I Am the Fated Villain

Chapter 963: Maximizing the use of waste, leaving opportunities for them

Gu Changge intended to prepare a second gift for Gu Xian’er, one substantial enough to see her through any future calamity. Even in the face of disaster, if she were to perish, she could ensure that her true essence would endure when confronted with insurmountable challenges. This gesture could be seen as some recompense for Gu Changge’s longstanding debt to her.

Departing from the mountains, Gu Changge returned to the current headquarters of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance. It was once the ruins of the Immortal Palace but had been painstakingly rebuilt by a cadre of survivors from the Immortal Palace, at considerable expense, now serving as the Alliance’s nerve center. Here, representatives from all races and factions of orthodoxy had convened, with the sprawling islands arranged in a constellation-like pattern.

The flux of fortune perpetually wafted in, converging and intertwining high above. Even the most ancient of universes appeared as mere specks of dust in comparison. Each continent lay far apart; even a true immortal would not be able to traverse them in a lifetime without the aid of formidable divine power.

This achievement was the culmination of the collective efforts of numerous unparalleled figures. They had reconstructed the ancestral grounds, erecting various structures and pavilions infused with potent spiritual energy. Skilled cultivators of ancient formations had engraved vast arrays, bridging heaven and earth to harness boundless power. Such measures were taken to bolster the Alliance’s resilience against future catastrophes.

Upon Gu Changge’s return, he promptly dispatched agents to procure rare materials. The Heaven-Slaying Alliance now comprised a total of 108 islands, each condensed from myriad universes and teeming with diverse creations. Countless eons’ worth of immortal resources were contained within them. Thus, upon receiving Gu Changge’s directive, many set out in search of these materials, adhering to his specifications.

On the central island, Gu Changge erected an altar to conduct a refining ritual. Utilizing the vitality of all living beings as the fire’s fuel, he harnessed the celestial energy from the stars above, transforming the altar into a crucible of heaven and earth. Into this vessel, he cast various rare materials.

Numerous eminent figures looked on, surprised by Gu Changge’s rare appearance. Typically elusive, he rarely made himself visible, leaving many curious about his current endeavor. Even individuals like Ming and the patriarch of the Gu family found themselves intrigued, eager to discern what Gu Changge, at his current level, sought to refine.

Flames roared and ascended into the heavens, illuminating the surroundings with a brilliant light. The thunderous sound of the heavens opening reverberated, shaking both the immortal domain and the celestial realm.

“Is my lord attempting to forge a genuine Dao weapon?”

“I’ve heard tales of Daoist weapons transcending even the arsenal of the immortal emperor. They’re said to be imbued with the essence of the Dao of Origin, reaching unfathomable heights beyond innate creations.”

“Legend has it that the refinement of such Dao weapons must be approached with caution, as it risks depleting the Dao’s essence and the energy of the tangible world.”

Throughout the universe, cultivators were astonished and intrigued by the spectacle. Some eminent figures couldn’t resist speculating, drawing upon the accounts they’d heard. Even the patriarch of the Gu family appeared in the distance, his surprise evident as he observed the proceedings.

Gu Changge employed a vast array of materials, including remnants of quasi-immortal emperor weapons from past conflicts. These materials, once rare and capable of enhancement through the strength of their wielder, had been shattered and lost in battles long gone.

Among the array of materials, Ming also procured a complete World Stone and Chaos Immortal Gold for him. Additionally, there were Void Immortal Gold, Dark Immortal Gold, Five Elements Immortal Gold, Nine-Color Immortal Gold, Bright Immortal Gold, and countless others.

Each piece of immortal gold had the potential to be refined into a divine weapon surpassing the quasi-immortal emperor level, with only a scant few pieces found in each universe.

With these materials prepared, Gu Changge commenced the weapon’s refinement. Brilliant light shot into the sky, accompanied by the rumbling of the Dao.

Boom!

Chaos energy filled the space, permeating the surroundings with the world’s power in a scene of awe-inspiring terror. Gu Changge liquefied a massive World Stone, imbuing it with a heavy and majestic aura.

These liquid streams undulated, a vast purple aura cascading down within the Dao’s flames. The innate essence within them stirred to life, consuming the liquefied World Stone.

Hiss!

Gu Changge liquefied the Dark Immortal Gold, Five Elements Immortal Gold, Bright Immortal Gold, Seven Color Immortal Gold, and more. Then, he inscribed top-tier Dao runes, transforming them into intricate chains of order resembling spider webs. As the materials flowed, they grew increasingly radiant.

