Villain: Manipulating the Heroines into hating the Protagonist Chapter 981: Plotting the Next Conquest

The oppressive atmosphere of lechery and depravity that had pervaded the master chamber of the Ice Heart Pavilion slowly began to dissipate, yielding to a cold, sharp stillness. The morning had been a tumultuous display of shattered pride and enforced surrender, a stark illustration of Wang Jian’s complete dominion over the twenty-three women now utterly his. Having decisively subdued the Ice Heart Palace contingent, breaking their spirits and imprinting his dark Qi upon their very bodies, Wang Jian finally determined it was opportune to redirect his attention from carnal delights toward the grander scope of his aspirations.

He rose from the immense, fractured circular bed, his flawlessly sculpted, muscular form faintly luminous in the subdued light filtering through the frost-laden latticework. With a mere exertion of will, the Stellar Demonic Core within his Dantian throbbed, unleashing a tide of cleansing, dark Qi over his skin. The dried perspiration, the lingering traces of forced dual cultivation, and the residual Yin essence vanished instantaneously, leaving his physique pristine.

From his spatial storage ring, Wang Jian produced his attire. He moved with measured, unhurried elegance, donning the immaculate, flowing white robes of a scholar. He secured the sash adorned with silver embroidery around his waist, adjusted his broad sleeves, and grasped his ornate folding fan. In a matter of mere breaths, the fearsome, unclothed demonic entity that had relentlessly ravaged the Ice Fairy was no more. In his stead stood the distinguished, cultured, and completely inconspicuous 'Elder Wang' of the Fragrance Melody Sect.

Wang Jian traversed the thick, woven carpets, utterly disregarding the twenty-three nude, sensuous women strewn about the chamber. To him, they were no longer revered elders or skilled disciples; they were merely discarded adornments, living furniture that had fulfilled their immediate function and now awaited subsequent utility. Some of the disciples emitted soft whimpers, their alabaster skin marred by the red imprints of his dominance, while others gazed vacantly at the ceiling, their minds still grappling with the utter annihilation of their reality.

He approached the substantial spirit-wood table positioned near the chamber’s grand windows. Drawing out a carved chair, he settled into it, snapping his folding fan open with a sharp sound that caused several of the scantily clad women to start instinctively.

"Hua Yimei. Chen Ying," Wang Jian proclaimed, his voice mellifluous, commanding, and entirely devoid of the raw, potent desire that had colored it only an hour before. "Approach."

From the room’s periphery, his two most steadfast and devoted attendants immediately disengaged from their watch posts. In contrast to the subjugated women of the Ice Heart Palace, Hua Yimei and Chen Ying moved with deliberation and keenness. They had arrayed themselves in the sheer, revealing garments Wang Jian favored for them in private—Hua Yimei in her crimson, translucent silk that prominently showcased her substantial bosom and her golden phoenix tattoo, and Chen Ying in her dark, minimalist stealth straps that accentuated her athletic contours and the silver piercings glinting on her skin.

They approached the table and knelt respectfully beside him, their gazes fixed solely upon him, awaiting his directive.

"Begin cataloging the spoils," Wang Jian commanded, indicating the table’s center with his fan. "Compile the resources we procured from the Golden-Scale Auction yesterday and integrate them with the contents of the spatial rings we confiscated from Elder Leng and Elder Han. I require a comprehensive ledger of high-grade spirit stones, medicinal herbs, and any inherited magical artifacts."

Hua Yimei inclined her head, her voluptuous breasts swaying significantly as she reached for the stack of spatial rings Wang Jian had earlier placed on the wood. "Immediately, Master. The elders of the Ice Heart Palace are renowned for accumulating rare, cold-attribute materials. There should be a considerable quantity of profound ice marrow and thousand-year snow ginseng within their personal stashes."

"The Ice Heart Palace served as a suitable prelude," Wang Jian remarked, reclining in his chair and slowly fanning himself. His dark, star-dusted eyes gazed past the two women, peering out the frosted window towards the imposing silhouette of the central auction house in the distance. "They provided a necessary influx of pure Primal Yin to counterbalance the aggressive Yang constitution of my recent breakthrough. Their bodies have solidified my foundation at the Early-Stage of the Core Formation Realm. However, a prelude merely whets the appetite; it is not the main feast."

