Chapter 16

Ding!

Congratulations, Host! You have snatched the protagonist Ye Chan's chance to show off. Host is awarded 1,000 Villain Points.

Ding!

Congratulations, Host! For humiliating the protagonist in front of the heroine and his crush and altering the novel's trajectory, Host is awarded 10,000 Villain Points.

Ding!

Protagonist's luck has decreased by 100.

Ding!

Congratulations, Host! You have earned 100 Luck Points.

Xiao Ming's lips curled into a victorious smile as he glanced at the system notifications. The progress was satisfying. He suddenly seemed to remember something and swept his gaze around the hall. Finally, his eyes landed on Ye Chan, who sat with a dark expression.

"System," Xiao Ming said lazily, "show me Ye Chan's panel."

Name: Ye Chan

Cultivation Realm: Nascent Soul, First Stage

Luck Level: Golden

Luck Points: 10,000

Physique: Scarlet Inferno Body

Impression of Host: -30

"Golden luck and 10,000 points," Xiao Ming mused, rubbing his chin. "The usual protagonist cheat package. But this impression score…" He paused, reading further.

"What's this 'Impression' about?" he asked curiously.

Ding!

Impression reflects how someone perceives the Host. The system categorizes it as follows:

-100 to -81: Absolute hatred or betrayal.

-80 to -61: Deep resentment or hostility.

-60 to -41: Strong dislike or distrust.

-40 to -21: Mild dislike or unease.

-20 to 0: Neutral or indifferent.

1 to 20: Slightly favorable or curious.

21 to 40: Mild trust or initial loyalty.

41 to 60: Growing trust or respect.

61 to 80: Strong loyalty or bond.

81 to 100: Absolute loyalty or unwavering trust.

"At 100 points," the system added, "the subject is even willing to die for the Host, and betrayal becomes impossible."

"So, a -30, huh?" Xiao Ming chuckled. "It seems he finds me unpleasant. Well, that's fine. I never planned to leave a good impression on him anyway."

Satisfied with the explanation, Xiao Ming shifted his attention to Xiao Rui. The system panel updated instantly.

Name: Xiao Rui

Cultivation Realm: Ninth Stage, Golden Core Realm

Luck Level: Red

Luck Points: 5,000

Physique: Cold Yin Sacred Body (Sealed)

Impression of Host: 80

Looking at Xiao Rui's attributes, Xiao Ming raised an eyebrow. "Her luck is lower than I expected. As the heroine of the novel, it should be much higher." However, after a moment of thought, he nodded. "It must be related to her physique being sealed. That explains it."

Her impression of him, though, didn't surprise him. Based on his inherited memories, Xiao Rui had always harbored a special affection for the original Xiao Ming but the original Xiao Ming had been too dense to notice. She had even vowed to destroy the Divine Blue Sect after hearing about his supposed death. It was this opportunity that the protagonist, Ye Chan, had used to get closer to her in the original storyline.

"Too bad for him," Xiao Ming thought, smirking. "The heroine's heart is no longer up for grabs."

Just as Xiao Ming was analyzing the panels, Deacon Chu entered the hall with the golden-armored guards following closely behind.

"Master Xiao," Deacon Chu said respectfully, bowing deeply, "we have completed your orders. From now on, there are no longer four major families in Moonshade City. The Xiao family reigns supreme."

Although Deacon Chu's cultivation was at the Earthly Saint Realm, far surpassing Xiao Ming's current strength, his tone was filled with reverence. Having witnessed Xiao Ming's monstrous talent, he was certain this young master would someday surpass even the True God Realm.

"System, show me Deacon Chu's panel," Xiao Ming commanded.

Name: Deacon Chu

Cultivation Realm: Earthly Saint Realm

Luck Level: White

Physique: None

Impression of Host: 50

Seeing the Impression score, Xiao Ming nodded. "For just a few days of acquaintance, this is quite acceptable."

"Good. You did well," Xiao Ming said aloud, his tone calm but approving.

"Haha! Ming'er," Xiao Lin's booming voice echoed in the hall. "It's truly rare for you to return home. Tonight, we shall host a grand celebration—not only for today's victory but also to honor your achievement as a core disciple of the Divine Blue Sect!"

Cheers erupted among the family members. Xiao Ming smiled faintly, his expression unreadable.

Later that Night

The Xiao family mansion was bustling with activity that night. Bright lanterns adorned every corner, tables were piled high with luxurious dishes, and the air buzzed with laughter and cheer. Xiao Ming sat at the head of the table, flanked by Xiao Rui and Xiao Mei, enjoying the festive atmosphere.

Well, almost everyone was enjoying it.

In a far corner, Ye Chan sat among the servants, his face as dark as the night sky. "Unbelievable," he muttered. "How dare they treat me like this?"

His frustration grew as he noticed a dog sitting nearby, its eyes locked onto him. The dog's intense, almost judgmental gaze made him feel more uncomfortable by the second.

"What are you staring at?" Ye Chan hissed under his breath.

The dog tilted its head, as if contemplating his question. Then, without warning, it jumped onto the bench and began sniffing his plate.

Ye Chan's eyes twitched. "You little—" He raised his foot, ready to shove the dog away, but a voice stopped him.

"That's Xiao Rui's favorite dog," Xiao Wuye said, appearing beside him with a sly grin. "If you kick it, she'll be furious."

Hearing this, Ye Chan reluctantly lowered his foot. "Even so, isn't this too much? I'm Xiao Mei's savior! Shouldn't I at least be treated better than a dog?"

Xiao Wuye's grin widened. "Well, the celebration is packed, and seating is limited. As for the dog, it's allowed to sit anywhere it wants. Believe it or not, its status in this house might be higher than yours."

Ye Chan's face turned red with anger, but before he could respond, the dog suddenly buried its snout in his plate and began wolfing down his food.

Ye Chan froze, his mind blank.

Nearby servants tried and failed to hide their laughter, their shoulders shaking.

"This can't be real…" Ye Chan muttered, his voice trembling. "A dog. A dog is eating my dinner!"

The dog, as if sensing his despair, paused its feast to look him dead in the eye. Then, with a loud burp, it wagged its tail and resumed eating.

Ye Chan felt his blood pressure spike. "That's it!" He stood abruptly, his fists clenched. But remembering Xiao Rui's impression of him was already bad, he swallowed his anger and stormed out of the hall.

As he exited, his gaze drifted to the main table. Xiao Ming was laughing and drinking with Xiao Rui and Xiao Mei, the trio exuding an air of camaraderie. The sight made Ye Chan's stomach churn.

He didn't know why, but he felt certain Xiao Ming was behind all of this. And Ye Chan always trusted his gut—it had saved him countless times before.

Back at the main table, Xiao Ming sipped his wine, his eyes twinkling with amusement as he watched Ye Chan's retreating figure.

"Perfect," he thought, a sly smile tugging at his lips. "Everything is going exactly as planned."