I Really Am A Villain

“Sorry to bother you. Do you happen to know someone named Xu Zimo?” Realm Lord Bai asked cautiously.

The moment that name was spoken, Xiao Anshan’s breath faltered.

That was perhaps the only defeat of his entire life, one that still haunted his dreams. Even in his nightmares, he relived that battle. He dreamed endlessly of one day defeating Xu Zimo.

And now, with the Ancestral Lands opening, perhaps this would be his chance. After all, he was of the Fire God Race; the Ancestral Lands might offer him immense benefits. Xu Zimo, being human, would likely gain little here.

Seeing Xiao Anshan remain silent for a while, Realm Lord Bai grew increasingly nervous and uncertain.

Before long, however, Xiao Anshan gave a small nod. “I know him. Why do you ask?”

“He’s asking to see you,” she replied carefully.

Following the direction of her pointing hand, Xiao Anshan looked up and saw Xu Zimo sitting leisurely not far away, waving at him with a faint smile.

“What does he want with me?” Xiao Anshan asked.

“That… I don’t know,” Realm Lord Bai shook her head.

She didn’t mention the matter of forming an alliance; that was something Xu Zimo himself should explain.

Xiao Anshan straightened his robe slightly, then began walking toward Xu Zimo.

Realm Lord Bai couldn’t help feeling relieved, Xu Zimo had told the truth after all.

But nearby, Wang Yunpeng’s expression looked as though he had swallowed a mouthful of filth.

He watched with disbelief and rising fury as Xiao Anshan followed Realm Lord Bai away, his stomach twisting with a mix of anger and unease.

After thinking for a while, he decided to follow and see what was going on.

“Since the last tournament, you’ve been completely out of sight,” Xiao Anshan said as he approached Xu Zimo. “I thought you wouldn’t be coming to the Ancestral Lands at all.”

“I hadn’t planned to,” Xu Zimo replied with a light smile, “but I happened to finish what I was doing, and there are some matters I need to discuss with the Radiant Court anyway.”

“You should find time to visit the Fire Ancestor,” Xiao Anshan said. “By the way, what did you want to tell me?”

Xu Zimo replied, “The Ancient Eternal God Realm wishes to form an alliance with us. It can be placed under the banner of the Chaos Fire God Realm.”

“The Ancient Eternal God Realm isn’t part of our region,” Xiao Anshan frowned slightly.

“We belong to the Divine Crow God Realm’s region,” Realm Lord Bai quickly added.

“Then you should be speaking with the Divine Crow God Realm, not us,” Xiao Anshan said flatly.

Realm Lord Bai smiled awkwardly and didn’t answer. If she could have approached the Divine Crow God Realm, she wouldn’t have gone through all this trouble. With the Ancient Eternal God Realm’s current status, not even small sects would bother with them, let alone such a colossal power.

“This is a small matter. I’ll handle it,” Xu Zimo said, waving his hand dismissively.

“I don’t have the authority to decide that,” Xiao Anshan replied.

“Then tell the Fire Ancestor it’s my request,” Xu Zimo said calmly. “He’ll agree. This much face he’ll still give me.”

After all, within the Radiant Lands, aside from the destroyed Departure Fire Region, the remaining six regions were all competing and scheming for advantage, each hoping to claim the greatest share of benefits.

Over the past days, Xu Zimo had come to understand the structure of the current Inferno Crucible Heaven, the six surviving regions were the Radiant Court (in the Radiant Lands), the Chaos Fire God Realm, the Divine Crow God Realm, the Hell Fire God Realm, the Vermillion Flame God Realm, and the Undying Fire God Realm. Together, they divided the entire Inferno Crucible Heaven between them.

Hearing Xu Zimo’s words, Xiao Anshan nodded slightly.

He knew that in Xu Zimo’s eyes, even the Fire Ancestor was of little consequence. The Fire God Race had once warned him not to provoke Xu Zimo, better to treat him as a goal to strive toward rather than an enemy.

It seemed even the Fire God Race themselves doubted that he could ever surpass Xu Zimo.

Countless thoughts swirled in Xiao Anshan’s mind, but before leaving he said, “I’ll speak with the Fire Ancestor about this. You should also return soon, you’re still one of us in the Chaos Fire God Realm.”

“Where’s Shangguan Xian?” Xu Zimo asked. “Have you seen her?”

“No,” Xiao Anshan shook his head. “After the last battle, you both left together, didn’t you?”

Xu Zimo nodded without pressing further.

When Xiao Anshan left, the people of the Ancient Eternal God Realm were still overwhelmed with joy, barely able to process what had just happened.

Then Wang Yunpeng came strolling over with a forced grin.

“What do you want?” Realm Lord Bai asked with a frown.

“I’m here to greet an important figure. Nothing to do with you,” Wang Yunpeng said as he walked up to Xu Zimo with a sycophantic smile.

He had actually seen Xu Zimo before, back on the airship, but had dismissed him at the time, assuming he was just another Ancient Eternal God Realm disciple. Who would have thought he was hiding such status?

In truth, Wang Yunpeng was utterly stunned. How could a minor sect like the Ancient Eternal God Realm know such a man?

He glanced at Realm Lord Bai again, could it be that this man was interested in her beauty?

Smiling obsequiously, Wang Yunpeng bowed and introduced himself. “Greetings, young master. I am Wang Yunpeng of the Fire Python Holy Lands.”

“And?” Xu Zimo asked.

“I simply wished to make your acquaintance, young master,” Wang Yunpeng said quickly. “If there’s anything you need, I’d be honored to serve.”

“Would you like to be my dog?” Xu Zimo asked casually.

The words hit like a slap. Wang Yunpeng’s expression froze instantly.

Yes, that was more or less what he meant, but hearing it said aloud in such a way was unbearable.

He might be servile, but he was still a respected figure within the Fire Python Holy Lands.

Awkward laughter escaped his throat. “Young master jests. May I ask your name?”

“Don’t force your way in,” Xu Zimo said, waving him off. “You’re not worthy.”

Wang Yunpeng’s smile vanished.

He replied coldly, “Sorry to disturb you,” then turned and walked away.

Though fury burned within him, he dared not show it on his face.

Once Wang Yunpeng had gone, Realm Lord Bai looked at Xu Zimo and said softly, “Thank you.”

“What for? I already promised you,” Xu Zimo replied. “Now hurry up, the tea’s getting cold.”

Realm Lord Bai quickly went to prepare fresh tea.

Leaving aside the commotion around the Ancient Eternal God Realm, high above the mountains, the Radiant Court itself floated in the air.

Inside, the golden steel walls shimmered as scenes of light shifted across them, murals depicting the history of the Radiant Court, and even some of the deepest secrets of the Inferno Crucible Heaven.

But sadly, few outsiders would ever lay eyes upon them.

At the center of the grand hall, the Light Lord Sage Monarch sat upon his throne, surrounded by the elders of the Radiant Court.

“How is it, Night Sovereign?” the Light Lord Sage Monarch asked.

The Night Sovereign was the Radiant Court’s second in command. He rarely appeared in public; he was the shadow that carried out the Radiant Court’s hidden deeds.

“Almost every faction has arrived,” the Night Sovereign replied.

His entire body was shrouded beneath a black cloak. Even within the Radiant Court, few had ever seen his true face.

“And the ones I told you to pay special attention to?” the Light Lord Sage Monarch asked again.

“They’re here as well,” the Night Sovereign said.

“Good,” the Light Lord Sage Monarch rose to his feet, flames flickering across his body. “Then it’s time we made our appearance.”