I Am the Fated Villain

When Wang Erniu mentioned the Su girl, his face brimmed with undisguised respect. Despite lacking formal education, they possessed a deep sense of gratitude. Miss Su had made her presence known in Green Mountain Village during her childhood.

At that time, the village, along with neighboring towns, faced an unknown plague. Death lingered, with floating corpses and a prevailing sense of despair. Even esteemed doctors succumbed to the plague, resorting to self-immolation. Distant cultivation sects were helpless, contemplating burning the area to contain the disaster.

In this dire situation, Miss Su emerged as the savior. Though faced with a plague that could harm, it inexplicably spared her touch. Wang Erniu vividly recalled the scene – the beautiful Miss Su, clad in white, moved like a banished immortal. Holding a white jade bottle with a freshly picked willow branch, water dripped wherever she walked, resolving everyone’s symptoms.

Miss Su, akin to a living Buddha, single-handedly quelled the plague that ravaged nearby villages. Afterward, she took residence temporarily in the eastern part of Green Mountain Village, near a lake. A small courtyard surrounded by green bamboo featured a clear water pool, where poultry roamed, and medicinal herbs thrived.

Occasionally, she sat cross-legged in the middle of the lake, playing the piano serenely. Villagers sought her help when sick, and she extended her benevolence to teaching children in the village how to read and write in private schools.

Decades passed, and Miss Su’s appearance remained unchanged. Powerful cultivators, intending to visit, found themselves respecting her even before approaching.

Unable to catch a glimpse of the real person, they turned away and departed with utmost respect, refraining from any display of disrespect. Consequently, the villagers unanimously believed that the enigmatic Miss Su, with an undisclosed origin, possessed otherworldly strength akin to an immortal.

Her true identity, place of origin, and real name remained shrouded in mystery. All that was known was her surname, Su, her ethereal beauty, and her penchant for wearing a white dress while quietly playing the piano in the middle of the lake.

Speculation buzzed among the villagers, contemplating reasons for her presence – some believed she sought relaxation, while others thought she might be yearning for a lost love. The piano’s notes alternated between lingering like smoke and piercing the clouds with crystal clarity.

“I mentioned marrying Sister Immortal, not Sister Su. Sister Su doesn’t fancy me as a youngster,” protested Wang Xiaoniu to his father. He defended himself, recounting an encounter with an old man during cattle herding who claimed he had the potential for sword training and handed him a jade pendant.

In response to his father’s critical remarks, Wang Xiaoniu expressed dissatisfaction and narrated the day’s events. After returning from the market, his father instructed him to herd cattle in the village, where he encountered the mysterious old man. The old man, with a smile, identified him as a suitable candidate for sword cultivation and predicted a future as a powerful sword immortal. Wang Xiaoniu proudly displayed the jade pendant adorned with sword patterns, leaving his father and mother in awe.

Initially skeptical, Wang Erniu believed his child might be fabricating stories. However, the sight of the jade pendant completely shocked him. Despite Green Mountain Village’s modest size, the villagers were no strangers to immortals, perceiving sky-soaring individuals as representatives of immortals.

The mighty ones could extend their lives for hundreds, or even thousands of years. The Lie Yang Sect, closest to Green Mountain Village, was led by Master Lie Yang, rumored to have surpassed 800 years, effortlessly commanding fire and taming the seas. Wealthy young men from nearby cities aspired to join, yet the sect had stringent apprenticeship criteria. Despite hefty payments, one could, at best, become a craftsman’s disciple. To access superior cultivation techniques, a strong foundation was imperative; otherwise, a lifetime of toil awaited.

Though Wang Erniu and his peers were common folk, they understood that immortality was beyond their grasp. Thus, when his son spoke of encountering an immortal fate, Wang Erniu contemplated scolding him, urging him to focus on honest cattle herding. Future success could bring reputation and family honor. Even in dire circumstances, selling cattle could secure a wife and perpetuate the family legacy.

Little did Wang Erniu anticipate his son’s extraordinary luck in crossing paths with a legendary immortal. Overwhelmed by excitement, he momentarily forgot about Gu Changge, the guest in their home. His words tumbled out in an incomplete and tremulous manner.

The implications were profound for ordinary people – soaring through the sky, wealth, longevity, and an expanded perspective. Such concepts were beyond their imagination. Discovering his son’s potential for immortality filled Wang Erniu with both excitement and disbelief.

“Is this… is this true?” he exclaimed, his excitement evident. The presence of Gu Changge in their home slipped his mind momentarily.

Wang Xiaoniu, sensing his father’s disbelief, proudly asserted, “Of course, it’s true. Why would I lie to my father? I witnessed that old Daoist, riding a flying sword, descending from the sky…”

“Great, great,” Wang Erniu exclaimed, his rough hands gently caressing the jade pendant as if it were a precious treasure.

Suddenly, Wang Erniu had a realization and swiftly turned his head to glance at Gu Changge, who had been quietly attending to the table. “Xiao Niu, quickly put away this jade pendant, and don’t let anyone else know about it,” he urged. His concern didn’t stem from worry about the sudden presence of Gu Changge in their home, but rather from a deep-seated sense of honesty and responsibility. The jade pendant felt like an unexpected, invaluable treasure to him.

Accustomed to a modest life, discovering such a priceless item was akin to going from poverty to unimaginable wealth. Moreover, the significance of the jade pendant seemed profound. Losing it might jeopardize his son’s chance of immortality, and what if it was a test set by the immortal for his son?

