The Nine Flames Heavenly Clan lay bathed in the crimson light of dusk, yet Feng Xuanlong's gaze was far from the familiar courtyards. Beyond the mountains, the neighboring sects stirred uneasily. Word of his victories—three elite prodigies devoured, Ye Tianxing humiliated, and five disciples bound to him—had spread like wildfire.
Xuanlong stood atop the highest tower, black flames coiling along his sleeves, crimson eyes scanning the horizon. The Villain System whispered:
[New Quest: Expand influence beyond the clan. Optional: Engage in strategic skirmishes to absorb Dao insight and weaken neighboring sects. Reward: VP, Fate Fragments, and cultivation advancement.]
Good, he thought. Let them come. Let them test me. Every strike will feed my hunger.
His first target was the Azure Moon Sect, a minor but proud faction known for their dual-element cultivation and intelligence network. Scouts had reported an elite squad stationed at the border, eager to test the rumors of the Nine Flames prodigy.
Xuanlong's five loyal disciples accompanied him, their presence a silent declaration of power. Yan Ruyan's precise spirit strikes, Meiyu's intelligence in observation, Qiao Ling's elemental mastery, Meilin's tactical foresight, and the final disciple's combat finesse—all acted in perfect synchronization.
The system advised:
[Suggested strategy: Feint, observe, and absorb. Focus on elite cultivators for Dao-Plundering Chains.]
With a subtle motion, Xuanlong's black flames leapt forward, and the Dao-Plundering Chains slithered like living shadows.
The Azure Moon Sect's elite squad advanced boldly, confidence etched on their faces. The leader, a fire-and-ice dual cultivator named Shen Yao, smirked. "So this is the infamous Feng Xuanlong? Let us see if rumors match reality."
Xuanlong's crimson eyes glimmered. "Reality is always sharper than rumor."
The clash erupted immediately. Shen Yao's dual elements clashed with the black flames and chains of Xuanlong. Sparks flew, the air screamed, and the ground trembled under the force of their power.
The five disciples moved like extensions of Xuanlong's will, neutralizing incoming attacks and creating openings for their master. Yan Ruyan struck with lethal precision, Meiyu disrupted enemy formations with spirit threads, Qiao Ling's elemental storm shredded ranks, Meilin predicted attacks before they happened, and the final disciple executed decisive flanking maneuvers.
The battle was swift, efficient, and devastating.
[Dao-Plundering Chains activated: Shen Yao's elemental Dao partially absorbed. +800 VP.]
Xuanlong stepped forward, black flames swirling like serpents, chains wrapping and constricting the enemy leader. "Yield your Dao," he said, voice low, echoing across the battlefield, "or be consumed entirely."
Shen Yao's eyes widened. "Impossible! You… you devour cultivation like it is nothing!"
"I devour what is mine to take," Xuanlong replied simply. With a flick, the chains siphoned the last remnants of Shen Yao's elemental Dao. He collapsed, drained but alive—a warning to the others.
[VP gained: 1,200. Full absorption of minor Dao elements achieved.]
The other elite disciples hesitated, glancing at each other. Panic rippled through their formation as the inner circle of Xuanlong moved decisively. Every strike, every movement, every command from him was calculated to instill fear, obedience, and awe.
By the time the remaining members of the Azure Moon Sect fled, Xuanlong had absorbed fragments of multiple Dao threads, increased his cultivation insight, and tested the full coordination of his inner circle in real combat.
[Quest Update: Influence expanded. Optional skirmish completed successfully.]
He exhaled slowly, crimson eyes gleaming. One sect down, many more to go. Let the world taste my power, and let fate itself bend beneath me.
The following days saw Xuanlong visiting several minor sects, sometimes in person, sometimes sending his disciples ahead. Each engagement followed a similar pattern: careful observation, selective use of the Dao-Plundering Chains, and minimal casualties among his followers.
Through these calculated skirmishes, Xuanlong not only strengthened his cultivation and absorbed Dao insight, but he also began collecting fate fragments from weaker sects, subtly bending their disciples toward his influence.
The Villain System reported:
[Current VP: 12,500. Inner circle fully loyal. External influence expanding. Next target: middle-tier sects bordering the Nine Flames Heavenly Clan.]
During one evening of rest atop the clan's highest tower, Xuanlong observed the moonlight reflecting off the distant peaks. The sky was calm, but he knew the storm was coming. Golden threads of fate shimmered faintly in the distance—Ye Tianxing and other Heaven's Chosen were preparing their moves.
Xuanlong smiled faintly. Crimson eyes reflected the moonlight, black flames flickering like living shadows. "Let them come," he whispered. "I will devour their Dao, their fate, and their pride. Every step they take only strengthens me further."
Yan Ruyan approached silently, bowing slightly. "Senior Brother… your ambition… it frightens even me."
"Good," he replied, voice low and dangerous. "Fear sharpens loyalty, as does respect. Both are tools. Do you fear me?"
A pause, then she nodded slightly. "I… I trust you, Senior Brother. Completely."
Xuanlong's smile deepened. Perfect. Five disciples loyal, external influence growing, Heaven's Chosen beginning to stir… the first arc of my rise is nearing completion.
Far away, scouts from the Celestial Star Sect returned with reports of Xuanlong's movements. Ye Tianxing frowned, golden threads of fate trembling. "The villain grows stronger by the day. If we do not act now, he will become untouchable."
Elders nodded gravely. "The Nine Flames prodigy is no longer a minor threat. His inner circle is loyal, and his power rivals many mid-tier Chosen. We must prepare a coalition."
Back at the clan, Xuanlong stood atop the highest tower, observing the horizon. The world beyond his home had begun to bend to his will, however slightly. Golden threads of fate shimmered faintly, recoiling at his presence, sensing the shadow of a villain shaping his own destiny.
Crimson eyes flickered with determination. "Soon," he murmured, "the Nine Flames Clan will be the center of all paths. Fate itself will bow—or break."
The first steps of world-level dominance had been taken. And Feng Xuanlong, the Heaven-Devouring Villain, had already tasted the intoxicating thrill of bending destiny to his will.