I Am the Fated Villain

Chapter 954: The Dao is endless so why do you have to chase the end, why not give birth to one yourself?

Ming, accompanied by Shen Xian’er, appeared outside the mountain gate but refrained from forcing entry. Aware of his purpose, Ming exercised caution, unwilling to offend the Gu family.

Shen Xian’er, too, marveled at the grandeur of her ancestral lineage. Born in the Heavenly Lan Realm to parents with ties to the Gu family, she found herself awestruck by the sight before her.

Observing the mysterious aura enveloping the Gu family’s land, King Luo and the other immortal kings of the Immortal Domain were equally perplexed. Initially uncertain of Ming’s motives, they now recognized the significance of his visit to the Gu family.

Even as immortal kings, they understood the need for deference in the presence of the Gu family. The palpable aura of fortune, akin to a surging river, dominated the sky above, lending an air of mystique to the surroundings. It felt as though this domain existed as a realm unto itself, detached from external influences.

Amidst this ethereal atmosphere, ancient beings descended from the heavens, their divine light illuminating the scene as they inquired about Ming’s identity with a sense of reverence.

King Luo and his companions could only shake their heads in silent bewilderment, unable to fathom Ming’s origins. Among the gathered figures, some remained shrouded in mist, their formidable strength surpassing even that of the Immortal King, indicative of their recent resurgence in this world.

Accompanying the Sea Clan’s delegation was Ao Teng, the third prince of the Dragon Clan, who was taken aback upon spotting Ming at the Gu family’s gate.

“The Commander of the Underworld…” Ao Teng muttered incredulously, his disbelief palpable.

Ao Ling, trailing behind Ao Teng, also reacted with astonishment. As denizens of the age of innate mythology, they were separated from the contemporary world by countless epochs. Their existence might have been unknown even to survivors of the immortal palace from the Dark Era.

Witnessing this extraordinary scene, the other ancient beings present cast curious gazes towards Ming and the newcomers from the Sea Clan. Among them were individuals whose power surpassed that of the Immortal King.

“They hail from the age of innate mythology. Those two are descendants of the proto-dragon, their lineage holds staggering significance,” elucidated an elderly man, who had once transformed from a carp in a dry well into a mighty dragon, retaining innate memories that shed light on Ao Teng and Ao Ling’s origins.

His revelation left the surrounding ancient figures speechless, the shock reverberating through their ranks. The age of innate mythology, an era shrouded in the mists of time, held sway over the world’s beginnings, a testament to the enduring legacy of these ancient beings amidst the ever-changing landscape.

Upon hearing the hushed reactions behind him, Ming turned, his gaze falling upon Ao Teng and Ao Ling.

“The third prince of the Dragon Clan?” Ming’s surprise was evident, realizing he had encountered an old friend unexpectedly, someone he had met countless times in the years predating the first calamity. Though the exact duration eluded his memory, the familiarity remained.

“Ao Teng, greetings,” Ming acknowledged warmly, his respect evident for the prince who had once fought alongside him, commanding the Heaven-Slaying Army.

Ao Ling, too, paid her respects, her gaze momentarily lingering on Shen Xian’er before a flicker of recognition crossed her features. Was there a resemblance to their former master? The thought lingered in her mind, though lacking concrete evidence of Shen Xian’er’s lineage.

The reunion with Ao Teng brought a smile to Ming’s weathered features. As one of the oldest among them, he had led armies in defiance against the heavens, facing calamity and annihilation head-on. The unexpected reunion filled him with a sense of nostalgia.

For Ao Teng, the encounter was equally joyous. Believing Ming had perished in the battles of old, the revelation of his survival and profound cultivation left the prince pondering the fate of other fallen members of his clan, as his father had once speculated.

As Ming, Ao Teng, and their comrades reminisced, beams of light descended from the heavens, heralding the arrival of survivors from the Immortal Palace. Among them, Cen Shuang followed Uncle Yi, observing the unfolding events.

Outside the Gu family’s domain, a multitude of figures gathered, yet none dared to intrude upon the reunion. Instead, they stood alongside Ming and his companions, awaiting further developments with bated breath.

Even Zhun, the Quasi-Immortal Emperor who surpassed the Immortal King, couldn’t help but feel a tremor of fear at the formidable aura emanating from the Gu family. He knew better than to underestimate them, recognizing their unfathomable background.

Outside the ancestral hall of the Gu family, the progenitor of the lineage stood with hands clasped behind his back, flanked by respectful ancestors awaiting his command.

