Chapter 54: Chapter 54: The Plan For Ye Chen
[The Ultimate Villain System]
[Name - Aric Lei (Ethan)]
[Age - 20]
[Cultivation Level - Divine Transformation Realm (2nd Stage)]
[Strength - 84]
[Agility - 81]
[Intelligence - 150]
[Charm - 71]
[Physique - Primal Chaos Physique]
[Bloodline - Ancient Asura Bloodline ]
[Cultivation Techniques - Iron Body Technique, Void Soul Assimilation Technique, Celestial Harmony Dual Cultivation Technique, Primordial Chaos Scripture]
[Skills - Eclipsing Shadow Blade (Master, Subskills: Shadow Slice, Phantom Strike, Eclipse Barrage), Tengzhi Fusion Fist (Beginner), Mystic Wind Movement]
[Items - Heavenly Jade Sword, Shadowbane Amulet, Shadow Veil Cloak, Supreme Bone, The Heart of the Primordial Titan ]
[Villain Halo - 61,000]
[Villain Points - 105,000]
Aric looked at his status and then slowly started thinking about Ye Chen.
After using the Plot Ticket, the detailed plan of Ye Chen's future exploits within the ruins became crystal clear. Among the myriad of opportunities, one in particular stood out—a chance encounter with an ancient treasure known as the "Heavenly Seraphic Lotus."
The Heavenly Seraphic Lotus was a rare and mythical herb, capable of significantly boosting one's cultivation by directly nourishing the soul and enhancing spiritual energy. It was said to bloom only once every thousand years, and its petals could also be used to refine an elixir that would make a cultivator nearly invincible in their realm.
But that wasn't the only opportunity awaiting Ye Chen. According to the plot, a dangerous accident would occur during the treasure hunt. Zhen Yu, the graceful and intelligent beauty who hailed from one of the most powerful sects in the region, would be caught in a life-threatening situation. Ye Chen, as fate would have it, would be there to save her at the last moment.
This act of heroism would mark the beginning of a deep, almost fateful attraction between them, eventually leading Zhen Yu to develop strong feelings for Ye Chen.
Aric smirked, already plotting how to twist this narrative in his favor. "So, Ye Chen, you were supposed to gain an invaluable treasure and win the heart of Zhen Yu. But that's only if I allow it."
His plan was simple: block Ye Chen's path to the west side of the ruins where the Heavenly Seraphic Lotus would bloom and where the incident with Zhen Yu was fated to occur. Aric's team, now bolstered by the acquisition of the Heart of the Primordial Titan, moved quickly toward the west side of the ruins.
The western side of the ruins was a vast, sprawling area filled with ancient structures and dense forests, where the air was thick with the aura of lingering spiritual energy. It was a place where countless treasures were rumored to be hidden, but also where countless dangers lurked.
The stone paths were cracked, overgrown with wild vegetation, and mysterious, floating wisps of light occasionally drifted by, remnants of ancient formations long since forgotten.
As Aric and his team approached the area, they noticed a large group of cultivators already present. These were members of the prestigious Bai Family, one of the most influential families in the region. At the forefront of this group was Bai Chen, a young prodigy renowned for his talent and strength.
At just 24 years old, Bai Chen had already reached the Core Formation 7th Stage—an impressive feat that made him the pride of the Bai Family.
Bai Chen was tall and handsome, with a sharp gaze and an aura of confidence that made him stand out among his peers. He had a calm and collected demeanor, always thinking several steps ahead, which was why he was leading the Bai Family's expedition into the ruins. Although they weren't entirely sure what treasure lay ahead, they were determined to claim whatever they could find.
As Aric's group approached, Bai Chen noticed them and gave a slight nod, acknowledging their presence but remaining focused on his mission.
Aric, however, had other plans. He casually approached Bai Chen, his expression friendly and unthreatening. "Brother Bai," Aric began, his tone smooth and amiable, "it seems we both seek the same fortunes within these ruins.
"But if you come in my way, then we will have to fight", Bai Chen said with a frown.
"Why I would take the treasure of Brother Bai. It just that we are going in the same direction.", Aric said calmly.
"But before we delve further, I'd like to offer you something that might aid in our exploration.", Aric continued.
Bai Chen raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Aric's approach. "What is it that you offer, Brother Aric?"
Aric reached into his robe and pulled out a small, ornate vial filled with a shimmering, emerald-green liquid. The potion inside seemed to glow with a soft light, exuding a faint but potent aura. "This," Aric said, holding the vial up, "is the Celestial Harmony Elixir. It enhances one's spiritual senses and strengthens the flow of Qi, making it easier to detect hidden formations and treasures."
