I Truly Am The Villian Chapter 2215: 2214: Drunken Immortal Brew, Prayers of the People

The Yinchang Kingdom's Ancestor demonstrated benevolence, offering protection to a segment of the populace.

Subsequently, as his renown expanded exponentially, an increasing number of individuals pledged their allegiance to him.

Initially, these followers coalesced into a bustling market, unified in their purpose.

As the collective grew in magnitude, it evolved into a nascent country, with all inhabitants endorsing the Ancestor as their sovereign, thereby establishing Yinchang.

Thus, the humble Yinchang Kingdom came into being.

The lineage of the Yinchang Ancestor continued to occupy the throne through successive generations.

Remarkably, throughout Yinchang's historical trajectory, corrupt or despotic monarchs were virtually non-existent.

Each ruler was characterized by wisdom and a genuine concern for their subjects.

Consequently, the Yinchang era flourished in peace, and its people thrived in contentment.

Xu Zimei and his companions reached Yinchang’s most prominent urban center.

Zhoushou City.

Zhoushou City stands as the paramount capital within Yinchang.

Its enclosing fortifications, constructed from ordinary blue bricks, lacked imposing height.

The sentries maintaining patrol possessed cultivation levels that were not particularly formidable.

Upon their arrival, Xu Zimei and the others perceived an pervasive atmosphere of everyday existence throughout the city.

A significant portion of the inhabitants were common folk, with relatively few cultivators present.

It could be accurately described as a capital city where commoners formed the majority.

Yet, astonishingly, instances of cultivators engaging in unbridled violence within the Yinchang Kingdom were exceedingly rare.

Legend has it that the Yinchang Kingdom is shielded by a formidable power, derived from the collective blessings of its populace.

It is whispered that innumerable ordinary people direct their fervent prayers towards the heavens, effectively harmonizing the world's intrinsic energies with the supplications of all living beings.

The world's inherent power exists independently of the Heavenly Dao.

Therefore, owing to this convergence of natural energies and popular devotion, Yinchang Kingdom finds itself protected by these prayers.

Any transgression involving the taking of a life within Yinchang Kingdom, even that of a commoner, results in the accumulation of destructive karmic retribution.

Once this karma reaches a certain threshold, divine retribution from both heaven and earth is inevitable.

Such consequences are not to be taken lightly.

This divine protection ensures Yinchang Kingdom's enduring tranquility across generations.

To truly shatter this safeguard and bring about Yinchang Kingdom's ruin, action must originate from within the kingdom itself.

Only if a foolish monarch were to ascend the throne, causing the populace to cease their prayers and withdraw their support, could such a devastating outcome be possible.

Only then could the formidable power of the world's energies be truly broken.

……

“Hot steamed buns, fresh from the oven!”

“Deliciously baked buns, and tofu pudding from a decade-old establishment—don't pass up this opportunity!”

“Candied haws, each bite as sweet as pure sugar.”

Entering the city, the pervading sense of ordinary life was palpable, a testament to the people's priorities.

The inhabitants held sustenance in the highest regard.

Typically, when cultivators frequent a city, their interests lie in matters pertaining to their practice.

For instance, seeking out potent weaponry or rare spiritual artifacts.

For those who follow paths of asceticism and often practice abstention, sustenance typically serves only to satisfy the palate.

However, in Yinchang, food vendors are ubiquitous.

The enticing fragrance of diverse dishes wafts through every street.

Xu Zimei and the Barefoot Monk ambled along the thoroughfare.

Xu Zimei inquired, “Do you possess a means to contact your elder brother?”

“Or should we opt for a forceful entry into the Imperial Palace?”

“There is no necessity for such measures; we have a specialized method of communication,” the Barefoot Monk replied.

“However, its efficacy diminishes over extended distances, yet it is perfectly suited for within the confines of Zhoushou Palace.”

As they conversed, the Barefoot Monk's stomach emitted a distinct rumble.

Xu Zimei expressed surprise that an individual of the Barefoot Monk's cultivation level would still experience hunger.

Seemingly perceiving Xu Zimei's bewilderment, the Barefoot Monk offered a smile and explained, “Our path of rigorous cultivation places immense importance on the harmonious integration of natural principles and human existence.”

“To put it plainly, we endeavor to comprehend the lives of ordinary individuals while simultaneously pursuing our own ascetic practices.”

“We are subject to illness and the pangs of hunger; these are distinctly human experiences and form the very core of our cultivation.”

“In essence, it is about achieving a profound understanding of the world.”

