Chapter 23: The Weight of Power

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A Conversation That Could Change Everything

Lucian and Selene stood in silence inside an abandoned courtyard, the tension between them thick like a storm waiting to erupt.

Selene's golden eyes scrutinized him, searching for any deception. She had prepared for this moment for years, yet she found herself hesitating.

"Why are you acting like this?" she finally asked. "The Lucian I knew would have already drowned this city in blood."

Lucian smiled faintly. He had expected this.

"The past is the past," he said smoothly. "This time, things will be different."

Selene's hands clenched into fists.

"You… You think I'll believe that?"

Lucian leaned slightly forward. "You already do. If you didn't, you wouldn't be talking to me right now."

Her breath hitched.

Damn him. He always knew exactly what to say to crawl under her skin.

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The System Rewards the Devil's Patience

Suddenly, the Villain System chimed in his mind.

[Mission Completed: Delay Selene's Judgment]

+200 Villain Points

Reward: Celestial Eclipse Sword (Divine Artifact, Seals Opponents' Qi for 5 Minutes)

Lucian's lips curled.

'Now, that's more like it,' he thought.

A golden ripple of energy coursed through his body, and in his storage ring, a black-and-gold celestial sword manifested.

He didn't summon it immediately—Selene would be suspicious.

But just knowing he had it… was enough.

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A New Player in the Game

Before Selene could say another word, a powerful spiritual fluctuation erupted in the air.

Both Lucian and Selene turned their heads.

A man dressed in flowing white robes descended from the sky, his long hair tied in a regal knot. His presence was overwhelming, radiating righteousness.

Lucian's smirk didn't fade.

"Ah… the 'Holy Saint' Xian Mu finally arrives."

Selene's expression hardened.

Xian Mu—the strongest of the Chosen Ones.

The man landed gracefully, his sharp gaze flickering between Lucian and Selene.

"Lady Selene," Xian Mu greeted her, then turned to Lucian, his voice cold. "And the snake himself."

Lucian simply chuckled.

This night had just gotten even more interesting.

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