I Truly Am The Villian

He walked out of the courtyard and saw that the usually quiet Sect Gate had become bustling with activity.

Many youths of the same age were gathered together, heading northward, and coincidentally passed by the courtyard where Xu Zimei resided.

"What’s happening outside?" Zimo asked as he watched the Long Yidao brothers.

"Everyone is preparing for the Nine Skies Grand Assembly," Long Yidao explained.

"There are so many disciples among the Nine Veins, but not everyone qualifies to attend the assembly.

So, before the Nine Skies Grand Assembly begins, each of the Nine Veins will hold a small-scale contest.

It’s to decide who will participate in the Nine Skies Grand Assembly."

"I see," Xu Zimei nodded and asked, "Why didn’t I know about this in advance?"

Long Yidao hesitated for a moment, without answering.

"Speak your mind," Xu Zimei said with a frown.

"Because the young master can’t cultivate, everybody assumed you wouldn’t participate in this contest.

So, no one specifically informed you," Long Erdao said from the side.

"Interesting," Xu Zimei smiled and said, "Let’s go take a look."

...…

The selection contest for the Nine Skies Grand Assembly took place in Wind-Thunder Valley.

Wind-Thunder Valley is a famously renowned valley of Great Skies Peak.

It is said that the Nine Skies Sage once meditated here, and when advancing to Divine King, the nine heavenly tribulations of thunder struck down.

It completely sunk the valley and nearly shattered it.

Ever since, the valley has been permeated with wind and thunder, and even after tens of thousands of years, it had not faded away.

By the time Xu Zimei and his two companions arrived at Wind-Thunder Valley, countless disciples had already gathered there.

Most of them were outstanding True Disciples and Inner Sect Disciples.

The Grand Assembly selections were to be made from among these disciples.

As for the Outer Sect Disciples, their cultivation was too low, and they did not qualify to participate in this grand contest.

For those attending the Nine Skies Grand Assembly, at the very least, they had to be Vein Practitioners of Heaven Phenomenon level.

Most disciples came here more to watch the excitement.

To the east, south, west, and north of Wind-Thunder Valley, there were four entrances, and Xu Zimei followed the crowd and entered.

The entrance to Wind-Thunder Valley was very spacious, with a pathway paved with blue stones underfoot, and on both sides were the valley walls.

The walls were steep with jagged rocks; uneven and with patterns of dark blue. At night, one could even see flashes of electric arcs shimmering within.

Walking into the blue stone pathway at the entrance, you would just continue forward, and after leaving the pathway, the space in front would become vast.

In front of the open space, a particularly large martial arts arena came into view.

The martial arts field almost occupied the majority of the open space, with the ground cast from a fusion of Azure Obsidian and Condensing Mountain Crystal.

This type of floor was extremely hard; even a full-force strike from a Melting Heaven Realm powerhouse might not necessarily break it.

The ground was divided into four areas, which were four martial arts stages.

By the time Xu Zimei arrived, he found that his father, Lin Beisheng, was seated with three Elders at the venue.

They were sitting on the high platform in front, and further down were the participating True Disciples.

...…

When most people had arrived, Lin Beisheng stood up, and slowly made his way to the front of the martial arts stage.

Looking down at everyone, his voice, imbued with Spiritual Energy, echoed throughout Wind-Thunder Valley.

He announced loudly, "The Nine Skies Grand Assembly that happens once every ten years is about to be held, and I believe you all know that today we are here to select those who will participate in the Nine Skies Grand Assembly.

The basic rules are the same as previous years, but I still want to repeat them once again.

All Core Disciples and a portion of Inner Sect Disciples with the strength of Heaven Phenomenon may participate.

Ultimately, we will only select four individuals who are qualified to represent our Great Skies Peak at the grand event against the other eight Veins.

Now, there are four martial arts platforms here, and each person has one opportunity to challenge. If you win, you continue; if you lose, you leave the stage.

One cannot continuously challenge the same opponent; a rotation system will be adopted.

In the end, the four disciples who can stand on these platforms until the last will be the competitors for the Nine Skies grand event."

As Lin Beisheng spoke, he paused slightly before continuing, "Next, listen carefully to what I’m about to say as it concerns all of you.

When only the last four disciples remain on the platforms, everyone present, including both Inner and Outer Sect Disciples, will have the opportunity to challenge them.

If you believe you are stronger than they are, you may take to the stage, but on the condition that life or death will not be considered.

The last four standing on the platforms will each have three opportunities to be challenged.

Once a challenge is successful, you may take their place.

If they face three consecutive failed challenges, then they will no longer need to accept further challenges and will directly participate in the Nine Skies grand event."

Upon hearing Lin Beisheng’s words, the disciples below shouted in unison, "Disciple understands."

Lin Beisheng nodded with satisfaction and declared, "Then, I announce the start of the Great Skies Peak disciple selection for the Nine Skies grand event."

......

As his words ended, there were already murmurs and discussions amongst the crowd all around.

"Anyone willing to give it a try?" a young man wielding a long spear asked as he looked at the many hesitant and probing disciples.

With a light chuckle, he said, "Since no one else is, then let me be the first."

His aura surged all around him as he stepped into the air and entered the first platform.

"It’s Chang Ruofeng," someone among the Inner and Outer Sect Disciples recognized him instantly.

"He is the grandson of one of our Great Skies Peak Elders, and it’s said he has received the true teachings. He’s not to be underestimated."

"I wonder who dares to challenge him. Those four spots will likely be fiercely contested."

The disciples whispered amongst themselves, only to hear another loud challenge.

"Then let me guard this second platform."

Lin Feng, dressed in white robes, slowly walked onto the second platform.

"It’s the Imperial Heir. It seems there’s no suspense for the second platform now."

"It’s not necessarily so. These True Disciples always keep a low profile; you never know if there might be a dark horse."

"Chang Ruofeng, I challenge you."

"Imperial Heir, no offense, but I will meet you in battle."

Two shouts rang out in quick succession, as two figures flew onto the two platforms.

"I, Hou Zhen, will hold the third platform."

"Let me, Xue Qingming, try for the fourth platform."

...…

In just a blink of an eye, several figures had already filled up the platforms.

Fighting was about to erupt, and as the referee Elder signaled the start, the combatants had already begun their battles on their respective platforms.

The battles between True Disciples wouldn’t end so quickly; they were mostly probing at first, then losing by a single move.

As the crowd of disciples below cheered, the battles on the platforms reached a fever pitch.

Some were joyful, others worried.

Combatants changed and changed again on the other platforms, but only on the second platform did Lin Feng stand calmly.

Hardly anyone dared challenge him; those who did were promptly blasted off the platform with a move or two.

At that moment, a surprised exclamation came from the crowd.