Villain's Manipulative Nature

Xiao Chen was left speechless as he considered the requirements for entering the portal.

The first rule specified that two individuals—a male and a female—must enter the tomb together. This seemed simple enough.

However, it was the second rule that carried the most weight. These two individuals were required to hold positive or at least neutral feelings toward each other.

This condition seemed practically designed for Ye Fan, given his overly positive outlook toward beautiful women.

At this point in the story, Ji Rongmei might have softened considerably after witnessing Ye Fan's remarkable growth.

Thanks to the plot-viewing ticket, Xiao Chen knew almost everything about the plot, although it wasn't absolutely reliable.

The heated incident with Tang Jingxue in the cave reminded him to prepare for any unforeseen situations.

Xiao Chen understood he couldn't rely solely on the plot-viewing ticket.

Armed with a deep understanding of each character's personality from the memories revealed by the plot-viewing ticket, Xiao Chen began crafting his own plans, manipulating events from the shadows.

Xiao Chen smirked inwardly, knowing Ye Fan's main objective was to enter the portal. 'Even if he gets past me, it's pointless.'

Xiao Chen intended to annoy and frustrate Ye Fan as much as possible, aiming to damage his dao heart while increasing Ji Rongmei's favorability toward himself.

Every move, every word was meticulously calculated to chip away at Ye Fan's confidence and evoke negative emotions.

Xiao Chen was confident that Ji Rongmei now felt disgust, perhaps even hatred, toward Ye Fan.

This would be the final checkmate, ensuring that Ye Fan won't be able to enter the portal, even if he managed to get past him.

At that moment, Xiao Chen gazed at the magnificent wall of flames that seemed capable of consuming everything in its path.

With a smile playing on his lips, he unleashed the first move of the Infernal Sword Technique—a skill granted to inner disciples of the Peerless Heaven Sword Sect upon joining the inner sect.

Coincidentally, this technique matched Ye Fan's physique well.

However, Xiao Chen was unconcerned; his combat prowess had already reached the Ethereal Core Realm's middle stage.

As he raised his sword and swung, the massive wall of fire split diagonally, closing in on Ye Fan.

Seeing his most powerful attack effortlessly countered, Ye Fan's eyes widened in shock.

Yet he quickly calmed himself, certain that Ji Rongmei would intervene if his life was in danger.

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

With a mix of pain and amusement, Ye Fan burst into laughter. "Hahaha, in the end, I've won!"

"Just wait. Next time we meet, it'll be your last day—" Before he could finish, Xiao Chen's attack sent him flying.

Despite the impact, Ye Fan continued to laugh like a madman.

Inside the jade pendant, Ji Rongmei was astonished upon witnessing Xiao Chen's power. There were stars in her eyes as she looked at his actions.

Across the battlefield, Xiao Chen's face froze as he heard a system prompt.

As Ye Fan flew toward the portal, he noticed Xiao Chen's lack of response to his taunts, feeling that something was off.

His expressionless face only intensified his sense of unease.

Before Ye Fan could fully process this, another sword strike emerged from the shadows.

"Wha—Arghhh!" Ye Fan's cry echoed through the valley, sending birds and demonic beasts scattering in fear.

A searing pain coursed through his body as he collided with the portal.

To his shock, instead of entering the portal, he was flung backward.

Suddenly, a mysterious voice emerged from the portal's depths, sending a chill down Ye Fan's spine.

<First Requirement: Enter with two Cultivators>

<Passed >

<Checking the second requirement>