Villain: I transmigrated with Mind Control Powers

Chapter 71: Chapter 71: Ye Chen faces beast tide

As the preparations for the competition reached their climax, an insidious shadow quietly settled over the Starry Sky Sect. Aric had already infiltrated the sect, disguised as Yu Haotian, a favored inner disciple known for his charm and exceptional cultivation talent. Yu Haotian had been the envy of many—until a few days ago.

Aric's men had ambushed the young disciple, and after a brief but brutal struggle, they subdued him.

In a dark chamber, Aric had stood over the unconscious body of Yu Haotian. The young disciple's face was contorted in fear, even in his slumber. Aric's put few drops of his blood in his mouth and started using his mind control abilities. The aura of the room grew oppressive, and the very air crackled with dark energy.

"Your life is now mine," Aric had whispered, his voice as cold as the grave. Yu Haotian's eyes snapped open, but they were dull, lifeless, as if the spark of his soul had been snuffed out. A cruel smile curled on Aric's lips as he transformed his own features to perfectly mimic those of the fallen disciple.

When he looked into a nearby mirror, the reflection staring back at him was no longer Aric's, but Yu Haotian's.

The next day, as "Yu Haotian," Aric walked through the sect grounds, every step measured, every glance calculated. He greeted fellow disciples with a warm smile, exchanged pleasantries with the elders, and even sparred with some of his peers, displaying the skill and grace Yu Haotian was known for. None suspected a thing.

The ruse was perfect, and the sect remained blissfully ignorant of the predator in their midst.

But merely impersonating Yu Haotian wasn't enough for Aric. His ambitions ran far deeper, his goals far more sinister. He began targeting other key inner disciples, those whose influence could sway the opinions of many. Each evening, in the secrecy of their chambers, he would visit them under the guise of camaraderie or concern.

Under the guise of Yu Haotian, he had frequent, seemingly innocent conversations that lulled them into a false sense of security.

One night, he visited Mei Xiaoqing, an inner disciple known for her exceptional cultivation and fierce loyalty to the sect. As they shared tea, Aric subtly mixed his blood in it and then he manipulated the conversation, steering it toward her insecurities. "Xiaoqing, I've noticed the pressure you've been under lately," he said, his tone dripping with concern.

"I can help you ease your burden." Mei Xiaoqing, touched by his apparent kindness, relaxed her guard.

In that moment of vulnerability, Aric started his mind control abilities. Moments later, when she blinked and looked at him again, there was no fear, no suspicion—only unwavering obedience.

"Now, you will obey me without question," Aric commanded, his voice soft but laced with menace.

"Yes, master," Mei Xiaoqing whispered, her voice devoid of the fiery spirit that once defined her.

And so it went, one by one, Aric subdued the most promising disciples, twisting their minds to serve his purposes. The inner disciples who once walked with pride and confidence now moved through the sect like phantoms, their minds hollow, their thoughts dominated by Aric's will. They carried out his commands without hesitation, their every action a reflection of his dark influence.

But Aric's thirst for control was insatiable. The disciples were mere pawns—what he truly desired was dominion over the sect's elders. With his position as Yu Haotian secure, Aric began visiting the elders under the guise of seeking guidance. His charm, combined with his ability to subtly manipulate their thoughts, made them easy targets.

The elders, just like the inner disciples, began to follow suit, their wisdom and power twisted to serve Aric's hidden agenda. By the time the competition was set to begin, Aric had extended his control over much of the sect's leadership, weaving a vast web of manipulation that left the sect vulnerable to his every whim

Now, with the Starry Sky Sect under his control, Aric turned his focus to his true target: Ye Chen. He knew that Ye Chen's potential made him a formidable foe, one who could disrupt his carefully laid plans if left unchecked. But Aric was confident, knowing that the entire sect was under his influence.

He would use the upcoming competition to ensnare Ye Chen, to break him and turn him into a dead meat.

......

