I Really Am A Villain

“The Eternal Emperor,” Xu Zimo said the name calmly.

“Yes,” Lu Nanyi nodded. “He’s connected to the Eternal God-Clan, the family that possesses the Eternal-Sword God-King Physique, one of the ten divine bodies.”

“That’s odd,” Xu Zimo remarked. “Isn’t the Wang Heavenly Clan also from the Eternal God-Clan?”

“No,” Lu Nanyi shook her head. “The relationship between the Eternal Emperor and the Wang Heavenly Clan is… complicated. The Eternal Emperor originated from the Eternal God-Clan, and because Universe God Realm doesn’t want to offend that lineage, they refuse to interfere in this matter.”

As she spoke, Lu Nanyi gave a helpless smile. “If I don’t marry into the Wang Heavenly Clan, I remain the Saintess. But once I become part of the Wang Heavenly Clan, Universe God Realm will likely appoint a new one.”

“Your sect truly is cold-blooded,” Xu Zimo said with a faint smile.

“It’s a helpless choice,” Lu Nanyi replied with calm acceptance. “I can understand their reasoning. Still, I’m curious, where is the young master from?”

“My home is far away,” Xu Zimo said. “You probably haven’t heard of it.”

“From another heaven, then?” Lu Nanyi asked.

In her understanding, far away referred to the other realms among the Nine Heavens.

“That’s not important,” Xu Zimo replied, shaking his head.

“You’re right,” Lu Nanyi agreed. “Then, may I ask how you intend to help us? And what do you seek in return?”

“I already told you,” Xu Zimo said. “I owe your ancestor a favor. I don’t want anything. As for how I’ll help, by killing the Eternal Emperor for you. The rest, you should be able to handle yourselves.”

Lu Nanyi froze.

Killing a Grand Emperor, especially one who possessed a God-King Physique, was no small feat.

She studied Xu Zimo carefully, trying to see where his confidence came from.

“You jest, young master,” she said with a soft laugh.

“Do I look like I’m joking?” Xu Zimo asked.

“And what makes you so certain?” Lu Nanyi pressed.

“I have no need to prove anything,” Xu Zimo said evenly. “You only need to do as I tell you.”

Lu Nanyi fell silent for a long moment.

The night wind swept past Sun-Moon Tower, and the distant cranes cried as they flew west, their calls fading like the sighs of lost souls.

In the chill wind, Lu Nanyi left Xu Zimo’s room.

The night passed without words.

When dawn came, Xu Zimo stepped out of his room to find a servant from the Lu household waiting outside.

“Master Xu,” the servant said respectfully, “the young lady invites you to breakfast.”

“Understood,” Xu Zimo replied with a nod.

When he entered the Lu Heavenly Clan’s private room again, the old Madam Hua was nowhere to be seen. Only Zhan Jun and Lu Nanyi were seated, waiting for him.

“Master Xu,” they both greeted.

“Where’s Changnian?” Xu Zimo asked, glancing around.

Just then, Ji Changnian entered the room, looking a bit nervous but quickly taking a seat beside Lu Nanyi.

“There’s something I must confess,” Lu Nanyi said, turning to Xu Zimo. “Last night, Madam Hua reported us to the Wang Heavenly Clan.”

“And?” Xu Zimo asked calmly, sipping his tea.

“I knew she did, but I didn’t stop her,” Lu Nanyi admitted. “At first, I wanted to test your strength. But now I think honesty is better. I hope you understand, I couldn’t risk the fate of the entire Lu Heavenly Clan.”

“I don’t want there to be a next time,” Xu Zimo said coolly, setting his cup down.

The rest of the meal passed in silence.

From downstairs came the sound of many footsteps, heavy, organized, and numerous.

A knock soon followed at the door.

“Come in,” Zhan Jun said.

A maid stepped inside. “Honored guests, there are visitors from the Wang Heavenly Clan outside who wish to meet you. What are your instructions?”

“Tell them we’re not seeing anyone,” Zhan Jun said immediately.

“No need to refuse so quickly,” Xu Zimo interjected with a faint smile. “We’ll have to meet them sooner or later. Why not now? I suspect they’re here for me.”

He rose to his feet and strode toward the door, the others following behind.

From the second floor, a casual glance revealed several figures downstairs radiating formidable auras.

Among them was Wang Shi, and this time, he was accompanied by several elderly men.

“That old man is the Wang Heavenly Clan’s steward,” Zhan Jun whispered. “Be careful, he’s served the Patriarch for centuries. Cunning as a fox.”

Xu Zimo only smiled and nodded.

As they descended, Lu Nanyi remained in the private room, her identity made appearing in public inconvenient.

Zhan Jun stepped forward and said politely, “Steward Wang, may I ask why you’ve come to see us?”

“Master Zhan,” the steward replied with a courteous smile, “ordinarily, since your family has not yet joined ours, we would refrain from meeting in private, so as not to break decorum. However, I’ve heard that certain people are attempting to disrupt the union between our two clans.”

He chuckled softly. “So I came personally to look into it. I hope you won’t take offense.”

“Oh? Is that so?” Zhan Jun asked with feigned surprise. “And where did you hear such a thing? I certainly haven’t.”

“The Wang Heavenly Clan has its own sources of information,” the steward replied smoothly. “That’s not something you need to concern yourself with.”

His gaze then turned to Xu Zimo. “And this young man, is he of the Lu Heavenly Clan?”

Before Xu Zimo or Zhan Jun could answer, Madam Hua stepped forward from behind them and said sharply, “He’s not from the Lu Heavenly Clan! He’s the one trying to drive a wedge between our two houses!”

“Madam Hua,” Zhan Jun said with an embarrassed look.

“Enough,” Xu Zimo said, shaking his head with a faint smile. “We all know what’s going on. There’s no need for this little play. Trying to act before the Wang Heavenly Clan? You’re not even qualified.”

“Impudent whelp!” the steward barked, waving his hand. “Seize him!”

At his command, several of the elderly experts stepped forward, their palms sharp as eagle claws as they lunged toward Xu Zimo.

“Piss off,” Xu Zimo said quietly.

His voice rippled through the air, and instantly, the attackers were blasted backward, crashing across the floor.

A flicker of surprise passed through the steward’s eyes, though he quickly masked it and sneered. “No wonder you’re so arrogant. You have some ability, after all.”

He wore a long brown leather robe and a ceremonial crown, with two golden chains hanging from its brim. His thin, hawk-like face grew darker as the pressure around him surged higher and higher.

Just as the tension peaked and a clash seemed inevitable, a calm, melodic voice spoke from the side.

“Gentlemen,” it said. “Sun-Moon Tower is a place for dining. This humble establishment cannot withstand your quarrels.”

Everyone turned toward the voice.

A graceful noblewoman emerged from behind the curtain, her movements fluid and poised, her face adorned with elegant makeup.

“So it’s Manager Yue,” the steward said quickly, bowing slightly. “Forgive our discourtesy.”

Knowing how fearsome Sun-Moon Tower truly was, he dared not show even a trace of disrespect.

“If you must fight,” Manager Yue said evenly, “please, take it outside.”