Villain: Manipulating the Heroines into hating the Protagonist Chapter 974: Heading To Azure Cloud City

The midday sun blazed fiercely upon the Cloud-Peak Pavilion, its golden beams splintering against the shimmering defensive arrays that enshrouded the highest peak of the Fragrance Melody Sect like a translucent film. Four months had elapsed since Wang Jian achieved his breakthrough to the Core Formation Realm, and the atmosphere within the pavilion had shifted dramatically, transitioning from apprehensive preparation to a dynamic, pulsating center of accumulated power.

Within the central courtyard, the very air seemed to warp and distort, radiating visible waves of heat. Two figures engaged in a fluid dance amidst this shimmering distortion, their forms blurring into swift arcs of gold and crimson.

"Attack me, Ling’er! Don't hold anything back! Unleash the full intensity of your flame!" Hua Yimei’s voice commanded, imbued with authority yet laced with breathlessness, its resonance bouncing off the stone ramparts.

"I won't, Mother!" Hua Ling’s voice retorted, vibrant with youthful competitiveness and spirited energy.

Hua Yimei, the esteemed Sect Leader, held her position resolutely. She was far removed from the woman who once donned heavy, restrictive ceremonial robes that concealed her physique. Today, in the absolute seclusion of Wang Jian’s personal domain, she wore an outfit designed exclusively for his pleasure and her ease of movement. It was a cheongsam-style dress fashioned from crimson spirit-silk, yet significantly altered according to Wang Jian’s specific, audacious directives. The fabric clung intimately to her mature, voluptuous figure like a second skin, its side slits ascending perilously high along her thighs, unveiling the smooth, pale flesh of her legs and the alluring curve of her hip with every dynamic stance she assumed. The midriff was fashioned with a wide, diamond-shaped cutout, revealing her toned, flat stomach and the tantalizing depth of her navel.

However, its most captivating attribute was the neckline—a deeply plunging V that daringly showcased the magnificent, heavy swell of her cleavage, barely held in check by the gossamer fabric. With each movement, the silk strains to contain her assets, lifting and pressing them together.

Opposite her, Hua Ling mirrored her mother’s fierce concentration, though her attire was a striking shade of azure blue, harmonizing with the overhead sky. She, too, revealed her midriff and legs, her youthful body exuding a firm, vibrant perkiness, a budding blossom in contrast to her mother’s ripened fruit.

Hua Ling swiftly formed a hand seal, her eyes igniting with a golden luminescence. "Golden Phoenix Flame!"

An intense torrent of golden fire surged forth from her palms. This was not the unrefined blaze of a novice; it was a polished, sacred flame that carried the spectral cry of a phoenix. Having assimilated the Golden Essence Phoenix Fruit four months prior and subsequently dedicating her time to fortifying her foundation at the Peak of the Foundation Establishment Realm, Hua Ling's command over her abilities was now flawless.

Hua Yimei made no move to evade. She simply raised a hand, and a resplendent wall of identical golden fire ascended to meet her daughter’s assault. The two conflagrations met with a thunderous roar, akin to battling beasts, causing the courtyard's temperature to surge to a point sufficient to liquefy common iron.

Wang Jian observed from the shaded veranda, reclining upon a broad chair meticulously carved from spirit-wood, a chalice of chilled spirit-wine cradled in his hand. His dark gaze meticulously followed every motion, not merely assessing their combat prowess but feasting upon the spectacle with the insatiable hunger of a dragon fiercely guarding its treasure.

"Beautiful," Wang Jian mused internally, taking a leisurely sip of wine, allowing the liquid to soothe his throat. "The mother and daughter, wielding the flames I bestowed upon them. They are truly magnificent."

