I Truly Am The Villian Chapter 2252 - 2251: Xiao Guizi, Hello — The World Is in My Hands

Within the vast Yuan Central Continent, the True Martial Holy Sect stood as a venerable establishment with a profound heritage. Though its prominence waned over time, it once blazed with unparalleled glory, even presiding over an entire era. This illustrious period saw the sect produce five emperors: Ancestor True Martial Great Emperor, the Empress, the Great Emperor of the Three Blades, the Divine Travel Great Emperor, and the Eternal Ancient Great Emperor. The combined splendor of these five luminaries undeniably carved a unique path for the True Martial Holy Sect.

However, the past effulgence of the True Martial Holy Sect, however magnificent, cannot truly compare to its present standing in the Nine Domains World. This is largely due to the fundamental differences in the world's foundation and, consequently, the elevated ceiling for individual power. Without question, the current True Martial Holy Sect is an undisputed powerhouse within the Heaven Extreme Realm.

Liu Sanjian, alongside a multitude of disciples, gazed upon their new surroundings with a sense of awe. Liu Sanjian himself was counted among the most esteemed ancestors of the True Martial Holy Sect. Of course, another significant figure was the current sect master, Guan Wumian, whom Xu Zimei had encountered during a prior visit to the True Martial Holy Sect. A substantial portion of Guan Wumian's recognition as sect master was, in fact, acknowledged by Xu Zimei.

Yet, the source of Xu Zimei's greatest delight was the reunion with Xiao Guizi. Xiao Guizi, now quite advanced in years, had lived a life of brilliance, a fact Xu Zimei readily understood. If Xiao Guizi had so desired, Xu Zimei possessed the capability to significantly extend his lifespan. Nevertheless, Xiao Guizi declined the offer, expressing that a natural end was the most fitting conclusion. For him, his cultivation had reached its apex, and his life had attained a state of completeness. Long ago, Xiao Guizi had ceased to involve himself in the affairs of the True Martial Holy Sect, paying no mind to his deteriorating appearance. Despite being aged and frail, he maintained an upright posture and a resolute gaze as he walked.

Under the guidance of the Nine Secrets Taoist, the group swiftly came face-to-face with the True Martial Great Emperor and several other esteemed ancestors. Witnessing these legendary figures, no longer confined to mere portraits or elusive tales but present as living, breathing individuals, filled the countless disciples with sheer elation. Led by Liu Sanjian, all fell to their knees.

"Greetings, Ancestor, and all distinguished ancestors," they proclaimed in unison.

The True Martial Great Emperor raised a hand, a gentle smile gracing his lips. "There is no need for such formality. Henceforth, this world shall know but one True Martial Holy Sect. This is your home now." He continued, "As you have only just arrived in the Nine Domains World, much will be unfamiliar. You will have ample time to learn and adapt."

"I shall not dictate your choices. Whether you choose to remain within the True Martial Holy Sect or venture into the wider world is entirely your prerogative."

"Ancestor, we shall not depart from the sect!" many voices chimed out, unable to contain their eagerness.

The True Martial Great Emperor offered a slight nod. It was understood that there was little more to be said, as the disciples would not share the same world as him. His words were merely a form of encouragement. It was then the Nine Secrets Taoist's responsibility to make arrangements for the newcomers. With such a significant influx, proper management was essential to preempt any potential conflicts that could prove detrimental to all involved.

...

Xiao Guizi, however, was not present at this gathering. Xu Zimei had arranged a private meeting with him. Their rendezvous took place by a tranquil river within the grounds of the True Martial Holy Sect, where Xu Zimei was engaged in fishing, a practice known to calm the mind and serene the spirit.

Upon Xiao Guizi's arrival, Xu Zimei greeted him with a smile. "Have you reconsidered allowing me to extend your lifespan?" he inquired.

"What purpose would extending life serve? To continue existing in this manner feels rather hollow," Xiao Guizi replied, taking a seat beside him. With a thoughtful expression, he added, "There were countless nights I pondered: what if I had chosen to accompany you to this realm and challenge the world's apex? Would the outcome have been better than becoming an old man awaiting his demise?"

