I Am the Fated Villain

Chapter 1820. Do You All Intend to Betray the Lord? The Dark Uprising

“The Coffin of World Burial belongs to us, the Heavenly Multitude.”

“The Eight Multitudes collapsed long ago and have already disintegrated. Only a few stragglers remain, fleeing in panic and hiding throughout the chaotic spacetime regions, not daring to show themselves.”

“Today you have gathered here. I truly wonder who gave you the courage.”

Before the Heaven-Slaying Hall, powerful figures likewise stood in formation.

Dense black light enveloped their true bodies, making them appear as though they had returned from an age of darkness. Their voices were vast and majestic, shaking the entire world, as if demanding the submission of all living beings and the worship of countless realms.

As their eyes opened and closed, an aura capable of destroying heaven and earth surged forth. The Nightmare Demon Domain itself seemed to resonate with them. Countless mountains and lands trembled violently, as though unable to withstand their presence and on the verge of shattering apart.

Their words alone caused the souls of innumerable dark creatures to tremble and nearly break apart.

“Enough pointless talk. Our Eight Multitudes are the true orthodox heirs of the Lord. You have occupied this place for so many years without making the slightest progress. Facing endless treasures, you do not even know how to use them. No wonder you only dare hide in the Nightmare Demon Domain and never dare emerge into the world.”

“A bunch of rats daring to call yourselves orthodox? Ridiculous.”

“Why waste words? Since ancient times, the strong have devoured the weak. Since you cannot protect the Coffin of World Burial today, you may as well hand it over and submit to us. Only then will you have a chance of survival.”

As their words collided, the Great Dao of Darkness manifested throughout heaven and earth. Countless Dao runes bloomed into existence before erupting with endless radiance, as if illuminating all ages.

No further words were exchanged. The moment the probing ended, a bloody battle erupted.

Upon this dark land that had remained silent for ages, war and slaughter once again descended.

Tide-like armies of dark creatures crashed together and slaughtered one another, resembling two colossal pythons stretching across the vast heavens, twisting and writhing as endless dark energies collided before exploding apart.

Such a scene was enough to terrify countless beings out of their wits.

One terrifying dark creature after another bathed in dark matter and gazed down upon everything with cold indifference. At times they extended giant hands or threw punches that pierced through spacetime itself. Rivers of time evaporated, worlds as tiny as dust were annihilated.

They seemed like sovereigns of heaven and earth, utterly unstoppable.

Before the Heaven-Slaying Hall, the Great High Priestess Wuyue stood with cold, indifferent eyes.

Mist concealed her entire body, preventing anyone from seeing her true appearance. She simply stood there without moving, never intervening. It was as if she merely guarded the Heaven-Slaying Hall, forbidding anyone from crossing even half a step beyond its threshold.

Behind her, dark matter surged.

Upon the magnificent altar that caused countless worlds to tremble, the Coffin of World Burial floated up and down, seemingly borne by the entire universe itself. Its weight was so terrifying that the surrounding spacetime appeared ready to collapse.

The many priests, high priests, and protectors of the Heavenly Multitude all stood guard there.

Among them was the distant ancestor of the Jing Clan, Jing Tianyuan. However, after arriving in the Nightmare Demon Domain, he no longer acted under the identity of Jing Tianyuan but instead as the Dark Artifact Spirit of the Gate of Eternal Life.

In distant regions, all kinds of dark creatures slaughtered one another. Though they shared the same origin, none showed any restraint or mercy.

The Heavenly Multitude and the Eight Multitudes had always been two separate lineages throughout history.

Neither had ever willingly submitted to the other.

Without the Lord Acting on Heaven suppressing them, the Eight Multitudes naturally would not obey the Heavenly Multitude’s commands. Moreover, the current Eight Multitudes were no longer the same as in the past.

Several divisions had already vanished without a trace. The invaders today were primarily the Yama Multitude, the Candle Nether Multitude, and the Heavenly Decline Multitude.

The Lesser Yin and Lesser Yang Multitudes had long ago submitted to the Heavenly Decline Multitude.

