Dobytranslations

Blog

  • It turns out, they are the protagonists 148 p1

    Chapter 148: Mu Zhi’an’s Heavenly Dao Aura p1

    Pilgrimage Palace.

    Standing before the vast plaza, Ye Yu, clad in black robes, stared at the towering platform.

    The Two Polarities Sect’s opening ceremony had been held on this very platform just a few days ago.

    “Master, where is this great opportunity you mentioned?” Ye Yu asked mentally.

    The old man’s voice echoed in his mind. “Relax your body. I need to borrow it for a moment.”

    Ye Yu relinquished control of his consciousness.

    When he opened his eyes again, his youthful face held a newfound wisdom, his gaze reflecting a lifetime of experience.

    ‘Ye Yu’ walked towards the platform, his steps measured and deliberate.

    As he approached, a faint, almost imperceptible aura emanated from the altar.

    “It’s been a while, old friend,” the old man said, his voice calm and steady, a hint of nostalgia in his tone.

    The altar vibrated faintly.

    ‘Ye Yu’ frowned, then soared into the air, his gaze sweeping over the entire Pilgrimage Palace.

    Just as I thought…

    This entire plaza is a formation!

    Even the Peak Masters wouldn’t be capable of creating such a profound formation.

    It must be the work of Sect Master Shang Yanfei…

    ‘Ye Yu’ looked down at a specific point on the altar, a hint of sympathy in his eyes.

    “Master, where is the opportunity?” Ye Yu’s voice echoed in his mind.

    “It’s not time yet,” the old man replied. “Focus on your cultivation.”

    “I believe the opportunity within the Pilgrimage Palace will reveal itself within the month.”

    “This month?”

    Ye Yu frowned. The thought of waiting so long was unbearable.

    However, a month was enough time for him to reach the Sixth Stage of Foundation Establishment.

    By then, he would be in a much stronger position to compete for the opportunity!

    …

    The Third Prince slowly opened his eyes.

    He was lying in bed, staring at the high ceiling beams. Pain throbbed throughout his body as the memory of his spar with Mu Zhi’an surfaced.

    He had been utterly defeated.

    Mu Zhi’an had knocked him unconscious with a single strike… And it had happened in front of the entire sect, including Huang Manting and his elder sister.

    Bang!

    Rage surged through him as he slammed his fist against the bed.

    Even now, the prince, accustomed to a life of privilege and power, refused to acknowledge his own shortcomings.

    This was a world where strength reigned supreme. With his status, he should be able to have any woman he desired.

    However… if Ye Lingxuan was truly from the Forbidden Zone, there was nothing he could do.

    But if he couldn’t have her, why should Mu Zhi’an?

    How could a mere family from Tianxuan City be worthy of the Holy Maiden of the Forbidden Zone?!

    The thought of Ye Lingxuan’s affectionate gaze and her unwavering support for Mu Zhi’an filled him with fury.

    He struggled to control his anger. A soft rustle from the doorway drew his attention. He turned to see a sect disciple standing hesitantly at the entrance.

    “What are you doing here?” he asked coldly.

    He recognized the disciple as one of the attendants sent by his uncle. He had been tasked with handling the prince’s affairs, but after the recent incident, he should have returned to Metamorphic Jewel Peak… Why was he still here?

    The disciple hesitated for a moment, then approached the bed, offering a small wooden box. “Your Highness, this is a healing pill for your injuries.”

    “I don’t need your pity,” the Third Prince spat.

    “It’s not for your external injuries, but for your internal ones,” the disciple replied respectfully. “Take a look.”

    The Third Prince eyed the disciple suspiciously, then opened the box.

    Inside, nestled on a bed of silk, was a translucent pill with a smooth, lustrous surface.

    Having read some books on alchemy during his time in the palace, he recognized the pill immediately. He looked up at the disciple, his voice laced with suspicion. “Who are you?”

    The disciple bowed silently, then turned and left the room.

    The Third Prince stared at the pill, then at the empty doorway. The disciple had vanished.

    He placed the pill back in the box and closed it carefully.

    A thoughtful expression crossed his face.

    …

    Garden of Heavenly Harmony.

    Mu Zhi’an exhaled softly, having absorbed the day’s dose of Qi Gathering Pills. He changed into fresh robes and glanced at the screen beside him.

    Bai Ruoxi was behind the screen, cultivating with the aid of the Qi Gathering Pills.

    Though he couldn’t see her, he could hear the faint splashing of water and make out the outline of her curvaceous figure.

    This subtle glimpse of her beauty was even more alluring than seeing her directly.

    However, Mu Zhi’an was a simple man. He preferred direct contact over veiled glimpses.

    He was about to bypass the screen and admire Bai Ruoxi’s beauty when a gentle voice called out from behind it.

    “My dear, what are you doing?”

    Bai Ruoxi clutched her chest, her back still turned towards him. She had sensed his approach.

    “Just bringing you a towel,” he said with a smile.

    “I have one,” she replied.

    “Then let me rub your back,” he offered, his voice filled with innocent helpfulness.

    “No, thank you. Please wait outside, my dear.”

    He sighed in defeat, and she relaxed as she heard his retreating footsteps.

    She had come to understand Mu Zhi’an quite well.

    He might claim to want to rub her back, but… it would inevitably lead to something more.

    Imagining certain scenarios, she blushed and shook her head, forcing herself to focus on her cultivation.

    Rejected, Mu Zhi’an left the room and basked in the sun in the courtyard.

    He noticed a female disciple approaching, escorted by Wei Mengrou. The disciple looked familiar.

    “Young Master Mu, my mistress requests your presence,” the disciple said.

    Mistress? This is the Two Polarities Sect, not some feudal estate…

    He studied the disciple, then recognition dawned on him.

    She was one of Huang Manting’s attendants.

    These people are strange. They abandon their status as sect disciples to become someone’s servant… How peculiar…

    But why would Huang Manting summon me…?

    He pondered for a moment, then decided to accept the invitation.

    Huang Manting wouldn’t summon him without a good reason.

    He instructed Wei Mengrou to inform Bai Ruoxi of his departure, then followed the disciple out of the Garden of Heavenly Harmony.

    He was led to a spacious and elegant hall where he found the young mistress of the Morning Glory Chamber of Commerce.

    She wore her usual black dress, her hair tied back with a black ribbon, a few strands framing her delicate face.

    Her attire was simple, yet she exuded an alluring and seductive aura.

    “It’s quite difficult to get an audience with you, Young Master Mu,” she said, her legs crossed elegantly, her white skin glowing against the black fabric of her dress.

    “I came as soon as I received your invitation, didn’t I, Miss Huang?” he replied with a smile.

    She scoffed. “I’ve sent invitations several times before, but your Lady Bai always declined on your behalf.”

    I had no idea…

    He was surprised.

    Then, considering Bai Ruoxi’s personality, he understood.

    Back in Tianxuan City, Huang Manting had been openly hostile towards Bai Ruoxi. After all, they had been rivals for the title of “most beautiful woman.” Now, with Bai Ruoxi wanting to keep the seductive Huang Manting away from her man, it was only natural for her to reject the invitations.

    He found a chair and sat down, studying the black-clad beauty. “Your cultivation has improved significantly,” he noted.

    “I have you to thank for that, Young Master Mu. Your generous gift of destiny has been most helpful,” she said with a smile, her voice laced with a seductive purr.

    It was no wonder some disciples willingly became her servants. For those with a certain… inclination, she was incredibly alluring.

    Of course, Mu Zhi’an wasn’t one of them.

    “I heard that Luo Yuan, an inner disciple of the Peak of Celestial Secrets, offered you five hundred thousand Spirit Stones to introduce him to Ye Lingxuan, but you refused. You’re quite the devoted brother, Young Master Mu,” she chuckled, her tone ambiguous.

    He took a sip of his tea and waved his hand dismissively. “It wasn’t five hundred thousand Spirit Stones. It was a million, plus ten Fifth-Grade pills.”

    “Hmm?” She raised an eyebrow in surprise. “But I heard from the other disciples that it was five hundred thousand…”

    “I was there, Miss Huang. Trust me.”

    “So it was a million Spirit Stones and ten Fifth-Grade pills…” she murmured, her admiration growing.

    A million Spirit Stones… Most cultivators couldn’t even dream of possessing such wealth. Yet, Mu Zhi’an had rejected such a tempting offer… It was a romantic tale that would surely melt any girl’s heart.

    “You’re so good to those around you, Young Master Mu. Perhaps you should consider pursuing me?” she asked, her eyes twinkling playfully.

    He shook his head, chuckling. “I’m afraid I’m already spoken for, Miss Huang.”

    She scoffed, then sighed dramatically. “And here I was, about to share a secret with you. Your rejection wounds me deeply, Young Master Mu.”

    He pondered for a moment. “Is it about the Third Prince?”

    Seeing her surprised expression, he chuckled. “He’s pursuing you, so naturally, he would want to impress you with his strength.”

    She fell silent for a moment, then smiled seductively. “You’re very perceptive, Young Master Mu.”

    “However, I don’t know what he’s planning this time.”

    She twirled a strand of hair between her fingers, her voice soft. “Be careful.”

    “Thank you for the warning, Miss Huang,” he said with a smile.

    The woman he was pursuing was currently cozying up to another man… He wondered what the Third Prince would think if he saw this scene.

    However, he wasn’t worried about the Third Prince’s actions.

    It was Ye Yu he needed to be wary of.

    Ye Yu might be a fool, but the old man residing within him was anything but.

    If Bai Ruoxi advanced again within a short period, even a fool would suspect the presence of the Heavenly Dao Aura.

    He might not be able to reclaim the Heavenly Dao Aura, but if the matter was exposed to the others within the sect… it would be troublesome.

    Most of the higher-ups wouldn’t take action, but it was better to be safe than sorry. And there was still the threat of Ying Guhuan, the founding Peak Master of Boundless Sea Peak… If she discovered the truth, things would get complicated.

    Huang Manting escorted him out of the residence. As they walked along the lakeshore, numerous disciples whispered about his rejection of Luo Yuan’s offer, marveling at his devotion to Ye Lingxuan.

    “Young Master Mu, I heard Luo Yuan offered you ten thousand Spirit Stones to introduce him to Miss Ye?” a disciple called out as Mu Zhi’an was about to leave.

    All eyes turned towards him, curiosity burning in their gazes.

    He shook his head slowly. “Ten thousand Spirit Stones? That’s just a rumor.”

    “It was a million,” he corrected solemnly.

    “A million?!”

    The newly accepted disciples, unfamiliar with such vast sums, gasped and whispered amongst themselves.

    Some doubted his claim, while others believed it, citing his recent gambling victory against the Third Prince.

    The believers and the skeptics were evenly split.

    Regardless, many of the female disciples gazed at him with admiration.

    A handsome and eloquent young man, an inner disciple no less… he was naturally attractive.

    He ignored their gazes, maintaining his usual composure. He bowed politely to the crowd, then left the plaza.

    Luo Yuan, who happened to be passing by, overheard the conversation. He couldn’t help but twitch his lips.

    This Mu Zhi’an sure knows how to embellish a story…

    Ten thousand Spirit Stones would have elicited surprise, but a million… that was a different matter altogether.

    It not only emphasized Mu Zhi’an’s “devotion” to Ye Lingxuan, but it also painted Luo Yuan as a foolish, lovestruck rich boy.

    However, Luo Yuan didn’t bother correcting them. He simply smiled at Mu Zhi’an.

    Mu Zhi’an returned the smile, nodding politely.

    He rarely showed his dislike for someone, even if he despised them.

    As Mu Zhi’an left the plaza, Ye Yu, hidden among the crowd, watched him intently.

    I can’t act rashly…

    He still couldn’t be certain that Bai Ruoxi possessed the Heavenly Dao Aura.

    But if she advanced again within the next two weeks, it would be undeniable… Mu Zhi’an had indeed given it to her.

    And then…

    He might not be able to reclaim what he had lost.

    But what about the demonic cultivator within the sect?

    According to Master, there was a demonic cultivator among the Two Polarities Sect’s higher-ups.

    And their objective was the Heavenly Dao Aura.

    This was his trump card!

     

  • It turns out, they are the protagonists 147

    Chapter 147: Something’s Not Right With You, Girl!

    Within the clean and elegant residence, Ye Lingxuan had barely finished straightening her clothes and hair, her heart still pounding, when she saw the young girl approaching.

    Ye Qian.

