"Good, you understand!" Liu Xiong's voice was as cold as ice. "Bring it forth quickly. If our Lord changes his mind, you're finished!"
"Yes, yes! We're fetching it right now!" Both Lu An and He Tian nodded frantically, hastily bringing out their most prized possessions.
Among their treasures were the spiritual plants from both the Dao Palace realm and the Dao Comprehension realm. Additionally, they possessed other miscellaneous treasures and a significant number of spirit stones.
"Hmph! Begone!" Wu Qian sneered dismissively, waving them away with a flick of his wrist.
"We're going, we're going right now! Our gratitude to the senior for your mercy!" With a deeply obsequious bow in all directions, Lu An and He Tian didn't dare to linger.
In the next moment, they began to fly away cautiously, their bodies trembling with fear. Once they were far enough, they accelerated dramatically, risking everything to flee into the distance.
'Why haven't they turned into passersby yet?' Jiang Chen glanced at the retreating figures of Lu An and He Tian, his brows furrowing in thought as he noted their panels.
Considering their circumstances, Lu An and He Tian wouldn't dare to target Gu Ran anymore. Logically, they should have turned into passersby rather than continue as supporting characters.
However, the situation didn't seem to be unfolding as Jiang Chen had anticipated.
'What could it be?' Jiang Chen mused, stroking his chin as his eyes suddenly sparkled with realization. 'Could it be the golden patterns?'
The underground cave dwelling had indeed been obliterated by the aftershocks of their recent battle. However, prior to its destruction, He Tian and his group had glimpsed the golden patterns within.
Those golden patterns bore the records of a nearly complete history, including the final all-out attack of the Doomsday Cave Heaven. The knowledge they held was of immense importance and could significantly sway the plot's progression.
Could it be that Lu An and He Tian, either by design or accident, or under coercion or willingly, had disclosed this information?
In the original storyline, the protagonist Gu Ran would undeniably have strategized to utilize this Doomsday Cave Heaven for a surprise onslaught against the demon race's rear flank. However, with this leak, Gu Ran's carefully constructed plan would crumble, inevitably igniting a deep-seated resentment against Lu An and He Tian.
'That appears to be the most plausible explanation.'
'I had initially intended to let you go. After all, during this invasion of the Immortal Martial Continent by the Nether Demon Clan, your presence could be of some benefit.'
'Unfortunately, it seems you're likely to betray the Immortal Martial Continent. Even if you don't willingly do so, you could be forced into spilling secrets, thus playing into the roles of supporting characters, offering Gu Ran easy kills and experience points.'
'In light of this, I can't possibly let you roam free. If it comes down to it, I'll eliminate you myself.' With these thoughts swirling in his head, Jiang Chen's figure stirred, swiftly soaring towards Lu An and He Tian's location.
As the main villain, Jiang Chen harbored no qualms about killing when necessary.
Moreover, the fates of Lu An and He Tian were already sealed, destined to fall under Gu Ran's sword. Jiang Chen's interference had merely extended their lifespans momentarily.
Yet, given preferable alternatives, Jiang Chen would opt to control the two. After all, Dao Palace realm pawns had their worth.
As he set off in pursuit of Lu An and He Tian, Jiang Chen simultaneously instructed Wu Qian and Liu Xiong to hand him the spiritual plants. Furthermore, he directed them to monitor Gu Ran's actions.
He had consistently kept a vigilant eye on Gu Ran's movements. As such, he was well-aware of Gu Ran's current location. Furthermore, his divine sense, covering a vast expanse of a million kilometers in radius, continuously hovered around Gu Ran.
"Yes!" Both Wu Qian and Liu Xiong complied instantly, darting in the direction Gu Ran had headed at their top speed.
Lu An and He Tian hadn't managed to escape far. Thanks to Jiang Chen's blistering speed, he caught up with them in a mere heartbeat. There was no need to intercept them physically.
Whoosh!
An aura, brimming with potent power, engulfed them. Instantly, Lu An and He Tian shuddered violently, their steps faltering to an abrupt halt.