The Sword Clan had perished. The Luo Clan had vanished into hiding. The Formless Division was nowhere to be found.

In other words, of the original Eight Multitudes, only three remained.

As for the current Heavenly Multitude, it also contained remnants of several former divisions, along with beings corrupted by those divisions over countless ages, as well as hidden agents they had left behind. These were all problems accumulated by the Heavenly Multitude over endless years.

Only today had they finally erupted. Among them were protectors and priests who suddenly turned traitor, attacking their companions without warning.

The outside world believed the Dark Race was remaining inactive. Yet they had no idea that a massive civil war was raging within the Dark Race itself.

They simply had no time to interfere in external affairs.

“Even now, the Great High Priestess Wuyue still hasn’t acted. What exactly is she waiting for?”

Within the endless dark fog stood several terrifying demonic silhouettes.

One of them spoke.

He resembled a dark dragon, his body incomparably enormous. His true form was completely hidden within black mist, his scales cold and menacing. Even the horns upon his head carried an aura capable of destroying worlds.

He was one of the leaders of the Yama Multitude. His name was Yanlong. His strength was terrifying beyond measure. Even ordinary beings who had survived eight Heavenly Decline Tribulations were no match for him. He was already approaching the ninth tribulation.

“She’s waiting for us to make the first move.”

Another figure spoke.

His entire body was covered in armor. Though humanoid in shape, his eyes glowed with a ghostly green light. His name was Zhuochu. He was one of the leaders of the Candle Nether Multitude, possessing strength no weaker than Yanlong’s.

“Why don’t all of you attack with me and first capture the Great High Priestess Wuyue?”

“Without her holding the line, the other priests of the Heavenly Multitude are nothing more than chickens and dogs.”

“Afterward, we can divide the coffins of The World Burial according to our previous agreement, each taking what we need.” A smiling old Daoist spoke.

He was none other than Wuxuzi of the Heavenly Decline Multitude.

“Until now, we still haven’t seen Ancestor Xu appear. What exactly is he plotting?”

“He invited all of us to hunt the Heavenly Multitude together, so why has he still not shown himself?”

Yanlong demanded.

“Since the Ancestor has not appeared, there must be a reason.”

“All of you know that once the Coffin of World Burial is opened, one will suffer erosion from the aura of the Lord Acting on Heaven.”

“If one cannot withstand it, they will instantly explode into dust, body and soul destroyed.”

“To prepare for that moment, the Ancestor is personally stationed elsewhere, accumulating power.”

“He will only act when the crucial moment arrives.”

“Do not worry. Even if the Ancestor does not personally make a move, he will have someone else do so.”

“That person’s strength is no weaker than the Ancestor’s.”

“There will be no accidents during this operation.”

Wuxuzi continued smiling as he explained.

“I heard that during the chaos surrounding the Lord Acting on Heaven, Ancestor Xu obtained many benefits.”

“He has already comprehended some of the Lord Acting on Heaven’s secrets.”

“That is why he is so eager to obtain that physical body.”

“He is so anxious, yet refuses to appear. What exactly does he mean by this?”

“Does he truly think we are so easy to fool?”

Another figure sneered from within the darkness. His entire body was withered, resembling dried branches.

Yet nobody dared underestimate him. Even Wuxuzi’s expression became slightly restrained, clearly wary of him.

Dark fog spread outward.

An old man appeared. He wore a gray robe and clasped his hands behind his back. His eye sockets were sunken, and his eyes were pitch black.

No one dared meet his gaze. Wherever his eyes passed, spacetime itself collapsed. An invisible force around him was disintegrating spacetime, karma, and the Great Dao.

“Ancestor…”

Yanlong’s attitude instantly became respectful, his eyes filled with fanaticism.

The old man before him was the ancestor of the Yama Clan. His name consisted of a single character: Yan.

Many ancient beings from the same era referred to him as Ancestor Yan. He was a terrifying existence on the same level as Ancestor Xu.

