I Truly Am The Villian Chapter 2288 - 2287: Who Will Sharpen My Blade?

"Treasure, treasure, quickly seize it!"

"Seize this chance to alter your destiny; anyone who dares to snatch it from me will face my blade."

In that instant, countless individuals ascended into the sky.

The firmament fractured, with fragments of flesh, a cascade of blood, and broken limbs raining down from the void.

Initially, some were eager to contend, but witnessing such a brutal spectacle, they were collectively stunned.

Liu Ruyan was among them.

She too had considered making a move for the treasure, but the scene unfolding before her was excessively gruesome.

So much so that it swayed her decision to abstain.

"What is this ultimate treasure you speak of?" Liu Ruyan inquired, turning to Xu Zimei.

"Just wait and observe," Xu Zimei responded.

This was an exceptionally ancient tale.

So ancient, in fact, that nearly all who knew of it from that era had perished.

It was solely due to Xu Zimei's unique background that he possessed this knowledge.

As Xu Zimei observed the ongoing scramble for treasures in the heavens, he simply smiled.

He remarked, "Behold these individuals, risking their lives for something utterly meaningless."

"This is life!"

"To me, such acquisitions are trivial, yet for others, they represent unattainable luxuries."

Xu Zimei extended his hand, and instantaneously, the entire void became rigid.

Those who had been vying for treasures, regardless of whether their expressions conveyed fear or ferocity, were frozen.

Their postures, their expressions, their very beings were immobilized.

With a mere gesture, he held the power of life and death over hundreds.

Xu Zimei gestured once more.

The four streams of light, previously emanating from the mouths of the Holy Beasts, were drawn back into Xu Zimei's hand.

This aptly illustrated the concept of things being within easy reach.

The very next moment, the stopped flow of time resumed its normal course.

All those engaged in the battle shifted their gazes towards Xu Zimei.

Though a palpable anger emanated from the crowd, not a single soul dared to be the first to challenge Xu Zimei.

The might Xu Zimei had just displayed was profoundly intimidating.

However, human nature harbors greed.

Faced with such potential riches, even in the presence of Xu Zimei's formidable power, some refused to relinquish their claims.

"Fellow Daoist, it is perhaps a touch overbearing to claim all four treasures for yourself alone," a voice declared.

Emerging from the throng was the One-Eyed Dragon, clad in crimson armor and wielding a massive saber.

His unkempt beard and piercing gaze suggested a formidable combatant.

"It is Mass Slaughter," someone gasped upon recognizing the One-Eyed Dragon.

This individual held considerable sway within Demon City.

It was rumored that in a past conflict, he had fought his way in and out of a formation of ten thousand foes seven times, ultimately slaying a major faction's leader.

From this feat, he earned the moniker Mass Slaughter.

He was truly a fearless and bloodthirsty warrior.

"And what if it is overbearing?" Xu Zimei calmly retorted.

"What point is there in discussing righteousness with mere ants?"

"I am tyranny!"

"Everyone, do not be afraid. Even if he is powerful, with so many of us gathered, are we truly afraid of him?"

Someone attempted to stir the crowd.

Their aim was to ignite widespread anger and incite a rebellion.

"Precisely. If each of us strikes just once, no matter how potent he is, he cannot possibly vanquish us all."

"This is Demon City, the domain of three great powers. How dare this unknown individual act with such arrogance?"

As an increasing number of voices joined in agreement, Xu Zimei remained unfazed.

Even as Liu Ruyan stood beside him, trembling with fear, Xu Zimei showed no outward reaction.

He drew the Tyrant Shadow from his back.

The sound of the blade leaving its sheath was sharp, akin to an eagle's cry.

Its resonance struck powerfully against everyone's ears.

Some instinctively stiffened, feeling a chill creep over them.

Others involuntarily shut their eyes, unable to bear a direct gaze at the blade.

Meanwhile, Xu Zimei gently wiped the blade.

He then smiled and asked, "Why all the commotion, everyone? Who among you will test my blade?"

"This blade has remained sheathed for quite some time."

"Its edge appears to have dulled; kindly assist me in sharpening it."

Upon hearing his words, observing Xu Zimei's composed demeanor, and witnessing the potent blade intent radiating from his grasp, many fell silent.

Hesitation gripped them.

Some even contemplated a strategic retreat.

"What, are you all intimidated?" Xu Zimei chuckled.

"I just witnessed you all fighting with utter disregard for life and death over the treasure; why show fear now?"

The crowd lapsed into silence once more.

At that precise moment, a group clad in crimson robes arrived at a rapid pace.

There were dozens of them, and they swiftly encircled the vicinity of Treasure Cliff.

"It's the Blood River Valley," someone announced.

"Who could have provoked the Blood River Valley?"

"With so many Blood River Guards present, the arriving individual must possess an extraordinary identity!"

A buzz of speculation rippled through the assembled crowd.

Treasure Cliff's location along the middle route of the Blood River meant that individuals from the Blood River Valley were a common sight. Furthermore, the assembled crowd harbored no apprehension about the Blood River Valley people seizing the treasures. After all, the opening of Treasure Cliff itself was a decision made by the Blood River Valley; they could have easily kept it exclusive, showcasing their magnanimity.

......

At this precise moment, a woman adorned in a red robe, whose attire unfurled like a blooming rose, made her entrance under the escort of the Blood River Guards. "It's the Moon-picking Fairy!" an individual in the crowd exclaimed, recognition dawning. Some, however, looked on with curiosity, inquiring, "Who exactly is this Moon-picking Fairy? I'm new to this area and still finding my footing; I'd appreciate some insight."

"She is the concubine of the Great Elder of the Blood River Valley, Dugu Yun. It's said she is his most favored consort and currently holds considerable prominence," someone offered in a hushed explanation. The prestige of Dugu Yun, as the Great Elder of the Blood River Valley, was far from negligible. Whispers suggested he alone commanded the blood sacrifice lineage, possessed the authority to direct the Blood River Guards, and held a status second only to the Valley Master. Moreover, his respect was widespread, with numerous disciples and a direct lineage within the Blood River Valley, his influence permeating Demon City.

Dugu Yun's solitary imperfection, a topic frequently discussed with avid interest, was his pronounced affection for beautiful women. This wasn't merely a casual preference; any woman possessing striking beauty would inevitably attract his attention and become his possession through various means. Although his interest often waned swiftly, he treated his women with genuine kindness. The Moon-picking Fairy had captured Dugu Yun's notice; initially an unknown figure in Demon City, she now commanded respect, with few daring to challenge her thanks to Dugu Yun's influence.

"Sister Liu, observe the person I've discovered," a youth with a tiger-like visage remarked with a smile, standing beside the Moon-picking Fairy. This Moon-picking Fairy, while perhaps not a paragon of unparalleled beauty, was impeccably maintained, exuding a captivating feminine charm that stirred the heart. It was rare for a man to remain unaffected in her presence.

"Moon-picking Ancestor," Liu Ruyan quickly interjected. "You've arrived; why did you not seek me out?" the Moon-picking Fairy inquired. It was this very individual who had previously dispatched a message urging Liu Ruyan to travel to Demon City. However, their interactions had been minimal. Upon Liu Ruyan's arrival, she found herself unable to locate the Moon-picking Fairy.