Villain: I transmigrated with Mind Control Powers

After the rigorous selection process was completed, the newly initiated disciples, including Aric, were officially welcomed into the Heavenly Demonic Sect. The atmosphere was one of subdued celebration; the initiates had passed the trials, but they knew their true journey was just beginning. The sect was a place where power reigned supreme, and weakness was mercilessly eradicated.

Aric's display of prowess during the trials had not gone unnoticed. The elders, experienced cultivators who could sense the potential of others, were particularly intrigued by "Ye Chen." His talent and the ease with which he handled the Heart Gu ritual left many of them eager to take him as a disciple.

The sect had always prioritized strength and the ability to cultivate power, and Aric seemed like a promising addition to their ranks.

The sect's tradition dictated that after the selection process, the newly initiated disciples would be presented before the elders in a ceremony where the elders would choose their disciples. It was a time of great anticipation and anxiety, as being chosen by a powerful elder could determine a disciple's future in the sect.

The more powerful the elder, the more resources and opportunities a disciple would receive.

The hall where the ceremony took place was grand and imposing, with high ceilings adorned with demonic symbols and dark, gleaming stone pillars. The new disciples stood in a line before a gathering of elders seated on raised platforms, each elder surrounded by a group of their existing disciples.

The air was thick with tension as the elders whispered among themselves, eyeing the new recruits like predators sizing up prey.

When it came time for the elders to make their selections, a clear tension filled the room. Several elders were interested in Aric, recognizing his potential and the strength he had displayed during the trials. They began to voice their claims, each one trying to outbid the other with promises of rare cultivation techniques, powerful artifacts, and vast amounts of resources.

Elder Mo Tian, a stern and imposing figure with a reputation for producing some of the sect's most powerful disciples, was the first to speak. "Ye Chen, your talent is extraordinary. Join me, and I will ensure that you have access to the best resources in the sect. Under my guidance, you will reach heights you've never imagined."

Not to be outdone, Elder Ling Xuan, a shrewd and ambitious woman known for her strategic mind, stepped forward. "Don't be so quick to decide, Ye Chen. With me, you will have the opportunity to learn the Shadow Abyss Technique—a skill that has turned even the weakest disciples into formidable cultivators. My resources are vast, and I can offer you a place in my inner circle."

The offers kept coming, with each elder promising more than the last. It was rare to see so many elders vying for a single disciple, and the other initiates could only watch in awe and envy as Aric, still disguised as Ye Chen, stood at the center of the attention.

But Aric had no intention of being swayed by these offers. He had come to the Heavenly Demonic Sect with his own agenda, and being tied down to an elder, even one with vast resources, did not fit into his plans. His goal was power, and in this world where the strong ruled, he had no desire to bow to anyone weaker than himself.

As the elders continued to argue, a new voice cut through the commotion. It was Elder Ren Shi, a relatively low-profile elder compared to the others but known for his vast wealth and extensive collection of rare resources. "Ye Chen," he said with a calm yet commanding presence, "I may not offer the grand promises of my colleagues, but I can provide you with something more valuable—independence.

Join me, and I will give you access to my personal vault of treasures. All I ask in return is a single favor when the time comes."

Aric's eyes narrowed slightly. Elder Ren Shi's offer was interesting. Independence and resources would give him the freedom he needed to execute his plans. More importantly, he had already investigated this elder using his system and discovered that Ren Shi had a significantly weaker intelligence stat. This made him the perfect target for Aric's mind control technique.

Aric, playing the role of Ye Chen, stepped forward and kowtowed before Elder Ren Shi. "Master, I accept your offer and vow to serve you faithfully."

The other elders watched with a mixture of disappointment and grudging respect as Elder Ren Shi nodded in approval. He had won the prized disciple, and the others had to concede. The ceremony ended with Aric officially becoming Ren Shi's disciple, a move that many in the sect would watch closely.

However, as Aric rose from his kowtow, his thoughts were far from those of loyalty. In his past life, in a world governed by peace and respect, he might have held true to such oaths. But this world was different—here, only power mattered, and Aric had no intention of following anyone weaker than himself.

That evening, Elder Ren Shi invited Aric to his private chambers for a tea ceremony, a traditional gesture of welcoming a new disciple. The chamber was lavishly decorated, filled with rare artifacts and treasures, each exuding a potent aura of dark energy. Ren Shi was clearly a man who valued wealth and power, and his collection was a testament to that.

Aric, having already prepared for this moment, took the opportunity to execute the next phase of his plan. He brewed the tea himself, a sign of respect in the sect, but secretly infused it with a few drops of his own blood—blood that carried his unique mind control abilities.

