Villain: I transmigrated with Mind Control Powers

Upon entering the city, Aric chose to stay at the Golden Lotus Inn, a modest establishment that offered a comfortable bed and a steady flow of information. The innkeeper, a sharp-eyed woman named Madam Liu, was quick to recognize the aura of power surrounding Aric. She greeted him with deference, making sure his needs were met and subtly letting him know that he was welcome there.

"Welcome to Iron Lotus City, young master," Madam Liu said with a bow. "We are honored to have someone of your caliber staying with us. If there's anything you need, please don't hesitate to ask."

Aric nodded, his expression calm and unreadable. "I appreciate your hospitality, Madam Liu. I'll be staying for a few days, and I'll require discretion."

"Of course, young master. You'll find no loose tongues here," she assured him, understanding the unspoken message.

Over the next few days, Aric began to systematically eliminate the rogue cultivators plaguing the city. These were not formidable opponents; they were low-level cultivators and mercenaries who had turned to banditry and extortion. Aric dealt with them swiftly and efficiently, making a point to showcase his abilities without revealing too much.

He struck with lethal precision, his movements a blur as he cut down his foes. Each kill was clean, methodical, and executed with an air of detachment that left onlookers in awe.

The people of Iron Lotus City soon began to take notice. Word of Aric's actions spread like wildfire. The rogue cultivators who had terrorized them for months were being eradicated, and the city's atmosphere lightened with each day. Merchants began to open their stalls without fear, and citizens walked the streets with renewed confidence.

In the marketplace, whispers of the mysterious cultivator who was ridding the city of its vermin became the topic of every conversation.

"Did you hear? Another group of those bandits was found dead this morning, their bodies untouched by anything other than a clean blade."

"They say it's the young master staying at the Golden Lotus Inn. He's with the Heavenly Demonic Sect, but he's been nothing but a blessing for us."

"It's about time someone dealt with those scum. We owe him our thanks."

Aric's reputation grew with each passing day, and he knew that this was precisely what he needed. But his plan was only just beginning.

Aric began by tracking down the women who frequented Daniela's workshop. These women were regulars in the community, known for their gossip and close-knit relationships. They were the perfect tools for spreading his influence to Daniela.

Aric approached them one by one, catching them alone in the city's quieter streets or secluded alleys. Using his mind control abilities, he subtly altered their thoughts and memories, implanting the idea that they had encountered an incredibly powerful cultivator who had saved them from danger.

He made sure they would remember the name Ye Chen, his current alias, and instructed them to sing his praises when they next visited Daniela.

With the women under his control, Aric turned his attention to the remaining rogue cultivators.

With the groundwork laid, Aric turned to the final phase of his plan. He knew that simply gaining Daniela's admiration wasn't enough; he needed to be her savior, the one who would appear in her darkest moment. For this, he spared a few rogue cultivators, leaving them under his control for a special purpose.

He orchestrated a scene where these thugs would attack Daniela's home, threatening her and those under her care.

On the day of the attack, the women, now fully under Aric's influence, visited Daniela as they normally would. As they chatted with her, they couldn't help but talk about the mysterious and powerful cultivator who had recently arrived in the city.

"Have you heard about Ye Chen?" one of the women asked excitedly, her voice filled with admiration. "He's a powerful cultivator who's been dealing with the rogue problem in the city. They say he's almost god-like in strength!"

Another woman chimed in, "I saw him myself! He's so handsome and strong. I heard he took down a group of rogue cultivators single-handedly. We're so lucky to have him in the city."

Daniela listened to their stories with mild interest, her focus more on her work than the gossip. However, as the women continued to praise Ye Chen, she couldn't help but feel a spark of curiosity. "Ye Chen, you say? He sounds like quite the hero," she remarked casually, though inwardly she wondered if she might ever meet such a man.

The women, sensing her interest, pressed further. "You should meet him, Lady Daniela. He's someone worth knowing. Who knows? Maybe he might be of help to you someday!"

