I Truly Am The Villian Chapter 2278 - 2277: The Mysterious Scholar in White, Luring the Snake Out of Its Hole

Xu Zimei offered a slight nod to the request for discretion made by the Lord of the Dead Spirits.

There existed no genuine animosity between them.

Though their paths diverged and their methods differed, within the grand design of the Heavenly Dao, they were considered allies.

As the saying goes, is it not true that the enemy of one's enemy becomes a friend?

Both harbored ambitions for greater heights, a pursuit that necessitated passing the trials set forth by the Heavenly Dao.

Furthermore, after engaging in battle with the Lord of the Dead Spirits, Xu Zimei had reaped significant insights.

These revelations were particularly profound concerning his comprehension of the Great Dao.

Especially so with the power he gleaned from the Path of Obliteration, which served as a potent inspiration for Xu Zimei.

The might of ten million Great Dao coursed through his being.

While achieving the power of a hundred million Daos in the immediate future was improbable, each conquered battle allowed him to perceive the palpable growth of the Great Dao's power.

This progress left Xu Zimei quite content.

However, the methods employed by the Lord of the Dead Spirits concerning the deceased were not something his Divine Continent could readily replicate or learn from.

His own Divine Continent demanded a system that was both healthy and sustainable.

For the Lord of the Dead Spirits, the Yin World appeared more as a strategic asset for negotiations with the Heavenly Dao.

This formidable weapon, wielded skillfully, possessed the potential to compel concessions from the Heavenly Dao.

Yet, the fate of the souls within the Yin World, their lives and deaths, held little concern for him.

Thus, given their divergent paths, Xu Zimei found himself unable to draw direct parallels.

"To be completely candid, your arrival is impeccably timed, as I find myself in need of your assistance with a certain matter," the Lord of the Dead Spirits declared abruptly.

Xu Zimei harbored an inkling of what the request might entail.

Therefore, he inquired, "Does this pertain to those living individuals who have trespassed into the Netherworld Realm?"

The Lord of the Dead Spirits inclined his head in affirmation.

He elaborated, "Initially, they were all effectively contained by the Blade Mountain and Fiery Sea. However, your subsequent entry disrupted this containment, inadvertently allowing those individuals to infiltrate."

"Do not assign fault to me; you must understand that if an external force orchestrated this, their objective would be to probe the Netherworld Realm. Even without my intervention, that entity would have found a way to act."

This revelation piqued Xu Zimei's curiosity.

He probed further, "Have you managed to ascertain any information regarding the orchestrator behind this intrusion?"

"Who else but the Holy Court?" the Lord of the Dead Spirits retorted with a sneer.

"Regarding the affairs of the Yin World, I fear the Holy Court has already begun to harbor suspicions."

"Regardless of how meticulously I operate, any action invariably leaves behind a discernible trace."

"And given our positions of authority over our respective domains, one can never be certain how many individuals within our vicinity have been placed there by the Holy Court."

"However, they likely lack the definitive proof to confirm their suspicions and are thus merely conducting preliminary investigations."

"So, you desire me to step in and resolve this situation?" Xu Zimei inquired.

"No... not for you to intervene directly, but rather for me to act as bait, luring them out, with you positioned to apprehend them," the Lord of the Dead Spirits explained with a smile.

"While they may be merely probing, is it not exceedingly foolish to employ insignificant pawns for such a purpose?"

"I surmise they must possess contingent plans, and I cannot place my trust in anyone within my immediate circle," the Lord of the Dead Spirits confided.

"After all, concerning the Yin World, with the exception of yourself, even my most loyal retainers remain unaware of its true nature."

"My hope is that you will stand guard in this place for me."

"I do not typically involve myself in the troubles of just anyone," Xu Zimei stated.

"However, when matters intersect with the Heavenly Dao, I am compelled to participate, irrespective of the circumstances."

......

At this precise moment, on the inaugural island within the Netherworld Realm.

Upon Xu Zimei's opening of the portal to the Netherworld Realm, all who entered discovered that the realm comprised a multitude of islands.

Presently, everyone found themselves confined to this first island.

They were enveloped by a dense, black mist, more accurately described as a deathly aura than simple vapor.

