Great Villain: Starting by Humiliating the Son of the Heavenly Fate

Chapter 194: Changes Within Fang Yuan's Heart

"Deep gratitude to the pair of seniors!"

With a bow to Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning, Jiang Chen's countenance reflected sincere appreciation.

Fang Yuan, maintaining his silence throughout, subtly tightened his fists.

He was aware that during his recuperation within the healing room, Jiang Chen had most likely manipulated the Nether Qi Extraction Secrets to captivate a considerable crowd!

Now, Jiang Chen was on the brink of disseminating the Nether Qi Extraction Secrets across the entire Immortal Martial Continent.

He couldn't even start to fathom how many souls would bear gratitude towards Jiang Chen then!

'Damn it!'

'It was undeniably Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning who negotiated a deal with me, the Nether Qi Extraction Secrets should have rightfully been mine, and I should be the one receiving the collective hope of the people!'

'Why, why does Jiang Chen have to exist!'

'...'

Torrents of sentiment began to swell within Fang Yuan's spirit, evoking profound feelings of sorrow and resentment.

Right at that moment.

"I've been engaged in battles recently and have derived some new perceptions."

"Regarding the techniques within the Precious Pill Seeking Record, I have some comprehension and would be grateful if the two seniors could provide some guidance!"

Jiang Chen respectfully gestured towards the Soul Embodying Ring on Fang Yuan's hand, his demeanor modest and earnest.

"Good!"

Nangong Wan responded softly, "Share with us your current cultivation achievements."

"Understood."

"Concerning the techniques in the Precious Pill Seeking Record..."

Jiang Chen began to methodically detail his interpretation of those techniques.

'Damn it, damn it!'

'This is the second occurrence!'

'No, I cannot accept this!'

As he observed Jiang Chen's interaction with Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning, Fang Yuan's discomfort intensified!

He was utterly clueless about the discourse between Jiang Chen, Nangong Wan, and Shangguan Ning, and was even more powerless to intervene.

At this instant, Fang Yuan felt a disheartening sense of alienation.

This realization delivered another sharp twinge to his already aching heart!

As time gradually elapsed, Jiang Chen feigned acquiring the second technique under Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning's tutelage.

"Now that I've grasped two techniques,"

Jiang Chen expressed with a bright smile, "it's time to strategize on restoring Junior Brother Fang Yuan's cultivation foundation."

"Certainly."

"However, before we proceed... Jiang Chen, I perceive a hint of Sword Dao radiating from you."

Shangguan Ning questioned with a hint of surprise, "Could it be, you've deciphered the Sword Dao?"

As soon as these words echoed.

'How can this be!'

Fang Yuan's countenance hardened in an instant, and he anxiously cast a glance at Jiang Chen.

The Sword Dao was a power attainable only at the Dao Comprehension realm!

"I was fortunate enough to discern a fragment of the Sword Dao, but it remains incomplete."

Jiang Chen modestly grinned, "It's hardly noteworthy in the presence of the two seniors."

'No, this can't be happening!'

Internally, Fang Yuan was shrieking, his spirit teeming with bitterness.

With Jiang Chen's unfolding understanding of the Sword Dao, the chasm between him and Jiang Chen was widening to a degree where he was barely managing to keep pace!

Gazing at Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning, it was evident that they harbored a highly favorable impression of Jiang Chen!

Given their existing condition, they were incessantly braving mortal danger.

Their paramount hope rested on recuperating as swiftly as possible.

Now, with Jiang Chen, who possessed superior talent, they might contemplate replacing their 'symbiotic' ally and forsaking him, Fang Yuan!

'Could this be their line of thought?'

Fang Yuan mused, a frigid sensation slowly emanating from his core.

For the first time, he sensed a trace of doubt towards Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning!

[Ding! You've successfully induced a state of discontentment within protagonist Fang Yuan, diminishing his trust in Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning. His Heavenly Fate Value has decreased by 200 points!]

