I Truly Am The Villian Chapter 2289 - 2288: Black Soul Mage, Head-to-Head
Previously on I Truly Am The Villian...
Upon her arrival in Demon City, Liu Ruyan had scarce seen the Moon-picking Fairy, but this encounter was purely by serendipity.
As it happened, the Moon-picking Fairy learned of the Treasure Cliff's opening, a place drawing crowds eager for riches.
Curiosity piqued, she journeyed there with the Blood River Guards, only to cross paths with a youth bearing a tiger's head.
This individual was in the process of acquiring cultivation techniques from the Blood River Valley and Corpse Burial Mound.
Recognizing the uniform of the Radiant Moon Sect on the tiger-headed youth, the Moon-picking Fairy identified him instantly.
A few straightforward inquiries from the Moon-picking Fairy provided her with a general understanding of the situation.
Subsequently, the tiger-headed youth guided the Moon-picking Fairy to their current location.
"Greetings, Ancestor," Liu Ruyan said with haste.
"Enough, we are from the same sect, so there's no need for such formality," the Moon-picking Fairy replied, her eyes appraising Liu Ruyan.
Yet, the Moon-picking Fairy's scrutiny held a peculiar quality.
It wasn't as if she were observing a person, but rather examining a rare and precious artifact.
Liu Ruyan, with her head bowed, remained unaware of this unusual gaze.
A satisfied smile graced the Moon-picking Fairy's lips as she spoke, "Since you have traveled far from the Radiant Moon Sect, why not accompany me back?"
"Regardless of anything else, we belong to the same sect. As you are here in Demon City, it is only right that I extend hospitality."
Liu Ruyan quickly countered, "I would not dare to trouble you, Ancestor, but the condition of our Gold Flower Ancestor brooks no delay."
"The poison has taken deep root, and further postponement risks a fatal outcome."
"Should the Radiant Moon Sect lose the Gold Flower Ancestor, it would likely degrade to a third-rate power."
Hearing Liu Ruyan's words, the Moon-picking Fairy offered a smile.
She stated, "Do not fret, I shall confer with Medicine King Lu Simiao shortly."
"Given my standing, he should willingly assist you, have no concern."
"If you do not accompany me, others might assume I am neglecting members of my own sect."
Liu Ruyan paused, a flicker of hesitation crossing her features.
Finally, her gaze shifted toward Xu Zimei.
She bit her lip, aware that seeking such a favor at this moment might be imprudent, yet she proceeded, "There is a matter I hope you can assist him with, Ancestor."
She then recounted the incident at the city gates to the Moon-picking Fairy.
"An individual from Corpse Burial Mound harbored malicious intent towards me, and this fellow cultivator intervened. I request that you spare his life, Ancestor."
Upon hearing this, the Moon-picking Fairy's brow furrowed slightly.
Matters concerning the Blood River Valley were typically straightforward to resolve; none dared to offend the influence of Great Elder Dugu Yun.
After all, Dugu Yun formed the foundation of her influence.
However, the Corpse Burial Mound presented a different scenario, and ill will inherently existed between the Blood River Valley and Corpse Burial Mound.
It was unlikely they would show such leniency.
"I cannot intervene in this," the Moon-picking Fairy stated coolly.
"The predicament you find yourself in is of your own making; resolve it yourself."
"You are far too kind-hearted, young lady."
"How many truly good individuals can be found within Demon City?"
"Kindness finds no purchase here; mind your own affairs."
Xu Zimei, a smile playing on his lips, spoke before Liu Ruyan could utter another word.
"You have accurately identified two points."
"Indeed, I am no paragon of virtue; countless individuals have met their end by my hand."
"Secondly, as you observed, few virtuous souls frequent Demon City. What then of yourself?"
"Are you a benevolent person?"
"What is the meaning of this?" the Moon-picking Fairy retorted with a cold snort.
She had not anticipated such defiant, disrespectful words from Xu Zimei.
Ever since becoming Dugu Yun's concubine, she had been showered with reverence and flattery.
