I Am the Fated Villain

Chapter 766: The great wedding begins, the calm before the storm

Many memories flowed through her mind like a gentle stream, but Empress Xi Yao was no ordinary person. She quickly composed herself, her face showing no signs of emotion.

“It’s been a while, Gu Changge,” she whispered, raising her glass. “Congratulations. I never thought someone like you would genuinely care for others. I must admit, I envy Empress MingKong for that.”

“She has something I can never attain.”

During their time in the Demon realm, she had always believed that Gu Changge was solely motivated by self-interest, devoid of any warmth or genuine affection for others.

She certainly didn’t expect to see him exhibit this attitude towards Empress Mingkong, which left Empress Xi Yao feeling a touch of bitterness and envy.

“I didn’t expect you to come and talk about this after all this time,” she remarked.

Gu Changge smiled slightly, and with a hint of surprise on his face, he took a seat beside her, pouring himself a drink. It felt like he was catching up with an old friend.

“Indeed, I was just taken aback by all of this,” Empress Xi Yao chuckled self-deprecatingly. “You’ve set your time aside to see me alone. Aren’t you worried about causing a scandal on your wedding day? There are many guests watching, you know.”

Gu Changge raised his glass and said, “Why should I worry about that? Coming to see an old friend, what’s wrong with that?”

Seeing his calm demeanor, Empress Xi Yao couldn’t help but sigh. She then spoke seriously, “You’ve come a long way, and your perspective now surpasses my imagination. However, I want to say that your wedding today might not be peaceful. Many forces have their own agendas, waiting for an opportunity.”

While the Demon realm was vast and boundless, it still paled in comparison to the truly immortal forces. Even if Empress Xi Yao wanted to assist Gu Changge, she had no means to do so, which was why she offered this advice.

“I’m well aware of that,” Gu Changge nodded. He raised his jade wine cup and clinked it with hers. “In the not-so-distant future, the Upper Realm won’t be too calm, and perhaps the Demon realm will be swept into the turmoil as well. You need to prepare in advance.”

At the moment, it was merely the calm before the storm.

“I understand,” Empress Xi Yao replied with a smile, lifting her exquisite, swan-like neck, and downing her drink in one gulp.

Afterward, Gu Changge bid his farewell and went in another direction, where he met some familiar faces and had a chance to meet with some of his peers.

Regardless of the numerous conflicts and calculations, he temporarily put them aside on this joyous day of his grand wedding. He presented himself as humble and affable before many seniors and those who had achieved the level of Dao-building expertise.

“The Lord of Heavenly Emperor Mountain has arrived!!”

“The Lord of the Endless Fire Kingdom has arrived!!”

“The owner of Violet Sky Valley has arrived!!”

“The suzerain of the Holy Sect has arrived!!”

“The head of the Jiu Li Family has arrived!!”

“…”

At that moment, numerous voices could be heard from outside the palace. Whether these leaders of various forces had prearranged their arrival or it was merely a fortunate coincidence, they all appeared at once.

One background figure after another arrived. While their cultivation might not have reached the level of becoming Dao-building experts, they represented the immortal forces behind them, and their presence could not be easily dismissed.

As these prominent figures arrived, many guests inside the hall displayed a peculiar expression on their faces. Some spectators seemed particularly interested.

What piqued their interest was the fact that these prominent figures did not arrive in person but sent Dao avatars instead, with no true Dao-building experts or background figures in tow.

Many people guessed the intentions of these immortal forces. After all, they dared not be reckless on the territory of the Gu Clan. They were concerned that if they sent their real selves, unexpected incidents might occur, potentially leading to their downfall.

Hence, they refrained from sending even Dao-building experts. As for background figures, they were the true invincible figures of the Upper Realm, and they would not easily venture into the territories of other factions. After all, they had to be cautious, as unforeseen accidents could result in unimaginable and devastating losses that were hard to bear.

“These fellows are cautious, but if they dare to come to my Gu Clan, they must be prepared,” some of the Gu Clan’s ancient ancestors said with a cold smile.

