High above the Everbloom Continent, beyond the clouds, beyond the stars, in a realm untouchable by mortal hands—Heaven's Observation Hall floated in stillness.
Inside, the celestial beings known as the Judgment Eyes sat in silence, their vision cast across the realms. Their sole purpose? To detect variables—rogue threats capable of disrupting the balance between righteousness and villainy.
Suddenly, one of the orbs pulsed red.
A ripple of panic swept through the hall.
"Unknown domain fluctuation detected.""Origin: Forbidden Pagoda—Layer 3 breached by an 18-year-old cultivator.""Villain classification: Undetermined. Presence hidden by an unknown force."
The lead Eye narrowed.
"Who dares trick Heaven itself?"
Back in Pritampur, Priyanshu meditated inside a private chamber, his body drenched in the chaotic energies he brought back from the pagoda. His Create and Destroy Domain now shimmered with a mysterious red vein—the Crimson Law Seed had taken root.
The room buzzed with suppressed power.
[System Update Complete.][Host has acquired the right to forge personal Universal Laws within domain.]
[Warning: Heaven has sensed a deviation. You are now a "Shadow Variable."][System Suggestion: Stay hidden. Let others take the blame.]
He laughed.
"Let Heaven watch. They're looking for a monster on the surface… but the real monster lives in the shadows."
He opened his eyes—calm, calculating.
Moments later, Alaya barged in with wild eyes.
"Priyanshu! Your name's spreading like wildfire in the underground. Someone leaked that you entered the Forbidden Pagoda and survived!"
"Let them bark," he said. "I planted that rumor myself."
Vanya appeared behind Alaya, frowning. "Do you want attention?"
"I want distraction," he said with a smile. "If the world focuses on the name Priyanshu, they won't realize the one they should fear is the one behind the curtain."
He was planning something grand.
Far away, the Second Prince of Pritampur—Vikrant—received the same news.
"That useless brat survived the Pagoda?" he laughed. "Then it's time for a proper reunion."
He turned to a cloaked figure. "Send assassins. Make it look like a demonic beast ambush."
Meanwhile, Priyanshu summoned the System's Shadow Market—a space only accessible to hidden villains.
[Accessing Shadow Market...][Available Items Based on Evil Karma: 420 points]
Among the many things, one item caught his eye:
[Scroll of Puppet Lord – Control the thoughts and actions of one lower-realm cultivator per 100 karma.]
"Perfect for the upcoming drama."
He purchased two.
[Items Added: Scroll of Puppet Lord ×2]
He would use them well. Not to control enemies—but to control heroes.
Outside, clouds churned unnaturally.
Heaven's Eye watched.
But Priyanshu? He waved with a smirk.
"Peek all you want, old fool. The villain you're watching… is just the bait."