Villain: Manipulating the Heroines into hating the Protagonist

Chapter 914: Accepting A Few Maids

A few days slipped by within the hidden sanctuary, marked by a routine of intense cultivation and quiet recovery. The constant, thunderous bombardment from the Hundred Beast Manor forces outside had ceased entirely after their annihilation, leaving an almost unsettling silence in its wake. Within the misty concealment array Yue Lingshan had woven, a fragile peace reigned.

Wang Jian had entered a period of deep seclusion, focusing on healing the last vestiges of his injuries and beginning the long process of consolidating the immense gains from his recent battles. Chen Ying, driven by his command, had also sealed herself away, immersing herself in the looted beast manuals and absorbing the resources he had provided, her aura growing colder and sharper with each passing hour. Liu Ruyan dedicated herself to her alchemy, refining poisons and analyzing the properties of the strange herbs found in the enemy’s pouches, her quiet diligence a mask for the burning anticipation his promise had ignited within her.

Yue Lingshan emerged first from her meditation. Her aura felt slightly stronger, more stable. The insights gleaned from the Hundred Beast Manor manuals, combined with the fierce battle, had pushed her understanding of array principles to a new level.

She found Wang Jian in the main hall. He wasn’t cultivating but was overseeing the rescued disciples, ensuring they had adequate food, water, and basic necessities. He looked every bit the responsible, caring leader.

He saw her approach and a warm smile lit his face. He walked over, putting a casual, affectionate arm around her shoulders. "Ah, my love. Emerged from your insights?"

She nodded, leaning into his familiar warmth. "Yes, Jian. The manuals were... illuminating. Though their methods are crude, some of their principles on integrating living energy are quite intriguing."

"As expected of my brilliant Lingshan," he praised softly. He gestured towards the survivors, who were quietly going about simple chores, cleaning the sanctuary or mending their tattered robes. "They seem to be recovering well, thanks to your care."

"They are resilient," Yue Lingshan agreed, her gaze softening with compassion as she looked at them. Li Mei, the young disciple, offered her a shy, grateful smile.

Wang Jian sighed, his expression turning thoughtful. "It is a pity we cannot simply leave them here when we depart. They are still weak, their cultivation bases shaken. This region... it is far too dangerous for them alone now."

Yue Lingshan frowned slightly. "I know. I have been wondering what will become of them. Returning to the sect might also be difficult, with the southern territories in such chaos."

"Indeed," Wang Jian continued, his tone turning slightly melancholic as he steered the conversation. "And thinking of returning... our own dwelling, while magnificent, is rather large, isn’t it?" He sighed dramatically. "Maintaining it all, tending to that ever-expanding magical garden when we are away on missions... it requires effort. Effort that takes away from our precious cultivation time."

Yue Lingshan nodded slowly, his words striking a chord. "It is true, Jian. Especially the garden, it grows so quickly under your care, it needs constant tending. And..." She hesitated, then voiced the thought he had planted earlier. "...when you leave for the Crimson Pill Sect with Junior Sister Ruyan, I... I will be alone there for quite some time. It will feel rather empty."

Wang Jian feigned contemplation, stroking his chin as if the idea were just occurring to him. "Hmm, yes. Companionship would be good for you. Someone to talk to. And help with the mundane chores... it would free up so much more of your time for your array studies and cultivation."

He watched her face, saw the seed of the idea taking root in her practical, slightly lonely heart.

Then, just as she seemed about to suggest something, he dismissed the thought with a casual wave of his hand. "Ah, but it’s a foolish notion. Finding trustworthy servants in these troubled times? Nearly impossible. Most mortals couldn’t even withstand the ambient spiritual energy in our valley, let alone be trusted with our secrets. Forget I mentioned it, my love. Let us simply focus on our recovery for now."

He released her, giving her a reassuring smile before turning his attention back to inspecting a section of the sanctuary wall, leaving her alone with her thoughts.

