I Truly Am The Villian

"Cover," the monk uttered softly, his voice imbued with authority like a Golden Body Arhat, as a massive alms bowl ascended into the void.

Once suspended in the air, the alms bowl emitted radiant golden light, shielding half the firmament as it descended to envelop the mysterious object.

Just as it was about to enclose the object, a sudden "bang" echoed—something had struck the alms bowl.

The crowd fixed their gaze, seeing a string of skull-shaped Buddha Beads emitting Demonic Qi tearing through the void.

It clashed head-on with the alms bowl.

The monks of Ciyuan Temple glanced toward the group from the Monster Temple, frowning as one of them remarked, "What do you mean by this?

Do you intend to obstruct me from subduing this monstrous entity, or are you seeking collusion?"

"If you wish to capture this evil being, you'll need our Monster Temple," said a young man from the Monster Temple, whose savage demeanor resembled that of a demonic monk.

With a wicked grin, he added, "You monks of Ciyuan Temple can simply stand aside and watch."

"Wang Nu, don't push it," a monk from Ciyuan Temple retorted sharply.

"And if I'm overstepping, what of it?" Wang Nu sneered coldly.

Above, the skull-shaped Buddha Beads smashed through the alms bowl, releasing waves of Ghost Qi that encircled the malicious entity.

Despite its struggles to break free, the monstrous entity was ultimately trapped in vain.

The skull Beads compressed into a cluster and transformed into black light, descending from the void.

"Wang Nu, you...!" The monk from Ciyuan Temple turned pale with displeasure at the sight.

"Brother Wu, don't be so agitated," a youthful monk with a stuttered scalp standing beside him gently advised with a smile.

"All things are but illusions—fame and contention are fleeting indulgences."

"I understand," replied the monk, barely containing his frustration. "But his behavior is far too brazen."

"Now that the monstrous entity has been subdued, let us examine what it truly is," suggested Chu Feiyang, stepping forward to resolve the tension.

The crowd watched as Wang Nu released the skull-shaped Buddha Beads, revealing a massive shadow within.

The shadow appeared spherical, with distorted facial features crammed tightly together—a grotesque and terrifying sight.

"What in the world is that?" someone asked in bewilderment.

Even those from the five great sects, who prided themselves on their extensive knowledge, found themselves equally perplexed.

The sphere emitted a trail of sinister purple energy.

"It's attempting to devour my Buddha Beads," Wang Nu remarked with a dispassionate tone, having noticed the anomaly.

"Does anyone recognize this entity?" Chu Feiyang asked, scanning the crowd.

Everyone shook their heads except for the old Holy Doctor, who circled the sphere with an increasingly furrowed brow.

"This thing seems to be…," he started, only to abruptly cut himself off.

"Holy Doctor, have you discovered something?" Chu Feiyang quickly inquired.

"I'm not certain; I must consult ancient texts," the old Holy Doctor replied hastily before rushing out of the hall.

This left the gathering staring at one another in silence.

"We'll wait for the Holy Doctor's insights then," Chu Feiyang shrugged, breaking the silence.

"As for the Clan Leader of the Northern Hill, I'll have someone inform them later, and they can decide how to handle this themselves."

"The girl seems to be waking," someone suddenly said nearby.

Ji Jiuning coughed several times, and with assistance from those around her, she slowly sat up.

Her disoriented gaze swept across her surroundings. After a moment of silence, she seemed to recall something.

Rushing away frantically, she cried, "Run, run quickly!"

"No need to panic; you're safe now," Chu Feiyang reassured her hurriedly.

"This is White Emperor City."

Under the calming words of those present, Ji Jiuning finally began to regain her composure.

"Can you tell us what exactly happened to you?" Chu Feiyang stepped forward to ask.

"I don't know," Ji Jiuning replied, shaking her head.

"We were ambushed over at Hengsha. All the Elders were killed—it was the Clan Leader who risked everything to ensure my survival."

"Who ambushed you?" Chu Feiyang pressed further.

"I couldn't see; darkness engulfed everything. Even the Clan Leader wasn't able to discern what the presence was," Ji Jiuning answered.

"If that's the case, we'll have to rely on the Holy Doctor to see if he uncovers any clues," Chu Feiyang sighed.

"What about the Clan Leader?" Ji Jiuning continued asking.

"We tried our best, but only managed to rescue you," Chu Feiyang replied.

Hearing this, Ji Jiuning collapsed onto the ground.

Nearby, Wang Nu interjected, "What about this monstrous entity? How shall we deal with it?"

"For now, it will be imprisoned in my Chu Manor. Once we understand more about its nature, we'll decide what to do," Chu Feiyang replied.

Turning to the group, he added with a smile, "Today's unexpected events seem to have disrupted everyone's mood.

As night approaches, perhaps it'd be best for everyone to rest early. Having traveled so far, fatigue must have set in."

Though harboring their own agendas, no one voiced objections.

After all, in the Ghost God Realm, the night posed a danger few dared to challenge.

Xu Zimei and Feng Buxiu's group were assigned to a small courtyard in the northern area.

"Young Master Xu, tread carefully," Feng Buxiu whispered to Xu Zimei before they entered their rooms.

"I understand," Xu Zimei nodded.

"I mean to be cautious of those present today," Feng Buxiu emphasized.

"You suspect them?" Xu Zimei paused in surprise.

"Not suspect—certain," Feng Buxiu replied.

"Does Dean Feng have any evidence?" Xu Zimei asked in confusion.

"The decree of the seven gods," Feng Buxiu replied cryptically before retreating into his room.

......

Back in his room, Xu Zimei pondered for a long while but failed to detect anything out of the ordinary.

He then began his cultivation.

The night outside was pitch-black, the power of Ghost God saturating the world.

This persisted until daybreak, when Xu Zimei finally emerged from his meditative state.

Stepping out of his room, the grayish sky had cleared.

The Chu Family worked swiftly; preparations for the upcoming competition were nearly complete.

As per tradition, today would be the day of the White Emperor's ritual, and the entrance to White Emperor Mountain would only open tomorrow.

Adhering to age-old customs.

Xu Zimei exited the courtyard and arrived at the Hall of Heroes, where many others had already gathered.

Among them was Ji Jiuning, who seemed much improved after yesterday.

Her beauty was radiant—her flowing azure dress adorned with countless ribbons danced in the air.

Her coiled jet-black hair swayed melancholically amidst the breeze.

With delicate makeup, fair skin, and eyes as luminous as twin moons, she caught Xu Zimei's gaze and offered a graceful smile in greeting.

"Is everyone here now?" Chu Feiyang appeared in pristine white robes, surveying the crowd.

"Today marks the day of the White Emperor's ritual.

Once acknowledged, the White Emperor Mountain can be opened, granting access to the battleground.

Everyone understands this, correct?"

"Then let's proceed," someone from the Sin Prison faction suggested.

Dozens of Chu Family servants emerged, each carrying an item for the ritual.

The procession moved majestically toward White Emperor Mountain.

The crowd followed closely behind.

Passing through the gates of White Emperor City, a celestial staircase emerged from the void.