I Truly Am The Villian Chapter 2287 - 2286: Treasure Hunt at Treasure Cliff, the Four Blood-Colored Beasts

Liu Ruyan was initially taken aback by Xu Zimei's statement.

The history of the Demon City was not something he was familiar with, as the Bliss Sect was a relic of ancient times. It was highly probable that this sect had already vanished by the time these individuals were born.

However, in this world, very few secrets could evade Xu Zimei's notice.

Humans possess a duality, encompassing both good and bad aspects.

Instances of unintentional wrongdoing require a lifetime of virtuous deeds for atonement.

Liu Ruyan found himself at a loss for words in response to Xu Zimei's pronouncements.

The sheer magnitude of the Demon City was, after all, too overwhelming for people of their standing.

For the common populace, world-altering events held little consequence; at best, they would serve as fodder for gossip.

"You are still not departing?" Liu Ruyan continued his attempts to persuade Xu Zimei.

"I am aware of your capabilities, but within this Demon City, the Corpse Incineration Mound is far more formidable than you might comprehend."

Xu Zimei remained silent.

Indeed, he had been aware of the existence of such a peculiar city within the Divine Continent for a considerable period.

He had once harbored the belief that allowing this city to develop autonomously might lead to an alternative outcome.

Yet, it now appeared that the Demon City was inexorably progressing towards malevolence, its influence expanding with each passing day.

While this Demon City might not pose a significant threat to the entirety of the Divine Continent, Xu Zimei could not simply stand idly by, especially now that he was present.

"Observe the multitude of individuals seeking elixirs daily; each must perform three acts of kindness," Xu Zimei elaborated.

"However, ailments show no impartiality; frequently, the afflicted succumb before they can procure the medicine."

Xu Zimei stated.

Upon hearing this, Liu Ruyan became visibly distressed.

The poison afflicting their ancestor had, after all, reached a critical juncture.

For countless years, no antidote had been found to fully neutralize it, and their ancestor’s formidable power had merely allowed them to suppress the venom.

But now, their defenses were on the verge of collapse, and it was uncertain how much longer they could hold out.

Time was of the essence, a matter of life and death.

Naturally, Liu Ruyan could no longer afford to delay.

Otherwise, she would not have ventured to the Demon City in a bid for fortune.

This was the very path indicated by the previous generation's Elder, the Moon-picking Fairy.

"In that case... do you possess any viable solutions?"

At this critical juncture, Liu Ruyan was desperately clinging to any sliver of hope.

Ordinarily, given their lack of prior connection, she would not have posed such a direct question to Xu Zimei.

But having journeyed this far, she could no longer afford the luxury of hesitation.

"Accompany me," Xu Zimei instructed.

"I shall escort you to a particular location. Your sole task is to retrieve a specific item, and the Medicine King will undoubtedly agree to render his assistance."

"What item is it?" Liu Ruyan inquired.

"You shall discover its nature upon our arrival," Xu Zimei responded enigmatically.

"Why are you extending your aid to me?"

"My sole motivation is to extricate myself from karmic entanglements," Xu Zimei declared.

With Medicine King Lu Simiao present, Xu Zimei harbored no concerns about his potential evasion.

Resolving the inner turmoil of the afflicted party before accumulating goodwill, thereby ensuring the Demon City’s narrative had a definitive beginning and end, was truly a worthwhile endeavor.

......

Within the confines of the Demon City.

A unique and striking landscape presented itself.

That was none other than the Blood River.

At the river’s source, floating above the Blood River, lay the Blood River Valley, one of the region’s three paramount powers.

It was said that the current prominence of the Blood River Valley owed a significant debt to this very Blood River.

However, the Blood River Valley did not impose restrictions on outsiders accessing the Blood River; in fact, they actively encouraged others to partake in its waters and join their ranks.

A pervasive sense of madness permeated the environment.

A specific stretch of the Blood River was designated as Treasure Cliff.

This Treasure Cliff was renowned for its extraordinary nature, as it was rumored that countless treasures descended from its precipice daily.

