I Truly Am The Villian Chapter 2285 - 2284: Three Major Factions, Clash at the Gate

Xu Zimei possessed astonishing speed, capable of traversing the River of Time to reach any destination within the Divine Continent instantaneously. If he desired to know something, no secret could remain hidden from him. Such omniscience and omnipotence are qualities often attributed to a Creator God.

In a mere flash, Xu Zimei's figure materialized in Demon City. Despite its name, the city sprawls across a vast territory, divided into three distinct regions that form a large triangle in the western expanse.

Demon City's notoriety has surged in recent years, drawing a multitude of individuals, including notorious villains from other locales and the simply curious. Even with daily casualties numbering in the double digits, the city remains densely populated.

From the outside, the city walls exude a palpable sense of dread. Their surface is a stark black, as though perpetually stained with blood. A dark mist perpetually shrouds the city, giving the ancient metropolis the appearance of a slumbering, bloodthirsty beast lying in wait between heaven and earth, its gaze fixed upon everything within its confines.

Currently, three major powers hold sway over Demon City's surface. Beneath them, hundreds of smaller factions operate as mere subsidiaries. Daily skirmishes are commonplace within the city's boundaries.

These dominant forces are the Blood River Valley, the Corpse Incineration Mound, and the Doomsday Temple. The practitioners of the Blood River Valley are devoted to blood cultivation, a notoriously wicked path said to require the blood of the living as a vital component for their elixirs. Without it, they face a grim fate. Despite the severe drawbacks, the immense power of their cultivation technique drives countless individuals to desperately seek its mastery.

In parallel, the Corpse Incineration Mound excels in the art of corpse refinement, with a rumored ability to animate zombies. Their most formidable creation, a flying zombie, has been responsible for innumerable deaths, striking terror into all who hear of it.

The Doomsday Temple, however, remains shrouded in the deepest mystery. Its presence is marked by a sacred temple at each of the city's four corners and one at its center. The object of their worship is unknown, yet all denizens of Demon City are compelled to offer their veneration at the Doomsday Temple periodically. Failure to do so is believed to invite catastrophic natural disasters and other dire calamities.

The Doomsday Temple does not actively recruit disciples and, despite wielding the least visible area of influence, commands the most profound reverence and fear. Even during the mandatory worship at the Doomsday Temple, the two other major factions, the Blood River Valley and the Corpse Incineration Mound, must participate.

These three entities collectively govern the entirety of Demon City. Yet, whispers persist within the city walls of a more ancient and powerful ruler: a demon who has resided there for ten millennia. This ancient being supposedly remains detached from mortal affairs, stirring only during specific, significant junctures.

This, in essence, describes the nature of Demon City. Nevertheless, beyond its pervasive chaos, Demon City holds another significant allure: its exceedingly rich environment, brimming with valuable resources.

Demon City is situated alongside the Buzhou River, a vast waterway that cleaves the city into two. Along the banks of the Buzhou River, a variety of peculiar and potent herbs flourish. These are diligently gathered by the city's apothecaries for their groundbreaking medicinal research. This unique characteristic stands as one of Demon City's greatest assets, with their developed medicines being unparalleled throughout the western lands. Consequently, many journey to Demon City with the sole purpose of acquiring these exclusive remedies.

As Xu Zimei approached the formidable gates of Demon City, he observed a dense throng of people queuing to enter. Carved into the black facade of the city gates was the visage of a red demon's face. The crowd comprised individuals of all ages and genders, a mix of beings from various walks of life.

Xu Zimei merged seamlessly with the flow of people, his presence going unnoticed. Ahead of him, a group of about a dozen individuals, a mixture of men and women, advanced together. Their apparent leader was a woman of considerable martial prowess, nearly reaching the level of a Great Emperor.

"Sister Liu, do you believe our quest to meet Medicine King will prove successful?" inquired a young boy with a tiger-like countenance. Approximately thirteen years of age, he wore a distinctive tiger hat, his eyes sharp and alert. His cheeks, naturally rosy, bore the telltale sign of severe frostbite.

Xu Zimei tilted his head upwards; unnoticed by him until now, snowflakes had begun to fall. He hadn't paid heed to his surroundings or the passage of seasons for a considerable time, having walked his solitary path year after year.

"It's snowing," the tiger-headed boy remarked with a smile. Sister Liu also glanced skyward, a gentle smile gracing her features. The snowfall had arrived quite unexpectedly.

"Sister Liu, do you think we might face danger within? I've heard the inhabitants of Demon City are quite wicked." The tiger-headed boy seemed to possess an inexhaustible supply of questions.

"Hu, fret not. Our Radiant Moon Sect's revered ancestor, Moon-picking Fairy, is currently within Demon City. It is said that our ancestor fares exceptionally well, holding a position of considerable influence."

A young man nearby affectionately ruffled the boy's head, explaining with a smile.

"With our ancestor watching over us inside, as long as we don't actively provoke anyone, there shouldn't be any trouble."

Xu Zimei walked alongside them, his ears catching their conversation.

He couldn't help but let out a soft shake of his head.

How could the inhabitants within Demon City possibly care for such simple sentiments?

Those with any semblance of a conscience would only enter if absolutely forced, likely in desperate need of medicine.

Observing the group, Xu Zimei's intuition told him they were seeking medicine.

Many individuals possessed straightforward minds, their intentions quite transparent.

...

Entry into Demon City was contingent upon passing the checkpoint at the city gates.

The initial challenge began right there.

In theory, within this city devoid of laws, what exactly was there to check?

There were practically no prohibited items.

The entire city, in its essence, was the taboo.

Two men clad in yellow hemp robes, wielding large machetes, stood guard at the city gate.

Those wishing to enter the city were expected to show deference first.

Xu Zimei witnessed one individual refuse, only to have his head swiftly severed by a machete.

Newcomers audibly gasped at the brutal display.

However, those who had frequented the place before were already accustomed to such sights.

Fatalities resulting from trivial matters were commonplace here.

The line progressed with swiftness, as many had evidently done their research beforehand, knowing precisely whom to respect and whom to disregard.

Eventually, the group ahead of Xu Zimei reached the front.

The young woman named Liu presented a bag of gold.

The two guards exchanged a look, and a subtle smirk instantly appeared on their faces.

"Bang—"

The bag of gold was carelessly tossed aside. One of the guards bellowed, "There are too many of you, this paltry sum isn't enough."

"We are following the rules..."

A young man attempted to explain, but he was promptly slapped by one of the guards.

"Rules?"

"What rules are you talking about?"

"Don't you realize the rules here are dictated by us?"

"The rules have changed now. If you wish to enter, you must spend a night with us brothers."