Villain: I transmigrated with Mind Control Powers

[Ding! Congratulations, Host! You gained +10,000 Villain Halo and +100,000 Villain Points for increasing the favourability of the heroine, Mei Xian to 83 (Deep Love).]

[Ding! Congratulations, host! Due to successfully conquering the Daughter of Destiny, Mei Xian, her status has changed to 'Villainess'.]

Aric smiled as the notifications rang in his mind. The system's cold, mechanical voice was something he had grown accustomed to, and every achievement was a step closer to his ultimate goal. He looked down at Mei Xian, her face flushed and her breathing calm, still asleep. It was time to complete her transformation.

Slowly, Aric took out a small vial from his storage ring. The vial contained his blood. He leaned in, placing a few drops of the crimson liquid onto her lips. Her unconscious body reacted instinctively, her lips parting as she swallowed the drops. He watched as her expression changed—first confusion, then a calmness that came over her as the blood started its work.

Aric moved closer, placing his hand on her forehead, and began to activate his Mind Control skill. He delved into her memories, his own consciousness slipping into hers like a shadow. He could feel her emotions, her fears, her love—each one a thread he could pull and manipulate. Slowly, he began altering her memories, shifting her perception of events, rewriting her understanding of their relationship.

He made her remember moments where he had saved her, even when those moments had never happened. He made her think of times when he had been the only one she could count on, creating a narrative where he was her protector, her only source of safety. Her loyalty to the Holy Sect began to waver in her mind, replaced by an unwavering dedication to Aric.

He continued for what felt like hours, carefully altering every detail that could cause doubt, erasing any hesitation she might have had about being with him. He strengthened her love for him, made it deep and consuming, and left no room for anyone else. When he finally withdrew, he could feel the difference in her aura. The bond was complete—she was his, in every sense of the word.

Aric took a deep breath, wiping the sweat from his brow. Mind Control, especially at this level, was exhausting, but it was worth it. Mei Xian now belonged to him completely.

The Next Morning

The next morning, the forest was quiet, sunlight shining through the leaves and casting patterns on the ground. Mei Xian woke up slowly, feeling tired but calm. She looked to her side to see Aric already awake, watching her. He had a gentle expression, and she felt a warmth inside her chest that she hadn't experienced before.

"How do you feel?" he asked gently, brushing a strand of hair away from her face.

She blushed, giving him a soft smile. "Better," she whispered. "Thank you, Adolf. I... I don't know what would've happened without you."

Aric smiled back, his eyes warm, though it was all just an act. "I'll always be here for you, Mei Xian. You mean a lot to me."

She looked down, her blush deepening. "I... I feel the same." Her voice was barely a whisper, and she found herself feeling more connected to him than ever before. The fear she had felt was gone, replaced by a sense of attachment.

Aric's smile grew. He knew he had succeeded. Mei Xian was his now, and her loyalty to him would only grow stronger from here. He had bound her to him emotionally, ensuring that she would be by his side whenever he needed her.

When they emerged from the tent, Murong Wei greeted them, keeping her eyes lowered. She looked at Mei Xian with a mix of respect and a blank expression, a result of Aric's control.

"Thank you, Wei," Aric said, his voice filled with command. "You've done well."

Murong Wei bowed deeply. "It is my honor, Senior Brother. I live to serve." Her voice was devoid of any emotion beyond obedience. The loyalty he had instilled in her was unshakable, and he could use her whenever he needed to.

Aric nodded, then looked at Mei Xian, who smiled at him, her eyes filled with a new devotion. He could see the effect of his influence—she held herself differently, more confident but also more deferential to him.

It was a clear sign that she accepted her new role, not just as his ally but as someone who would follow him unconditionally.

As they began to pack up their camp, Mei Xian stayed close to Aric, her movements almost instinctively seeking his approval. She would glance at him every now and then, her eyes filled with admiration and affection. The bond between them had grown deeper overnight, and Aric knew that he had successfully reshaped her reality.

Murong Wei worked quietly, her eyes occasionally flickering between Aric and Mei Xian, but her expression remained neutral. Under Aric's influence, she had no jealousy, no emotions that could disrupt his plan. She was his pawn, obedient and loyal.

The next day, they began their journey back to the sect. Mei Xian walked beside Aric, her posture radiating confidence, but her eyes constantly seeking his approval. Murong Wei followed a few steps behind, her demeanor that of a loyal servant.

As they approached the sect gates, Mei Xian spoke, her voice filled with determination. "Adolf, I think we need to change things within the sect. We can't keep following blindly. We need to make them see our worth."

Aric nodded, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. "We will, Mei Xian. In time, they will all understand. But for now, we must be patient. We'll gather our strength, and when the time is right, we'll make our move."

Mei Xian's eyes sparkled with resolve. "I trust you, Adolf. Whatever you decide, I'll follow."

He placed a hand on her shoulder, his eyes meeting hers. "Good. Together, we will achieve greatness."

The sun rose brightly the next morning, painting the sky in hues of pink and gold. As Aric, Mei Xian, and Murong Wei entered the gates of the Holy Sect, the atmosphere was abuzz with excitement. Aric noticed disciples whispering amongst themselves, casting eager glances towards the central courtyard. Something big was happening, and it had captured everyone's attention.

Mei Xian turned towards Aric, her brows furrowed. "Something feels different today. What could be going on?"

Aric nodded, intrigued. "Let's find out. It seems like there's something important happening."

They walked to the gathering area, where a crowd of disciples had already formed. At the center of the commotion stood an elder of the Holy Sect, his voice magically amplified to reach the assembled disciples.

"Hear me, disciples of the Holy Sect!" Elder Wu began, his voice carrying authority and excitement. "In three days, we shall hold a special event—a great expedition to the Eternal Mystic Valley! News has reached us that the valley has revealed a hidden treasure, and we, as members of the Holy Sect, shall not miss this opportunity."

Excited murmurs rippled through the crowd. Aric exchanged glances with Mei Xian. The Eternal Mystic Valley was known as a place of great opportunities, but it was also fraught with danger. Many treasures had been found there in the past, each time making the finders legendary within the sect.

Elder Wu continued, "Only the strongest disciples will be allowed to participate in this expedition. Those who wish to go must prove themselves over the next three days. There will be trials, and only those who succeed will be chosen!"

Aric felt his pulse quicken. This was exactly what he needed—a chance to stand out, gain treasures, and enhance his influence. He looked to Mei Xian, who seemed just as determined.

"We have to be part of that expedition," she said, her eyes blazing with determination. "This is the kind of opportunity we've been waiting for."

Aric smiled, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We will be there, Mei Xian. Together."

Later that day, notices were posted around the sect detailing the upcoming trials. There would be three rounds—tests of combat, endurance, and strategy. Only the best would be selected to join the expedition to the valley.

Aric gathered Mei Xian and Murong Wei that evening in his chambers. He spread a map of the sect and its training grounds on the table before them, pointing to the designated areas for the trials.

"Listen," he began, his voice calm but commanding. "The first trial is a test of combat ability. This is where we need to stand out. Mei Xian, you and I will have to demonstrate our skills to ensure we are selected."

She nodded. "We've trained for this. I know we can do it."

Murong Wei, standing respectfully by, spoke up. "Senior Brother, what would you have me do?"

Aric looked at her, his eyes narrowing as he calculated. "Murong Wei, your role is different. I need you to support us, but more importantly, you need to observe. Watch the other disciples—note who performs well and who seems discontent. We need potential allies for the future."