I Truly Am The Villian Chapter 2233: 2232: Fate Pattern, Mutation into Beast

Though the Heavenly Dao of the Nine Domains World did not intervene to halt the process, a natural repulsion occurred as the two worlds began to merge, forming a world barrier.

This planetary fusion significantly delayed the arrival of the Yuan Central Continent.

However, the True Martial Great Emperor remained unhurried, understanding that the most challenging phase had passed, and time would attend to the rest.

This afforded Xu Zimei ample opportunity to bring about changes in the Divine Continent.

His immediate plan was to traverse the Divine Continent, seeking out the essence of human kindness, which he believed was best experienced through genuine human connections and by actively improving the world.

While a single individual's might could not support the heavens, the collective kindness of many could indeed alter destiny.

With the assistance of the Heavenly Dao, Xu Zimei was well-informed about the locations he needed to visit.

His first destination was a place known as Rainflower Village.

This village was renowned for cultivating a unique plant called Yu Zhu.

Under normal circumstances, the bamboo appeared identical to any other.

Yet, after each rainfall, the tips of the bamboo would unfurl like umbrellas.

These countless bamboo formations, resembling a forest of umbrellas and mushrooms, encircled Rainflower Village, coexisting and stretching endlessly.

This extraordinary phenomenon was the source of Rainflower Village's fame.

Within this village resided a particular family.

Their surname was Dong, and the head of the family was named Heng.

Dong Heng, at thirty-six years of age, lived with his elderly mother.

Xu Zimei's journey was motivated by Dong Heng's profound filial piety.

The distinction between humans and mere beasts, he felt, lay in their capacity for gratitude and reciprocation, their understanding of righteousness, justice, integrity, and shame.

Dong Heng's mother suffered from a peculiar affliction.

Each night, her body underwent a transformation, causing her to howl like a beast, reminiscent of a wolf's cry that could chill the bone and terrify the soul.

Consequently, Dong Heng, even at his age, found himself without a partner, as his mother's condition cast a shadow over the entire family.

Despite this burden, Dong Heng bore no resentment or regret.

By day, he toiled to earn money for his mother's medicine, and by night, he remained steadfastly by her side, offering comfort during her nightly transformations.

Days turned into years, and Dong Heng's own vitality began to wane.

The villagers, recognizing his unwavering devotion, advised him to consider releasing himself from this obligation, suggesting that his resilience could lead to a life of prosperity and a good marriage.

However, Dong Heng politely declined all such counsel.

He would often smile and remark, “The greatest sorrow in life is when a child wishes to honor their parents, but they are no longer present.

As long as my mother draws breath, that is my greatest joy.”

Over time, his filial piety garnered widespread admiration, though tangible assistance remained scarce.

In these trying times, many people were inclined to focus on their own affairs.

Life, at times, presented insurmountable challenges.

Upon arriving at Rainflower Village, Xu Zimei observed that despite not being entirely cut off from the outside world, the village possessed a certain remoteness.

Naturally, the younger generation sought greater opportunities beyond their familiar surroundings, leaving mostly the elder folk behind.

As Xu Zimei entered the village, his unfamiliar presence immediately drew the attention of several elderly women.

“Young man, you don’t seem to be from Rainflower Village,” one remarked.

“Whose family do you belong to?” asked another.

“I am looking for Dong Heng,” Xu Zimei replied calmly.

“Ah, what business do you have with him? That young Dong Heng hasn’t gotten into trouble, has he?”

“That seems unlikely; he’s a very well-behaved young man,” another chimed in.

The group began to murmur amongst themselves.

“I heard his mother is unwell, and I am here to cure her,” Xu Zimei stated.

A compassionate elderly woman quickly stepped forward. “Allow me to guide you; Dong Heng is an incredibly filial son.

If you can truly cure his mother’s ailment, it would be a deed of great merit.”

In truth, Xu Zimei was already aware of Dong Heng’s residence.

However, he graciously accepted the kind woman’s offer to guide him.

It was evident that, despite the village’s remote nature, the houses were well-maintained.

Structures of red brick and green tiles, adorned with vegetable gardens, complemented by verdant trees and blooming flowers, created a picturesque scene.

Dong Heng’s home, however, stood in stark contrast—a humble, dilapidated earthen house with a thatched roof.

Yet, even in its state of disrepair, the dwelling and its interior were meticulously clean.

“Young Dong, are you home?”

The aunty called out upon entering the residence.

“A physician has arrived to tend to your mother; come out quickly.”

In response to the aunty’s call, a sturdy, well-built middle-aged man emerged.

He carried the faint scent of medicinal herbs, but his face was etched with fatigue, betraying his weariness.

“A physician?”

He looked at Xu Zimei with a somewhat vacant expression.

“I cannot afford your services,” he stated plainly.

Dong Heng, in fact, had long since lost faith in the efficacy of any physicians.

It should be known that over the past several years, more than hundreds of physicians, both reputable and fraudulent, have been consulted.

Among them were genuine experts, but also numerous charlatans and deceivers.

Yet, none managed to cure his mother's ailment.

To be candid, he had long since lost faith in such remedies.

Xu Zimei's voluntary appearance, therefore, did not stir much excitement within him.

“I require no monetary compensation,” Xu Zimei stated, shaking his head.

“Your sole promise needed is to perpetuate this act of kindness and filial piety.”

“Free of charge?” Dong Heng responded with a flicker of surprise, his brow furrowed.

It was unprecedented for him to encounter a physician offering treatment without cost.

He couldn't help but offer, “Then please, examine my mother. Should you succeed in her cure, even my life, I would readily give it to you.”

“What absurdities are you uttering,” a nearby aunt interjected, her voice laced with urgency.

“If your life is forfeited, who then shall tend to your mother?”

“This young master is clearly a person of great benevolence; cease such nonsensical talk and attend to your mother first.”

Xu Zimei paid no mind to the commotion.

His primary motivation for being here stemmed from this very concept of filial piety.

If widespread filial devotion were to prevail globally, ensuring the elderly had a source of support and care.

Then, a pathway to transforming the world would indeed be forged.

Upon entering the dwelling, the aroma of herbs intensified noticeably.

Resting upon the earthen kang within the chamber lay an elderly woman.

Her hair, a cascade of silver threads, framed a face lost in slumber.

The matriarch's form was frail, her veins starkly protruding, undeniably visible.

She was emaciated, little more than skin stretched taut over bone.

Furthermore, from her legs downwards, the old woman had developed extensive hair growth, nearly engulfing both her limbs.

Xu Zimei's expression tightened slightly.

He inquired, “When did this hair growth commence?”

“It began roughly a dozen years ago. Initially, I would shave it off.

However, I soon discovered that the more frequently I shaved, the more rapidly it grew.

What started on her feet eventually spread, infecting both legs entirely.”

Dong Heng elucidated.

“I sought counsel from numerous specialists. One declared my mother was undergoing a beastly transformation.

He proclaimed that upon the hair enveloping her entire body, her death would surely follow.”

“Physician, can you ascertain the truth of this?”

“Indeed, when the hair engulfs the body, it signifies the moment of demise.”

Xu Zimei responded, “Yet, you have misinterpreted one crucial aspect; your mother is not subjected to a physical transformation, but rather, it is her destiny that is at play.”

“Destiny?” Dong Heng echoed, a degree of bewilderment coloring his tone.

He pressed, “What precisely does that entail? I confess I do not fully comprehend.”