"Se...Senior! Do you require anything else from us?" Lu An stuttered, putting on a sycophantic smile.
"Nothing much. Just that you've seen those golden patterns, which can't be shared," Jiang Chen replied nonchalantly, casting a glance at the two below. "But, I can't trust you, so I've decided to take control of you."
"Wait! You promised to spare us..." Both Lu An and He Tian's faces paled instantly, their voices laced with desperation. "If you need us for anything, just command us, we won't resist! Senior, it's our honor to follow you, but please grant us some level of freedom!"
"If you don't comply, you die," Jiang Chen interrupted them coldly, delivering his final ultimatum.
"We, we comply!" Overcome by tremors, Lu An and He Tian hurriedly voiced their agreement.
In the face of death, freedom seemed a trivial concern.
"Hmm. Now, open your souls to me and offer no resistance." Jiang Chen nodded slightly. After giving his instructions, he discussed briefly with Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning, and obtained a Transcendence realm secret art specifically designed for controlling people – the 'Ten Thousand Soul Seed Secrets'.
After slaying the hybrid of the demon race, which was a fusion of the Dao Palace realm demon, E Tianjiu, and the Dao Palace realm octopus-like demonic beast, Jiang Chen had stored enough energy in the Wordless Heavenly Jade to practice the Transcendence realm cultivation method.
Among all the Transcendence realm cultivation methods, the soul-based ones were the most suitable for Jiang Chen at the moment. This was because his soul alone had attained the level of the Transcendence realm.
Presently, to control two Dao Palace realm experts, soul-based control methods proved more effective than other restraint techniques.
'Wordless Heavenly Jade! Practice the Ten Thousand Soul Seed Secrets to perfection!' With a mere thought, Jiang Chen merged his soul with the Wordless Heavenly Jade.
Suddenly, a massive wave of peculiar energy gushed out from the Wordless Heavenly Jade. The majority of it infused into his soul, with a minor portion permeating his physical body.
In an instant, he had mastered the Ten Thousand Soul Seed Secrets to the perfect-level stage.
'I need to replenish my qi and blood.' Jiang Chen mused, lightly stroking his chin before commencing the Ten Thousand Soul Seed Secrets on Lu An and He Tian.
Two red specks of light soared from the area between the eyebrows of Lu An and He Tian, descending into Jiang Chen's hand where they took the form of two magatamas.
"I will be privy to all your thoughts. With this soul seed, I have the power to end your lives instantly," Jiang Chen declared impassively, his frosty gaze fixed on He Tian and Lu An. "However, rest assured that as long as you follow my orders, your lives will be spared."
"Yes, Master!" Lu An and He Tian bowed swiftly, saluting their new master. It appeared they had already come to terms with their altered status.
Meanwhile, system prompts chimed in Jiang Chen's sea of consciousness.
[Ding! You have successfully altered the plot. The Heavenly Fate Value of protagonist Gu Ran has decreased by 500 points!]
[Ding! You have earned 1000 Villain Value points!]
Upon hearing this, Jiang Chen nodded in satisfaction, but a slight frown creased his forehead.
The fact that Gu Ran's Heavenly Fate Value didn't decrease significantly hinted that in the original plot, the act of Lu An and He Tian leaking information was probably quickly neutralized.
'Hmm? More people are approaching!' Just then, Jiang Chen noticed a large group of people appearing within the range of his divine sense.
To his surprise, this group consisted of demonic cultivators from the Burning Blaze Ancient Sect, along with their actual puppet masters, the Nether Soul Demon Clan!
'Villain's Eye!' Jiang Chen's eyes shifted, activating the panel of one of the Dao Palace realm demonic cultivators.
[Name: Ji Junhao
Realm: Late-stage Dao Palace (Peak-stage Dao Palace)
Status: Supporting character
Fate Value: 343]
A Message from AlphaWIA:
Chapter 284 on X: [https://bit.ly/3Oy8eO0]
By joining the membership, not only do you support the ongoing development of the novel, but you also gain access to read up to Chapter 372.