    Lingxuan cherished this younger sister, who had been by her side since childhood.

    It was this love that had driven her to investigate Mu Zhi’an when she’d heard of his connection to her sister. She had even gone so far as to break her usual anonymity and enter the Mu Manor to confront him, all out of concern for her sister’s well-being.

    Even though Ye Qian had ultimately fallen for Mu Zhi’an… Lingxuan’s opinion of him had softened somewhat. While she still disapproved on the surface, she no longer harbored the same animosity towards him.

    But now…

    Forget animosity, even she had…

    Feeling the lingering warmth of Mu Zhi’an’s kiss on her lips and watching her sister approach with a bright smile, Lingxuan’s heart was a whirlwind of emotions.

    If Qian’er ever found out… would she still acknowledge her as her sister?

    As Lingxuan grappled with her guilt, Mu Zhi’an calmly walked towards Ye Qian.

    She wore a light jacket and a skirt that revealed a sliver of her delicate white legs. Her small boots tapped lightly against the ground as she looked up at Mu Zhi’an, a shy smile gracing her lips.

    “Brother Mu, what are you doing here…?”

    She had planned to visit him at the Garden of Heavenly Harmony later, so this unexpected encounter filled her with surprise and delight.

    “I was just discussing you with your sister,” he said with a smile. “What a coincidence that you’re back.”

    He invited her to sit down at the pavilion and poured her a cup of tea.

    Lingxuan, consumed by guilt, remained silent, her eyes downcast.

    Meanwhile, Mu Zhi’an chatted with Ye Qian about her experiences during her seclusion at Dao Peak.

    “You received a portion of Dao Peak’s inheritance. Soon, you’ll surpass me, Qian’er. It’s quite remarkable,” he said with a chuckle, glancing at her.

    Her light jacket did little to conceal her blossoming figure. She sat with her legs pressed together, her hands fidgeting nervously in her lap.

    She looked up at him, shaking her head. “But Brother Mu, you’re already at the Seventh Stage of Foundation Establishment! It won’t be easy to catch up to you.”

    “Besides… if I do surpass you, I can protect you, right?”

    He chuckled. “As long as you don’t find me too burdensome by then.”

    “Never!” she exclaimed, her eyes shining with sincerity.

    Their gazes met, and he gently took her hand in his.

    “Ah…”

    She gasped softly, glancing at her silent sister. She suppressed her excitement, afraid of being discovered.

    But why is Sister’s face so red…?

    She studied her sister’s flawless features, her elegant nose, and her full, glossy lips. Even as a woman, she couldn’t help but feel a flutter in her chest as she watched her sister’s long eyelashes tremble.

    She frowned slightly, a strange unease settling over her.

    Why isn’t Sister saying anything…?

    “By the way, Qian’er, what exactly did you do during your seclusion?” Mu Zhi’an asked curiously, reaching out to take Lingxuan’s hand, silently reassuring her.

    Lingxuan’s heart skipped a beat. She tried to pull away, but she didn’t dare make a scene in front of her sister.

    Her feeble attempts were futile, and she eventually resigned herself to his bold gesture.

    “I won’t tell you yet. It’s a surprise for later,” she replied, her smile bright and innocent.

    Lingxuan is more of a cool and aloof goddess, while Qian’er is more like a pure and innocent schoolgirl… They both have their charms. But why am I thinking “both sisters together would be even better”? Is this a side effect of Qian’er’s Dao Peak inheritance?

    Mu Zhi’an’s mind raced, but his expression remained calm and composed.

    After exchanging a few more pleasantries, he retrieved a jade bottle from his storage ring and handed it to Ye Qian.

    “Here, Qian’er. Take these pills. Let me know when you run out, and I’ll get you more,” he said.

    Qi Gathering Pills were a resource available to inner disciples, but even they only received ten pills per month.

    Of course, ten pills were sufficient for most disciples, as they were incredibly difficult to refine. Besides, inner disciples received other types of pills as well.

    Mu Zhi’an, with his unique talent and the favor of multiple Peak Masters, was an exception.

    Ye Qian stared at the bottle, her eyes widening in surprise as she peeked inside. “Qi Gathering Pills?!”

    She looked at him incredulously. “Where did you get so many, Brother Mu?”

    Your brother Mu traded his good looks for them… He smiled. “Don’t worry about it. Just use them.”

    “If you say you can’t accept them, you’re treating me like a stranger,” he added, anticipating her refusal.

    She nodded obediently, clutching the bottle to her chest. “Thank you, Brother Mu.”

    Her gaze softened.

    It would be nice if I could surpass Brother Mu one day… Then, I could protect him.

    She resolved to cultivate diligently, determined to protect her kind and gentle brother.

    Mu Zhi’an inquired about her experiences at Dao Peak, then she suddenly stood up. “Brother Mu, I need to take a bath, so…”

    She glanced at him shyly.

    She had worked up quite a sweat during her inheritance ceremony, but her excitement upon seeing him had made her forget. Now, she felt self-conscious.

    He smiled. “Go ahead. I need to head back and prepare dinner for Senior Lin Ling.”

    He couldn’t help but wonder if Ling Long’s real motive for staying at the Garden of Heavenly Harmony was the cultivation opportunity or the free meals.

    She ate three meals a day, plus a midnight snack and an afternoon tea, without fail. And every few days, she demanded an Eight Treasures Crane as a special treat… Was she simply looking for a personal chef?

    Of course, Mu Zhi’an didn’t mind.

    Others would kill for such an opportunity.

    He would gladly cook for her, even wash her feet if she asked.

    He watched as Ye Qian left the pavilion, then turned his attention to the blushing girl beside him.

    Lingxuan was a far cry from her usual calm and collected self. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes filled with a mixture of shyness and resentment.

    “What if Qian’er sees us?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

    He tilted his head, his gaze softening. “Don’t worry. I’ll talk to Qian’er.”

    “Besides, that kiss… wasn’t quite enough.” He gently lifted her chin with his finger, his eyes locking with hers.

    “Lingxuan…”

    “No, not here…” she protested, her gaze darting around nervously, hoping her sister wasn’t nearby.

    “It’s fine. Just for a moment,” he whispered, his gaze lingering on her delicate features. He leaned in, capturing her lips in a tender kiss.

    Her eyes widened, but her resistance melted away under his gentle touch. She closed her eyes, surrendering to the warmth of his embrace.

    Meanwhile, hidden behind a pillar, a figure emerged from the shadows.

    Ye Qian, who was supposed to be bathing, watched the scene unfold, her expression a mixture of shock and confusion.

    So Sister and Brother Mu did… something while I was away…

    How far have they gone…?

    Her hand tightened on her robe as she watched her sister, the girl revered as a goddess by their clan, being embraced and kissed by the man she secretly admired.

    I hate this feeling…

    But why… why am I so excited…?

    Beneath her jealousy, a strange sense of arousal began to stir within her.

    …

    Peak of Celestial Secrets.

    Of all the peaks within the Two Polarities Sect, the Peak of Celestial Secrets was perhaps the most unique.

    As its name suggested, its disciples specialized in divining “heavenly secrets.”

    Peering into the future was a dangerous act, often inviting heavenly retribution.

    However, the disciples of the Peak of Celestial Secrets had developed techniques that minimized the risk of attracting heavenly tribulation.

    As long as they focused on predicting events within a few days, rather than decades or centuries, they were generally safe.

    A beautiful woman sat in meditation atop a lotus flower floating in a pool of water. She was clad in a loose black robe, her beauty both alluring and intimidating.

    Yu Xuanji opened her eyes, a faint smile gracing her lips as she looked at the disciple who had entered the hall. “Report,” she said.

    “As Master predicted, Mu Zhi’an received gifts from several Peak Masters,” Luo Yuan said, bowing respectfully.

    She nodded, unsurprised.

    It was to be expected. After all, he had the backing of Ling Long, the Spirit Dragon. It was only natural for the other Peak Masters to take notice.

    However, it didn’t explain why the three elders from Dao Peak had also given him gifts.

    Only the Peak Masters should have known about Ling Long.

    So why had those three female elders given him gifts?

    Knowing Yu Ziyan’s personality, she wouldn’t have divulged information about Ling Long to her elders.

    There had to be another reason!

    “Master, may I take my leave?” Luo Yuan asked tentatively, stealing a glance at his alluring Master.

    She nodded, then added, “Are you still planning to pursue Ye Lingxuan and Bai Ruoxi?”

    He froze, his heart skipping a beat.

    “Forgive me, Master. I saw them alone at the pavilion, and I…” He bowed his head, his voice filled with regret.

    He had been captivated by the sight of the two girls, one aloof and elegant in her white dress, the other youthful and charming, chatting together at the pavilion.

    “I don’t particularly care,” she said, her voice laced with indifference.

    “But if the other Peak Masters find out and intervene on Mu Zhi’an’s behalf… I might not be able to protect you.”

    Her warning was clear.

    He was confused. “But isn’t Mu Zhi’an a disciple of the Book Pavilion? What does that have to do with the other Peak Masters?”

    She closed her eyes, offering no further explanation.

    She had made her point. If he was smart, he would know what to do.

    He remained silent for a moment, then bowed deeply before leaving the hall.

    Confusion and relief warred within him.

    If Mu Zhi’an was connected to the other Peak Masters, his actions would have been suicidal…

    Master had no reason to lie to him. Which meant… it would be wise to befriend Mu Zhi’an.

    As he left, Yu Xuanji opened her eyes.

    She stared in the direction of the Jade Glass Palace, her expression thoughtful. After a moment, she rose from her seat and headed towards the Eight Trigrams Terrace at Middle Peak.

    There was definitely more to Mu Zhi’an than just Ling Long.

    If she couldn’t uncover his secrets through investigation, she would have to deduce them.

    What other secrets was he hiding…?

  • After Failing to Find Immortality 25

    Chapter 25: Father and Daughter’s Dark Secret

    Lin Tianlu’s eyes swept across the cellar, noticing dried bloodstains in a corner.

    “The eerie laughter in the Cheng mansion, it seems it was you, Mr. Cheng, and your daughter, Cheng Xinyin, who were responsible.”

    “You misunderstand us, Master Lin.”

    But Cheng Yanghua shook his head, bowing slightly. “The laughter and the sound of chopping meat at night weren’t caused by us. If it were, why would we invite you here? We wouldn’t be so foolish.”

    “Then why are you hiding here?” Lin Tianlu chuckled. “This doesn’t seem like a comfortable place to rest.”

    The atmosphere was so sinister and eerie, it practically screamed “evil deeds.”

    No normal person would hide in such a place.

    “…Sigh! I don’t know what Yishi was thinking, failing to delay you.”

    Cheng Yanghua fell silent for a moment, then sighed, seemingly aware that his secret had been exposed. “We were hoping that you would find those lurking scoundrels and resolve this sudden crisis for our family. We never expected you to find us instead. Our plan has failed.”

    Lin Tianlu’s brow furrowed.

    Could it be that it wasn’t this father and daughter after all?

    But that laughter…

    “Enough!”

    Cheng Yanghua sighed and slowly rolled up his sleeves. “Now that you’re here, Master Lin, I can’t let you leave.”

    As soon as he finished speaking, he clapped his hands together.

    A gust of Yin wind swept through the cellar, shadows flickering and shifting, the surroundings changing drastically.

    Lin Tianlu glanced to the side and saw that Hua Shuya had vanished. Not only her, but even Cheng Xinyin, who had been standing beside Cheng Yanghua, was gone.

    “You’re quite composed, Master Lin. Not even a hint of panic.” Cheng Yanghua grinned, spreading his hands. “What do you think of this change of scenery?”

    “Quite fascinating.”

    Lin Tianlu looked around, then chuckled softly. “Are you planning to divide and conquer?”

    “Indeed.”

    Cheng Yanghua nodded. “Everyone in town says you possess extraordinary talent, Master Lin, the makings of a top scholar. They say you’ve cultivated righteous energy through years of studying the Confucian classics, allowing you to defeat evil. But…

    You’re just a scholar, after all. Even if you practice martial arts, your limbs are still as thin as twigs. I don’t even need my daughter’s help. I alone… can break your arms and legs, and then your neck.”

    A cold smile appeared on Cheng Yanghua’s face as he drew a sharp boning knife from his sleeve, gripping it tightly.

    “What a pity. I’m neither a demon nor a ghost. Your righteous energy is useless against me.”

    “As for that Miss Hua, she seems to be a skilled swordswoman. But a mere mortal warrior with brute strength is no match for my daughter.”