“Then, let us partake in a meal first,” Xu Zimei suggested.

Indeed, he too found himself yearning for the delightful tastes of the mortal world.

In bygone days, he would occasionally carve out time to sit in a humble tavern.

However, as his cultivation advanced, his responsibilities grew, leaving him increasingly occupied.

It appeared he was gradually beginning to forget the true essence of exquisite cuisine.

The pair identified an inn that seemed particularly vibrant with activity.

Human nature dictates that crowds gravitate towards places of prosperity, implying that the food served there is naturally delectable.

“Innkeeper, kindly present us with your finest culinary offerings,” the Barefoot Monk requested with evident enthusiasm.

He casually produced several dozen Spirit Stones, placing them forward.

Logically, these Spirit Stones should have been sufficient for a commoner to sustain themselves for an entire month.

Yet, upon accepting the Spirit Stones, the inn's attendant responded with a smile, “Esteemed sir, should you desire to sample our renowned Drunken Immortal Brew, I fear those Spirit Stones might prove insufficient.”

“Drunken Immortal Brew?”

To be entirely candid, neither of them had encountered this particular wine before, but the attendant’s confident demeanor was unmistakable.

“What makes this Drunken Immortal Brew so special?” the Barefoot Monk inquired.

“Is this your initial visit to Zhoushou City?” the attendant promptly discerned.

Only the uninitiated would be unaware.

Once sampled, it's said that even deities would forever remember the Drunken Immortal Brew.

Some individuals undertake journeys to Zhoushou City with the sole purpose of acquiring it.

To a significant degree, the renown of this particular vintage has eclipsed that of Zhoushou City itself.

……

“Esteemed patrons, the Drunken Immortal Brew is acclaimed as the National Treasure Wine of our Yinchang Kingdom, reserved exclusively for the Imperial Household; its taste is guaranteed to be an indelible memory for a lifetime,” the attendant stated with unwavering confidence.

The Barefoot Monk remained unconvinced, despite the attendant’s vivid description.

Though a monk, he subscribes to the philosophy that ‘alcohol and meat pass through the intestines,’ advocating for a life of spontaneity.

The path of ascetic cultivation imposes stringent rules in some aspects while remaining remarkably permissive in others.

For instance, while ordinary monks are forbidden from consuming alcohol or meat, such prohibitions are inconsequential within the framework of ascetic cultivation.

“Regardless of its purported excellence, can this wine truly rival immortal wine?” the Barefoot Monk mused aloud.

From his perspective, any wine, no matter how superb, is ultimately a creation of mortal hands, distinct from that which cultivators produce.

However, the attendant offered no retort.

Instead, a smile played on his lips as he responded, “Immortal wine possesses its own unique virtues, just as mortal wine possesses the merits of its kind.”

“Remember, this particular brew can only be found in the mortal realm; it is not something readily encountered in the heavens, is it?”

“Well spoken! Then, serve us two jars,” Xu Zimei declared with a light laugh.

He casually produced and offered a payment of several dozen Spirit Stones, each imbued with a profound Dao Charm.

These Dao Charm Spirit Stones are distinguished from standard Spirit Stones by their unique property.

They encapsulate the profound insights and understanding of powerful individuals.

The greater the stature of the figure, the higher the intrinsic value of the Spirit Stone.

Consequently, they are immensely coveted treasures.

Recognizing their significant worth, the attendant swiftly gathered the Spirit Stones, assuring them with a smile, “Kindly wait a moment; your exquisite refreshments will be served shortly.”

As the attendant departed, the Barefoot Monk remarked, “Should the wine prove unsatisfactory, I shall certainly voice my concerns.”

“Perhaps you should contact your senior brother,” Xu Zimei suggested.

The Barefoot Monk gave a subtle nod in agreement.

He formed a series of hand seals, and shortly thereafter, a golden avian form materialized in his grasp.

The bird appeared astonishingly lifelike, radiating a soft, ethereal Buddha light.

“Within a radius of ten miles, only my senior brother possesses the ability to perceive this bird, thus alerting him to my presence,” the Barefoot Monk explained.

The Buddha Light Bird is a remarkable creation.

Even if it were to pass directly before the eyes of an ordinary individual, it is highly probable that they would fail to notice it.

Xu Zimei’s formidable powers are such that nothing in existence can evade his perception, which is why he was able to observe the bird.

With the bird now dispatched, its destination being the senior brother’s location, the two patiently awaited the arrival of their ordered fare.

In a short span of time, the attendant reappeared, accompanied by a retinue of more than a dozen individuals.