Chapter 14: Whispers of the Fallen Heavens

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The Meeting Under the Celestial Banyan Tree

The night was heavy with mist, and the Celestial Banyan Tree loomed like a giant specter under the pale glow of the twin moons.

Seraphina Yue arrived first, her sharp crimson eyes scanning the darkness.

Lucian Valcrest stepped from the shadows, his black robes embroidered with golden sigils, the image of a noble heir—flawless, composed, and unreadable.

"I see you came," he said, his voice smooth like silk.

Seraphina narrowed her eyes. "The Hidden Realm of the Fallen Heavens… you know something, don't you?"

Lucian smiled faintly, tilting his head.

"I know more than you think," he said. "And I know why you must be the first to enter it."

Seraphina gritted her teeth. "Why should I trust you?"

Lucian let out a soft chuckle. "You shouldn't."

The bluntness caught her off guard.

"But trust is irrelevant," he continued, stepping closer. "You have a choice—enter the Hidden Realm with guidance… or let Annalise and the other Chosen Ones claim what should have been yours."

The mention of Annalise sent a flash of frustration through Seraphina.

Lucian could see it. She was wavering.

And so, he played his final card.

He extended his hand, revealing a silver medallion engraved with runes older than time itself.

"Take this," he said. "With it, you will find the entrance before anyone else."

Seraphina hesitated for only a moment before snatching the medallion.

Lucian smiled inwardly.

The first seed had been planted.

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The Awakening of the Hidden Realm

Far beyond mortal sight, in the Middle Realms, great sects and dynasties began to stir.

The Hidden Realm of the Fallen Heavens was not an ordinary ruin.

It was said to contain the inheritance of a forgotten deity, one that had been sealed away when the realms were first divided.

And now, for the first time in thousands of years, it was opening.

Powerful factions across the realms began to prepare.

Among them was the Imperial Sky Sect, led by the Saintess of the Moonlit Blade, Lirienne Feng.

She was a name feared and respected across the Middle Realms, a warrior whose sword had slain thousands.

Upon hearing of the Hidden Realm's awakening, she murmured, "A test of fate… The heavens are truly shifting."

Meanwhile, in the Southern Realms, the Crimson Asura Sect, known for their brutal techniques, also took interest.

The Young Master of the Crimson Asura Sect, Xian Mu, smirked as he cracked his knuckles.

"A treasure of the Fallen Heavens? Let's see who dares to fight me for it."

The storm was brewing.

And at its center, Lucian was already playing the game.

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The Villain System Rewards

As Seraphina left with the medallion in hand, Lucian felt the system activate.

[System Notification: Successful Manipulation of a Chosen Hero's Path]

Seraphina Yue's Heaven Points: 42 → 38

System Rewards:

+12 Villain Points

+1 Fate Distortion Effect (Passive)

Treasure: The Shadow Fang Dagger

Lucian's fingers curled as a small, obsidian dagger materialized in his palm.

[Shadow Fang Dagger]

A weapon forged from Nethersteel, able to sever fate threads when used against a Chosen Hero.

Can be enhanced using Villain Points.

Lucian's eyes gleamed.

This was no ordinary weapon.

With it, he could directly sever a Chosen One's luck, making their fated encounters fail.

'Perfect.'

As long as he played his role well, the heavens themselves would be powerless against him.

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A Gathering Storm

By the next dawn, rumors of the Hidden Realm's awakening spread like wildfire.

The Great Clans of the Middle Realm began mobilizing their young elites.

The Empress of the Outer Dynasty, a woman known for her cunning, sent her personal spies to investigate.

The Chosen Heroes, scattered across different sects and empires, all received divine revelations calling them toward the realm.

And in the background, Lucian silently shaped fate to his will.

By the time the realm opened, the world would be his to control.

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