I Really Am A Villain Chapter 1817 - Queen Mother

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Previously on I Really Am A Villain...
Wang Xie unleashed the Tyrant Crane Spear against Xu Zimo, only to be effortlessly repelled and humiliated in front of onlookers. Despite summoning a powerful green crane manifestation to empower his attack, Wang Xie was defeated again by a single slash from Xu Zimo's Shadow Tyrant saber. In panic, Wang Xie called for aid from fellow Jade Court holy sons and maidens, who reluctantly stepped forward to intervene.

"If you're going to attack, then stop the needless chatter. My blade knows no mercy," Xu Zimo stated calmly.

The Shadow Tyrant in his grasp pulsed with untamed power, its immense energy coursing through the void.

Witnessing the colossal blade intent that unfurled, none of the others dared to make a move.

Saintess Qing initiated the action.

A vast sky filled with azure luan birds materialized, coalescing into a surging current, and wave after wave of heavenly might descended, slashing towards Xu Zimo.

Zhao Qiuyi retreated a half-step and unleashed her own torrent of ice and snow.

The rest were not to be outdone; in an instant, the void echoed with the calls of golden crows, the roars of savage beasts, the presence of swarming witch-crows, and the radiant glow of sun and moon hanging above.

It was evident they were merely going through the motions, each executing a superficial strike before quickly withdrawing.

To their minds, this was merely the fulfillment of a duty, a perfunctory action.

Regardless of whether Wang Xie survived or perished was no longer their concern; they had acted, and failing to save him would simply be a demonstration of their inadequate capabilities.

The Queen Mother would have no cause to hold them accountable.

Despite being a mere display, the torrents of power were formidable, churning and crashing, engulfing all that lay within their path.

Xu Zimo bore the brunt of the assault. He lifted the Shadow Tyrant high, gripping the blade with both hands.

A hearty laugh escaped him. "As a matter of courtesy, I shall reciprocate your action. Since you have obstructed my way, permit me to offer you a token."

The blade executed a slight rotation, and a dazzling beam of sword light spread outward, resembling an undulating sea of blades that flowed through the void.

Then, he drew his right arm back, his gaze piercing like a torch, and brought the blade sweeping down in a single, sweeping horizontal cut.

BOOM.

The overwhelming blade intent tore through the cosmos, and with an unstoppable, all-conquering force, it disintegrated every torrent.

Its effect did not cease there; after shattering the torrents, the residual blade energy remained potent, surging towards the assembled group.

Blade light erupted from the ground, soaring skyward.

Both the earth and the heavens were cleaved open by deep, fathomless ravines that seemed to stretch into infinity.

"Run!" Upon witnessing this, the expressions of the Saint Sons and Saintesss contorted in shock.

They realized they could not withstand that blade-light.

Their assessment was instantaneous.

Yet, no matter how swift their movements, they could not outrun the pervasive blade intent.

Another BOOM.

An earth-shattering detonation erupted amidst the crowd. Even those who had braced themselves were violently thrown from their feet by the immense shockwave.

Xu Zimo paid the others no further attention. The tip of his blade now pointed directly at Wang Xie.

Wang Xie, having regained a modicum of strength, scrambled to his feet in a pathetic state, sprinting towards the exit from the Peach Garden.

The prospect of victory in combat was nonexistent.

Escape represented his sole remaining chance for survival.

Xu Zimo observed his fleeing form, tilted the Shadow Tyrant slightly, and unleashed a heaven-rending column of blade light directly in his pursuit.

The blade light swept across the firmament. In an instant, the entire Peach Garden was engulfed in flying debris and tumbling rocks, the sky darkening as if a tempest had consumed the sun.

"No—!" Wang Xie whirled around, his eyes wide with sheer terror.

A great cry tore from his throat.

And then, his entire being was consumed by the blade light.

Within the Jade Court, atop a secluded island shrouded in ethereal mist and sheltered by venerable trees.

Gossamer vapors drifted across the heavens and earth, while the enchanting melodies of birdsong and the rich fragrance of flowers permeated the surroundings.

This particular island hosted a single, solitary palace.

In front of the palace stood a sculpture depicting a woman in the act of ascending to immortality.

The entire edifice was rendered in white and silver hues; while not ostentatiously grand in scale, it exuded a subtle aura of otherworldly grace.

Immortal trees had taken root within the palace's spires and passageways; spirit sparrows perched upon the roof tiles; intricate golden carvings gleamed, and iron trees bore blossoms of silver.

This palace seemed to be an intrinsic part of the realm, as if it had always resided there.

