Villain: Manipulating the Heroines into hating the Protagonist Chapter 948: Information From Shadow Flowers

The humid, briny air of the Myriad Reefs Sea Domain wafted through the open windows of a rented island estate on Red Coral Island. Three months had passed since Wang Jian and his followers had arrived in this unfamiliar, aquatic realm, seeking refuge from the apocalyptic destruction ravaging the State of Yue.

During this period, they had remained inconspicuous, maintaining a low profile while carefully studying their new surroundings.

The atmosphere inside the courtyard's main hall was somber. Wang Jian presided at the head of a massive table fashioned from iron-wood. To his right, his wife Yue Lingshan sat with a composed and focused demeanor. To his left was Sect Mistress Mu Lianhua, draped in elegant, high-collared blue robes that emphasized her status as a respected Elder. Further down sat Chen Ying, her blade leaning against her chair, and Liu Ruyan, who tapped her fingers rhythmically on the tabletop. Guarding the room's perimeter were the five married maids led by Li Mei; their cultivation bases had recently reached the Initial Foundation Establishment Realm, stabilized by the resources Wang Jian provided.

The heavy oak doors creaked as they swung open.

Three individuals walked in, moving with the fluid grace of those who had adapted to the dangerous streets and sea-lanes of the archipelago.

These were the Shadow Flowers—Qiu Yun, Su Ning, and Bai Xue.

They had traded their bulky mainland attire for the sleek, form-fitting aquatic leathers used by local rogue cultivators—gear crafted from sea-beast skin that shed water and facilitated rapid movement. Their complexions had deepened under the harsh maritime sun, and a more predatory glint flickered in their eyes.

"Master," Qiu Yun greeted, stepping forward with a bow. She quickly checked herself with a glance toward Yue Lingshan and smoothly amended her greeting. "Deacon Wang. Senior Sister Yue. Elders."

Wang Jian gave a curt nod, his expression a mask of steady leadership. "You’ve returned. Give your report."

Qiu Yun signaled to Su Ning and Bai Xue, and together they spread a massive parchment across the table. It was a map of incredible detail, far superior to anything sold in the public markets of Red Coral Island, marked with shipping routes, spiritual currents, and territories highlighted in gold, black, and blue.

"Our integration was successful," Qiu Yun began, her finger tracing a group of islands to the east. "As instructed, we targeted low-level groups tied to the major powers. I have successfully joined the Azure Wave Sword Sect."

Pointing to a minor island chain, she continued, "They are a vassal sect of the Righteous Faction. Their Sect Leader is only at the Peak Foundation Establishment stage. Given my current cultivation, I was easily appointed as an external deacon. They are responsible for guarding a small spirit stone vein."

Su Ning stepped up next, her tone carrying a trace of dark amusement. "I’ve managed to infiltrate the Blood Shark Hall. It’s a brutal, disorganized group under the Demonic Faction. They respect nothing but raw power and lethality."

"And how did you accomplish that without exposing your history?" Wang Jian inquired, leaning in slightly.

"Through Alchemy, Deacon Wang," Su Ning replied with a thin smile. "Specifically, my knowledge of toxins. I saved their Vice-Hall Master from a sea-snake bite that was destroying his Meridians, then demonstrated a poison capable of boiling the blood of a Grade 2 Sea Beast instantly. They welcomed me immediately, believing I am a rogue poison specialist running from a blood feud."

"Well done," Wang Jian remarked, his eyes flashing with approval.

Bai Xue, the most unassuming of the trio, indicated the center of the map. "I’ve secured a position as an external attendant for the 'Golden Conch Trading Guild.' They are a direct branch of the Myriad Ocean Palace. This role grants me access to market trends, auction catalogs, and the movement of premium resources."

"The spy network is operational," Wang Jian whispered. "Now, describe the layout of the powers."

Bai Xue took charge, her hand moving across the parchment. "The Myriad Reefs Sea Domain is held in a balance of power by three giants who keep the chaos contained."

She indicated the blue-marked eastern islands.