"It is not too late," Xu Zimei responded with a smile.

"It is too late. I have grown old, indeed very old," Xiao Guizi stated, gazing at his reflection shimmering on the water's surface. A sense of peace then crossed his features as he smiled. "In truth, I harbor no further attachments now. My sole remaining wish is to witness your success in challenging the heavens, to see you achieve what you have pursued throughout your life. That is enough for me."

Xu Zimei smiled and then asked, "Now that you have arrived here, what are your impressions of this world?"

"Aside from its sheer size, there isn't much difference," Xiao Guizi chuckled. "I find myself preferring the familiar lands of the True Martial Holy Sect."

"One often becomes nostalgic in old age," Xu Zimei remarked.

"Indeed, old," Xiao Guizi agreed with a smile.

"And what are your plans moving forward?" Xu Zimei inquired.

"I intend to spend my remaining years here, awaiting the day you challenge the heavens," Xiao Guizi replied with a smile, his gaze fixed upon Xu Zimei.

Finally, he spoke with gravity, "You will achieve success, won't you?"

"Naturally," Xu Zimei's response had barely finished when his fishing rod was suddenly raised.

"A fish has taken the hook."

It was a substantial Spirit Fire Fish.

While water and fire normally repel each other, the Spirit Fire Fish seemed akin to a flame, its presence radiating a palpable warmth.

However, the Spirit Fire Fish possessed a unique characteristic.

It was incapable of surviving outside of water; to leave it meant certain death.

Therefore, for the majority of aquatic life, the incompatibility of water and fire was absolute, but this inherent conflict seemed to find no purchase on this particular creature.

This represented a paradox of water and fire.

Xu Zimei then presented the fish to Xiao Guizi.

With a smile, he uttered, "As you mature, you must endeavor to fortify your body more diligently."

"On the day I confront the heavens, I shall personally extend an invitation for you to witness my departure from the battle stage."

"It's a pact," Xiao Guizi affirmed with solemnity.

... …

Three days elapsed with remarkable speed.

On this particular day, the True Martial Great Emperor emerged from his state of deep meditation.

The void of the Yuan Central Continent began to exhibit disturbances.

The True Martial Great Emperor once more assumed the guise of the Heavenly Dao, his voice echoing across the entire realm.

"The appointed hour has arrived; the gateways connecting the various domains are now sealed. From this day forward, the Yuan Central Continent shall transform into an arena of absolute combat."

Following this declaration, the world resonated with profound sounds.

Only the reverberations of thunderous noise could be perceived.

Within the void, the portal that had previously stood open started to recede, closing incrementally.

In the sky above, day and night inverted their typical progression for a brief interval.

The sun and moon engaged in a rapid cyclical dance, their transitions appearing to occur within the span of a single moment.

The entirety of the world, encompassing both space and time, seemed plunged into a state of disarray.

Prior to the intervention of the True Martial Great Emperor.

At this specific juncture, the Yuan Central Continent was no longer bound by established laws.

Every law was now subservient to his singular will.

Whatever regulations he required, the world was compelled to reshape itself accordingly.

In ages past, the laws governing the world were immutable, with day and night occurring in predictable sequence.

Spring, summer, autumn, and winter likewise followed a well-defined pattern.

However, this order was now defunct; the Yuan Central Continent behaved like malleable clay, destined to assume whatever form the True Martial Great Emperor decreed.

As for those who elected to remain, the True Martial Great Emperor no longer preoccupied himself with their fates.

After all, they had made their own choices, and the True Martial Great Emperor had already presented them with the opportunity.

From this moment forth, absolute control over the laws of the Yuan Central Continent resided entirely within the grasp of the True Martial Great Emperor.

It was at this precise instant that Xu Zimei, wielding the Tyrant Shadow, advanced.

For him, this represented the most opportune moment for their fated confrontation.