The world blurred past as Li Feng carried Lan Xinran through the dense forest, slipping between shadows like a whisper of death. Branches cracked underfoot, leaves scattered—the only signs that anyone had passed through at inhuman speed.
Lan Xinran clung to him weakly, her breath warm against his neck.
"We… escaped," she whispered.
"No," Li Feng corrected coldly. "We relocated. Escape is for prey. And I'm no prey."
Something about his voice sent a shiver down her spine—not fear, but a strange sense of security. As though the monster carrying her was the only monster she needed.
Minutes later they reached a cavern hidden beneath jagged rocks. Li Feng set her down gently.
"Rest. I need to assess the system."
Lan Xinran nodded, exhaustion overtaking her as she leaned against the cavern wall.
Li Feng closed his eyes.
(System Interface Opening…)
Host Status:
Name: Li Feng
Current Body: Jian Wusheng
Cultivation Level: None (Awakening Pending)
Villain Merit: 120
Follower: Lan Xinran (Loyalty 53%)
Unlocked Skills:
• Primordial Demon Force
• Shadowstep Escape
Next System Feature:
Villain Core Seed (Requires establishing foundation)
A final line appeared in crimson letters:
[Warning: A Hero has taken interest in the Host.]
Tracking Probability: 32% and rising.
Li Feng's eyes snapped open.
"A hero…?"
Lan Xinran tensed. "You mean one of the chosen ones? The heaven-favored?"
"Exactly." Li Feng stood. "This world spawns 'heroes' like parasites. Heaven hands them power, talent, destiny… while people like me are expected to bow."
Lan Xinran studied him quietly.
There was no fear in his voice—only hatred sharpened into purpose.
She whispered, "If a hero has noticed you… will they attack?"
Li Feng smirked.
"Heroes never attack first. They lecture. They judge. They pretend to be righteous before they stain their hands."
He looked toward the cave entrance, eyes cold.
"But if he's tracking me, he's already planning to interfere."
His fingers curled with eagerness.
"And I want to see what a 'future protagonist' tastes like when he breaks."
Suddenly the air inside the cave rippled with spiritual pressure.
Lan Xinran's face went pale. "Someone's coming—fast!"
Li Feng stepped forward, eyes glowing faintly as the system pulsed.
(Incoming Presence Detected)
Classification: Heaven-Favored
Rank: Early Core Awakening
Intent: Investigating Host's actions
Projected Personality: Self-righteous, arrogant, easily provoked
Li Feng chuckled.
"Perfect."
A beam of white light speared down outside the cavern. Dust exploded upward. A young man in white robes landed gracefully, his sword floating behind him like a guardian spirit.
He stood tall, radiant, disgustingly heroic.
His name rang through the trees like a declaration:
"I, Ariel Starborn, disciple of the Celestial Radiant Sect, seek the one called Jian Wusheng!"
Lan Xinran gasped, horrified.
"Starborn… He's known as a prodigy with destiny on his side. They say fate bends around him."
"And today," Li Feng said calmly, "so will his neck."
Ariel Starborn stepped closer, gaze sharp and judgmental.
"I sensed massacre and demonic energy. Show yourself, sinner."
Li Feng walked out of the cave, the early morning light casting shadows across his face.
"I'm right here."
Ariel studied him, frowning.
"You slaughtered members of the Black Crow Sect. That would be acceptable—if not for the dark aura surrounding you. You are tainted, corrupted. I must purify you."
Li Feng raised an eyebrow.
"You know nothing about me. Yet you judge me instantly."
He shrugged.
"Typical hero."
Ariel's jaw tightened. "Darkness must be erased."
Li Feng's smile widened into something cruel.
"Then come try."
The system flared with excitement.
(Villain Event Triggered: Clash With a Heaven-Favored Hero)
Bonus Villain Merit available.
Defeating a Heaven-Favored may unlock a Villain Skill Evolution.
Ariel summoned his glowing sword.
Li Feng cracked his knuckles.
Lan Xinran, trembling but unable to look away, whispered:
"This isn't a battle…
This is the beginning of your legend."
Lightning split the sky.
Hero and Villain clashed.