    “It seems you’ve planned this well.”

    Lin Tianlu’s voice was calm. “What have you and your daughter been doing in Changling County?”

    Cheng Yanghua chuckled coldly. “I’m not interested in having a heart-to-heart with you, Master. But it seems fate has brought us together.”

    He wiped the knife, taking a step closer. “The ‘Evil Spirit’ that was haunting Changling County was vanquished by you, Master Lin. Although you saved the fabric shop, there are no other ghosts to hinder us now.

    And we have such fine prey here, a talented scholar and a beautiful swordswoman. Tsk, tsk! We’ve never had such an opportunity before. Now… we’ll gladly accept this gift!”

    With that, he lunged forward, his seemingly aged body moving with surprising speed!

    But…

    To Lin Tianlu, his movements seemed… slow and sluggish.

    Like an old man struggling to jog.

    As the knife approached, Lin Tianlu calmly sidestepped the attack and grabbed Cheng Yanghua’s wrist.

    Before the man could react, Lin Tianlu twisted his arm, disarming him, and slammed his elbow into Cheng Yanghua’s face, sending him crashing to the ground.

    “Ugh, cough, cough!”

    Cheng Yanghua clutched his bleeding nose, coughing, and tried to get up. But a sharp knife was pressed against his forehead, his eyes widening in terror.

    “—H-how is this possible?!”

    This man… wasn’t a scholar?

    What kind of scholar possessed such skill?!

    Lin Tianlu’s voice was cold and emotionless. “Mr. Cheng, you’re an old man in your fifties or sixties. You move like a turtle, you can’t even defeat a scholar. Where did you get the audacity to terrorize Changling County and even harm innocent lives?”

    “You, you—”

    “If you don’t want to die, tell me about your daughter.” Lin Tianlu narrowed his eyes, pressing the knife against Cheng Yanghua’s forehead, drawing blood.

    Cheng Yanghua’s face paled, but he forced a smile.

    “Do you really dare to kill me, Master Lin?

    Don’t forget, my daughter is fighting Miss Hua. If I die, she won’t last long against her.”

    “You call this… an illusion?”

    Lin Tianlu’s expression turned strange.

    In the next moment, he waved his hand in the air, as if grabbing something, then pulled with force.

    Rip—!

    A sound like tearing fabric echoed through the cellar as the invisible barrier that had separated them was torn apart, revealing Hua Shuya and Cheng Xinyin locked in a fierce battle.

    Clang, clang, clang—!

    Palm strikes and sword clashes, sparks flying, the fight intense and fierce.

    But Hua Shuya’s attacks were relentless, her swordsmanship aggressive and powerful, forcing Cheng Xinyin to retreat. She was clearly winning!

    “Ah… ah?!”

    Cheng Yanghua stared in disbelief, his body frozen in shock.

    “It seems not only is your illusion pathetic, but even your daughter, whom you placed so much hope in, is just a half-baked practitioner.”

    Lin Tianlu’s voice was deep. “Do you have anything else to say?”

    “…”

    Cheng Yanghua was silent for a moment, his face pale.

    Then, his expression suddenly changed, and he said urgently,

    “M-my daughter… she needs human blood to survive.”

    Lin Tianlu was speechless. “There’s no trace of human life force in your daughter’s body. She’s clearly already dead. What survival are you talking about?”

    “No! She’s not dead! She’s just weak. She needs human blood to live!”

    Cheng Yanghua quickly wiped the blood and sweat from his face. “Please forgive me, Master Lin! I was just desperate to save my daughter. Please spare my life!”

    He fell to his knees, kowtowing repeatedly.

    “Please spare my daughter too! She’s innocent. I’m the one who led her astray! I shouldn’t have let her drink human blood… No, although Xinyin and I collected human blood, we never killed anyone. Those people just felt weak for a few days. They recovered quickly after taking our money!”

    “Is that so?”

    Lin Tianlu’s gaze turned even colder.

    “I would never lie to you, Master Lin!” Cheng Yanghua’s face was streaked with tears as he raised his hand in a gesture of oath. “I swear on the name of my ancestors that everything I said is true. Xinyin and I have sinned, but we don’t deserve to die. Please spare our lives—”

    Thud!

    He was kicked to the ground.

    Clink—

    The boning knife landed beside him.

    Cheng Yanghua scrambled to his feet, a glimmer of hope appearing in his eyes. But then he heard Lin Tianlu’s cold voice.

    “Kill yourself.”

    “What… what did you say?”

    “If I believed your lies, I would be disgusted with myself.” Lin Tianlu’s hands were clasped behind his back, his gaze cold and indifferent. “Haven’t you noticed?

    The blood of dozens of lives stains your hands, like a butcher covered in gore. And those you killed, they’re all around you, staring at you.”

    Cheng Yanghua froze, cold sweat dripping down his back. He fearfully glanced to the side.

    “N-no, that’s impossible… There’s no blood, no dead people…”

    But after a moment of silence, he suddenly grabbed the knife, his face contorted with rage.

    “I’ll fight you to the—”

    Thud!

    A sword pierced through his chest.

    Cheng Yanghua gasped, his eyes losing their focus as he collapsed onto the ground, his lifeblood staining the floor crimson.

    Lin Tianlu looked at the figure who had appeared silently, his eyes filled with surprise. “Miss Hua?”

    “There’s no need for you to get your hands dirty, Senior. This man deserves to die for his crimes.”

    Hua Shuya’s face was cold as she flicked her sword, sending a spray of blood across the ground. “I have a warrant from the authorities. I can execute criminals without question. Leave this to me.”

    “Thank you.”

    Lin Tianlu nodded slightly, his gaze shifting to the side.

    The female ghost, who had been radiating a menacing aura earlier, was now sprawled on the ground, her clothes torn and tattered, a pitiful sight.

    “Miss Hua, your swordsmanship—”

    “Thanks to your guidance, Senior, I now have the means to fight against evil.”

    Hua Shuya smiled sweetly, her eyes filled with gratitude.

    Then, she turned to look at the female ghost, her gaze sharpening like a blade. Her fighting spirit surged as she said in a low, determined voice, “No more fear, no more hesitation. I am invincible!”

  • After Failing to Find Immortality 24

    Chapter 24: The Secret Cellar

    Deep into the night, only a few faint lights flickered.

    The Cheng mansion had fallen silent as everyone went to sleep.

    “Mr. Lin, this is where the servants live.”

    Cheng Yishi, leading the way, explained softly, “All twenty-one servants live in these six courtyards. They have comfortable accommodations and everything they need.”

    “It seems like a decent place.”

    Lin Tianlu casually asked, “Have any of them been acting strangely lately?”

    “Everyone in the household has been behaving normally.” Cheng Yishi shook her head.

    Hua Shuya, who had been following them closely, frowned slightly and whispered into Lin Tianlu’s ear, “Senior, should I go and search?”

    “Don’t be reckless.”

    Lin Tianlu took a deep breath and warned her, “If we truly encounter a ghost or demon, the worst thing we can do is split up… No matter what, it’s never a good idea to act alone in a dangerous situation.”

    It was like a death flag in horror movies.

    Those who ventured off alone always met a gruesome end.

    “I’ll keep that in mind, Senior.” Hua Shuya nodded seriously.

    Cheng Yishi, who hadn’t heard their whispered conversation, continued, “Gentlemen, if we go through this corridor, we’ll reach the main residence where my father and his concubines live.”

    Lin Tianlu looked ahead and saw a spacious and well-maintained courtyard, the gardens and ponds meticulously cared for.

    The Cheng family’s mansion was quite large. But most of the rooms were dark, their occupants asleep.

    Lin Tianlu observed carefully but didn’t sense any strong Yin energy. Compared to the mansion itself, Cheng Yishi’s aura seemed to carry a heavier trace of Yin energy.

    “Hmm?”

    Hua Shuya’s sharp eyes noticed something. She said in a low voice, “Miss Cheng, who lives in that thatched hut over there?”

    Cheng Yishi’s expression froze.

    The gentle smile on her face vanished, and she said nonchalantly, “That’s just a storage shed for firewood. Only the servants go there.”

    Her unusual reaction surprised Lin Tianlu.

    But before he could ask, Cheng Yishi quickly moved on. “Let’s go to the backyard, gentlemen. If we find nothing unusual after inspecting the entire mansion, then it’s clear that my family is not haunted. I hope you can tell everyone tomorrow, Mr. Lin, and clear our name.”

    “Of course.”

    “—Hee hee hee~”

    Suddenly, a soft, chilling laughter drifted through the night air, like a girl’s playful giggle.

    Both Lin Tianlu and Hua Shuya froze.

    Then, Hua Shuya gripped the hilt of her sword. “Senior, is that… a demon?!”

    Lin Tianlu traced the sound to the backyard, not far ahead.

    “Wait, did you two notice something?”

    Cheng Yishi asked quickly, her face filled with surprise.

    Lin Tianlu looked at her, puzzled. “Didn’t you hear it, Miss Cheng?”

    “Hear what?”

    “That woman’s laughter.” Lin Tianlu’s voice was low. “Just like the rumors, hearing such laughter in the dead of night is quite unsettling.”

    Although the voice sounded pleasant, it still sent shivers down his spine.

    “I-is that so?” A look of fear appeared on Cheng Yishi’s face.

    Hua Shuya pressed her, her voice sharp. “Miss Cheng, are you hiding something from us?”

    “This…” Cheng Yishi’s face paled, and she hesitated.

    Seeing her wavering, Lin Tianlu knew something was wrong. He softened his tone and said, “Don’t worry, Miss Cheng. If there’s truly a ghost haunting your house, we can deal with it. But if you continue to hide it, things might get worse. You wouldn’t want to see your family harmed, would you?”

    Cheng Yishi’s hands clenched tightly, her expression conflicted.

    But she finally took a deep breath and said in a small voice, “I haven’t heard of any ghosts in our house. But… there is someone strange in our family.”

    Lin Tianlu’s eyes widened in surprise. “You know something, Miss Cheng?”

    “Sir, you know that my father has five daughters and one son. Three daughters and the son were born to his concubines.” Cheng Yishi hesitated. “The remaining two daughters, my younger sister and I, were born to his first wife…”

    “You mean—”

    “My younger sister, she’s a bit strange.”

    Cheng Yishi frowned, her voice filled with anxiety. “She’s always been quiet and withdrawn, rarely interacting with others. She spends all her time alone in her room. If she were just shy, it wouldn’t be a problem. But she barely leaves her room… Sometimes, when I pass by her corridor, I can see her standing there, through the window, her face expressionless, not saying a word. It’s very strange!”

    Lin Tianlu felt a chill down his spine.

    Was this a scene from a horror movie?

    “Why haven’t you told your father about this?”

    “He knows.”

    Lin Tianlu was surprised. “Your father knows?”

    “He’s known about my sister’s strange behavior for a long time.” Cheng Yishi lowered her voice. “It’s just that she looks very similar to our mother, and she’s the youngest, so she’s very spoiled. He doesn’t take it seriously… Or perhaps he just doesn’t want to make it public and attract gossip.”

    “But these past few days, the laughter I’ve heard at night… it’s almost always coming from my sister’s room.”

    Cheng Yishi bit her lip and pointed to a room across the corridor. “My sister and I live in adjacent rooms, so I can hear it very clearly.”

    Lin Tianlu frowned. “Why didn’t you tell us before?”

    Cheng Yishi’s expression was troubled. “My father instructed me not to reveal any family secrets to outsiders. I was hoping to just send you two away and pretend nothing was wrong.”

    Lin Tianlu’s brow furrowed even deeper.

    “Please forgive me, Mr. Lin. I didn’t mean to deceive you. But the laughter always comes from my sister’s room. It’s not a ghost. And my father repeatedly warned me not to—”

    “Let’s not waste time talking.”

    Lin Tianlu’s gaze hardened, his voice low. “Please lead the way, Miss Cheng.”

    “O-okay.”

    Cheng Yishi quickly led them to a room in the backyard.

    As they entered the room, Hua Shuya drew her sword and looked around cautiously.

    But she couldn’t find anyone.

    “What’s going on? Why is the room empty…”

    “Ah?!”

    A startled cry suddenly rang out.

    Lin Tianlu turned to see Cheng Yishi falling through a trapdoor in the corner of the room.

    He and Hua Shuya quickly followed, jumping into the hole. Fortunately, it wasn’t deep, and they landed safely.