He had expertly planted the seed. Yue Lingshan watched him walk away, her mind now buzzing with the possibilities. The practicalities of managing their large, high-energy dwelling alone while he was gone... the sheer loneliness of it... the idea of having maids, companions, helpers... it was no longer just a vague notion; it seemed almost necessary. But who? Where would she find such people?

Later that day, Yue Lingshan found herself observing the rescued women more closely. They were quiet, deferential, and seemed genuinely grateful. Bai Qingzhu was helping Liu Ruyan sort herbs with surprising efficiency. Li Meiying, despite her fiery nature, was patiently teaching some of the younger survivors a basic breathing exercise. Liu Xiangfei was tending to the minor injuries of the male disciples with a gentle, motherly touch.

They seemed... manageable. Their personalities, perhaps softened by their ordeal, seemed gentle, compliant. They were cultivators, so they could handle the environment. And they owed Wang Jian their lives, which suggested a certain level of loyalty...

Wang Jian, from the corner of his eye, watched Yue Lingshan watching the women. A hidden, triumphant smirk touched his lips. The first phase of his manipulation was complete. The target was considering the bait.

A day later, Wang Jian sought out Liu Ruyan. He found her alone in a quiet corner of the sanctuary, practicing her control over the strange, crimson Blood Spirit Flame, making it dance and weave between her fingers like a living ribbon.

He approached her silently. She immediately extinguished the flame, turning to him with that familiar look of devoted anticipation.

"Ruyan, my sweet, clever fairy," he began, his voice a low, intimate murmur. "I require another... small favor."

She nodded eagerly. "Anything, Jian."

He gestured vaguely towards the main hall where the rescued women were quietly conversing. "Those rescued women," he said, his tone casual, almost offhand. "Especially the married ones. They seem quite devoted to me now, wouldn’t you agree?" He gave her a sharp, knowing look, a silent acknowledgement of the power dynamic he had established.

She blushed beneath her veil, nodding shyly. "They... they hold Deacon Wang in the highest esteem, naturally. You saved their lives."

"Indeed," he continued smoothly. "Now, Lingshan... she will be alone when we travel to your sect. She requires companionship. And our dwelling requires tending. It would be... convenient," he chose the word carefully, "if these grateful women were to volunteer their services as maids at our dwelling."

Liu Ruyan’s eyes widened slightly behind her veil. She understood immediately. He wanted his new toys close at hand, installed right under Yue Lingshan’s nose. And he wanted her, Liu Ruyan, to be the one to make it happen. It was a dirty, manipulative task, binding her further into his web of deceit, making her complicit in his betrayal of Yue Lingshan.

He reached out, gently stroking her cheek through the thin silk of her veil. "You have such a gentle nature, Ruyan," he said, his voice a soft, persuasive caress. "They trust you. You rescued them alongside me. Go to them. Speak to them. Convince them that offering their loyal service to Lingshan is the best, the only, way they can truly repay the immense debt they owe me for saving their lives."

He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a cold whisper. "Perhaps hint that their current situation... their vulnerability... is precarious. Returning to their husbands might not be as simple as they think. And," his voice turned hard, a sliver of the demonic master showing through, "if they prove... uncooperative... perhaps gently remind them that their lives are still in my hands. A cultivator of my power has many uses for... unwilling assistants. Serving Lingshan as maids, enjoying our protection, perhaps even gaining some cultivation benefits under my guidance... it is a far better fate than becoming a mindless cultivation cauldron, used until their essence runs dry and they die of old age."

The veiled threat hung heavy in the air. Liu Ruyan shivered, not entirely from fear, but from a dark, thrilling excitement. He was trusting her with his dirty work. He was treating her as his true confidante, his partner in crime.

Driven by her overwhelming love, her desperate desire to please him, and the intoxicating promise of his future rewards, she agreed without a single flicker of hesitation. "I understand, Jian," she whispered, her voice filled with a resolute determination. "I will speak to them. I will convince them."

