this place immediately.

“I had intended to refine the remaining luck here, but it seems that time is not on my side,” Chu Lian conceded, his resolve firm despite lingering fear.

Yet, another question nagged at him. “As the weapon spirit of the Ball of Ambitions, it seems illogical for you to disclose this information. Why help me?”

The Artifact Spirit paused before responding, “Your selection as the Ball of Ambitions’ host was destined in the shadows. Moreover, the Ball of Ambitions lacks the energy to select another host. Your fate is intertwined with it; should you perish, so too will the Ball of Ambitions.”

Chu Lian found solace in this unexpected answer, albeit with a sense of responsibility weighing on him.

With his emotions in check, Chu Lian resolved to maintain his composure and headed toward the mountain with Miss Huang and his junior sister in tow. His plan was to vacate the premises promptly.

If there were opportunities elsewhere to absorb and condense the remaining luck, he would seize them. Though the Ghost clan’s residual luck was scarce, he felt no remorse in abandoning it under these circumstances.

Meanwhile, at the mountain’s summit, Ming Xiu stood on tiptoe, her gaze fixed on the ruins below.

With a swift motion, Chu Lian emerged from the deserted forest, his arrival marked by a divine light streaking through the air.

“Ming Xiu!” Ming Xiu’s joyous greeting rang out as she spotted Senior Brother Chu Lian, her smile wide and inviting. Unaware of Chu Lian’s perturbed expression, she waved enthusiastically.

However, Chu Lian’s attention was fixated on the unfamiliar young man who stood alongside Ling Huang atop the mountain. Sensing something amiss, he maintained his composure and descended gracefully.

“May I inquire about the identity of this young man?” Chu Lian directed his question at Gu Changge, respectfully clasping his hands in greeting. He was acutely aware of the two figures accompanying Gu Changge, a stoic old man clad in black robes and an enchanting woman. Their strength eluded his perception, hinting at a formidable prowess beyond his own.