    “Are you alright, Miss Cheng?”

    Lin Tianlu quickly helped her up.

    But Cheng Yishi shook her head, her face pale. “My ankle hurts. I can’t stand.”

    “You might have sprained it. Please don’t move.”

    Lin Tianlu looked around and was surprised to see a tunnel lit by candles, their flames flickering faintly.

    There was a secret cellar beneath the Cheng mansion?

    “Miss Cheng, is there a tunnel under your house… Did you know about this?”

    “N-no!”

    “Alright, stay here, Miss Cheng. Don’t wander off.”

    His expression turned serious.

    At that moment, he finally sensed a faint, chilling aura.

    Although someone was trying to conceal it, they were so close now that it was as clear as day to Lin Tianlu.

    He and Hua Shuya walked deeper into the tunnel.

    The air was damp and cold, but there were no traps. They soon reached a stone door blocking their path.

    Lin Tianlu narrowed his eyes, seeing a faint gray mist swirling around the door.

    “Let’s see if I can break through this door… Eh?”

    But as soon as the thought crossed his mind, his hand effortlessly pierced through the stone, leaving him speechless.

    This door… was as soft as a soap bubble.

    He didn’t bother to examine the material. He simply pushed the remaining fragments aside and entered the room with Hua Shuya. The space opened up, revealing a hidden cellar.

    —And as expected, two figures stood in the distance.

    Hearing the commotion, the two figures turned around.

    Their eyes met, and one of them was Cheng Yanghua!

    “This… how is this possible?!”

    Cheng Yanghua’s face was filled with shock, as if he hadn’t expected them to find this place.

    Beside him stood a young woman in a ruqun, her face bearing a resemblance to Cheng Yishi’s, but her expression was cold and menacing, her eyes bloodshot.

    Lin Tianlu’s gaze hardened. “Mr. Cheng, perhaps you could explain this situation?”

    “…”

    Cheng Yanghua was speechless.

    But after a moment of silence, he shook his head with a wry smile.

    “It seems the rumors are true, Master Lin. You truly possess extraordinary abilities.

    We deliberately concealed our Yin energy and remained silent, yet you still managed to track us down. You even broke through that magically sealed stone door. Truly impressive.”

    Lin Tianlu’s eyes flickered, and a shimmering light danced before his eyes, forming a mystical scene.

    Dark gray mist swirled around the young woman, tinged with blood red, faint cries echoing within it.

    Although Cheng Yanghua wasn’t surrounded by the mist, as the Yin energy brushed against him, a brighter blood-red light erupted from within his body… his fingers seemed to be dripping with blood!

  • As a villain, I just want them to behave 81 p2

    Chapter 81: Negotiations p2

    …

    Kailun took Winnie to the kitchen and fed her, then entrusted her to Isabella, the dance instructor.

    Imprisoning her was a waste. It was better to train her for future use.

    He then had some free time.

    Ella was busy establishing the trading company. Anna was teaching Carol magic. Afra was training the three new knights.

    Vivian, for some reason, had suddenly become a dedicated student of magic, her attribute points increasing steadily.

    That left him and Phils with nothing to do. He found her in the courtyard, swinging idly on a swing.

    “You’re back! Why didn’t you take me to the palace?” she asked, rushing towards him, her movements almost dog-like.

    “It was too gruesome. Not suitable for children.”

    “I’m not a child!” She puffed out her chest, pressing her ample bosom against his.

    He couldn’t bring himself to hate her.

    Her smile was infectious, like a mischievous puppy eager to cause chaos.

    It was a shame she was a deviant.

    “Really?” He glanced down at her chest.

    “Try it and see.” She boldly grabbed his hand and placed it on her breast.

    “Indeed, quite large. You win. I’ll take you with me next time.” He squeezed her breast appreciatively.

    “Mmm… didn’t you say you’d find me a tutor?” She asked, her eyes glazed over.

    He sat down on the swing and pulled her onto his lap. “I found one. But she’s proving to be… difficult. I’ll need to break her in first. For now, you’ll have to settle for reading.”

    “Reading is boring. I’ve read everything.”

    “Not everything. There are some books you haven’t explored yet.” He glanced around, ensuring they were alone.

    “What kind of books?”

    “Picture books. They teach you how to… store milk.”

    “I don’t know. Teach me.”

    “Alright. But first, you have to…”

    “Okay~”

    [Phils feels a sense of suffocation, but her favorability increases.]

    [Phils feels her brain shaking, but her favorability increases.]

    [Phils enjoys the taste and wants more. Her favorability increases.]

    Under his patient guidance, her favorability reached 90. It was hard to dislike her, even with her quirks.

    After she had rinsed her mouth, he began teaching her the art of governance.

    He covered various techniques: appeasement, bribery, violence… But don’t misunderstand. He was simply offering examples, not encouraging her to use these methods.

    He preferred to handle those matters himself.

    The rest of the day was uneventful. As evening approached, a maid summoned him to the meeting room. The Rose Queen had responded.

    “Old Rod, has the Rose Queen replied? What about the Madden and Kaz Kingdoms?” He entered the room, eager for updates.

    He was more interested in global domination than petty squabbles.

    “Yes, Master Kailun. The Rose Queen demands the return of the Eternal Fortress. She claims she can’t trust you otherwise.”

    “Tell her that if she refuses to cooperate, the Xiya Kingdom will launch a full-scale invasion.”

    “As you command.” Roden nodded and sent a message via magical letter.

    Long-distance communication was expensive. Only someone with Roden’s resources could afford it.

    Wait a minute!

    Kailun realized he could do it too, and more efficiently. He just needed to allocate more attribute points to Magic and Spirit.

    He would handle the next communication himself.

    They received inquiries from the Madden and Kaz kings, requesting details of his proposed partnership.

    He shared a sanitized version of his plan. Upon learning that he demanded a substantial sum of gold, they both refused. The first round of negotiations had failed.

    He wasn’t concerned. They would lose several cities tonight. With his encouragement, the Rose Queen would become even more aggressive.

    “Master Kailun, the Rose Queen has inquired about the specifics of our partnership.”

    As expected, she had responded within an hour.

    Kailun, excited, took over Roden’s duties and engaged in a lengthy conversation with her.

    The exchange was… cordial. It involved threats, more threats, and even more threats… followed by a mutually beneficial agreement.

    [Rose despises your audacity. She considers you a shameless villain. Favorability -30.]

    [Rose, forced to make a difficult decision, reluctantly agrees to your demands. Favorability -20. Current favorability: -50.]

    After another hour of negotiations, she finally agreed to his terms, signing a magical contract.

    “Master Kailun, Miss Winnie’s parents are here. They request an audience.”

    He had just finished dealing with the Rose Queen when a maid delivered this news.

    “Should we send them away?” Roden, knowing Winnie’s predicament, asked.

    “No. Bring them to the drawing-room. I want to see what they have to say.”

    An idea sparked in his mind. He would ensure Winnie’s -100 favorability.

    …

    “Despicable! Utterly despicable!” The Rose Queen, normally composed and rational, fumed with rage. She had never been threatened like this before.

    She was backed into a corner. If she didn’t act now, the Madden and Kaz Kingdoms would receive reinforcements, making her victory more difficult.

    And she had depleted her treasury mobilizing her forces. She wouldn’t back down now.

    But a three-front war was impossible. She wasn’t a god. Conquering two kingdoms simultaneously was already pushing her limits.

    She gritted her teeth, signing the one-month peace treaty, her pride in tatters.

    “Once I’ve conquered the Madden and Kaz Kingdoms, I’ll crush the Xiya Kingdom!” she swore.

    A maid rushed in, kneeling before her. “Your Majesty, the king is attempting suicide again.”

    “Let him die. No need to rescue him. His supporters are all gone. He’s useless.” She had been a duke’s daughter before the king had set his sights on her.

    She had agreed to the marriage, then launched a coup on their wedding day. He had never even touched her.

    “Kailun, you will pay for this! I’ll make you suffer!” She wouldn’t be getting any sleep tonight.

  • As a villain, I just want them to behave 81 p1

    Chapter 81: Negotiations p1

    After briefly introducing the three newly graduated knights, Kailun led Eve, the most promising of the trio, towards the dungeon.

    Poor Shirley, as expected, had been captured. He had to offer her some… compassionate mockery.

    He also wanted Eve to witness his true nature early on, to prepare her for what lay ahead.

    “Eve, are you aware of the recent events in the city?” he asked casually as they walked.

    “I’ve heard some rumors, but nothing concrete. We were busy with our graduation exams.” She had indeed heard whispers of Kailun’s triumph over Hilna and Lodis, of his control over the Royal City.

    But looking at the boy beside her, barely older than herself, she found it hard to believe.

    His gentle smile made him seem more like a harmless neighbor than a ruthless conqueror.

    “Then there are some things you need to know.” He slowed his pace, walking beside her. “Eve, I have some unfortunate news. It might contradict the knightly ideals you learned at the academy.”

    She tilted her head, her brow furrowed.

    “Click!” He pushed open the dungeon door, revealing the scene within.

    “Allow me to introduce you to your senior, Shirley. A distinguished graduate of the Knight Academy, I believe. Perhaps you’ve heard of her?” He steered her towards a cage.

    Eve stared at Shirley, who was huddled inside, her face buried in her hands. Confusion filled her mind.

    This was a renowned senior knight, someone who had achieved a high position. What was she doing in a cage?

    “Don’t look at me! I’m not Shirley! And I’m not a graduate of the Knight Academy!” Shirley, sensing her gaze, covered her face in shame.

    She had been spared the first time by exposing her stomach. What would happen this time?

    “Besides Shirley, we also have Miss Winnie, the Viscount’s daughter. Do you know her?” He led Eve to Winnie’s cell.

    Through the bars, they saw the once proud noble lady cowering in the corner, her fear of Kailun palpable.

    Before Eve could process this, he turned her towards Hilna. “And this is Princess Hilna, the one who forced you to sign those contracts.”

    Hilna glared at him, her eyes burning with hatred.

    She had never felt so humiliated. She wanted to bash her head against the wall.

    “You… you kidnapped the princess?” Eve gasped.

    The rumors were true. The once untouchable princess was now a prisoner.

    “Not just her. I also captured her younger sister. That’s her room over there.” He pointed towards a luxurious cell.

    Eve, confused, glanced at the clean and well-furnished room. “Isn’t the little princess on your side?” She had seen them arrive together in the carriage. They seemed to be on good terms.

    Why imprison her then?

    She realized there was another side to this seemingly harmless boy.

    “She’s on my side, but she hurt me. I’m just punishing her… symbolically.”

    “And the princess?”

    “She hurt me and my family. I’m going to… play with her. Both her body and her mind.”

    “That’s a lie! I never hurt you or your family!” Hilna couldn’t contain herself any longer.

    “Silence, you wicked woman! I said you did, so you did! Now nod and agree!” He glared at her, his voice cold.

    She remained silent, fear overriding her anger.

    “Eve, be wary of these princesses. They’re masters of deception. Don’t believe a word they say.” He shook his head, his disappointment evident.

    If she had dared to defy him, he would have stormed into her cell and punished her in front of everyone.

    “Yes, Master.” Eve nodded, her voice small.

    “Do you understand what we’re doing now?” He patted her head, enjoying the feel of her soft hair beneath his fingers.

    “We’re… overthrowing the corrupt regime and saving the world?” She chose her words carefully.

    “There’s no need for such noble justifications. We’re simply pursuing our own interests. And I’m not a good person. I imprisoned them because I want to… toy with them.”

    He wouldn’t tolerate a righteous crusader by his side.

    Eve had shown such tendencies in his past life. He wouldn’t allow it to happen again.

    Good people didn’t survive in this world.

    “Toy with them?” The word conjured up disturbing images in her mind.

    He decided to give her a demonstration. He led her to Shirley’s cage. “Shirley, do you want to leave?”

    Shirley, her hope rekindled, looked up at him. “You’re willing to release me?”

    He poked her cheek playfully. “Of course. But first, you have to apologize. You haven’t forgotten how, have you?”

    “I… I understand.”

    She glanced at Hilna, then closed her eyes and pulled open her shirt.

    “Shirley, you fool! What are you doing? Stop it! Don’t listen to him!” Hilna rushed to the bars, her voice filled with anguish.

    She couldn’t bear to watch Shirley sacrifice herself for her.

    “Don’t worry, Your Highness! I’ll rescue you!” Shirley’s voice was firm, her eyes still closed.

