Villain: Manipulating the Heroines into hating the Protagonist

Chapter 820: Wang Jianʼs Backup Plan

The tension in the meeting hall was palpable. The air crackled with unspoken words, the weight of the impending conflict hanging heavy in the atmosphere. Lord Wufang, his hand resting on the hilt of the Crimson Dawn, radiated an aura of power and determination. His challenge to Sovereign Feng Tianming had sent shockwaves through the assembled leaders of the Crimson Flame Belt.

Feng Xuan watched the scene unfold with a growing sense of dread. He understood the gravity of the situation. If his father-in-law were to engage in a duel with his ancestor, the Sovereign, it would have devastating consequences for the Radiant Sun Sectʼs prestige.

While his own personal standing might not be directly affected - after all, his father-in-law wouldnʼt intentionally demean him - the reputation of his Feng clan would be severely tarnished. The Wufang clan would rise in prominence, overshadowing the Feng clan, making a mockery of their long-held dominance over the Crimson Flame Belt.

ʼThis cannot happen,ʼ Feng Xuan thought, his jaw clenching. ʼI cannot allow my clan to be humiliated in this way. I would become a laughingstock among the other prodigies of the surrounding cosmos.ʼ The image of being mocked and ridiculed by his rivals fueled his resolve. He had to intervene.

He rose to his feet, his expression calm and composed, despite the turmoil within. He addressed the assembled leaders, his voice clear and authoritative, commanding their attention.

”Esteemed Lord Wufang,” he began, his tone respectful but firm. ”I understand your desire to prove your strength and leadership. However, I believe that engaging in a duel at this time would be... unwise.”

Lord Wufang raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his eyes. ”Unwise?” he echoed, his voice laced with a subtle challenge. ”And why do you say that, Xuan?”

Feng Xuan took a deep breath, carefully choosing his words. ”As you know,” he said, gesturing towards a holographic projection displaying the surrounding cosmos, ”an unknown galaxy has recently emerged in our Eastern Cosmos. The Heavenly Jade Pavilion sect, which leads this galaxy, remains an enigma. We know little of their true strength, their intentions.”

He paused, allowing his words to sink in. ”Engaging in a conflict amongst ourselves at this juncture,” he continued, his voice gaining intensity, ”would be a grave mistake. It would weaken us, leaving us vulnerable to external threats. Should the Heavenly Jade Pavilion prove to be hostile, we would be in a significantly weakened position to defend our territory.”

He met Lord Wufangʼs gaze directly, his expression resolute. ”It is imperative that we maintain a united front,” he concluded. ”We cannot afford to be divided at a time like this.”

A murmur rippled through the hall. Some of the leaders nodded in agreement, recognizing the wisdom of Feng Xuanʼs words. Others, however, remained skeptical, their eyes shifting between Feng Xuan and Lord Wufang.

Lord Wufang himself let out a low chuckle, a hint of disdain in his voice. ”A united front?” he repeated, his eyes narrowing slightly. ”You use the appearance of this unknown galaxy as a convenient excuse, Xuan. They have been present for over a month now, and they have shown no signs of hostility. It is foolish to believe they pose a threat.”

ʼHe sees through my excuse,ʼ Feng Xuan thought, a flicker of frustration crossing his mind. He knew that his reasoning was flimsy, but it was the only way he could think of to prevent this potentially disastrous duel.

He maintained his composure, however, refusing to back down. ”While they have not yet displayed any overt hostility,” he countered, his voice steady, ”we cannot afford to be complacent. We must remain vigilant, prepared for any eventuality. It would be irresponsible of us to engage in internal conflict while such a potential threat looms on the horizon.”

Lord Wufang remained silent for a moment, his gaze fixed on Feng Xuan. He could see the determination in his son-in-lawʼs eyes, the unwavering resolve to prevent the duel. He knew that Feng Xuan was using the unknown galaxy as a pretext, but he also understood the underlying reason for his intervention. This duel would damage the Radiant Sun Sectʼs prestige, and Feng Xuan, as the future leader, was determined to prevent such an outcome.