He reveled in the sight of the flames illuminating the sheen of perspiration glistening on Hua Yimei’s skin. As she shifted to parry a strike, her substantial breasts bounced with a heavy, mesmerizing cadence. He could discern the shimmer of gold beneath the sheer weave of her bodice—the nipple piercings he had compelled her to undergo two months prior. They were exquisite, teardrop-shaped emeralds suspended from gold rings that pierced her sensitive nipples, subtly weighing them down, a constant, hidden testament to her status as his possession. Each movement caused the jewelry to gently graze the silk, sending ripples of sensation through her body, sensations she was forced to disregard to maintain her focus on the battle.

And lower, within the exposed diamond shape of her midriff, a ruby-studded chain descended from her navel piercing, swaying dynamically with her movements, drawing the eye inexorably towards her womb—the very womb he had claimed countless times.

Hua Ling also sported a piercing, though hers was confined to her navel—a simple, heart-shaped gold stud that caught the sunlight’s rays. As his concubine and wife, she was spared the nipple piercings, a deliberate distinction in status that Wang Jian enforced to uphold the established hierarchy, even as he found pleasure in thoroughly corrupting her mind.

"Enough," Wang Jian declared. His voice lacked significant volume but carried an undeniable weight of absolute authority that instantly silenced the inferno's roar.

The flames dissipated. Both women ceased their movements, breathing heavily, their chests heaving with exertion.

Hua Yimei gently smoothed her hair, her face flushed from the physical strain and the persistent stimulation from her piercings. She approached Wang Jian, her hips swaying with an inherent, alluring rhythm cultivated over months of devoted service to him. Hua Ling followed closely, her eyes alight with an palpable yearning for his approval.

"How did we do, Husband?" Hua Ling asked, her brow beaded with perspiration, her voice bright with accomplishment.

"Excellent," Wang Jian responded, placing his teacup down. He then gently drew Hua Ling onto his left knee and Hua Yimei onto his right. Their differing weights and physical presence were striking—Ling’er possessed a firm, light build, while Yimei was soft, substantial, and yielding.

"Your command of the Golden Phoenix Flame has become steady," Wang Jian commented, his hand tracing a path up Hua Ling’s exposed thigh, his thumb grazing the edge of her short attire. "At the Peak of Foundation Establishment, your heat alone is enough to challenge an Early Core Formation cultivator. You have truly excelled, my little songbird."

His attention then turned to Hua Yimei. Rather than her thigh, his hand moved directly to her breast. Through the silk fabric, he cupped the generous weight, his thumb locating the firm shape of the piercing beneath the material. He gave a sharp tug on the ring through the cloth, twisting it with deliberate force.

"Ah!" Hua Yimei cried out, a surge of intense pleasure mingled with pain coursing through her chest. Her body instinctively sagged against him, her nipples hardening instantly against the adornment.

"And you, Sect Leader," Wang Jian murmured, his voice a whisper against her ear. "You held back your full strength. You did not wish to harm her."

"She is... my daughter," Hua Yimei replied softly, a blush rising on her cheeks as he continued to toy with her pierced nipple in Hua Ling’s presence. "And she has improved remarkably. I did not want to dampen her spirits."

Witnessing Wang Jian’s intimate touch upon her mother and observing her mother's flushed response, Hua Ling felt not jealousy, but a peculiar mix of relief and thankfulness. In her mind, meticulously crafted by Wang Jian’s manipulations, her mother was enduring the harsher, darker aspects of Wang Jian’s desires. This allowed Ling’er to remain the favored wife, her mother's perceived degradation seen as a sacrifice for her own contentment.

Hua Ling leaned forward, bestowing a kiss upon Hua Yimei’s cheek. "Thank you, Mother," she expressed with heartfelt sincerity. "For sparring with me. And... for attending to Husband’s needs with such dedication."

A pang resonated within Hua Yimei’s heart. She glanced at her unsuspecting daughter, then at the man who claimed ownership of them both. "It is... my obligation, Ling’er."

Wang Jian let out a laugh, the reverberation felt deep within his chest. "Indeed. You both serve me admirably."

His gaze swept towards the courtyard where three additional women stood awaiting, arranged in a posture of deference.