    “Plotting against me right in front of me? That’s bold, Shirley. Next time, you’ll have to expose your breasts.” He chuckled, squeezing her waist and stomach. Her toned body, honed by years of training, felt firm and responsive beneath his touch.

    Satisfied, he opened the cage and released her.

    “I won’t give up.” She wiped away a tear and, leaving those ambiguous words hanging in the air, fled the dungeon.

    Hilna slumped back onto the stool, her head in her hands, her heart filled with regret.

    [Hilna blames you for Shirley’s humiliation. Favorability -5. Current favorability: -85.]

    “Well, Eve? Any thoughts?” He turned to Eve, watching Shirley’s retreating figure.

    Shirley’s loyalty might be misguided, but she wasn’t as repulsive as Hilna. He enjoyed tormenting her.

    He wondered how many times he could capture her, how far she would go before breaking.

    And her humiliation would further erode Hilna’s spirit. Two birds with one stone.

    “I… I don’t approve. She’s a knight worthy of respect.” She shook her head, her empathy for her fellow knight evident.

    She couldn’t condone his methods.

    She was still naive, sheltered within the ivory tower of the academy, unaware of the world’s harsh realities.

    But he loved corrupting innocence.

    He stepped closer, his gaze meeting hers. “Even if she’s our enemy?”

    “You could have just killed her.” She knew it was wrong to argue with him, but her convictions wouldn’t allow her to back down.

    “You’re just as foolish as Shirley. No wonder Hilna manipulated you so easily.” He sighed, his fingers tracing her cheek. “For a moment, I considered lecturing you. But I think a more… direct approach is necessary.”

    “Thud!”

    He slammed her against the wall before she could react.

    Her eyes widened in alarm as his face hovered inches from hers.

    Changing someone’s beliefs took time. He preferred a more… hands-on approach.

    His enhanced Mental Pollution would prove useful.

    “Mmm!”

    He pressed his knee between her thighs, trapping her, and then, without hesitation, captured her lips with his.

    He tasted her innocence, his tongue exploring her mouth, his hands roaming her back, eroding her defenses, watching as her eyes glazed over.

    This was his first time using a kiss to test the effects of Mental Pollution. The outcome was uncertain.

    He savored her sweetness, punishing her for her naivete.

    Perhaps it was the Mental Pollution, or perhaps it was his charm and skill, but she slowly surrendered, her arms wrapping around his neck, her body responding to his touch.

    He led her to a dark corner, his hands slipping beneath her clothes, exploring her sensitive skin.

    Ten minutes later, he released her, her breath coming in ragged gasps. “If you wish to be my knight, your first duty is to protect me. The world sees me as a devil, a monster. You will be my loyal servant. If I commit a crime, you will clean up the mess. Understood?”

    “Eve… Eve will obey.” Her eyes were glazed over, her heart pounding.

    A voice within her urged her to trust him, to obey him, to devote herself to him.

    Perhaps this was love at first sight?

    She didn’t know. Her pre-existing affection for him, combined with his manipulation, had swept her away.

    “Good girl. Those are the words of a true knight. Now, go and share my teachings with Kirin and Charlene. If they refuse to accept, bring them to me. I’ll personally instruct them on how to become true knights.” He lifted her chin and kissed her again.

    He only needed obedient followers.

    “Yes, Master.” She returned his kiss, her tongue lapping at the corner of his lips.

    “Go now. Afra will teach you some important things. I have a crucial role for you. Learn from her.” He gave her a playful swat on the backside. “Now, off you go!”

    “Mmm~” She whimpered, clutching her backside, her eyes filled with longing as she left the dungeon.

    He was confident of his success. Mental Pollution, combined with his charm and skill, was a potent combination.

    “So you resort to seduction to recruit followers? I’m impressed.” Hilna, having recovered from her initial shock, couldn’t resist a jab.

    “You wouldn’t understand, Princess. Eve’s tongue is soft and sweet. I could kiss her all day. If that’s the price of loyalty, I’m willing to pay it.”

    Hilna: “…”

    He was truly shameless.

    “Speaking of which, would you like to leave this dungeon? Just expose your breasts and apologize, and I’ll release you.”

    She turned away, refusing to answer. She would rather starve than humiliate herself for him.

    “How cruel! Shirley sacrificed her dignity for you, and yet you’re unwilling to make such a small gesture?” He looked at her with disdain.

    “I won’t acknowledge your twisted logic. And even if I did as you asked, would you actually release me?” Her hatred for him burned brightly. She regretted not killing him when she had the chance.

    “Of course I would! I’m a man of my word!”

    “Ha!”

    “I’d just capture you again when you reached the door.”

    Hilna: “…”

    He had successfully provoked her again. Satisfied, he turned his attention to Winnie. “Winnie, do you want to leave? I’m offering you a choice.”

    “I know you’ll just torment me,” she replied, her voice filled with bitterness.

    He had threatened to harm her parents. Her heart was breaking.

    “Are you sure you want to give up? If you refuse now, your fate will be out of your hands.” He crouched down, feigning concern.

    His words rekindled a spark of hope within her. “What do you want? If you hate me, just kill me.”

    “No, that’s too boring.” He beckoned her closer.

    She hesitated, but eventually crawled towards him, her body unwilling to abandon all hope.

    Good. As long as her heart was still beating, he could break it again.

    “Good girl. That’s more like it. Just agree to one condition, and I’ll let you leave.”

    “What condition?”

    “Learn a seductive dance from the Loya Dance Troupe within three days. Impress me. Prove your worth.”

    “Okay…” She had no choice.

    He unlocked her cell door. “Let’s go.”

    “I don’t have to… expose myself?”

    “I won’t stop you if you want to.” He looked at her, surprised by her eagerness.

    “I never said that! You misheard!” She stood, brushing the dust from her skirt, and followed him out of the dungeon.

    He wouldn’t argue. She would offer him everything he desired eventually.

    With Winnie gone, Hilna was alone.

    She hugged her knees, her heart a tangled mess of conflicting emotions. She wanted Shirley to rescue her, but she also wanted her to stay away.

    She banged her head against the wall. It hurt. She wouldn’t do that again.

    Vivian was right. She was selfish. Her pursuit of power had blinded her, her only focus on eliminating threats.

    She had nothing left but her title. She was a failure.

    “Grrr…” Her stomach growled. She hadn’t eaten in days. If not for her strength, she would have starved to death.

  • As a villain, I just want them to behave 80

    Chapter 80: Tacticians Are Heartless

    “Why are you two kneeling? Is something troubling you?” Kailun tapped the armrest of the throne, the rhythmic sound echoing through the hall. “If someone is bullying you, just tell me. Don’t hold it in. It’s not good for your health.”

    Everyone knew he was the one in control now, casually occupying the throne as if it were his birthright.

    “N-no, Master Kailun! It’s nothing! We’re just… old! Our legs are weak!” Nick stammered, his gaze darting nervously.

    Every time he met Kailun’s eyes, he felt a surge of fear, as if he were staring into the abyss.

    Kailun’s voice lowered, his tone grave. “You wouldn’t be… threatened by the Divine Church, would you?”

    “What? No! Of course not!”

    “Bang!” Kailun slammed his fist against the armrest, his voice booming with feigned anger. “Those Divine Church bastards! They dare to threaten the Xiya Kingdom? Slaughtering our ministers and intimidating our officials? Despicable!”

    Mitchell, the elderly minister, sensed danger. “Master Kailun, you misunderstand! It’s not like that!”

    “Silence! I’ll handle this myself!” Kailun waved a dismissive hand. “From this day forward, the Divine Church is an enemy of the Xiya Kingdom! Those who dare to set foot on our soil will face swift and brutal justice!”

    “Thud!” Nick, who had managed to struggle halfway to his feet, collapsed once more.

    He understood now. Kailun hadn’t killed him and Mitchell because he enjoyed tormenting them.

    “Oh, and I don’t mean all members of the Divine Church. This is specifically targeted at Harry and his followers. An eye for an eye. I hope the Pope and the Archbishops understand.”

    He had already dispatched five thousand knights to hunt down Harry’s remaining followers. His goal wasn’t to eradicate them, but to drive them into a lawless territory beyond the border.

    It wasn’t time to strike yet. He needed them to gather more recruits. He had a special gift waiting for them.

    Unfortunately, that gift was currently in someone else’s possession. He would need to retrieve it first.

    Nick’s hope dwindled. Not only could he not seek refuge with Lodis, but he couldn’t even leave the hall.

    And then Kailun delivered the final blow.

    “Now that we’ve addressed the Divine Church issue, let’s move on to the first item on our agenda: purging this court of corrupt officials. Any suggestions? Anyone you’d like to report?” He leaned back, enjoying their discomfort.

    He hated this throne. It was cold and uncomfortable, lacking the softness of a woman’s thighs or the warmth of her bosom.

    Driven by self-preservation, all eyes turned towards Nick and Mitchell. Their fate was sealed.

    Nick, overwhelmed by fear, finally snapped.

    “Hahaha! You have no right to judge me! You’re all just as guilty! Don’t pretend to be innocent!” He pointed at the other ministers, his voice trembling with rage.

    “Roxy! Remember that time you abducted that girl from the streets? Polosha! You murdered your own colleague! And Singiko! Don’t think we’ve forgotten about your cannibalistic tendencies! You have no right to accuse me! I’m just more… efficient! If I’m going down, I’m taking you all with me!”

    His words shattered their facade. They had all committed similar crimes, but they had never faced consequences.

    But things were different now. Kailun was in charge.

    “Thud!”

    One by one, they collapsed, their foreheads pressed against the floor, their bodies trembling. They didn’t even dare to cry out, afraid of attracting his attention.

    Nick, watching their pathetic display, wasn’t satisfied. He kicked Mitchell. “Get up, you old fool! Help me expose these bastards! We’re all going to die anyway! Let’s drag a few more down with us! Hahaha!” He laughed maniacally, his mind unraveling.

    “I…” Mitchell, tears streaming down his face, glanced at his colleagues and then, with a trembling hand, pointed at them.

    He might as well have some company on his journey to hell.

    Within ten minutes, they had all confessed to numerous crimes.

    Once Nick and Mitchell had calmed down, Kailun nodded, a satisfied smile on his face. “Excellent. You haven’t disappointed me. I’ll grant you a swift death. Guards! Take Nick and Mitchell outside and behead them!”

    Four knights entered the hall and dragged them away. Nick laughed hysterically, while Mitchell sobbed uncontrollably.

    “Thud!”

    The sound of their heads hitting the ground echoed through the hall.

    The remaining ministers shuddered, their pants soaked with urine.

    They prostrated themselves before him, their submission both pathetic and comical.

    “I don’t know why Hilna kept you around, but I’m not as forgiving.” He stood, towering over them, his gaze cold and calculating.

    He extended his hand towards Afra, who placed a scroll in his palm.

    It was a record scroll, typically used for official documentation.

    He unfurled the scroll, revealing a long list of names and crimes.

    “It’s quite a coincidence, isn’t it? The Divine Church slaughtered those ministers, but they left behind this little notebook detailing their crimes. Why don’t you take a look? See if your names are on it?”

    He tossed the scroll towards them.

    One mountain couldn’t accommodate two tigers. When a villain encountered another villain, he felt an instinctive aversion, an urge to eliminate the competition.

    He couldn’t stomach the thought of someone being more villainous than him.

    “This… this can’t be…”

    They scrambled towards the scroll, their eyes scanning the list of crimes, their hearts pounding.

    And then Kailun’s voice echoed through the hall.

    “You’re all valuable assets to the kingdom. I can’t just execute you all. So I’ll randomly select a few for… bisection.”

    “Guards! Take Roxy, Polosha, Singiko… outside and bisect them! Immediately!”

    He listed over twenty names, his voice steady and emotionless, as if he had memorized the list.

    “No! Master Kailun! We’re sorry! Please spare us!”

    “We were blinded by greed! We wouldn’t have been accepted if we hadn’t done those things!”

    “I was forced by the Second Prince! I didn’t want to do it!”

    They begged for mercy, offering excuses, some even crawling towards him.

    But before they could reach him, the knights seized them and dragged them away. Their screams echoed through the hall.

    Bisection was a slow and agonizing death.

    The number of ministers had been reduced by half. Those who remained knelt, their heads bowed, their silence a testament to their fear.

    “I said I wouldn’t kill you all. You’re still useful. But my mercy is temporary. You’re only slightly less corrupt than those who were just executed.”