He snapped the fan shut, directing its tip toward the window. "Power of true significance resides elsewhere in this metropolis," Wang Jian proclaimed, his tone adopting the shrewd cadence of a master strategist. "Our next objective is the proprietor of the Golden-Scale Auction House. Shangguan Wan’er." Hua Yimei's diligent work came to a halt, her warm, hazel eyes widening slightly at the unexpected declaration. Chen Ying, ever composed, maintained a facade of icy discipline, though a subtle tightening of her grasp on the spatial ring she held betrayed her inner reaction. "The Auction House's Mistress?" Hua Yimei echoed, seeking confirmation of what she had heard. "Master, she is far more than a simple vendor. She wields colossal influence throughout the entire Myriad Reefs Sea Region." "Her standing is not unknown to me, Sect Leader Hua," Wang Jian responded, a subtle, dark smile gracing his lips. "That is precisely the impetus for her downfall. Securing Shangguan Wan’er extends beyond merely adding another celebrated, mature beauty to my collection—though, I confess, the pervasive tales of her unparalleled, mature allure and her captivating physique are substantial motivators. I possess a keen interest in ascertaining whether her renowned business acumen translates to prowess beneath my body." He leaned forward, his forearms resting on the sturdy oak table, his gaze sharp and commanding. "However, the paramount goal is the absolute subjugation of this territory," Wang Jian elaborated. "Shangguan Wan’er commands the single most vital economic hub within the entirety of the Myriad Reefs Sea Region. The Golden-Scale Auction House represents the very core of its commerce. She governs the flow of staggering wealth. She dictates the distribution of rare medicinal herbs, items far beyond the acquisition capabilities of even your Fragrance Melody Sect. She safeguards ancient pill formulations unearthed from submerged grottos and maintains exclusive control over the trade of high-grade defensive and offensive artifacts." He tapped his forefinger on the table's surface, underscoring each critical assertion. "By conquering her," Wang Jian declared, his eyes alight with a dark, boundless ambition that seemed to extinguish the ambient light in the chamber, "we shall seize the economic nucleus of this domain. This allows us to circumvent the necessity of engaging in a devastating, protracted conflict against the various alliances and ostensibly righteous factions. He who controls the resources, dictates the terms of the cultivation world. If Shangguan Wan’er submits to me, then her esteemed auction house becomes mine. Her accumulated wealth transforms into my personal treasury." His attention then shifted to Chen Ying, who was listening with rapt attention. "Moreover," Wang Jian observed, his voice deepening into a serious, analytical tone, "the auction house safeguards immense, heavily protected vaults containing resources indispensable for the subsequent phase of my cultivation. I require substantial quantities of Void-metal for the construction of a personal spatial domain array. Millions of high-grade spirit stones are necessary to sustain my Stellar Demonic Clones during protracted engagements. And most crucially, I require Heavenly Flame seeds to further empower the Golden Phoenix Flame residing within my Core. Shangguan Wan’er has access to all these vital components. She is the linchpin for my consolidation of power." Hua Yimei offered a nod of profound understanding, her mind swiftly processing the strategic ramifications of his pronouncements. As a former Sect Leader, the harsh realities of resource management were intimately familiar to her. "Your assessment is entirely accurate, Master," Hua Yimei affirmed, her voice resonating with admiration for his far-reaching strategy. "Furthermore, Shangguan Wan’er’s influence transcends mere material possessions. She operates the most extensive intelligence network, comprising merchants and spies, throughout the Myriad Reefs Sea Region. Every individual who conducts business in Azure Cloud City either owes her a debt or supplies her with critical information. Should you subdue both her will and her person, you will inherit this formidable network. You would, in effect, become omniscient within this territory. No sect's movements, no discovery of secret ruins, no alliance meeting would escape your awareness." Chen Ying, serving as his clandestine confidante and loyal instrument, evaluated the tactical military aspects of the proposed endeavor. "The strategic merit is undeniable, Master," Chen Ying stated, her voice retaining its characteristic cold, analytical edge. "However, the challenges in its execution are equally formidable. Shangguan Wan’er is perpetually encircled by elite, highly trained guardians. The Golden-Scale Auction House itself is a veritable fortress, fortified with defensive and offensive array formations so potent they surpass even the Four-Quadrant Glacial Barrier protecting this pavilion. She never ventures out without a significant escort, and she seldom leaves the absolute security of her inner sanctum."

