I Truly Am The Villian

"Sect Master Xu, I have come to inquire about some matters regarding Qingyang Village," Elder Xian Yun said.

"I am not in the mood to answer your questions right now. Come back tomorrow," Xu Qingshan waved his hand and replied indifferently.

Immediately following, pale cyan spiritual energy coalesced, and Xu Qingshan’s figure vanished in an instant.

Elder Xian Yun stared at the spot where Xu Qingshan had stood, her gaze intense. She felt that this man had become increasingly unfathomable.

"Elder Xian Yun, what should we do now?" Elder Fanyun asked from the side.

"Let’s go back. We will return tomorrow. There must be a solution to this matter," Elder Xian Yun said, "Although the True Martial Holy Sect is powerful, they also have to abide by the rules.

They would not start a war with us over a small village."

As the two elders from the Immortal Spirit Sect left dejectedly, Xu Qingshan also returned to the Council Hall of the True Martial Holy Sect at this moment.

In the hall, besides Xu Qingshan, the other six core elders had also arrived.

"Sect Master, what exactly has happened to the Immortal Spirit Sect?" The Great Elder asked.

"I would like to know what has happened as well," Xu Qingshan replied indifferently.

"Sect Master, I have already sent disciples from the Intelligence Hall to gather information. I estimate it won’t take long for results to come in," the Third Elder said.

"Let’s discuss this matter when we have the results," Xu Qingshan nodded and continued, "I’ve heard that there have been rumors in Purple Sun City about the emergence of the Painting Palace recently."

"Indeed, many martial artists have rushed to Purple Sun City," the Third Elder replied, "When Hua Wuqing and his Painting Palace vanished together years ago, it shocked the entire Extreme West Region and became an unresolved mystery at the time.

But it’s said that someone recently obtained a painting, and accidentally unraveled the secret within.

It turns out Hua Wuqing had hidden the Painting Palace within his own paintings; no wonder we have not been able to find it for so many years."

"I’m not particularly interested in his Divine Brush, however, I heard that he once obtained the World Pearl," Xu Qingshan spoke slowly, "Perhaps the World Pearl is in his legacy. We can’t miss this opportunity; we must obtain it at all costs."

"Then who shall we send to the Painting Palace this time?" the Third Elder asked.

"Let the Great Elder lead a team and select a few from among the core disciples," Xu Qingshan replied.

......…

By noon, the disciples of the Intelligence Hall had already gathered a general understanding of the event.

"Are you suggesting that due to Baili Xiao, the Immortal Spirit Sect is hesitant about whether they should make a move on Qingyang Village?" Xu Qingshan asked thoughtfully.

"Correct, actually, the Immortal Spirit Sect isn’t sure whether it is indeed that village," the disciple replied respectfully.

After musing for a while, Xu Qingshan, looking at the elders below, asked, "What do you all think?"

"This matter has nothing to do with our Holy Sect. There’s no need to make an enemy of the Immortal Spirit Sect over a single village," the Great Elder replied calmly.

"I think we should reconsider. We better ask Xiao’er first. After all, she is the heir of the Empress," Elder Xiao Ruoxuan said, standing up, "Since it’s her village, she should have the right to speak."

"Fine, summon Baili Xiao here," Xu Qingshan nodded and said.

It wasn’t long before Baili Xiao was called over; she greeted everyone present.

Xiao Ruoxuan then briefed her on the situation concerning Qingyang Village.

Baili Xiao’s complexion instantly turned ashen. She shook her head in disbelief, saying, "That’s impossible. Chu Yang and I grew up together; he couldn’t possibly have hired someone to kill the Saintess of the Immortal Spirit Sect."

"They didn’t have any grudges, and when I left Qingyang Village, he had just reached the Mortal Vein Realm. Where would he get that kind of power?"

"We didn’t call you here to defend him," said the Great Elder, "Since Qingyang Village is your hometown, we feel you have the right to know. That’s all we wanted to tell you."

"Sect Master, I beg you, please save Qingyang Village. Those villagers are innocent," Baili Xiao pleaded in a panic, kneeling before Xu Qingshan.

"Is a mere village so important to you?" Xiao Ruoxuan asked with some helplessness.

"I grew up there from a young age. All the villagers are like family to me. I cannot stand by indifferently and watch them die," Baili Xiao shook her head.

She fell silent for a long moment and took a deep breath. It seemed as though she had made a certain decision, and she looked at Xu Qingshan with determination, saying, "Sect Master, if the Sect truly has reservations and is unwilling to help me, I can understand.

I am willing to surrender the inheritance of Empress Hongtian and die with Qingyang Village alone."

"What are you talking about, child?" Xiao Ruoxuan frowned, urgently saying, "Could it be that your auntie would just stand by and watch you go to your death?"

"Sect Master, it’s just a small village, merely a scapegoat," Xiao Ruoxuan said, looking at Xu Qingshan, "To save Qingyang Village, I will go and negotiate with the Immortal Spirit Sect. Whatever the price, I’ll handle it."

"What do the rest of you think?" Xu Qingshan looked at the other Elders and asked.

The room fell into silence for a moment before the Great Elder replied calmly, "Since the Sixth Elder can handle it, then this matter can be entrusted to the Sixth Elder."

"Very well," Xu Qingshan looked at Xiao Ruoxuan and said, "You go and tell the Immortal Spirit Sect that our True Martial Holy Sect is willing to help them look for Chu Yang.

Issue a warrant throughout the Extreme West Region; anyone who can provide accurate information about Chu Yang will receive a Chen Tier weapon.

The one who captures Chu Yang will receive a Star Tier weapon.

This is our offered reward. As for whether the Immortal Spirit Sect wants to add more, they can assume that responsibility themselves.

Additionally, ask Baili Xiao to draw a picture of Chu Yang’s face, which will be used when issuing the warrant."

Hearing Xu Qingshan’s words, Xiao Ruoxuan nodded.

Baili Xiao hastily said from the side, "Sect Master, Chu Yang couldn’t possibly be the culprit."

"Enough," the Great Elder interrupted Baili Xiao, saying, "Someone must take responsibility for the Saintess of the Immortal Spirit Sect’s death. If you don’t appreciate what’s being done for you, then leave behind the inheritance of the Empress and go back to Qingyang Village by yourself, and see who you can save."

Hearing the Great Elder’s words, Baili Xiao fell silent for a moment, knowing she had no right to choose.

The True Martial Holy Sect was willing to help Qingyang Village largely because of the inheritance of the Empress.

Later, she returned to Miaoliu Peak and, under Xiao Ruoxuan’s persuasion, it was as if her heart bled, like someone was carving meat from her chest with a knife.

She painted the wanted portrait of the man she loved the most with her own hands.

Looking at the familiar face of the young man in the portrait, Baili Xiao felt her mind go blank.

"I’m sorry, Big Brother Chu Yang, truly sorry," she cried, hugging her head alone.

She couldn’t just draw any portrait, because so many people in Qingyang Village could identify it and confirm the authenticity of the likeness.

No one would understand the feeling of personally pushing the one you love most toward hell.