Villain: Manipulating the Heroines into hating the Protagonist

Chapter 817: Feng Xuan Returns

The air crackled with the residual energy of the Crimson Dawn. Wang Jian, with a flick of his wrist and a subtle ripple in the air, caused the blade to vanish, presumably returning it to whatever extradimensional space he had retrieved it from. ʼBest not to leave such a volatile artifact lying about,ʼ he mused, a faint smile playing on his lips. ʼOne never knows who might be tempted.ʼ

He turned back to Xinqiao, his gaze assessing. ”So, Lady Xinqiao,” he began, his voice smooth and even. ”What do you think? Would your esteemed father appreciate such a... gift?”

Xinqiao blinked, momentarily taken aback by the directness of the question. ʼA gift?ʼ she thought, her mind reeling. ʼHeʼs asking if my father would like the Crimson Dawn? As if it were a common trinket!ʼ

She collected herself, a polite smile gracing her lips. ”Honored Guest Wang Jian,” she replied, her voice carefully measured. ”My father is a connoisseur of blades. He would undoubtedly be... impressed by such a magnificent weapon.”

Wang Jianʼs smile widened, a hint of genuine warmth entering his eyes. ”I am glad to hear that,” he said, his voice laced with a subtle undercurrent of satisfaction. ”Because I intend to present it to him as a gift. His birthday is in a few days, is it not?”

Xinqiaoʼs eyes widened in disbelief. ʼHeʼs... giving it away?ʼ she thought, her mind struggling to comprehend the sheer magnitude of the gesture. ʼThe Crimson Dawn? A treasure beyond measure? Heʼs just... giving it to my father?ʼ

”You... you intend to give the Crimson Dawn to my father?” she stammered, unable to fully mask her astonishment.

Wang Jian chuckled softly. ”Indeed. A small token of my appreciation for a fellow enthusiast of fine craftsmanship. He would appreciate the bladeʼs history and power. I believe he would be a worthy keeper and would find great joy in having such an artifact.”

He paused, his gaze sweeping over Xinqiaoʼs form, lingering for a moment on the gentle rise and fall of her ample chest beneath her silken robes. A teasing glint entered his eyes. ”Besides,” he continued, his voice lowering to a conspiratorial whisper, ”it would give me a... most excellent excuse to visit more frequently. To ensure the blade is being properly cared for, of course. And to... enjoy the company of such... charming ladies.”

He let his gaze linger on Xinqiao for a moment longer, a blatant appreciation evident in his expression. ʼSuch... impressive curves,ʼ he thought, his eyes tracing the contours of her body. ʼA true embodiment of feminine power. It would be a pleasure to spend more time in her presence.ʼ

Xinqiao felt a flush rise to her cheeks, a mixture of anger and embarrassment swirling within her. ʼHeʼs... ogling me,ʼ she thought, her fists clenching at her sides. ʼAnd heʼs flirting with me! Despite knowing I have a husband!ʼ

Before Xinqiao could formulate a sharp retort, Yujia interjected, her voice smooth and flattering. ”Lord Wang Jian, you are too kind,” she said, her eyes sparkling with admiration. ”My uncle, the Lord of the Volcanic Peaks, would be deeply honored by such a generous gift. And it would be a true pleasure to have you visit us more often. Your presence brings such... enlightenment and refinement to our humble abode.”

Yujia subtly glanced at Xinqiao, a slight smile playing on her lips. It was a look that seemed to say, ʼDonʼt be foolish, Xinqiao. This is a great opportunity. Donʼt let your pride get in the way.ʼ

ʼYujia is right,ʼ Xinqiao thought with a sigh. ʼThis is a huge honor for my father. And for our clan. I shouldnʼt let my personal discomfort ruin things.ʼ

She took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. ʼBut still,ʼ she thought, her gaze flickering back to Wang Jian, ʼhe shouldnʼt be looking at me like that. Itʼs... disrespectful.ʼ

Wang Jian, seemingly oblivious to the tension in the air, continued his smooth discourse. ”It is my sincere desire to forge a strong bond with your esteemed family,” he said, his voice radiating sincerity. ”Your father is a man of great renown, and I have long admired his... dedication to the art of bladesmithing.”

