I Truly Am The Villian Chapter 2260 - 2259: Jade Void Sect, Old Man Taishan

After the Great Emperor of the Three Blades spoke, Xu Zimei, with a gentle motion, cleaned his Tyrant Shadow blade. He let out a chuckle, stating, "That opportune moment was precisely when someone needed to test the sharpness of our True Martial Holy Sect's sword." The Great Emperor of the Three Blades also narrowed his eyes slightly. As the old saying goes, one should not merely fear the act of stealing, but the persistent scheming behind it. This time, a stern lesson must be imparted to certain individuals. Otherwise, the True Martial Holy Sect will struggle to find lasting tranquility.

Three days hence, the mantle of leadership for the True Martial Holy Sect was officially passed to the newly appointed Sect Master, the Nine Secrets Taoist. It was an event marked by considerable festivity for the sect.

The celebratory banquet alone spanned hundreds of tables, a testament to the True Martial Holy Sect's unsparing efforts in organizing the occasion. Guests arrived from all corners, comprising notable figures – powerful independent cultivators and even patriarchs from established ancient forces.

The Nine Secrets Taoist, alongside several core Elders, extended greetings to the arriving dignitaries. It is, after all, customary to show proper deference to those who grace such celebrations with their presence and offer congratulations.

However, a contingent of troublemakers could not restrain themselves. "With the Nine Secrets Taoist assuming the position of Sect Master, it appears to me that the True Martial Holy Sect is in decline, choosing a lesser figure among giants!" declared one individual, issuing a direct challenge. The speaker was adorned in a white robe, subtly accented with streaks of gray. This group exuded an unfathomable presence, their long hair neatly arranged in immaculate topknots. Though unarmed, an ethereal aura surrounded them – these were representatives of the Jade Void Sect.

The Jade Void Sect, a force that has rapidly ascended in the Heaven Extreme Realm over the past two years, initially comprised only ten members. This group, known as the Jade Void Ten Kings, established their sect and quickly expanded, amassing tens, even hundreds of thousands of disciples. Despite their burgeoning influence, they had largely operated in the western regions, geographically distant from the True Martial Holy Sect's eastern domain, resulting in minimal prior interaction.

Yet, with the departure of the True Martial Great Emperor, the Jade Void Sect saw an opportunity to extend its influence eastward. As the Jade Void Sect's words echoed, the members of the True Martial Holy Sect had yet to respond when another voice chimed in with ridicule. "It's only natural; when the True Martial Heaven-Cutter departs, his strongest followers inevitably leave with him, leaving behind only a collection of insignificant figures." The speakers were clad in martial attire characterized by black and white stripes, prominently displaying the large character 'Martial' emblazoned on their backs. They hailed from the Opening Mountain Sect. The influence of this sect permeated numerous domains across the Nine Domains.

Of course, within each of the Nine Domains, established overlords hold sway. Figures like the Lord of the Dead Spirits in the Ghost Domain and the Thousand Calamities Doomsday of the Ghost God Realm, among others, command authority. While the Opening Mountain Sect possesses considerable power in these domains, they refrain from infringing upon the interests of these paramount rulers. Consequently, the Opening Mountain Sect harbors a fervent desire to claim a domain as their own ultimate stronghold, where they would reign supreme. The departure of the True Martial Great Emperor presented the Heaven Extreme Realm as a prime target for their ambitions.

Furthermore, whispers suggest that the Opening Mountain Sect may be backing the Jade Void Sect, with initial funding for the Jade Void Ten Kings reportedly stemming from the Opening Mountain Sect. The precise details and veracity of this claim remain unknown, but the simultaneous arrival and the taunts directed at the True Martial Holy Sect by these two factions clearly indicate a coordinated effort.

Upon hearing the pronouncements from both the Jade Void Sect and the Opening Mountain Sect, the Nine Secrets Taoist could not simply ignore them. His expression turned stern. "Esteemed guests," he stated calmly, "today marks a momentous occasion for our True Martial Holy Sect. Have you come with intentions to sow discord? If you have a purpose, state it plainly. There is no need for clandestine maneuvering, which only diminishes your standing."

