Villain: Manipulating the Heroines into hating the Protagonist Chapter 958: Crimson Shark's Plan

The brilliant sun blazed overhead in the vast blue skies of the Myriad Reefs Sea Domain, scattering sparkling flecks of light across the churning waters. Slicing through the heavens like a divine blade soared the enormous warship belonging to the Fragrance Melody Sect. Crafted from pristine white spirit-wood adorned with golden patterns, it buzzed with the energy of wind-based arrays driving it onward in quiet, regal swiftness.

At the ship's front stood Hua Ling. The Young Sect Mistress bore no resemblance to the frightened young woman almost seized several months prior. She wore snug silver light armor that highlighted her budding figure while providing solid protection. Her lengthy dark hair was pulled into a fighter's tail, and her gaze, formerly gentle and hesitant, now sparkled with warrior's resolve.

She clutched a jade zither in her grasp, compact and easy to carry compared to the grand one her mother used, yet equally lethal.

Trailing her, propped against the central mast with folded arms and shut eyes, was Chen Ying. The sword expert's aura served as a steady pillar for the whole journey. Even seeming at ease, her spiritual awareness spread like a sharp mesh across ten miles around.

Underneath the vessel, far below the surface, a huge silhouette swam smoothly, keeping pace with the ship's motion. This was the Black-Scaled Flood Serpent, a Fifth Order Spirit Beast on par with an Early Stage Core Formation expert. Its fearsome presence pulsed out, a raw alert that sent countless First and Second Order sea creatures fleeing into the ocean's depths. It served as a barrier, repelling pests while letting fiercer targets linger—opponents fit for challenging the Young Mistress.

"Target sighted," Chen Ying announced, her eyes flashing open. She spoke without raising her voice, yet it cut through the breeze distinctly. "Three o'clock low. A pack of Coral-Spine Lizards. Third Order."

Hua Ling drew in a steadying breath, calming her Qi. "I see them."

Down on a rough reef rising from the sea, over a dozen enormous lizards lounged. Their hides burst with vivid hues, and their quills oozed numbing toxin. When the ship's shadow swept across, they snarled, launching hardened bone spines skyward like catapult shots.

"Descend!" Hua Ling ordered the helmsman.

The vessel lowered its height. Hua Ling wasted no time for landing. She vaulted over the side, channeling spiritual energy beneath her to ease her fall.

"Melody of the Shattered Wave!"

Her fingers flew across the zither's strings. A harsh, clashing note burst forth—intense and forceful. The vibrations formed sheer blue energy blades, cascading onto the lizards.

The lizards bellowed, their innate earth defenses igniting. The sound strikes grazed their hides, spilling blood, but failed to end them right away.

"Focus, Young Mistress," Chen Ying's words floated from above. She stayed put, offering no aid. "Do not attack the shell. Attack the senses. They are beasts; they rely on instinct."

Hua Ling dipped her head, adjusting her tactic. She altered the tune. The melody shifted from assault to a shrill, penetrating wail.

"Tune of the Disoriented Soul!"

The lizards convulsed, raking at their skulls, their unity broken. Grasping the chance, Hua Ling pulled a slim spirit sword from her belt—a backup tool Wang Jian had urged her to master—and surged ahead.

She glided with poise, dodging amid the confused creatures. Her blade gleamed, stabbing vulnerable spots like eyes and tender undersides. It became a lethal ballet, refined and precise.

In less than ten minutes, quiet fell over the reef. Hua Ling remained amid the fallen bodies, panting hard, perspiration shining on her brow. She cleaned her sword, a victorious grin lighting her features.

"Well done," Chen Ying remarked, touching down lightly nearby. She approached the biggest lizard and deftly carved out the beast core using a knife. "Your rhythm was slightly off in the second measure, but your transition to the sword was flawless."

"Thank you, Senior Sister Chen," Hua Ling shone with joy. "I feel... stronger. My Qi is boiling."

"Recover first," Chen Ying suggested, passing her a vial of pills. "Junior Brother Wang prepared this specifically for you. The Spirit-Condensation Jade Pill. Take it while your meridians are still expanded from combat. It will help you consolidate your gains."

Hua Ling accepted the vial, her face tinting pink at Wang Jian's name. She settled on a clear rock spot, ingested the pill, and slipped into meditation.