Next, Gu Changge stoked the flames of the Great Dao, remelting all the divine artifacts he had amassed over the years, including the Supreme Dao Map and the Seven Heavenly Palm Artifacts. This process took several years to complete.

In this space, brilliance pierced the heavens, accompanied by myriad visions. Countless gods and demons shrieked, their presence imbued with a terrifying aura that seemed poised to rend the world asunder. Eventually, the area became shrouded in a deep and vast cosmic power.

“Using various original immortal substances as the foundation, refining them into a crucible of sand…”

Upon witnessing the scene clearly, the patriarch of the Gu family couldn’t help but narrow his eyes in profound shock. He had assumed Gu Changge might be crafting a supreme Daoist weapon. However, he was astonished to see these divine materials transformed into a crucible of sand.

Though the crystal shimmered with nine colors and exuded boundless mysteries, true sand wasn’t typically considered a weapon.

“No, could this be primordial matter? The pure substance present at the dawn of creation?”

The patriarch of the Gu family struggled to conceal his astonishment. With a vast knowledge gleaned from ancient texts, he was familiar with many enigmatic substances in the world. However, he couldn’t be certain without witnessing it firsthand.

The flowing brilliance seemed imbued with a lifelike essence, capable of both creation and destruction, brimming with untold levels of power. Though exceedingly rare, it shimmered quietly like a galaxy, reflecting a magnificent yet hazy vastness.

Resembling grains of crystallized world essence, it encapsulated the most ancient truths, purer than Dao itself, hinting at an essence detached from the origin.

“Is he intending to cultivate something using this substance?” The patriarch of the Gu family was astonished, vaguely discerning Gu Changge’s intentions.

In the next moment, crystal nine-colored sand materialized, each grain emitting a chaotic halo. Amidst it, a small seedling, as slender as a thumb, sprouted from the ground, encircled by primordial purple aura.

“Behold the image of the primordial, the root of the world tree, and the celestial harmony—it shall be named Hongmeng Myriad Root,” Gu Changge declared, observing the scene. He had nurtured this young seedling using the rhizome of the Epoch Tree.

“Hongmeng Myriad Root?” The patriarch of the Gu family was stunned. Though he hadn’t interacted with it directly, he sensed the immense fortune contained within. Its value was likely beyond measure, far surpassing the present adventures of fortune within the Dao Chang Realm.

Even the patriarch couldn’t suppress his excitement. Clusters of luck descended and enveloped the young seedling, foreshadowing a baptism by thunder. Yet, amidst the depths of the world, auspicious scenes emerged to bless it.

Others present lacked the patriarch’s insight and couldn’t fully discern Gu Changge’s creation. However, they too felt the astonishing fortune. Despite their awe, they possessed enough self-awareness to understand that such a thing was beyond their reach.

The following day, Ni Chen, engrossed in his cultivation, was abruptly summoned by Gu Changge. Entrusting him with the majestic root and nine-colored sand that had taken considerable time to condense, Gu Changge explained that this remarkable creation could potentially grow into a towering tree capable of dominating the skies and sweeping through the universe without hindrance.

Naturally, Ni Chen was profoundly shocked, never expecting such supreme fortune to fall into his hands. However, Gu Changge also issued a warning, stating that anyone could attempt to seize the treasure. Only those destined for it could possess it, and if Ni Chen couldn’t safeguard it, he shouldn’t blame others for claiming it.

“Considering your recent actions within the Heaven-Slaying Alliance, I believe you possess the necessary abilities. Do not disappoint me,” Gu Changge remarked, bequeathing the primordial root to Ni Chen without facing him.

This test caught Ni Chen off guard, yet simultaneously dispelled any lingering doubts and worries he may have harbored. He promptly assured Gu Changge of his commitment to guarding and nurturing the treasure with utmost care.

“Fear not, Leader. I shall strive to meet your lofty expectations,” Ni Chen declared solemnly, offering a respectful salute.

Despite his suspicions that this may be a test orchestrated by Gu Changge, Ni Chen couldn’t shake the nagging doubt of whether there might be something peculiar about the primordial root. Thus, before Gu Changge departed, Ni Chen resolved to inspect it closely.

Once Ni Chen had left, Gu Changge seized the opportunity to spread word that the Hongmeng Myriad Root contained the profound truths of the Dao realm, suggesting that possession of it could grant entry into this realm of enlightenment.

The dissemination of this news naturally stirred concern among all factions. Even Jiu Jianxian, with one foot in the Dao realm, couldn’t remain indifferent. He couldn’t fathom Gu Changge’s motive for bestowing this treasure upon “Wang Wushang” only to then publicize its existence.

