This Is What a Villain Is Like

A cold glint flashed through Li Mengning’s serene eyes. With her dress fluttering, she unsheathed her Ancient Sword. Sword light blotted out the sky, surging forth like a thousand threads of mist and rain, and in an instant, it converged into a terrifying ocean of swords.

The surrounding rocks and hills were instantly shredded to pieces by the terrifying Sword Qi.

The onlookers hastily flew away to escape, expressions of pure shock on their faces. They had nearly been caught in the crossfire.

Li Mengning hovered in the air with her sword, ethereal and brilliant. Her eyes showed no hint of emotion. She took a step and vanished, her sword slashing down directly toward Xiao Teng’s position.

SPLURT...

Xiao Teng let out an angry roar and collided with the endless sword shadows.

In that instant, the impact was like thunderous waves crashing against the shore. Shattered rocks and giant trees were blasted high into the air, where they exploded under the force of the golden Gang Qi.

An intense pain shot through Xiao Teng’s fist. Although the sword shadows were indistinct, they contained an indescribably sharp Sword Intent capable of easily severing any tangible object.

Although his physical body was powerful, he was still injured in the collision. His fist was dripping with blood, and even ghastly white bone fragments were visible.

’This Taiyi Sect Saintess... her strength is far greater than I imagined.’

The next moment, Xiao Teng let out a low shout and unleashed an ancient Celestial Skill. At the same time, a divine light flickered in his eyes as terrifying scenes began to play out within them.

Not even his father, Prince Zhenbei Xiao He, knew the secret of his Pupil of Truth.

’Li Mengning is very strong. Her cultivation is higher than mine, and the Cultivation Techniques and Divine Techniques she practices are even more formidable.’

’Ordinary methods will never be enough to defeat her. But with my Pupil of Truth, I can clearly identify her weaknesses...’

At the same time, the sound of a great river rushing seemed to echo from within his body, as if something inside him were reawakening.

Above his head, an endless Star Realm seemed to materialize, dotted with countless, brilliant stars. One ancient star after another, seemingly drawn by his power, began to shed a hazy starlight that showered down upon him.

His entire being seemed to transform into starlight. His skin blazed like a star, and dazzling light erupted from his every pore, completely enveloping him.

It was a terrifying sight. Under the bright light of day, a Star Realm materialized, each star within it so solid it seemed to be inlaid into the sky.

The many members of the younger generation nearby all felt an oppressive aura. Their complexions changed, and they were unable to hide their trepidation.

Back in the outside world, the Central Square was abuzz with noisy chatter.

Countless gazes were fixed on the Round Mirror, watching the scenes unfolding within.

"I heard that the third son of Prince Zhenbei’s Mansion once stumbled into an ancient ruin and obtained a Star Tempering Technique. It’s said to allow him to borrow the power of the Stars of the Celestial Sphere to temper his physical body, which is why his physical strength is so incomparably immense. Who knows if it’s true or not."

"And I’ve also heard that he seems to possess a very special constitution. However, no one has ever seen it. I wonder if he’ll reveal it during this confrontation..."

The Elders from the various Immortal Sect Lineages all looked on with great interest.

One could say that Xiao Teng was one of the few supreme Celestial Prides in the Great Xia Imperial Capital today, with not many in the younger generation capable of rivaling him.

For some reason, those few young prodigies from the Royal Family were unable to participate in this contest for Qianyuan Prefecture.

As for those deeply scheming Commandery Princes and Vassal Princes, they wouldn’t be so foolish as to reveal the hidden trump cards of their younger generation.

Before Jiang Lan had entered the fray, Xiao Teng had been the top contender in many people’s minds.

With countless masters under his command, most people weren’t actually optimistic about Xiao Teng’s chances. After all, Jiang Lan’s title as the number one dignitary in Great Xia wasn’t earned for nothing.

As for the fact that Jiang Lan’s own cultivation wasn’t high, was that even important?

Of course, most people were really just enjoying the spectacle. Compared to Xiao Teng, they were more curious to see what kind of situation would unfold now that the young woman in white had made her move.

It wasn’t just the young nobles within Qianyuan Prefecture who harbored deep resentment toward Jiang Lan. The various members of the nobility and court ministers in the outside world were also eager to see Jiang Lan get put in his place.

Listening to the ministers’ conversation, Emperor Xia leaned languidly on a soft couch. In her slender, flawless, jade-like hands, she held a Cyan Jade wine cup, swirling its contents gently, looking rather at ease.

But her eyes were slightly narrowed, fixed on the snow-white figure in the Round Mirror, her thoughts unreadable.

Prince Zhenbei, Xiao He, sat upright on the high platform, dressed in a long cloak embroidered with a cyan roc. His face was grim, and veins bulged on his hands. A divine light seemed to flash in his eyes, but it failed to conceal his cold fury.

Upon learning that Jiang Lan was using Meng Mo and others as hostages to coerce Xiao Teng into a rescue attempt, he had personally rushed over from his mansion to oversee the situation.

’I’d like to see for myself just how arrogant and domineering this Jiang Lan can be. Does he really intend to stomp my face into the ground in front of everyone?’

At that moment, watching the battle between Xiao Teng and the Taiyi Sect Saintess, Li Mengning, a wave of shock rippled through the high platforms. Many of the Immortal Sect Elders couldn’t help but rise to their feet.

"What a terrifying phenomenon..."

"Is this the true strength of Prince Zhenbei’s third son?"

"Could that be the legendary Star Body? It seems the inheritance Xiao Teng received was no coincidence. A constitution like this can borrow the power of the Stars of the Celestial Sphere. What’s more, if he can manifest projections of the stars, he can suppress anything!"

"The Star Body, also known as the Son of Stars, is incredibly rare. With a mere wave of his hand, he can reflect the stars of All Heavens. His aura is vast and majestic, making him nearly impossible to match..."