"First is the Righteous Alliance. It’s a loose union of islands governed by trade and maritime law. Their headquarters is Starfall Island, led by a Nascent Soul Ancestor. They focus on hydro-mancy, sword arts, and complex array formations. They are hypocrites who claim to maintain peace while bleeding smaller islands dry with taxes, but they are highly structured."

Su Ning then pointed to the dark, western waters marked in black.

"Opposing them is the Abyssal Trench Coalition, the demonic faction. They dwell near the great oceanic trenches where light is scarce. Their capital is Blackwater Island. Their cultivators utilize water pressure for body tempering, soul manipulation, and blood arts from sea beasts. They are ruthless, survival-of-the-fittest societies."

Finally, Bai Xue rested her hand on a massive, gold-coded island cluster in the center.

"And ruling above everyone else is the Myriad Ocean Palace."

The room grew silent. The mere mention of the name carried immense weight.

"They are the true masters of this domain," Bai Xue noted. "A vast, ancient power situated at the center of the archipelago. They maintain a stance of neutrality. They collect taxes from both the Demonic and Righteous factions in return for the right to live in the safest, most Qi-rich Inner Islands."

"Neutrality?" Yue Lingshan asked with a frown. "How do they stay neutral between such fierce rivals?"

"Strength," Mu Lianhua answered, her voice reflecting her experience as a former leader. "Pure, undeniable power. If they can tax both demons and righteous men, their heritage must far exceed both."

"Precisely, Elder Mu," Bai Xue nodded. "The Myriad Ocean Palace has the most potent heritage. They blend the discipline of the righteous with the ferocity of the demonic without the usual side effects. They are the ones who enforce the 'Peace of the Port' in neutral zones like Red Coral Island."

Wang Jian examined the map, his mind working through the possibilities. It was a fragile ecosystem.

"So, the Palace maintains the equilibrium," he thought aloud. "If we cross the Righteous, we hide with the Demonic. If we anger the Demonic, we flee to the Righteous. But if we provoke the Palace... there is no sanctuary left."

"That is correct," Qiu Yun agreed.

Wang Jian leaned back, tapping the armrest of his chair. He was internally delighted; his spies were perfectly placed. He had eyes in every camp. His gaze lingered on the curves of Qiu Yun and Su Ning, noting how the tight leathers highlighted their bodies. 'I’ll need to conduct a private debriefing with them later,' he mused, a spark of lust crossing his mind. 'A reward for such thorough intelligence.'

Outwardly, he remained perfectly composed.

"Senior Sister Chen," he said, looking at Chen Ying. "From a tactical standpoint, what does this environment suggest?"

Chen Ying analyzed the map. "The ocean is the primary theater of war. Mobility will be vital. The Righteous likely favor formations and long-range attacks, while the Demonic faction probably utilizes deep-water ambushes. We must become masters of underwater combat."

"I agree," Wang Jian nodded.

"One more thing," Bai Xue added. "The organizations we've joined are only subordinate branches. Their leaders are, at most, at the Peak of the Foundation Establishment Realm. We are currently small fish in a massive ocean, which is ideal for us."

"It means we won't attract the attention of Nascent Soul monsters," Wang Jian concluded. "We can hide in the shadow of the mediocre while we accumulate resources."

"Now," Wang Jian said, standing to approach the map. "Let's discuss resources. Specifically, the beasts."

Bai Xue pointed to a shimmering, jagged line surrounding the central region.

"This is the Azure Dome Barrier."

"A massive island array?" Yue Lingshan asked, looking impressed.

"No, it's a domain-wide phenomenon," Bai Xue clarified. "It acts as a boundary between the Inner Islands and the Outer Sea."

"Inside the barrier where we are," Su Ning explained, "the waters are relatively tranquil. The Sea Beasts here are suppressed by the barrier's pressure. They range from Grade 1 to Grade 7—the equivalent of Qi Condensation to Late Core Formation. It’s safe for commerce and regulated hunting."