ʼHeʼs protecting his clanʼs reputation,ʼ Lord Wufang thought, a hint of respect entering his mind. ʼHeʼs a capable leader, even if his reasoning is somewhat... transparent.ʼ

He sighed inwardly. He knew he couldnʼt push the issue further, not at this moment. Feng Xuan was the Young Sovereign, the recognized future leader of the Crimson Flame Belt. His talent, strength, charisma, and leadership were undeniable. No other sect within the region had any objections to his eventual ascension. To openly contradict him now, especially on such a public stage, would create unnecessary tension and could potentially destabilize the entire region.

ʼPerhaps it is not the right time,ʼ Lord Wufang thought, a hint of disappointment creeping into his mind. ʼBut the opportunity will come again. With the Crimson Dawn in my hand, I will not be denied my rightful place.ʼ

He lowered his hand from the hilt of his sword, a reluctant concession. ”Very well, Xuan,” he said, his voice regaining its usual composure. ”I understand your concerns. We will postpone this matter for the time being.”

A collective sigh of relief swept through the hall. The assembled leaders were grateful for Feng Xuanʼs intervention, averting what could have been a devastating conflict. They exchanged relieved glances, murmuring their approval.

Feng Xuan nodded in acknowledgment, his expression relaxing slightly. He had managed to avert the immediate crisis, but he knew that this was only a temporary reprieve. The underlying tension remained, and the threat of conflict still loomed on the horizon.

ʼThis is not over,ʼ he thought, his gaze shifting towards the holographic projection of the cosmos, his eyes fixed on the location of the unknown galaxy. ʼThat unknown power... they are the key to this entire situation. I need to know more about them.ʼ

He decided to dedicate more resources to gathering intelligence on the Heavenly Jade Pavilion and their mysterious galaxy. He needed to understand their intentions, their capabilities, their potential threat to the Crimson Flame Belt. Only then could he formulate a proper strategy to safeguard his clanʼs interests and maintain the stability of the region.

The meeting concluded shortly thereafter, the leaders dispersing with a mixture of relief and apprehension. Feng Xuan remained behind, along with a few of his trusted advisors, to discuss the next steps.

”We need to increase our surveillance of the Eastern Cosmos,” he instructed, his voice firm. ”I want regular reports on the activities of the Heavenly Jade Pavilion. I want to know everything - their numbers, their technology, their cultivation techniques, their leadership structure.

Everything.”

His advisors nodded in agreement, acknowledging the urgency of the situation. They understood that the future of the Crimson Flame Belt depended on their ability to understand and respond to this new threat.

As Feng Xuan looked out at the vast expanse of the cosmos, a sense of foreboding settled over

him. He knew that the coming days and months would be crucial, a period of uncertainty and potential conflict. The delicate balance of power had been disrupted, and the Crimson Flame Belt was on the verge of a significant change.

The agreement to investigate the unknown galaxy and the Heavenly Jade Pavilion sect was

swiftly put into action. Feng Xuan, along with the leading figures from the various sects within the Radiant Sun Sectʼs sphere of influence, began coordinating their efforts. Scouts were dispatched, tasked with gathering information about this mysterious new power. They were instructed to proceed with extreme caution, avoiding any direct confrontation unless absolutely necessary.

Meanwhile, in the days following the Lord of Volcanic Peaksʼ birthday banquet, Wang Jian observed the unfolding events with a keen eye. He noted that despite possessing the Crimson Dawn and undergoing a significant increase in power, Lord Wufang had not yet made any further moves against Sovereign Feng Tianming. ʼPerhaps I was too hasty,ʼ Wang Jian mused, a slight sigh escaping his lips. ʼI had hoped that simply gifting the blade would be enough to ignite the conflict. It seems dealing with a protagonist isnʼt so simple after all.ʼ

He had anticipated a more immediate reaction, a swift challenge to the established order. But

he understood that even with newfound power, Lord Wufang was likely weighing his options, considering the potential consequences of such a direct confrontation. ʼIt seems Iʼll have to nudge things along a bit,ʼ Wang Jian thought, a subtle smile playing on his lips. ʼFortunately, I have other plans in motion.ʼ

He realized that with Feng Xuan and the majority of the Crimson Flame Beltʼs influential figures gathered at the Radiant Sun Sectʼs headquarters, it presented a perfect opportunity to act. With the key players away from their own territories, he could move more freely, orchestrating events without their immediate interference.

