Chapter 2: There Can Only Be One Villain

With this realization, the gazes of several women in the room gradually began to shine as they looked at Li Jian San.

The young man spoke in a dazed tone, "Is it... really true?"

"I'll show you whether it's true or not with my strength!"

As soon as the words fell, Li Jian San once again unleashed the Thunderbolt Palm. Deafening thunder exploded at their ears, its power even stronger than before.

Li Jian San’s Thunderbolt Palm struck like a forceful torrent, effortlessly smashing into the young man's chest.

A dull thud rang out, and the youth swayed like a reed in the wind.

Finally, blood splattered into the air, and that straight, proud figure collapsed with a crash.

Li Jian San brushed his sleeve and turned, standing with his hands behind his back in a display of magnanimity.

"Drag him out. I’m in a good mood today, let him keep his corpse intact, and grant him a coffin."

At his words, the women’s expressions changed once more:

"It seems Li Jian San isn't as ruthless as the rumors say."

"Indeed, even when an enemy comes seeking vengeance, he not only leaves the body whole but gives him a coffin as well."

"Such benevolence..."

At that moment, the voice of the system sounded in Li Jian San’s ear:

"Congratulations, host, for killing a supporting character. The main storyline quest has been activated. Now, the main growth quest will be issued."

Li Jian San was somewhat bewildered. "What? That kid isn't the protagonist?"

The system replied, "Of course not. He’s just a supporting character."

What’s going on— even a minor supporting character comes with his own soundtrack?

"The main quest has begun.

Main quest: There can be countless protagonists, but only one villain! The host must become the strongest villain on this continent. Upon success, you’ll reach the peak of life, with endless opportunities to show off.

Side quest: Steal the woman of the current protagonist, Ye Tian— Chu Xi’er. Completing this task will grant you a super gift package and ten chances to trade with powerful figures. If you fail, you’ll bear the consequences!"

Li Jian San asked, "Trade with powerful figures? What kind of powerful figures? Trade what?"

"As long as they desire something, you can propose any condition— be it a hundred years of cultivation, top-tier magical treasures, or divine maidens..."

The system’s voice sounded again.

"Don’t try to trick me— what super powerful figures, what trades? If they take the benefits, they could wipe me out in a heartbeat. Why would they bother trading with me?"

Li Jian San cursed. "I’ve seen plenty of tricks in my day. Do you really think I’m a naïve rookie?"

"Ahem, master, your worries are entirely unnecessary. As long as someone accepts your trade, then in the system space, you are the strongest. If anyone breaks the rules, with a single thought, you can make them pay dearly."

Li Jian San asked, "System space? What is that?"

No sooner had he spoken than his vision blurred, and he was transported into a strange space.

He found himself within a palace, resplendent with gold and jade.

Within the palace stood nine intricately carved golden pillars, radiating an aura of authority.

Before Li Jian San was a grand throne shaped like a golden dragon.

Every part of the hall exuded the majesty of supreme power; compared to this, the palaces of his previous life were mere child's play.

Yes, he could work with this.

"Does the host accept the quest?"

Li Jian San seemed intrigued. "Let’s give it a try."

"As a villain, my job is to mess with the protagonist. If you’re the protagonist, I’ll mess with you— it's that simple."

After speaking, Li Jian San flashed a professional villain’s smile.

"Having chosen the path of the villain, I can only go forward without turning back. Let’s become the most formidable villain of all."

The system said, "Protagonist Ye Tian is now at the foot of Shengjing Gate Mountain. Master should proceed there immediately."

Upon hearing this, Li Jian San glanced at the beauties scattered about, unwilling to waste such resources.

"Since the protagonist is still at the mountain’s foot, I can take my time. Give me five min— no, just an hour."

The system replied, "Sorry, the gate elders are driving him away. If you delay, it might be too late."

Li Jian San took one last reluctant look at the beauties. "Help me undress— no, help me change."

...

Relying on the memories in his mind, Li Jian San made his way toward Shengjing Gate.

Shengjing Gate was located on the northern edge of Jiang Kingdom, protected by natural mountain barriers.

