VILLAIN: MANIPULATING THE HEROINES INTO HATING THE PROTAGONIST - Chapter 507: Impressing Pavilion Mistress Cui Lan

As Chu Yang, Zhi Xi, and the group of beauties approached Pavilion Mistress Cui Lan’s planet, excitement buzzed in the air. The planet, nestled within a cluster of stars belonging to the Heavenly Jade Pavilion, shimmered with an otherworldly beauty.

As they neared the invisible array barrier surrounding the planet, Chu Yang, Zhi Xi, and the other beauties passed through effortlessly, their status as disciples of Pavilion Mistress Cui Lan granting them access. But Wang Jian, being an unknown entity, found himself barred from entry by the formidable barrier.

Zhi Xi’s brow furrowed with concern as she realized Wang Jian’s predicament. “You stay here, Wang Jian,” she instructed, her voice tinged with worry. “I’ll go speak to my master and see if I can get you inside.”

But Wang Jian simply smiled in response, his eyes twinkling with determination. “Don’t trouble yourself, Zhi Xi,” he replied calmly. “I’ll handle this.”

With a sense of curiosity and apprehension, Zhi Xi and the other beauties watched as Wang Jian approached the invisible barrier, his movements deliberate and confident. They knew firsthand the strength of Pavilion Mistress Cui Lan’s array formations, and attempting to manipulate them was no small feat.

Zhi Xi’s heart pounded with anxiety as she watched Wang Jian’s bold attempt. “Be careful, Wang Jian,” she murmured under her breath, her fingers clenched into fists at her sides.

Meanwhile, Chu Yang’s excitement bubbled over as he witnessed Wang Jian’s audacious move. ‘This is it,’ he thought eagerly, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. ‘He is really courting death right now!’

Chu Yang’s anticipation reached a fever pitch as he imagined the devastating consequences of Wang Jian’s actions. He had seen firsthand the deadly results of going against Pavilion Mistress Cui Lan’s array formations, and he relished the prospect of witnessing Wang Jian’s downfall.

But to Chu Yang’s dismay, Wang Jian’s efforts yielded unexpected results. Instead of facing instant obliteration, Wang Jian’s manipulation of the array formations seemed to be working. The invisible barrier wavered and shimmered, its once impenetrable surface fluctuating under Wang Jian’s skilled touch.

Zhi Xi’s eyes widened in disbelief as she watched the barrier begin to falter, her breath catching in her throat. “He’s actually doing it,” she whispered in awe, her heart racing with excitement.

The other beauties of the Heavenly Jade Pavilion exchanged stunned glances, their admiration for Wang Jian growing with each passing moment. They had expected him to fail in the face of Pavilion Mistress Cui Lan’s formidable defenses, but here he was, defying all expectations with his incredible skill.

As the barrier continued to weaken under Wang Jian’s manipulation, Chu Yang’s frustration mounted with each passing moment. ‘This can’t be happening,’ he thought incredulously, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. ‘How is Wang Jian managing to manipulate the array formations?’

But no matter how much Chu Yang willed for Wang Jian’s failure, the invisible barrier continued to waver and shift, its once solid surface now trembling under Wang Jian’s mastery.

And then, in a dazzling display of skill and determination, the barrier finally gave way, parting before Wang Jian like a curtain drawn aside. Zhi Xi gasped in awe as she watched Wang Jian step through the now-open portal, his smile radiant with triumph.

“He did it,” she breathed, her eyes shining with pride. “Wang Jian actually did it.”

The other beauties nodded in agreement, their admiration for Wang Jian reaching new heights. They had witnessed firsthand the extent of his talent and determination, and they couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe in his presence.

As Wang Jian stood among the group of beauties on Pavilion Mistress Cui Lan’s planet, a sense of accomplishment swelled within him. He had successfully manipulated the formidable array formation barrier set up by Pavilion Mistress Cui Lan herself, a feat that would leave even the most seasoned cultivators in awe.

As he basked in the admiration of the beauties around him, their eyes filled with awe and curiosity, Wang Jian couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction. He had revealed a glimpse of his true capabilities, showcasing his mastery over array formations.

The beauties, their faces aglow with admiration, turned to Zhi Xi with teasing smiles, eager to learn more about the mysterious cultivator who had managed to breach Pavilion Mistress Cui Lan’s defenses.

“So, Zhi Xi, care to tell us where you found this talented young man?” one of the beauties quipped, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Zhi Xi, caught off guard by their playful teasing, chuckled nervously as she struggled to find the right words. She knew she couldn’t keep Wang Jian’s involvement in her past a secret any longer.

“Well, you see,” Zhi Xi began hesitantly, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. “I met Wang Jian when I and my fellow junior sisters went on a mission to the Earthly Dragon Star.”

The other beauties gasped in surprise, their curiosity piqued as they leaned in to listen to Zhi Xi’s tale.

Zhi Xi took a deep breath, her mind drifting back to that fateful encounter with the Flood Dragon on the Earthly Dragon Star. She recounted the harrowing events of that day, describing how Wang Jian had swooped in to rescue her and her junior sisters from certain doom.

“And that’s how I met Wang Jian,” Zhi Xi concluded, her voice tinged with gratitude. “He saved us from the clutches of the Flood Dragon and showed us what true heroism looks like.”

The other beauties listened in rapt attention, their admiration for Wang Jian growing with each passing moment. They couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe at his bravery and skill, knowing now that he had faced down such formidable foes and emerged victorious.

