I Truly Am The Villian Chapter 2262 - 2261: Crimson Fire Taoist's Story, Mud-Chickens and Clay Dogs

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Previously on I Truly Am The Villian...
The Opening Mountain Three Ancestors, including Old Man Taishan, Mount Lu Ancient Ancestor, and Emei Leader, arrived at the True Martial Holy Sect. Old Man Taishan challenged the Great Emperor of the Three Blades, revealing a deep-seated grudge from tens of thousands of years ago. The Great Emperor suspected the ancestors' true target was the sect itself, as they sought to diminish its influence. During the confrontation, the Emei Leader attacked Xu Zimei, only for him to easily sever both her hands. Xu Zimei then revealed his name as Eternal Ancient and declared his loyalty to the True Martial Holy Sect, setting the stage for a multi-front battle.

Ignorance has always been the hallmark of the weak. It isn't tied to any specific reason, but rather stems from their limited experiences and narrow perspectives. They can never truly grasp the world inhabited by the powerful. This is evident in the current state of the Jade Void Ten Kings, or the Opening Mountain Three Ancestors. Even the formidable Three Blades Great Emperor doesn't operate on the same level as Xu Zimei.

Following his engagement with the True Martial Great Emperor and his subsequent comprehension of the Ten Million Great Dao, Xu Zimei felt an undeniable urge to test his newfound might. The Ten Million Great Dao signifies a profound evolutionary leap in one's state of being. Compared to the preceding Million Great Path, it's akin to a frog in a well finally gazing upon the vast expanse of the sky. Xu Zimei couldn't help but ponder: What might the Hundred Million Daos entail? Do practitioners of the Hundred Million Daos perceive individuals like himself as mere ants? This contemplation ignited a fervent desire within Xu Zimei to ascend to the very pinnacle he had long envisioned.

Lost in deep thought, Xu Zimei was unaware that his earlier pronouncements had profoundly offended the ancestors of the Jade Void Sect and the Opening Mountain Sect. The casual dismissal of their significance, encapsulated in the phrase 'not worth mentioning,' served as a deep personal insult.

"Boy, someone ought to instill some proper manners in you," declared King Jue Mingzi, one of the Jade Void Ten Kings, his voice laced with cold disdain. Power surged within his palm, coalescing like a tempest, before erupting into a spectral claw that tore through the void, lunging towards Xu Zimei. Yet, Xu Zimei made no move to evade the assault. He accepted the strike directly. As the phantom claw made contact, it inflicted no harm whatsoever, not even disturbing the fabric of his robes. The claw dissolved into nothingness without a trace.

Jue Mingzi's countenance shifted. While others might not have perceived it, he, as the instigator, felt the impact acutely. Upon striking, his spectral claw encountered an unyielding force, like a stone sinking into the unfathomable depths of the sea. "Are you attempting to tickle me?" Xu Zimei inquired with a smile.

"There's something peculiar about this brat. Let's strike together,"urgently advised the Mount Lu Ancient Ancestor. Concurrently, Old Man Taishan and the Three Blades Great Emperor had already commenced their own fierce confrontation. Hovering above Old Man Taishan's head, the spectral image of Mount Tai materialized, and he fought with the immense weight of the mountain seemingly upon his back. Far from being suppressed, his power was amplified to its zenith. Before the Three Blades Great Emperor, three distinct blades spun in a mesmerizing dance, their cutting power shaking the very heavens and startling spirits.

Amidst the ongoing clashes, the assembled guests, comprising distinguished figures, powerful independent cultivators, and venerable elders from major sects, engaged in fervent discussion. These were not ordinary individuals; only those of repute merited an invitation to the True Martial Holy Sect's grand banquet. Consequently, their insights held considerable weight. Observing the duel between the Three Blades Great Emperor and Old Man Taishan, they began to analyze the combatants.

"Their combat methodologies are vastly different," one remarked. "The Three Blades Great Emperor's blade path is characterized by its unparalleled sharpness, an unstoppable force wherever it strikes. In contrast, Old Man Taishan relies on the sheer, crushing weight of mountains, accumulating power to dominate the world." "One is the sharpest spear, the other the most formidable shield; it's truly difficult to predict a victor," another mused. "The outcome will hinge on who gains the initial advantage." Many voices echoed this sentiment, nodding in agreement.