The pill's healing force detonated in her belly. More than mere restoration, it spurred change. It surged through her veins, mending tiny muscle rips and compelling her spiritual power to densify.

The obstacle blocking her for weeks—the divide from Initial to Middle Stage of Foundation Establishment—shook. Boosted by battle, the pill, and her resolve, she pressed on.

Crack.

A faint noise resounded inside her. Her presence surged, bursting out and stirring the reef's grit. The spiritual force emanating from her doubled in an instant.

She lifted her eyes. They shone brighter, more profound.

"I... I broke through!" Hua Ling exclaimed, rising and staring at her palms. "Middle Stage Foundation Establishment!"

The skilled female disciples aboard the ship whooped, brandishing their arms. "Congratulations, Young Mistress!"

Chen Ying gave an approving nod, a subtle smile gracing her face for once. "Good. Junior Brother Wang said you were ready. He was right."

"He... he knew?" Hua Ling queried, pressing the spent vial to her heart.

"He knows everything," Chen Ying stated plainly. "He prepared the pill with Elder Lianhua specifically for this moment."

Hua Ling gazed toward the far-off skyline, toward the sect's location. "He is so strong... and so kind. To think of me even when he is busy managing the sect's affairs... You are lucky to be his Senior Sister, Chen Ying. To have grown up with him."

Chen Ying's face stayed neutral, though inside she mocked the 'Senior Sister' label. Away from eyes in the Cloud-Peak Pavilion, her role often involved kneeling or leaning over furniture, pleasing the man Hua Ling viewed as flawless.

"He is everything," Chen Ying responded, her tone laced with intense, zealous loyalty that Hua Ling saw as family warmth. "His vision is absolute. Following him is the only path to power."

They devoted the following hour to gathering the lizards' prized components—venom pouches, quills, and cores. Afterward, they climbed back aboard and headed home to the sect.

The journey back passed without incident. The Black-Scaled Flood Serpent guaranteed no threats neared the warship. It proved a calm, triumphant voyage to haven.

Upon arriving at the Isle of Whispering Petals, Sect Leader Hua Yimei awaited them. She detected her daughter's aura shift at once.

"Ling'er!" Hua Yimei called, hurrying to hug her child. "You broke through!"

"Yes, Mother!" Hua Ling chuckled, twirling to display her enhanced power. "We fought a pack of Coral-Spine Lizards! Senior Sister Chen guided me, and the pill Elder Wang gave me worked perfectly!"

Hua Yimei turned to Chen Ying, her look brimming with thanks. "Thank you, Chen Ying. You protected her well."

Then her gaze rose to the Cloud-Peak Pavilion, her spirit lifting. "And that man... he truly cares for our sect's future."

"Sister Mu," Hua Yimei remarked that night, sipping tea with Mu Lianhua in the Orchid Palace. "I cannot thank you enough. Lending your Fifth Order beast... treating my daughter like your own... I have no words."

Mu Lianhua offered a courteous smile, tasting her tea. The twist amused her greatly. She understood Wang Jian's scheme for the "daughter" under her care. She was preparing the sheep for sacrifice, refining the jewel for her Master's deeper delight.

"It is my pleasure, Sect Leader," Mu Lianhua replied evenly. "Hua Ling has great potential. This is just the beginning. She should continue these expeditions. To stabilize her new realm, she needs to fight different types of beasts. I suggest a weekly rotation."

"Agreed," Hua Yimei agreed eagerly. "Whatever you suggest, Sister Mu."

Over the ensuing weeks, the pattern took hold. Hua Ling, with Chen Ying and the dreaded Flood Serpent's shadow, set out to pursue Third and even Fourth Order beasts. The sect embraced a flow of progress and hope, convinced the Iron-Blood Hall assault belonged to forgotten horrors.

Yet under the waves, in shadowy, lightless abysses where brightness feared to tread, a fresh terror brewed.

In the heart of the Abyssal Trench Coalition's domain, within a cave lit solely by glowing moss and crimson crystal light, a gathering unfolded.

This served as the stronghold of the Blood Shark Hall.

Su Ning, maintaining her disguise as the poison expert, lingered in the dim, her face unmoved as she heard the talk.

Perched on a seat forged from shark teeth sat a figure exuding a horrifying, blood-soaked vibe. He loomed large, his flesh patchy gray, his fangs sharpened to tips. He donned red silk garments and a chain of miniaturized Foundation Establishment skulls.