Gu Changge also showed a hint of surprise. He didn’t think these forces would dare to make a move within the territory of the Immortal Gu Clan. Even if an eruption of power exceeding the Immortal Realm occurred here, it could still be suppressed.

This was the confidence in the terrifying foundation of the Immortal Gu Clan.

Inside the grand hall, many prominent figures were coming and going, representing all the dominant forces that stood at the pinnacle of the Upper Realm.

Even some forbidden zones that existed independently outside of the worldly affairs sent generous gifts, though no dominant figures from those areas had arrived personally. However, they had sent substantial wedding gifts.

The wedding had yet to begin, but the grand hall was already filled with joy and excitement. Immortal mists enveloped the area, heavenly music accompanied the guests, and a variety of delicious dishes were elegantly presented.The divine wine, served by the barrel, wafted its fragrance for miles, making anyone who caught a whiff salivate.

All cultivators started toasting, exchanging cups and offering their congratulations. Regardless, today was an extraordinary day, a celebration of the union between the Ancient Immortal Gu Clan and the unique Peerless Immortal Dynasty.

If there was no conflict that could not be resolved, no one was willing to touch the bottom line of the Ancient Immortal Gu family at this moment.

So, even the immoral forces like the Heavenly Emperor Mountain were quietly toasting and conversing with the leaders of other sects. Many of the Gu Clan’s ancient ancestors were moving from table to table, offering toasts.

Some ancient beings exuding profound auras were seen in conversation with old friends, like the ancient presence from the Dao Lake of Reincarnation who had a cheerful conversation with Gu Lang, one of the Gu Clan’s eighteen ancestors, and a smile on his face.

In the vast territory of the Immortal Gu Clan, including the outer island regions, the atmosphere was vibrant.

Even those who didn’t have the privilege to enter the main hall began to toast and engage in lively conversations. Countless streaks of light shot across the sky, and waitresses carried various drinks and delicacies, flitting around like butterflies.

Even in the outer island regions, the feasts and delicacies were rare treasures that were invaluable. Only the true immortal forces were willing to display such opulence. Even for ordinary cultivators, a single bite was a great blessing.

This grand wedding that had shaken the entire Upper Realm was finally about to begin. Gu Changge, along with the elders, toasted at various tables.

“Gu Changge, congratulations.”

A fairy-like, cold and immortal young girl approached, exuding an otherworldly charm with a hint of melancholy hidden in her deep eyes. Although today was supposed to be a day of celebration for Gu Changge and Yue Mingkong, she couldn’t find the joy within herself. She felt uneasy and low-spirited.

“Are you trying to play this with me too?” Gu Changge smiled, ruffling Gu Xian’er’s hair, but she quickly dodged his hand and gave him a glare.

“Yaoyao, congratulations, Master.”

By Gu Xian’er’s side was another exquisitely cute girl with snow-white skin, like a porcelain doll. She had a bright smile on her face, and she was none other than Yaoyao. Upon hearing about the Master’s upcoming wedding, she had asked Gu Xian’er to bring her along.

Gu Changge smiled gently, crouching down to pinch her cheeks. “Thank you, Yaoyao.”

“Congratulations.”

Another exceptionally beautiful woman in white, like a snow lotus atop an icy peak, approached. Her facial features were immaculate, her eyebrows like distant mountains, and her three thousand black strands of hair cascaded down, making her look otherworldly and unworldly, like a snow lotus blooming at the peak of extreme cold, untainted by worldly matters.

Jiang Chuchu pursed her lips, forcing a smile on her face, though her eyes couldn’t hide her sadness and envy.

While Gu Changge had promised to marry her, it wouldn’t be as grand as it was now, and she had no idea when it would happen. That day… still seemed distant.

Of course, Jiang Chuchu was very understanding. Despite her heartache and envy, she didn’t show any abnormal reactions on her face, fearing it might cause unnecessary conflicts and trouble for Gu Changge.

Gu Changge sighed softly in his heart, but his smile remained unchanged on his face as he expressed his gratitude.