I Truly Am The Villian Chapter 2279 - 2278: The Mastermind’s Motive and the Laws of Heaven and Earth

The scholar clad in white martial robes wielded immense power, yet his identity remained a mystery, unknown and unoriginating to anyone.

This enigma certainly piqued interest.

Within the boundless Netherworld Realm, countless formidable figures existed, but none dared to challenge the white-robed scholar.

... …

Deep within the shadowy expanse of black mist.

With a mere wave of his right hand through the void, the Lord of the Dead Spirits manipulated the ethereal plane.

The dense black mist before them coalesced, instantly projecting scenes unfolding across the Netherworld Realm.

At that precise moment, observable within the swirling black mist, the formidable white-robed scholar was engaged in a solitary battle against the powerful entities of the Netherworld Realm.

"Did you discern anything of note?" the Lord of the Dead Spirits inquired.

"Truthfully, even if I hadn't shattered the Blade Mountain Fiery Sea, it's highly probable this individual would have intervened regardless," Xu Zimei remarked.

"My question pertains to something else entirely," the Lord of the Dead Spirits replied, subtly shaking his head.

He continued, "Have you ascertained his true nature?"

Xu Zimei's brow furrowed in contemplation for a moment before he ventured, "A mere substitute?"

Indeed, discerning whether the figure was genuine or an artifice from beyond the black mist proved exceedingly difficult.

However, Xu Zimei's perceptive abilities were exceptionally keen, allowing him to faintly sense that the white-robed scholar was not a truly living being.

This revelation was quite preposterous.

If it was not his actual body, and yet this phantom possessed such extraordinary might.

Capable of overwhelming the mighty denizens of the Netherworld Realm.

It undeniably demonstrated that the power behind it wielded immense strength, clearly exceeding a certain threshold.

"This situation compels my hand," the Lord of the Dead Spirits declared.

"Furthermore, even if I were to intervene and eliminate these assailants, I fear no conclusive proof would ever surface."

"This is an blatant act of conspiracy."

"While direct evidence is absent, I am convinced the Holy Court's influence is subtly at play."

"They are aware that the Netherworld Realm cannot openly wage war against the Holy Court, thus they probe my defenses with audacious confidence."

"However, this form of reconnaissance seems somewhat pointless," Xu Zimei commented.

"They cannot truly breach the Netherworld Realm, so what tangible outcome can they hope to achieve through such probing?"

"I am uncertain of their precise objective, but upon my departure, I entrust you with overseeing matters here," the Lord of the Dead Spirits stated.

"I strongly suspect their ultimate target lies deeper within."

"This is because my Netherworld Stone is located here."

"To impede the Netherworld Realm's capacity to absorb the deceased, they must either destroy or abscond with the Netherworld Stone."

"Understood," Xu Zimei acknowledged with a slight nod.

... …

In reality, the Lord of the Dead Spirits placed profound trust in Xu Zimei.

So much so that he even concealed the existence of the Netherworld Stone from his most loyal subordinate, instead entrusting its protection to Xu Zimei.

Upon careful reflection, the underlying reason became apparent.

The Netherworld Stone was considered indispensable to the Lord of the Dead Spirits, representing his sole means of negotiation with the Heavenly Dao.

Yet, to Xu Zimei, it held no value.

This was due to their fundamentally diverging paths.

The ambient Yin energy of this mortal realm was insignificant when contrasted with Xu Zimei's Divine Continent.

Moreover, Xu Zimei's chosen path was one of absolute devastation.

Not one of negotiation or compromise.

As the Lord of the Dead Spirits departed, Xu Zimei's form gradually dissolved back into the enveloping black mist.

... …

Leading a contingent, the white-robed scholar moved with haste.

At this juncture, they had reached the midway point of the Netherworld Rain.

Here, the Netherworld Realm teemed with countless powerful individuals, yet they were still incapable of countering the white-robed scholar.

He brandished the Spring and Autumn Brush.

The defensive barrier conjured by the Spring and Autumn Brush proved impenetrable to all.

Witnessing the myriad powerful beings confront the fleeting nature of existence.

At that precise moment, a colossal hand materialized from the void.

The hand exerted a simple, gentle pressure.

The formidable barrier meticulously crafted by the Spring and Autumn Brush was utterly annihilated.

Like fragile glass, it fragmented into countless pieces.

