Villain: Manipulating the Heroines into hating the Protagonist

Chapter 601 Ba Rong'er's Coup Against Her Father

"We have underestimated Wang Jian," the sect leader admitted, his voice grave. "His tactics, his foresight… they are far beyond what we anticipated."

Chu Yang, still reeling from the carnage he had witnessed, clenched his fists. "We must rebuild our forces," he declared, his eyes burning with determination. "We cannot afford to be caught unprepared again."

Chen Feng, ever the strategist, nodded in agreement. "We need to strengthen our defenses, improve our training methods, and gather more information about Wang Jian and his plans."

Lin Fei, his gaze distant, added, "We must also consider forging alliances with other sects. We cannot face this threat alone."

News of the Astral Jade City's successful defense spread like wildfire. Whispers of Wang Jian's ruthlessness and the Heavenly Jade Pavilion's deadly traps circulated amongst the various sects and cultivation families. A sense of unease settled over the Eastern Cosmos, a cautious respect for the power of the Astral Jade City taking root.

Meanwhile, within the confines of his opulent palace, Wang Jian surveyed his conquered factions. He had not only weakened his enemies but also expanded his control, adding to his growing harem. He felt a surge of satisfaction, a twisted sense of accomplishment.

However, amidst the euphoria, a flicker of doubt crossed his mind. He knew that his victory was temporary, a mere step in his grand scheme.

The true challenge, the ultimate test of his power, lay ahead. The other major sects, the ancient families, and the hidden powers of the Eastern Cosmos still awaited his manipulation, his conquest.

With a cold smile playing on his lips, Wang Jian turned his attention to the future. The game had just begun.

A tense silence hung heavy in the grand hall of the Star Cloud Sect. Sect Leader Ba, a wizened figure with a long white beard, sat at the head of the table, his face etched with worry. Before him sat Chu Yang, Chen Feng, and Lin Fei, the trio who had returned from the disastrous attack on the Astral Jade City.

"So," Sect Leader Ba finally spoke, his voice hoarse, "you believe we should retreat, consolidate our forces, and wait for Wang Jian to make a mistake?"

Chu Yang, his youthful face grim, nodded curtly. "That is our assessment, Sect Leader. His cunning and the sheer power of the Heavenly Jade Pavilion far surpasses what we anticipated."

Chen Feng, the resident strategist, elaborated. "We need time to train our disciples, bolster our defenses, and gather more information about Wang Jian's true motives. A hasty attack would be foolhardy."

Lin Fei, ever the voice of caution, added, "We should also consider forging alliances with other sects. We cannot face this threat alone."

Sect Leader Ba sighed deeply, his shoulders slumping with defeat. He had never been a man for war, but the pressure from within the sect, the whispers of ambition and glory, had clouded his judgment. Now, staring at the faces of his disciples, battered and bruised by defeat, he saw the folly of his actions.

"Very well," he conceded, his voice heavy with regret. "We shall heed your advice. We will focus on rebuilding and strengthening ourselves."

Meanwhile, within the opulent confines of the Astral Jade Pavilion, nestled deep within the Astral Jade City, Wang Jian received a spiritual message. It was from Jing Ruyan, his beautiful spy embedded within the Star Cloud Sect.

A smirk played on Wang Jian's lips as he read the message. Jing Ruyan, a master manipulator in her own right, had been diligently cultivating her position within the sect. Not only was she a powerful cultivator, but she had also become the trusted teacher of Ba Rong'er, the sect leader's only daughter.

"Master," Jing Ruyan's voice purred through the message, "Ba Rong'er understands the precarious situation. She is concerned for her father's well-being. I believe she is ready to make a move."

Wang Jian chuckled, a low rumble that sent shivers down the spine of the nearby attendants. "Excellent," he replied. "It seems fear can be a powerful motivator. Tell Ba Rong'er this – now is the perfect time to act. Their forces are weakened, morale is low. With a decisive strike, she can seize control of the sect and ensure it never poses a threat to me again."

Jing Ruyan's response was swift. "As you command, my Lord."

Back in the Star Cloud Sect, Jing Ruyan relayed Wang Jian's message to Ba Rong'er, her voice filled with a chilling calmness. "See, Rong'er? Your concerns are valid. Your father, in his arrogance, might just lead the sect to ruin. This is your chance to ensure its survival."

Ba Rong'er, a young woman with eyes filled with a newfound resolve, nodded silently. Fear of Wang Jian's wrath, fear for her father's life, swirled within her. "We act tonight," she declared, her voice unwavering.

Jing Ruyan smiled, a predator having cornered its prey. "Excellent. I shall help you gather those loyal to your cause."