Mu Lianhua stood with her hands concealed within her sleeves. Her formidable aura was entirely suppressed, rendering her appearance that of an ordinary mortal. Yet, Wang Jian was acutely aware of the immense power she concealed. As a cultivator at the Peak Late-Stage Core Formation, her Azure Sky Heart Burning Flame—augmented by the Golden Phoenix Flame she had assimilated a year prior—represented an untamable force.

Adjacent to her were Chen Ying and Liu Ruyan. Both had achieved a significant breakthrough, reaching the Early Stage of the Core Formation Realm. Chen Ying maintained a posture like a drawn sword, exuding an aura of cold sharpness. Liu Ruyan emanated a contained heat. Her Blood Spirit Flame, also a Heavenly Flame, had undergone a transformation, merging with the Phoenix essence to become a Crimson Spirit Phoenix Flame, characterized by its aggressive and volatile nature.

They too were clad in the distinctive, modified garments Wang Jian mandated for use within the pavilion's privacy enchantments.

Mu Lianhua wore a gossamer robe of sheer green fabric, offering an unobstructed view of her physique. Her substantial breasts were displayed, each adorned with elaborate, flower-shaped nipple shields piercing the flesh. A delicate gold chain linked these piercings to a choker encircling her neck.

Chen Ying's ice-blue gown featured a daring slit extending down the front, fastened by slender chains, revealing the understated yet athletic curves of her breasts, enhanced by silver bar piercings.

Liu Ruyan’s crimson attire was nearly transparent, drawing attention to the heart-shaped piercings embellishing her ample bosom and the intricate chain connecting her navel ring to her lower body, causing a subtle pull with each movement beneath her skirt.

"Are the arrangements finalized?" Wang Jian inquired, directing his question towards Mu Lianhua.

"Yes, Master," Mu Lianhua responded, executing a deep bow, the jewelry adorning her chest emitting a faint chime. "The spirit boat is provisioned, and the necessary resources are loaded. We are prepared to commence our journey to Azure Cloud City."

"Excellent," Wang Jian affirmed with a nod. He gave Hua Yimei’s breast one final squeeze, savoring her suppressed moan, before gently releasing both women from his lap. He rose, his black robes swirling around him.

"It is time for our departure," Wang Jian announced decisively. "The Myriad Reefs Sea Domain has endured a prolonged period of inactivity. We are poised to disrupt the established order."

Just as he was poised to issue the command to advance, a wavering spiritual resonance swept across the outer boundaries of the courtyard’s protective array.

Wang Jian’s expression shifted instantaneously. He raised a hand, halting any further movement. "Lingshan approaches," he stated calmly.

The ambiance within the courtyard transformed in a mere heartbeat. The previous languid, sensual atmosphere vanished, supplanted by a swift, ordered sense of urgency.

"Change your attire. Immediately," Wang Jian commanded with authority.

With a blur that defied the eye, the women moved as one. Their movements were honed by practiced drills, all to ensure Yue Lingshan, the unsuspecting First Wife, remained ignorant of their debased state. She knew nothing of the harem, the piercings, or the chains of servitude. To her, they were merely esteemed elders, respected sisters, and influential leaders.

Hua Yimei’s hand darted to her storage ring, and with a surge of spiritual energy, the alluring crimson cheongsam vanished. In its place, the imposing, ornate purple and gold ceremonial robes of the Sect Leader materialized. She fastened the high collar with swift movements, concealing the marks on her neck and the rapid rise and fall of her chest. Her flushed, desire-filled expression morphed into a façade of noble benevolence. Standing taller, her aura transformed from one of lust to that of a dignified matriarch.

Mu Lianhua twirled, a momentary veil of mist obscuring her form. The delicate sheer green gauze was shed, replaced by the demure, substantial robes of the Head Alchemist. Adjusting her sleeves to hide her hands, her countenance assumed an air of serene detachment.

Chen Ying donned her heavy azure battle armor and a flowing cloak, concealing the straps and chains underneath. Her face became a mask of icy indifference, embodying the perfect Sword Elder.

