I Truly Am The Villian

His entire body was draped in a red robe, as if dyed in fresh blood.

As he walked, he held his head high and his chest out.

However, he was not the main character, for beside him, the woman known as the Blazing Flame Grand Envoy walked at the forefront.

The rest merely accompanied them.

"Master Huo, since they are here for you, you should handle it," the woman said indifferently.

Huo Tianxiong nodded slightly.

He then stepped forward, looked at Sage Zixia, and said, "May I ask who you are?"

"What, do I need to be investigated to enter the Blazing Flame Realm?

Just an ordinary person," Sage Zixia replied.

"Though the passage between the two realms is shared, it is chaotic and unruly.

Moreover, spatial turbulences occur frequently, posing significant life risks."

Huo Tianxiong said, "We, the Fire Domain, expended significant effort to repair this passage.

You may enter, but you must pay a fee for its maintenance.

I imagine that condition is not excessive."

"Certainly, whatever fees are required, provide me with a list.

I will bring it all tomorrow morning," Sage Zixia nodded.

At his level of cultivation, unless it was a divine item of the Great Dao.

Ordinary resources, even if given to him, would be unnecessary, hence his agreement.

Immediately, someone from the Heavenly Fire Family handed a list over to Sage Zixia.

Sage Zixia glanced at it and found the items reasonable, not excessive.

He then agreed and prepared to return to the inn to report to Xu Zimei.

Watching Sage Zixia's departing figure, a shadow flickered across Huo Tianxiong's gaze.

He then looked at the woman beside him and smiled, "I wonder how the Grand Envoy thinks I handled it?"

"Quite well.

The purpose of allowing the Heavenly Fire Family to exist in the Fire Domain is merely to maintain the passage's safety.

It's not for you to govern it and act on your own will," the woman nodded.

......

Within the inn, upon hearing Sage Zixia's words.

Xu Zimei tapped the table and smiled, "Prepare for battle."

"Battle?" Sage Zixia exclaimed.

"Would the Heavenly Fire Family dare to be so bold?"

"Under normal circumstances, having a skirmish with us is nothing," Bright Moon Fairy nodded, agreeing.

"But now, the Blazing Flame Grand Envoy is here, during a critical assessment period.

It would be self-destructive."

"Thus, there are two paths laid before the Heavenly Fire Family.

Either they fulfill their duty and help us reach the Blazing Flame Realm safely,

or they tear away all pretense.

Not just with us, but even with the Blazing Flame Grand Envoy," Xu Zimei smiled.

"As for whether they dare, it depends on how deeply the Holy Court collaborates with them."

"I almost forgot about the Holy Court," Sage Zixia frowned.

"If they indeed wish to become the Holy Court's lackey.

With protection from the Holy Court, even if the Fire Domain becomes aware, they are untouchable."

In the Nine Domains, many forces upon encountering the Holy Court, would retreat willingly.

Even some legendary beings wouldn't dare provoke the Holy Court actively.

Though the Fire Domain is strong, they won't tear facades with the Holy Court without orders from that entity in the Sun Palace.

For the situation there is equally complex.

"Looks like indeed battle preparations are necessary," Sage Zixia sighed.

For he knew, the Holy Court would not let the Demon Lord go unchallenged.

If it were him alone, a small fry, the Holy Court wouldn't concern themselves.

But the Demon Lord is, after all, the Holy Court's arch-enemy.

How long has it been known, since the Holy Court's foundation in the Primordial Era.

No matter how times change, no matter how many giants fall into decline, or how many strong figures emerge, navigating through turns and twists.

Yet, like the pine on a cliff, the Holy Court eternally stands at the pinnacle of the world.

......

Xu Zimei remained silent for a while, then looked at Sage Zixia.

He said, "I'd like you to do something for me."

"Please instruct, Taoist Friend Xu," Sage Zixia nodded.

Xu Zimei then whispered a few words.

That night, under a beautifully starry sky.

Xu Zimei sat cross-legged on the bed.

He was comprehending his recent gains.

A mix of memories from the Demon Lord.

And some legends of ancient gods, these were vast pools of information, every bit consumed brought him immense benefit.

The Dao of Ancient Gods serves as a great reference in perfecting his path.

Uncertain of how much time had passed, the night was deep.

In the inn's corridor.

Rushed footsteps echoed as Sage Zixia swung open Xu Zimei's room door, appearing there.

Beside him stood another figure.

"Taoist Friend Xu, you were right.

The Heavenly Fire Family indeed acted tonight," Sage Zixia said.

The room's lamp oil was lit.

Under the flickering firelight, Xu Zimei saw clearly the figure accompanying Sage Zixia.

The Blazing Flame Grand Envoy was that woman.

But now, she no longer had her daytime gallant demeanor; instead, her face was pale.

She seemed to have gone through an intense battle.

Her eyes were full of fatigue.

Her body carried a heavy scent of blood.

"From the afternoon, I kept watch around the Heavenly Fire Family.

Indeed, around dusk, a battle erupted within the family."

Sage Zixia said, "The woman was surrounded, and I rescued her."

"No need for your rescue, I could have fought my way out," the woman said coldly.

Although exhausted, her face still bore pride.

"A fallen phoenix is inferior to a chicken.

Better understand your situation first," Xu Zimei chuckled.

"Who are you?" The woman glanced at Xu Zimei.

For she could tell that Xu Zimei was the principal among these people.

"Our identities are irrelevant; we just wish to reach the Blazing Flame Realm," Xu Zimei said.

"I saved you mainly to inquire about the Fire Domain's situation."

"I need no rescue from you, I will truthfully report the situation back to the Sun Palace.

By then, the Hall Master will naturally send someone to deal with the Heavenly Fire Family," the woman said.

"With the Blazing Flame Realm's passage now controlled by the Heavenly Fire Family, how will you transmit your message?" Xu Zimei laughed.

On hearing this, the woman's gaze tensed.

That was indeed her concern.

"I proposed a collaboration.

If you're unwilling, Taoist Friend Zixia, please see her out," Xu Zimei gestured dismissively.

He was unwilling to waste time in conversation.

"What kind of collaboration do you propose?" the woman asked after a moment's silence.

"I'd like to know how you communicate with the Sun Palace?" Xu Zimei queried.

"We can help you contact the Sun Palace.

And in return, your responsibility is to take us to the Blazing Flame Realm."

"Once we find the passage the Heavenly Fire Family uses to the Blazing Flame Realm, I can send my message through," she replied, "However, the Heavenly Fire Family is tightly guarded now.

Aside from breaking through, there's no other method.

Are you strong enough?"

"You needn't trouble yourself over our strength," Xu Zimei chuckled.

"The issue involves the Holy Court.

Do you think the Sun Palace would stand against the Holy Court?"