Can a Scholar Be Called a Villain

Book 2: Chapter 31: Strengthening

After awakening five distinct Blade Intents, the ‘Divine Whet Mirror’ abruptly shattered, disintegrating into fine dust particles.

Previously, he had invested 150 villain points to acquire both the ‘Crystal Dao Fruit’ and the ‘Blade Dao Stone Tablet’, yet he had failed to awaken any Abhijñās. However, the lingering effects of these items persisted within him, intensifying over time.

With the aid of the ‘Divine Whet Mirror’, Murong Lin’s latent energy surged, transforming into Blade Intents that surged through his being and his surroundings.

Years of accumulation allowed him to seamlessly merge the energy of the mirror, awakening five distinct Blade Intents:

Firstly, ‘Emotions and Greed’, a Blade Intent brimming with desire and greed, contrasted sharply with ‘Emotionless’.

Secondly, ‘World Annihilation’, born from the destructive power of the 《Heaven and Earth Blade Art》, exuded an aura of utter destruction.

Thirdly, ‘Indomitability’, represented his unwavering self-confidence and pride, his confidence bolstered by his unmatched prowess.

Fourthly, ‘Misery’, forged through the essence of the ‘Heart-Hurting Arrow’, was imbued with the essence of despair and anguish.

And lastly, ‘Corpse Mountain’, a chilling Blade Intent forged from the countless lives Murong Lin had taken, embodying the tormented souls of an entire world.

These newfound Blade Intents not only surpassed Murong Lin’s initial expectations but also significantly augmented his strength. Elevating him from the eighth layer to the peak of the Cognizance realm, he stood on the precipice of breaking through to the Abhijñā realm.

While he could easily break through this bottleneck and ascend to the Abhijñā realm, Murong Lin harboured a strategic ambition. He aimed to awaken more Abhijñās before transcending, recognising the profound benefits it would bestow upon his future endeavours.

After all, every prodigy and main character inevitably face formidable adversaries beyond their current level and they maintain their indomitability amidst their peers.

Surveying the interweaving blade intents surrounding him, Murong Lin’s expression brimmed with elation. “I never anticipated the ‘Blade Dao Stone Tablet’ to be so useful after all. To awaken five Blade Intents… am I truly talented, or merely unlucky in past endeavors?”

With a wry smile, he focused on his primordial spirit. Five additional blade lights now danced around it, illuminating the darkness intermittently.

Deeper insights into his own ‘Heaven and Earth Blade Art’ unfolded, enabling him to conceive several new techniques.

Subsequently, he integrated the spiritual techniques and cultivation methods acquired in the cave with his 《Lifelessness Law》. Though insufficient to elevate the grade of his higher Vast grade 《Lifelessness Law》, they solidified its advanced aspects. For instance, the 《Misty Moonlight Veil》, despite being of a higher Barren grade, enhanced the foot techniques within his 《Lifelessness Law》.

Turning his attention to the treasures stored within the seven rings of holding, he meticulously organized them. Spiritual medicines and equipment were the only remaning items useful to Murong Lin now.

He scrutinized the items that held no utility for him: the ‘Metallic Physique True Soul Pill’, the ‘Tranquility Dao Heart Mending Pill’, the fire-attributed ‘Pure Blazing Sword’, and the ‘Heaven Secrets Rod’ that controlled the clouds. Though all were of lower Barren grade, they held little value to him beyond potential trade goods.

Among his treasures, Murong Lin selected only two items for personal use: the lower Barren grade Cloud Step Boots to enhance his speed and the defensive lower Barren grade Python Pattern Shield.

Gazing at the remaining items, he couldn’t help but lament. His possessions prior to entering the Heaven Martial Hidden Realm paled in comparison.

It was no wonder countless individuals vied for the opportunity to enter the tournament and, subsequently, the Heaven Martial Hidden Realm. The allure of treasures and fortuitous encounters unattainable in the outside world drove their fervent pursuits.

As he initiated the circulation of the ‘Lifelessness Law,’ Murong Lin sensed a twofold increase in circulation speed compared to before.

Undefeatable Villan SystemMaster: Murong Lin

Villan score: 940

Age: 19

Cultivation: Peak of the Cognizance realm

Innate talent: Bloody Poisonous Insect Acupoint, Little villain halo, ‘Wrathful, selfish’ (Six Blade Intents)

Cultivation method: 《Lifelessness Law》 (Mortal form: Evil of lifelessness, lawlessness and formlessness)

Skills: 《Heaven and Earth Blade Art》,《Misty Moonlight Veil》, 《Bloody Demon Clone》……

Equipment: Nameless Paring Knife

Spirit familiar: Bloody Poisonous Insect, Blood Bat Locust (Swarm)

Servants: 108 levels of the Qing Yi Tower (Incomplete)

Inventory: Some resources within the storage ring, Fragment of ‘Great villain halo’*5, Mysterious ring (Long Chen)

Murong Lin gazed at his overflowing bag with a faint smile gracing his lips. With his current strength, effortlessly securing a position in the top 10 was a given. Coupled with his vast array of possessions, he harbored no doubts that he surpassed every other contender in this hidden realm.

“The priority now is to awaken Abhijñās and deal with Xiao Dong to preempt any unforeseen complications. Haah, I should have acted sooner.

As for Bai Xiao Mo, wherever he may be, I’ll leave him to play around by himself for now. I do want to see how strong his protagonist halo is, compared to the little protagonist halos.”

Mindful of Bai Xiao Mo’s great protagonist halo, Murong Lin refrained from taking action until he had gauged the disparity between the protagonist halos. His plan was to eliminate Xiao Dong, secure the final fragment of the villain halo, and establish his own great villain halo before confronting Bai Xiao Mo.

Rising to his feet, Murong Lin delved into cultivation, honing his blade and foot techniques. In a flash, he traversed the forest at breathtaking speeds, his Blade Intent engulfing the surroundings. The activation of the 《Misty Moonlight Veil》complemented his process of completing the 《Heaven and Earth Blade Art》, rending the air and ravaging the earth beneath him.

As he synchronized his physical form with his primordial spirit, Murong Lin’s presence became increasingly formidable.

Meanwhile, Bai Xiao Mo and Wang Chuang arrived at a tranquil location near the edge of a cliff, overlooking a vast sea that extended to the borders of the hidden realm. Waves crashed against the cliff’s base, while clouds swirled above, reaching out towards the endless void.

They descended to the cliff’s midpoint, where they discovered a discreet cave entrance. Nestled beneath the cliff yet facing the boundless void, the cave remained hidden from unwitting passersby.

“Let’s go, let us enter.”

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Translator’s note

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