Liu Ruyan overlaid her revealing red silken robes with a thick alchemist’s apron and a high-collared coat.

Only Hua Ling remained mostly as she was, though she draped a shawl over her shoulders for a semblance of modesty. As the recognized concubine, she did not need to conceal her affection, only her awareness of the others' hidden transgressions.

By the time Yue Lingshan graced the courtyard entrance through the moon gate, the scene had undergone a complete transformation. The gathering was no longer a clandestine harem of enslaved women but a council of the sect’s most powerful figures deliberating on strategy.

"Husband," Yue Lingshan greeted, her smile warm as she approached. Dressed in a simple yet elegant white robe, her hair adorned with a jade hairpin, she radiated the image of a virtuous Dao Companion.

"Lingshan," Wang Jian replied, stepping forward to clasp her hands. "You've arrived just as we were finalizing the travel itinerary."

Yue Lingshan surveyed the assembled group. She observed Sect Leader Hua Yimei standing with evident dignity, Elder Mu Lianhua projecting wisdom and tranquility, and Elder Chen Ying maintaining a vigilant posture.

"Sect Leader," Yue Lingshan addressed Hua Yimei with respectful deference.

"Madam Wang," Hua Yimei responded, her voice level and courteous, returning a slight bow. "We were just discussing the potential perils along the route to Azure Cloud City. Your husband's safety is our utmost concern."

Wang Jian observed their exchange, a hidden smirk playing on his lips beneath a facade of concern. It was a flawless performance of deception. The woman bowing to his wife was the very same who, merely an hour prior, had been groveling at his feet.

"I have personally inspected the defensive arrays on the spirit boat," Yue Lingshan informed Wang Jian. "They are fully charged. You should encounter no difficulty with sky-beasts."

"You are as meticulous as ever, my dear," Wang Jian praised, planting a kiss on her cheek. "I shall rely on you to safeguard our base. With Ruyan refining pills and you commanding the grand formation, the sect will be utterly impregnable."

"I will not let you down," Yue Lingshan vowed. She then turned her attention to Hua Ling. "Ling'er, what about you? Will you be accompanying us?"

"I shall remain here, Sister Lingshan," Hua Ling replied with a slight pout. "Husband insists I must reach at least the Core Formation Realm before I can travel."

"He is correct," Yue Lingshan concurred with a nod. She then turned back to Wang Jian. "When do you anticipate your return?"

"In a month or two," Wang Jian stated. "Once we have secured the pill recipes and the necessary resources."

"Then you should depart," Yue Lingshan urged. "Do not let me cause any further delay."

She stood by the gate, offering a final wave as Wang Jian, Hua Yimei, and Chen Ying proceeded along the path leading to the secluded docks.

Wang Jian maintained his impeccably crafted persona until the very last moment, walking with the measured gait of an elder, displaying proper respect to the Sect Leader by his side.

They boarded the spirit boat—a gracefully designed, mid-sized vessel constructed from Wind-Spirit Wood, optimized for both speed and comfort.

As the boat ascended, piercing the cloud layer and rapidly receding from the Isle of Whispering Petals, the sect's silhouette dwindled beneath them.

Wang Jian watched intently until the protective array shielding the sect dissolved from view. He gauged the distance, confirming they were many miles away and well beyond Yue Lingshan's sight.

He turned. The polite smile evaporated, replaced by a cold, predatory grin. He settled himself onto the spacious, cushioned throne positioned on the main deck.

"Cease the pretense," Wang Jian commanded.

Instantly, the carefully constructed atmosphere aboard the vessel crumbled.

Hua Yimei and Chen Ying no longer merely bowed; they collapsed to their knees.

"Master," they breathed in unison.

"Remove them," Wang Jian ordered, gesturing dismissively at the heavy garments. "I detest the sight of those suffocating robes. I wish to behold my property."

Hua Yimei shed her heavy ceremonial robes, which descended to the deck with a resonant thud. Beneath them, she wasn't clad in the crimson cheongsam from before; instead, she wore a far more provocative outfit for their journey.