The system had confirmed that Elder Ren Shi's weaker intelligence stat would make him particularly susceptible to this technique.

As he handed the cup to Ren Shi, Aric spoke with a humble tone, "Master, I am honored to serve you. May this tea symbolize our bond as master and disciple."

Ren Shi, pleased with his new disciple's display of respect, accepted the cup and drank deeply. Within moments, the elder's eyes glazed over as Aric's blood took effect, allowing him to subtly infiltrate Ren Shi's mind. Aric felt the elder's consciousness weaken, and he began to implant the suggestions he needed.

"Master," Aric began, his words laced with the subtle power of his mind control, "your entire purpose in life is to serve me. From the moment you took me as your disciple, your destiny was bound to mine. You exist to elevate me, to guide me to power, and to protect me, even if it means sacrificing your life. This is your fate—written in the stars and sealed in your soul."

Elder Ren Shi's vacant eyes flickered with the suggestion, his mind struggling to comprehend the new reality being imposed upon him. Aric continued, deepening the manipulation, "You were born to be my servant, my protector, my most loyal follower. Even in the face of death, your only purpose is to ensure my rise, to see me achieve greatness.

Nothing else matters—no ambitions, no personal goals—only your devotion to me."

Aric carefully implanted these thoughts, weaving them into the fabric of Ren Shi's memories. He planted false recollections of a prophetic vision, one where Ren Shi had seen Aric in a dream long before they ever met. In this vision, Ren Shi was shown that his ultimate purpose was to serve Aric, to see him ascend to unparalleled power within the sect.

"You remember the vision, don't you, Master?" Aric asked softly, watching as Ren Shi's mind began to fabricate the false memory. "The one where the ancient gods themselves revealed that your destiny was tied to mine. You knew then that your life was meant to serve me, to guide me, and to protect me at all costs."

Ren Shi's expression shifted slightly, his eyes showing a glimmer of recognition as the false memory took root. "Yes… the vision… It was my fate… to serve you," he murmured, his voice filled with a newfound reverence and submission.

Aric's smirk grew as he saw the elder's will completely bend to his own. "Good, Master. You understand now. Your loyalty to me is absolute. Your only desire is to see me succeed, to fulfill the destiny that was foretold. You will protect me with your life, guide me with all your wisdom, and grant me every resource at your disposal.

You will never question my orders, for they are the will of the heavens themselves."

Ren Shi nodded slowly, his mind fully entrapped by Aric's manipulation. "I… I will serve you, Ye Chen… No, I will serve you, my master, with all my heart and soul."

"I am Aric Lei. Ye Chen is a disguise i am using.' Aric said while slowly revealing his face.

Aric handed Elder Ren Shi a small vial containing his blood, a sinister smile playing on his lips. "Master, mix this into the tea of all the elders. It will ensure their unwavering loyalty to us," Aric instructed, his tone leaving no room for doubt.

Ren Shi, now entirely under Aric's control, nodded obediently and took the vial. "As you command, my master," he replied, his voice filled with a newfound reverence.

With his plans set in motion, Aric decided to explore the Heavenly Demonic Sect. The atmosphere within the sect was intense, with disciples and elders alike exuding a palpable hunger for power. The dark and foreboding architecture, coupled with the intense spiritual energy that permeated the air, gave the sect a menacing yet awe-inspiring aura.

As he wandered through the sect, something unusual caught his attention—a large crowd of disciples gathering and cheering excitedly. Curious, Aric made his way through the throng of people and asked a nearby disciple, "Whats going on? Who are they all waiting for?"

The disciple, barely containing his excitement, replied, "The First Descendant is returning! Hes the future of our sect—the Young Master!"

"The First Descendant is coming! I can't believe we get to see him in person!" one disciple exclaimed.

"He's the future of the Heavenly Demonic Sect," another said, eyes wide with awe. "They say his talent surpasses even the patriarch's when he was younger."

"The First Descendant…" Aric murmured to himself, his interest piqued. He pushed through the crowd for a better view, sensing that this person was no ordinary figure.

The crowd suddenly erupted in cheers as the First Descendant made his entrance. He was a young man of striking appearance, with long, flowing hair the color of midnight and eyes that seemed to contain the very essence of chaos. His presence was overwhelming, a blend of raw power and noble bearing that left the disciples in awe.

Arics eyes narrowed as he pushed through the crowd for a better view. Just then, a tall, imposing figure emerged, his presence commanding the attention of everyone around him. The crowd's cheers grew louder as they welcomed their future leader.

Suddenly, Aric received a notification from his system.

[Ding! A new protagonist has been detected!]