"A direct assault on the Golden-Scale Auction House would be foolish," Wang Jian agreed immediately, showing no signs of arrogance when it came to tactical planning. "Even with my Stellar Demonic Clones and the element of surprise, fighting through multiple high-tier defensive arrays while facing her elite guard would draw the attention of the City Lord and every major sect representative currently residing in Azure Cloud City. We would be bogged down in a battle of attrition, which is exactly what we must avoid."

He smiled, a slow, predatory curving of his lips.

"We will not attack her fortress," Wang Jian stated softly. "We must draw her out. We must make her step willingly out of her absolute safety and walk directly into our jaws. We need bait."

He turned his head slowly, his dark gaze leaving his loyal servants and sweeping across the room. His eyes landed on the massive circular bed.

Curled up on the furs, attempting to make herself as small as possible, was Bing Yun. The esteemed Ice Fairy was completely naked, her very fair skin marred by the fading red marks of his dominance. She was shivering slightly, her arms crossed tightly over her chest in a futile attempt to hide her large, voluptuous breasts from his view. Her silver hair was tangled, and her pale blue eyes were hollow, reflecting the total, absolute devastation of her spirit.

"And we happen to have the perfect bait right here," Wang Jian grinned, the pieces of a deceptive and flawless trap falling perfectly into place within his brilliant, calculating mind.

He knew that Shangguan Wan’er, despite her power, was fundamentally a merchant. She was driven by profit, exclusivity, and the thrill of acquiring the unattainable. An invitation from a highly esteemed elder of the Ice Heart Palace regarding a highly lucrative, entirely secret trade would be a tantalizing prospect.

"Fairy Bing," Wang Jian called out, his voice a commanding rumble that left no room for hesitation. "Crawl to me."

On the bed, Bing Yun flinched as if struck by a physical blow. A profound, shuddering breath escaped her lips. The proud woman who had once stood at the pinnacle of the region’s righteous path was gone, replaced entirely by a broken vessel conditioned to obey. She did not resist. She did not try to fight or hurl curses as she had done the previous night. The absolute crushing of her physical body, combined with the psychological horror of being degraded in front of her weeping disciples, had completely shattered her will to rebel.

She uncrossed her arms, leaving her large, massive breasts exposed to the cool air of the chamber. Slowly, agonizingly, she pushed herself onto her hands and knees. Every movement was a stark reminder of the soreness between her thighs and the utter loss of her dignity. She crawled off the edge of the snow-fox furs, her bare knees sinking into the thick woven carpets.

She made her way across the floor, passing the huddled, terrified forms of her disciples, who squeezed their eyes shut, unable to bear the sight of their revered master crawling like a subservient beast. Bing Yun kept her head bowed, her silver hair creating a curtain that hid her tears of profound resignation. She reached the heavy wooden table and stopped at Wang Jian’s feet, her curvaceous, naked body trembling slightly.

"Master," Bing Yun whispered, her voice so soft it was barely audible, entirely devoid of any emotion save for a deep, hollow emptiness.

Wang Jian reached down, his large hands grasping her by the waist. He lifted her effortlessly from the floor and pulled her up, settling her naked, voluptuous body directly onto his lap.

Bing Yun gasped softly at the sudden contact, her bare, very fair skin pressing against the pristine white fabric of his scholarly robes. She kept her head bowed, her hands resting limply in her lap, completely surrendered to whatever physical or psychological torment he wished to inflict upon her next.

Wang Jian did not hurt her. He knew that physical pain was no longer necessary to secure her compliance. Instead, he wrapped his left arm securely around her narrow waist, pulling her back flush against his chest. With his right hand, he reached up and casually cupped one of her large, massive breasts.

He began to fondle the heavy, soft flesh with slow, deliberate squeezes, his thumb brushing rhythmically over her tight pink nipple. Bing Yun squeezed her eyes shut, a soft, involuntary whimper escaping her lips as the demonic Qi lingering in her meridians responded to his touch, forcing a rush of unwanted, shameful heat into her lower abdomen.

