Wu Tangge stood before a jade mirror in his private courtyard, the image of an old, hooded figure flickering on its surface.
"Master," Tangge said respectfully, but a smirk played on his lips. "Everything is going according to plan."
"Have they taken the bait?" the voice was low, ancient.
"Yes. I've started spreading whispers—carefully, subtly. Rumors that the Evil God's successor walks among the academy's new disciples. And that he's hiding, waiting to strike."
The figure nodded. "Good. Plant the seeds of fear. Let them grow."
---
The Next Day – Academy Hall of Discipline
Talks began to spread. Disciples whispered in corridors, teachers exchanged cautious glances. Some even began watching their peers with suspicion.
"Heard about the Yin Sect boy? His qi turned black for a moment during meditation."
"I saw a disciple with purple eyes—just for a second. Isn't that a sign of the Evil God's bloodline?"
"Don't trust that guy from the Flame Cloud Sect. He killed too easily in the trials."
It was working.
Wu Tangge smiled as he watched paranoia grow like rot.
---
Later – Yun Ling'er's Residence
"You look satisfied," Yun Ling'er said, raising a brow.
Tangge sipped tea. "I just enjoy watching weak minds crack under pressure."
She narrowed her eyes. "People are scared. Of the Evil God's successor. Of each other. Did… you start those rumors?"
He leaned close, whispering: "If they fear a shadow, they'll never see the real monster hiding in the light."
She stiffened. "You're playing a dangerous game."
"I'm not playing," he said softly. "I'm building a stage."
---
Ding!
New Hidden Quest Activated: Cloak of Villainy
Objective: Manipulate the academy into hunting its own disciples while keeping your true identity hidden.
Reward: Evil God Technique – Thousand Faces of Deceit
Bonus Reward (Optional): Gain leadership of one inner faction.
---
By week's end, the academy's atmosphere changed. Friendships became tense. Clans began secretly investigating each other. The instructors were forced to announce a formal inquiry.
Elder Mo Tian himself spoke at the central pagoda:
"It has come to our attention that the Evil God's successor may be among our students. From this point on, any suspicious behavior must be reported. There will be a Soul-Evaluation in three days."
The crowd murmured in fear.
Wu Tangge stood tall at the front, his expression calm—noble even.
But behind those crimson eyes… the villain smiled.
Wu Tangge sat cross-legged in his chamber, his hands glowing with crimson-black light as he activated the newly gained reward:
Thousand Faces of Deceit – Evil God Technique
Allows user to perfectly mask soul signature, qi aura, and even memories during soul examinations. Can also mimic another's aura and implant traces of demonic essence into a target.
His eyes shimmered with blood-red brilliance.
"My dear academy... you want to hunt the Evil God's successor? Then I shall give you one."
He took out a single strand of hair—belonging to Fang Yuwei, a top-ranked genius from the Divine Thunder Sect and one of the few disciples who openly disrespected him.
Tangge smiled and activated the technique.
---
Two Days Later – Soul-Evaluation Ceremony
A giant platform floated over the Jade Flame Lake, with elders from various sects and the academy seated in a ring. In the center stood the towering Soul Lantern, glowing in layers of gold and violet. If one's soul had any taint of demonic or evil essence, the lantern would flicker black.
Disciples were called one by one.
Each placed their hand on the lantern. Most passed.
Some flickered dimly—false alarms due to unstable cultivation or soul injuries. But one name caused a stir.
"Fang Yuwei, from Divine Thunder Sect!"
The crowd turned. Yuwei, proud and arrogant, stepped forward, annoyed by the waste of time.
He placed his hand on the lantern.
BOOM!
A violent black flame surged from the lantern. The elders stood in shock.
"Evil Qi detected!"
"No... this is the mark of the Evil God!"
The arena exploded into chaos. Fang Yuwei's face drained of blood. "N-no! I don't know how! This isn't—!"
He was instantly sealed by the academy elders, bound in silver spiritual chains.
Wu Tangge stood silently, eyes narrowed. Yun Ling'er glanced at him, suspicion barely hidden in her gaze.
---
That Night – Academy Dungeon
Fang Yuwei was imprisoned. He screamed innocence. Begged. Pleaded.
Wu Tangge stood outside the cell door, alone, his robes fluttering as he looked in.
Yuwei saw him. "You... it was you! I never trusted you, you twisted snake—!"
Tangge raised a finger to his lips.
"Shh. The more you scream, the guiltier you look. Be grateful. I've just made you a legend. No one will forget the genius that might have been the Evil God's heir."
"You'll be exposed," Yuwei hissed.
Tangge turned, voice smooth as poison. "Maybe. But by the time they learn the truth... I'll already be their hero."
---
Ding!
Quest Complete: Cloak of Villainy
Reward Claimed: Thousand Faces of Deceit (Advanced Stage)
Bonus Reward Claimed: Shadow Leader – Inner Faction "Crimson Serpents" Formed
---
As the academy praised its security and the "capture" of the Evil successor, Wu Tangge returned to his courtyard.