Wang Jian decided to travel to the Blazing Rock Star, the Wufang clanʼs home world. He had a meeting planned with Wufang Xinqiao. He intended to capitalize on the current situation, further driving a wedge between her and Feng Xuan.

Upon arriving at the Blazing Rock Star, Wang Jian made his way to the Wufang clanʼs estate.

He requested an audience with Xinqiao, claiming to have urgent news regarding her father. He was quickly granted access, his reputation preceding him.

He found Xinqiao in a secluded garden, enjoying a quiet moment amidst the fiery flora of her home world. She looked up as he approached, a hint of surprise in her eyes.

”Honored Guest Wang Jian,” she greeted him, her voice polite. ”What brings you here?”

Wang Jian offered a courteous bow. ”Lady Xinqiao,” he said, his voice laced with concern. ”I have come with news... troubling news, I fear.”

Xinqiaoʼs brow furrowed. ”Troubling news? About my father?” she asked, her voice laced

with worry.

Wang Jian nodded solemnly. ”I have heard whispers,” he said, lowering his voice conspiratorially. ”Whispers that your father intends to challenge the Radiant Sun Sect for control of the Crimson Flame Belt. I heard that he even publicly challenged Sovereign Feng

Tianming.”

Xinqiaoʼs eyes widened in surprise. She had not been present at the meeting where her father had issued the challenge, and she was unaware of the events that had transpired. ”He... he did?” she stammered, her mind reeling.

Wang Jian nodded again. ”Indeed,” he confirmed. ”And I fear that the Radiant Sun Sect may retaliate. They will not take such a challenge lightly. I came here to... to offer my protection. I would not want any harm to come to you.”

Xinqiao looked at him, a mixture of confusion and gratitude in her eyes. ”Protect me?” she

asked, her voice soft. ”But... my husband is Feng Xuan. He is the Young Sovereign of the Radiant Sun Sect. He would never allow anyone to harm me.”

Wang Jian simply smiled, a knowing glint in his eyes. He watched as Xinqiao spoke with such unwavering faith in her husband. Without her noticing, a depraved smile crept onto his face. He was going to break that trust, shatter it completely.

As Xinqiao continued to speak, her attention momentarily diverted to the food she was

nibbling on, Wang Jian allowed his gaze to drift over her form. He openly ogled her voluptuous figure, his eyes lingering on the gentle sway of her hips and the prominent curves of her breasts beneath her flowing robes. ʼSuch a delectable creature,ʼ he thought, a lustful glint in his eyes. ʼIt will be a pleasure to finally claim her for myself.ʼ

His plan was simple, yet effective. He would orchestrate an attack on Xinqiao, making it

appear as if it was carried out by members of the Radiant Sun Sect. This would sow discord

between her and Feng Xuan, creating the perfect opportunity for him to step in as her protector and confidante.

He knew that simply arranging an attack by random cultivators wouldnʼt be enough. He needed to involve individuals with sufficient standing within the Radiant Sun Sect, individuals who would have knowledge of the inner discussions and strategies. This would lend credibility to the attack, making it seem like a genuine attempt by the sect to silence or

intimidate the Wufang clan.

ʼConvincing them to attack the Young Sovereignʼs wife will be difficult,ʼ he thought, his brow furrowing slightly. ʼItʼs practically impossible.ʼ

But Wang Jian was not easily deterred. He knew how to exploit human nature, how to manipulate desires and ambitions. He knew that the elders of the Radiant Sun Sect, despite their loyalty to Feng Xuan, were not immune to temptation. They had all witnessed the power

of the Crimson Dawn, the transformative effect it had had on the Lord of Volcanic Peaks. They knew that Wang Jian possessed extraordinary treasures, treasures that could potentially unlock their own hidden potential.

ʼGreed,ʼ Wang Jian thought, a subtle smile returning to his lips. ʼIt is a powerful motivator. If I

offer them a taste of true power, they will be willing to do anything. Even betray their own Young Sovereign.ʼ