"Fairy Bing," Wang Jian murmured, his lips brushing the delicate shell of her ear as he leaned closer. He gently bit her soft upper chest, his teeth grazing her collarbone before his tongue traced the faint mark he’d left. "You are going to help me capture the Mistress of the Auction House."

Bing Yun’s breath caught in her throat. Fresh tears welled beneath her closed eyelids. She understood his demand perfectly. He was not content with merely destroying her and her disciples; he was compelling her to become the means by which another powerful woman would fall.

"Please..." Bing Yun whispered, her voice fracturing under the immense weight of her internal tragedy. Though her body remained limp and submissive on his lap, offering no physical resistance, she could not suppress the verbal plea. "Shangguan Wan’er... she has wronged you in no way. Why must you pull everyone into your darkness?"

Wang Jian chuckled, a low rumble against her bare back. He tightened his grip on her breast, kneading the flesh as he spoke.

"Because she possesses what I require, my sweet, obedient pawn," Wang Jian explained smoothly, nibbling at the side of her neck with his teeth. "And because I am aware of the history, the purported friendship, between you and Shangguan Wan’er. Cultivators of your standing seldom find peers they can truly confide in, yet whispers suggest the Ice Fairy and the Golden Merchant hold mutual respect for one another."

Hua Yimei, kneeling beside the table, nodded. "It is common knowledge among the higher echelons, Master. Fairy Bing and Mistress Shangguan have cooperated in acquiring resources for their respective factions for many years. They regard each other as trusted associates, if not close confidantes. An invitation from Fairy Bing would bypass all the Auction House’s standard security measures. Shangguan Wan’er would never suspect a ploy originating from the Ice Heart Palace."

"Precisely," Wang Jian praised, granting Hua Yimei an approving look before redirecting his focus to the woman in his lap. He withdrew his hand from her breast, letting his fingers trail down her slim stomach, sending shivers across her pale skin.

"You see, Bing Yun," Wang Jian said softly, his voice a hypnotic, manipulative purr. "You will draft a communication talisman to your dear friend. You will extend an invitation to this pavilion for a private, highly confidential rendezvous."

Bing Yun bit her lower lip, tasting the faint coppery flavor of her own blood. Her mind frantically searched for an escape, a way to shield Shangguan Wan’er without drawing Wang Jian’s fury upon her already shattered disciples. Yet, she was cornered, facing an impossible choice. Her Dantian was sealed, rendering her physical power useless. Refusal would undoubtedly lead to the brutal torture of the twenty young women weeping on the floor behind them. She had already surrendered her purity and honor; enduring their continued suffering was more than she could bear.

"I... I shall do as you command, Master," Bing Yun conceded totally, her voice choked with unshed tears and profound self-revulsion. She opened her pale blue eyes, fixing her gaze blankly upon the heavy wooden table. "I will be a compliant instrument for you. Just... please, do not inflict further harm upon my disciples. They have endured enough."

Wang Jian smiled, visibly pleased by her complete submission. The psychological manipulation was proving exceptionally effective.

"I am a man of my word, Fairy Bing," Wang Jian assured her, returning his hand to fondle her ample breast with arrogant possessiveness. "As long as you fulfill your role flawlessly, your disciples will remain unharmed in their corner. Now, let us deliberate on the nature of the lure. We require something exceedingly profitable, something utterly crucial, that will compel a merchant of her stature to discard all caution and come to you without delay."

He tapped his folding fan on the table, his sharp mind rapidly scanning the vast array of rare resources documented within the cultivation world.

"A Heaven-Earth Spiritual Root?" Hua Yimei proposed respectfully. "It is a treasure beyond price, capable of enhancing a cultivator’s innate aptitude."

Wang Jian shook his head. "No. Shangguan Wan’er is a Half-Step Nascent Soul expert; her cultivation foundation is already solidified. While a spiritual root holds immense value for an entire Sect, it lacks the immediate, personal urgency necessary to draw her out without her full escort. We need something that directly addresses her immediate needs as the Mistress of an auction house specializing in rare artifacts and spatial formations."