Daniela smiled politely, brushing off their suggestions. "Perhaps. But I'm just a simple woman. What would a great cultivator want with me?"

As the day went on, the women eventually left, but not before making sure Daniela had heard enough about Ye Chen to pique her interest. Aric's plan was working perfectly. Now, all that remained was to create the scenario where he could save Daniela and solidify her admiration for him.

That evening, as dusk settled over the city, the rogue cultivators made their move. They approached Daniela's workshop with sinister intent, their expressions twisted with malice. Inside the workshop, the women who worked there noticed the menacing figures approaching and began to panic.

"Who are they?" one of the women whispered fearfully as she peeked out the window.

"I don't know, but they don't look like they're here for business," another replied, her voice trembling.

The door to the workshop burst open, and the rogue cultivators stormed in, their eyes filled with greed and malice. The women screamed in terror, backing away from the intruders. "Please, leave us alone!" one of them begged, but the men only laughed, enjoying the fear they were causing.

Daniela, hearing the commotion, hurried out of the back room, her face hidden behind a veil as she confronted the intruders. "What do you want?" she demanded, trying to keep her voice steady. "You have no business here."

One of the cultivators, the leader of the group, stepped forward with a sneer. "We're here for everything you've got, lady. And if you don't cooperate, we'll take it by force."

Daniela's mind raced as she tried to think of a way out. "My brother is a powerful cultivator," she said, hoping to scare them off. "If you harm me, he'll hunt you down and destroy you."

The men laughed again, unimpressed by her threat. "You think we're afraid of some imaginary brother?" the leader taunted. "We know you're alone here, and we're going to take everything you have."

Desperate, Daniela tried to use her knowledge of formations to create a barrier, but the rogue cultivators were quick to disrupt her efforts. They moved closer, cornering her as the women in the workshop cowered in fear.

"Let's have some fun with her first," one of the men suggested, pulling out a vial of aphrodisiac. "She'll be more cooperative after a taste of this."

Daniela's eyes widened in horror as the man forced the vial to her lips, making her drink the potent substance. She struggled, but it was too late. The effects of the aphrodisiac began to take hold, clouding her mind and weakening her resistance.

Just as the situation seemed hopeless, Aric arrived, still disguised as Ye Chen. He entered the workshop with a commanding presence, his eyes cold as he surveyed the scene. "That's enough," he declared, his voice filled with authority. "Step away from her."

The rogue cultivators turned to face him, momentarily stunned by his sudden appearance. But their surprise quickly turned to fear as they realized who they were dealing with. They had heard the stories about Ye Chen, and they knew they were no match for him.

Without hesitation, Aric attacked, his movements swift and deadly. He struck down the rogue cultivators one by one, his blade flashing in the dim light of the workshop. The women watched in awe and relief as their tormentors were swiftly dealt with.

Daniela, now heavily affected by the aphrodisiac, could barely stand as she watched Aric finish off the last of the intruders. Her vision blurred, and her body ached with a strange heat she couldn't control. She knew what was happening to her, but she was powerless to stop it.

Aric turned to her, his expression softening as he approached. "Miss Daniela, are you alright?" he asked, though he already knew the answer.

Daniela's eyes met his, filled with a mixture of gratitude, confusion, and desperation. "I… I don't know… What did they do to me?" she whispered, her voice trembling.

Aric gently took her hand, his touch reassuring. "You've been poisoned with an aphrodisiac," he explained calmly. "But don't worry, I'm here to help you."

Daniela's breathing became ragged as the effects of the aphrodisiac intensified. She clung to Aric, her body trembling with need she couldn't control. "Please… help me…" she pleaded, her voice barely audible.

Aric knew there was only one way to relieve her suffering, and he had planned for this outcome. "I'll take care of you, Daniela," he whispered, his voice soothing as he led her to a more private area within the workshop.