“Since even you, Yan, have appeared, then this Ancestor shall show himself and meet you. Why not?”

As the words sounded, ripples spread outward.

Unlike before, however, the dark fog shattered apart as if unable to approach.

A shadow-like figure appeared. It was Ancestor Xu. He seemed reflected across the past, present, and future, existing between illusion and reality.

“Oh?”

Ancestor Yan appeared slightly surprised. However, he quickly flicked his sleeve.

The surrounding spacetime became isolated by a mysterious force, preventing it from collapsing under the simultaneous presence of both Ancestor Xu and himself.

The other dark creatures became excited and fanatical. With two Ancestors appearing together to attack the Heavenly Multitude, there could be no surprises in this battle.

Ancestor Yan nodded slightly, seemingly reassured.

“When do we strike?” He asked.

Ancestor Xu replied, “There is no rush.”

“One more friend is coming.”

“Once he arrives, we will attack together.”

“Even if the Great High Priestess Wuyue can borrow the power of the Coffin of World Burial, she will not be able to stop us.”

Ancestor Yan nodded.

“Excellent.”

After speaking, he gazed through the dark fog toward the distant land.

Looking at the floating Coffin of World Burial before the Heaven-Slaying Hall, greed and desire filled his eyes.

In the past, his cultivation had been comparable to Ancestor Xu’s.

Yet now, after meeting him again, he found himself unable to fathom the other’s depth. This alone proved that Ancestor Xu had indeed gained tremendous benefits from the flesh and blood of the Lord Acting on Heaven.

Otherwise, how could he have reached such a level?

Ancestor Yan sensed no aura of Authority from him whatsoever. That meant he had taken another path.

Yet that path should have been a dead end long ago. And still his cultivation continued to rise.

The only explanation was that the flesh and blood of the Lord Acting on Heaven contained a great secret—a secret involving another path that could actually be walked.

Ancestor Yan regretted not being bolder back then. Had he done so, perhaps he too would have achieved something on that path instead of stagnating for countless years.

More precisely, the path they had originally chosen was a dead road.

No matter how they explored it, they could never find a future upon it.

“This is my first time visiting the homeland of the dark creatures.”

“It is indeed quite strange.”

“Without the coordinates provided by Dao Brother, I likely would never have found this place.” A calm voice sounded in the distance.

A crack opened in spacetime.

A middle-aged man with a peaceful gaze and a Daoist topknot stepped out. Two child attendants followed behind him. Ancestor Yan looked over, his eyes narrowing slightly with interest.

“The mastermind behind the Orthodox Alliance?”

For beings at their level, nothing happening in the current Boundless Expanse could remain hidden. Even without having met him before, simple karmic intuition was enough to identify his identity instantly.

The dark fog immediately erupted into discussion.

The other dark creatures had long heard of the Fate Lord but had never seen him in person.

None had expected Ancestor Xu to invite him here.

“Dao Brother, it has been a long time.”

Ancestor Xu nodded slightly in greeting.

The Fate Lord nodded in return and looked toward Ancestor Yan, quickly discerning his identity.

Ancestor Xu clearly intended to exterminate the Heavenly Multitude at all costs.

With so many powerful beings gathered here, there should be no unexpected outcomes. The Fate Lord had originally worried that Ancestor Xu might be plotting against him.

But now it seemed he had overthought the matter. The paths they sought were completely different. There was no conflict of interest between them.

Boom!!!

The front lines suddenly shook.

An incomparably powerful dark creature was slain.

Black ancient blood shot into the heavens and splattered across the land. Beneath the dark sky appeared a figure holding a jade-green oil-paper umbrella resembling a lotus leaf, shielding herself from the endless black mist descending from above.

Under the umbrella stood a graceful and delicate woman.

She looked like a beauty from the watery towns south of the rivers. Her beautiful eyes curved slightly. Her red lips, delicate as flower petals, formed a faint smile. With a gentle raise of her hand, the dark creature before her exploded.

She walked forward leisurely. No dark creature could block her path. Countless dark creatures rushed towards her.

