Chapter 21: The Path of Corruption
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The Hero Who Would Fall
In the depths of a ruined temple, Lucian Valcrest stood before his next target—Feng Hao.
Feng Hao had been plagued by misfortune since entering the Hidden Realm.
His sword shattered in battle.
His sect brothers abandoned him.
His reputation among the Chosen was crumbling.
And now, he sat there—battered, alone, and furious.
Lucian smiled. "Tell me, Feng Hao, do you truly believe in fate?"
Feng Hao's eyes burned with hatred.
"Fate is a lie."
"I was meant to rise as a hero—yet Heaven spits on me."
Lucian extended his hand.
"Then perhaps… it is time to take power for yourself."
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A New Pawn in the Game
Lucian's Villain System chimed.
[Mission Progress: Corrupt a Hero's Heart – 20%]
Feng Hao hesitated.
His pride, his sense of justice—they held him back.
But Lucian knew exactly how to break him.
"You trained for years, yet fate handed your destiny to weaklings."
"You bled for your sect, and they abandoned you."
"Tell me, who will remember you when you fall?"
Feng Hao clenched his fists.
Lucian leaned in.
"Join me… and I will give you the power to seize what was meant to be yours."
For a long moment, silence.
Then—
Feng Hao gripped Lucian's hand.
A black sigil appeared on his chest.
[Mission Complete: Corrupt a Hero's Heart]
Villain Points: +100
New Reward: Abyssal Dragon Physique Unlocked
Lucian smirked.
Another piece had fallen into place.
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A Familiar Face Appears
As Lucian left the temple, a strange presence filled the air.
A woman stood beneath the moonlight, her silver hair flowing like silk.
Her golden eyes burned with hatred… and something else.
"Lucian Valcrest."
Lucian's breath slowed.
Because he recognized her.
Selene Nightshade.
His former fiancée.
And another regressor.
The past was catching up to him.
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