He paused, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. ”Perhaps,” he continued, ”during my visit for his birthday, we could discuss the finer points of forging techniques. I have some... unique methods that I believe he might find... intriguing.”

Yujiaʼs eyes lit up. ”That would be wonderful, Lord Wang Jian,” she exclaimed. ”My uncle is always eager to learn new techniques. He would be thrilled to exchange knowledge with such a... learned individual.”

Xinqiao, however, remained somewhat skeptical. ʼHeʼs being too charming,ʼ she thought, her gaze narrowing slightly. ʼThereʼs something... calculating about him. Heʼs not just giving away the Crimson Dawn out of the goodness of his heart.ʼ

She glanced at Yujia, who was beaming at Wang Jian with undisguised admiration. ʼYujia seems completely taken in by him,ʼ she thought, a flicker of concern crossing her face. ʼI hope sheʼs not being too naive.ʼ

The conversation continued, but Xinqiao found it difficult to fully engage. Her mind was preoccupied with Wang Jianʼs unexpected gift, his blatant ogling, and Yujiaʼs seemingly blind admiration. ʼWhat is his true motive?ʼ she wondered, her brow furrowing. ʼWhy is he being so generous? What does he want in return?ʼ

As the twilight deepened into night, Wang Jian finally rose to his feet. ”It has been a most... enlightening evening,” he said, his voice smooth and cultured. ”I thank you both for your gracious hospitality.”

He bowed slightly to Yujia, then turned his gaze to Xinqiao, his green eyes meeting hers with

an intensity that made her heart skip a beat. ”I look forward to seeing you again soon, Lady Xinqiao,” he said, a faint smile playing on his lips. ”And I eagerly anticipate presenting your father with his... gift.”

With another slight nod, he turned and vanished into the night, leaving Xinqiao and Yujia alone in the moonlit courtyard.

The silence that followed was heavy with unspoken thoughts and conflicting emotions. Xinqiao stood there, her mind still reeling from the events of the evening. She felt a strange mixture of awe, suspicion, and a lingering unease.

ʼHeʼs a dangerous man,ʼ she thought, her gaze fixed on the spot where Wang Jian had stood just moments before. ʼPowerful, enigmatic, and utterly unpredictable.ʼ

She turned to Yujia, her expression thoughtful. ”Yujia,” she began, her voice low and serious. ”What do you make of him?”

Yujia smiled, her eyes still sparkling with admiration. ”Heʼs... extraordinary, Xinqiao,” she said, her voice filled with awe. ”A true paragon of cultivation. And so... generous.”

Xinqiao sighed. ʼSheʼs completely smitten,ʼ she thought, a flicker of frustration crossing her face. ʼShe doesnʼt see the... the undercurrents.ʼ

”Heʼs also... rather forward,” Xinqiao said, her voice carefully measured. ”Did you not notice how he was... looking at me?”

Yujia blinked, then chuckled softly. ”Oh, Xinqiao,” she said, her voice light and dismissive. ”Youʼre being too sensitive. He was simply... appreciating your beauty. Itʼs a compliment.”

Xinqiao frowned. ”It felt like more than a compliment,” she muttered. ”It felt... intrusive.”

Yujia shrugged. ”Perhaps,” she conceded. ”But heʼs a powerful man, Xinqiao. Itʼs best not to offend him. Especially given his... generosity towards your father.”

Xinqiao fell silent, her mind still troubled. She knew Yujia was right, at least on a practical level. It wouldnʼt do to offend such a powerful individual, especially one who was about to bestow such a magnificent gift upon her family.

But still, a nagging feeling of unease persisted. She couldnʼt shake the feeling that Wang Jianʼs motives were not entirely altruistic. And she couldnʼt ignore the way he had looked at her, the blatant desire in his eyes.