Subsequently, attention shifted towards the ongoing engagement involving Xu Zimei. "Esteemed guests, surely this confrontation presents no real challenge, does it?" queried one observer. "With the combined might of the Ten Kings and two Ancestors pitted against an unknown entity, it should hardly pose a significant threat, correct?" "Perhaps," conceded another, "yet I can't shake the feeling that the 'Eternal Ancient' appears utterly unfazed, even somewhat amused. It might just be my imagination."

"I wager on the Eternal Ancient," a voice suddenly proclaimed, cutting through the prevailing opinion. All eyes turned towards the speaker amidst the throng. It was none other than the Crimson Fire Taoist. Hailing from the Blazing Flame Realm and renowned for his mastery of flames, the Crimson Fire Taoist offered a mysterious smile. "Honored guests, do any of you know the identity of this Eternal Ancient?" he inquired. "Never heard of him," replied several with a shake of their heads. "Regardless of his renown, can he truly rival the fame of the Ten Kings and the Two Ancestors?"

"Crimson Fire Taoist, you seem to possess some knowledge. Pray, enlighten us," urged one individual. It is a well-understood phenomenon that while the Nine Domains are interconnected, they remain separated by a significant spatial barrier. Only individuals of immense power can traverse these boundaries with ease; the majority are confined to their respective domains. Even for those who dare to venture forth, extensive preparations are necessary, and the inherent risks and costs remain unpredictable. Consequently, unless a matter of grave importance arises, travel between the Nine Domains is a rare occurrence, leading to severely restricted information flow.

Even if you deliberately pry, you might not uncover tidings from other domains.

This grand event, the True Martial Great Emperor's ascent to Heaven Challenge, transpired.

With a singular sword strike, he severed the connections binding the Nine Domains.

This development can be seen as beneficial, facilitating travel between the Nine Domains for individuals.

However, these inter-domain linkages are temporary; they cannot persist indefinitely.

As the Heaven Challenge concludes, the Nine Domains will revert to their prior state of isolation.

Nevertheless, this period offers a rare occasion for celebration and exchange amongst the Nine Domains.

Leveraging this window, Crimson Fire Taoist journeyed from the Blazing Flame Realm to the Heaven Extreme Realm.

His initial intention was to behold the True Martial Great Emperor's might firsthand.

Regrettably, he arrived too late, as the True Martial Great Emperor had already commenced his Heaven Challenge.

Consequently, he could only partake in the subsequent banquet, seeking to assuage his disappointment.

Observing the attention of all present turn towards him, Crimson Fire Taoist offered a smile.

He then spoke deliberately, "You are likely aware of our Fire Tribe's esteemed Ancestor."

"Do you perhaps refer to the Candle Dragon?" inquired someone, testing the waters.

"Precisely. You should grasp the formidable power our Ancestor wields.

There was an instance where an individual from the Mortal Domain dared to challenge our Ancestor.

That challenger proclaimed himself to be Eternal Ancient."

As Crimson Fire Taoist concluded his statement, a wave of astonishment swept through the assembled crowd.

Eternal Ancient – was this not the very young man standing before them?

The audacity to challenge the Fire Tribe's Ancestor was, regardless of the outcome, enough to inspire awe in countless individuals.

It is widely acknowledged that figures like the Jade Void Ten Kings or the Opening Mountain Three Ancestors, however renowned, are merely leaders of their respective factions.

But Candle Dragon held the status of a Domain Dominator, truly governing the Blazing Flame Realm.

The disparity in their positions was immense; they operated on entirely different scales.

At this juncture, one individual, unable to contain his curiosity, interjected.

"What transpired afterward? What was the final result?"

"Did Candle Dragon accept the challenge? Was he victorious or defeated?"

In response to these pressing questions, Crimson Fire Taoist paused, a moment of silence ensuing.

He then articulated, "Whether he won or lost is secondary. The crucial point is that the Jade Void Ten Kings, or even the Opening Mountain Three Ancestors, are but insignificant beings in comparison, like mere chickens and dogs."

"From your words, Crimson Fire Taoist, it implies that Candle Dragon suffered a defeat," another astute observer deduced immediately.

After all, acknowledging a loss for their Fire Tribe's Ancestor might be a point of reluctance.

However, the individuals present were sharp-witted; comprehension was inevitable.

"Eternal Ancient... When did such a powerful figure emerge?" someone mused aloud, filled with wonder.