I Really Am A Villain

“The Ten God-Clans are definitely not people we can afford to offend. Maybe some of the ancient kingdoms have banded together and are trying to stir up conflict with our Ancient Dragon God-Empire,” someone speculated.

“You’re guessing all wrong. If I tell you who came to destroy the nation, you’ll be shocked,” another said with a grin.

“Who is it?” People around them were intrigued. If it wasn’t another ancient nation nor the Ten God-Clans, then who had such strength?

“It’s the True Martial Sacred Ground,” someone laughed. “Hurry, let’s go look. I heard they’re right at the city gate. One of the gate soldiers already went to report to the emperor.”

“True Martial Sacred Ground… that name sounds familiar,” someone muttered.

“Of course it does. They were glorious in the past. Now though… well, you know.”

…

The chatter outside the teahouse grew louder, then quickly faded as people rushed off. Inside, the five who had been drinking tea were now curious. The young man who knew the details, named Zhao Danyang, stood up excitedly.

“There’s a fight outside? Let’s go watch!”

“Danyang,” the young woman beside him said, “don’t forget our mission. No unnecessary complications.”

“Sister Qing, I’m not causing trouble. I just want to watch,” Zhao Danyang pleaded, looking at Zhao Qing.

He was the restless type, unable to sit still. Making him sit quietly and drink tea was torture; letting him go watch some commotion was probably safer. Zhao Qing sighed helplessly and looked toward the elderly man seated at the head of the table.

“Second Grandfather.”

She called out, but the old man didn’t respond. He was deep in thought. Zhao Danyang grinned mischievously, put a finger to his lips telling Zhao Qing to stay quiet, then snuck up behind the old man. He leaned toward his ear,

And shouted, “Second Grandfather! Sister Qing is calling you!”

The old man jolted in shock, his beard practically lifting from the blast of sound.

“Danyang! Are you trying to send me to the next life on the spot? What’s with that shouting? I’m not deaf!” he scolded.

Zhao Danyang chuckled. “Second Grandfather, what were you thinking about?”

“The True Martial Sacred Ground… is that the sect of the True Martial Saint Sovereign?” Zhao Zhoutian asked.

“It should be. In the Absolute God Heaven, is there a second True Martial Sacred Ground?” Zhao Qing replied.

“The True Martial Saint Sovereign…” Zhao Zhoutian narrowed his eyes with emotion. “His name once shook the Nine Heavens. A pity, so many years have passed since anyone has mentioned him.”

“Second Grandfather, was the True Martial Saint Sovereign really that strong?” Zhao Danyang asked curiously. He had heard the name, but he hadn’t lived in that era. When the True Martial Sacred Ground stood on equal footing with the Ten God-Clans, he hadn’t yet been born. By the time he grew up, the sect had long declined.

Zhao Zhoutian smiled. “Strong? More than strong. If we listed all the great figures of the Absolute God Heaven from ancient times to now, the True Martial Saint Sovereign would absolutely have a place on that list.”

“How does he compare to our clan’s ancestors?” Zhao Danyang asked.

“That depends on which ancestor you’re comparing him to,” Zhao Zhoutian said with a laugh.

“What about Ancestor Morning Star?” Zhao Danyang asked.

“He’s nothing next to the True Martial Saint Sovereign,” Zhao Zhoutian replied.

“That doesn’t sound very impressive then,” Zhao Danyang muttered.

“I’m saying our Ancestor Morning Star is nothing next to him,” Zhao Zhoutian corrected with a sighing laugh.

“What about Ancestor Moving-Mountains?”

“An ant.”

“Then the Violent Holy Progenitor?” Zhao Danyang still didn’t want to give up.

“The Violent Saint…” Zhao Zhoutian drank a sip of tea and spoke slowly. “The Violent Holy Progenitor was strong, very strong. But still a bit inferior.”

“If they were both Saint Sovereigns, why can’t he compare?” Zhao Danyang complained.

“Even among Saint Sovereigns, there are levels. When the True Martial Saint Sovereign traveled, a hundred saints gave way, and the gods themselves retreated,” Zhao Zhoutian said.

Zhao Danyang still wasn’t satisfied. “Then what about our clan’s Progenitor? Surely he can surpass him?”

“Do not speak the Progenitor’s name so casually!” Zhao Zhoutian reprimanded sharply. His tone made Zhao Danyang shrink back immediately. Normally, Zhao Zhoutian was gentle, never angry, but when he truly scolded someone, no one dared talk back.

Zhao Zhoutian continued, “The greatness of our Progenitor resonates throughout the Absolute God Heaven. To the Zhao God-Clan, the Progenitor is the origin of everything.”

Zhao Danyang lowered his head, not daring to speak further.

Zhao Zhoutian stood. “Let’s go take a look.”

“Second Grandfather wants to watch the fight? Then who are we helping?” Zhao Danyang asked eagerly.

“I want to see what the True Martial Sacred Ground has become. By all logic, they should be ruined. How could they have the strength to destroy the Ancient Dragon God-Empire? Unless…” Zhao Zhoutian paused.

“Unless what?” Zhao Qing asked.

“That’s enough. Let’s go see first. We’re helping no one,” Zhao Zhoutian said, waving his hand.

The group followed the crowd toward the city gates.

…

Meanwhile, in the Ancient Dragon God-Empire’s imperial palace, the atmosphere was grand and imposing. Dragon sculptures decorated everything, fitting the empire’s name. Within the morning court hall, Paragon Dragon Sovereign sat upon the dragon throne, with civil officials on one side and military officers on the other. The air was tense and severe.

The gate soldier knelt before the court, reporting the True Martial Sacred Ground’s challenge.

“You’re saying the True Martial Sacred Ground has come to destroy the nation?” Paragon Dragon Sovereign asked. His voice was deep and resonant, filled with overwhelming authority. No one dared meet his eyes. He was the ruler of the Ancient Dragon God-Empire and had been for tens of millions of years. His imperial aura was immense.

“Yes, they sent me to relay the message,” the soldier said.

“Where is White General?” Paragon Dragon Sovereign asked.

“H… he… he was killed,” the soldier stammered.

“How many people did the True Martial Sacred Ground bring?” Paragon Dragon Sovereign asked again.

“I-I don’t know. I only saw one woman. She killed General Bai in the first exchange.”

“You know nothing? Since White General is dead, why are you still alive?” Paragon Dragon Sovereign snorted.

The snort was like thunder. The soldier’s body exploded instantly, scattering across the floor. No one in the hall reacted, they were used to this. Paragon Dragon Sovereign was a tyrant, though not merely a tyrant. Under his rule, the Ancient Dragon God-Empire had prospered. But his temper was unpredictable, and killing when displeased was commonplace. Thus he gained the title “Tyrant Emperor.”

“Who among you can eliminate this True Martial Sacred Ground for me?” Paragon Dragon Sovereign asked, sweeping his gaze across the court.

“I volunteer.”

“I volunteer as well.”