The next few days passed with a strange undercurrent of anticipation. Xinqiao found herself constantly replaying the events of that evening in her mind, Wang Jianʼs words echoing in her ears, his gaze burning into her memory. ʼHeʼs coming back,ʼ she thought, a mixture of apprehension and a strange, undeniable excitement stirring within her. ʼHeʼs coming back to give my father the Crimson Dawn. And to... see me.ʼ

She tried to focus on her training, on honing her swordsmanship, but her mind kept wandering back to Wang Jian. She couldnʼt shake the feeling that she was caught in a web of intrigue, a game far beyond her comprehension.

However, the quiet anticipation was shattered by an unexpected arrival. Feng Xuan, the

Young Sovereign of the Radiant Sun Sect, returned from his expedition to the forbidden legacy site. His normally radiant countenance was clouded with a dark frown, his usually confident aura tinged with a palpable frustration.

ʼThat cursed legacy site!ʼ he thought, his jaw clenching. ʼSo close... I was so close to grasping the Phoenixʼs legacy, but it crumbled before my very eyes. I barely escaped with my life!ʼ

As the ruler of the Radiant Sun Sect, which held dominion over the entire Crimson Flame Belt,

few things could truly shake Feng Xuan. But the loss of such a significant opportunity had

clearly left a deep mark. He decided to seek solace in the company of his women, hoping to alleviate his foul mood.

ʼMy beauties will soothe my troubled spirit,ʼ he thought, a flicker of anticipation replacing his frustration. ʼA night of pleasure is just what I need.ʼ

Feng Xuan possessed numerous concubines and attendants, but only four were considered his true wives, each a remarkable beauty in her own right.

Among them was Lixian Yujia, his first wife and the daughter of the Grand Elder, a woman of seductive charm and cunning intellect. Little did Feng Xuan know, however, that his beloved Yujia had already been ensnared by Wang Jianʼs charisma and power. Wang Jian had not only seduced her but was now using her to subtly influence Feng Xuanʼs other wives, making considerable progress with Xinqiao, the fiery beauty from the Volcanic Peaks. Her crimson hair and equally fiery personality were as well-known as her exceptional swordsmanship.

The other two wives, Jingyi Zhumin and Han Chenyu, remained untouched by Wang Jianʼs influence, as he had yet to make their acquaintance. Jingyi Zhumin, the serene beauty from the Jade Moon Valley, was renowned for her healing abilities and mastery of ancient alchemy. Han Chenyu, the enigmatic beauty from the Obsidian Caves, possessed a sharp mind for strategy and political maneuvering, her intellect as keen as any blade.

Feng Xuan arrived at Yujiaʼs residence, his mood still dark, but slightly lifted by the prospect

of seeing her. He was greeted with her usual warm smile and graceful demeanor. He noticed nothing different about her, no subtle change in her expression or behavior.

ʼSheʼs as beautiful as ever,ʼ he thought, a genuine smile finally gracing his lips.

”My dearest wives,” he said, his voice softening as he approached her. ”I have returned. I

have missed you dearly.”

He reached out to embrace Yujia, as was his custom, but she subtly evaded his touch, offering

a polite but distant smile.

”Welcome back, Xuan,” she said, her voice smooth and even. ”I am glad you have returned safely. However, I am not feeling quite myself this evening. Perhaps... another time.”

Feng Xuan felt a flicker of annoyance at her rejection. ʼSheʼs never refused my advances before,ʼ he thought, a slight frown creasing his brow. ʼPerhaps she is truly unwell.ʼ

He decided not to press the matter, respecting her wishes. ”Of course, my dear,” he said, forcing a smile. ”Your health is of utmost importance.”

He turned his attention to Xinqiao, who offered him a polite nod but remained somewhat

distant. He decided to address more pressing matters. He asked Yujia about the sectʼs current affairs. He inquired about the mysterious new galaxy that had recently appeared in their Eastern Cosmos, a galaxy seemingly under the control of the enigmatic Heavenly Jade

Pavilion sect.

