I Truly Am The Villian Chapter 2302 - 2301: Spirits Lurking, Academy in Crisis

While the Ghost God Realm presents both extreme safety and peril, it didn't take long for Xu Zimei to reach the Ghost God Academy after his aerial arrival.

This very academy is the stronghold of Thousand Calamities Doomsday, a hub for cultivating exceptional talents from across the entire Ghost God Realm.

Legend has it that the Nine Mountain Ghosts, formidable figures under Thousand Calamities Doomsday, all emerged from the ranks of these nurtured talents, achieving their current esteemed positions.

The Ghost God Realm itself is bifurcated into the Ghost Domain and the God Domain, with the Ghost God Academy strategically positioned between them, acting as a conduit for harmony.

However, entry into the Ghost God Academy is a privilege, not a right.

Aspiring individuals must first conquer rigorous assessments from various locales, progressing through escalating stages.

Only by distinguishing themselves from a sea of contenders can they even qualify for the academy's own stringent evaluation.

And this qualification is merely the first hurdle.

It is only by successfully navigating the Ghost God Academy's assessment that one can truly gain admittance.

Coincidentally, Xu Zimei arrived during a recruitment drive for the Ghost God Academy.

Tens of thousands of talented disciples from diverse regions had congregated, while the spectators drawn to this once-in-a-millennium event numbered in the millions.

It's a well-known fact that the Ghost God Academy opens its doors to new disciples only once every millennium.

Considering a single human lifespan, how many such millennia can one experience?

Consequently, for many, witnessing such a momentous occasion is a lifelong aspiration.

......

The Ghost God Academy is far more than a mere educational institution.

Nine distinct cities encircle it, forming a protective ring arranged in a nine-star formation.

These urban expanses collectively cover an area of at least tens of millions of square meters, encompassing a full tenth of the entire Ghost God Realm.

While a tenth might not seem substantial in isolation,

it represents a tenth of an entire, vast realm!

......

Even now, this immense territory teems with a multitude of people.

Everywhere one looks, individuals are gathered,

anticipating the grand opening of the Ghost God Academy's gates.

Historically, this event marked a rare occasion for the appearance of Thousand Calamities Doomsday himself.

The populace eagerly awaited even a glimpse of their sovereign.

Amidst the throng, Xu Zimei stood, an invisible aura rippling around him, causing anyone who drew too near to be repelled.

"Have you heard? The esteemed Thousand Calamities will not be gracing the assessment with his presence this year," one voice remarked.

"What a pity. I had truly hoped to behold Lord Thousand Calamities. The stability of our entire Ghost God Realm rests upon his leadership."

It is widely acknowledged that in the realm's nascent stages, Ghost Spirits and Divine Spirits roamed unchecked.

During that tumultuous period, the cultivators inhabiting this land existed precariously, mere sustenance for the whims of gods and ghosts.

The subsequent advent of Thousand Calamities Doomsday ushered in an era of order.

He compelled the gods and ghosts to establish a peaceful coexistence.

Thus, provided cultivators remain outside the defined territories of gods and ghosts, their personal safety is seldom a significant concern.

"I heard that the recruitment standards for the Ghost God Academy are more stringent this time around," another individual chimed in.

"Indeed? This year, the Bis Mountain Ghost presides as the chief examiner, and he is known for his absolute impartiality, tolerating no deviation."

"If that's the case, won't it be considerably more difficult to secure an admission through less-than-honorable means?"

"Even leveraging connections will prove futile; everyone must rely solely on their genuine abilities, keeping their wits sharp."

......

As Xu Zimei ambled through the bustling streets, the air buzzed with conversations focused on the recruitment.

Discussions ranged from the arrival of notable talents to minor skirmishes that had erupted.

There was no need for deliberate inquiry; the unfolding events were readily apparent.

Xu Zimei casually sought out an inn.

However, the inns were uniformly packed, overflowing with patrons.

Finding an available seat by the window, Xu Zimei nonchalantly displaced the individual currently occupying it.

The person, on the verge of protesting, found themselves instantly teleported away by a mere wave of Xu Zimei's hand, a demonstration of spatial manipulation.

......

"Innkeeper, bring us your finest wine and most exquisite dishes!"

A considerable time had passed since Xu Zimei last indulged in the flavors of the mortal world.

Perhaps it was long ago that the concern of hunger faded, leaving dining as an experience purely for the palate's delight.

While savoring his meal, Xu Zimei's attention was captured by a different piece of news.

Information entirely unrelated to the ongoing recruitment.

"Have you caught wind? The Gods and Ghosts of the Eight Directions have been unusually agitated lately, as if a significant event is imminent."

The term 'Eight Directional Ghosts and Gods' serves as a collective designation for the various Ghost Spirits and Divine Spirits inhabiting the Ghost God Realm.

Having forged a pact with Thousand Calamities Doomsday, they are bound to adhere to his directives, refraining from wanton harm to sentient life.

Consequently, over the years, the populace has seldom harbored fear of the Eight Directional Ghosts and Gods.

"What makes you say that? The Eight Directional Spirits and Lord Thousand Calamities have an alliance. Do they truly dare to break it?"

"To tell you the truth, I did catch wind of some whispers, though I can't vouch for their accuracy."

"Apparently, the reason Lord Thousand Calamities isn't making an appearance at this recruitment is due to a severe injury he sustained, rendering him unable to show himself."

"He fears that the Eight Directional Ghosts and Gods might try to take advantage of his weakened state."

"Nonsense! Lord Thousand Calamities is utterly invincible. How could he possibly be injured?"

"I'm not sure myself, I only overheard it. Please consider it nothing more than gossip."

The individual speaking was a middle-aged man clad in a simple blue robe.

His gaze, sharp and fox-like, seemed to deliberately amplify his words as he conversed with others over drinks, clearly intending to draw attention.

Xu Zimei leisurely savored the exquisite meal presented before him.

He slowly twirled the wine glass between his fingers.

After concluding his feast and observing the middle-aged man depart the inn, Xu Zimei unhurriedly set off in pursuit.

This middle-aged man exhibited a high degree of caution, managing to slip out of Xu Zimei's sight within the confines of an alleyway.

In the very next instant, the middle-aged man reappeared behind Xu Zimei with unnatural silence.

Brandishing an iron chain, his objective was to ensnare Xu Zimei's neck.

"Punk, you've been tailing me for quite some time. Are you tired of living?"

The middle-aged man let out a chilling sneer.

However, in the blink of an eye, the very chain in his grasp was severed, and his triumphant smile faltered.

Xu Zimei extended his hand, and an unseen force effortlessly lifted the middle-aged man into the air.

"You... You are..." the middle-aged man stammered, utterly stunned by the abrupt turn of events and completely unprepared for Xu Zimei's formidable prowess.

"Please, have mercy! I was foolish not to recognize your strength," he begged.

"As a Ghost God, why are you out here spreading falsehoods?" Xu Zimei inquired with a calm demeanor.

Indeed, the individual confronting him was neither human nor belonging to any commonly known race.

He hailed from the legendary Eight Directional Ghosts and Gods.

Yet, even within the echelons of gods and ghosts, power levels varied significantly.

The Ghost God before him seemed rather unremarkable, not representing a major power, but more akin to a bothersome, disruptive spirit.

Upon hearing Xu Zimei's pointed question, the man's expression grew noticeably uneasy.