Yet, these treasures were as peculiar as they were diverse, possessing an array of varied utilities.

One might chance upon a commonplace vial.

Alternatively, one could unearth a Qiankun Bottle, complete with an internal spatial dimension.

Consequently, individuals discovered items unique to their circumstances.

For this reason, a throng of hopefuls visited daily, seeking a stroke of fortune and overnight prosperity.

When Xu Zimei guided Liu Ruyan, accompanied by a contingent from the Radiant Moon Sect, to this locale, the area teemed with activity.

A lengthy, crimson river appeared to cascade from the heavens.

Flanking this sanguine waterway stood statues of the four celestial guardians: the Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Black Tortoise.

These statues were submerged within the Blood River, their mouths spewing forth the crimson liquid.

Having been subjected to the river’s effluence for eons, the four Holy Beasts displayed no trace of their inherent sacred power; rather, prolonged observation instilled a sense of unnerving eeriness.

Particularly striking were the eyes of the celestial guardians, which seemed to emanate a bloodlustful aura.

"This is Treasure Cliff. Periodically, valuable items are dislodged from the mouths of the four Holy Beasts," Xu Zimei explained.

"However, with such a dense crowd, we stand no chance of acquiring anything," Liu Ruyan observed.

For every single treasure that appeared, an overwhelming number of individuals would surge forward.

Numerous lives would be lost or grievous injuries sustained in the ensuing chaos.

Success in recovering might be possible following a period of rest, though encountering a formidable entity could lead to immediate demise. Such is the brutal nature of treasure-seeking contests. It's unfortunate that the true value — whether a genuine treasure or mere debris — remains unknown until it's too late. "What path should we take?" Liu Ruyan inquired, her voice tinged with uncertainty. At that moment, the Blood River flowing above appeared to grow agitated, its crimson liquid thickening. Around the river's expanse, the Azure Dragon seemed to unleash a roar, the White Tiger let out a fierce bellow, the Vermilion Bird emitted a long cry, and the Black Tortoise remained stoically silent. The four Holy Beasts manifested with their distinct, awe-inspiring presences. "It's the phenomenon of the four beasts! New treasures are about to emerge!" someone exclaimed. Instantly, all eyes turned towards the mouths of the four Holy Beasts, every participant poised for action. "It appears we're fortunate," Xu Zimei remarked with a smile. "Very well, simply adhere to my instructions later." He then questioned, "You are familiar with the cultivation techniques of the Blood River Valley, are you not?" Liu Ruyan simply shook her head. Having only recently arrived in Demon City, she had no knowledge of the Blood River Valley's specific methods. "Within Demon City, cultivation techniques from the Blood River Valley, alongside those from the Corpse Incineration Mound, are as common as pebbles on the street," Xu Zimei explained. "You can acquire them whenever you wish." He elaborated, stating that cultivating a technique from a particular faction effectively designates one as a disciple of that group. With the exception of the Doomsday Temple, the rivalry between the other two major factions was intensely fierce. "How about this: go and procure the cultivation techniques from these two factions," Xu Zimei directed. "I shall undertake this task!" the young man with a tiger-like head volunteered readily. "The treasure hunt is commencing shortly; these two cultivation techniques are easily obtainable, so do not let this divert you from our primary mission." Xu Zimei added, "Those particular treasures are of little consequence. I will guide you towards discovering the true Supreme Treasure." It was evident he held no interest in the readily appearing treasures. The tiger-headed young man, however, displayed his astuteness by promptly departing to secure the techniques, unafraid of venturing alone. "Look, a treasure has just materialized!" With a resounding roar, the Blood River above seemed to surge and overflow, engulfing even the statues of the four Holy Beasts. From the very mouths of these four sacred figures, a radiant red glow emerged. Each glowing orb signified a treasure, with four such emanations appearing simultaneously. This situation clearly exemplified the adage of 'many monks, little porridge,' as the appearance of these four treasures sent the surrounding crowd into a frenzy.