The next morning, the sun rose lazily over the Azure Cloud Sect, its golden light spilling across the mountain peaks. Mist curled between pine trees, and the faint sound of disciples training echoed in the distance—blades clashing, qi circulating, chants of cultivation methods.
Chen Xuan sat cross-legged on his narrow bed, pretending to meditate. In reality, his eyes were half-open, a mischievous glint dancing within. His body still ached from yesterday's beating, but compared to the thrill boiling in his chest, the pain was nothing.
So, Elder Zhang… a pillar of righteousness on the outside, but a perverted dog on the inside. You desire the Sect Master's daughter? Hehe… let's see how long you can keep that a secret.
The Forbidden Desire System pulsed in his mind.
> [Mission: Exploit Elder Zhang's hidden desire. Reward: 10 Sin Points.]
Chen Xuan licked his lips. "If I succeed… I'll have my first technique."
---
As he left the dormitory, the other outer disciples gathered in groups, whispering and laughing. When they saw him, their mocking voices rose.
"Look, the trash woke up!"
"Careful, if you breathe too hard near him, he might choke and die."
"Haha, even Elder Zhang hates him. What's the point of keeping him here?"
Chen Xuan lowered his head, his expression calm, but inside he sneered. Mock me all you want. Soon I'll know every one of your filthy secrets. When the time comes, you'll be dancing like puppets in my hands.
He walked past them without a word, making his way to the training field.
---
The training field was a vast courtyard of stone tiles, surrounded by tall pillars inscribed with glowing runes. At the center stood Elder Zhang, his cane in hand, robes neat and imposing. Disciples knelt in rows, cultivating or practicing techniques under his supervision.
The moment Chen Xuan appeared, Elder Zhang's cold gaze locked on him.
"Late again, trash!" The elder's voice boomed like thunder.
The disciples erupted in laughter. "See? He can't even arrive on time!"
"Outer sect waste!"
Chen Xuan bowed low, forcing humility into his voice. "Disciple apologizes, Elder Zhang."
The cane lashed out—crack!—striking Chen Xuan's back. He gritted his teeth but did not resist. Instead, his eyes flickered as he activated the Desire Scanner.
> [Target: Elder Zhang]
[Hidden Desire: Secretly lusts after Sect Master's youngest daughter. Fears exposure.]
A wicked grin threatened to spread across Chen Xuan's face. Yes… keep hitting me. Every strike only makes your secret more delicious.
The system chimed softly:
> [Hint: Host may fulfill desire indirectly. Manipulation and exposure both count.]
Chen Xuan's mind spun with possibilities. I don't need to bring the Sect Master's daughter to him. All I need is to push him into exposing himself—or make him believe his secret is discovered. Either way, the sin will be mine to harvest.
---
After the session ended, Elder Zhang dismissed the disciples. They dispersed in groups, chatting and laughing, while Chen Xuan remained at the back. He noticed Liu Fang—the smug disciple who had dragged him here yesterday—sidling up to Elder Zhang.
"Elder Zhang," Liu Fang said obsequiously, "I noticed Chen Xuan slacking again. Shouldn't he be punished harder? Trash like him only drags the sect down."
Elder Zhang's expression darkened. He glanced at Chen Xuan, then sneered. "You're right. Tomorrow, I'll assign him to clean the Beast Pens. Let's see how long he lasts with spirit beasts chewing at his heels."
Liu Fang smirked. "Yes, Elder. That will put him in his place."
Chen Xuan lowered his gaze, hiding the sharp light in his eyes. So Liu Fang wants to see me humiliated, and Elder Zhang is happy to oblige. Perfect. Both of your desires are mine to exploit.
---
That night, back in his dorm, Chen Xuan sat cross-legged again. The room was dim, the single candle flickering weakly against the dark. He summoned the Forbidden System screen, carefully reviewing his options.
— Forbidden Shop —
Charm Dao (Beginner) – 10 Sin Points
Sin Flame (Minor) – 15 Sin Points
Desire Manipulation (Fragment) – 20 Sin Points
His current balance: 0 Sin Points.
Chen Xuan exhaled slowly. To get Charm Dao, I need to harvest Elder Zhang's desire. But how?
He thought back to Elder Zhang's secret—the forbidden lust for the Sect Master's daughter. A taboo so dangerous that even the slightest rumor could destroy him.
Yes. That's it. If I can corner him, make him believe I know his secret, his fear and guilt will feed the system. I don't even need the girl herself—just his reaction will be enough to trigger the mission.
The system chimed as if reading his thoughts.
> [Tip: Desires can be harvested through exposure, temptation, or manipulation.]
Chen Xuan grinned. Exposure, temptation, manipulation… Hehe, I was born for this role.
He lay back on the hard bed, staring at the cracked ceiling. His mind buzzed with schemes, weaving a plan for tomorrow.
Tomorrow, when Elder Zhang sent him to the Beast Pens… he would make his first move.
And when the first Sin Points entered his account, the world would take its first step toward becoming his playground.
The candle flickered one last time before extinguishing, leaving the room in darkness. Only Chen Xuan's quiet laughter lingered, low and wicked.