Chapter 465 Painting Lin Fei In Bad Light
Wang Jian, with his plan meticulously crafted in his mind, began his elaborate scheme to tarnish Lin Fei's reputation. He was acutely aware that he needed to execute his plan with utmost subtlety, especially with Yu Qing by his side. Her keen senses and strong sense of justice meant that any hint of his true intentions could unravel everything and make her angry at him.
Under the guise of generosity, Wang Jian began distributing these uniquely enhanced herbs throughout the Crimson Star Settlement. Each herb, having been nourished with his Divine Energy, Time Laws, and Life Power, radiated an aura so captivating that it was impossible for the cultivators of the settlement to ignore.
'Step one, plant the seeds of desire,' Wang Jian thought, a sly smile playing on his lips as he handed out the herbs. 'These herbs will be the bait to draw out Lin Fei and reveal his true nature.'
Yu Qing, observing his actions, saw only the surface. 'Wang Jian's generosity will surely earn us goodwill here. It's a wise move.'
The second step of Wang Jian's plan involved carefully crafted rumors. To do that, he left the inn everyday under the guise of taking a walk so that he could be away from Yu Qing's gaze.
Wang Jian then subtly spread whispers about the extraordinary properties of the herbs, making sure the tales reached the ears of those most likely to seek them out – including Lin Fei.
'Now, let the rumors fly and stir the pot. Lin Fei won't be able to resist,' Wang Jian mused, watching as the settlement buzzed with excitement over the miraculous herbs.
As anticipated, the rumors reached Lin Fei, igniting his interest. With his unique cultivation technique and special physique, Lin Fei had an insatiable appetite for rare herbs to enhance his powers. The bait was too enticing for him to ignore.
Wang Jian observed from the shadows, his plan unfolding smoothly. 'Lin Fei will come seeking these herbs, and when he does, his actions will speak louder than any rumor I could spread.'
To ensure his plan's success, Wang Jian also spread subtle hints about the potential locations of these herbs, carefully orchestrating encounters that would place Lin Fei in morally ambiguous situations.
'Let's see how our hero reacts when faced with temptation. Will he uphold his image of justice, or will he succumb to his desires?' Wang Jian pondered, his mind already several steps ahead.
Yu Qing, ever loyal, remained by his side, unaware of the deeper machinations at play. She believed they were simply aiding the settlement and its people, oblivious to Wang Jian's true intent.
In the dead of night, under the cover of darkness, the Crimson Star Settlement became a stage for a silent but intense battle. Cultivators, hidden under cloaks and masks, prowled the streets and alleys, their eyes gleaming with greed and anticipation. Among them, hidden yet determined, was Lin Fei.
The herb that caused the greatest stir was known as the "Heaven's Lament Bloom". This rare botanical marvel was said to enhance a cultivator's power by leaps and bounds, a prize worth any risk. It was this very herb that Lin Fei had set his sights on, his heart pounding with a mix of excitement and avarice.
'With the Heaven's Lament Bloom, my cultivation will soar. Nothing will stand in my way,' Lin Fei thought, his eyes glinting under his dark hood.
His target was an old, frail woman, gifted the herb by Wang Jian. The woman, unaware of its true value, kept it close, believing it to be a mere token of goodwill that would prolong her life.
As Lin Fei approached the old woman's residence, he wasn't alone. Other cultivators, attracted by the same rumors, had converged on the spot, setting the stage for an inevitable clash.
The air crackled with tension as these hidden figures eyed each other warily. Then, chaos erupted. Spells and martial techniques lit up the night as the cultivators clashed, each fighting to claim the precious herb.
Lin Fei, with his exceptional combat prowess, cut through his opponents with ease. His moves were precise and ruthless, betraying no hesitation. As he neared the old woman's house, a sharp confrontation ensued between him and another masked cultivator.
In the heat of the battle, Lin Fei's mask was ripped off, revealing his identity to all. Gasps and whispers cut through the air.
"It's Lin Fei!" someone exclaimed, and the revelation sent shockwaves through the crowd.
Despite the commotion, Lin Fei's focus remained unshaken. He lunged forward, seizing the Heaven's Lament Bloom from the old woman's trembling hands. The woman's eyes widened in horror as her lifeline was snatched away, her frail body collapsing.
Lin Fei, holding the herb triumphantly, felt no remorse. 'In the pursuit of power, sacrifices are inevitable,' he thought coldly, disappearing into the night.