It was completely useless. With a casual wave of her hand, boundless power descended.

The ancient land exploded apart.

Dark matter boiled violently. It was as though the Nine Nether Hells had descended upon the world to reap all life.

The power of every dark creature was harvested away, transformed into countless strands of dark essence that gathered into her slender hands.

“The Frost Priest Li Shuang of the Heavenly Multitude… a trusted confidante of the Great High Priestess Wuyue…”

Within the dark fog, a leader-level existence spoke with visible apprehension, recognizing her.

Apart from the Great High Priestess, the Heavenly Multitude possessed four additional High Priests who handled routine affairs.

As for the ordinary priests, various reasons prevented them from earning the High Priestess’s full trust.

The First and Second Priests of the Heavenly Multitude had disappeared long ago.

Only the Third Priest, Fourth Priest, and a few others still walked the world.

“Friends have come from afar.”

“Why do you not step forward and meet us?”

“Why hide yourselves here?”

Li Shuang spoke as she looked towards the endless region hidden beneath dark fog.

“At the command of the Great High Priestess, tea has already been prepared.”

“She awaits your arrival.”

At the same time, before the Heaven-Slaying Hall, three female figures suddenly appeared beside the Great High Priestess Wuyue.

One carried a sword and radiated cold indifference.

One smiled seductively while holding a jade bottle. One appeared dignified and noble while carrying an ancient seal.

Yet a closer look revealed that behind each woman lurked countless demonic shadows.

It was as though entire universes were collapsing behind them.

Terrifying auras spread outward.

A black hole condensed behind them. It resembled the mouth of a cosmic abyss capable of devouring all matter.

From within came eerie sounds of scripture recitations, prayers, and sacrificial chants. The sounds were vast and boundless, enough to make one’s scalp go numb.

It was as though endless living beings were kneeling and chanting within.

Each of these women was a High Priest. In past ages, whenever the dark creatures conducted grand sacrifices, one of them presided over the ritual.

Each could invoke the power contained within the Coffin of World Burial.

The extent of their strength was simply immeasurable.

Within the dark fog, Ancestor Xu and Ancestor Yan merely watched calmly without responding.

Li Shuang maintained her gentle smile.

Holding her umbrella, she stood there as dark matter drifted around her like mist, giving her an ethereal beauty. Yet beneath that beauty lay an indescribable eeriness that made one’s scalp tingle.

“It seems that all of you refuse to honor the invitation.”

“The Heavenly Multitude and the Eight Multitudes were originally one.”

“The Great High Priestess welcomes all of you back into the embrace of the Lord.”

“To bathe once more in the Lord’s glory.”

“Why are you unwilling?”

“Do all of you intend to betray the Lord?” Li Shuang asked.

Her voice was gentle and soft. Yet the moment she spoke, the entire ancient land began trembling.

The dark earth cracked apart. The ribbon-like strands of dark matter winding through cliffs and ravines boiled violently. It was as though her words had awakened their fury.

This was disrespect towards the Lord Acting on Heaven. Disrespect towards the creator of dark matter itself.

Instantly, dark matter erupted from countless cracks and shattered dimensions. The entire world seemed to transform into an eternal realm of darkness.

The dark creatures fighting everywhere silently disintegrated. Countless streams of dark matter were extracted from their bodies. Like vast black fog, they swept upward toward the heavens.

Faintly, one could see blood-red radiance illuminating the sky above the Heaven-Slaying Hall.

Rivers of Time, Rivers of Fate, and other intangible cosmic currents became clearly visible beneath its glow. This phenomenon appeared simultaneously across every era from ancient times until the present.

At the same time, a rumbling sound echoed throughout heaven and earth.

The Coffin of World Burial trembled. The corpse sleeping within seemed to have been enraged. It was as though it intended to return to the world once more.

Within the dark fog, the expressions of countless dark creatures changed drastically. They felt their power continuously weakening.

The strength within their bodies was rapidly being stripped away. As the dark matter throughout heaven and earth boiled and surged, it peeled away from them, was seized, and no longer belonged to them.