    They were grateful to be alive.

    “But don’t celebrate just yet. To survive, you must fulfill three conditions. First, surrender ninety-nine percent of your wealth to atone for your sins. Second, train worthy successors to take your place. They must be competent and understand their role. Otherwise, you’ll all be bisected. And third, before you leave, you’ll sign a life-and-death contract, swearing to keep today’s events a secret. Any objections?”

    He leaned back, finding a comfortable position.

    They stared at him, their eyes filled with terror, and then, with trembling voices, they cried out in unison:

    “As you command, Your Majesty!”

    He wasn’t king yet, but in their eyes, he already wore the crown.

    Vivian watched, envy filling her heart. He possessed a presence, an aura of authority, that Hilna lacked.

    Perhaps this was what Isabella had meant by “potential.”

    Isabella, standing in the corner, observed the shifts in his fate. He was a master manipulator, his every action altering the destiny of the world.

    On a less profound note, she had to admit, he looked quite handsome sitting on that throne.

    [Vivian’s favorability has increased. Current favorability: 20.]

    [Isabella’s favorability has increased. Current favorability: 20.]

    Ignoring their sudden affection, he turned his attention back to the ministers. “Now, let’s discuss the first item on our agenda: increasing taxes on the nobility. Any objections?”

    Silence.

    “Excellent. Moving on to the second item: reducing taxes on the commoners. Feel free to offer your suggestions.”

    He had already made up his mind about the nobility. He needed these ministers for their expertise in managing the kingdom’s affairs.

    He shifted in his seat, seeking a more comfortable position. He wanted to use Afra as a pillow, but he didn’t want to undermine her authority in front of the others.

    He would bring Phils or Carol next time.

    …

    The assembly lasted for nearly three hours. Once they had finalized the initial plan, he had them sign the life-and-death contracts.

    He then dismissed them, sending them home to gather their funds.

    As they exited the hall, their shoes squelching in the pool of blood, many of them vomited.

    Some, their hearts weak, even fainted. If not for the presence of healers, they might have joined their deceased colleagues.

    The image of Kailun, the devil incarnate, would forever be seared into their minds. They would never defy him again.

    …

    “I apologize for that display. I’m actually quite kind most of the time.” Kailun smiled at Isabella as she approached him.

    “Such events are commonplace. Every kingdom has its share of darkness. One might even say it’s the true nature of the world.” She shook her head.

    If not for such injustices, why would so many desperate women join the Loya Ballroom?

    “That’s not my concern. I just need someone to rub my shoulders.” He wasn’t a saint. He didn’t have the energy to save the world.

    Afra, sensing his fatigue, sat beside him and began massaging his shoulders. “You’ve worked hard. Delegate these tasks to others when you can.”

    “I will. But I still need to train my staff. It’ll take some time before they’re ready.” He sighed, leaning against her, her soft body a welcome comfort.

    “I don’t think I’m qualified to be queen,” Vivian said, her voice small.

    She had witnessed Kailun’s capabilities firsthand. She doubted her ability to rule.

    “You have self-awareness? That’s a surprise.”

    “You jerk! Couldn’t you have lied?” She kicked him playfully.

    Her favorability remained unchanged.

    “Master Kailun, the Grand Duke has sent a message. The Rose Queen has contacted him, demanding an explanation. She’s threatening to retaliate. How should we respond?” Roden approached, holding a device for receiving magical messages.

    “Tell him to ignore her. I’ll handle it. Her threats are empty. She’s currently engaged in a two-front war. She doesn’t have the resources to spare. Besides, her defenses are weak. I could easily launch a surprise attack and wreak havoc in her territory. She’s just trying to intimidate us.”

    The Eternal Fortress was a critical defensive position. Beyond it lay vast plains, ideal for cavalry maneuvers. If his knights broke through, the Rose Queen’s rear would be vulnerable.

    He could fight or flee as he pleased. He had countless ways to torment her.

    “How did you acquire this information? My sources haven’t reported anything,” Isabella asked, her voice laced with curiosity.

    “It’s a secret.”

    Isabella: “…”

    “What are you going to do? Ignore her?” Vivian asked, eager to know how he would handle this new threat.

    “Of course not! This is a golden opportunity! I’d be a fool to let it slip away.” He flicked her forehead playfully.

    “You’re planning to attack the Rose Kingdom?” A bold idea formed in Isabella’s mind.

    “Too small. Think bigger.” He tried to flick her forehead again, but she dodged. “Attacking her directly would be profitable, but it would drag us into a prolonged conflict. The Xiya Kingdom isn’t ready for that. We’ll be spectators, reaping the rewards without risking our own necks.”

    A familiar, wicked smile spread across his face.

    “I don’t understand. Can you explain?” Isabella, intrigued, wanted to witness his brilliance firsthand.

    He glanced at the others, then cast a soundproofing barrier. “Tell me, how would you maximize your profits in this situation?”

    “Normally, I would suggest forming an alliance with the other two kingdoms and dividing the Rose Kingdom between us. But you said that would drag us into a prolonged conflict. And doing nothing would be a waste. Forgive my ignorance, but I don’t know what to do.”

    He finally managed to flick her forehead. She glared at him, rubbing her head.

    “The reason you’d be dragged into a prolonged conflict is that the Rose Kingdom is stronger than you think. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have attacked two kingdoms simultaneously. Her defenses might be weak now, but once she realizes her mistake, she’ll redeploy her troops, creating a stalemate on all three fronts. We don’t have time for that. If we can’t conquer a kingdom in ten days, what’s the point of fighting?”

    He stood and stretched. “I’m going to form a partnership with the Madden and Kaz Kingdoms.”

    “But you just said that wasn’t a good idea!” Vivian exclaimed.

    “You’re such a simpleton.” He ruffled her hair playfully. “Can’t I form a partnership with all three kingdoms?”

    Vivian: “？？?”

    Isabella: “？？?”

    Afra and Roden, however, listened intently, their faith in him unwavering.

    “I’ll offer military support against the Rose Kingdom in exchange for a hefty sum of gold. Then I’ll use that gold to purchase magic cannons from the Rose Queen.”

    Isabella and Vivian exchanged confused glances.

    He flicked their foreheads again. “Let me be clear. Listen carefully.”

    They nodded.

    “Without our support, the Madden and Kaz Kingdoms will fall within a month. We can use that as leverage to extort a large sum of gold. But will we actually attack the Rose Kingdom? No. We’ll form a partnership with her, staging a fake war while we split the profits. War is expensive. She’s desperate for funds. She won’t refuse our offer. And we’ll sign a peace treaty to reassure her, allowing her to focus on conquering the other two kingdoms.”

    He paused, his throat dry. Afra, ever attentive, handed him a cup of tea.

    He took a sip, noticing that the girls had finally grasped his plan.

    “The Madden and Kaz Kingdoms will be devastated when they discover the truth,” Vivian remarked.

    “No. The Rose Queen will be the one devastated.”

    Vivian: “？？?”

    Playing mind games with Kailun made her feel like an idiot.

    “This might seem like a win-win situation, but we’re the ones reaping the most rewards. The key is to convince the Rose Queen to sell us her magic cannons at cost. We’ll use the gold we extort from the other two kingdoms to purchase the cannons. Since transporting that much gold will take time, we’ll provide her with the route and let her collect it herself. We’ll just wait at the Eternal Fortress and receive our cannons.”

    He continued, “The loss of those cannons will hinder her offensive capabilities. And I’ll leak some crucial information to the Madden and Kaz Kingdoms, further bogging her down in this war.”

    Silence descended upon the room.

    “You’re ruthless. No wonder Hilna lost. I understand now,” Vivian said, her voice filled with awe.

    “It’s like… getting something for nothing,” Isabella added.

    “Exactly. Why else would I bother with all this planning?”

    He hadn’t revealed his true purpose for acquiring those cannons.

    They were unique to the Rose Kingdom. The Xiya Kingdom couldn’t replicate them. He had to acquire them through unconventional means.

    Once he had them, he would transport them to the border.

    Not the border with the Rose Kingdom, but the territory where he had driven out the Divine Church. He planned to exploit the Rose Queen’s predicament and conquer a neighboring kingdom.

    His mind teemed with plans, all contingent on strengthening the Xiya Kingdom.

    Victory wasn’t enough. He wanted a decisive victory with minimal losses.

    Before the Abyssal threat materialized, he would make himself and the Xiya Kingdom as powerful as possible.

    No one would stand in his way. He would reshape the world.

    Isabella, seeing the madness in his eyes, recalled his previous words.

    “If he succeeds…” The thought sent shivers down her spine. She couldn’t fathom how he would achieve his goals.

    “He truly is insane.” She watched him, a smile spreading across her lips.

    She had signed an alliance with him. Their interests were now aligned. She would help him succeed.

    He sent a message to the Rose Queen through Roden, but didn’t wait for a response. He led his entourage out of the palace.

    Before they left, he blindfolded Vivian and Isabella, sparing them from witnessing the carnage at the entrance.

    He lifted them into his arms and, his face emotionless, stepped over the remains.

    The palace staff were slow cleaners. He would have to punish them later.

    …

    As he returned to his manor, he spotted three familiar figures waiting for him.

    He had forgotten he had summoned Eve and the others to await his instructions.

    The three academies had been temporarily closed due to the recent events in the city.

    “Ahem. Allow me to introduce Eve, Kirin, and Charlene, outstanding graduates of the Knight Academy.” He felt a twinge of embarrassment as he introduced them.

    He had brought home too many girls lately.

    But these three would prove useful.

    “Purely professional?” Afra asked, her gaze fixed on him.

    “For now. Purely… for now.” He answered honestly.

  • As a villain, I just want them to behave 79p2

    Chapter 79: The Banquet p2

    Isabella, sipping her wine, observed the other girls.

    Each one possessed unique fate lines, threads of destiny unseen by ordinary people.

    Just sitting here, she felt like she was at the center of a storm, especially with Kailun and Carol present. Their presence was captivating.

    She couldn’t comprehend why a mere servant would possess such a powerful destiny. A single glimpse filled her with a sense of dread.

    Kailun was shrouded in threads of fate, but Carol was something else entirely: a force of pure terror and despair.

    She was like a demon who had destroyed the world.

    And what terrified her most… her divination revealed that this destruction had already occurred.

    Fate had been altered!

    “Gulp, gulp!” She drained her glass, desperate to quell her fear.

    Madness replaced fear.

    She had made the right choice.

    Carol: “…”

    She felt an instinctive aversion to Isabella, an urge to obliterate her with a single spell.

    Why? She had never met her before. Where did this hatred come from?

    She took a sip of milk and scooted her chair closer to Kailun.

    That was better.

    Ella sipped her wine, too intimidated to speak. Anna, focused on the food, knew her place.

    Vivian watched the dancers, envy filling her heart. She wanted to be like them, to possess their curves.

    She glanced down at her flat chest and took a sip of milk.

    Then she saw Isabella, whose chest was even flatter than hers. Her mood improved slightly.

    The dinner, thanks to Kailun’s presence, wasn’t a somber affair. After the meal, he excused himself, taking Afra with him. The others remained, enjoying the dancers’ performance.

    Even Afra, anticipating what was to come, seemed nervous. Her grip on his hand tightened.

    If not for his enhanced Strength, she might have broken his bones.

    He led her to his bedroom and, ignoring her apprehensive gaze, quickly undressed her and tossed her into the bathtub.

    “Splash!”

    He joined her, pulling her into his arms. He rested his chin on her shoulder, her skin softer than silk, and adjusted his position, finding comfort in her embrace.

    He gazed at her breasts, his hands tracing her slender waist, pulling her closer.

    Moonlight streamed through the window, bathing them in a silvery glow.

    “I thought I would be filled with excitement, but holding you like this… I feel strangely at peace,” he murmured.

    She pressed her legs together, trapping him playfully. “Your body tells a different story.”

    “That’s just a natural reaction. My wife is so beautiful. I’d be a monster if I didn’t react.” His hands roamed her body, exploring every curve.

    “Mmm…” She bit her lip, suppressing a moan. His touch sent shivers down her spine, her body responding in ways she couldn’t comprehend.

    “You’re quite sensitive, Sister Afra. I doubt you’ll last the night.” He nibbled on her earlobe.

    “Don’t call me ‘sister.’ I’m your wife now.” The word sparked a strange feeling within her.

    His touch, his words… her body felt like it was on fire.

