I Truly Am The Villian Chapter 2270 - 2269: Into-death Stele, Human Souls Return to the Netherworld

Upon hearing Xu Zimei's declaration, the Four Elders of Annihilation exchanged glances.

For ordinary individuals, the Netherworld Realm had always remained an enigma, shrouded in mystery.

Furthermore, due to its connection to the profound secrets of mortality, not only were outsiders forbidden from freely traversing its bounds, but even many denizens within the Netherworld Realm itself were restricted from wandering aimlessly.

Now, faced with Xu Zimei's request, they found themselves hesitant to grant immediate consent, yet equally unwilling to outright refuse.

Only after receiving explicit instructions from the Lord of the Dead Spirits did they finally experience a sense of relief.

After all, in their estimation, Xu Zimei possessed a clear connection with the Lord of the Dead Spirits, and his capabilities were likely considerable.

Under any circumstances, they could not afford to offend either party.

At this juncture, an elder stepped forward and proclaimed, "Since our lord expresses a desire to witness, we, the Four Elders of Annihilation, shall guide the way and accompany you on this tour."

Xu Zimei held little interest in the superficial aspects of the Netherworld Realm.

He ascended into the air, directing his path straight towards the Core Land.

Within this central region of the Netherworld Realm, the pervasive black mist grew even more turbulent and dense.

As they traversed the peripheral islands, spectral wails could be heard, and colossal Dark Giants were observed dragging entire islands as they moved.

Additionally, gargantuan beasts capable of consuming the sky lurked within the void.

These entities materialized and vanished akin to phantoms, resembling assassins poised in the darkness, ready to deliver a fatal strike at any moment.

The overt display of power emanating from the Netherworld Realm was already formidable.

However, those hidden beings, lurking deep within the shadows, were likely the truly perilous threats.

Observing Xu Zimei as he passed by, these spectral figures restrained themselves, refraining from any aggressive action.

Undoubtedly, he carried the explicit endorsement of the Lord of the Dead Spirits.

Had it been a different individual, these concealed predators would likely have initiated an assault and commenced a slaughter long ago.

Upon arriving at the Core Land—

it became apparent that this region differed significantly from the outer territories; it did not feature numerous interconnected islands.

The Core Land comprised a solitary island.

This was unequivocally the largest landmass within the entirety of the Netherworld Realm.

Standing prominently at the forefront was a stone stele, soaring ten thousand zhang into the sky, resembling a monument supporting the very heavens.

Etched onto the surface of this stele were three imposing characters: "Into-death Stele," rendered in an exceptionally striking manner.

Beyond these prominent characters, an uncountable number of smaller inscriptions covered its surface.

However, these minute characters were not inscribed in any script recognizable to the inhabitants of this epoch, rendering them incomprehensible to the vast majority.

"What is this place?" Xu Zimei's trajectory halted directly above the island, and he could not suppress his query.

The Four Elders of Annihilation exchanged bewildered glances.

Ultimately, one of the ancient progenitors stepped forth.

With a placid smile, he stated, "My lord, this is the Reincarnation Grounds; there is little of note to observe here."

"Reincarnation, you say? I find myself quite intrigued by that concept. Allow us to investigate further, then," Xu Zimei replied with a smile.

The Four Elders of Annihilation could only shake their heads in resignation, yet they made no move to impede him.

They followed Xu Zimei as he descended into the Reincarnation Grounds.

Inside this island, it appeared to be the very origin point of the pervasive black mist.

The entirety of the Netherworld Realm's dark miasma was observed to be emanating outward from this singular island.

Thus, one could readily comprehend the profound density of the black mist concentrated here.

The moment Xu Zimei set foot upon the island, the surrounding black mist immediately surged inwards, engulfing every surrounding element.

At this precise instant, not only was his vision completely obscured, but even the perceptive capabilities of his Divine Soul were utterly nullified.

As for the Four Elders of Annihilation, they produced a lamp from an unknown source.

This lamp, held within their grasp, emitted a subtle halo of luminescence, providing just enough light to illuminate a meter in front of them.

Beyond that limited radius, even the lamp proved powerless.

"We humbly ask for your forgiveness, my lord. The Reincarnation Grounds are precisely as you perceive—no entity may enter, and no Myriad Laws may penetrate," an elder explained.

"One cannot linger here for extended periods, lest they be inexorably drawn into Reincarnation. There is no escaping this fate."