Though only a minor third-rate sect, its location kept it safe from rival forces, and over the years it had grown to a membership of several thousand.

Its sect master, Li Qingming, possessed terrifying cultivation at the Profound Transcendence stage, having slain several masters of similar rank. His power deterred neighboring factions, and under his leadership, Shengjing Gate gradually gained some fame.

Soon, Li Jian San arrived at the mountain’s base.

"Elder, please accept me!"

From a distance, Li Jian San saw an ordinary-looking youth standing resolutely outside the sect gate.

His clothing was plain, but his features were strikingly handsome, and his eyes burned with determination.

Without a doubt, this was the protagonist, Ye Tian!

Seeing Ye Tian, Li Jian San was instantly annoyed.

Damn it, not only is his name nicer than mine, his looks blow mine out of the water. If he gets in, all my beautiful senior sisters will be swept away by him.

At that moment, a delicate young girl emerged from the roadside. She looked at Ye Tian, her eyes full of concern.

"Young master, please come and rest. You’ve been standing here for three days."

The girl was exceedingly pretty, about fourteen or fifteen years old.

Though young, her figure was already shapely and elegant, and her beauty could intoxicate any man.

Upon seeing her, Li Jian San couldn’t remain calm. He swallowed and muttered,

"This lovely girl— could she be my target this time?"

The system answered, "Yes, she’s Ye Tian’s maid, Chu Xi’er, the one you must win over."

A maid, a little sister— isn’t that obviously the protagonist’s harem? Li Jian San was all too familiar with this trope.

"Xiao Xi, go home and wait for me. I must join Shengjing Gate. If they won’t accept me today, I’ll wait here until they do."

Ye Tian looked at the gate with unwavering determination, his thin frame standing tall beneath the scorching sun.

Seeing Ye Tian’s resolve, Chu Xi’er bit her lip and said, "If the young master won’t leave, I won’t either. I’ll stay with you."

"Alright." Ye Tian glanced at Chu Xi’er and gently patted her head.

Damn it, the protagonist hasn’t even risen yet and is already showering me with dog food.

Watching this scene, Li Jian San was deeply displeased.

Before, he might have tolerated this, but now, having crossed over, he wouldn’t stand for it.

"You brat, why are you still here? You have a useless spirit root and can’t cultivate. We won’t accept a waste like you. Get lost!"

Just then, Elder Liu Nan, who guarded the gate, shouted at Ye Tian with a dark expression.

The continent of Nine Provinces was filled with spiritual energy, but not everyone could cultivate.

To cultivate, one must awaken a spirit root. Without a spirit root, or with a useless one, you can’t connect with spiritual energy and thus cannot cultivate.

Spirit roots are determined at birth and cannot be changed later. Out of ten thousand people, perhaps only one might have a cultivatable spirit root.

Thus, martial cultivators were far more respected than ordinary folk.

Spirit roots also have grades, ranging from the first to the ninth.

"A useless spirit root?

How cliché.

He’s the protagonist, so his root can’t be merely useless.

It’s probably a variant that can devour others’ martial souls to evolve, eventually surpassing even heavenly-class souls.

Or maybe he has a hidden supreme martial soul yet to awaken.

When everyone thinks the protagonist is worthless, he suddenly rises, slapping faces and showing off.

Such basic stuff— I’m tired of these tropes."

The system commented,

"Master, you’re spot on. Ye Tian’s useless spirit root can indeed mutate, devouring others’ spirit roots to grow stronger. His talent will become increasingly monstrous."

Confirmed by the system, Li Jian San immediately formed a plan:

"If his spirit root is so formidable, I’d better act first."

With that in mind, Li Jian San slowly approached Ye Tian.

Seeing him, Elder Liu Nan hurriedly greeted him with a smile. "Young master, what brings you here?"

Despite his disdain for Li Jian San, a notorious good-for-nothing, he couldn’t help it. Li Jian San had once beaten an inner sect elder so badly he was bed-ridden for ten days—all because the elder hadn’t greeted him in passing.

Li Jian San ignored him and went straight to Ye Tian.

"I can let you enter Shengjing Gate, but..."