    “Fine. But you have to call me ‘little brother.’ Or ‘Master.’” His tongue traced the shell of her ear.

    He loved her. Her pure heart, her perfect body, her aloofness mixed with shyness…

    He wanted to mold her into his image, to claim her warmth and gentleness, to revel in her embrace.

    If he ever showed his vulnerable side, it would be to her.

    She had been his anchor in his past life. She had already won.

    “Kailun… little brother.” She whispered, her voice barely audible, her cheeks flushed.

    “Good girl. I love it when you’re obedient, Sister Afra.” He hugged her tighter, her compliance arousing him.

    “But I’m greedy. I want to hear you say it again. And this time, you’re not allowed to disappear.” He soothed her with words as he slowly invaded her body.

    He teased her, tested her limits, explored her depths.

    “I won’t leave. Even if you try to push me away… I don’t want to leave.” She tilted her head back, her breath coming in ragged gasps.

    She surrendered to his touch, sinking deeper and deeper, losing herself in his embrace.

    Her eyes fluttered closed as she bathed in the moonlight, her body relaxing.

    “I’m not afraid of pain. Do as you please.” She whispered, her breath hot against his skin, shattering his last shred of restraint.

    Like a warrior charging into battle, he claimed her, shattering her innocence.

    “Mmm…” She bit his shoulder, punishing him for his ruthlessness.

    A splash of red stained the water, her body trembling.

    She had lied. She was afraid of pain. His shoulder bore the mark of her teeth.

    “Stay with me forever. I can’t lose you again,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

    “You bad boy.” She rolled her eyes playfully and shifted her position, facing him, her legs wrapped around his waist.

    She pulled his head towards her and kissed him, her body moving against his despite the pain, fulfilling his desires.

    She would give him anything he wanted.

    She always had.

    They moved from the bathroom to the balcony, then to the bed. It was 3:00 am when it finally ended.

    She possessed remarkable stamina, but his touch had ignited a fire within her, her body responding with an intensity she had never experienced before.

    Perhaps next time, they would need Anna and Ella’s assistance.

    He held her close, her soft breasts a comforting pillow, and drifted off to sleep.

    The sun rose, painting the sky with hues of gold and crimson. Afra, a seasoned knight, had already recovered. She helped him dress, their movements practiced and familiar.

    Unlike yesterday, their faces were alight with contentment.

    After breakfast, he gathered Afra, Vivian, and Isabella and headed towards the palace.

    It was time for another reckoning. He wondered if the ministers were prepared.

    …

    “Are you hungry, Princess Hilna?” Winnie asked, peering through the bars.

    Hilna, touching her stomach, forced a smile. “No, not at all.”

    “Really? You’re so strong! Not even a little hungry after a whole day without food.” Winnie sighed, her eyes pleading. “Do you think anyone will rescue us? We’ll starve to death in here! I want to warn my family! Tell them to flee this kingdom! This place is a nightmare!”

    “Perhaps. She promised she would come for me.” Hilna sighed, pinning all her hopes on Shirley.

    “Click!”

    The cell door swung open. A tall figure crept inside.

    “Your Highness! I’ve come to rescue you!” Shirley’s eyes lit up as she saw Hilna.

    “Shirley?” Relief washed over Hilna, followed by a wave of anxiety. “How did you get in here?”

    “I came to see Kailun this morning, but his maid told me he was out. She asked me to wait downstairs. I excused myself to use the restroom and then… well, I slipped away. I found a maid and… persuaded her to tell me where you were.” She puffed out her chest, proud of her ingenuity.

    Hilna felt a surge of unease. “It was that simple?”

    “Don’t worry, Your Highness! I’ll get you out of here!”

    She drew her sword and slashed at the bars.

    “Clang!” The metal rang, but the bars remained intact.

    “Run, Shirley!” Hilna sensed danger.

    “Crackle!”

    A bolt of purple lightning shot from the bars, traveling along the sword and into Shirley’s body.

    “Thud!” She collapsed, convulsing.

    Hilna: “…”

    Winnie: “…”

    Carol and Phils, dressed as maids, emerged from the shadows, dragging Shirley’s unconscious body towards a large cage.

    They locked her inside and left without a word, their movements practiced and efficient.

    “Your Highness, was that your rescuer?” Winnie asked after a long silence.

    Hilna, embarrassed, turned away. “No. That was… Shirley’s personal initiative. It had nothing to do with me.”

    …

    Main Hall, Royal Palace

    The ministers had arrived early for the morning assembly.

    But their numbers were noticeably smaller. At least ten were missing.

    It was past 8:00 am, and the person in charge had yet to appear.

    Before the king’s illness, he had presided over these assemblies. After his illness, the responsibility had fallen to Hilna.

    Most of them had supported her in this power struggle. But yesterday afternoon, the unthinkable had happened: she had lost.

    This assembly had been called by Vivian. Eager to avoid offending the potential new queen, they had arrived early.

    “Mitchell, have you noticed how many of our colleagues are missing?” Nick, the portly minister, whispered to the elderly Mitchell.

    “Indeed. Perhaps they’re protesting?”

    “Hilna is likely under house arrest. Vivian controls the city now. I doubt they’d be so foolish. I have a bad feeling about this. Should we slip away before the assembly begins?” Nick, knowing his own transgressions, feared retribution. The absence of his usual allies only amplified his anxiety.

    “You’re right. Let’s go. We’ll seek refuge with Lodis.”

    They made their way towards the exit, but collided with Kailun’s entourage.

    “Where are you gentlemen headed? Mind if I join you?” Kailun, flanked by Afra and Vivian, smiled pleasantly.

    Roden and a small girl, her face hidden by a thick veil, followed behind them.

    Nick and Mitchell froze, their legs trembling. “Master Kailun! A misunderstanding! We were just… relieving ourselves! We’ll be back shortly!” Nick stammered, wiping the sweat from his brow.

    “Of course, of course. No need to explain.” He nodded understandingly. “But please do so here. No one is allowed to leave until the assembly is over.”

    “But…”

    “It’s fine. We can hold it. No problem,” Mitchell interjected quickly.

    Kailun smiled, his eyes cold. He walked over to the throne and sat down, his posture casual yet domineering.

    Vivian and Afra stood beside him. Roden blocked the entrance.

    “Now that everyone is here, let’s begin.” He leaned back, his legs crossed, his arrogance on full display.

    His behavior sent shivers down their spines.

    “Master Kailun, many ministers are still missing. Shouldn’t we wait?” Nick asked, unable to contain his anxiety.

    “No need. They won’t be joining us.”

    “What do you mean?”

    “Didn’t you hear? The Divine Church attacked their homes last night and slaughtered them. Those fiends! The City Guard arrived too late. They’re probably still roaming the city, those villains.” He looked at them, his face a mask of concern. “But don’t worry. You’re all valuable assets to the Xiya Kingdom. For your safety, I’ve ordered the army to surround your homes and protect your families. Now, if there are no further questions, let’s move on to today’s agenda.”

    “Thud!” Mitchell, the elderly minister, collapsed, his knees buckling. Nick tried to help him up, but he was unresponsive.

    The other ministers, despite their fear, managed to maintain their composure.

    Kailun held up three fingers. “Today’s agenda is simple: increase taxes on the nobility, reduce taxes on the commoners, and purge this court of corrupt and greedy officials.”

    “Thud!” Nick collapsed, his face pale.

  • As a villain, I just want them to behave 79 p1

    Chapter 79: The Banquet p1

    “Is it reattached?” Lodis asked anxiously.

    “Yes, but the poison is too deep. I can’t heal it. It’s a poison I’ve never encountered before,” Harry replied, his brow furrowed.

    “That damned Kailun! I’ll tear him limb from limb the next time I see him!”

    “With only a few thousand followers left, how can we possibly challenge his army of tens of thousands?” Harry sighed, glancing at the bloodstained bandages covering Paul’s groin.

    “Didn’t you say the Saint and Saintess were on their way?” Lodis asked, his voice weary.

    They had relocated to a small town twenty miles from the Royal City, their entourage reduced to a mere five hundred men.

    Harry’s remaining followers were stationed in a small city a hundred miles away, having been relocated during the negotiations with Hilna.

    “They encountered some unforeseen circumstances. They’ll be delayed. But they’ll send an envoy to handle the current situation.” Harry had already reported their predicament to his superiors.

    Lodis ran a hand through his green hair, his frustration evident. “Kailun has consolidated his power. He can install anyone he wants on the throne. And I’ve received reports from the border. The Grand Duke has captured the Eternal Fortress with minimal casualties. A complete victory. With the border secured, he can send more troops to reinforce Kailun. We have no chance of winning.”

    He believed Kailun’s offer to make Vivian queen was merely a facade. He wanted a puppet ruler.

    Harry, however, wasn’t convinced. Something felt off.

    “The vote is in three days. We should try to sway the remaining nobles. Even if we can’t turn the tide, we can at least make things difficult for Kailun.”

    “With Kailun in control, no noble in their right mind would oppose him.” Lodis dismissed his suggestion.

    If not for his current predicament, he wouldn’t even consider challenging Kailun.

    He shuddered, recalling Kailun’s masterful manipulation. “Can I really outsmart him?”

    He had brought his five thousand guards to the valley, intending to solidify Hilna and Kailun’s image as traitors. But the battle had never materialized. The rumors remained just that: rumors.

    To secure reinforcements from the neighboring kingdoms, they needed a stronger justification.

    Slander wouldn’t work. Kailun didn’t care about his reputation.

    “Don’t worry. I’ll accompany the Saint’s envoy to persuade the nobles. Even if we fail, we can damage Kailun’s credibility. He can’t just slaughter them all.” Harry’s expression was grim. “But that’s secondary. Paul’s condition is more pressing. I don’t know if he can survive until the Saint arrives.”

    “He’s a strong boy. Perhaps a miracle will occur.” Lodis glanced at Paul, who was sleeping peacefully.

    He needed an outlet for his frustration, but this impoverished town offered no such opportunities.

    And Kailun had seized all his funds. Without financial support, his men would starve.

    “Harry, do you have any spare gold? I’ll repay you double once I’m king.” He looked at Harry pleadingly.

    “I’ve already donated all my funds to the Saint. Ask me again when I’m richer. But my followers still have some savings. I’ll ask them to… donate to the cause. We’ll manage.”

    To the Divine Church, followers were merely tools. The more tools you possessed, the faster you climbed the ranks.

    Despite years of establishing his presence in the Xiya Kingdom, Harry only had a few thousand followers.

    He was fortunate that this plan involved the support of several neighboring bishops. Otherwise, he wouldn’t stand a chance.

    “Let’s rest for half a day before moving on. I have a feeling Kailun will send his cavalry to wipe us out.” Lodis, traumatized by recent events, peeked out the window. Seeing no signs of danger, he relaxed slightly.

    “Half a day is too long. One hour is enough.” Harry, ever cautious, disagreed.

    They exchanged glances, fear reflected in their eyes. Kailun had broken them.

    …

    Eternal Fortress, Border Region

    The battle was nearing its end. The Grand Duke had achieved a decisive victory with minimal casualties.

    He surveyed the fortress, its strategic location and formidable defenses a source of satisfaction. With this thorn removed, their rear was secure.

    It was a shame they had lost half their magic cannons. Otherwise, the fortress would have been even more formidable.

    “I heard Kailun held a grand wedding today. It’s a pity we couldn’t attend.” The Duchess arrived at the command center as the battle drew to a close.

    “That boy works fast! He married Afra without a word to us! He truly takes after his father.”

    “Don’t flatter yourself. Could you have captured an army of fifty thousand without firing a single shot?”

    “Well… perhaps not. But I can send him a congratulatory gift! He mentioned his future plans were quite expensive. I’ll send him ten thousand gold coins to celebrate his marriage with Afra!” Even for him, ten thousand gold coins was a significant sum.

    “That’s excessive. I’ll send some fine silks and jewelry. I’m sure the girls will appreciate it.”

    The distance between the Royal City and the border was vast. Their gifts wouldn’t arrive for another three days.

    And Kailun’s future plans required their cooperation. They couldn’t leave their territory just yet.

    He had told them that the next time they met, the Kate family name would be known throughout the world.

    …

    Kailun’s Manor, Royal City

    “Meow! Meow! Meow!”

    Winnie, lost in a world of flavor, licked Kailun’s fingers, her tongue tracing every crevice. She wanted to devour his entire hand, but a shred of sanity held her back.

