The dim light of dawn painted the sky in hues of gray and amber as Jiang Chen strolled into the heart of his estate's grand courtyard.
The world around him was coming to life, but his mind remained sharp, replaying the words of the Villain System.
"Strike at his emotional foundation," Jiang Chen muttered under his breath, a smirk creeping across his face.
The notion intrigued him, but it was not enough to simply cripple Lin Fan's spirit.
No, Jiang Chen wanted to savor every moment of the protagonist's downfall, to ensure that even the heavens themselves would regret ever casting him in the role of a mere villain.
With a flick of his wrist, the screen appeared before him, glowing faintly with golden text.
[Current Objectives:
Disrupt Lin Fan's family stability.Manipulate the narrative in your favor.Harvest 500 Luck Points to unlock the next system feature.]
Luck Points. The very essence of the protagonist's plot armor, and the key to Jiang Chen's rise.
"Lord Jiang," a low, gravelly voice interrupted his thoughts.
Jiang Chen turned to see one of his shadow guards, still cloaked in darkness, kneeling before him. The guard extended a jade scroll toward him.
"This contains the information we've gathered about Lin Fan's family.
His mother resides in a secluded village, while his father, Lin Zhen, works under the Holy Sect's external disciples, bearing humiliation to provide for his son.
Lin Fan's sister, Lin Xue, is currently apprenticing under an alchemist."
Jiang Chen took the scroll, his eyes scanning the details. A sinister grin tugged at his lips.
"Good work," he said, his voice laced with approval. "And about his allies?"
"Lin Fan has few connections outside his family, but rumors suggest he is growing close to a disciple of the Holy Sect named Luo Qing'er.
She's known for her talent and beauty, drawing the attention of many suitors."
"Interesting," Jiang Chen mused, his fingers tapping the jade scroll.
"Lin Fan's family and Luo Qing'er… excellent places to begin."
The Villain System chimed again, its mechanical voice laden with implications.
[Strategy Suggestions:
Exploit Lin Zhen's disgrace to plant seeds of doubt and insecurity in Lin Fan.Create a breakdown between Lin Fan and Su Qingyi. Romantic entanglements are potent sources of emotional turmoil.Plan a scenario where Lin Fan's resources fall into your hands.]
Jiang Chen chuckled darkly.
"You really do know how to play dirty, don't you?"
He glanced at the shadow guard.
"Send an anonymous tip to the Holy Sect about Lin Zhen. Tell them he's been secretly selling sect resources to outsiders.
Add just enough evidence to make it plausible."
The guard nodded and disappeared into the shadows.
Jiang Chen turned back to the jade scroll, his thoughts spinning.
The heavens had handed Lin Fan a perfect life to script, but Jiang Chen would ensure that every line of that story was rewritten with blood, betrayal, and despair.
In the Holy Sect's bustling outer compound, Lin Fan was sparring with another disciple.
His movements were fluid and precise, his body glowing faintly with spiritual energy.
"Lin Fan, your progress is remarkable," his opponent said, stepping back to acknowledge defeat.
"Your master must be proud."
Lin Fan smiled modestly, wiping sweat from his brow.
"Thank you, but I still have a long way to go."
The ring on his finger hummed softly, and the ethereal voice of his master echoed in his mind.
"Your humility is commendable, but do not grow complacent.
You must focus on refining your foundation. Only then can you ascend to greater heights."
Lin Fan nodded, his resolve firm.
He was determined to restore his family's honor and bring Jiang Chen to justice.
But as he turned to leave the training grounds, a commotion near the sect gates drew his attention.
A group of elders stood gathered, their faces stern as they examined a document.
Among them was Lin Zhen, his expression pale and anxious.
"Father?" Lin Fan approached, concern etched on his face.
"Lin Fan," Lin Zhen stammered, clutching his son's arm.
"It's nothing. Just a misunderstanding."
"Misunderstanding?" one of the elders scoffed.
"Lin Zhen, you've been accused of embezzling sect resources. This is a serious matter. If you cannot provide an explanation, you'll face severe consequences."
Lin Fan's heart clenched. "There must be some mistake! My father would never—"
"Enough," the elder snapped.
"This matter will be investigated thoroughly. Until then, Lin Zhen is suspended from his duties."
As Lin Zhen was led away, Lin Fan stood frozen, a storm of emotions brewing within him. Anger, confusion, and a deep-seated fear for his family's already fragile reputation.
Back at the Jiang Estate;
The sound of soft laughter echoed through the grand hall as Jiang Chen reclined on his throne, sipping a glass of aged spirit wine.
The Villain System's voice chimed in again.
[Action successful. Lin Zhen's suspension has destabilized Lin Fan's emotional foundation. Luck Points harvested: 50.]
"Only 50?" Jiang Chen scoffed. "I expected more."
[Lin Fan's plot armor remains intact. Significant actions are required to harvest greater Luck Points.]
Jiang Chen leaned back, his gaze fixed on the gilded ceiling above. "Patience, then. I've only just begun."
The System hummed in acknowledgment, offering no further commentary.
A servant entered the hall, bowing low. "Lord Jiang, a guest has arrived—a young woman claiming to be Su Qingyi of the Holy Sect."
Jiang Chen raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Send her in."
Moments later, Luo Qing'er stepped into the hall, her presence commanding yet graceful. Her gaze was wary as she addressed Jiang Chen.
"Lord Jiang, I've come to inquire about the recent rumors concerning Lin Fan's father.
It's said the accusation originated from someone in your territory."
Jiang Chen rose from his throne, his expression one of feigned concern.
"Lady Luo Qing'er, I assure you, I had no knowledge of such accusations. Lin Fan is a promising talent, and I would never seek to hinder his growth."
Luo Qing'er studied him carefully, her intuition warning her of the hidden malice behind his polished words.
"If that's true, I hope you'll assist in clearing Lin Zhen's name," she said firmly.
Jiang Chen's lips curled into a charming smile. "Of course. Allow me to host you for a few days while I investigate this matter personally."
As Jiang Chen escorted Luo Qing'er i through his estate, he made subtle moves to plant doubt and manipulate her perception.
He spoke of Lin Zhen's struggles, hinting at desperation that could drive a man to wrongdoing.
By the time Luo Qing'er departed, she couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that Jiang Chen's words might hold some truth.
Back in his hall, Jiang Chen watched her leave, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes.
[Objective progress: Lin Fan's emotional foundation was further destabilized. Luck Points harvested: 100.]
Jiang Chen chuckled. "The heavens may have given Lin Fan the script, but I'm the one writing the story now."
The game had begun in earnest, and Jiang Chen was determined to be the last one standing.