Villain: Manipulating the Heroines into hating the Protagonist

The silence in the banquet hall was thick with awe and disbelief. The Crimson Dawn, resting on Wang Jian’s palm, radiated an almost palpable power, a pressure that seemed to weigh down on every soul present. The sheer contrast between this blade and Feng Xuan’s Heart of the Firestorm was stark, like comparing a flickering candle to the blazing sun.

Wang Jian, seemingly oblivious to the stunned silence he had created, began to speak, his voice calm and measured. ”This,” he announced, his gaze sweeping over the assembled guests, ”is the Crimson Dawn. Forged from the heart of a dying star, quenched in the blood of a celestial dragon, and tempered by the breath of a primordial phoenix, it is a blade of immense power and profound history.”

Murmurs rippled through the crowd. ’A dying star... a celestial dragon... a primordial phoenix...’ they thought, their minds struggling to comprehend the scale of such a creation. These were not mere legends; they were cosmic entities, forces of nature that existed beyond human comprehension. To think that this blade was forged from such materials... it was simply unbelievable.

Wang Jian continued, his words drawing the audience deeper into the legend of the Crimson Dawn. ”It is said that this blade chooses its wielder,” he explained, his gaze shifting to the Lord of Volcanic Peaks. ”It responds to the strength of their spirit, the purity of their intent, and the depth of their connection to the element of fire.”

He paused, allowing his words to sink in. ”It is not merely a weapon,” he continued, his voice taking on a reverent tone. ”It is a conduit of power, a key to unlocking hidden potential. It can amplify the wielder’s strength a thousandfold, allowing them to achieve feats that would otherwise be impossible.”

The hall was now filled with hushed whispers. The implications of Wang Jian’s words were staggering. To possess such a weapon... it was to possess the power to reshape the very fabric of the world. ’This... this is a treasure beyond comprehension,’ they thought, their eyes wide with awe. ’To think that he is gifting such a legendary artifact...’

The realization that Wang Jian was gifting this unparalleled treasure to the Lord of Volcanic Peaks sent another wave of shock through the banquet. With such a weapon, the Lord of Volcanic Peaks would become a force to be reckoned with, potentially even challenging the authority of the Radiant Sun Sect and its Sovereign.

Feng Xuan’s expression darkened. He could feel the shift in the atmosphere, the subtle change in the power dynamics. He could sense the potential threat that this gift posed to his own position. ’This... this changes everything,’ he thought, his jaw clenching. He had to know the reason behind this extraordinary act of generosity.

He stood up abruptly, his voice cold and sharp, cutting through the hushed whispers. ”Esteemed guest Wang Jian,” he said, his eyes fixed on the silver-haired man. ”This is indeed a... remarkable gift. But I must ask, how did you come to possess such a treasure? And more importantly, why are you gifting it to my father-in-law? What are your intentions?”

The question hung in the air, echoing the thoughts of everyone present. It was the question that had been burning in their minds since the Crimson Dawn had appeared. What could possibly motivate someone to give away such a priceless artifact?

Wang Jian, as if anticipating the question, turned his gaze towards Wufang Xinqiao. His eyes lingered on her for a moment, taking in her striking beauty, the elegant curves of her body accentuated by her crimson dress. A subtle smile played on his lips.

”Lady Xinqiao,” he said, his voice soft and gentle, ”once saved my life. I was on the verge of death, lost and alone, when she found me and nursed me back to health. I swore an oath then that I would repay her kindness, her life-saving grace.”

He then turned his gaze back to the Crimson Dawn, his expression becoming serious. ”Even this blade,” he continued, his voice filled with sincerity, ”cannot fully repay the debt I owe her. But I hope that by gifting it to her father, I can at least contribute to his strength, his well-being. It is a small token of my gratitude.”

A collective murmur of approval swept through the hall. The guests were impressed by Wang Jian’s explanation. To repay a life debt with such a magnificent gift... it spoke volumes about his character, his sense of honor. ’He is a truly honorable man,’ they thought, their initial suspicions fading. ’To repay such a debt in this way... it is truly admirable.’

