Chen Xuan followed Liu Fang out of the shabby dormitory, his expression calm, but inside, his heart raced with excitement.
The Forbidden Desire System was real. The glowing words still hovered in his vision:
> [Target: Liu Fang]
[Hidden Desire: Secretly covets Elder's spirit treasure. Will betray for power.]
Chen Xuan almost laughed out loud. So even this arrogant dog has dirty little thoughts. He acts so loyal to the sect, but deep inside, he's nothing more than a thief in waiting.
The two walked along the worn stone path that wound up the mountain. Disciples in cleaner robes sneered at Chen Xuan as they passed, whispering insults.
"Trash disciple."
"Outer sect parasite."
"He should have been expelled long ago."
Chen Xuan clenched his fists but lowered his head like usual. Outwardly, he remained meek. Inwardly, his grin grew wider. Mock me, go ahead. In time, I'll know every one of your filthy secrets. When the time comes, I'll use them against you.
---
The outer sect training hall loomed ahead, its grand doors engraved with talismans. Inside, dozens of disciples knelt in rows while an elder sat cross-legged at the front. His name was Elder Zhang, a strict instructor with a sharp tongue and a cane that had left many bruises on Chen Xuan's body in the past.
"Chen Xuan," Elder Zhang barked the moment he saw him. "Late again! Do you think your worthless life has any value here?!"
The disciples snickered, enjoying the humiliation.
Chen Xuan lowered his head and muttered, "Disciple apologizes, Elder."
The cane cracked against his shoulder. Pain shot through him, but Chen Xuan didn't resist. Instead, he activated the Desire Scanner.
> [Target: Elder Zhang]
[Hidden Desire: Secretly lusts after Sect Master's youngest daughter. Fears exposure.]
Chen Xuan almost staggered in shock. His lips twitched as he forced down a laugh. So the great Elder Zhang, the righteous pillar of the Azure Cloud Sect, secretly wants to bed the Sect Master's daughter? What a hypocrite!
The system chimed:
> [Ding! New mission available.]
[Mission: Exploit Elder Zhang's hidden desire. Reward: 10 Sin Points.]
Chen Xuan's eyes lit up. Ten points! Enough to buy his first forbidden technique.
He bowed again, hiding the spark of cunning in his gaze. Fine, Elder Zhang. You enjoy humiliating me in public? Then I'll strip you bare, desire and all. The first sin harvested in this world… will be yours.
---
That night, Chen Xuan lay on his hard wooden bed in the dormitory. A faint glow lit the dark room as he opened the Forbidden Shop.
— Forbidden Shop —
Charm Dao (Beginner) – 10 Sin Points
Sin Flame (Minor) – 15 Sin Points
Desire Manipulation (Fragment) – 20 Sin Points
Chen Xuan's fingers itched. Charm Dao… if I buy this, I can enhance my words and gaze, subtly influencing others. With this, humiliating Elder Zhang and exposing his hidden lust will be child's play.
But he had no Sin Points yet.
He closed the system and stared at the cracked ceiling. "Tomorrow," he whispered. "Tomorrow I begin harvesting sin. This sect will never see me as trash again."
The night stretched on, silent except for Chen Xuan's soft, wicked laughter.