Bai Chen's eyes flickered with interest. The Bai Family had many resources, but a potion of this quality was rare even for them. "You're offering this to me? What's the catch?"
Aric chuckled, shaking his head. "No catch. Consider it a token of goodwill. After all, we're both here for the same purpose, and a little cooperation could benefit us all."
Bai Chen hesitated for a moment, but seeing nothing suspicious, he accepted the vial. "Very well, I'll take you up on your offer. Thank you, Brother Aric."
Aric's smile widened subtly as Bai Chen uncorked the vial and drank the elixir in one smooth motion. "And so, the web begins to weave," Aric thought to himself, his mind already working on the next step.
[Ding! A new target detected. Do you want to use the mind control skill on the target?]
"Yes", Aric said in his mind.
What Bai Chen didn't realize was that Aric had mixed a drop of his own blood into the elixir—blood that carried his mind control ability. As Bai Chen drank, Aric reached out with his consciousness, subtly entering Bai Chen's mind. The process was delicate, requiring finesse to avoid detection. But Aric was a master of manipulation, and Bai Chen was unaware of the mental trap being set.
As the Celestial Harmony Elixir coursed through Bai Chen's system, the effects began to take hold. His spiritual senses sharpened, and he felt a surge of energy flowing through him. But beneath that, something far more sinister was happening—Aric was planting false memories, altering Bai Chen's very perception of reality.
In Bai Chen's mind, images and sensations began to blur and shift. His memories of Aric were being rewritten, changed to make him believe that Aric was not just an ally, but a master to whom he owed his absolute loyalty.
In Bai Chen's altered memories, he now recalled a pivotal encounter that had taken place several years ago, an event that had been wiped from his mind until this moment:
Bai Chen vividly remembered a time when he was still an inexperienced cultivator, struggling to advance in his cultivation. He had stumbled upon a secluded valley, where he witnessed a fierce duel between two powerful cultivators. One of them was Aric.
After the duel, Bai Chen, overcome with admiration, had approached Aric, begging to be taken under his wing. Aric, after testing his resolve in a life-or-death battle against a powerful spirit beast, had agreed to impart some of his wisdom and techniques to Bai Chen. From that day, Bai Chen swore an oath of eternal loyalty to Aric, vowing to follow him no matter the cost.
Aric's voice, calm and persuasive, echoed in Bai Chen's mind, shaping his thoughts. "You have always been my servant, Bai Chen. Your purpose is to fulfill my wishes, to serve me without question. Everything you do, you do for me. This has always been the truth."
Bai Chen's memories of his past were being twisted. He now recalled swearing an oath to Aric, pledging his life and strength to serve him. He remembered countless occasions where Aric had guided and protected him, where Aric's wisdom had led to victory after victory. The idea of resisting Aric was inconceivable; it was as though Bai Chen had always been destined to follow him.
Aric carefully layered these false memories, ensuring they meshed seamlessly with Bai Chen's true experiences. The young prodigy's sense of self began to erode, replaced by a blind, unwavering loyalty to Aric. The subtlety of the manipulation was key—Bai Chen would never suspect that these memories were anything but his own.
When the process was complete, Bai Chen blinked, feeling slightly disoriented. But as he looked at Aric, a deep sense of duty and loyalty washed over him. There was no doubt in his mind—Aric was his master, and he was bound to serve him.
"Is everything alright, Brother Bai?" Aric asked, his tone filled with concern.
Bai Chen nodded slowly, a small smile forming on his lips. "Yes, Brother Aric. I feel... stronger, more focused. Thank you for your generosity."
With Bai Chen's memories fully altered, Aric's gaze shifted to Bai Ling, who stood quietly beside her brother. She was the epitome of beauty, her delicate features framed by long, silky black hair that cascaded down her back like a waterfall. Her skin was as fair as jade, smooth and unblemished, and her eyes sparkled like twin stars in the night sky.
Her petite figure exuded a graceful elegance, yet there was a hidden strength within her, a fierce determination that had earned her a place on the prestigious Jiuqu Immortal Beauties List—a ranking of the most stunning and talented women across the cultivation world.
Bai Ling's presence was enough to cause hearts to race and minds to wander. Her beauty was not just skin-deep; it was the kind that could sway kingdoms and bring even the most hardened warriors to their knees. Aric couldn't help but feel a burning desire for her, not just for her beauty, but for the power she represented.