I Really Am A Villain

“That monster knows the power of the God Blade as well,” Xu Zimo said. “Right now, it’s guarding the blade atop Dao-Slaying Mountain.”

“Dao-Slaying Mountain? And where is that?” everyone asked in confusion.

“It lies above the Northern Sea,” Xu Zimo replied. “A solitary peak rising from the endless waters.”

“The Northern Sea truly is vast,” Literature Sovereign nodded. “It’s the greatest ocean in the northern lands. For there to be a peak upon it, quite possible indeed. But the sea is immense. Finding it won’t be easy. And with that monster guarding the blade, we can’t face it head-on. We’ll need a way to draw it away if we’re to seize the God Blade.”

After speaking, Literature Sovereign looked to Xu Zimo. “Do you have a plan?”

“That part is simple,” Xu Zimo said. “Gather all six of the Sovereigns. Announce to the entire world that you’ll fight the monster head-on. While you battle it, I’ll take the chance to steal the God Blade.”

“What if we’re discovered?” someone asked.

“If we’re discovered, then so be it,” Xu Zimo answered. “The blade is anchored to the solitary peak, the monster can’t take it away Since you’ve already decided to fight to the death, what difference does it make?”

“In that case, I’ll contact the other five Sovereigns,” Literature Sovereign said, standing. “We’ll fight the monster together. Better to die standing than live crawling.”

“Then, my friend, stay here at my estate for a few days,” City Lord Qin Haoshi said. “Once everyone is gathered, we’ll set out.”

Xu Zimo nodded slightly and followed the general out of the hall.

When his figure had gone far down the corridor, someone finally spoke. “Can we trust this man? His story sounds too strange to be true.”

“If the Primordial Domain really existed, how is it that even Literature Sovereign hasn’t heard of it?” another asked.

Qin Haoshi stayed silent and looked toward Literature Sovereign. He knew he was a man of great wisdom.

“Here’s what we’ll do,” Literature Sovereign said, standing. “We’ll prepare on two fronts. First, notify the other Sovereigns and rally everyone to face the monster. Second, we’ll investigate this man’s background, and I’ll test him myself.”

Everyone nodded. At this point, there was little else to be done. They all knew that if things continued as they were, even the right to choose would be taken from them.

The City Lord’s general led Xu Zimo to a quiet courtyard.

“Sir, you may stay here for the next few days. Once everyone has gathered, we’ll inform you immediately,” the general said.

“My thanks,” Xu Zimo nodded, saying nothing more.

After the general left, Xu Zimo glanced at the sky, it was nearly dark.

He went inside to rest.

The moon hung full and bright, and stars scattered across the sky.

Inside, the lamp had burned low. The melted candle still released a wisp of black smoke.

A shadow crept quietly into the room.

In a flash of motion, a blade shaped like a willow leaf slashed toward Xu Zimo’s throat.

Xu Zimo’s eyes snapped open.

He caught the knife in one hand and flung it aside.

The black-clad figure retreated swiftly.

“Midnight visitors,” Xu Zimo said calmly, “what business do you have with me?”

“To kill you,” the intruder rasped.

With a flick of his sleeves, countless throwing knives shot out, like a rain of arrows.

The blades glimmered black, poisoned.

Xu Zimo dodged every one.

A series of metallic clinks filled the room as the blades embedded themselves in walls and furniture. Everything they touched turned black, melted, and rotted into foul-smelling sludge.

“Kill!” the black-clad man shouted.

Twin willow-blades appeared in his hands, and he lunged again.

Xu Zimo’s eyes flashed. He caught the man’s wrist and twisted, redirecting his force.

The attacker was flung backward with explosive strength,

Boom!

He crashed into the doorway, shattering the entire frame and tumbling into the courtyard beyond.

He staggered up, ready to charge again,

But Xu Zimo said lightly, “Literature Sovereign, there’s no need for these games. If you don’t trust me, you could’ve just said so.”

At those words, the black-clad man froze.

After a moment’s silence, he reached up and removed his mask.

“Forgive me, sir,” Literature Sovereign said. “It’s not that I don’t trust you. I merely wanted to test your strength, to see if you truly have the power to claim the God Blade.”

“And your conclusion?” Xu Zimo asked.

“I’m convinced,” he replied. “I hope you understand, this isn’t mere suspicion. We’re gambling the fate of the entire world. We can’t afford to lose.”

“You won’t lose,” Xu Zimo said quietly. “If our Primordial Ancestor once suppressed that beast, then so can I.”

As he spoke, a thought stirred in his mind.

This God World was his creation, his world. Whatever happened, he would never allow it to be destroyed.

“Then I’ll take your words as a blessing,” Literature Sovereign said, bowing slightly. “Forgive my intrusion tonight.”

Watching his retreating figure, Xu Zimo let out a soft chuckle.

He returned to his room.

The next few days passed uneventfully.

Xu Zimo stayed in the courtyard for five days.

On the morning of the sixth, Qin Haoshi arrived with a group of men.

Behind him stood many figures, each radiating immense power, their presence restrained yet overwhelming, their eyes sharp and deep.

They were clearly the strongest warriors the continent could offer.

At the front stood six particularly remarkable figures. Alongside Literature Sovereign and Yin Ruozhuo of Mighty Heavenly Sword Region were four others, all equal in stature.

“I am Golden Sovereign, one of the Six Sovereigns,” boomed a burly man, his voice echoing through the courtyard. “They say you know how to destroy that monster. If that’s true, command us as you will.”

“I assume City Lord Qin has already told you the plan,” Xu Zimo said. “All of you will distract the monster. I’ll retrieve the God Blade. With the blade in hand, our odds of victory will rise by at least thirty percent.”

“Good! I’ve had enough of that creature already,” the Golden Sovereign growled.

“We’ve prepared ships,” Qin Haoshi said. “Thousands of men will sail with us. Together, we’ll find that lone peak.”

Everyone nodded.

After a brief round of preparations, several hundred warriors took to the skies, their formation grand and imposing.

Within half a day, they reached the Northern Sea.

A vast expanse of water spread before them, not beautiful, but wild and seething, foaming like a sea of boiling glass.

Upon its surface, hundreds of ships lay waiting in silence.