She moved her hand toward the vast, empty space beyond the line.

"But outside... in the Outer Islands... is the true wild. The storms there can demolish a ship in heartbeats. And the Sea Beasts..." She shivered. "They reach Grade 8, Grade 9... even Grade 10. These are Nascent Soul level horrors."

"The rumors say," Su Ning lowered her voice, "that the Outer Sea is ruled by Flood Dragons. Creatures with genuine dragon bloodlines. They are the ones who lead the Beast Tides that crash against the Azure Dome Barrier."

Wang Jian’s interest piqued at the mention of dragon blood, but he kept his focus on their immediate goals.

"We aren't ready for Flood Dragons," he said practically. "We must grow. The ambient Qi here is turbulent and hard to refine through meditation alone. We require pills. We require alchemy."

He looked back at the map. "Point out the hunting grounds near our base."

Qiu Yun highlighted three locations around Red Coral Island.

"Here," she pointed to a cluster of islands with massive greenery rising from the waves. "The Emerald Sea-Forest Isle. It’s a unique place where giant mangroves grow from the seabed. It’s filled with Wood and Water attribute beasts."

"To the south," she moved her finger to a smoking rock formation, "is the Volcanic Isle of Ashen Bone. It's an active volcanic zone with no mortal inhabitants. Only Flame and Earth attribute beasts live in the craters."

"And to the north," she indicated a region shrouded in gray clouds, "is Thunder-Crag Island. The magnetic fields there draw constant lightning. It’s the territory of Wind and Lightning beasts."

Wang Jian nodded as a strategy formed.

"We need to push our Cultivation," he declared. "But standard pills won't do. To maximize our efficiency and stabilize our foundations in this environment, we need elemental specificity. We need Beast Cores that correspond to our Spiritual Roots."

He surveyed the room, calculating their needs.

"I have Triple Spirit Roots: Fire, Wood, and Water," Wang Jian stated. "I can utilize energy from nearly any of these sites."

He turned to his wife. "Lingshan, you possess Dual Spirit Roots: Wood and Water. The Emerald Sea-Forest Isle will be your training site."

He looked at Liu Ruyan. "Junior Sister Ruyan, Fire and Wood. You’ll need cores from both the Volcanic Isle and the Sea-Forest."

"Senior Sister Chen," he addressed the swordswoman, "you have a Mutated Wind Spirit Root. Thunder-Crag Island is your only option, despite the danger."

Finally, he looked at Mu Lianhua. "Elder Mu. Flame and Wood. Your needs match Ruyan’s."

"We will hunt," Wang Jian announced, clenching his fist. "We will stock our stores with beast cores, targeting Grade 2 to Grade 4 Spirit Beasts—the Foundation Establishment equivalents. They are plentiful, and with Elder Mu's protection, the risk is low."

"We will use the creatures of this sea as our stepping stones."

He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in, then looked at his followers with absolute resolve.

"I am issuing a mandate. We are entering a five-year period of seclusion and accumulation."

"Five years?" Chen Ying asked.

"In five years," Wang Jian declared, "I expect every Foundation Establishment cultivator here—myself, Lingshan, Ruyan, Chen Ying, and the Shadow Flowers—to have reached the Late Stage of Foundation Establishment. No exceptions."

He looked at Mu Lianhua. "Elder Mu, your path is different. You are at the Peak of Core Formation. Reaching the Nascent Soul stage requires destiny as much as resources. For now, you are our protector. You are the executioner who ensures our survival during the hunts."

Mu Lianhua bowed. "I accept this responsibility, Deacon Wang. I will pave the way."

Wang Jian turned back to the Shadow Flowers. "While you are within your sects, stay alert. I want reports on any sect led by a Peak Foundation Establishment or Initial Core Formation master that is facing collapse or war."

"Why?" Bai Xue questioned.

"Because we are scavengers," Wang Jian said with a cold smile. "We need a corpse to feed on. If a sect falls, their library and treasury become ours for the taking."