The next morning, the settlement was abuzz with the night's events. Tales of Lin Fei's actions spread like wildfire, painting him as a heartless thief who robbed a dying woman of her lifeline.
The old woman's story tugged at the heartstrings of the populace. Her frail figure, clutching at the air where the Heaven's Lament Bloom once was, became a symbol of Lin Fei's cruelty.
When Yu Qing heard of Lin Fei's deed, her face twisted in disgust. "To harm an innocent for personal gain, there is no excuse for such behavior," she said, her voice cold with condemnation.
Wang Jian, observing from a distance, couldn't help but smile at the unfolding drama. 'The puppet dances as I pull the strings. Lin Fei, you played right into my hands,' he mused, his plan working even better than he had anticipated.
The authorities, incensed by Lin Fei's actions, issued a decree. "Lin Fei is to be apprehended for his crimes. The Heaven's Lament Bloom must be returned to its rightful owner," they announced, their words echoing throughout the settlement.
Lin Fei, now a fugitive, found himself hunted at every turn. His once-loyal followers and even comrades began to question his morality!
'How did it come to this? I did what any cultivator would do,' Lin Fei pondered, his mind a whirlpool of confusion and anger.
Meanwhile, the old woman, weak and fading, lay on her deathbed, a victim of a cultivator's ruthless ambition. Her family mourned, their cries a stark reminder of the human cost of Lin Fei's actions.
As the hunt for Lin Fei intensified, the people of the Crimson Star Settlement whispered among themselves, their opinions of Lin Fei forever altered.
"He was a hero to many, but now...," a passerby muttered, shaking their head in disappointment.
"Power can corrupt the best of us," another added, their eyes reflecting a mix of sadness and disdain.
Wang Jian approached the dwelling of the old frail woman with a gentle demeanor, his footsteps barely audible. He held in his hand a delicate, radiant herb, its glow a soft promise of life. The woman, weakened by her ordeal, looked up at him with tired eyes.
"Madam, while I cannot replace the Heaven's Lament Bloom, this herb, the Celestial Nectar Leaf, should ease your suffering and prolong your life," Wang Jian said, offering the herb with a respectful bow.
The woman, overwhelmed by his kindness, accepted the herb with trembling hands. "Thank you, young master. Your generosity is a balm to my weary soul," she whispered, tears of gratitude glistening in her eyes.
Meanwhile, the news of Lin Fei's escape from the Crimson Star Settlement was spreading like wildfire. Reports of his violent actions against city guards and mercenaries painted a picture of a desperate man on the run.
"He's like a wild beast, cornered and lashing out," one of the city dwellers commented, shaking his head in disbelief.
Back at their lodging, Wang Jian discussed the situation with Yu Qing. Her eyes were cold, her usual warmth replaced by a steely resolve.
"Do you wish for me to take action against Lin Fei?" Wang Jian asked, his voice calm yet laced with an undercurrent of anticipation.
Yu Qing nodded firmly. "Yes. His actions cannot go unpunished. He must learn that power does not grant one the liberty to trample over others," she said, her voice tinged with disgust.
Wang Jian's lips curled into a sly grin. 'Perfect. This will be an entertaining game,' he thought. "Then, I shall make sure that Lin Fei loses everything he holds dear," he declared with a tone of finality.
He then revealed his plan to join the Sanguine Star Academy, the very place Lin Fei sought refuge. Yu Qing looked at him, surprised yet intrigued by his decision.
"Why the Sanguine Star Academy, Wang Jian?" she inquired, her eyes searching his face for clues.
Wang Jian's eyes twinkled with mischief. "To catch a serpent, one must enter its den. By joining the Academy, I can observe Lin Fei closely and ensure that his downfall is thorough and absolute," he explained, his voice laced with a sinister edge.
Yu Qing nodded, understanding the strategy. "Be cautious, Wang Jian. The Academy is a nest of vipers, each more dangerous than the last," she warned, her concern for him evident in her voice.
Wang Jian chuckled softly. 'Oh, Yu Qing, if only you knew that in this game of vipers, I am the most venomous of them all,' he thought, his heart racing with excitement.
The following day, Wang Jian and Yu Qing set out for the Sanguine Star Academy. The Academy, a towering bastion of learning and power, loomed in the distance, its spires piercing the sky.
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