Jarod waited impatiently for Sylvia, but she never returned. After some time, he checked the washroom and discovered she was no longer there.
He was furious.
"You just left, leaving me alone here. Then why the hell did you call me here?" Jarod thought angrily.
Seething with rage and confusion, Jarod left the café and returned to his residence. The family competition was just two days away, and he needed to focus.
Meanwhile, Aric was in his room, receiving a blowjob from Alicia while another girl licked his balls. He was thoroughly enjoying the service.
"Yes, suck more," Aric growled.
He pushed his hand against Alicia's head, trying to drive his member deeper into her throat. After some time, he released his pleasure.
"Whoa! That was fun."
Aric slapped the butts of Alicia and Hanna, the other maid, and sent them back. Feeling satisfied, he opened his system panel and reviewed the many notifications.
[Ding! Congratulations, host! You have gained +1000 Villain Halo and +10,000 Villain Points for affecting the mentality of the daughter of destiny, Sylvia Song.]
[Ding! Congratulations, host! You have gained +500 Villain Halo and +5000 Villain Points for angering the daughter of destiny, Sylvia Song.]
[Ding! Congratulations, host! You have gained +3000 Villain Halo and +30,000 Villain Points for creating a rift between the Jarod-Sylvia relationship.]
[Ding! Congratulations, host! You have gained +500 Villain Halo and +5000 Villain Points for angering the protagonist, Jarod Lei.]
"What a great harvest. This plan worked really well," Aric thought with a sinister smile.
"Let's first see what my current state is. Status."
[The Ultimate Villain System]
[Name - Aric Lei (Ethan)]
[Age - 20]
[Cultivation Level - Nascent Soul Realm (9th Stage)]
[Strength - 48]
[Agility - 47]
[Intelligence - 127]
[Charm - 38]
[Physique - None]
[Bloodline - None]
[Cultivation Techniques - Iron Body Technique, Soul Devouring Technique,Celestial Harmony Dual Cultivation Technique]
[Skills - Absolute Mind Control (Grand Master), Tengzhi Fusion Fist (Beginner), Eclipsing Shadow Blade (Master),Mystic Wind Movement]
[Items - Soul Suppression Talisman * 1, Heavenly Jade Sword, Thunderstrike Talisman*1]
[Villain Halo - 34,000]
[Villain Points - 135,000]
Cultivation Upgrade
"Wow! Look at this. My points are over 100,000."
"System, upgrade my cultivation to Spirit Severing."
[Ding! Deducting 25,000 villain points and upgrading the host's cultivation.]
A burst of energy surged through Aric's body. He felt himself getting stronger, nearing a breakthrough. Concentrating, he quickly ascended to the Spirit Severing (1st Stage).
"System, why did it become so costly to upgrade my cultivation?"
[Ding! As you advance further, the energy required for breakthroughs grows exponentially. Hence, the price increases.]
"Stingy system. At least give me some discount," Aric said coldly. Despite his grumbling, he still had around 110,000 points.
"Let's keep them safe for now. I think I am strong enough. I just need to stop Ryan Chen from interfering."
"I remember the Lei family usually holds a participant gathering a day before the competition to commemorate the event. The patriarch also gives a motivational speech. I should do something there."
The next evening, a grand party was organized for all the participants. The Lei family estate was beautifully decorated, with lanterns casting a warm glow over the elegant gardens. Tables were laden with delicacies, and the scent of exotic dishes filled the air. The participants mingled, their excitement and nerves palpable. Friends and family members also attended, adding to the festive atmosphere.
The patriarch stood on a grand balcony overlooking the garden. His presence commanded respect, and a hush fell over the crowd as he began to speak.
"Welcome, my children," he began, his voice resonant and powerful. "This competition is not just a test of your strength but also of your character and resolve. Our family has a proud tradition of excellence, and each of you represents the future of our legacy. Remember, true power comes not just from cultivation, but from the heart and the mind. Fight with honor, and bring glory to the Lei family."
His words stirred the participants, filling them with determination and pride. The gathering continued into the night, with laughter and conversations echoing through the gardens.
The maids serving the wine were all Aric's slaves. In fact, Aric had mind-controlled all the servants of the family. He had handed his blood to the servants, and they had mixed it with the food. Aric's plan was simple: to control all the participants, ensuring an easy victory.
Aric observed everything from a distance, a smug expression on his face. He saw Jarod standing silently by a table, seemingly lost in thought.
After the gathering, Jarod was leaving when he noticed someone following him. Turning around, he saw Aric approaching.
"What are you doing here, Aric?" Jarod asked, his voice tinged with irritation.
Aric smiled smoothly. "I came to greet you before the match and to pay my respects to your master, Ryan Chen."
Jarod's anger flared. "Why do you treat my master as your own? He is my master, not yours."
Aric shrugged nonchalantly. "Respect where respect is due, Jarod."
Suddenly, Ryan Chen materialized from the ring on Jarod's finger. His ethereal form glowed with a faint light as he faced Aric.
"Aric, what is it you seek?" Ryan Chen asked, his voice calm but commanding.
Aric bowed respectfully. "Master Chen, I merely came to wish Jarod well in the upcoming competition. It would be an honor to receive your blessing as well."
Ryan Chen nodded slightly, acknowledging the courtesy. "Very well. May both of you fight with honor."
As Aric turned to leave, he discreetly flicked his wrist, releasing a minuscule talisman imbued with powerful concealment techniques. The talisman, almost invisible, floated towards Ryan Chen. Aric had spent considerable time refining it to ensure it could bypass Ryan's formidable defenses.
Ryan Chen, focused on his conversation with Jarod, did not notice the talisman's approach. It merged seamlessly with his ethereal form, its effects delayed to activate after twelve hours, designed to suppress his soul for six critical hours during the competition.
The talisman was a specially crafted Soul Suppression Talisman, designed to target Ryan Chen, who was residing in Jarod's ring.
With his plan in motion, Aric left the gathering, heading back to his villa. Once there, he reviewed his plan one last time, ensuring every detail was in place. The next day would be the culmination of his efforts, and he intended to emerge victorious.
The gathering continued into the night, with the participants unaware of the subtle manipulations at play. Aric returned to his room, a satisfied smirk playing on his lips. "Tomorrow, everything will change. The Lei family will see my true power," he thought, feeling the surge of energy from his recent breakthrough.
He settled into bed, confident that his plans were flawless and his victory assured. As he drifted off to sleep, visions of his future dominance filled his mind.
.