Villain's manipulative nature

A few moments before,

Xiao Chen couldn't help but feel speechless when he thought about the original plot regarding the ancient tomb, especially because of the ridiculous prerequisites set by the previous tomb owner

The first rule stipulated that there must be two individuals—a male and a female—entering the tomb together. This requirement seemed straightforward enough.

However, it was the second rule that proved to be the most crucial. These two individuals were expected to possess inner harmony or a positive mindset, with no enmities between them

It was a condition that seemed tailor-made for Ye Fan, given his delusionally positive nature.

As for Ji Rongmei, her guard might have softened considerably after witnessing Ye Fan's tremendous growth during his recovery.

Upon realizing the absurdity of the situation, Xiao Chen couldn't help but shake his head in disbelief inwardly.

After witnessing the intricacies of the original plot surrounding the ancient tomb, along

with the realization that the future glimpsed through the plot viewing ticket was not absolute, played a significant role in

Xiao Chen's decision to allow Ye Fan to accompany him.

The incident involving Tang Jingxue served as a stark reminder for him that he should be prepared for any unforeseen circumstances.

With this newfound understanding, Xiao Chen recognized that he couldn't rely solely on plot-viewing tickets.

With a thorough understanding of each individual's character gained from the plot viewing a ticket, Xiao Chen resolved to manipulate them to suit his agenda, adopting the mindset of a true villain.

Recognizing that Ye Fan's primary focus lay on the ancient tomb rather than on him, Xiao Chen smirked inwardly.

Despite the assistance of Ji Rongmei, Xiao Chen knew that thwarting his plans would be next to impossible now.

After all, the destiny villain value he had accumulated wasn't just for show—it granted him a level of influence and control that few could rival.

Amid their battle, Xiao Chen's true intention was to aggravate and frustrate Ye Fan to the fullest extent possible while simultaneously increasing Ji Rongmei's favorability towards him.

Each move, each word spoken, was carefully calculated to undermine Ye Fan's confidence and evoke negative emotions.

Xiao Chen aimed to plant seeds of hatred and resentment within Ye Fan's mind, effectively cutting off any chance he had of entering the tomb.

Through his previous manipulation of the plot, Xiao Chen was sure that a sense of disgust or even hatred developed toward Ye Fan within Ji Rongmei's heart.

This ultimate checkmate would solidify Xiao Chen's position while ensuring that Ye Fan remained powerless to interfere with his plans.

This is why he attempted to charm Ji Rongmei. As he pondered his strategy, he noticed Ye Fan preparing to unleash his physique. In response, Xiao Chen adjusted his actions accordingly.

Presently, Xiao Chen observed the magnificent wall of flame, its destructive potential evident as it threatened to consume everything in its path. A smile graced his lips as he heard the system prompt echoing in his mind.

[Ding* Ji rongmei's favourability for the host has reached 37]

And With his plan nearing completion, Xiao Chen decided to unleash the first move of the "Infernal Sword Technique".

This technique was bestowed upon every inner disciple of the Peerless Heaven Sword Sect after entering the inner sect and coincidentally it matched Ye Fan's physique

Xiao Chen paid no mind to this coincidence. His combat prowess had already ascended to the Ethereal Core Realm, and he had no intention of delivering a killing blow, knowing that it would involve Ji Rongmei.

As he raised his sword and executed the slash, the enormous wall of fire split diagonally, closing in on Ye Fan.

Observing his most powerful attack being effortlessly countered, Ye Fan felt a pang of panic.

Yet, he quickly reassured himself, confident that Ji Rongmei would intervene if his life were truly in danger.

Furthermore, with the portal right behind him, even if he were struck by the attack, he would still end up entering it.

With a mix of pain and amusement, Ye Fan burst into laughter. "Ha ha ha, in the end, I've outsmarted your foolish attack," he declared defiantly.

"Just wait, the next time we meet, it'll be your last day."

Before he could finish speaking, Xiao Chen's attack sent him flying.

Despite the impact, Ye Fan continued to laugh, undeterred by the outcome.

Inside the jade pendant, Ji Rongmei was utterly astonished as she witnessed Xiao Chen's attack.

Previously, she had perceived traces of the Dao of Darkness and the Dao of Light emanating from him.

now she detected a fragment of Dao from Xiao Chen that shocked her to the core.

In the upper realm, top talents could easily comprehend all the Dao, as the rules and laws of the world were well-established.

In the lower realm, reaching the Dao Attainment Realm was a once-in-a-thousand-year occurrence.

This rarity stemmed from several factors, including the scarcity of spiritual power to support Dao Attainment and the abstract nature of the rules and laws in the lower realm.

For a genius to comprehend even a single fragment of Dao in the lower realm was deemed impossible.

Even the most exceptional talents in the upper realm would struggle to grasp the meaning of Dao, let alone a fragment of it.

Yet, what Ji Rongmei witnessed defied all expectations.

Not only did Xiao Chen comprehend two fragments of Dao, but they were also of an extremely high level and contradictory nature among the three thousand Daos.

Once again, Ji Rongmei found herself deeply impressed by Xiao Chen's prowess.

On the other side of the battlefield, Xiao Chen's smile widened as he heard another system prompt which seemed to signal the sealing of Ye Fan's fate.

As Ye Fan hurtled towards the portal, he noticed Xiao Chen's lack of response to his taunts, which set off alarm bells in his mind.

The sarcastic expression mirrored on Xiao Chen's face only deepened his sense of unease.

Before Ye Fan could fully comprehend the situation, another sword strike emerged from the darkness, striking him with force.

"What?" Ye Fan's voice echoed throughout the valley, causing birds and demonic beasts to scatter in fear.

With a horrifying pain coursing through his body, Ye Fan collided with the portal.

To his astonishment, instead of entering it as expected, he was sent flying backward upon contact.

Suddenly, a mysterious voice resonated from within the depths of the portal, sending shivers down Ye Fan's spine.

"[Intial Requirement: Enter with two Cultivators Completed]"

"[Checking the second requirement]"