But just as the atmosphere began to settle, a sudden burst of energy erupted from the surface of the planet, sending shockwaves through the air.

Chu Yang’s eyes widened in alarm as he recognized the unmistakable aura of Pavilion Mistress Cui Lan. “She’s coming,” he whispered urgently, his voice tinged with apprehension.

Zhi Xi’s heart pounded in her chest as she glanced at Wang Jian, her eyes wide with worry. “What do we do?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

But to her surprise, Wang Jian remained calm and composed, his expression unwavering. “Don’t worry,” he reassured her, his voice steady. “Trust me.”

As the tension mounted, the burst of energy from the surface of the planet grew closer, hurtling towards them with alarming speed. Zhi Xi and the others braced themselves for what was to come, their hearts racing with anticipation.

And then, in a dazzling display of power, Pavilion Mistress Cui Lan appeared before them, her presence filling the air with an undeniable sense of authority. She regarded them with a cool, assessing gaze, her eyes lingering on Wang Jian with keen interest.

Zhi Xi’s breath caught in her throat as she awaited Pavilion Mistress Cui Lan’s judgment. She knew they had trespassed upon her territory, and she could only hope that Pavilion Mistress Cui Lan would show them mercy.

But to her astonishment, Pavilion Mistress Cui Lan’s expression softened as she regarded Wang Jian. “You,” she said, her voice echoing with reverence. “You are the one who breached my array formations.”

Wang Jian nodded respectfully, his gaze meeting hers without fear. “Yes, Pavilion Mistress,” he replied, his voice calm and measured. “I apologize for any inconvenience my actions may have caused.”

Zhi Xi, feeling a surge of guilt, stepped forward, eager to take responsibility for her actions. “Master,” she began, her voice tinged with apprehension. “I must confess, I was the one who brought Wang Jian here. I wanted him to meet you, but I failed to warn him about the barrier.”

Pavilion Mistress Cui Lan’s gaze turned sharp as she fixed her stern gaze on Zhi Xi. “You will be dealt with later for your indiscretion,” she admonished firmly. Then, her attention returned to Wang Jian, her curiosity piqued. “Now, young man, tell me—what treasure did you use to breach my barrier?”

Wang Jian met Pavilion Mistress Cui Lan’s gaze unwaveringly, his expression calm and collected. “No treasure, Pavilion Mistress,” he replied honestly. “I simply utilized my knowledge of array formations and the energies at my disposal to manipulate the barrier.”

Pavilion Mistress Cui Lan’s eyebrows lifted in surprise at Wang Jian’s response. “Impressive,” she remarked, a hint of admiration coloring her tone. “It takes great skill and mastery to achieve what you have done.”

Zhi Xi’s heart swelled with pride at Pavilion Mistress Cui Lan’s acknowledgment of Wang Jian’s abilities. She had known from the moment she met him that Wang Jian was no ordinary cultivator, but seeing Pavilion Mistress Cui Lan’s reaction only confirmed her belief.

Meanwhile, Chu Yang watched the exchange with a mixture of fascination and envy. He had always prided himself on his own abilities, but seeing Wang Jian effortlessly command Pavilion Mistress Cui Lan’s respect filled him with a sense of inadequacy.

Pavilion Mistress Cui Lan’s piercing gaze fell upon Wang Jian as she inquired, “Why did you come here?”

Wang Jian’s response was delivered with casual confidence, his demeanor unruffled. “I came here to discuss and exchange insights on the laws of array formations with you and exchange my insights on the laws of alchemy with the Third Elder of the Heavenly Jade Pavilion.”

The coldness in Pavilion Mistress Cui Lan’s tone was palpable as she cautioned, “Discussing the laws of array formations and alchemy? You seem to be biting off more than you can chew, young man. Such arrogance at your age is unbecoming.”

But Wang Jian remained unperturbed, his composure unwavering. “It all depends on my capability,” he countered calmly. “If I can prove my ability, then it’s confidence. If not, then it’s arrogance. Perhaps you should test me before passing judgment, Pavilion Mistress.”

Despite the tension hanging in the air, Wang Jian’s steady gaze never wavered as he awaited Pavilion Mistress Cui Lan’s response. He was prepared to face whatever judgment she deemed fit, his confidence unwavering.

After a thoughtful pause, Pavilion Mistress Cui Lan finally relented, her tone carrying a note of finality. “Very well,” she conceded. “You have proven yourself to be a worthy individual, Wang Jian. You may remain within the boundaries of my star cluster for the time being.”

Zhi Xi’s eyes widened in astonishment at Pavilion Mistress Cui Lan’s unexpected leniency. She had anticipated harsh punishment for their trespass, but Pavilion Mistress Cui Lan’s decision left her pleasantly surprised.

Then, as Pavilion Mistress Cui Lan turned her attention to Zhi Xi and Chu Yang, she issued her final command. “Take Wang Jian to the guest chamber and let him rest,” she instructed, her tone firm.

With Pavilion Mistress Cui Lan’s directive given, Zhi Xi and Chu Yang sprang into action, leading Wang Jian towards the guest chamber. Despite the gravity of the situation, there was an undeniable sense of relief in the air as they made their way through the hallowed halls of the Heavenly Jade Pavilion.

As they reached the guest chamber, Zhi Xi turned to Wang Jian with a grateful smile. “You handled that situation with remarkable poise,” she remarked, her admiration evident in her voice.

Wang Jian returned her smile with a nod of appreciation. “Thank you,” he replied graciously. “It was a test of diplomacy, but I’m glad it ended well.”