It was a gown fashioned from translucent black lace, boasting a backless design and a plunging front that showcased the golden phoenix tattoo branded onto her skin. Her nipples, adorned with heavy gold teardrops, strained against the delicate fabric, vividly apparent to all. Her navel piercing glittered, a fine gold chain linking it to a clamp concealed beneath the lace skirt, which Wang Jian knew was fastened to her clitoris.

Chen Ying, meanwhile, removed her armor. Underneath, she was dressed in a white silk ensemble, barely qualifying as a dress, strategically designed to accentuate her toned, athletic figure. Her nipples were pierced with silver bars, and a silver chain connected her navel ring to a leather collar encircling her neck.

"Much better," Wang Jian purred, his voice a low rumble. "Come here."

They drew closer. Wang Jian extended a finger, hooking it through the chain that connected Chen Ying’s navel to her collar. He gave a gentle tug. The tension simultaneously pulled at her neck and stomach, compelling her to arch her back.

"Your cultivation has stabilized admirably, Ying’er," Wang Jian murmured, drawing her down to sit beside his leg, her head resting on his knee as if she were a devoted hound. "The sword intent within your Core is exceptionally sharp."

"It is all thanks to the Master’s insightful guidance," Chen Ying whispered, her eyelids fluttering shut as he gently stroked her hair.

Wang Jian then turned his gaze to Hua Yimei. "And you, Yimei. The map."

Hua Yimei swiftly moved to the low table before him, unfurling a large navigational chart of the Myriad Reefs Sea Domain. She leaned over the table to indicate a point, fully aware of the view she was presenting. Her ample breasts swelled within the lace bodice, the piercings pulling her nipples downward slightly, swaying like delicate pendulums.

"We are positioned here," Hua Yimei stated, her finger landing on a small island chain, her voice betraying none of the provocation in her attire. "Azure Cloud City is situated in the central belt of this domain. It exists as neutral territory, overseen by the Myriad Ocean Palace but functioning as a free trade zone. It represents the nexus of commerce for countless miles."

"Three weeks," Wang Jian mused, his gaze tracing a route not on the parchment, but along the elegant curve of her exposed spine. "Inform me about the auction."

"The Golden-Scale Auction House," Hua Yimei recited from memory. "Its esteemed event occurs only once a decade. This year is particularly noteworthy. Whispers suggest they have procured a fragment of a Heaven-Earth Spirit Root."

"Spirit Roots are rather dull," Wang Jian dismissed, his hand reaching out to trace the phoenix tattoo emblazoned on her back. "I possess a tree laden with them. What else is on offer?"

"Pill recipes," Hua Yimei replied, a shiver running through her as his finger meandered down towards her buttocks. "Ancient formulations recovered from the ruins of the Sunken Grotto. And... there are rumors of a Heavenly Flame seed."

Wang Jian's interest flickered, a spark igniting within him. "And the individuals involved? Who governs this establishment?"

"The Mistress of the Golden-Scale Auction House," Hua Yimei informed him. "Her name is Shangguan Wan’er. She is a figure shrouded in mystery. Her cultivation base is confirmed to be at the Late Stage of the Core Formation Realm, possibly bordering on Peak. She is renowned for her striking beauty and her unyielding ruthlessness. None dare to instigate trouble within her domain."

"Shangguan Wan’er," Wang Jian tested the name, finding a certain appeal in its cadence. "Late Stage Core Formation. Beautiful. Ruthless. She sounds like a worthy challenge."

He glanced at Yimei, grasping a handful of her lace skirt and drawing it upward to examine the intricate chain mechanism beneath. "And the other sects?"

"The Ice-Heart Sect will undoubtedly be present," Hua Yimei cautioned, her breath catching as he tightened his grip on the chain. "They are recognized as the preeminent Righteous sect within the northern quadrant. Their unique cultivation technique centers on the suppression of emotio"