Wufang Xinqiao herself felt a warmth spread through her chest as she listened to Wang Jian’s words. She didn’t recall ever saving his life, but his sincerity was undeniable. And the fact that he was gifting such a treasure to her father... it was difficult to doubt his sincerity. ’He must be telling the truth,’ she thought, a gentle look in her eyes as she gazed at Wang Jian. ’He is truly a remarkable man.’

Only the members of the Radiant Sun Sect, Feng Xuan included, remained unconvinced. They exchanged worried glances, their faces etched with concern. They knew that with the Crimson Dawn in his possession, the Lord of Volcanic Peaks would no longer be content with his current position. He would once again strive to become the dominant power in the Crimson Flame Belt, potentially challenging the authority of the Radiant Sun Sect.

Feng Xuan’s frown deepened. He could sense the shift in the power balance, the potential for conflict that this gift had created. ’This is not good,’ he thought, his gaze fixed on the Crimson Dawn. ’This could destabilize the entire region.’

At that moment, the Lord of Volcanic Peaks stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with excitement. He reached out and carefully grasped the hilt of the Crimson Dawn. The moment his fingers touched the blade, a surge of energy erupted from it, engulfing his entire body in a torrent of crimson flames.

A collective gasp echoed through the hall as the Lord of Volcanic Peaks’ aura began to skyrocket. The energy within him surged, his cultivation base rapidly ascending. The very air around him crackled with power as he broke through bottleneck after bottleneck.

From the sixth stage of the Divine Ascension Realm, his cultivation base soared, bypassing the seventh stage and landing firmly at the eighth stage of the Divine Ascension Realm. The entire process happened in mere moments, the sheer speed of his breakthrough leaving everyone speechless.

The reactions were varied. The guests were awestruck, witnessing such a rapid and powerful breakthrough. They realized that the Crimson Dawn was not just a powerful weapon; it was a catalyst for growth, a key to unlocking hidden potential. The flames that engulfed the Lord of Volcanic Peaks were not destructive; they were transformative, enhancing his power and strengthening his connection to the element of fire.

’This... this is incredible,’ they thought, their eyes wide with amazement. ’The Crimson Dawn is truly a divine artifact. It has already merged with Lord Wufang!’

The members of the Radiant Sun Sect, however, watched the scene with growing apprehension. They understood the implications of this breakthrough. Not only had the Lord of Volcanic Peaks’ cultivation base increased significantly, but he now possessed a supreme weapon that was perfectly compatible with his own power. He had become an even greater threat to their sect’s dominance. The balance of power in the Crimson Flame Belt had irrevocably shifted.

The transformation of the Lord of Volcanic Peaks was complete. The crimson flames that had engulfed him subsided, revealing a man radiating power and confidence. The Crimson Dawn rested comfortably in his hand, as if it had always belonged there. The silence in the hall was now replaced by excited whispers and murmurs of awe.

Wang Jian watched the scene with a subtle smile. He had achieved his primary objective. The delicate balance of power within the Crimson Flame Belt had been shattered, and the seeds of discord had been sown. ’Now,’ he thought, his gaze briefly flickering towards Wufang Xinqiao, ’the real game begins.’

He knew that under normal circumstances, with Feng Xuan’s return, directly influencing Xinqiao would be significantly more challenging. He had already thoroughly conquered Lixian Yujia, weaving a web of seduction and manipulation that had taken weeks to fully ensnare her. But with Feng Xuan present, such a prolonged scheme was no longer feasible. He needed a catalyst, a way to break the bond between Xinqiao and her husband, and he had found it in the form of the Crimson Dawn.

By gifting such a powerful weapon to her father, he had not only elevated the Lord of Volcanic Peaks’ status but had also created a potential conflict between him and the Radiant Sun Sect. This conflict would force Xinqiao to choose a side, and Wang Jian was confident that her loyalty to her father would outweigh her loyalty to her husband. This would create the perfect opportunity for him to step in, offering solace and understanding, ultimately driving a wedge between Xinqiao and Feng Xuan.

’It’s a gamble,’ he thought, his eyes narrowing slightly. ’But a necessary one. The rewards are well worth the risk.’

