Villain: Manipulating the Heroines into hating the Protagonist

Wang Jian, having planted the seeds of discord, now turned his attention to cultivating the necessary chaos. He knew that simply waiting for Lord Wufang to initiate hostilities was too passive. He needed to actively push the situation towards conflict, and for that, he needed accomplices within the Radiant Sun Sect.

His observations during the Lord of Volcanic Peaks’ birthday banquet had provided him with valuable insights. He had carefully noted the personalities and dispositions of the various elders present, identifying those who still harbored ambitions beyond their current positions, those who clung to a sense of pride and entitlement.

’Ah, yes,’ he’d mused then, discreetly observing an elder trying to subtly adjust his robes to make his already ample belly look less prominent, ’that one looks like he’s still got some fire in his... gut. Perfect.’

Now, he began approaching these select elders one by one, using a combination of flattery, veiled promises, and carefully curated gifts. He started with Elder Hua, a man known for his booming voice and even bigger ego.

Wang Jian approached him in a secluded garden within the Radiant Sun Sect’s headquarters. ”Elder Hua,” he greeted him with a respectful bow, ”it is an honor to finally have a moment to speak with you privately. I was deeply impressed by your insightful commentary during the recent banquet. Your grasp of strategic warfare is truly... inspiring.”

Elder Hua puffed out his chest, a self-satisfied grin spreading across his face. ”Well, yes,” he boomed, adjusting his elaborate beard. ”Years of experience, you see. Years of experience.” ’And a naturally brilliant mind, of course,’ he added silently, giving an imaginary pat on his own back.

Wang Jian chuckled softly. ”Indeed,” he agreed. ”And I have heard whispers of your... frustration with the current state of affairs. The perceived lack of... decisiveness in dealing with the Wufang clan.”

Elder Hua’s smile faltered slightly. He glanced around nervously, ensuring they were not overheard. ”Well,” he muttered, lowering his voice, ”it’s not that I disagree with the Young Sovereign’s... caution. But sometimes, a firm hand is necessary. A show of strength.” ’And perhaps a bit more recognition for those who have dedicated their lives to the sect,’ he thought, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Wang Jian nodded understandingly. ”Precisely,” he agreed. He then subtly gestured towards a small, unassuming box he was carrying. ”I have something that I believe might be of interest to you, Elder Hua. A small token of my... appreciation for your wisdom.”

He opened the box, revealing a shimmering, fist-sized crystal that pulsed with a faint inner light. ”This,” he explained, ”is a Soulfire Core. It contains a concentrated essence of pure spiritual energy, capable of significantly boosting one’s cultivation base. It is a rare and powerful artifact, capable of bridging even the most stubborn bottlenecks.”

Elder Hua’s eyes widened, his breath catching in his throat. He had heard of Soulfire Cores, but they were incredibly rare and valuable, practically priceless. ’This... this is...,’ he thought, his mind reeling. ’He’s offering me this? Just like that?’

Wang Jian continued his subtle manipulation, noticing the greedy look in elder Hua’s eyes. ”I have also come across a rather... unique combat technique scroll,” Wang Jian continued, pulling another scroll from his sleeve, ”one that perfectly complements your already impressive martial prowess. It is called the ’Thunderclap Fist,’ and it is said to enhance the user’s striking power exponentially.”

Elder Hua was now practically drooling. The prospect of not only boosting his cultivation but also enhancing his combat abilities was too tempting to resist. ’This... this is a dream come true,’ he thought, his mind already envisioning himself wielding the power of the Thunderclap Fist.

Wang Jian then subtly steered the conversation towards his true objective. ”I understand that there are... concerns within the sect regarding Lord Wufang’s recent... empowerment,” he said, his voice lowering to a conspiratorial whisper. ”Some believe that he may be planning to... overstep his boundaries.”

Elder Hua nodded vigorously. ”Indeed,” he muttered. ”Some of us believe that a... preemptive measure might be necessary. A... demonstration of our strength, to remind him of his place.” ’And perhaps a little extra security for ourselves,’ he thought, eyeing the Soulfire Core greedily.

Wang Jian smiled subtly. ”I couldn’t agree more,” he said. ”And perhaps... a targeted action, one that sends a clear message without escalating into a full-scale conflict, might be the most effective approach. Perhaps... something that involves his daughter, Lady Xinqiao.”

Elder Hua’s eyes narrowed slightly. He understood the implications of Wang Jian’s words. He knew that this ”collector” had ulterior motives, that he was using them to further his own agenda, which most likely involved Xinqiao. ’He clearly has designs on the Young Sovereign’s wife,’ he thought, a flicker of suspicion crossing his mind. ’But... what do I care? This is an opportunity to gain immense power. I would be a fool to refuse.’

He nodded slowly. ”I understand,” he said, his voice low and serious. ”We will... consider your suggestion.”

Wang Jian repeated this process with several other ambitious elders, offering them similar enticements: rare artifacts, powerful weapons, and even direct boosts to their cultivation bases using his own unique abilities. He appealed to their greed, their ambition, and their fear, carefully manipulating them into becoming pawns in his game.

Each elder, despite recognizing Wang Jian’s ulterior motives, ultimately succumbed to the allure of increased power. They understood that he was using them, but they were willing to be used, as long as they received their share of the rewards. ’He wants the Young Sovereign’s wife,’ they thought, each one of them. ’But what’s it to us? We get stronger, and that’s all that matters.’

With his network of accomplices in place, Wang Jian set his plan in motion. The elders, eager to prove their worth and claim their rewards, began to subtly manipulate events within the Radiant Sun Sect, creating an atmosphere of tension and suspicion. They spread rumors about Lord Wufang’s ambitions, exaggerating his strength and portraying him as a potential threat to the sect’s dominance.

