Priyanshu's temporary identity as Alchemist Lin was proving far more effective than expected.
He had already captured the attention of Princess Lira, and now, he walked freely through the inner chambers of the Celestial Sect—one of the most restricted places in the Everbloom Continent.
His every step was under surveillance… or so they believed.
Thanks to the Hidden Villain System, his "presence" left decoy traces, while his real self-moved in perfect stealth.
"System, analysis of the corruption progress in the sacred spring?"
[Current Corruption: 14.2%][Status: Unnoticed][Estimated Full Conversion: 6 Days]
"Good." Priyanshu whispered, sitting inside a guest courtyard beneath a blooming starlight tree. Its silver petals drifted around him like snow.
"And Princess Lira?"
[Fate Thread Entanglement: 11%][Emotional Bias: Intrigued][Hidden Trait Unlocked: Dual Nature – Light and Shadow]
That last part made him pause.
"Wait... dual nature?"
[Affirmative. Target possesses hidden affinity for shadow, suppressed by her cultivation method. Direct exposure to chaos or villain-type fate triggers awakening.]
Priyanshu chuckled under his breath.
"So, the shining Saintess of the continent is just one nudge away from walking the path of shadows."
It was ironic—and beautiful.
Later that evening, he was summoned to the Celestial Moon Pavilion, a sacred hall used by disciples of high status.
Inside, Princess Lira sat cross-legged in meditation, surrounded by glowing talismans. Her expression was calm, but her aura was fluctuating.
She opened her eyes the moment he stepped in.
"Alchemist Lin," she said, her voice soft yet probing, "You are not from the Eastern Cloud Sect, are you?"
Priyanshu raised a brow, calmly stepping closer.
"Why would you think so?"
"I see things others don't. You carry too many shadows within your soul."
He smiled. Not a forced smile, but one full of mystery.
"Maybe I'm just good at hiding the light."
That answer made her pause. She had expected lies, excuses—not poetry.
"Who are you, really?"
He took her hand suddenly bold, but not forceful. He leaned close, his voice a whisper:
"Someone who sees the darkness in you… and doesn't judge it."
A tremor passed through her fingers. Her heartbeat quickened.
For the first time in her life, someone acknowledged the part of her she had long denied.
The chaos in her soul… wanted to bloom.
[System Notification]Target's Heart Barrier Cracked. Fate Thread Entanglement: 21%. Emotional Anchor Formed.]
A petal fell between them. Half black, half silver.
The line between light and dark was blurring fast.
And Priyanshu?
He was already preparing the next step.
"Now," he thought, "let's bring down the pillar of purity… piece by piece."