Let's break down the sentence and find the best fit for the blank:
Analyzing the Context:
The sentence establishes a clear contrast and a negative reaction.
- "The town council preferred him to be modest about his exploits" - This sets up an expectation of humility.
- "his present fits of hubris" - "Hubris" means excessive pride or self-confidence. This is the opposite of modesty.
- "were met with resounding $\qquad$ " - Because his behavior (hubris) is contrary to the council's preference (modesty), the blank must describe a strong negative reaction or condemnation.

Let's evaluate the options for a word that means strong criticism or disgrace:
- A. encomium: A speech or piece of writing that praises someone or something highly. This is the opposite of what's needed.
- B. perspicacity: The quality of having a ready insight into things; shrewdness. This is a positive intellectual trait, irrelevant to the context.
- C. obloquy: Strong public condemnation; disgrace, especially incurred by public abuse or calumny. This perfectly fits the idea of "resounding" (strong, widespread) negative reaction to hubris.
- D. pastiche: An artistic work in a style that imitates that of another work, artist, or period. This is unrelated to public reaction.
- E. panegyric: A public speech or published text in praise of someone or something. This is a synonym for encomium and is the opposite of what's needed.

Therefore, obloquy is the best fit for Blank (i), as it denotes strong public condemnation or disgrace, which aligns with the council's preference for modesty being met by hubris.