[Ding! You've accrued 400 Villain Value points!]

The system's alerts reverberated in Jiang Chen's consciousness.

'Hmm?'

'Could that be a possibility?'

A thought darted across Jiang Chen's mind, his eyes glinting with a touch of amusement.

He realized that his display of prowess had instilled in Fang Yuan an unparalleled sense of threat and a feeling of helplessness.

Consequently, Fang Yuan harbored suspicions about whether Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning would opt for Jiang Chen over him due to his superior capabilities.

'This man is already grappling with self-doubt.'

'Nevertheless, he certainly won't capitulate this easily.'

Ideas zipped through Jiang Chen's consciousness.

Then he sauntered over to the side, retrieving the natural treasures he had previously set aside.

"Come, Junior Brother Fang Yuan, it's time to restore your cultivation foundation."

With the medicinal herbs in hand, Jiang Chen presented a comforting smile.

Fang Yuan's expression tightened a bit as he nodded, maintaining silence.

Immediately following this, Jiang Chen initiated the restoration of Fang Yuan's cultivation foundation.

He refrained from any minor maneuvers, but instead pushed the first two techniques to their limits!

Even Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning, who were observing, admired Jiang Chen's dedication and diligence.

However, unbeknownst to all, Jiang Chen had already mastered the quintet of techniques from the Precious Pill Seeking Record, utilizing not even half of his potential.

"Junior Brother Fang Yuan, how do you fare?"

Jiang Chen turned to Fang Yuan, his face adorned with a gentle, inquiring smile.

"Much, much improved, I thank you."

Fang Yuan offered a nod, but his heart was void of any genuine gratitude.

To him, all of Jiang Chen's actions were but a theatrical performance for Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning.

His ultimate objective? To snatch Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning from right under his nose!

"There's no need for thanks. This is merely my duty as your senior brother."

Jiang Chen returned the nod with a smile, shaking his head, "Next, I will assist you in restoring your cultivation foundation once I've mastered the third technique. Please excuse me."

Having said this, Jiang Chen readied himself to depart.

Yet, just as he was about to leave, his transmission jade token suddenly vibrated.

"Another large-scale demonic beast tide has erupted!?"

A sweep with his divine sense sent Jiang Chen's expression into an abrupt shift, "Moreover, this demonic beast tide is of a greater scale than the previous one!"

"What!?"

"Didn't we just quell a surge of demonic beasts?"

Nangong Wan's voice echoed in surprise, "The attacks from the Nether Demon Clan are increasing in frequency, becoming more bothersome!"

Yet, Fang Yuan was quick to rise to his feet.

"Another demonic beast tide is approaching?"

"I must engage in this grand battle!"

Fang Yuan's face was etched with resolve, his fists clenched in firm determination.

'As I thought, Fang Yuan is itching to leave the Healing Hall and join the fray.'

Jiang Chen contemplated inwardly, 'Thankfully, I have a plan laid out, but it's prudent I attempt to dissuade him first.'

If Jiang Chen could convince Fang Yuan, a load would naturally be lifted off his shoulders.

Should he fail to dissuade Fang Yuan, he would cease to hinder him and allow his participation in the battle.

Then, he would do his utmost to lure him into his carefully laid trap.

So.

"What?"

"You wish to participate in the battle?"

"Fang Yuan, that's out of the question!"

"Your cultivation foundation hasn't yet been mended, you can't heedlessly rush into combat!"

Jiang Chen asserted, his expression grave, "Furthermore, if you join the battle, you risk revealing the presence of Senior Nangong and Senior Shangguan!"

"Humph!"

"When I took part in the battle platform previously..."

"In all those fights, neither Ji Mingxiu nor the others discovered the presence of Senior Nangong and Senior Shangguan!"

The mention of the battle platform brought back the torment of his 'wound' tearing open, yet Fang Yuan soldiered on, gritting his teeth and finishing his statement.

A note from AlphaWIA:

Get early access to (+75) more chapters by joining my Patreon.