Great Villain: Starting by Humiliating the Son of the Heavenly Fate

Chapter 241: Gu Ran’s Disappearance

The moment Jiang Chen concluded thoughts, Ji Yilan spoke up, almost fawningly, as if on cue. "Nephew Jiang Chen, this isn’t a suitable place for discussion. Please, come with me."

Jiang Chen raised his hand with a warm smile. "Please, lead the way."

Under Ji Yilan’s guidance, the group used a series of hidden short-range teleportation arrays, discreetly arriving at Ageless Spirit Heavenly Island.

The Ageless Spirit Heavenly Island, main base of the Ageless Spirit Heavenly Sect, was the largest island in the region, stretching endlessly across the sea.

After navigating through the island for a while, they soon arrived at Ji Yilan’s residence—an elegant, opulent house with a small courtyard.

The quaint courtyard was adorned with countless gauze curtains that fluttered in the sea breeze, creating an ethereal scene reminiscent of a fairyland.

By now, the high-ranking members of the Ageless Spirit Heavenly Sect had gathered, waiting at the entrance to Ji Yilan’s dwelling. Among them stood Sect Master Jing Chengwang and the two Supreme Elders, Le Zhengren and Zhu Zhihai.

The issue of the Ten Thousand Stars Dao Embryo Bloodline was a matter of immense significance, known only to a select few. Some who had previously taken part in deceiving Gu Ran for his bloodline had already been silenced—including Gu Ran’s childhood sweetheart.

Upon spotting Jiang Chen, Jing Chengwang, Le Zhengren, and Zhu Zhihai promptly stepped forward to greet him.

Jing Chengwang spoke warmly, "Holy Son Jiang Chen, I have long held you in high regard. Welcome, welcome!"

Le Zhengren added, "Holy Son Jiang Chen, they say seeing is believing, and today I can truly say you stand out from the masses. I am in awe!"

Zhu Zhihai joined in, "Your ability to eliminate a Transcendence realm demon powerhouse is simply beyond comprehension. Achieving such a feat at your age is truly exceptional!"

"Indeed," Le Zhengren continued, "even with the Purple Heaven Immortal Sword in my hand, I would surely face defeat!"

Each of them wore a congenial smile, showering Jiang Chen with praises.

They had long known that Jiang Chen was a prodigious talent, capable of dispatching a Middle-stage Transcendence realm demon, and destined to ascend as the sovereign of the Immortal Martial Continent.

When it came to forming connections with Jiang Chen, they showed nothing but warmth and fervent enthusiasm.

"You overpraise me, seniors," Jiang Chen replied modestly. "I was only able to vanquish the demon after its strength had significantly waned, weakening to the Dao Palace realm."

"Ah, such is human nature," Jiang Chen sighed quietly.

Had he not been away from the Lustrous Yang Domain, he would have inspected Gu Ran’s body himself right after the bloodline incident.

But, at that time, circumstances hadn’t allowed it.

Sensing a subtle touch of unease in Jiang Chen’s attitude toward Gu Ran, Jing Chengwang couldn’t help but ask, "Holy Son Jiang Chen, why do you place such weight on this Gu Ran? It seems as though you harbor some concern."

At his question, everyone present perked up, curious. Jing Chengwang had voiced the question that was already on their minds.

After all, Jiang Chen had defeated a Transcendence realm powerhouse before. How could he possibly feel any unease toward a seemingly insignificant figure in the Mysterious Platform realm?

"All you need to understand is that we should remain highly vigilant against Gu Ran," Jiang Chen replied, shaking his head. He certainly couldn’t reveal his own villainous status or Gu Ran’s role as the protagonist.

"Remain highly vigilant against Gu Ran?" Zhu Zhihai echoed, his gaze thoughtful, before abruptly exclaiming, "Could it be that he’s somehow linked to the demon race?!"

"You may interpret it that way if you wish," Jiang Chen affirmed with a nod.

For the members of the Ageless Spirit Heavenly Sect, Gu Ran was akin to a grim reaper, posing a threat far beyond that of the demon race.

"So, Holy Son Jiang Chen, what will be your next course of action?" Jing Chengwang asked, adding, "Our Ageless Spirit Heavenly Sect will offer you our full cooperation!"

"Full cooperation? That’s exactly the response I was hoping for," Jiang Chen replied with a smile. "Gather all available information on Gu Ran and collect all Dao Comprehension and Dao Palace-rank spiritual plants within the sect for me!"

"Understood, we’ll begin immediately!" Jing Chengwang agreed without hesitation.

To gain the favor of a powerhouse like Jiang Chen, some price was expected—and who wouldn’t want to align themselves with his rising influence?

"Excellent!" Jiang Chen exclaimed.

Turning to Ji Yilan, he instructed, "Aunt Ji Yilan, recall everyone who was sent to search for Gu Ran. Make sure to account for any casualties."

"Yes!" Ji Yilan replied, keeping a tone of respectful formality despite Jiang Chen’s casual address.