Another elder provided further clarification. "Regarding this Netherworld Lamp, its efficacy extends only for a single set of Hours.

My lord is permitted to explore for this duration, after which departure is mandatory."

Upon hearing the elder's pronouncement, while it ostensibly conveyed concern for Xu Zimei's well-being, the underlying message was a clear caution against overconfidence.

This location was not one where one could remain indefinitely.

Xu Zimei let out a soft chuckle.

"Since I have arrived, who possesses the authority to compel my departure?"

He extended his hand in a sweeping gesture and issued a low command: "Disperse!"

In that instant, without any deliberate effort on his part, a transformation occurred.

They witnessed the surrounding black mist seemingly influenced by an arcane power.

Its entire essence began to dissipate and scatter relentlessly.

The black mist churned and roiled, yet Xu Zimei stood as a blazing sun; when snow and ice encounter the fierce heat of the sun, how could they possibly avoid melting away?

The Four Elders of Annihilation exchanged meaningful glances.

An unprecedented sight unfolded before their eyes, leaving them momentarily speechless.

They began to grasp the Domain Master's disposition.

The cultivation level of the lord standing before them far exceeded their comprehension.

Therefore, any petty schemes were utterly futile.

The four swiftly regained their composure, their gazes now fixed upon Xu Zimei with sheer reverence.

"Black mist billows, corroding all Daos."

Xu Zimei observed the encroaching black mist.

His words seemed directed at the Four Elders of Annihilation, yet also served as a personal reflection.

"The power contained within this black mist is truly extraordinary."

"Within it resides the essence of Death, the Devouring Power, the cycle of Reincarnation, the Barren Power, and also that potent vitality which seeks tranquility amidst chaos, life emerging from death."

"The merging of these powers is not achieved through forceful means, but rather assimilated seamlessly through an exceedingly delicate process."

"It is akin to an entirely novel form of power, meticulously crafted from inception."

"Born from the world's existing framework, yet entirely distinct from it."

Upon hearing Xu Zimei's pronouncements, the Four Elders of Annihilation found themselves bewildered, unable to comprehend his meaning.

This was entirely understandable; certain truths were known only to the Lord of the Dead Spirits himself and were never meant for wider dissemination.

Only an entity such as Xu Zimei, deeply immersed in its essence, could truly perceive it.

"The Lord of the Dead Spirits is indeed orchestrating a magnificent game of chess."

Xu Zimei chuckled.

Among the Dominators of each respective domain within the Nine Domains, the Lord of the Dead Spirits might not possess the greatest strength.

However, his ambition was undoubtedly the grandest.

He possessed a foresight and executed plans far exceeding those of figures like Candle Dragon or Thousand Calamities Doomsday.

"Intriguing, this is truly fascinating." With a smile, Xu Zimei continued his trek toward the island's interior.

As he proceeded, he cast a glance toward the Four Elders of Annihilation and inquired, "Are you aware of the recent events unfolding in the outside world?"

"There are rumors of the deceased being brought back to life."

"My lord, you must understand, that is an impossibility," the Four Elders of Annihilation responded swiftly.

"It is merely the deception of common mortals, exploited due to their ignorance."

"Then who is the mastermind behind this deception?"

Xu Zimei posed the question with veiled significance.

"And what is their ultimate objective?"

The Four Elders of Annihilation exchanged glances once more, then collectively shook their heads.

"We cannot ascertain their motives. Should my lord possess knowledge, we would be honored by your enlightenment."

"I dare to speak—do you dare to listen?" Xu Zimei countered.

"My lord makes light of the situation. May we inquire, how do you find this place?" The Four Elders of Annihilation chose not to pursue the matter further, instead opting to steer the conversation with a smile.

"I have heard that upon death, a soul returns to this place. Where does it reside?" Xu Zimei inquired.

"To be precise, it is the Human Soul," the Four Elders of Annihilation stated, withholding no information from Xu Zimei on this matter.

They elaborated, "An individual possesses Three Souls: the Heavenly Soul, the Earthly Soul, and the Human Soul."

"Upon a person's demise, the Heavenly Soul ascends to the heavens, the Earthly Soul finds rest within the stele, and the Human Soul journeys to the Netherworld Realm."

"What merit or authority does your Netherworld Realm possess to presume dominion over the Human Souls of all living beings?" Xu Zimei could not refrain from questioning.