Armed with Wang Jian’s blessing and his subtle threat, Liu Ruyan approached the group of women later that day. She found Bai Qingzhu, Li Meiying, Liu Xiangfei, the other two married women, and the young Li Mei gathered together, talking quietly.

She spoke to them gently, persuasively, her voice filled with a soft, sisterly concern. She reminded them of Deacon Wang’s immense power, his godlike intervention that had saved them from certain death. She spoke of the debt they owed him, a debt that could never truly be repaid with mere spirit stones or thanks.

Then, her tone shifted subtly. She spoke of the chaos in the sect, the dangers of the outside world. "Returning to your husbands... will it truly be safe?" she asked softly. "The sect is mobilizing for war. Resources are scarce. Tensions are high. Perhaps... perhaps finding a powerful protector now would be the wisest course."

She saw the fear flicker in their eyes. She pressed her advantage. "Deacon Yue Lingshan," she continued, her voice filled with admiration, "is kind and compassionate. And she will soon be managing Deacon Wang’s large estate alone while he is away on important sect business. She requires assistance. Companionship."

She then delivered the core of the message, carefully weaving Wang Jian’s implied threat into a seemingly benevolent suggestion. "Offering your service to Deacon Yue... it would be a noble way to repay Deacon Wang’s kindness. You would be under their direct protection. Safe. Cared for. Perhaps even... guided in your cultivation." She let the implication hang in the air. Serve, and be rewarded. Refuse... and face the unknown consequences of displeasing their powerful, unpredictable savior.

She helped them craft their story, focusing on the (perhaps partially true) narrative of neglectful, ambitious husbands who put the sect or their own goals above their wives’ safety. She coached them on how to present their plea to Yue Lingshan, emphasizing their desperation, their loyalty, and their desire for safety and purpose under her specific protection.

Later that evening, the plan was put into action. The five married women, along with the young, tearful Li Mei, approached Yue Lingshan as she sat reading in the main hall. They knelt before her in unison, their heads bowed low, their expressions masks of pure, heartbreaking desperation.

Bai Qingzhu, her voice trembling with perfectly rehearsed emotion, acted as their spokeswoman.

"Deacon Yue!" she cried, tears streaming down her face. "We owe Deacon Wang our very lives! We are eternally indebted! We wish only to serve you both, to dedicate our lives to repaying this immense, heaven-sent debt!"

She paused, taking a ragged breath. "Our husbands... they care only for their own cultivation, their own ambitions! They leave us alone, unprotected, forced onto dangerous missions like this one, just to gather funds for their own advancement! They do not cherish us! Please," she begged, her voice breaking, "allow us to serve you as maids in your dwelling! Under your protection, perhaps they will finally leave us in peace! We wish only for a safe harbor, a chance to serve those who truly value us!"

Their performance was flawless. They looked genuinely desperate, genuinely wronged, genuinely terrified of returning to their old lives. Their collective plea, their tears, their subservient postures—it all combined to tug powerfully at Yue Lingshan’s naturally compassionate heartstrings.

Yue Lingshan was completely taken aback by their sudden, desperate plea. She looked down at the kneeling women, at their tear-streaked faces, at their trembling shoulders, at the palpable aura of fear and desperation clinging to them. Her heart ached with sympathy.

"Please, rise," she said gently. "There is no need to kneel."

They rose slowly, but kept their heads bowed, maintaining their posture of utter subservience.

Her mind raced. Maids? Serve her? It was such an unexpected, almost overwhelming, request.

But then, Wang Jian’s earlier words echoed in her mind. ’The dwelling is large... Maintaining it requires effort... Companionship would be good for you...’

She considered the practicalities. He was right. Their cave dwelling, especially with the magical garden needing constant attention, was a lot to manage alone. And the thought of him leaving for the Crimson Pill Sect, potentially for weeks or even months... the loneliness she would feel in that vast, empty space... it was a daunting prospect. Having help, having other women around for simple companionship... it was undeniably appealing.

