Chapter 16: A Righteous Villain’s Mask

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The Grand Arrival at the Hidden Realm

The entrance to the Hidden Realm of the Fallen Heavens stood tall like a rift in reality itself.

Golden mist surrounded it, and ancient celestial inscriptions pulsed with divine energy.

A grand gathering had formed outside—sect disciples, noble heirs, and rogue cultivators, all waiting for the realm to open.

Among them, Lucian Valcrest arrived in full glory.

Dressed in white ceremonial robes, embroidered with the sigil of House Valcrest, he exuded an air of righteousness and nobility.

The murmurs of the crowd immediately shifted in his favor.

"The Holy Heir of Valcrest has arrived!"

"Truly a role model for all cultivators."

"With him here, we can rest assured that no injustice will take place."

Lucian smiled serenely, his every movement calculated.

Inside, he was amused. How easily people could be deceived.

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A Grand Speech of Righteousness

Stepping forward, Lucian addressed the gathering.

"Fellow cultivators," he said, his voice ringing clear, "we stand before a historic moment. The Hidden Realm of the Fallen Heavens has awakened, and it calls upon the worthy."

Many nodded in agreement.

"However," he continued, "I must remind you—treasures are not worth losing one's honor. Let us compete fairly, without deceit or cruelty."

The words were met with applause.

Even elders from noble sects nodded approvingly.

Lucian's villain system chimed.

[Public Reputation Increased: +10 Righteous Points]

Villain Points Concealed

Lucian internally smirked.

The heavens themselves would never suspect him.

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The Sabotage Begins

While Lucian maintained his righteous image, he discreetly activated a formation beneath his robes.

It was a hidden array, one that subtly misdirected fate itself.

And its first effect?

The chosen ones would now face unexpected obstacles.

Deep within the realm, the Heavenly Fortune Flower—a divine herb destined for one of the chosen heroes—was now located within a nest of demonic beasts.

A simple shift of fate… but one that could alter the entire outcome of destiny.

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Seraphina's Conflicted Gaze

Among the crowd, Seraphina Yue stood silently.

She watched as Lucian spoke with perfect grace, as people praised his name, and as his presence inspired admiration.

But unlike the others, she knew the truth.

This was the same man who, in the previous timeline, had succumbed to the Devil's power and massacred entire cities.

And yet, this time…

He was different.

'Why?' she thought, clenching her fists.

Why did Lucian seem so in control? So untouchable?

Something was wrong… but she couldn't tell what.

And that uncertainty terrified her.

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The Hidden Realm Opens

With a blinding light, the ancient gates cracked open.

Powerful spiritual energy rushed out, and the cultivators charged forward.

Lucian stepped in last, his serene expression unshaken.

But in his mind, his thoughts were sharp:

'Let the fools rush in. I'll take what truly matters.'

As the Hidden Realm swallowed them all, the real game began.

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