She had become quite accustomed to such treatment.
Regardless of future uncertainties, whether Dugu Yun would eventually set her aside or not, she relished her current status.
Now, an upstart like Xu Zimei had the audacity to challenge her.
As the Moon-picking Fairy's displeasure grew, the Blood River Guards surrounding them began to draw their swords, their gazes fixed intently upon Xu Zimei.
"Ancestor, please do not..."
Liu Ruyan's eyes pleaded as she intervened swiftly.
"This brat is finished, thinking a bit of power allows him to act as he pleases, oblivious to his surroundings."
"To dare provoke the three major forces within Demon City, is he truly unafraid of death!"
"If he perishes, perhaps his treasures could be reclaimed."
"Those belong to the Moon-picking Fairy's spoils; do you dare to lay claim to them!"
Amidst the ongoing murmurs, footsteps emerged from the exterior.
A contingent of guards, clad in black robes and emanating a chilling, lifeless aura, advanced.
These robed figures appeared gaunt, seemingly hovering on the precipice between life and death, radiating an exceptionally eerie presence.
Upon witnessing the black robes, the onlookers recognized them immediately.
"They hail from the Corpse Burial Mound," someone stated. "What unusual day is it that individuals from both the Corpse Burial Mound and the Blood River Valley have descended upon Treasure Cliff simultaneously?" "You must comprehend that Treasure Cliff falls within the territory of the Blood River Valley; it is exceedingly rare for people from the Corpse Burial Mound to venture here." Upon their arrival, the figures clad in black robes extended their hands, not of flesh, but composed entirely of bone. Wielding their respective weapons, they immediately confronted the Blood River Guards. The Moon-picking Fairy's brow furrowed slightly. Her attention then shifted towards the rear of the black-robed contingent. A figure, enveloped in an ominous black mist, was conveyed forward. The dense fog concealed all vision, rendering it impossible even for the Moon-picking Fairy to discern any features within. This individual was seated within a palanquin. The palanquin itself was adorned in black and white, with a large, spectral face intricately carved into its center, exuding an exceptionally eerie aura. "It is the Black Soul Mage," a voice exclaimed. "Why has he also graced us with his presence? He is the second-in-command of the Corpse Burial Mound, holding a far more prestigious position than Dugu Yun does within the Blood River Valley." While ordinary individuals might remain unknown, this particular black-robed figure possessed considerable renown. The Black Soul Mage – it was whispered that in bygone days, other major powers existed within Demon City. One such entity was known as the Black Soul Sect. Merely because his moniker coincided, both bearing the name Black Soul, this Black Soul Mage had, without hesitation, paid them a visit and annihilated the entire Black Soul Sect. This incident served as a stark testament to his formidable strength and overbearing disposition. Many chose to steer clear of provoking him. Yet, witnessing the Black Soul Mage's arrival in such a manner, a palpable silence descended, with many hesitating to even exhale too loudly, lest they disturb him. "Moon-picking Fairy, you certainly possess an impressive presence!" From within the shroud of black mist, the Black Soul Mage's chilling laughter echoed. The Moon-picking Fairy remained still, her silence profound. She recognized the disparity in their standing; she could not contend with the Black Soul Mage. His esteemed reputation was forged through his own might, whereas her own status was largely dependent on Dugu Yun. "I inquire what business brings the Black Soul Mage to our Blood River Valley's Treasure Cliff?" The Moon-picking Fairy, unable to concede in terms of bearing, displayed her inherent shrewdness by invoking the name of the Blood River Valley rather than facing the confrontation alone. The Black Soul Mage disregarded the Moon-picking Fairy's inquiry, his gaze fixing directly upon Xu Zimei. He then posed a direct question, "Were the two individuals at the city gate earlier dispatched by you?" Everyone present was aware of the Black Soul Mage's fiercely possessive nature. Moreover, those two had some form of connection to him; otherwise, how could such a lucrative vantage point at the city gate have been relinquished to them? It was an established custom that positions of profit were invariably claimed by those within the inner circle.