Could it be that I am the cruel villain?-Chapter 854 - 486:

The heart was in the throat, each step of the person in front caused the whole body to tense, and the surrounding woods remained unusually silent. It felt like a jungle tiger had emerged, with every living creature fleeing in terror. The five before him were seasoned warriors who had faced life and death.

Just a glance was enough to tell that the person was definitely a tough character to deal with.

"From the moment we had not yet left the Old Capital's confines, a pair of eyes was watching us."

Lei Chuyu just gave a cold laugh.

"That pair of eyes has extended at least dozens of miles into the Sealed Land, watching us for two whole days. Had I not sensed something strange upon leaving that region, I fear you wouldn't have shown yourself until now?"

"A high monk follows us all the way and asks why we brothers are angry; it hardly seems like the deeds of a monk."

"Could it be that even those of the Buddhist path wish to transform the demon beasts running rampant in Old Dongyue?"

"Explain yourself, high monk."

Unkindly colored face, yet despite the slightly sharp words, the tone and attitude could still be considered polite, albeit with a hint of irony. After all, too many wield the Buddhist banner to deceive and swindle; it's not his first encounter.

One hand constantly held behind, accumulating the Crimson Sun Infinite Divine Thunder Technique. The dark purple thunder pattern in the palm also revealed spots of blood light. This trip of seven hundred miles to the Old Capital, although fraught with danger, yielded full gains. Not only Lei Chuyu, but his fellow sect brothers sensed progress in cultivation.

Just waiting to return to the sect to heal and transform this enlightenment into real combat power.

"You're joking, sir."

Still with a smile as he walked forward, holding a Zen stick taller than himself, its material unknown, appearing pitch-black and radiating a deep glow. Though Lei Chuyu was young, he was experienced in combat.

The intentions of the visitor, whether friend or foe, he could discern at a glance, especially when this young monk appeared both tender and yet inexplicably out of place, evoking a deep-seated aversion and a sense of falseness.

"This humble monk merely saw several extraordinary gentlemen and wished to make acquaintances, but was shy to approach, thus causing you gentlemen to find it humorous."

Without even a flicker in his eyes, Lei Chuyu made no response, as he realized he could not discern the cultivation of the bald-headed man in front. His brow furrowed; someone of such cultivation should not be in this place.

Seeing none spoke, the young monk, unfazed, simply continued with a feigned smile: "Rest assured, this humble monk is not interested in the opportunities in your hands. Opportunities are to be possessed by the virtuous. That opportunity is significant to Mr. Lei; naturally, I would not do as the other gentlemen did."

"You know who I am?"

Brow tightly furrowed.

He could not discern the depth of the person before him; the distance between them was no more than five feet, a delicate range where neither side could escape if attacked. But the young monk just smiled and said, "Certainly aware."

"Aside from Divine Thunder Valley disciples, no one under heaven possesses such exquisite Thunder Techniques. A punch to the heavens just now, and the spirit soared; at such a young age, you have cultivated the Purple Thunder. Presumably, the Crimson Sun Infinite Heavenly Thunder Art is a small success. Those qualified to stealthily cultivate such techniques must be direct heirs to the Heavenly Thunder's lineage."

"As for the other gentlemen, they cultivate the same Divine Thunder Valley techniques, even their positions are remarkably strategic."

"With Mr. Lei as the array's core, and the other four positioned in the four corners... it must be Divine Thunder Valley's Yin Yang Five Thunder Formation."

Face drained of color.

Eyes filled with shock, seeing through him completely with just a glance, even delineating the most secret Thunder Array of Divine Thunder Valley merely from tiny adjustments of their positions. This revelation almost left Lei Chuyu unable to bear it, staring fiercely at the young monk, for the "Heavenly Thunder" mentioned was not the current Valley Master, nor the previous one.

But an ancestor who perished during tribulation nearly a millennium ago.

He himself only learned of this name from the token during ancestral rites, so how did the bald-headed man know?

"Who exactly are you?"

Word by word.

Beyond curiosity was fear, for only now did he noticed the young monk's strangeness, that his eyes lacked whites, entirely pitch-black pupils!

The Daoist Skill behind the back was poised to erupt at any second, fists clenched, even the arm was trembling slightly, breathing started becoming irregular, yet the young monk merely shook his head with a smile.

"It's... embarrassing to say, my Dharma name is Dao Hui, but now I am nameless."

"Dao Hui?"

This was an ancient name he had never heard of.

An expression of puzzlement arose, Lei Chuyu was indeed knowledgeable, familiar with the rankings of Jiuzhou's masters and the wind and cloud list, memorizing them thoroughly, including renowned masters across great sects, though not fully acquainted, but knowing them considerably.

Neither Vajra Temple nor Miao Yin Temple bore this Dharma name, or this name was already odd, as Dharma names are typically passed down generation by generation, like the renowned Living Buddhas Guang Xian, Guang Hui, Guang Neng, or the current Vijay Temple's authoritative generation, Kong Cheng, Kong Ji, Kongming, Kong Hui, or even the youngest ones with Wu Character names.

Dao Hui, just by hearing this Dharma name, he knew the person before him was not an ordinary cultivator.

"Alas."

The young monk only sighed regretfully.

In the pitch-black eye sockets was melancholy, recalling his fame in this world once upon a time, fading with time, not only these young ones, but even among second generation disciples, few knew of these Dharma names.

For example, the fiercely young woman last time, based on age, should be the youngest under Liu Jian, yet her power was unfathomable, even defeating him within two rounds under her hand.

The ordeal not only damaged his prized Arhat body, but compelled him to kneel for three days in deserted mountain forests, holding the Tangxi Sword, the pain of it piercing bone and the torment to his Nascent Soul unforgettable.

He quickly apologized sincerely, or the woman would have slain him outright.

Afterward, he followed through, restoring the souls in the Demon-locking Tower and sending the two slain Purple Cloud Palace disciples back to reincarnation, destined for higher birth in the Three Pillars.

He paid a considerable price, yet preserving life and avoiding reincarnation made all costs worthwhile.

"Sir, this humble monk comes with no malice, only wishing to inquire some things. I hope you gentlemen can answer truthfully."

All excess thoughts vanished, the young monk... no, Dao Hui simply gazed at Lei Chuyu.

"May I ask if you gentlemen have any acquaintanceship with Jiang Feng?"

Pupils contracted.