"The Nine Secrets Sect Master speaks with commendable directness," remarked Yu Hengzi, the apparent leader among the Jade Void Ten Kings, with a smile. "Then, in kind, I shall be direct. We have identified a mineral deposit near Guangdong Canyon. Our intention was to commence extraction, but we have received word that this territory falls under the jurisdiction of the True Martial Holy Sect. Therefore, we inquire if this mining area can be ceded to our Jade Void Sect?"

In response to Yu Hengzi's proposition, the Nine Secrets Taoist narrowed his eyes slightly, understanding that the request was a veiled test.

The mine itself was insignificant, but a concession here would undoubtedly incite numerous others to press their claims forward.

To yield would be to admit the True Martial Holy Sect's vulnerability and fear, inviting a swarm of blood-sucking ants, heedlessly rushing in.

Nine Secrets Taoist directly confronted them, stating, "Since when did the Jade Void Sect forcibly seize the territory of my True Martial Holy Sect? Do you intend to declare war upon us?"

"Not quite war, but how about this," Yu Hengzi chuckled.

"Let us engage in a competition?"

"Firstly, this match shall decide the ownership of the mine."

"Secondly, with the Nine Secrets Sect Master newly appointed, you surely require a demonstration of authority."

As Yu Hengzi spoke, Nine Secrets Taoist prepared his response.

However, not far off, the Great Emperor of the Three Blades and Xu Zimei were already approaching at a leisurely pace.

Nine Secrets Taoist, not wishing to engage others unnecessarily, respectfully greeted, "Greetings, Patriarch."

"Today is a momentous occasion for our True Martial Holy Sect; I have come to observe if anyone dares to stir up trouble," the Great Emperor of the Three Blades announced with a gentle smile.

"Now that the True Martial Great Emperor has departed, the True Martial Holy Sect is poised to begin a new chapter."

Nine Secrets Taoist nodded slightly in agreement with the Great Emperor of the Three Blades' words.

He then explained, "Indeed. Just moments ago, these esteemed individuals from the Jade Void Sect and Opening Mountain Sect proposed a spar with me."

"Minor disputes are hardly worth our time," the Great Emperor of the Three Blades declared, waving his hand dismissively.

"Should anyone hold a grievance against the True Martial Holy Sect, please speak freely. We are open to hearing your concerns."

"No grievances, Great Emperor. My words are direct, and I hope any perceived offense will be overlooked by you," an elder from the Opening Mountain Sect stepped forward.

"I am Old Man Taishan. I wonder if the Great Emperor of the Three Blades recalls my name."

"The Great Emperor, burdened by myriad duties, may have forgotten me. Or perhaps, the title Venerable Taishan might ring a bell."

The Great Emperor of the Three Blades' brow furrowed slightly.

Initially, he could not recall, but upon deeper reflection, a memory surfaced.

It was from the time he had first arrived in the Nine Domains World.

As a Great Emperor who had ascended from the Yuan Central Continent, he had a prior confrontation with the then-Venerable Taishan upon his arrival.

Subsequently, the two had engaged in a contest of skill.

Although Venerable Taishan possessed a more profound cultivation, the Great Emperor of the Three Blades wielded three blades of unparalleled sharpness.

Through his mastery of the blade, the Great Emperor of the Three Blades had gained a slight advantage, leaving a blade scar across Venerable Taishan's face.

Observing the elder now, the scar was indeed visible on his face.

Logically, given his cultivation level, such a mark should have been easily removed long ago.

Yet, Old Man Taishan retained it, a silent testament to his enduring resentment and personal resolve.

The enmity, long forgotten by the Great Emperor of the Three Blades, faded with his growth in power; Venerable Taishan was no longer a concern.

However, for Old Man Taishan, seeking retribution had been a persistent ambition.

Previously, with the formidable True Martial Great Emperor present, he had refrained from a direct challenge.

Now, he saw his opportunity.

Upon hearing Old Man Taishan's declaration, the Great Emperor of the Three Blades simply shook his head and let out a light chuckle.