Observing the influx of visitors, the ancestor addressed his attendants, his tone laced with a mix of amusement and scorn. Clad in black, his figure seemed to blend into the shadows, exuding an enigmatic aura.

Contemplating the words of Gu Changge regarding the establishment of the Heaven Slaying Alliance, the ancestor remained undecided. Gu Changge’s disappearance only added to his uncertainty, leaving him pondering the implications of their conversation.

Unable to provide answers to the eager visitors outside, the Gu family ancestors could only shake their heads in bemusement, their wry smiles betraying their dilemma.

Meanwhile, outside the gates of the Gu family’s mountain, a sword-like beam descended, revealing two figures. The younger of the two possessed a gallant bearing, with starry eyes and sword-like eyebrows, while the elder, garbed in tattered Daoist robes, exuded an aura of profound Dao mastery despite his worn appearance.

“Today may witness something extraordinary,” remarked the old man in the Daoist robe, his smile tinged with anticipation as he surveyed the gathered throng. Yet, amidst the crowd, only Old Ming managed to pique his interest.

“Half-step Dao Realm?” Ming’s surprise was palpable as he recognized the profound strength concealed within the Daoist-robed figure. This enigmatic individual stood poised on the brink of detachment, potentially the most powerful being born in the real world of mountains and seas in countless years.

Outside Green Mountain Village, the air grew colder as autumn descended, casting a chill over the landscape. Leaves fluttered gently onto the serene lake, landing upon a figure diligently washing clothes with rolled-up sleeves.

Gu Changge, clad in humble attire, observed the scene with quiet contemplation. His hand instinctively reached out to catch a falling leaf, musing on the passage of time and the recurring cycles of seasons.

“Autumn once more…” Gu Changge murmured, reflecting on the relentless march of time. Over the years spent in Green Mountain Village, he had witnessed the ebb and flow of life. Children grew into adulthood, forging their own paths, while others found love and built families.

As Gu Changge observed these transformations, he couldn’t help but ponder the absence of offspring between himself and Su Qingge—a fact that seemed to weigh on both of them.

“The world evolves…” Gu Changge mused, his gaze drifting skyward, where not a single cloud marred the clear expanse above.

As autumn cast its golden hue across the sky, Su Qingge returned from her chores, noticing Gu Changge’s contemplative expression. With a gentle smile, she approached him, intertwining her arm with his.

“What captures your gaze in the sky?” she inquired, sensing a subtle shift in Gu Changge’s demeanor. Over time, she had observed his evolving perspective, as he seemed to immerse himself in the experiences of mortal life.

At times, Gu Changge would silently observe the village from their vantage point atop the mountain, his scrutiny enduring for months. Concerned for his well-being, Su Qingge couldn’t help but wonder if his newfound exploration would lead him to depart once more, leaving her with naught but memories.

“I’m seeking something beyond the sky’s reach…” Gu Changge’s response was cryptic as he brushed a few stray strands of hair from Su Qingge’s ear. Deep down, he harbored a subconscious desire for this transient reality to prolong, even as he remained cognizant of its impermanence.

While Gu Changge acknowledged the inevitability of change, he couldn’t help but prolong his current state of existence, reluctant to relinquish the fleeting moments of contentment he found with Su Qingge.

From Gu Changge’s perspective, the conclusion of their journey felt natural, devoid of abruptness. It was an inevitability he had come to accept.

“Where does it end?” Su Qingge queried, peering into the distance, though her mortal sight could only discern a faint starry expanse. The notion of an end seemed elusive.

“The Dao knows no bounds, so why chase after its end so fervently?” Gu Changge remarked, amused by Su Qingge’s earnestness. Unlike him, she had long forsaken the pursuit of enlightenment and was content with their shared existence.

“It is because the Dao is boundless that the pursuit of its end becomes imperative,” Gu Changge explained with a smile, his gaze drifting to the falling leaves. “The chill sets in once more,” he observed, removing his coat to drape it over Su Qingge’s shoulders.

“I’m not cold,” Su Qingge protested, clinging to his arm as she nestled against his chest. “The village children are adorable,” she remarked, her cheeks flushed with warmth.

Chuckling, Gu Changge teased, “Why not have one of our own?” Yet, as Su Qingge tugged him towards their home, she understood that their idyllic life together, tinged with the bittersweet awareness of its impending end, was drawing to a close.

For Su Qingge, the man beside her had transcended mortal boundaries, ascending to a godlike stature that overlooked the realm of existence itself.