This Is What a Villain Is Like

Jiang Ruxian was, without a doubt, a terrifying prodigy, the likes of which the world had never seen.

Her talent and temperament alike had reached a shocking, unprecedented level—enough to make one's skin crawl.

Over a decade ago, his wife, Li Qingshu, had made the ruthless decision to strike Jiang Ruxian down and carve out her Seven-Aperture Exquisite Immortal Heart.

A significant reason for this was her jealousy of Jiang Ruxian's talent; she had wanted to transplant the heart into her own son, Jiang Lan.

Jiang Lintian had always lamented afterward that his moment of compassion—his failure to eliminate the threat completely—was what allowed Jiang Ruxian to survive.

And because of that, Jiang Ruxian later seized an opportunity when they were away to sneak into the Prime Minister's Mansion and run a sword through Jiang Lan's heart.

Although Jiang Lan was saved, his personality changed drastically, and he chose to give in to decadence.

His wife, Li Qingshu, spent her days awash in tears, consumed by self-blame and endless regret...

It was only after that incident that Jiang Lintian sought out numerous master craftsmen and Array Masters to inscribe powerful Array Patterns and Restrictions throughout the Prime Minister's Mansion, ensuring nothing similar could ever happen again.

"So many years have passed. I fear her cultivation has reached an unimaginable level." A rare solemnity settled over Jiang Lintian's features.

'At this point, words are useless. We can only face the bitter consequences of our past actions.'

'But both Jiang Ruxian and Jiang Lan... they are innocent...'

'This sin was one he and his wife created together.'

Jiang Lan remained silent.

"She intends to return for revenge against the Prime Minister's Mansion. But Lan'Er, between you and her, there is no real grudge."

Jiang Lintian didn't ask how Jiang Lan knew of Jiang Ruxian's return. He was only worried that with his son's current strength, he would be no match for the Jiang Ruxian of today.

"The Prime Minister's Mansion raised me, and it was because of me that you, my parents, became her enemies. From the very beginning, she and I were destined to be nothing but foes."

"How could I possibly stand aside?" Jiang Lan shook his head, his gaze calm.

Jiang Lintian sighed internally. 'If we hadn't acted on that wicked impulse back then, Jiang Ruxian would be our daughter-in-law by now.'

'She and Jiang Lan should have been a deeply devoted couple, just like my wife and I.'

"We have wronged you..."

Jiang Lintian looked at Jiang Lan but saw no flicker of emotion in his eyes. After so many years, it seemed his son had truly come to terms with it and moved on.

Jiang Lan shook his head. "Father, you don't need to blame yourself or feel guilty. I will repay the debt owed to her."

"So many years have passed. Whether it's a misunderstanding or a deep-seated grudge, it's time to bring it to an end, one way or another."

Jiang Lintian sighed softly. When it came to this affair, he was not nearly as clear-headed and composed as his son.

"Take my Identity Token. You may mobilize all the Tributors and retainers of the Prime Minister's Mansion as you see fit, Lan'Er."

He took out the Identity Token and handed it to Jiang Lan. "However, at this critical juncture, such a mobilization from the Prime Minister's Mansion will likely arouse Emperor Xia's suspicion."

"You needn't worry about Emperor Xia, Father. She is a smart person; she will understand."

Jiang Lan accepted the Identity Token and briefly informed his father, Jiang Lintian, of the plans and arrangements he had recently made.

Of course, he made no mention of the Blood Immortal Sect, nor did he reveal that it was Emperor Xia who had warned him.

After listening, Jiang Lintian smiled. "Since you've already made arrangements, Lan'Er, I can rest easy."

After leaving the study, Jiang Lan put away the Identity Token. The number of Tributors and retainers currently at the Prime Minister's Mansion was not large.

However, if mobilized, they could still muster three Seventh Realm Dharma Realm experts in a short amount of time.

Of course, this force was far from enough to pose a threat to Jiang Ruxian.

But Jiang Lan's actions were merely meant to make a statement to her.

Then, using Jiang Lintian's Identity Token, Jiang Lan sent out a series of commands.

On the far side of the Prime Minister's Mansion lay a vast, sprawling complex of magnificent buildings—a mountain range of palaces where the retainers and Tributors resided and cultivated.

Though it was night, many were stirred from their rest, emerging from meditation chambers or opening their eyes within their cavern abodes.

One person sat cross-legged amidst the mountains, absorbing the Moonlight. His body shimmered with a splendid silver light, like falling starlight that had condensed into a misty veil. Upon receiving the command, he shot to his feet, a terrifying aura flaring from his body.

Across jade-green lakes and deep pools, ripples spread, followed by a rising, iridescent mist that glowed like the dawn.

A terrifying Qi and Blood Power billowed forth. Had it not been for the concealing Arrays, it would have shot into the sky like a signal fire. Even so, its tyrannical presence leaked out, permeating the area.

Then, a terrifying, pitch-black figure resembling a ferocious crocodile slowly emerged. Its scales were like cold armor, glinting with a frigid light.

Light surged around its body, and as it landed, it transformed into a middle-aged man clad in Nether Iron Battle Armor. He exuded a cold, sinister Evil Qi. His face was ghastly pale and his eyes were frigid, radiating a bloodthirsty aura.

From other cavern abodes in the mountains, several more figures emerged, each wreathed in a radiant glow.

Among them was a lean, bearded Daoist in a white robe, exuding an air of transcendent grace, as well as a powerful expert of the Alien Race who radiated a savage aura...

The weakest among them was already at the Sixth Realm.

Many of the Prime Minister's Mansion's current Tributors and retainers were Celestial Prides from his generation who had once followed him. It was not uncommon for some among them, those with extraordinary talent and bloodlines, to have already stepped into the Seventh Realm.

As these figures appeared, powerful individuals in many of the mansions and palaces throughout the Imperial Capital sensed the tyrannical auras, and expressions of shock and uncertainty appeared on their faces.