1111 - I Became a Villainess and Was Pestered by Beautiful Girls
# The Loneliness of the Noble Qingzhou, at the border. Boom—!!! A thunderous explosion echoed from the sky, orange-red flames bursting outward like spectacular evening fireworks. However, those on the ground found no interest in admiring the sight. "This is one of the largest spatial rifts left from the Devouring Spirit Insect Crisis," the elder of Saint Immortal Mountain spoke, his expression somber. "Even after extensive repairs, it's still more fragile than other locations and easier for invasions." After retreating from the Nine Provinces' main base, the allied army established void outposts around the perimeter to prevent a surprise enemy attack. In contrast, Blood Lord's tactics were straightforward and bold; if subterfuge failed, they would resort to open confrontation. Despite ultimately winning the Forbidden Zone battle, the Nine Provinces Alliance suffered significant losses. The elders had hoped that even with their resources, Blood Lord would need several years to recuperate before returning to the fray. Yet, they underestimated the morale boost Blood Lord's return would bring to his followers. They reassembled their forces quickly, launching an offensive against the Nine Provinces under the leadership of new and old vice lords. Surprisingly, the Blood Lord, who had clashed previously with the White-Haired Witch, was still alive! Back then, Tang Xin focused on using the sword's power to eliminate as many Blood Lord's members as possible. She didn't prioritize him because the energy it would take to vanquish him could instead defeat many more valuable foes. Now, with the limitation of heaven and earth weakening, Blood Lord no longer hid in the shadows but led his army into the open, capturing everyone's attention. "Before Yu Lingzi arrives, the spatial rift must be defended," Xuan Ling Patriarch commanded before stepping across the barrier to engage the enemy in the void. This was but one faction of Blood Lord's incursion into Nine Provinces. Other regions were under similar assaults, testing the endurance of the seasoned elders in the Crossing Catastrophe realm. Despite fighting valiantly, they were hard-pressed against the relentless tide of Blood Lord's high-ranking members. Initially bewildered by the sudden surge of powerful adversaries—even accounting for defectors and those empowered by sacred rituals—the reason soon became evident. "Supreme Power, Annihilation!" Blood Lord extended his palm, unleashing infinite darkness from his hand, consuming everything around. Such a technique was beyond the capabilities of Crossing Catastrophe-level combatants. It was Supreme Power. Ordinarily, using power left by a Supreme Entity came with severe restrictions. Even the might of the Supreme Word couldn't guarantee consistent effectiveness. But if the world hadn't yet expelled their giver, this power was supremely liberating. "Fortunately, a true Supreme hasn't descended; otherwise, we would have no chance of resistance," Xuan Ling Patriarch wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth. "But even so, this is difficult enough..." Blood Lord merely needed to use Supreme Power repeatedly to subdue the Crossing Catastrophe practitioners. Ultimately, in the void of worlds that prohibited the existence of a Supreme, Blood Lord stood as an untouchable force. "We must use the power of our own world; we cannot let him near the Nine Provinces!" Given Blood Lord's current strength, once he reached the Nine Provinces, he could annihilate tens of thousands in an instant, bringing ruin to the continent. The power of those in the Crossing Catastrophe realm seemed inexhaustible, unlike other cultivators who needed to pause and recuperate. However, they couldn't instantly heal injuries, which worsened with every confrontation. Elders, growing more beaten, faced an ever-worsening predicament. "Our leader promises she can bring hope," the despairing words spilled from the Crossing Catastrophe elders, "but what is left that can be called hope..." Shua! Amidst the despair, an endless darkness surged from behind the Nine Provinces cultivators towards the Blood Lord. A shadow passed overhead, narrowly missing everyone and clashed with Blood Lord’s assault. The anticipated explosion did not occur. The Supreme-level attack, which could easily obliterate Crossing Catastrophe elders, began to dissipate rapidly. No collision, no violent reaction—it vanished as though it never existed. Another attack just like it swept in, causing the Blood Lord’s followers to disappear alongside him. From his steadfast position, the Blood Lord rose. "It finally appears..." The Nine Provinces Alliance cultivators turned to see behind them. The White-Haired Witch stood tall, wielding the demon blade, flanked by members of the Xuan Ling Sect. Though many couldn't comprehend what happened, the aura of that blade invigorated them. Unlike any artifact or force in this world, it was the destructive might that had shattered the source world, corresponding to the sword—the demon blade! "Do you dare stand before me?" Tang Xin pointed the demon blade at Blood Lord, her voice cold. "Just as the Sovereign predicted," Blood Lord replied across the void, his tone indifferent. "You have indeed acquired the demon blade... I've been waiting for you." Xiao Zhou gave Tang Xin a meaningful look, suggesting, "Why the chatter? We're not honorable warriors; let's grab him first!" She shook her head. If it were only the Sovereign, her demon blade would suffice to render him defenseless. Yet, the power enveloping him was peculiar, enough to make her wary. He seemed to have anticipated her arrival and prepared accordingly. "If the Sovereign knows I have the demon blade," Tang Xin spoke gravely, "she should understand that her persistence is meaningless, right?" The transcendent proved the void could be circumvented, offering hope to break the cycle. "No," Blood Lord replied. "This only strengthened her resolve. If this world can indeed be saved, she must rescue her people... no matter the cost." "What?!" Tang Xin's expression changed. "The Sovereign is the villain, the executioner, the embodiment of chaos," Blood Lord enunciated clearly, "yet she loves this world too." "She pities humanity and doesn't want people to live in ignorance. She is noble; if this world truly has no hope, she would preemptively end everyone's suffering. But if there is hope, she would sacrifice anything to show everyone the light." "The Sovereign knows that most people in this world are entangled in emotions, unable to make that difficult decision or take that great step." "Therefore, she bears this sin for everyone." Blood Lord lifted his head, as if looking up to a pioneer, worthy of universal reverence. "A lonely, noble, cruel yet kind, compassionate and great person—that is our Sovereign."