Chen Xuan left the Beast Pens with the stench of filth still clinging to his robes, but his heart felt lighter than ever. For the first time since arriving in this world, he wasn't just surviving—he was advancing.
The faint warmth of the Charm Dao pulsed in his veins, subtle yet intoxicating. It wasn't a crude power like brute strength. No—it was an invisible aura, a whisper of seduction in every glance, a trace of temptation in every word.
Chen Xuan clenched his fists, his grin wicked. So this is Charm Dao… the power to twist hearts, to plant thoughts, to nudge desires closer to the surface. Hah! Let's see how well it works.
---
Back in the outer sect training grounds, disciples were scattered in small groups, practicing sword forms or circulating qi. Among them was Lan Mei, the girl Chen Xuan had scanned yesterday. She was sixteen or seventeen, with delicate features and bright eyes. Though her robes were plain, she carried herself with pride, often looking down on Chen Xuan with contempt.
> [Target: Lan Mei]
[Hidden Desire: Dreams of sneaking into inner sect treasure vault to steal cultivation pills.]
Chen Xuan's lips curled. So little Lan Mei, the sect's "diligent flower," wants to steal pills like a thief? Perfect. Let's test my new toy on you.
He approached her slowly. The other disciples noticed and smirked.
"Trash actually dares walk toward Lan Mei?"
"Hahaha, does he think he's worthy of speaking to her?"
"She'll slap him in the face!"
Chen Xuan ignored them. He stopped in front of Lan Mei, bowed slightly, and let the Charm Dao flow through his voice as he spoke.
"Junior Sister Lan," he said gently, his tone carrying a subtle allure, "you look troubled today. Did your cultivation not go smoothly?"
Lan Mei blinked, momentarily caught off guard. Normally, she would sneer at him, but instead, she hesitated. For some reason, his voice felt… comforting, almost magnetic.
She frowned. "What does that have to do with you, trash?"
Chen Xuan smiled faintly. Good. The first seed has been planted. He leaned closer, his gaze steady but soft, the Charm Dao weaving through his words.
"Sometimes," he said quietly, "we all crave something we shouldn't. A forbidden shortcut. A treasure we're told we cannot touch. But… such desires are only natural. Don't you agree, Junior Sister?"
Lan Mei's pupils trembled. For a moment, it felt as though his words pierced straight into her heart. She quickly turned her face away, biting her lip. "I… I don't know what you're talking about."
The system chimed in Chen Xuan's mind.
> [Charm Dao activated. Target's desire resonance: 20%.]
[Progress toward harvest: 5 Sin Points available if desire escalates.]
Chen Xuan's grin widened. So it works. I can push her hidden craving closer to the surface. Once she acts on it—or confesses it—I'll harvest her sin as easily as plucking fruit.
Lan Mei's voice sharpened, as if trying to cover her unease. "Tch! Don't speak nonsense to me. Go shovel beast dung where you belong!"
She turned away, cheeks slightly flushed.
The watching disciples burst into laughter. "Hahaha! Did you see that? Trash tried to flirt with Lan Mei!"
"Pathetic! He'll never touch a girl like her in his life."
Chen Xuan bowed lightly, unaffected, then walked away. His expression was calm, but inside, his thoughts burned with excitement.
Lan Mei… you resisted today. But the seed of desire is already stirred. Soon, you'll come running straight into my trap. And when you do, I'll harvest every ounce of sin from your heart.
---
That night, in his dorm, Chen Xuan reviewed the Forbidden Shop again.
— Forbidden Shop —
Charm Dao (Beginner) – Active
Sin Flame (Minor) – 15 Sin Points
Desire Manipulation (Fragment) – 20 Sin Points
Balance: 0 Sin Points (Lan Mei's harvest not yet completed).
He closed the menu, his eyes narrowing. Charm Dao is only the beginning. Once I get Desire Manipulation… I won't just nudge people's cravings. I'll control them.
As he lay down, his mind flickered to Elder Zhang's twisted lust, to Lan Mei's greedy longing, and to the whispers of countless other disciples hiding their sins.
Above them all, he imagined the Sect Master's daughter, the woman Elder Zhang secretly lusted after. Pure and untouchable in the eyes of the sect. But Chen Xuan's lips curled in a wicked smile.
Even a fairy must have forbidden desires. When the time comes, not even she will escape me.
The candle burned low. Darkness swallowed the room. In that silence, Chen Xuan's quiet laughter echoed once again—the laugh of a devil sharpening his fangs.