Patreon: [https://bit.ly/3OHBfqz]
"Good, you understand!" Liu Xiong's voice was as cold as ice. "Bring it forth quickly. If our Lord changes his mind, you're finished!"
"Yes, yes! We're fetching it right now!" Both Lu An and He Tian nodded frantically, hastily bringing out their most prized possessions.
Among their treasures were the spiritual plants from both the Dao Palace realm and the Dao Comprehension realm. Additionally, they possessed other miscellaneous treasures and a significant number of spirit stones.
"Hmph! Begone!" Wu Qian sneered dismissively, waving them away with a flick of his wrist.
"We're going, we're going right now! Our gratitude to the senior for your mercy!" With a deeply obsequious bow in all directions, Lu An and He Tian didn't dare to linger.
In the next moment, they began to fly away cautiously, their bodies trembling with fear. Once they were far enough, they accelerated dramatically, risking everything to flee into the distance.
'Why haven't they turned into passersby yet?' Jiang Chen glanced at the retreating figures of Lu An and He Tian, his brows furrowing in thought as he noted their panels.
Considering their circumstances, Lu An and He Tian wouldn't dare to target Gu Ran anymore. Logically, they should have turned into passersby rather than continue as supporting characters.
However, the situation didn't seem to be unfolding as Jiang Chen had anticipated.
'What could it be?' Jiang Chen mused, stroking his chin as his eyes suddenly sparkled with realization. 'Could it be the golden patterns?'
The underground cave dwelling had indeed been obliterated by the aftershocks of their recent battle. However, prior to its destruction, He Tian and his group had glimpsed the golden patterns within.
Those golden patterns bore the records of a nearly complete history, including the final all-out attack of the Doomsday Cave Heaven. The knowledge they held was of immense importance and could significantly sway the plot's progression.
Could it be that Lu An and He Tian, either by design or accident, or under coercion or willingly, had disclosed this information?
In the original storyline, the protagonist Gu Ran would undeniably have strategized to utilize this Doomsday Cave Heaven for a surprise onslaught against the demon race's rear flank. However, with this leak, Gu Ran's carefully constructed plan would crumble, inevitably igniting a deep-seated resentment against Lu An and He Tian.
'That appears to be the most plausible explanation.'
'I had initially intended to let you go. After all, during this invasion of the Immortal Martial Continent by the Nether Demon Clan, your presence could be of some benefit.'
'Unfortunately, it seems you're likely to betray the Immortal Martial Continent. Even if you don't willingly do so, you could be forced into spilling secrets, thus playing into the roles of supporting characters, offering Gu Ran easy kills and experience points.'
'In light of this, I can't possibly let you roam free. If it comes down to it, I'll eliminate you myself.' With these thoughts swirling in his head, Jiang Chen's figure stirred, swiftly soaring towards Lu An and He Tian's location.
As the main villain, Jiang Chen harbored no qualms about killing when necessary.
Moreover, the fates of Lu An and He Tian were already sealed, destined to fall under Gu Ran's sword. Jiang Chen's interference had merely extended their lifespans momentarily.
Yet, given preferable alternatives, Jiang Chen would opt to control the two. After all, Dao Palace realm pawns had their worth.
As he set off in pursuit of Lu An and He Tian, Jiang Chen simultaneously instructed Wu Qian and Liu Xiong to hand him the spiritual plants. Furthermore, he directed them to monitor Gu Ran's actions.
He had consistently kept a vigilant eye on Gu Ran's movements. As such, he was well-aware of Gu Ran's current location. Furthermore, his divine sense, covering a vast expanse of a million kilometers in radius, continuously hovered around Gu Ran.
"Yes!" Both Wu Qian and Liu Xiong complied instantly, darting in the direction Gu Ran had headed at their top speed.
Lu An and He Tian hadn't managed to escape far. Thanks to Jiang Chen's blistering speed, he caught up with them in a mere heartbeat. There was no need to intercept them physically.
Whoosh!
An aura, brimming with potent power, engulfed them. Instantly, Lu An and He Tian shuddered violently, their steps faltering to an abrupt halt.
