I Really Am A Villain

The massive Command Platform covered several million square meters.

It was constructed entirely of copper and iron. At the front lay an open space, while at the very center stood a statue of All Things True Immortal.

The statue was also bronze in color, though it was covered in patches of rust, with weeds growing thickly around it.

The statue was towering and solemn, its features dignified.

If one looked closely, they would notice that the surrounding weeds were not encroaching upon the statue, but rather clustering around it, as if in reverence.

Seeing the statue, both Wang Ya and Wang Ze wore expressions of deep respect.

“If All Things True Immortal were still alive, how wonderful that would be,” Wang Ze said with a sigh.

“Is there really such a thing as true immortality in this world?”

“I don’t know, but I have heard some rumors,” Wang Ya replied.

“Our Immortal Peach Tree is one of the three great wondrous trees. It’s said that alongside the Immortal Peach Tree, there exists a Longevity Tree. Its Longevity Fruit can extend one’s lifespan. A single fruit grants ten thousand years.”

“I know about that,” Wang Ze nodded.

“And the Longevity Fruit is no ordinary thing. Most treasures that extend lifespan cause resistance after being consumed once. The second time, they’re almost useless. But the Longevity Fruit isn’t affected by this. It can break that limitation and is something many people desperately seek. In a sense, if one had enough Longevity Fruits, they could keep living indefinitely.”

Wang Ya smiled and nodded, then said, “That may be true, but it’s impossible. The Longevity Tree bears fruit even less frequently than our Immortal Peach Tree, and the cycle is even longer. It grants longevity, not true immortality.”

The Command Platform held special meaning for the Plant Lineage.

Even though All Things True Immortal was no longer around, the Plant Lineage still paid tribute at the Command Platform every year.

Passing the Command Platform, they arrived at Jade Court’s Jade Maiden Waterfall.

First of all, Jade Court was dominated by female disciples.

Ninety percent of the people here were women.

Although male disciples could be recruited, there were generally only two ways this happened.

Either the man was extraordinarily talented, or he was a descendant of a Jade Court disciple. Otherwise, Jade Court did not accept men.

Setting aside those exceptionally gifted individuals, since such talents would be recruited anywhere, Jade Court’s rules were neither lax nor overly lenient.

Jade Court imposed certain restrictions on marriage for its female disciples.

First and foremost, a Saintess could never marry.

This was because a Saintess was cultivated according to the standards of the next Queen Mother.

As for ordinary female disciples, although they could marry, they had to pass Jade Court’s examination.

These strict conditions led to fewer and fewer male disciples in Jade Court.

Someone like Wang Ze, whose mother was a Jade Court disciple, was considered a descendant.

However, once he turned eighteen, he would still have to pass Jade Court’s assessment.

If he passed, he could stay. If not, he would have to leave Jade Court.

The Jade Maiden Waterfall before them was one of Jade Court’s most famous sights.

This was because it was the place where Jade Court’s women bathed.

The river flowing from the waterfall was very long, and it was no ordinary water. It contained the power of stars and the moon.

Bathing in this water could make one’s skin fairer and more youthful.

There were barriers set up around the waterfall, and the guarding here was extremely strict.

As they reached the entrance, a group of women who had just finished bathing emerged.

They wore white gauze garments, their long hair damp and draped over their backs, with different fragrances lingering around them.

“That’s Saintess Qing,” Wang Ya said.

“How many Saintesses does Jade Court have?” Xu Zimo asked curiously.

“There is only one Supreme Saintess, Ye Qingcheng. But among the eighteen lineages, each may cultivate its own Saintess. The title of Saintess is earned through competition,” Wang Ya explained.

“This Saintess Qing is from one of the eighteen lineages, the Heavenly Luan Lineage.”

“If that’s the case, then wouldn’t you be the Saintess of your Plant Lineage?” Xu Zimo teased with a smile.

Wang Ya blushed and shook her head.

“The Plant Lineage has already declined. How could we speak of a Saintess?”

Originally, Wang Ya and the others had no intention of greeting them.

Unexpectedly, Saintess Qing and her group walked over on their own.

“Junior Sister Wang, long time no see,” Saintess Qing greeted with a smile.

“Greetings, Saintess Qing,” Wang Ya replied.

“Just call me Senior Sister. You’ve been staying in Broken Wolf Valley. I haven’t seen you in a long time either,” Saintess Qing said with a smile.

“How has it been at the formation lately? Everything stable?”

“What could be unstable about the formation?” a woman beside her said mockingly.

“Broken Wolf Valley has been unchanged for ten thousand years. No visitors have come for ages. It’s the easiest assignment. We’re envious if anything.”

Wang Ya looked at the woman who spoke. She was also a disciple of the Heavenly Luan Lineage, named Wang Ling.

“If Senior Sister Wang likes it so much, you’re welcome to come to Broken Wolf Valley,” Wang Ya said calmly.

She didn’t get along with the other woman.

They had fallen out over certain matters in the past.

Wang Ling shot back without backing down, “Going to Broken Wolf Valley is fine. Then will you give me your quota for the Peach Banquet?”

Each of Jade Court’s eighteen lineages had a quota for the Peach Banquet.

Having a quota meant receiving an Immortal Peach, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many.

Jade Court had countless disciples, and competition was extremely fierce.

“Enough, all of you, stop,” Saintess Qing interjected.

“Recently, our conflicts with the Azure Mystic Heaven have been frequent. Be careful that they don’t slip in through the formations.”

After speaking, Saintess Qing turned her gaze toward Xu Zimo.

She sized him up briefly, then smiled.

“This junior brother looks rather unfamiliar.”

“I’m not a disciple of Jade Court. I’m here to attend the Peach Banquet,” Xu Zimo replied.

“Ridiculous. If you’re attending the Peach Banquet, you should be not be here. What are you doing at our Jade Maiden Waterfall?” Wang Ling shouted.

“Wang Ya and her brother are my friends. Is it not allowed for me to visit them?” Xu Zimo countered.

“Wang Ya and her brother have never left Jade Court. How could they have friends from outside?” Wang Ling said harshly.

“You say you’re here for the Peach Banquet. Those invited are either born of sacred sects or are powerful figures who dominate a region. Where are you from? What is your background?”

“What, are Jade Court disciples now checking my identity? You don’t seem qualified for that,” Xu Zimo narrowed his eyes at Wang Ling.

He had no intention of making enemies with Jade Court, but if someone wanted to court death, he didn’t mind granting it.

“Sir, you misunderstand. Wang Ling is immature. I’ll apologize on her behalf,” Saintess Qing quickly said.

“Since you’ve said so, we will believe you. I hope we’ll have a chance to converse at the Peach Banquet.”

After speaking, Saintess Qing gave Xu Zimo an apologetic smile and led Wang Ling and the others away.

“You should be careful of her,” Wang Ya said, watching Saintess Qing’s retreating figure.

She warned Xu Zimo, “I think she’s taken an interest in you. The Red Luan Star is stirring. She is the Saintess of the Heavenly Luan Lineage. Her origins and cultivation are both very mysterious.”

“How mysterious?” Xu Zimo asked with interest.

“The Heavenly Luan is one of the sixteen beast races of the Azure Mystic Heaven,” Wang Ya said solemnly.

“And the founder of the Heavenly Luan Lineage came from the Beast Race.”