The Star Cloud Sect, still reeling from its recent losses, was on the verge of another internal conflict. Unbeknownst to the sect leader and his advisors, a plot was brewing, fueled by fear and manipulation. What was meant as a period of consolidation for the sect was about to be shattered by a power struggle from within, a puppet master pulling the strings from the shadows.

Wang Jian had set a domino effect in motion. The attack on the Astral Jade City, a supposed display of power by the various sects, had instead become a catalyst for their downfall. With the Star Cloud Sect on the brink of internal chaos and the other factions still recovering from their losses, the path towards unifying the Eastern Cosmos under his rule seemed a little clearer.

Ba Rong'er's plan was a calculated one, designed to minimize bloodshed. Loyalty to the sect, not wanton slaughter, was her objective. Jing Ruyan, a master manipulator, had meticulously prepared the ground.

Many of the elders loyal to Ba Rong'er's father, Sect Leader Ba, had unknowingly consumed food laced with a slow-acting, debilitating poison. It wouldn't kill them, but it would significantly weaken their cultivation base and reaction time.

Others, under the guise of strengthening their defenses, had been issued specially crafted talismans that would subtly restrict their movements at a critical moment. Communication between factions within the sect had also been subtly disrupted, sowing confusion and delaying any potential response.

Ba Rong'er's forces, prepped with potent antidotes and unhampered by Jing Ruyan's clever tactics, moved swiftly and silently. Key strategic points within the sect were secured with lightning speed, ensuring control of communication channels and vital resources.

The first hint of trouble for Sect Leader Ba came when his most trusted advisor, Elder Wu, stumbled into his chambers, face pale and sweating. "Something is wrong, Sect Leader," he gasped, his voice weak. "My strength… it's failing me!"

Before they could decipher this cryptic message, a flurry of activity outside their door announced the arrival of unexpected visitors. The door burst open, revealing Ba Rong'er, her face resolute, flanked by Jing Ruyan and a contingent of determined disciples.

Sect Leader Ba's jaw slackened in disbelief. "Rong'er? What… what is the meaning of this?" he stammered, his eyes darting from his daughter to the armed figures surrounding him.

Ba Rong'er, her voice firm, stated the situation bluntly. "Father, the path you've taken threatens the Star Cloud Sect. Your aggression towards the Astral Jade City will bring nothing but destruction. Tonight, I take control to ensure our survival."

Tears welled up in Sect Leader Ba's eyes. He looked at his daughter, a stranger in his eyes, and the weight of his mistakes crashed upon him. The anger he had felt towards the Astral Jade City for its humiliating defeat of the combined forces now seemed insignificant compared to the betrayal staring him in the face.

"Rong'er… but why?" he croaked, his voice thick with emotion.

"Fear," Jing Ruyan interjected, her voice coolly detached. "Fear for your life and the future of the sect. Ba Rong'er is making a hard choice, but a necessary one."

Despite the chaos swirling around him, Sect Leader Ba's love for his daughter remained unwavering. He couldn't bring himself to raise a hand against her. With a defeated sigh, he slumped into his chair. "Very well," he muttered, his voice heavy with resignation. "Do as you must."

News of Ba Rong'er's coup spread like wildfire through the sect. Jing Ruyan's meticulous planning ensured a bloodless transition of power. Those loyal to Sect Leader Ba, weakened and confused, offered little resistance. Ba Rong'er's forces, anticipating this, had prepared a potent, yet temporary, sleep-

inducing potion. This potion, disguised as a calming elixir, quickly rendered any opposition unconscious.

Meanwhile, within the training grounds, a commotion erupted. Chu Yang, Chen Feng, and Lin Fei, blissfully unaware of the events unfolding within the sect, were interrupted by a group of disciples led by Ba Rong'er's confidante, Elder Wei.

"By order of the new Sect Leader, Ba Rong'er, you three are to be apprehended!" Elder Wei declared, his voice laced with authority.

Each of these three men held a romantic interest in Ba Rong'er, but their feelings were not reciprocated. Now, faced with capture by the woman they admired, they were taken aback. Their initial shock, however, quickly morphed into determined resistance.

A fierce battle ensued, but the element of surprise was on Elder Wei's side. Many of the disciples surrounding them had secretly switched allegiance, fueled by Jing Ruyan's manipulations. Despite their formidable skills, Chu Yang, Chen Feng, and Lin Fei found themselves outnumbered and overwhelmed.

However, their years of experience and training shone through. They fought with a coordinated fury, utilizing clever tactics and combined techniques to carve a path through their opponents. Ultimately, they managed to break free from the enclosure and escape the confines of the Star Cloud Sect.

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