I Really Am A Villain
Ch. 217 - One Palm

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As the voice erupted from the sky, the massive Sageship thundered in the air, followed by several figures descending slowly from the heavens.

Each of these figures exuded immense power, their overwhelming auras radiating outward.

Leading them was the First Grand Elder of the True Martial Sacred Ground, and all those behind him were Imperial Meridian Realm experts.

As the group landed, the crowd below burst into commotion.

“Why would the True Martial Sacred Ground come personally to the Baili Imperial Clan?” someone asked in confusion.

“I heard Baili Xiao used to be a disciple of the True Martial Sacred Ground.”

But regardless of the crowd’s speculations, the Grand Elder swept his gaze over the rebellious disciples of the Baili Imperial Clan and said flatly:

“You want to know why Baili Xiao was chosen as Saintess? Then let me tell you. Baili Xiao is not only a daughter of the Baili Imperial Clan, she is also a disciple of our True Martial Sacred Ground. As long as she becomes the Saintess of the Baili Imperial Clan, we will also cultivate her with full support.”

At this, many people began to understand.

Baili Xiao was the link between two imperial lineages.

Just think: someone backed by not one, but two imperial powers, how terrifying would that be?

No one else in the Baili Imperial Clan could compete with her on that level.

More importantly, since the True Martial Sacred Ground was the number one sect in the Eastern Continent, the Baili Imperial Clan had every reason to want to build closer ties.

The young disciples present fell into silence. They had lost from the start, not just in backing, but also in natural talent, since Baili Xiao was already known to be exceptionally gifted.

Then, a calm voice from the crowd broke the silence:

“It seems the Grand Elder alone doesn’t represent the entire True Martial Sacred Ground.”

All eyes turned as Xu Zimo stepped forward from the crowd.

Dressed in white robes, his aura was sharp and commanding. His deep eyes locked onto Baili Xiao, and a mocking smile appeared at the corner of his lips.

“Who are you?” several Baili Imperial Clan elders barked.

“I am Xu Zimo, and in the name of the current Holy Son of the True Martial Sacred Ground, I swear-”

He swept his gaze over the crowd before finally resting it on Baili Xiao.

“If Baili Xiao dares to return to the sect, I will use every resource and connection at my disposal to suppress her. I will make sure she cannot take a single step forward inside the sect.”

His voice was calm, but the iron conviction in it made everyone feel its weight.

“Oh, and perhaps many of you don’t know this,” Xu Zimo continued with a smile, “But not long ago, had the Baili Patriarch not arrived in time, I would’ve killed her. You survived that time, but you won’t be so lucky next time.”

At these words, the Grand Elder of the True Martial Sacred Ground frowned and said coldly:

“Xu Zimo, why are you here?”

“Do I need to report my whereabouts to you?” Xu Zimo chuckled.

“This matter doesn’t concern you. Don’t cause trouble,” the Grand Elder warned.

“I understand,” Xu Zimo replied, smiling faintly. “I’m simply here to tell the young disciples of the Baili Imperial Clan: my presence in the True Martial Sacred Ground means she won’t gain anything from that connection. She doesn’t deserve the Saintess title without proper merit.”

“Young Master Xu,” Baili Chengfeng said, taking a deep breath, “This is a family matter. I hope you won’t interfere.”

“I won’t. Carry on,” Xu Zimo replied casually. Before leaving, he gave Baili Zhenyun a meaningful glance and walked away, the crowd parting for him automatically.

“So that’s Xu Zimo,” Lin Yuqing remarked with a faint smile.

“Still just as obnoxious as ever,” Baili Xiao said quietly. “Even after everything, he still refuses to let me go.”

“It’s better this way,” Lin Yuqing smiled. “Now I’ll have no guilt when I crush him.”

“Patriarch, since the Holy Son of the True Martial Sacred Ground has spoken, shouldn't we get an explanation as well?” Baili Zhenyun asked flatly.

His heart pounded rapidly, palms drenched in sweat, it was clear he was extremely nervous.

The crowd was captivated. After all, onlookers never mind a bit of chaos.

Before Baili Chengfeng could respond, Baili Xiao stepped forward.

With composure in her voice, she said, “What kind of explanation do you want?”

“A fair opportunity to compete for the title of Holy Son,” Baili Zhenyun said calmly.

“Fine, I’ll give you one,” Baili Xiao replied with a smile as Desolate Meridian Realm energy surged around her.

“I’m right here. Anyone who’s dissatisfied can come at me. Today, in front of everyone, if anyone can defeat me, I’ll give up the title.”

“Xiao’er, you-” Baili Chengfeng was startled. “You haven’t fully recovered after being forcefully stripped of your Soaring Immortal Physique. This battle won’t be in your favor.”

“Xu Zimo... Baili Zhenyuan... nothing more than a pack of rabid dogs, not enough to reach the apex,” Baili Xiao replied flatly. “If I still need to second-guess when facing nobodies like them, how could I ever qualify to carry the Heaven’s Will and contend with true prodigies?”

As she walked forward, the silk ribbons around her fluttered in the breeze. Her aura grew stronger with each step.

Baili Chengfeng’s eyes sparkled with admiration.

“A true powerhouse always has an invincible Dao Heart. The forces behind them are just embellishments,” Baili Xiao said coldly.

“This title was mine from the start,” Baili Zhenyun snorted, spiritforce surging around him. “If you hadn’t shown up and interfered, this honor would be mine now!”

A faint blue sword light flashed through the air.

He raised his sword and charged directly at Baili Xiao.

The sword light rippled rapidly in the air, splitting into several sharp arcs.

“Pathetic! With this level of strength, you dare to compete against me?!” Baili Xiao shook her head.

She took one step forward, her delicate hand seemed to cut through space itself and struck at the weakest point of the sword attack.

BOOM!

The sword energy shattered completely. Her hand did not stop, it slammed directly into Baili Zhenyun’s chest.

A thunderous explosion echoed as a shockwave burst in the air.

Baili Zhenyun’s body was flung off the platform and crashed violently to the ground.

When everyone turned to look, he was already barely clinging to life.

A gaping, bloody hole had been blasted through his chest, blood and flesh splattered everywhere, a gruesome sight.

“One move,” Baili Xiao said coldly, sweeping her gaze across the young disciples. “If you weren’t a member of the Baili Imperial Clan, that palm strike would have ended your life.”

The young disciples stood frozen, trembling with fear.

They all swallowed hard.

They knew full well that Baili Zhenyun was among the top five strongest among the younger generation of the Baili Imperial Clan.

Though not the absolute strongest, he was still close.

And yet, with just one strike, he hadn’t even been able to withstand a single blow from Baili Xiao.