I Really Am A Villain

“Forget about the so-called Top Ten Elites. I’m just an ordinary disciple. There’s nothing remarkable about it,” Zhao Jinwu shook his head and replied.

“The Top Ten Elites represent the ten most outstanding disciples of Jade Court. That level is fought out from all eighteen lineages. The prestige behind it is substantial,” Wang Ya said seriously.

Zhao Jinwu had been the most talked-about figure recently.

Before this, his reputation had been unremarkable.

But not long ago, his strength suddenly advanced by leaps and bounds. He even defeated one of the Top Ten Elites and took their place, instantly rising to prominence.

As a result, he had attracted the attention of all of Jade Court.

Although Wang Ya had heard of Zhao Jinwu before, this was her first time meeting him.

“Since Jade Court was founded, countless people have held the title of Top Ten Elite. It doesn’t mean much,” Zhao Jinwu said with a smile.

“In fact, I’m very curious about the Plant Lineage. I’ve heard that your cultivation methods are very special. You communicate with plants and can generate the spirit of heaven and earth.”

“It’s just a minor path,” Wang Ya smiled.

“The path of plants is a proper Great Dao. If I have time in the future, may I visit Broken Wolf Valley to exchange insights?” Zhao Jinwu asked with a smile.

Wang Ya narrowed her eyes slightly.

“Broken Wolf Valley welcomes Senior Brother Zhao at any time,” she replied.

Zhao Jinwu nodded in satisfaction and then walked into the Immortal Peach Garden.

Wang Ya’s expression grew solemn.

Wang Ze said quietly beside her, “Sister, that guy definitely doesn’t have good intentions.”

“Enough,” Wang Ya interrupted him.

She turned to Xu Zimo and said, “Let’s go in.”

Xu Zimo nodded.

He had no intention of meddling in Jade Court’s internal affairs. From Wang Ya’s reaction, it was clear she was already on guard.

They entered the Immortal Peach Garden without encountering any obstruction.

The moment they stepped inside, the difference was immediately apparent.

As far as the eye could see, hundreds of Immortal Peach Trees towered into the sky.

But that wasn’t the most important part.

Each Immortal Peach Tree was alive.

Some trees had branches spreading wildly, like a chaotic dance of demons, making it impossible to approach.

Others retracted their branches, curling themselves inward defensively.

Some of the stronger Immortal Peach Trees were even running rampant through the garden, moving almost like humanoid beings.

“Well, this place is lively,” Xu Zimo laughed.

“That’s just how the Immortal Peach Garden is,” Wang Ya replied.

“See those Immortal Peaches?”

Xu Zimo nodded.

Each Immortal Peach Tree bore peaches of different colors.

Some were red like fresh blood, others purple like lightning.

Some even had human faces growing on them.

The mutation of the Immortal Peach Trees was causing them to evolve in strange ways.

“These are all outer-layer Immortal Peach Trees. If you want to pick peaches, you have to rely on your own ability. One careless mistake can cost your life,” Wang Ya said.

“Don’t underestimate them. Quite a few disciples have died beneath these trees.”

“Interesting. I’ll give it a try,” Xu Zimo said.

He scanned the area and raised his hand toward a nearby Immortal Peach Tree.

This particular tree embodied the nature of a sword.

Sword intent radiated sharply from it, growing more intense the closer one approached.

Sensing Xu Zimo’s movement, a heaven-shaking sword intent slashed out from the tree.

Xu Zimo clenched his hand, crushing the sword intent into nothing within his palm.

His hand continued forward. The Immortal Peach Tree felt immense pressure, as if the surrounding world had been sealed off.

The tree let out a silent roar.

Its power erupted violently. Every branch transformed into a streak of terrifying sword intent.

Hundreds of sword intents annihilated the surrounding void as they slashed toward Xu Zimo.

“A mere minor path, and you dare defy me,” Xu Zimo smiled.

The Shadow Tyrant blade behind him hummed.

A blade cry rang out, and in an instant, countless sword intents were severed.

The Immortal Peach Tree was suppressed completely, unable to resist.

The peaches on it could now be picked at will.

Xu Zimo took one bite of an Immortal Peach. It instantly dissolved into rich sword intent in his mouth.

For an ordinary sword cultivator, this would have been an immense benefit.

Unfortunately, his realm was far too high. This level of Immortal Peach Tree was useless to him.

“You try some,” Xu Zimo said casually, tossing a few peaches to Wang Ya and Wang Ze.

“Be careful, these are treasures,” the siblings said as they carefully caught the peaches.

Although they were Jade Court disciples, they clearly hadn’t eaten Immortal Peaches often.

After all, their strength was limited. Xu Zimo could tell they hadn’t even reached the Grand Emperor realm.

Such cultivation would only be considered average even on the Primordial Heartlands.

The Plant Lineage cultivated slowly by nature, and their talents were merely ordinary.

As they ate the peaches, the two were visibly delighted.

“Brother Xu, you’re amazing.”

Xu Zimo shook his head with a smile.

“Take as many of these peaches as you want. They’re of no use to me.”

“Then I’ll take you deeper inside,” Wang Ya said quickly.

“There’s an Earth-Heart Mother Thunder Immortal Peach Tree inside. It’s the strongest Immortal Peach Tree in the garden. And it was once regarded by the elders as the tree most likely to succeed.”

“Then let’s go take a look,” Xu Zimo nodded.

On the way inward, Xu Zimo asked casually, “How much do you two know about Jade Court?”

“What would Brother Xu like to know?” Wang Ya asked.

“We’ve grown up in Jade Court. We can’t say we know everything, but we know most things.”

“I’m interested in Jade Court’s origins,” Xu Zimo said with a smile.

“I like researching history.”

“The origins of Jade Court…” Wang Ya thought for a moment.

“There are books in Jade Court that specifically describe this. It’s said that the identity of the first Queen Mother is a mystery. She came from the starry skies beyond the Nine Heavens and founded Jade Court on Kunlun Mountain.”

“I’ve heard that the first Queen Mother was an Ancient God,” Xu Zimo said with a smile.

“You mean Goddess Xuanming,” Wang Ya smiled.

“Our Jade Court even has a statue of the Goddess Xuanming.”

“Goddess Xuanming,” Xu Zimo narrowed his eyes slightly.

He didn’t ask too many detailed questions, wary of arousing suspicion.

But the Goddess Xuanming was most likely the Ice God Xuanming he was searching for.

“Tell me more about the Goddess Xuanming,” Xu Zimo said.

“The Goddess Xuanming is the most legendary figure in Jade Court. No one knows her origins. But it’s said that the Goddess Xuanming is still alive,” Wang Ya said softly.

Xu Zimo froze for a moment.

Alive?

That was an Ancient God. Who knew how long it had been since her era.

If she were truly still alive, that would be astonishing, a genuine relic of antiquity.

“It’s just hearsay,” Wang Ya explained.

“It’s said that whenever Jade Court faces a life-and-death crisis, the Goddess Xuanming appears. She turns the tide. According to records, Jade Court has faced two such catastrophic crises, both on the brink of destruction. In the end, both were resolved by the Goddess Xuanming.”