I Truly Am The Villian

"Miss Ruoyun is right, no one is perfect, just as no flower can be said to be flawless," someone beside them exclaimed in admiration.

As Xu Zimei approached for a closer look, he realized that the crowd was gathered around a spot where pink peonies intertwined with white ones.

The woman who spoke before donned purple attire, with a layer of purple veil draped over her delicate waist no thicker than a clasp.

Her face was likewise obscured by a layer of purple Washing Silk Veil.

Although her features were indistinct, her eyes were soft and tender, suggesting she was a beauty in the making.

To the side, the two clashing youths were both young men.

One wore a black robe and a crown cap, while the other was in a white robe with his hair bound atop his head; most curiously, he sported two ox horns atop his head.

This was the symbol of the Bull Head Tribe.

"Young Master Niu and Left Young Master, you two shouldn’t fight," someone nearby attempted to mediate.

"Both flowers have their own merits."

The lady in the purple robe seemed somewhat lacking in interest and suggested, "Why don’t we go see the Zither Room, it’s about time we’ve appreciated these flowers enough."

"Then let’s follow Miss Xiao’s suggestion," another voice agreed.

Xu Zimei watched as someone approached him, a plump fellow.

His hair was combed to a bright shine, flaunting a fan with a certain flair.

He pulled the chubby man aside and asked, "Brother, could you tell me who all these people are?"

"Who are you?" the plump fellow glanced at Xu Zimei and retorted.

"I, Xu Zimei, remain honest and reliable, without changing my name or my nature," replied Xu Zimei.

"I’m White Dragon in the Waves, Bai Qiuhu," the chubby man also announced his own name.

Xu Zimei surveyed the man, finding his name quite refined, though it hardly matched his physique.

"Brother White Dragon, you’ve yet to answer my question," Xu Zimei prodded.

"That woman is the oiran of this elegant garden, Xiao Ruoyun. The fellow with the horns is the son of the Bull Head Tribe’s Clan Leader, named Niu Dali.

The one in the black robe is the Wood War God’s son," the chubby man listed the names as if reciting treasured knowledge.

"Wood War God," Xu Zimei frowned slightly.

"You must have heard of it, right? You don’t seem to be from our City of Destruction," White Dragon in the Waves explained.

"Under the command of the Lord of Destruction, there are eight War Gods, each named after metal, wood, water, fire, earth, thunder, wind, and dark.

The eight War Gods guard the entire land of Destruction.

Now, with the City of Destruction facing chaotic times, the Wood War God, who was originally guarding this place, even had the Thunder War God and the Fire War God called over recently."

After speaking, the chubby man sneakily glanced around and added, "What I’ve told you is all top-secret information; you must not share it with others.

I’m telling you because you seem agreeable."

"Thank you, Brother White Dragon," Xu Zimei nodded slightly, smiling, "It’s my first time to this refined garden; might you guide me around?"

"What’s there to see in this garden?" the chubby fellow said with disdain.

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"I’ll take you to the Zither Room; that’s where some of the most stunning beauties are."

"It seems you’re quite familiar with this place, Brother White Dragon," Xu Zimei smiled.

"Of course," the chubby fellow beamed, not hiding from Brother Xu, "I’ve been frequenting this place since my childhood."

At the age of seven, he could recite the names of all the girls here by heart.

"By the age of ten, even blindfolded, I could navigate this entire refined garden."

"Impressive, truly impressive," Xu Zimei quickly lauded with a laugh.

With Brother White Dragon leading the way, they left the Peony Garden and proceeded inward.

Plum blossoms dotted the air with fragrance, surpassing even the scent of purity.

The Bamboo Grove was quiet and pleasant, surrounded by green water and Qing Shan.

And the Zither Room was located right between the Plum Garden and the Bamboo Grove.

On one side spread the drifting scent of plum blossoms, while on the other rested the serene Bamboo Grove.

The Zither Room, despite its name, was only a setting, encircled by coralline fences.

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There was no roof, only the wide expanse of azure sky overhead.

The zither room was vast, nearly spacious enough to accommodate several plum gardens.

Inside were women of all sorts dressed in ancient costumes, some slender, and others fuller-figured; there was a variety.

As the women began to play their zithers, many people could be found sitting or standing around.

There were young men in brocade robes, rugged men, and even some elderly folks.

The ladies’ delicate hands danced over the strings, and the zithers resonated in response.

"Brother Xu, look at those legs. Would you tire of them even after ten years?"

"And those chests, what do they make you think of?"

"Now look at that woman, a pure jade of a girl."

As soon as they entered the zither room, the chubby boy’s gaze roamed over these women.

From time to time, he would make a "tch tch" sound with his mouth.

"Ladies and gentlemen, today our Peony Garden is hosting an event," a woman stepped forward.

She surrounded herself with everyone and said with a smile, "We’ll supplement our music with a martial contest to make new friends. Would you care to join?"

"Miss, if we were to participate, surely Peony Garden ought to put up a prize," a burly man in the crowd called out.

"Since you’ve mentioned it," the woman replied with a smile.

"The winner will gain the favor of Miss Jing and the company of her for one night."

"Miss, is that true?" the same man asked again.

A ripple of cheers spread through the crowd.

"It’s the absolute truth," the woman replied with a smile.

"Who is Miss Jing?" Xu Zimei asked White Dragon in the Waves, his curiosity piqued.

"I don’t know either," the chubby boy shook his head slightly.

"Didn’t you say you were familiar with this place?" Xu Zimei asked, puzzled.

"That’s true for everyone but Miss Jing," the chubby boy said, shaking his head honestly.

"Miss Jing’s background is mysterious. It’s said her status is extraordinary; she’s versed in astronomy and geography.

She knows of events spanning five thousand years; there is nothing she doesn’t know.

Ordinary people can hardly ever see her; I haven’t even seen what she looks like.

But she plays the zither exquisitely, and even someone like me who doesn’t understand the zither enjoys it."

The chubby boy said this then whispered to Xu Zimei, "I suspect she’s an unsightly creature, hence she never dares to show her true face to anyone."

"With such mystery, how could Peony Garden let her be a companion?" Xu Zimei inquired.

"It must be her own decision; Peony Garden can’t make choices on her behalf," the chubby boy responded.

...

"If I could gain the affections of Miss Jing, I’d consider even death a fair price," the burly man said loudly.

"I’m in for this martial competition."

"I’m participating too," the people around all signed up.

"Since we’ve nothing better to do, shall we give it a try as well?" the chubby boy looked at Xu Zimei and asked.

"Do you think you can handle it?" Xu Zimei asked with some skepticism.

The chubby boy lacked any powerful aura; either he was strong enough to conceal his presence, or he had cultivated some technique for hiding his energy.

Otherwise, he simply wasn’t that powerful, which was why it couldn’t be discerned.

"You think my nickname, ’White Dragon in the Waves,’ is just for show?" The chubby boy huffed.

"Just you watch."

"Brother Luo, how about we get things started?" a man in white robes called out with a laugh.

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