C2 You Won't Live past the Second Chapter

[Ding! Congratulations to the host for your first kill! You've earned 500 experience points.]

Chiang Xie was now tantalizingly close to reaching Foundation Stage Level 9. He began to appreciate the power of the system; killing someone could actually boost his cultivation level, which was far more thrilling than the slow grind of traditional cultivation.

"The Another World Strongest Villain System is designed to make the host the ultimate big boss of the universe. It's incredibly formidable, beyond your wildest dreams!" The system was pleased with Chiang Xie's astonished reaction and continued to elaborate.

Upon hearing this, Chiang Xie's brow furrowed. Despite the system's praise of the Another World Strongest Villain System, he couldn't shake the feeling that it was somewhat unreliable.

After all, wasn't he supposed to be the protagonist in this another world? Shouldn't he be a shining, positive character? What was this nonsense about being a villain?

But reflecting on his Earthly struggles and his imprisonment and torment in another world, he felt a surge of defiance against fate.

Why should the heavens dictate his destiny? Why should he endure all the darkness? Did the heavens stand for absolute justice? Was he deemed worthless if he didn't play by their rules?

Well, what if he chose to be the villain? He was determined to turn all the rules and injustices into mere dust.

Sensing Chiang Xie's shift in mindset, the system was elated. The Another World Strongest Villain System needed someone who refused to bow to any rules, for the essence of the Strongest Villain was to defy the heavens!

"Let me clarify something crucial! The Another World Strongest Villain System, with its powerful cheat, does not make you the protagonist, and thus, you are not favored by the cosmos."

Chiang Xie paused, absorbing the implication. So, only the protagonist was entitled to a powerful cheat? It made sense; protagonists in novels always had cheats and defied the heavens, yet they weren't ultimately smothered by divine wrath.

But it was different for villains. They were like stepchildren, never coddled. Any hint of arrogance could lead to their swift demise.

"So, to survive, you must seek out those haloed protagonists and steal their spotlight. Only by doing this can you continue to live. Moreover, you must alter these protagonists, stripping them of their destined roles. Only then can you ascend to the title of the Strongest Villain."

Chiang Xie's interest was piqued. Wasn't this just about stealing the spotlight? Back on Earth, he was a mere stand-in, an extra in the background. Stealing the spotlight was a fundamental skill for him.

Moreover, wasn't the purpose of dethroning the main character to become the Strongest Villain? He had assumed that the system would require him to kill countless people, but it turned out to be quite straightforward.

"Host: Chiang Xie

Level: Foundation Stage Level 8 Peak

Experience Points: 1987/2000

Main Character Value: 0

Villain Martial Skill: None

Villain Weapon: None

Current Location: Profound Sky Continent, Rosefinch Kingdom, Fire Cloud City.

Overall Evaluation: Without this system, you wouldn't survive past the second chapter!"

Chiang Xie reviewed the message from the system in his mind. Initially thrilled, he became certain it was a sham when he read the overall evaluation.

"Ah, host, you've now received the novice gift pack I sent. Would you like to open it? I recommend you do. Otherwise, you really won't survive past the second chapter."

Indeed, having killed Chiang Yu, it was only a matter of time before the Chiang family's experts would encircle him. His current strength was insufficient, making the system's power a necessity.

Without hesitation, he commanded the system, "Open it! I need to survive past the second chapter!"

"Alrighty! Ding! Congratulations, host, for acquiring a Heaven Level Devil Clan cultivation technique, an Earth Level bag of Villain Martial Skills, a Profound Level bag of Villain Weapons, and a Yellow Level Experience Pill (each pill grants one thousand experience points and can be used to enhance your cultivation level)."

Instantly, a backpack interface, reminiscent of a video game, appeared in Chiang Xie's mind, containing all the items from the system. After a brief moment of contemplation, he resolved to utilize everything to bolster his strength and flee the Chiang family.

Upon activating the Heaven Level Devil Clan cultivation technique named Devil Slaying, a red glow enveloped his body before fading. Chiang Xie was taken aback as he examined the attributes of the technique.

Devil Slaying: Heaven Level. When used against Devil Cultivators or members of the Devil Clan, this technique inflicts double damage and enhances the user's HP recovery. This passive effect is also effective against non-devil cultivators.

So, aside from life recovery, the other effects are only effective against the Devil Clan or Devil Cultivators? What's the point of this cultivation method, then? It's even a Devil Clan technique! It's like they're asking to be annihilated by their own kind.

Chiang Xie could only scoff at the absurdity for a moment. Nevertheless, it was a Heaven Level Cultivation Method, and it certainly had its merits, far surpassing the trash Yellow Level cultivation method practiced by the body's previous owner.

He then set his sights on unlocking the Earth Level and Profound Level villain abilities and magical tool packs, hoping to find something that could help him survive beyond the second chapter.

"Ding! Congratulations to the host for acquiring the martial skill, Thunderous Cannon (used by the villain Aizen from the Death God World). Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining the magical tool, Shark Tooth (the weapon of the villain Wei Zhuang from Qin's Bright Moon, adjusted to a magical tool for the Profound Sky Continent)."

Damn! My system is incredible! These two are icons in the villain world, and now I've managed to secure their signature moves and weapons.

"Calm down, young man. There are more surprises to come, as long as you make it past the second chapter," the system boasted confidently.

Chiang Xie simply ignored the system's bragging. Just survive past the second chapter? He was determined to make it to the grand finale and prove his mettle. With that thought, he turned his attention to the details of Thunderous Cannon and Shark Tooth.

Shark Tooth: Profound Level. Comparable to the second-ranked sword, Abstruse Rainbow, but notorious for its ferocity and thus dubbed the Demonic Sword. It significantly amplifies the user's malice, evoking the imposing presence of an Asura. (This effect is granted by the system.)

Thunderous Cannon: Earth Level. The 63rd technique of Dao Breaking unleashes an explosive blast of thunder and lightning, boasting formidable power. Chanting amplifies its strength twofold and adds a paralyzing effect.

Chiang Xie was left utterly bewildered after realizing he couldn't use the Earth Level Thunderous Cannon yet. Was he really supposed to rely solely on a Profound Level Shark Tooth to fight his way out of the Chiang family?

"System, I'm currently at the peak of Foundation Stage Level 8. If I use the Yellow Level Experience Pill, can I advance to the Profound Energy Stage?" Chiang Xie doubted it was possible, knowing that Level 9 stood between him and the next stage. Still, he clung to a sliver of hope for a positive response from the system.

As expected, the system shattered Chiang Xie's illusion: "You must be joking. You can only ascend to Foundation Stage Level 9 at most."

Resigned to this reality, Chiang Xie consumed the Experience Pill, hoping for even a marginal increase in strength and a better chance at survival.

Without any forewarning, Chiang Xie's cultivation level surged to Foundation Stage Level 9. Rising to his feet, he mused, "It seems that to survive the second chapter, I must rely on myself."

Mid-sentence, a massive black sword with fang-like serrations materialized in his hand, exuding a fierce aura that pierced the heavens.

Taken aback by the sword's imposing presence, Chiang Xie quickly regained his composure and grasped the Shark Tooth. "My trusty blade has been eager for battle!"