"The Netherworld Realm is the domain of the deceased; all who enter are considered perished."

With the imposing presence of the Lord of the Dead Spirits manifesting.

Although his true form remained concealed, his voice resonated with unparalleled authority.

The mere sound of his voice instilled a palpable sense of oppression in all present.

A voice cried out, "We harbor no ill intentions towards the Netherworld Realm; our sole desire is to resurrect our beloved departed."

"Indeed, should we achieve the revival of our loved ones, we shall depart immediately."

"Separated by the chasm of life and death, Yin and Yang exist as distinct realms; how can the resurrection of the dead occur without plunging the world into utter chaos?" the Lord of the Dead Spirits intoned softly.

"By venturing into this place, you align yourselves with the departed."

"Within the Netherworld Realm, the dominion over life and death rests solely with me."

"I am the supreme ruler here; your fates, both in life and death, are subject to my decree."

Upon hearing this, every person's countenance shifted dramatically.

At this juncture, the scholar clad in white robes addressed the assembly.

He appeared as the linchpin of their group; his pronouncements readily bolstered the confidence of those around him.

"Lord of the Dead Spirits, if dominion over life and death cannot be maintained, then why do all souls journey to the Netherworld Realm subsequent to their demise?"

"The Netherworld Realm was once a mundane plane, so why does it now possess the peculiar capacity to draw the departed?"

"Who precisely are you?" The Lord of the Dead Spirits' gaze settled upon the white-robed scholar, his voice a low murmur.

His stare penetrated through obscuring veils of black mist, akin to twin divine orbs, fixing directly upon the robed scholar.

In that very instant, it seemed all the secrets the white-robed scholar held were laid bare.

"A mere fabrication, conjured from a single strike, a drop of blood, a solitary Dao, yet you dare to cause such disturbances within the Netherworld Realm."

The Lord of the Dead Spirits declared with an icy inflection.

"Allow me to ascertain your true capabilities, to discover what force lends you such audacity."

As these words concluded, the colossal hand of the Lord of the Dead Spirits descended once more.

A resounding 'boom' echoed through the expanse.

This formidable hand conveyed not merely raw power.

It also contained the Lord of the Dead Spirits' formidable ability to agitate the very fabric of the Netherworld Realm.

Within that moment, the white-robed scholar found himself utterly incapable of ascending to the heavens nor descending to the earth; escape was impossible.

"I have been anticipating your move," the white-robed scholar allowed a slight smirk to grace his lips.

He produced a scroll from his grasp.

As this scroll unfurled, it emanated a brilliance that shook the foundations of existence.

The dazzling light dispersed, encompassing the white-robed scholar, those in his vicinity, and indeed the Lord of the Dead Spirits himself, drawing them all within the confines of the artwork.

A subtle frown creased the brow of the Lord of the Dead Spirits.

He extended a hand, evidently attempting to counter the effect.

The white-robed scholar let out a hearty laugh. "You are unable to break free from this confinement; with the extent of your power, perhaps an opportunity might exist in the external realm."

"However, the Netherworld Realm is presently an domain overwhelmingly dominated by extreme Yin."

"I shall forge heaven and earth through the power of extreme Yang; Yang shall transmute into Yin, and Yin and Yang shall achieve perfect union; this pocket dimension is destined to persist for precisely one hour."

"Following this hour, the space will automatically release its bonds; until then, let us remain contained within, together."

"Do you truly believe you can imprison me through the mere interplay of Yin and Yang?" the Lord of the Dead Spirits scoffed, his voice sharp with derision.

An aura of dark, swirling mist began to coalesce around him.

"Pure Yin and Yang alone may not suffice to control you, but you have neglected a crucial element.

The lifeblood of these unwitting outsiders constitutes a potent catalyst."

"Furthermore, I am the very manifestation of the Great Dao."

"This represents a fundamental rule; do you grasp the significance of a 'rule'?"

The Lord of the Dead Spirits paused for a brief moment.

He contemplated the nature of rules, how they differ across individuals and extend their influence through entire worlds.

The inherent presence of rules in every facet of existence is utterly indispensable.

It is precisely owing to the existence of these rules that the world itself endures.

In ages past, during the era of powerful Taoist nations, the manipulation of Rule Power was indeed feasible.

However, such a capability involved the borrowing of heavenly rules, not the independent creation thereof.