“Father, I know. Don’t worry,” reassured Wang Xiaoniu. Despite his youth, he displayed remarkable sensibility and shrewdness. He promptly retrieved the jade pendant, understanding the need for secrecy, especially with an unknown visitor in their midst.

Following this incident, the appetite of Wang Erniu and his wife waned. Initially, Wang Erniu had sensed an air of extraordinariness around Gu Changge. Despite a somewhat weary appearance, he had invited him home out of kindness. Unaware of Gu Changge’s origin and name, Wang Erniu had noticed the traveler’s dusty exterior and fatigued face.

Gu Changge had only spoken when requesting water, offering a casual smile that put Wang Erniu at ease. Despite appearing as a seasoned traveler, he exuded a nobility and uniqueness in his demeanor that set him apart from the rugged villagers.

The couple found themselves captivated by Gu Changge’s good looks, with weathered features unable to conceal his inherent handsomeness. After washing their faces, they felt a sense of dullness, prompting Wang Erniu to wonder if Gu Changge might be a fallen nobleman seeking refuge in their humble abode.

“Brother, where are you headed?” queried Wang Erniu. “It seems like you’ve traveled quite a distance.”

Engrossed in their discussion about the jade pendant, Gu Changge appeared indifferent, quietly savoring the contents of his bowl without acknowledging their conversation. Wang Erniu, unable to contain his curiosity, eventually inquired about Gu Changge’s destination.

“Where am I going?” Gu Changge echoed the question, lifting his gaze with a hint of confusion. It became evident that he didn’t have a clear destination in mind. It was as if he sought an invisible road, yearning to reach its end, yet lacking any memory of what that road entailed. His only instinct urged him to keep moving, though weariness hinted at a desire for temporary respite before continuing the journey.

Observing Gu Changge’s uncertain expression, Wang Erniu was surprised. He hadn’t anticipated that Gu Changge himself was unsure of the answer. This realization raised suspicions in Wang Erniu’s mind—had Gu Changge forgotten something significant? In his mind, a narrative took shape, envisioning Gu Changge as someone born into affluence, facing a calamity that stripped him of his identity and status, compelling him into a wandering existence without a clear path forward.

“You’re a man of hardship,” sympathized Wang Erniu, shaking his head. He had encountered many individuals with similar stories over the years. Dynasties had crumbled, wars erupted, and many once-noble sons found themselves displaced and wandering. Formerly accustomed to a life of privilege, they now lived as destitute wanderers, their past glory and wealth replaced by the uncertainty of an itinerant existence.

“At least now, you can eat your fill, dress warmly, and have a place to shelter from the rain,” Wang Erniu reflected, acknowledging the simple comforts of his own life. “You have a diligent, capable, and virtuous wife, and a sensible and intelligent son.”

Furthermore, with his son on the cusp of obtaining the fate of a legendary immortal, Wang Erniu couldn’t help but display a happy smile, thoroughly content. Gu Changge observed this scene, sensing a touch of emotion and confusion within himself. Was he feeling sympathy and pity for someone else? Was this what contentment and happiness looked like? It seemed so simple, yet he had never experienced it. What had he been pursuing all this time? The emptiness persisted, an unfulfilled gap driving him in relentless pursuit, never satisfied.

Feeling a slight headache, Gu Changge knew he had forgotten something. He could easily recall it if he thought about it, but he refrained from doing so.

“I just wanted to go through it all for myself,” Gu Changge thought, regaining composure without delving further. Each person had their unique pursuits, and he didn’t need to measure his happiness against others.

“When I become immortal, I’ll take my parents to the best city, buy the finest wine for my father, and the most beautiful jewelry for my mother,” exclaimed Wang Xiaoniu, caught up in his dreams. His mother, pleased with his filial intentions, playfully warned him not to shout about Miss Su, who was older than them.

Under the dim oil lamp, the family of three shared happy smiles, imagining a future filled with possibilities. Gu Changge observed quietly, sensing a deeper understanding.

After the meal, Wang Erniu prepared a clean guest room for Gu Changge, complete with fresh bedding they rarely used. Wang Erniu believed Gu Changge might be accustomed to a more distinguished lifestyle and wanted him to feel comfortable, even adding a layer of soft hay underneath. Gu Changge, unaccustomed to such kindness, quietly pondered this simple and honest man’s generosity.

Despite not wanting to feel indebted, Gu Changge pondered for a moment and decided to reciprocate. He carefully retrieved a delicate jade pendant from his belongings. Though he couldn’t recall its exact value, he understood its significance. Even if exchanged for silver taels, it would be enough to sustain Wang Erniu’s family for generations. Wang Erniu, however, refused the gesture vehemently, recognizing the jade pendant’s worth but valuing the help he provided more.

To Wang Erniu, the little assistance he offered Gu Changge was far from as valuable as the jade pendant, and he sensed its importance to Gu Changge. What if it played a role in helping him regain his memories?

Being an honest man, Wang Erniu didn’t harbor thoughts of monopolizing the valuable jade pendant. Gu Changge, unaccustomed to being indebted, accepted the situation, intending to make amends during his stay.

The next day, he joined Wang Erniu in the fields, eager to contribute. Sweating alongside Wang Erniu, he grasped a hoe and engaged in the task of weeding. The novel experience provided him with an unexpected sense of surprise, as if he gained a new understanding of something. Despite Wang Erniu’s attempts to dissuade him, Gu Changge persisted, offering his assistance with a genuine desire to make amends.