"Also," he added, "seek out rare seeds and exotic herbs. I can restore them with my techniques. We must cultivate a garden here that rivals the Crimson Pill Sect."

He then addressed Yue Lingshan. "Lingshan, your proficiency in arrays must improve. The formations here are unique, utilizing wind and water currents. We must master them."

"I will study the manuals we acquired," Lingshan replied earnestly.

"Manuals are too slow," Wang Jian countered, a dark light in his eyes. "We will find you instructors. Or rather... we will find their inheritances."

He looked at the Shadow Flowers. "Locate renowned rogue Formation Masters who live in isolation without powerful allies. If they are vulnerable... report them to me."

The implication of murder and theft was clear.

"We will seize a lifetime of their research in a single night," Wang Jian said softly. "Elder Mu will handle the... negotiations."

He stood up. "The roles are set. Elder Mu is the Executioner. Senior Sister Chen is the Vanguard. Junior Sister Ruyan is the Alchemist. Lingshan is the Strategist. And the Shadow Flowers are our Eyes."

"Dismissed," he commanded. "Prepare yourselves. We begin the hunt at daybreak."

The women rose and bowed.

As they exited, Wang Jian caught Mu Lianhua’s gaze. He gave a subtle, almost invisible signal—a slight brush of his thumb against his palm.

Come to my quarters later.

Mu Lianhua’s breath hitched. She gave a nearly imperceptible nod, her face flushing slightly, before following Yue Lingshan out of the hall while maintaining her dignified facade.

Yue Lingshan, focused on the map and planning array traps, noticed nothing. She smiled at her husband, proud of his leadership, unaware of the dark desires driving him.

Two hours later, the moon shone brightly over Red Coral Island, its silver light reflecting on the ocean.

Wang Jian sat on his bed in his private, soundproofed cultivation room.

The door clicked open as Mu Lianhua entered.

She had discarded her formal attire for a sheer blue sarong that barely hid her curves.

She locked the door and approached him with swaying hips. Without a word, she knelt between his legs, looking up with submissive eyes.

Wang Jian cupped her chin. "You performed well today, Elder Mu. Your acting was flawless."

"I learned from the best, Master," she whispered.

Wang Jian’s hand moved down her neck and slipped into the loose fabric of her sarong, roughly kneading her breast.

"But now," he growled, his voice thick with desire, "the performance is over."

He pulled her onto the bed and pinned her down.

"Do you know why I summoned you?" he asked, looming over her.

"To... to serve you, Master," she panted.

"Because of these," Wang Jian said, squeezing her breasts together. "These erotic tits of yours. I couldn't focus on the meeting. Every movement they made was a distraction, begging for my attention."

He pinched her nipples sharply. "It’s your fault, Lianhua. You made me so horny I could barely think. What do you have to say?"

It was a blatant power play, but Mu Lianhua knew her role.

She looked up, her eyes filled with both shame and arousal. "I... I am sorry, Master. It is my fault. My body is too lewd. I distracted you."

She reached down to touch him through his clothes. "Since it is my fault... I must make amends. I must take responsibility."

"You certainly will," Wang Jian growled. "You're going to take it all night. Twenty times, Lianhua. I'm going to fuck you until you can't walk, until you learn not to tempt your Master during war councils."

"Yes, Master," she moaned. "Punish this slut. Use me until you're satisfied."

He ripped the sarong open.

The night became a blur of sweat and passion. Wang Jian was merciless, venting his stress and ambition into her. He made her beg and scream his name, forcing her to thank him for every thrust.

He blamed her for his lack of restraint, and she accepted it, molding her reality to his needs. She was the temptress, and he was the conqueror. This twisted bond only drew them closer.

By dawn, Mu Lianhua lay exhausted and marked on the bed, her energy spent but her loyalty absolute.

Wang Jian stood by the window, watching the sun rise. He felt refreshed and focused.

The five-year plan was in motion. The hunting grounds were marked. His harem was at his beck and call.

"Rest, Lianhua," he said without turning around. "We have much killing to do tomorrow."