I Truly Am The Villian Chapter 2208: 2207: The Strange Old Man, Cloud Interval Temple

From a vantage point in the sky, the flattened Kanglong Mountain revealed a colossal footprint.

It bore an uncanny resemblance to the imprint left by a giant.

Simply put, it was as if a colossal being had descended and obliterated Kanglong Mountain with a single step.

That same step had also utterly annihilated Buddha Country.

Due to the sheer destructive power of that single action, many people feared being caught in the fallout, choosing to steer clear of the area.

Many years passed before the vicinity of Kanglong Mountain experienced any further disturbances or conflicts.

Eventually, certain factions began to scour the ruins for any treasures left behind by the fallen Buddha Country.

As time went on, the number of people drawn to the area steadily increased.

Upon the desolate landscape of Kanglong Mountain, a new city was eventually erected.

This settlement was christened Longxing City.

Much like a newly reborn Kanglong Mountain, Longxing City experienced rapid development.

Under the guidance of a prominent family known as the Meng, the city quickly burgeoned into a significant metropolis.

Although, the Meng family's initial ascent was bolstered by their status as a subordinate force to the ten esteemed families.

With the subsequent downfall of the ten families, the Meng family shrewdly capitalized on the ensuing power vacuum, propelling themselves to prominence.

They proceeded to absorb the remnants of the ten families' influence and resources, thereby cementing the Meng family's formidable power and authority.

Furthermore, Longxing City underwent several strategic expansions, evolving into a prosperous and influential hub.

……

Upon receiving intelligence regarding the whereabouts of Longxing City, Xu Zimei acted with swiftness.

He engaged the Time-Space Shuttle, pressing onward with all possible haste.

Finally, as the first light of dawn broke the following day, he found himself on the outskirts of Longxing City.

Gazing down from the heavens, Longxing City indeed presented the appearance of a coiling dragon.

It stood distinct from other urban centers.

While most cities expand outwards from a central core, Longxing City spread both eastward and westward, creating the impression of a dragon poised for flight.

Standing at the base of Longxing City, one could perceive a palpable richness in the surrounding spiritual energy.

This abundance far surpassed what would be expected from naturally occurring spiritual energy.

Xu Zimei immediately recognized that beneath Longxing City lay one, or possibly several, potent Spirit Veins.

It was undeniably a worthwhile endeavor for the Meng family to establish their city in such a location.

The blessings of abundant spiritual energy represented a generational fortune for those residing there.

Xu Zimei descended from the sky.

Having observed from above, he could distinctly sense a prevalent force of faith permeating the area.

This was distinct from his own acquired Power of Faith.

The faith Xu Zimei gathered served to augment his personal strength.

However, the faith emanating from Longxing City was remarkably pure.

It was offered without expectation or dependence.

While Xu Zimei lacked complete understanding of Buddha Country's true nature, this unique power of faith seemed to align with the principles attributed to Buddha Country.

The Sage Longevity Man had once remarked that Jade Mountain Buddha harbored a dream of universal enlightenment, where all beings would ascend to dragonhood.

Xu Zimei held little regard for this lofty aspiration.

After all, if every being were to transform into a dragon, who then would remain to fulfill the role of a mere rat?

The complexities of human thought were vast and varied.

Within humanity lay both innate goodness and inherent evil.

The fundamental imperfections woven into human nature were not easily discarded or altered.

This could only be achieved if Jade Mountain Buddha possessed the ability to enlighten every single individual.

Yet, such a feat seemed beyond the realm of possibility; with billions of sentient beings inhabiting the world, the task of individually enlightening each one without succumbing to utter exhaustion was unimaginable.

Xu Zimei proceeded into the city.

Longxing City employed a system of resident registration; local inhabitants were granted free entry, while outsiders were required to pay a fee.

To Xu Zimei, monetary wealth had long since become an abstract concept.

He casually produced several hundred Spirit Stones.

The gatekeeper, accustomed to meager offerings, was taken aback by such conspicuous generosity.

Disregarding any perceived eccentricity in Xu Zimei's demeanor, he pocketed the Spirit Stones with a broad grin and stated, “That is sufficient for entry, Esteemed Master. Please travel safely.”

“Allow me to inquire about something,” Xu Zimei interjected.

“You may ask whatever you wish, Esteemed Master. I shall endeavor to answer all your queries,” the gatekeeper replied readily.

Clutching the Spirit Stones, he clearly understood the unspoken rule that wealth commanded deference.

“Does a temple exist within the city?” Xu Zimei asked.

“May I ask the reason for your inquiry, Noble Sir?” the gatekeeper inquired, a hint of curiosity in his tone.

“The monks of today are often deceitful individuals, Noble Sir. It would be prudent for you to exercise caution.”

Observing the gatekeeper's apprehension, Xu Zimei calmly responded, “Kindly answer my question directly. I shall ascertain the rest on my own.”

“There is indeed a single temple, known as the Cloud Interval Temple, and it is said to house a Barefoot Monk,” the gatekeeper disclosed.

“However, the temple attracts no genuine devotees, and the purported monk is widely regarded as a charlatan.”

“He is described as a dissolute monk, one who indulges in both wine and meat.”

Xu Zimei had not anticipated such a dismal reputation for the temple in this locale.

Could the destruction of Buddha Country truly be complete?

If not, how did the grand vision of 'everyone turning to dragons' devolve into this current state?

Regardless of the circumstances, Xu Zimei resolved to pay the temple a visit.

He passed through the city gates. The sheer scale of Longxing City was immediately apparent; the bustling streets teemed with a diverse array of individuals.

Beyond humans, the city also appeared to host various smaller, distinct races.

Having oriented himself, Xu Zimei began making his way toward the Cloud Interval Temple.

The Cloud Interval Temple held a certain notoriety within Longxing City.

However, this notoriety stemmed not from renown, but from infamy, rendering it hardly a subject of pride.

The premises of the Cloud Interval Temple were not extensive, and upon Xu Zimei's arrival, the area presented a decidedly desolate appearance.

From the exterior, it scarcely seemed like a temple; it was in a state of disrepair and neglect. While the surrounding structures stood firm, this particular building felt conspicuously out of place within Longxing City. A foul-smelling ditch lay before the temple, its stench permeating the air. The wooden plaque suspended above was decaying, on the verge of collapse. Even the name, "Cloud Interval Temple," was barely discernible. Xu Zimei navigated the ditch and proceeded directly into the Cloud Interval Temple. Inside, the scene was even more dilapidated, with dust blanketing the floor, suggesting years of abandonment. "Is anyone present?" Xu Zimei called out. Though no voice responded, his Divine Sense reached out, detecting a living presence within the main hall. He then entered the main hall. The temple's main hall was already in ruins; one section had crumbled. The other halls fared even worse. Within the main hall, only a Jade Buddha statue remained. However, a significant portion of the Jade Buddha appeared to have been struck by Sword Qi, splitting it down the middle. Beneath the statue, an elderly man, swathed in a blanket despite the warmth, lay asleep. Stirred by the sound of movement, the old man slowly raised his head, his eyes suddenly gleaming with vitality. Moving with surprising agility for his age, he leaped to his feet and hurried towards Xu Zimei. With a smile, he declared, "Burning incense and offering prayers to Buddha here yields results." "How potent are these results?" Xu Zimei inquired. "Your desires shall be realized," the old man stated, producing sticks of incense from behind his back. "However, you must purchase the incense from this very place; those from outside will not suffice." "Each stick costs ten Spirit Stones, with no deceit involved."