This was Old Monster Crimson Shark.

A Middle Stage Core Formation cultivator by rank, his battle prowess allegedly matched Late Stage thanks to his skill in controlling beasts. Lately, he had demolished the Iron-Blood Hall's leftovers, merging their people and assets into his group to forge a rising force in the demonic alliance.

"The Fragrance Melody Sect," Crimson Shark growled, his tone like clashing rocks. "They have become... troublesome. Their pills are flooding the market, strengthening the Righteous Alliance. And those Beast Tamers... they killed my rival."

"Hall Master," a underling rasped. "We cannot attack them directly. That Alchemist woman... she has a cauldron that can crush mountains. And they have four Fifth Order beasts."

"I know that, fool!" Crimson Shark bellowed, shattering his throne's arm. "I am not suicidal. But I want what they have. That Zither... and the Alchemist herself. If I can force her to make pills for me, I will rule the seas."

He bent ahead, his stare flashing with slyness.

"We need leverage. We cannot crack the nut, so we must make the nut crack itself."

Su Ning advanced a bit. "Hall Master. If I may."

"Speak, Poison Mistress."

"The Sect Leader, Hua Yimei, has a weakness," Su Ning stated, her words slick and scheming. "Her daughter. Hua Ling."

Crimson Shark's gaze ignited. "The young beauty? I heard she has been leaving the sect frequently."

"She has," Su Ning affirmed. "Hunting expeditions. She is guarded, yes, but she leaves the safety of the Grand Array."

"If we take the daughter..." Crimson Shark pondered, a wicked grin stretching his mouth. "The mother will do anything. She will surrender the Zither. She will surrender the Alchemist. She will open the gates."

"Exactly," Su Ning agreed. "We don't need to fight the beasts. We just need to snatch the girl."

"Set the watch," Crimson Shark directed. "Monitor their movements. The next time the little princess leaves her castle... we will be waiting. I will lead the ambush personally."

Su Ning inclined deeply. "As you command, Hall Master."

As she withdrew to the gloom, her hand grazed a concealed transmission talisman in her cuff.

In the Cloud-Peak Pavilion, Wang Jian lounged in his chamber, Su Ning's dispatch shining in his thoughts.

He scanned the update, and a gradual, pleased smirk formed on his lips. Worry was absent. He resembled someone handed a winning hand.

"Old Monster Crimson Shark," Wang Jian pondered. "A beast tamer. Middle Stage Core Formation. Ambitious. Violent. Perfect."

He assessed the situation.

"So, they want to kidnap the princess to blackmail the queen," he murmured. "It's a classic move. Crude, but effective against a sentimental leader like Hua Yimei."

He drummed his fingers on the table.

Typically, a guardian would halt such a scheme. He might alert the sect, confine Hua Ling, and bolster the guards.

But Wang Jian wasn't a guardian. He was a conqueror.

"If I save her again," he considered, "it's repetitive. Hua Ling is already mine; she just needs the final push. But the mother... Hua Yimei is still out of reach. She is grateful, yes, but she is still a Sect Leader. She still has her pride."

He rose and approached the pane, viewing the Orchid Palace below.

"But if the mother has to come out to save the daughter... and they both fall into a trap..."

His gaze sparkled.

"If they are cornered. If they are beaten down. If they feel absolute, crushing despair... and then I appear."

He weighed Old Monster Crimson Shark's might. The figure commanded multiple Fourth Order beasts and a single Fifth Order one—a Blood-Maw Megalodon. He possessed enough force to endanger Hua Yimei, particularly in a surprise strike.

"I won't stop it," Wang Jian resolved. "I will facilitate it."

He called his harem without delay. Yue Lingshan stayed out; her purity suited a later stage. She had to embody the chaste spouse at home.

Chen Ying, Liu Ruyan, and Mu Lianhua assembled in the hidden room.

"We have a new objective," Wang Jian declared. "The Blood Shark Hall is planning to kidnap Hua Ling."

Chen Ying's grip tightened on her sword. "I will slaughter them."

"No," Wang Jian cut in firmly. "You will not. You will let them try."

The women regarded him, startled yet focused.

