> "A wise villain never fights battles. He ends them before they start."
---
Azure Heaven Sect — Great Assembly Field
The banners of Azure Heaven Sect fluttered high in the morning wind.
Hundreds of disciples gathered, dressed neatly in their uniforms, swords at their sides, and excited murmurs filling the air.
Today was the beginning of the Spirit Beast Hunt — a major event meant to show off the strength and talent of the sect's younger generation.
At the center of it all stood Shen Tian, looking every part the golden boy of destiny.
His white robes gleamed under the sun.
His sword, Heaven's Edge, hummed faintly with spiritual energy.
His face calm, confident, without a trace of worry.
Behind him stood several powerful Inner Sect Elders, smiling proudly.
This was not just a hunt.
It was a public stage, built for Shen Tian to shine.
The Sect Master himself gave the opening speech:
> "Today, the fate of Azure Heaven Sect rises with the heavens! Follow the Son of Destiny, and seize your future!"
The crowd erupted in cheers.
Except for one figure, hidden among the outer disciples, who remained still.
Lin Xian.
His dark eyes watched silently, emotionless.
> "Shen Tian... Enjoy your stage while you can."
He turned away, a faint smirk on his lips.
Today, the seeds he had planted would bloom into a storm.
---
Later — In the Forest of Echoes
The Forest of Echoes was dense and wild, filled with spirit beasts and hidden dangers.
The disciples fanned out in teams, following Shen Tian's lead as he dashed ahead toward the inner parts of the forest.
Lin Xian stayed far behind the main group, moving alone, blending into the chaos.
In his hand was a small talisman — barely bigger than a coin.
A Minor Illusion Talisman.
His first creation from the blueprint the Villain System had given him.
With careful steps, Lin Xian crept near one of Shen Tian's trusted teammates — a handsome Inner Disciple named Meng Tao.
Meng Tao was cocky and loud, always eager to show off.
The perfect target.
Lin Xian threw the talisman onto the ground silently.
A faint ripple spread outward, invisible to the eye.
Suddenly — from deeper inside the forest — the loud roar of a Rank 5 Spirit Beast echoed out.
> "A Rank 5 Beast!" someone shouted.
> "It's heading this way!"
Panic spread immediately.
Shen Tian frowned, sword flashing to life.
> "No fear! Follow me!"
He charged forward heroically, drawing the attention of the disciples.
But behind the scenes, Lin Xian's real plan moved.
Using the system's hint, he had lured two Rank 5 Spirit Beasts into the disciples' path — creatures far too strong for their current level.
And with the Minor Illusion Talisman, he made it appear that Meng Tao had stolen a special "Spirit Beast Attracting Incense" from the sect's vaults — an act that would naturally cause spirit beasts to chase him.
In reality, the incense didn't exist.
But the illusion was strong enough to fool everyone watching from afar.
---
Chaos Breaks Out
The beasts charged through the forest like a hurricane.
Disciples screamed and scattered.
Shen Tian tried to organize a defense, but the sudden panic, betrayal rumors, and the overwhelming strength of the spirit beasts turned the situation into chaos.
Several disciples were injured.
Many fled in fear.
The elders had to step in early, shaming the sect publicly.
And worst of all —
Meng Tao, who had nothing to do with it, became the scapegoat.
Even Shen Tian's face darkened as he glared at him.
> "You… you've endangered everyone, Meng Tao!"
> "N-No! I swear, I didn't—"
But no one listened.
Because the evidence — broken talismans, beast tracks leading to Meng Tao's position, and whispers planted earlier — was too strong.
---
Lin Xian's Hidden Smile
Far away, hidden among the trees, Lin Xian watched the chaos unfold with cold satisfaction.
He gained a flood of Villain Points, boosting his system rewards.
---
[Villain System Update]
» Objective Progress: 19%
» Villain Points: 200
» Skill Upgrade: [Whisper of Doubt → Tongue of Serpents] (Increase rumor effectiveness.)
» Item Acquired: [Concealment Cloak] (Hides presence from spirit detection.)
---
Lin Xian pulled the Concealment Cloak around his body and slipped deeper into the shadows.
> "First crack delivered," he thought calmly.
"Soon, the second will follow."
His goal wasn't to defeat Shen Tian in a fair fight.
It was to cut him down without even lifting a sword.
---
Meanwhile — In the Misty Mountains
Atop a faraway peak, The women sat silently in a cold cave, meditating.
She opened her violet eyes slightly, sensing the faint disturbance from the Azure Heaven Sect.
> "He's moving faster than expected," she mused.
A thin smile crossed her lips — cold, mysterious, deadly.
> "Good. Let's see how far you can go... before the heavens crush you."
She closed her eyes again, her aura blending into the cold mountain mist.
The game was far from over.
It had only just begun.