Merely existing within this environment, even without undertaking any action, would result in gradual decay by the pervasive deathly aura.

The assembled individuals attempted numerous strategies.

Some channeled their Spiritual Energy to erect protective barriers, while others deployed their most prized Supreme Treasures.

There were formidable cultivators who fortified their Physical Bodies, and agile sword masters who valiantly slashed at the oppressive black fog.

In essence, an untold number of methods were brought to bear.

Yet, none proved capable of inflicting any damage upon this ominous black fog.

What amplified the terror was the realization that even for those who now deeply regretted their decision to enter and desperately wished to depart the Netherworld Realm, the gateway had been sealed shut.

The possibility of escape was entirely extinguished.

For a period, an overwhelming sense of dread and the chilling specter of imminent death permeated the populace.

"Damn it all! Had we possessed any foresight of this outcome, we would never have embarked on this journey."

"We haven't even laid eyes upon the denizens of this realm, and we are already on the precipice of perishing here. The sheer frustration is unbearable!"

Conversely, some among them exhibited unwavering resolve.

They declared, "Even if my demise awaits me here, what of it? If it means safeguarding those dearest to me."

"If I can exchange my life for my mother's, then so be it."

At this juncture, a scholar distinguished by his fair complexion emerged from the throng.

This scholar presented an aura of extraordinary composure.

His countenance remained unblemished by any hint of fear or terror.

Surveying the assembled individuals, the scholar announced, "Respected ladies and gentlemen, I am in possession of a Spring and Autumn Brush."

"This ancestral artifact, handed down through generations, possesses the power to shape the very course of history with a solitary sweep."

"Fear not, for with this brush in my hands, the menacing power of the black fog shall be rendered utterly ineffective."

A wave of excitement surged through the crowd upon hearing the scholar's words, their despair replaced by renewed hope.

Someone in the throng eagerly called out, "Then what are you waiting for? Hurry and use it!"

"May I be so bold as to inquire for your honored name, good sir? Is your reputation widely known throughout the martial world?" another individual asked, their curiosity piqued.

The scholar, however, simply gestured dismissively with his hand.

He offered a gentle smile and replied, "My fame is insignificant; I merely borrow a touch of my ancestors' renown."

"There is little point in mentioning my name, as it is highly probable you have never encountered it before."

Though the scholar refrained from revealing his identity, he proceeded to brandish the Spring and Autumn Brush.

The brush itself emanated a hue of purple-blue.

Its handle was crafted from an unidentified wood, and its bristles were of an equally mysterious origin.

The implement exuded an aura of profound antiquity.

As it swept through the sky, there was no ostentatious display of earth-shattering force.

Yet, with that singular movement.

It was as though an impenetrable barrier materialized, encompassing everyone present.

This protective shield repelled all threats, rendering even the life-devouring black fog incapable of breaching its defenses.

"Truly a marvel," one spectator breathed, awestruck.

"To alter the flow of history with but a single stroke – indeed, its reputation is thoroughly deserved."

"We are eternally grateful for your life-saving intervention, sir. Now that the threat of the black fog has been neutralized, shall we proceed?"

"It is whispered that deep within the Netherworld Realm, our lost loved ones' souls are held captive."

"If we can locate them and re-establish their connection to the world of the living, their resurrection becomes possible."

"Let us depart without delay; time is of the essence. This place feels unnerving, and a sense of unease pervades my being."

......

The assembled group pressed onward.

By this juncture, the scholar, clad in white, seemed to have naturally assumed a leadership role, as if guided by destiny itself.

His act of saving their lives had instilled an immense degree of trust in him from everyone in the group.

The white-robed scholar proved to be a capable guide, not faltering in his responsibility.

He led them forward, adeptly intervening whenever peril loomed.

For instance, upon their arrival at the second island, ferocious beasts emerging from the black fog launched a menacing assault.

Panic threatened to engulf the people.

With a simple flourish of his brush, the white-robed scholar acted.

Instantly, countless chains forged from true intent materialized in the void, ensnaring every one of the attacking black fog beasts.

Moreover, when formidable entities from the Netherworld Realm emerged to impede their progress.

The white-robed scholar displayed such overwhelming might that he effortlessly subdued all the powerful adversaries from the Netherworld Realm.