"We will arrange for Hua Ling to leave the sect again in three days," Wang Jian detailed. "We will create a pretext. A rumor of a rare Moon-Shadow Orchid blooming on a remote island? Yes, that will work. She needs it for her mental cultivation."

"We will lure Old Monster Crimson Shark out. He will attack the convoy."

He regarded Chen Ying. "You will be the escort. But this time... you will be 'separated'. You will be 'held back' by the enemy's beasts. You must make it look convincing, but do not engage the Shark directly. Let him corner Hua Ling."

"And then?" Chen Ying inquired.

"Then, Hua Ling will send a distress signal. Not to the sect generally, but a specific panic talisman linked to her mother."

Wang Jian's grin chilled. "Hua Yimei will receive the news. She will panic. She will rush to save her daughter. She will likely bring Elder Mu."

He turned to Mu Lianhua. "You will go with her. But you will be... ineffective. You will be 'suppressed' by a strange formation, or 'poisoned'. You will let Hua Yimei fight alone against the Crimson Shark."

"You want her injured," Mu Lianhua grasped.

"I want her broken," Wang Jian clarified. "I want her to fight until her Qi is dry, until she is bleeding, until she realizes she is powerless to save her daughter or herself."

"And then?"

"Then," Wang Jian replied, reclining, "I will descend. I won't fight the Crimson Shark—he's a useful idiot, too strong to kill quickly without revealing my full hand. I will use a diversion. An explosion. A flash of Stellar Qi."

"I will grab Hua Yimei. Just her. I will 'rescue' her from the jaws of death, claiming that I can only carry one."

"What about Hua Ling?" Liu Ruyan questioned.

"Hua Ling will be fine," Wang Jian dismissed with a gesture. "Before the trip, Lingshan will prepare a specialized Phoenix-Fire Defensive Array Disc. Chen Ying, you will give it to Hua Ling when the attack starts. Once activated, that array can withstand a Core Formation attack for days. She will be trapped on the island, yes, surrounded by demons, terrified... but perfectly safe inside the turtle shell."

"So, the daughter is trapped in a box, safe but scared," Mu Lianhua summed up. "And the mother is injured, desperate, and in your arms, believing her daughter is about to die."

"Exactly," Wang Jian beamed. "I will take Hua Yimei to a 'safe' secluded place to heal her. A cave. An island. Somewhere private."

He faced Liu Ruyan. "Ruyan, prepare the aphrodisiacs. The 'Yin-Yang Harmony Dust'. Make it potent. Make it smell like a demonic poison mist. When we 'escape', I will claim that Hua Yimei was hit by a lust-poison from the Shark's beasts. A poison that burns the blood unless... treated."

Liu Ruyan let out a sly, thrilled laugh. "I understand, Master. I will brew a batch that could turn a stone statue into a wanton slut."

"Chen Ying," Wang Jian went on. "While I am... treating... the Sect Leader, you will stay near Hua Ling's barrier. You will have two extra Fifth Order beasts in your hidden pouch—the Earth Bear and the Python. If the demons actually manage to crack the shell, you slaughter them. But only then. Let Hua Ling watch the demons scratching at her shield for a day or two. Let the fear settle in."

"This plan..." Mu Lianhua whispered, her eyes broad with awe and dismay. "It is ruthless."

"It is necessary," Wang Jian affirmed. "I am tired of playing the humble guest. I want the throne. And to get the throne, I need the queen."

He detailed the closing phases. Precision in timing was key. The simulated wounds must appear genuine. The 'poison' required discreet delivery amid the getaway.

"We move in three days," Wang Jian wrapped up. "Prepare the ship. Prepare the rumors. Prepare the stage."

That evening, Wang Jian lingered on the Cloud-Peak Pavilion's terrace. He cradled a cup of golden liquor, twirling it softly while eyeing the silvered gardens and the Orchid Palace beyond.

Lamps still burned in Hua Yimei's rooms. She probably labored into the night, assessing the sect's booming success, oblivious that its builder schemed her ruin.

Wang Jian lifted his cup in a false salute to the far-off form of the lovely sect head.

"Sleep well, Sect Leader Hua," he breathed to the breeze, his tone silky. "Enjoy your throne tonight. Enjoy your dignity."

He drained the drink in a single gulp.

"Because soon, your only seat will be my lap. And your only title will be 'slave'."

The trap was set. The spide