“Is this a test for him? If he fails to safeguard it, will it be fair game for others?” Jiu Jianxian pondered, his mind racing with possibilities.

If even someone like Jiu Jianxian entertained such thoughts and felt moved, it was inevitable that other ancient cultivators would do the same. As long as Ni Chen’s life wasn’t in jeopardy, there seemed to be no issue.

After all, it would be inconceivable for Gu Changge to undermine himself afterward, right?

The growth of the Hongmeng Myriad Root relied heavily on the nourishment of profound luck. Though Gu Changge could readily plunder luck, doing so would disrupt established fate trajectories and impact the prosperity of the entire Dao Chang Realm.

Thus, from his current standpoint, it made sense for Ni Chen to nurture the root, maximizing its potential utility.

This development interrupted Ni Chen’s tentative cultivation plans. However, upon uncovering the mysteries of the Hongmeng Myriad Root and the nine-colored sand, he became even more determined to harness its potential. Yet, refining it proved to be a daunting task beyond his current capabilities.

Fortunately, as he cultivated, he found that he could channel his progress back into the root, imbuing it with immense power. Gu Changge’s repeated generosity left Ni Chen at a loss for words.

Of course, amidst the bounty came challenges. Many sought to seize the Hongmeng Myriad Root, forcing Ni Chen to expend considerable effort and ingenuity to protect it.

…

Gu Changge stood atop a mountain peak, raising his hand, causing ripples to appear before him, and a portal to split open. Stepping through, he vanished in an instant.

Upon reappearing, he found himself in a vast and boundless void. Chaos reigned, with no discernible directions or landmarks, as if he had entered uncharted territory.

In this realm, the passage of time and space remained imperceptible, devoid of any laws or regulations—a truly lawless and unrestricted expanse.

Within the vast Dao Chang Realm, Gu Changge had only discovered this solitary place, shrouded in numerous mysteries that potentially held the secret to the realm’s genesis. If its origins were truly traced, it would predate even the birth of the Dao Chang Realm itself.

Rumble!

Upon landing in this realm, Gu Changge set to work, initiating his actions. A surge of spiritual energy akin to an overwhelming wave completely engulfed the space. Subsequently, an endless divine light soared into the heavens, akin to an unquenchable divine fire, incinerating every inch of space.

In this realm devoid of time, space, and even traces of Daoism, even the most ancient cultivators of the Underworld’s Dao Realm would hesitate to tread lightly. Yet, Gu Changge paid no heed, focusing solely on the transformations unfolding before him.

This process persisted for an extended period until the space was refined into the palm of Gu Changge, transforming it into a world within his grasp. However, this world remained in its rudimentary form, prompting Gu Changge to continue its condensation.

Utilizing the original substance of the realm as fuel, he painstakingly burned and condensed it, gradually shaping it from the size of a fist to that of a seed.

“Creating a genuine seed is truly no easy feat,” Gu Changge remarked, his brow furrowed as he gazed upon the speck of light.

“Even for those blessed with great fortune, ascending to the Dao realm step by step takes considerable time and effort, with no guarantee of success. If the Dao Chang Realm is to ascend swiftly, it requires a fortuitous opportunity. It’s a shame that such a vast real world can only be condensed to this extent…”

With a slight frown, Gu Changge contemplated the diminutive yet significant creation before him.

At that moment, the seed floated within Gu Changge’s palm, oscillating with a mesmerizing array of mystical scenes that transcended the bounds of eternal time and space. Yet, in his discerning eyes, it remained merely a prototype, not the genuine seed of the real world.

No one in this realm had ever beheld the true seed of the real world. Its origin was shrouded in extreme mystery and unpredictability, conceived and birthed by the chaotic collision of countless moments.

Cultivating a genuine world seed was an impossibility. As long as the real world existed, it could naturally evolve and give rise to all celestial phenomena, forming a vast universe and spawning countless worlds.

Thus, what Gu Changge condensed was merely the embryonic form of the real world’s seeds, still far removed from its true evolution.

Within this space, he partitioned the object into several segments. Upon his departure, these segments transformed into beams of light, descending upon familiar individuals such as Yue Mingkong, Jiang Chuchu, Wang Ziji, and Yin Mei.

This act could be seen as Gu Changge’s final great boon to them—an assurance of their safe passage into the Dao realm in the future. Though the journey might be arduous, spanning countless reincarnations across endless years, Gu Changge had laid the groundwork for their eventual success.