"Se...Senior! Do you require anything else from us?" Lu An stuttered, putting on a sycophantic smile.
"Nothing much. Just that you've seen those golden patterns, which can't be shared," Jiang Chen replied nonchalantly, casting a glance at the two below. "But, I can't trust you, so I've decided to take control of you."
"Wait! You promised to spare us..." Both Lu An and He Tian's faces paled instantly, their voices laced with desperation. "If you need us for anything, just command us, we won't resist! Senior, it's our honor to follow you, but please grant us some level of freedom!"
"If you don't comply, you die," Jiang Chen interrupted them coldly, delivering his final ultimatum.
"We, we comply!" Overcome by tremors, Lu An and He Tian hurriedly voiced their agreement.
In the face of death, freedom seemed a trivial concern.
"Hmm. Now, open your souls to me and offer no resistance." Jiang Chen nodded slightly. After giving his instructions, he discussed briefly with Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning, and obtained a Transcendence realm secret art specifically designed for controlling people – the 'Ten Thousand Soul Seed Secrets'.
After slaying the hybrid of the demon race, which was a fusion of the Dao Palace realm demon, E Tianjiu, and the Dao Palace realm octopus-like demonic beast, Jiang Chen had stored enough energy in the Wordless Heavenly Jade to practice the Transcendence realm cultivation method.
Among all the Transcendence realm cultivation methods, the soul-based ones were the most suitable for Jiang Chen at the moment. This was because his soul alone had attained the level of the Transcendence realm.
Presently, to control two Dao Palace realm experts, soul-based control methods proved more effective than other restraint techniques.
'Wordless Heavenly Jade! Practice the Ten Thousand Soul Seed Secrets to perfection!' With a mere thought, Jiang Chen merged his soul with the Wordless Heavenly Jade.
Suddenly, a massive wave of peculiar energy gushed out from the Wordless Heavenly Jade. The majority of it infused into his soul, with a minor portion permeating his physical body.
In an instant, he had mastered the Ten Thousand Soul Seed Secrets to the perfect-level stage.
'I need to replenish my qi and blood.' Jiang Chen mused, lightly stroking his chin before commencing the Ten Thousand Soul Seed Secrets on Lu An and He Tian.
Two red specks of light soared from the area between the eyebrows of Lu An and He Tian, descending into Jiang Chen's hand where they took the form of two magatamas.
"I will be privy to all your thoughts. With this soul seed, I have the power to end your lives instantly," Jiang Chen declared impassively, his frosty gaze fixed on He Tian and Lu An. "However, rest assured that as long as you follow my orders, your lives will be spared."
"Yes, Master!" Lu An and He Tian bowed swiftly, saluting their new master. It appeared they had already come to terms with their altered status.
Meanwhile, system prompts chimed in Jiang Chen's sea of consciousness.
[Ding! You have successfully altered the plot. The Heavenly Fate Value of protagonist Gu Ran has decreased by 500 points!]
[Ding! You have earned 1000 Villain Value points!]
Upon hearing this, Jiang Chen nodded in satisfaction, but a slight frown creased his forehead.
The fact that Gu Ran's Heavenly Fate Value didn't decrease significantly hinted that in the original plot, the act of Lu An and He Tian leaking information was probably quickly neutralized.
'Hmm? More people are approaching!' Just then, Jiang Chen noticed a large group of people appearing within the range of his divine sense.
To his surprise, this group consisted of demonic cultivators from the Burning Blaze Ancient Sect, along with their actual puppet masters, the Nether Soul Demon Clan!
'Villain's Eye!' Jiang Chen's eyes shifted, activating the panel of one of the Dao Palace realm demonic cultivators.
[Name: Ji Junhao
Realm: Late-stage Dao Palace (Peak-stage Dao Palace)
Status: Supporting character
Fate Value: 343]
A Message from AlphaWIA:
Chapter 284 on X: [https://bit.ly/3Oy8eO0]
By joining the membership, not only do you support the ongoing development of the novel, but you also gain access to read up to Chapter 372.
Patreon: [https://bit.ly/3OHBfqz]