Inside the central hall, a contingent of women stood in formation, arrayed in two distinct rows.

At the very front of the hall, two seats were positioned.

The primary seat was enveloped in a thick mist, rendering its occupant completely indiscernible. Only a formidable power pulsed outward from within, seemingly exerting dominion over all existence.

Seated adjacent to this principal seat was Ye Qingcheng.

At this moment, she was adorned in a pale white gown, possessing celestial beauty and features as refined as jade. The Saintess' crown rested upon her head, her long dress flowing like the Milky Way cascading from the Ninth Heaven.

Her skin was so exquisitely delicate it appeared as if a mere touch might cause it to fracture, as white as freshly fallen snow, untainted by even the slightest impurity.

She sat there, already embodying the dignified presence of one who commands from a position of authority.

In the center of the hall, the Heaven-Watching Mirror continuously rotated.

The Heaven-Watching Mirror, a relic from the former Queen Mother, was meticulously crafted. Its creation involved harnessing the celestial light of the sun and moon, the radiance of the stars, and seventy-two of the world's most spiritually potent materials.

Etched upon its surface were one hundred and eight intricate patterns. These patterns were no mere decoration; each one possessed a unique connection to a distinct segment of the entire Jade Court.

In essence, the Heaven-Watching Mirror functioned as the very heart of the Jade Court, overseeing and regulating all its affairs. Possession of this mirror granted dominion over at least half of the Jade Court's authority.

Within the Heaven-Watching Mirror's reflective depths, every event that had unfolded in the Peach Garden was displayed with absolute fidelity and comprehensive detail.

From the veiled sanctuary of the principal seat, a voice eventually broke the silence. When she refrained from speaking, an expectant hush fell over the assembly.

"What are everyone's thoughts?"

Upon hearing her words, one woman among the many gathered below stepped forward.

She was adorned in a flowing crimson gown, reminiscent of a sun ascending in its fiery glory. A closer inspection revealed that the women present were distinguished by four distinct attire styles, representing the seasons: the verdant green of spring, the vibrant red of summer, the rich gold of autumn, and the pure white of winter.

The woman who had just spoken was known as Xia Changshan.

"Queen Mother, this individual displays extreme arrogance. Regardless of his status as a guest of our Jade Court, his open act of slaying Jade Court disciples is a capital offense."

Following Xia Changshan's declaration, the hall was enveloped in an oppressive silence. No one else dared to voice an opinion.

The reason for their reticence was their inability to gauge the Queen Mother's stance on the matter.

Every woman present held a position of considerable influence within the Jade Court. Yet, it was precisely this status that made them tread with extreme caution, akin to walking beside a slumbering tiger, for fear of incurring the Queen Mother's displeasure.

These women constituted the Queen Mother's elite personal guard, collectively recognized as the Four Seasons Valkyries. Each possessed formidable martial prowess.

Upon absorbing Xia Changshan's words, the Queen Mother remained silent for a brief moment.

Then, she inquired, "Qingcheng, what is your opinion?"

"He is of immense value to our Jade Court," Ye Qingcheng stated without equivocation.

She deliberately omitted any commentary on the preceding events or their severity, deeming such considerations secondary. The Jade Court was currently in a precarious position, facing opposition from the Azure Mystic Heaven and in dire need of accumulated strength.

Therefore, as long as he proved useful, his other actions were deemed inconsequential. The adage, "All under heaven strive for profit; all under heaven move for gain," perfectly encapsulated the prevailing sentiment. Everything was ultimately determined by self-interest.

Ye Qingcheng grasped this fundamental truth with perfect clarity, which enabled her to address the core issue directly.

"The Casting Crane Lineage has indeed overstepped their bounds," the Queen Mother remarked placidly. "In recent years, their actions have caused discontent not only among external parties but also among our own Jade Court disciples."

"Convey a message to Di Sheli: effective immediately, his position as Elder of Law Enforcement is revoked."

Di Sheli was identified as the Grand Elder of the Casting Crane Lineage.

"Furthermore," the Queen Mother continued.

Despite remaining concealed behind the misty veil, her gaze seemed to penetrate the shroud and fix directly upon Xia Changshan.

"I am informed you have developed a recent partiality for Seven-Colored Glazed Stones."

At these words, Xia Changshan's countenance shifted dramatically.

She promptly fell to her knees, her voice trembling with fear, "Queen Mother, I beg for mercy! I was momentarily deluded; I accepted illicit gifts from the Casting Crane Lineage."

"I shall not take your life. However, you are to depart from Heavenly Mountain immediately," the Queen Mother decreed with chilling calmness.