”What is the situation with this Heavenly Jade Pavilion?” he asked, his voice serious. ”Should

we consider making a move? Their presence is a potential threat to our dominance in this

region.”

Yujiaʼs expression turned thoughtful. ”I advise against any aggressive action at this time,

Xuan,” she said, her voice calm and measured. ”The Heavenly Jade Pavilion remains an enigma. Their strength is unknown, and they have maintained a remarkably low profile. Attacking them now would be a reckless gamble.”

She then steered the conversation towards more immediate matters. ”It would be prudent to

focus on internal affairs for the moment,” she continued. ”And of course, we must prepare for Lord of the Volcanic Peaksʼ birthday. It is fast approaching, and we must ensure an appropriate gift is prepared.”

Feng Xuan nodded in agreement. ʼMy father-in-law deserves nothing less than a treasure of

unparalleled value,ʼ he thought, his mind already considering suitable gifts. He was determined to impress the Lord of the Volcanic Peaks, further solidifying his position within the powerful Wufang clan.

He had no idea, of course, that his first wife was actively concealing the presence of Wang

Jian, the man who was about to present his father-in-law with a gift that would dwarf anything Feng Xuan could offer.

Later that evening, after dismissing his wives, Feng Xuan sat alone in his study, reviewing

reports from his subordinates. He was still troubled by the failed legacy attempt, the lost opportunity gnawing at him. ʼI need to find a way to make up for this setback,ʼ he thought, his brow furrowed. ʼI cannot afford to fall behind in my cultivation.ʼ

He considered various options, from seeking out other hidden legacies to intensifying the sectʼs expansion efforts. His gaze fell upon a report detailing the recent activities of the Heavenly Jade Pavilion. ʼPerhaps,ʼ he mused, ʼinvestigating this new power could yield some unexpected benefits.ʼ

He reread the report, searching for any clues about the sectʼs true strength. But the information was scarce, the Heavenly Jade Pavilion shrouded in mystery. ʼThey are playing

their cards close to their chest,ʼ he thought, a flicker of suspicion entering his mind. ʼWhat are

they hiding?ʼ

He decided to postpone any direct action against the Heavenly Jade Pavilion for the time being, focusing instead on internal matters and the upcoming birthday celebration. He wanted to present a united front, demonstrating the strength and prosperity of the Radiant

Sun Sect.

Unbeknownst to him, however, the seeds of discord had already been sown within his own household. The subtle influence of Wang Jian was spreading, slowly but surely eroding the foundations of his authority. And the upcoming birthday celebration, far from being a symbol of unity, would become a stage for a far more complex and dangerous game.

The next day, Feng Xuan summoned his most trusted advisors to discuss the arrangements

for the Lord of the Volcanic Peaksʼ birthday. He outlined his plans for a grand celebration, showcasing the sectʼs wealth and power. He also instructed them to search for a gift worthy of his esteemed father-in-law, something that would demonstrate his respect and admiration.

ʼIt must be something truly exceptional,ʼ he emphasized, his voice leaving no room for doubt. ʼSomething that will leave a lasting impression.ʼ

His advisors nodded in agreement, promising to scour the realms for the most precious and

unique treasures. They understood the importance of this occasion, the need to maintain strong ties with the powerful Wufang clan.

As the preparations for the birthday celebration progressed, Feng Xuan remained oblivious to

the undercurrents swirling beneath the surface. He was focused on projecting an image of strength and stability, unaware that his own world was about to be irrevocably changed. The arrival of Wang Jian had set in motion a chain of events that would soon unravel the carefully constructed facade of his power, revealing the hidden vulnerabilities within his own domain. And the Crimson Dawn, the seemingly innocuous gift, would become a catalyst for a conflict that would shake the very foundations of the Crimson Flame Belt.