    “Oh, I almost forgot. I’ve sent invitations to your parents for the upcoming vote. You’d better pray they make the right decision. I’m not known for my mercy.” He smiled, his gaze fixed on her lips as she lapped at his fingers.

    “You’re lying, right?” She froze, her voice trembling.

    “Why would I lie to a little kitty? Think carefully. Why would I summon all the nobles?” He wiped his fingers on her cheek.

    “Please don’t harm them! I’ll do anything!” She knelt before him, her eyes pleading for mercy.

    Her heart, on the verge of dying, flickered back to life. He seemed to see through her, to know her every secret.

    He wouldn’t let her die before he had extracted every last drop of favorability.

    “I’ll consider it. Behave yourself, and I might give you a chance.”

    “Thank you! You’re so kind!” Her voice cracked with emotion.

    “Don’t thank me yet. I’m simply offering you a chance to see them one last time. I have a soft spot for sentimental fools.” He stood, taking the empty plate with him.

    [You’ve crushed Winnie’s hopes once again. She hates your cruelty. Favorability decreased. Current favorability: -98.]

    “Now, where were we? Let’s continue.” He returned to his seat, his tone casual, as if nothing had happened.

    Vivian and Isabella exchanged glances. “See? He’s a monster,” Vivian mouthed.

    “We were discussing how to handle the ministers at tomorrow’s morning assembly,” Vivian said, picking up the conversation.

    “Right. We need to address their loyalties. I’ll be taking you with me. Isabella, would you like to join us?”

    “I’m curious to see what you’re capable of.” She hesitated for a moment before answering.

    “A wise choice. But it’s best you keep your face hidden.”

    They continued discussing their plans for tomorrow, finishing their meal.

    As they left, Kailun paused outside Hilna’s cell, his gaze lingering on her, a sinister smile playing on his lips.

    [Hilna is terrified by your wickedness. Favorability decreased to -80.]

    …

    By 4:00 pm, Kailun’s men had fully integrated the captured armies. He then ordered a citywide lockdown.

    No one was allowed to leave. The Royal City was under his control.

    He compiled a list of ministers, their homes to be visited tonight. Some of them wouldn’t be attending tomorrow’s assembly.

    Most of the “monkeys” would be dealt with quietly tonight. He would keep a few “chickens” alive to make an example of.

    Before dealing with the nobles, he had to address these influential figures.

    Shirley, having completed the initial transfer of command, approached him, requesting to see Hilna. He refused.

    As the sun began to set, an eerie calm settled over the manor.

    At 8:00 pm, activity buzzed in Kailun’s courtyard. Maids scurried about, preparing for the evening’s festivities.

    Despite its name, the courtyard was spacious, featuring a small lake, a rock garden, a bridge, a pavilion… a serene and peaceful setting.

    The surrounding walls and magic barriers provided a sense of security.

    The dinner was a small affair. Even Roden excused himself, claiming he had work to do.

    Kailun sat at the head of a large round table, Carol and Afra flanking him. Phils, Anna, Ella, and Isabella occupied the remaining seats.

    Vivian, given her special status, had been retrieved from the dungeon.

    Ella, thanks to his “generosity,” was also present. If she proved her worth, he might consider improving her treatment.

    The newly acquired dancers, clad in vibrant costumes, performed on a makeshift stage, their presence filling the courtyard with music and laughter.

    “Tonight, we set aside business and personal grievances. Let us simply enjoy each other’s company.” He raised his glass, his gaze fixed on Afra. “Marrying you is the greatest honor of my life. We’ve overcome countless hardships, even death itself, to reach this day. I once believed this would be the culmination of all my dreams. But now, I realize it’s just the beginning. We have a long and beautiful future ahead of us.”

    He gazed at her, his love evident. “To our reunion. Cheers!”

    “Clink!”

    He drained his glass after their toast.

    As the maids refilled their glasses, Afra caressed his cheek, her eyes filled with affection. “I might not know how to be a perfect wife, but I’ll do everything in my power to fulfill your desires. Whenever you need me, I’ll be by your side, just like when we were children.”

    She had always been there for him.

    “Cheers.”

    He had so much he wanted to say, but the words caught in his throat.

    Looking into her eyes, he realized words were unnecessary.

    She understood him. She accepted his flaws, shared his pain, and celebrated his triumphs.

    She asked for nothing in return, content to stand by his side.

    She was his light, unwavering.

    His emotions, overwhelming him, were reduced to a single word: “Cheers.”

    She didn’t need words to understand his heart. They shared three more drinks, their contentment evident.

     

  • The Delicate Female Lead Only Wants to be Loved by the Villainous Young Ladies 81

    Chapter 81: Edith’s Secret

    As Adele’s gaze fell upon her, Dorothy instinctively withdrew her hand from Edith’s grasp, as if she didn’t want Adele to misunderstand their relationship. It was a strange reaction, considering Dorothy’s immense power and her usual disregard for Adele’s feelings.

    Edith’s expression was unreadable as she turned her gaze towards Adele, a strange mix of emotions flickering in her purple eyes.

    Adele, uncomfortable under Edith’s scrutiny, decided to give Dorothy a taste of her own medicine. With a haughty sniff, she walked past them and headed towards the audience, her gaze fixed on Sharon.

    Sharon, startled by Adele’s sudden appearance, stood up from her seat, a welcoming gesture. But Dorothy’s sharp gaze immediately silenced her.

    The silver-haired girl clenched her fists, her body trembling. But she stood her ground, refusing to cower before Dorothy’s silent threat. She would remain standing until Adele reached her side.

    “Is that her, the prize that completes your collection?” Edith asked, her voice laced with amusement.

    Dorothy simply glanced at her, then turned and walked away without a word.

    Edith’s smile remained in place, her posture unchanged, even as Dorothy’s retreating figure disappeared into the crowd. Only when Dorothy was out of sight did her expression cool, a layer of frost settling over her features.

    She turned her gaze back towards Adele, who was chatting animatedly with Sharon. Or rather, she was entertaining Sharon, drawing the shy girl out of her shell. Expecting Sharon to initiate conversation was like expecting a rock to sprout wings and fly.

    Beside Edith, Vicky, the vice-president of the Black Feather Society and one of Edith’s most trusted Sequence Ones, spoke in a low voice.

    “Adele, a first-year half-vampire. Rumored to possess the ability to charm others.”

    “…A temptress, then,” Edith murmured, her eyes narrowing.

    “If you’re curious, President…”

    “No,” Edith interrupted, her voice firm. After a moment, she added, in a voice barely audible, “Not yet, at least.”

    ………………

    While Edith was observing Adele, Adele was observing her, her gaze lingering on Edith and her companion, Vicky, whose attire resembled that of a medieval sorceress.

    Edith was undeniably beautiful, with her classic features, her raven hair, and her piercing purple eyes. The black veil she wore constantly only enhanced her allure, adding an air of mystery and intrigue.

    What secrets lay hidden beneath that veil? What beauty awaited those who dared to unveil her?

    Unfortunately for Edith, Adele already knew the answer.

    And knowing the truth made her want to stay as far away from Edith as possible.

    Edith’s face, hidden beneath the veil, was indeed lovely, meeting the expectations of those who imagined her to be a breathtaking beauty. But the moment she opened her mouth, the illusion shattered.

    Beneath the veil, Edith was… a monster.

    Not in the “she’s so ugly, I wish she didn’t have a mouth” kind of way.

    But in the “slit-mouthed woman” urban legend kind of way.

    Long, jagged scars extended from the corners of her lips to her ears, held together with crude stitches.

    The mere thought of it made Adele shudder.

    Besides, she had the benefit of hindsight.

    In the original story, Adele had fallen for Edith’s charms, seduced by the promise of acceptance and belonging within the Black Feather Society. She had believed that even a low-ranking half-vampire like herself could find respect and recognition among Edith’s followers.

    She had accepted Edith’s offer of friendship, had joined the Black Feather Society… and had paid a terrible price.

    Edith had subjected her to relentless bullying and abuse, inflicting unspeakable horrors upon her.

    By the time Adele had escaped, her initial hope and optimism had turned into a burning hatred for all vampires.

    It was a pivotal moment in the story, setting the stage for Adele’s eventual transformation into the Blood Queen, her thirst for revenge consuming her.

    Knowing Edith’s true nature, knowing the horrors that awaited her within the Black Feather Society, Adele would never fall for Edith’s lies again.

    She would never join the Black Feather Society.

    Edith, sensing Adele’s gaze, smiled warmly, her eyes crinkling at the corners.

    *As if,* Adele thought, rolling her eyes.

    Edith could put on a friendly facade all she wanted, but Adele wouldn’t be fooled.

    But then, a thought occurred to Adele.

    The reason the protagonist in the original story had been so vulnerable to the Black Feather Society’s bullying was because she was alone, isolated, rejecting any kind of connection with other vampires.

    She hadn’t tamed Celeste, hadn’t forged a deep bond with Tang Linlang, hadn’t reconciled with Dorothy, hadn’t earned Hermione’s protection or Sharon’s obsessive devotion.

    “Come to think of it… maybe I could actually thrive in the Black Feather Society,” Adele murmured, tapping her chin thoughtfully.

    Sharon, her hands folded neatly in her lap, leaned closer, her brow furrowed. “What did you say, Adele?” she asked, having missed Adele’s quiet musing.

    “Oh, nothing,” Adele replied, forcing a smile.

    Under normal circumstances, she would have taken Sharon’s hand, showering her with sweet nothings. But the curse prevented any such intimacy.

    *Damn you, Dorothy.*

    Sharon nodded, and at that moment, Hermione entered the training ground.

    Adele spotted her immediately, her eyes lighting up. She stood up and waved enthusiastically, hoping to catch Hermione’s attention.

    Hermione saw her and smiled, her usually cold features softening with warmth.

    Dorothy saw it too, her face darkening with displeasure. Even with the chastity curse in place, Adele was still flirting!

    *Adele, why?*

    Adele was a master of attracting unwanted attention. She was like a tank in a video game, drawing all the aggro.

    The problem was, she wasn’t tanking the damage herself. She was expecting Hermione to bear the brunt of Dorothy’s wrath.

    But that was a burden Hermione had already chosen to carry when she decided to challenge Dorothy. So, Adele wasn’t exactly throwing Hermione under the bus.

    Besides Dorothy’s annoyance, there were a few others whose emotions were also running high.

    Celeste, seated among the Sequence Twos, her gaze fixed on Adele.

    Tang Linlang, who had quietly taken a seat behind Adele, her heart pounding.

    And further back, two identical girls, their gazes also drawn to Adele.

    The Amaterasu twins, staunch members of “Team Dorothy”: Amaterasu Kuro and Tsukimi Shiro.

    Despite being identical, they were easy to distinguish. Kuro, the elder sister, was outgoing and boisterous, with black hair and black stockings. Shiro, the younger sister, was quiet and introverted, with silver hair and white stockings.

    And both were blessed with ample bosoms, dispelling any “one twin is flat-chested, the other is busty” clichés.

    “Look, a lone cupcake~” Kuro said, licking her lips, her eyes gleaming with predatory hunger.

    It had been a while since the twins had tormented Adele. Life, even for Sequence Ones, was full of distractions.

    And what better way to relieve stress than to pick on a helpless little girl?

    Just thinking about Adele’s delicious blood made Kuro’s fangs lengthen, her mouth curving into a cruel smile.

    Shiro, the quieter twin, set down her book and glanced at her sister.

    “Don’t call me an idiot in your head!” Kuro snapped, her childish outburst strangely endearing.

    “Hmph.”

    “And don’t you dare think ‘Just block me out then’!”

    “We’re twins! We have a psychic connection!”

    But their telepathic link could be severed if one of them chose to close her mind. And it also had a limited range.

    So, separating the twins, either through physical distance or through strategic maneuvers, was key to defeating them.

    Shiro rolled her eyes, her expression a mix of exasperation and affection.

    *Who wants to be psychically linked to an idiot like you?*

    But despite their bickering, the twins were close, their bond unbreakable. And they shared the same opinion about Adele.

    A single glance was all it took for them to reach a silent agreement.

    *After school, we feast.*

    “But Kuro,” Shiro asked mentally, their conversation taking place entirely within their minds.

    “What?”

    “Have you heard about Dorothy and Hermione fighting over the cupcake?”

    “That’s ridiculous. She’s just food.”

    “Hmm… perhaps.”

    But a flicker of doubt lingered in Shiro’s eyes.