They also began to subtly target Xinqiao, making veiled threats and insinuations about her family’s loyalty. They wanted to make it appear as if the Radiant Sun Sect was turning against her, creating a sense of vulnerability and isolation.

One evening, two of the elders, emboldened by the power boosts they had received from Wang Jian, staged a mock assassination attempt on Xinqiao. They attacked her in a secluded part of the Blazing Rock Star’s capital city, using techniques that were clearly identifiable as belonging to the Radiant Sun Sect.

The attack was carefully orchestrated to appear genuine but ultimately harmless. They wanted to frighten Xinqiao, to make her believe that she was in danger, but they were careful not to inflict any serious injuries.

Xinqiao, though shaken by the attack, managed to defend herself, her exceptional swordsmanship proving more than a match for the two elders, who were holding back. After a brief but intense exchange, they retreated, leaving Xinqiao shaken and confused.

’Why... why would members of the Radiant Sun Sect attack me?’ she thought, her mind reeling. ’This... this doesn’t make any sense.’

The incident, however, had the desired effect. It created a deep sense of distrust within Xinqiao, eroding her faith in the Radiant Sun Sect and her husband. It also created the perfect opportunity for Wang Jian to step in as her protector, further solidifying his position in her

eyes.

Wang Jian watched the unfolding events from the shadows, a subtle smile playing on his lips. He had orchestrated the attack on Xinqiao perfectly, and now it was time to let the consequences play out. He knew that rushing to her aid immediately would be suspicious. It was far more effective to let her seek comfort and explanation from her husband first, allowing the seeds of doubt and distrust to take root.

As expected, Xinqiao, still shaken by the attack, immediately sought out Feng Xuan. She recounted the incident, describing how two elders of the Radiant Sun Sect had ambushed her, issuing veiled threats about her father’s ambitions. She explained how they had warned her to convince her father to abandon any thoughts of challenging the Radiant Sun Sect’s

dominance.

Feng Xuan’s reaction was exactly what Wang Jian had anticipated. A surge of anger coursed through him as he heard of the attack on his wife. ’How dare they!’ he thought, his fists clenching. ’To target Xinqiao... this is an insult to me, to the entire Feng clan!’

He reassured Xinqiao, promising her that he would personally deal with the matter and

ensure that those responsible would pay for their actions. ”Do not worry, Xinqiao,” he said, his voice firm and reassuring. ”I will not let this go unpunished. I will find out who is behind this and make them regret their actions.”

A few hours later, Feng Xuan, his face etched with fury, stormed into the residence of the two elders who had carried out the attack. He had already confirmed their identities through discreet inquiries, and he was determined to confront them directly.

However, as he barged into the main hall of their shared residence, he was met with an unexpected sight. Besides the two elders, two other figures were present: his first wife, Lixian Yujia, and her father, the Grand Elder of the Radiant Sun Sect.

The two elders, visibly startled by Feng Xuan’s sudden arrival, stammered excuses and

attempted to explain their actions. It was clear that they had been reporting their actions to the Grand Elder and Yujia.

”What is the meaning of this?” Feng Xuan demanded, his voice laced with anger. He glared at

the two elders, his eyes burning with fury. ”How dare you attack my wife? Without even

consulting me?”

The Grand Elder stepped forward, his expression stern. ”Xuan,” he said, his voice authoritative, ”I advise you to calm yourself. There is no need for such a... dramatic reaction. No real harm came to your wife. It was merely a... precautionary measure.”

Feng Xuan’s anger intensified at his father-in-law’s dismissive tone. ’A precautionary

measure?’ he thought, his teeth grinding. ’They attacked my wife! And he calls it a precautionary measure?’

He was about to unleash a torrent of angry words, but before he could speak, Yujia

approached him, her expression filled with concern. She placed a gentle hand on his arm, her touch surprisingly cold. ”Xuan,” she whispered, her voice laced with a pitiful tremor, ”please... don’t be angry with my father. He only did it because he’s worried. He’s afraid that if Lord Wufang challenges Patriarch Feng Tianming and wins, it will not only damage the Radiant Sun Sect’s prestige but also... your own.”

Feng Xuan’s anger subsided slightly as he heard Yujia’s words. He understood the underlying

concern, the fear that his own reputation would be tarnished by a defeat of the Feng clan. He knew that his father-in-law, despite his somewhat... forceful methods, was ultimately trying to protect the sect and his future.

’She’s right,’ he thought, his gaze softening as he looked at Yujia. ’He’s just worried about the

sect. But still... to threaten Xinqiao, to attack her without even informing me... that was unacceptable.’

He lowered his voice, addressing Yujia directly. ”I understand his concerns,” he murmured,

his voice still tinged with frustration. ”But to involve Xinqiao, to put her in danger without even consulting me... that was wrong.”

Yujia’s eyes welled up with tears, her voice trembling. ”Please, Xuan,” she pleaded, her voice

barely above a whisper. ”Please forgive my father. He didn’t mean to cause any harm. He was just... desperate.”

Feng Xuan’s heart softened as he saw the tears in his wife’s eyes. He couldn’t bear to see her upset. He reached out and gently cupped her face in his hands, wiping away her tears with his

thumbs.

”Alright, Yujia,” he said softly, his voice now gentle. ”I will... try to understand. But I will not

tolerate any further actions against Xinqiao. They must understand that she is under my

protection.”

Yujia nodded, her eyes still filled with tears, but a faint smile touched her lips. She leaned into

his touch, seeking comfort in his embrace.

Wang Jian, observing these events from afar through a hidden formation, chuckled softly.

’Excellent,’ he thought, a hint of amusement in his eyes. ’The seeds of doubt have been

planted.