Chapter 3 The Valley of Endless Sins; A Path of Corruption
The crimson sky faded slowly, replaced by a pale green haze. Kairo stood at the threshold of the valley — a place the monks called The Valley of Endless Sins. It was said to be cursed, where ambition devoured the soul and desire devoured ambition.
Airi walked behind him, her steps hesitant but steady. The silence between them was not awkward — it was tense. She had tasted his power, and she knew her life had changed.
The System spoke inside his mind.
[Corruption Campaign Start. Objective: Subvert the Cultivators of the Valley. Corruption Level +5.]
Kairo smirked faintly. "Corruption is the only currency that matters here."
The valley was vast. Black mountains rose like fangs, rivers of molten crystal cutting through the land. At the valley's entrance, an arch of obsidian stone bore the inscription: "Every sin you commit shall be your crown."
It was not a warning. It was an invitation.
The monks fell silent. The Eldest spoke once more, voice heavy. "Walk wisely, unrepentant one. For this path is not without cost."
Kairo glanced over his shoulder. "Costs are meaningless if you control the price."
He stepped forward. Airi followed, her presence like a shadow in his mind. The air in the valley tasted of blood and incense, of desire and fear.
First Encounter;
They hadn't gone far before they encountered them — a group of cultivators gathered in a circle, their faces hidden under ritual masks. The air pulsed with power.
One stepped forward, voice like steel. "Stranger… you are not of this realm. You carry the Mark of Sin. State your purpose."
Kairo smirked, adjusting his cloak. "Purpose? To see how many hearts I can own."
The cultivator stiffened. "You speak with arrogance. This is the Valley of Endless Sins — arrogance here is a death sentence."
Kairo laughed softly, the sound like silk tearing. "Then I'll be sure to turn arrogance into legacy."
The System chimed:
[Sin Point Bonus Available: Engage target in corruption trial.]
Kairo stepped forward, eyes narrowing. "Trial? Fine. But it won't be your sword that kills me. It'll be your own desire."
He extended his hand. A subtle pulse of crimson light spread from his fingertips. The cultivators' eyes widened. They looked around in confusion, whispering, as a strange heat settled in their chests.
[Skill Activated: Desirecraft Lv.2.]
Their fear was mingled with curiosity. Desire. Lust. Greed. The oldest of them stepped forward. "You… are dangerous."
"And I'm just getting started," Kairo said softly, watching the seed of corruption take root.
First Corruption Test;
Kairo motioned to Airi, whispering so only she could hear.
"Observe. Learn."
He turned back to the cultivators. "Every one of you has a weakness. Pride. Greed. Lust. Fear. I offer you a choice — surrender your sin to me, and I grant power beyond your imagination."
The cultivators exchanged wary glances. One moved forward, mask trembling. "What is the price?"
Kairo stepped closer. His voice was calm, persuasive. "Your will. Your obedience. Your soul."
A murmur ran through the group. Some recoiled, others stepped closer, drawn by something they couldn't name.
Airi watched him silently, her eyes shimmering. She knew this was more than a test — it was the forging of a path.
One cultivator knelt before Kairo, removing his mask. His eyes burned with unspoken lust and fear. "I… accept."
The System confirmed:
[Harem Bond Progress +8%. New Member: Cultivator #1 — Corruption Level: 5%.]
Kairo's grin deepened. "One step closer to the crown."
The valley shifted around them. The stone beneath their feet pulsed like a living thing. From the shadows emerged a massive figure — the Trial Keeper of the valley. His voice was a roar that shook the air.
"You walk the path of the damned. To claim the prize, you must pay the price."
Kairo's lips curved into a smile. "Let's see what the price is."
The Keeper's fist struck the ground. The world around them fractured. Kairo felt himself drawn into a vision — his own death, his betrayal, the faces of every woman and man he had ever corrupted.
The System interrupted.
[Trial of Sins Initiated. Difficulty Level: Extreme. Rewards: Infinite Sin Points.]
Kairo's breath caught — but only for a moment. He stepped forward calmly. "Then let the trial begin."
With a wordless motion, he unleashed his skill — Mind Weaving Lv.1. Crimson threads wrapped around the Keeper's mind, drawing him into a prison of his own fears and desires.
The Keeper roared, but his strength faltered. His own will began to bend toward Kairo's command.
[Sin Points +512. Skill Upgraded: Mind Weaving Lv.2.]
Kairo looked at Airi. "This… is only the beginning."
When the trial ended, the valley fell silent. The cultivators bowed before him. The Keeper lay broken, the scent of corruption heavy in the air.
The System spoke softly in his mind:
[Corruption Campaign Complete. Corruption Level: 12%. Harem Expansion Triggered. Potential Sin Points: Infinite.]
Kairo stepped forward, raising his voice so all could hear. "The Valley of Endless Sins belongs to me. And every sin here will be my crown."
Airi knelt again, her voice trembling. "Master… what do we do now?"
Kairo looked to the horizon where darkness and desire met.
"This," he said, "is war."
The crimson sky above roared, and the valley trembled beneath them.
[Next Mission: Expand Influence. Subvert a Sin Sect. Corruption Level +20.]
The System's words echoed in his mind.
[The world is yours. But the price… is everything.]