Having achieved his aim, Wang Jian decided it was time to take his leave. He offered a polite bow to the Lord of Volcanic Peaks and a brief nod to Feng Xuan before turning to depart.

Xinqiao watched him go, a strange mix of emotions swirling within her. She wanted to rush after him, to express her gratitude for his extraordinary gift. ’He gave my father such a wonderful treasure,’ she thought, her heart pounding in her chest. ’I must thank him

properly.’

However, a sense of propriety held her back. She was a married woman, the wife of the Young Sovereign. It would be highly inappropriate for her to chase after another man, especially after such a public display. She knew that such an action would undoubtedly provoke Feng Xuan’s jealousy, and she wanted to avoid any unnecessary conflict. ’I’ll find a way to thank him later,’ she thought, her gaze lingering on his retreating figure.

Feng Xuan, his face still etched with displeasure, watched Wang Jian’s departure with

narrowed eyes. He could sense the subtle power emanating from the man, the air of mystery that surrounded him. He didn’t trust him, not one bit. ’He’s playing some kind of game,’ he thought, his jaw clenching. ’I need to know what he’s up to.’

He discreetly signaled to a few of his trusted brothers within the Radiant Sun Sect, giving

them a subtle nod towards Wang Jian’s retreating back. They understood the unspoken command and quietly slipped out of the banquet hall, following Wang Jian’s trail.

These individuals were skilled

experienced in covert operations. They followed Wang Jian as he left the royal palace, keeping a safe distance, remaining hidden in the shadows. However, after following him for some distance through the bustling streets of the Blazing Rock Star’s capital city, Wang Jian suddenly vanished. One moment he was there, walking calmly ahead, and the next he was gone, as if he had simply dissolved into thin air.

The trackers exchanged bewildered glances, their faces etched with confusion. They searched

the surrounding area, but there was no trace of Wang Jian. He had simply disappeared, leaving no clue as to his whereabouts. ’He’s... too mysterious,’ they thought, a chill running down their spines. ’How could he just vanish like that?’

Meanwhile, back at the royal palace, the birthday celebrations continued, though the

atmosphere had subtly changed. The initial excitement and awe had been replaced by a sense of unease and anticipation. The guests were still impressed by the Crimson Dawn, but they were also aware of the potential implications of this powerful gift.

The Lord of Volcanic Peaks, now radiating power and confidence, was the center of attention.

He was surrounded by well-wishers and flatterers, all eager to curry favor with the newly empowered lord.

The birthday festivities eventually concluded, but the events of that day had set in motion a chain of events that would soon reshape the landscape of the Crimson Flame Belt. The following month was filled with a palpable tension. The various factions within the region were on edge, sensing the shift in power dynamics.

Then, as if a spark had finally ignited the tinder, an insignificant incident during a routine

meeting escalated into a full-blown conflict. The details of the incident were trivial, a minor disagreement over trade routes, but it served as the perfect pretext for the Lord of Volcanic Peaks to make his move.

He publicly challenged the Sovereign of the Radiant Sun Sect, Feng Tianming who is an

ancestor of Feng Xuan, for leadership of the Crimson Flame Belt. The challenge was made in accordance with ancient traditions, a duel to determine the strongest and most worthy leader.

As the Young Sovereign, Feng Xuan was present at the meeting when the challenge was

issued. He watched with a grim expression as his father-in-law, now wielding the Crimson Dawn, declared his intentions. He knew he couldn’t stop it. The challenge was legitimate, and any attempt to prevent it would be seen as a sign of weakness.

’That bastard Wang Jian,’ Feng Xuan thought, his jaw clenching, a dark fury rising within him.

’This is all his fault. He gave that accursed blade to my father-in-law, knowing exactly what would happen.’

He understood now that Wang Jian’s gift was not an act of kindness, but a calculated move to destabilize the region and create an opportunity for... something.

He didn’t know what Wang Jian’s ultimate goal was, but he knew it couldn’t be good. The

Crimson Flame Belt was on the precipice of a major conflict, all thanks to the machinations of a mysterious collector with silver hair and piercing green eyes.