Great Villain: Starting by Humiliating the Son of the Heavenly Fate (Old Version)

Everyone gazed at the semi-transparent entrance, where the inheritance orbs awaited. Murmurs spread through them as they gasped in astonishment:

"Once someone obtains a cultivation method inheritance, they can instantly grasp its theory. They might even reach the minor accomplishment-level or soar to the great accomplishment-level."

"Just these cultivation method inheritances alone are treasures that would make anyone envious."

"Securing those cultivation methods is like being halfway into the Transcendence realm."

"But only one person can enter. All the cultivation methods can be obtained by a single individual."

"And it's the same with those pill and spiritual plant inheritances."

The group's murmurs faded, but the weight of their words lingered in the air.

Jiang Chen looked at the words on the light screen, pondering internally, 'Only one person can enter at a time?'

'No wonder members of the Golden Proud Cult would cast aside their camaraderie, show their true colors, and come to blows over this.'

'I assume that a million years ago, the cultivators of the Immortal Martial Continent wanted to nurture a genuine powerhouse as the 'Pillar of the Continent', which is why they set it up this way.'

'They probably never imagined that it would be a million years later that someone would finally open this Doomsday Cave Heaven.'

'While this inheritance is impressive, it still pales in comparison to my Wordless Heavenly Jade.'

'After obtaining all the cultivation method inheritances, one can only grasp a portion of the theory. To truly harness its power, one must still practice on their own.'

'In contrast, my Wordless Heavenly Jade allows one to completely grasp a cultivation method, as if they've practiced it for countless years.'

'I may have an abundance of cultivation methods, but those spiritual plants are vital for me. Among them are spiritual plants of the Transcendence realm!' Jiang Chen's thoughts continued to swirl, deeply absorbed in the implications of what lay before him.

Obtaining those spiritual plants would surely elevate the Burning World Red Lotus back to the Peak-stage Dao Palace realm.

Such a gain would not only elevate his cultivation base but would also intensify the effects of the cultivation methods he practiced.

Put simply, it would greatly amplify both his realm and combat abilities.

It was also becoming evident that in the original plot, Gu Ran had plans to intervene. He would likely use the Purple Heaven Holy Land as a shield against the Golden Proud Cult and smoothly make his escape.

This was a scenario Jiang Chen was determined to prevent.

Just then, another sentence appeared on the light screen, notifying everyone that the inheritance would be activated in a quarter of an hour.

Upon seeing the words on the light screen, the weight of the revelation made nearly everyone's breath catch.

Hidden among the crowd, Gu Ran blended in, going unnoticed. In his mind, thoughts raced, 'In a quarter of an hour, the inheritance will be activated!'

'I, Gu Ran, cannot let this inheritance slip through my fingers!'

'Given that no one knows I'm here, if I move quickly enough, there's a solid chance I'll seize the inheritance first.'

'Once it's in my hands, I can swiftly liberate myself from the ever-watchful eyes and subtle manipulations of the Heavenly Gu Society.'

'And considering the number of Purple Heaven Holy Land members around, would they risk an all-out assault?'

'This is the golden chance I've been waiting for!' His eyes burned with fervor, emotions surging with intensity.

However, what Gu Ran didn't know was that Jiang Chen had long since seen through his plans.

"Master, among us lurks a hidden cultivator Gu Ran." Jiang Chen's voice resonated clearly in the ears of Ji Mingxiu, Si Zhangjian, and a few others. "His cultivation base might not be impressive, but he's an odd one. For various reasons, we can't simply take him down directly.

But he's set his sights on seizing the inheritance amidst the confusion. I suggest we take the following action..."

The revelation caught Ji Mingxiu and the others off guard.

They hadn't sensed anyone concealed nearby, which underscored just how crafty this Gu Ran was!

Yet, with unwavering trust in Jiang Chen, they stood ready, prepared to act on his guidance at the slightest hint.

Time seemed to stand still.

Every person there had eyes that shone with eagerness and anticipation. But as the moments passed, a collective calm settled over the crowd. After witnessing the Golden Proud Cult's reckless actions, who would dare to be impulsive?

The quarter-hour mark was drawing near.

'Inheritance, you will be mine!' Gu Ran drew a deep breath, suppressing his mounting excitement, and stealthily made his way to the light screen, positioning himself right next to it. His plan? To be the first through when the light screen gave way!

However, just then, Ji Mingxiu's voice rang out, fraught with urgency, "This isn't right!" He declared, "Someone might be lurking among us!" Without hesitation, he launched a formation disc.

In quick succession, Yao Zong and Si Zhangjian followed suit, releasing their own formation discs.

In a fleeting moment, the three formation discs became luminous streaks, setting down nearby. Swiftly, they merged, creating a luminous barrier that ensnared everyone inside.

Caught in the abrupt ensnarement, Gu Ran's thoughts raced: 'What's happening?' He found himself trapped within the barrier, perplexed. 'Liu Xiong was supposed to think I'd escaped. Why are they on high alert now?'

His heart was a tumult of emotions. Overwhelm, frustration, and a deep-seated sorrow rose within him, threatening to spill over in tears.

Life was unrelentingly tough for him, Gu Ran.

After all, when an elusive golden opportunity finally presented itself, it was snatched away just as abruptly.

And the outcome? With the formation restraining him, he could only watch in agony as the coveted inheritance was seized by another.

'No! This can't be happening!' Gu Ran seethed internally as a surge of anger overwhelmed him. 'I bore no ill will towards any of you. My only desire was the inheritance, then to depart in peace.'

'Yet, you stand in my way, obstructing my only chance at changing my fate! Now, I'm left with no option but to retaliate. You've all pushed me to this point!' The intent to harm, even kill, was palpable as he glared at the disciples from Purple Heaven Holy Land.

Unbeknownst to Gu Ran, Jiang Chen had already picked up on the subtle shifts in Fate Value amongst the lesser significant supporting characters, deducing who was in imminent peril.

"Master, shield Outer Sect Elder Li Dong." Jiang Chen sent a silent mental message to Ji Mingxiu, positioning himself beyond the light screen.

The light screen's entrance suddenly swung open.

Shortly thereafter, the 'chosen' inheritor from the Purple Heaven Holy Land moved confidently through the formation, gearing up to enter the underground space made of white jade.

Meanwhile, Jiang Chen maneuvered into the underground space with greater stealth and speed, unseen by others.

His tactic? Let the conspicuous actions of others divert attention while he worked clandestinely.

Then, the gentle sounds of "puff, puff, puff" filled the air. The glowing orbs shattered one by one, transforming into luminous streaks of light. They merged at the center, and then, just as quickly, disappeared without a trace.

"What!?" a voice from the Purple Heaven Holy Land group exclaimed in shock.

"The inheritance... it's gone!"

"Who would dare take what's rightfully ours?"

"By the heavens, mobilize everyone! They can't get away with this!" The expressions of the Purple Heaven Holy Land cultivators morphed with alarm. While most were genuinely taken aback, Ji Mingxiu and a few others were merely putting on a show.

'Impossible! There's someone else, hidden like me, intent on taking the inheritance?' Gu Ran's eyes widened in disbelief as he took in the chaotic scene, his stomach churning with a mix of dread and anger. 'Why weren't they confined within the formation? Who could they be?'

The mood grew tense as the surrounding cultivators, now on high alert, unleashed their might, launching widespread attacks.

Masking their faces with horror, Ji Mingxiu and his associates swiftly abandoned the formation, darting towards the underground chamber made of white jade, letting loose a barrage of formidable spells.