She looked closely at the women again, her mind assessing the potential risks. They were beautiful, yes, strikingly so. Especially the five mature ones, with their magnificent figures and alluring charm. Could they pose a threat? Could they harbor designs on her Jian?

But then she remembered their story. They were married. They spoke of husbands, even if neglectfully. Surely, established cultivators with existing Dao Companions wouldn’t be so shameless, so lacking in basic propriety, as to try and seduce the husband of their benefactor, their protector? Their story about wanting safety, wanting purpose, wanting to serve her, Deacon Yue Lingshan... it felt genuine. It felt... safe. They seemed pitiable, victims of circumstance, not cunning vixens.

Feeling conflicted, needing his reassurance, she went to find Wang Jian. She found him in his private chamber, seemingly deep in meditation. She explained the situation, her voice hesitant.

"Jian, the strangest thing just happened," she began, trying to sound casual, though her mind was buzzing. "Those rescued women... Bai Qingzhu, Li Meiying, and the others... they just came to me, all of them, kneeling, begging me to take them back to our dwelling as maids. They told me these terrible stories about their husbands abandoning them, forcing them onto dangerous missions..."

Wang Jian opened his eyes, feigning mild surprise. "Maids?" he repeated, as if the thought had never crossed his mind. "Well, that is... unexpected. Entirely their own idea, you say?"

"Yes," Yue Lingshan confirmed. "They seemed quite desperate."

He put on a thoughtful expression, tapping his finger against his chin. "Hmm. Well, my love," he said, expertly putting the decision, and the responsibility, entirely in her hands. "It is your home too, perhaps even more so than mine, as you manage its daily affairs. What do you think? Would you feel comfortable having them there? Would their presence bring you comfort, or cause you unease?"

Yue Lingshan considered his words. He was right. It was her decision. She voiced her thoughts aloud, partly to convince herself, partly seeking his validation.

"Well... they do seem truly desperate," she mused. "And honestly, Jian, having some help around the dwelling, especially with the garden, would free up so much of my time. And... when you are away... it would be nice not to be entirely alone." She paused, then added the crucial factor that sealed her decision. "And... since they are all married women, I suppose there is little risk of any... impropriety. They seem more interested in finding safety than causing trouble."

Wang Jian listened patiently, then nodded slowly, thoughtfully, as if giving her reasoning serious consideration. "Your points are well-reasoned, my love," he said finally, his voice filled with warm approval. "And your compassion does you great credit. It is a noble thing to offer shelter to those in need."

He gave her a gentle, loving smile. "If you feel it is right, then I support your decision completely. Very well. Tell them they may serve you."

Yue Lingshan beamed, a wave of pure happiness washing over her. She felt wise, compassionate, and practical. And she felt adored, supported by her wonderful, understanding husband. She rushed off, eager to give the waiting women the good news, eager to start planning their new roles in her household.

The moment she was gone, the moment the stone door slid shut behind her, the warm, supportive expression vanished from Wang Jian’s face. It was replaced by a look of pure, triumphant, and utterly demonic satisfaction.

’Perfect,’ he thought, a low, silent chuckle rumbling in his chest. ’Absolutely perfect. My little birds, flying so willingly, so gratefully, right into my gilded cage. Lingshan gets her maids and her companionship. And I... I get my secret harem, always close at hand, ready to serve my needs whenever the mood strikes.’

He pictured it already. The nights when Lingshan was deep in meditation, or away visiting her family. The stolen moments, the secret trysts, the delicious, forbidden pleasure of taking these married women right under his oblivious wife’s very roof.

’Oh, the games I will play,’ he mused, his smile widening into a predatory grin. ’The exquisite, delightful games, when Lingshan is none the wiser...’

He watched through a crack in the door as Yue Lingshan happily informed the kneeling women of her decision. He saw their tearful, grateful reactions, their vows of eternal loyalty to her.

The net of deceit was perfectly woven. He had his brilliant plan for dealing with the enemy outside. And now, he had secured his ongoing pleasure for the future inside. Everything, absolutely everything, was proceeding according to his master design.