The morning of the competition dawned bright and clear, with the first rays of sunlight casting long shadows over the sect's courtyard. The air was thick with excitement and anticipation as disciples gathered in the central courtyard, eager to prove themselves in the Demonic Beast Hunting Competition.

Each participant was handed a token, a small, intricately carved jade piece that shimmered with faint magical energy, its weight a reminder of the importance of the event.

Ye Chen stood among them, his heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. He clutched his token tightly, feeling the smooth surface cool against his palm. His eyes darted around, taking in the presence of his fellow disciples, noting the confidence in their stances, the determination in their eyes.

Su Ling, his senior sister and the one he admired most, caught his gaze and smiled, her expression full of encouragement. Ye Chen's heart swelled with resolve—he would not let her down.

But as Ye Chen scanned the crowd, his gaze fell upon "Yu Haotian"—Aric in disguise. Something about him seemed off, but Ye Chen couldn't quite place it. The way "Yu Haotian" held himself, the slight smirk on his lips, the calculating gleam in his eyes—it was unsettling. But before Ye Chen could dwell on it, the competition was about to begin, and he pushed his unease aside.

Nearby, other notable talents gathered, their expressions focused and intense. There was Li Feng, the fiery-tempered prodigy whose fiery Qi was said to scorch the earth wherever he walked. Jiang Rui, known for his cold and calculating nature, stood to the side, his icy aura causing the air around him to freeze. Lan Mei, who is known for her speed was there too.

Each of them was a formidable opponent, and Ye Chen knew that to stand out, he would have to push himself beyond his limits.

The sect elders, their expressions stern and watchful, gave the signal to begin. A loud alarm echoed through the sect grounds, its sharp tone cutting through the air like a blade. In an instant, the disciples burst into action, rushing towards the vast wilderness that lay beyond the sect's protective barrier.

The Demonic Beast Hunting Competition had begun, and with it, the hunt for power, prestige, and survival.

As the disciples scattered into the forest, Aric, still in his Yu Haotian disguise, hung back for a moment, his eyes following Ye Chen. He activated a small talisman hidden within his robes, sending a silent signal to his mind-controlled disciples scattered throughout the competition grounds.

Aric's lips curled into a malicious smile. "Let's see how you handle this, Ye Chen," he whispered, before he too dashed into the wilderness, disappearing among the trees.

As the competition unfolded with intensity, another darker force lurked on the fringes of the Starry Sky Sect's territory. Ren Shi, one of the elders of the Heavenly Demonic Sect had brought an elite team of demonic cultivators. He led his men to the site under the cover of darkness. His cold, piercing eyes scanned the landscape, waiting for the signal from Aric to unleash chaos.

His men, all powerful and ruthless, stood ready, their weapons gleaming ominously in the pale light. Their mission was clear: to eliminate as many of the sect's disciples as possible and disrupt the competition in the most brutal manner.

Ren Shi was patient, knowing that Aric's plan was unfolding perfectly. But he was also eager—his bloodlust barely contained as he awaited the order to strike. He knew that when the time came, it would be a massacre.

Meanwhile, Ye Chen was deep within the wilderness, struggling to find his footing in the competition. Initially, his efforts yielded little success; the beasts seemed to be avoiding him, leaving him wandering through the dense forest with growing frustration. However, as he ventured farther from the starting point, he finally encountered a small pack of Rank 1 demonic beasts.

The first of these creatures lunged at Ye Chen with sharp fangs bared, but he swiftly dodged, countering with a precise strike that cut the beast down. Encouraged by his victory, Ye Chen pressed on, facing more of these low-level creatures. As he continued deeper into the forest, he found himself engaging in tougher battles, encountering Rank 2 and even a few Rank 3 demonic beasts.

His confidence grew with each victory, his movements becoming more fluid, his strikes more deadly.

However, unbeknownst to Ye Chen, his success hadn't gone unnoticed. Aric, hidden among the trees and watching from afar, saw Ye Chen's progress with a scowl. It was clear that Ye Chen was stronger than Aric had anticipated, and the ease with which he was overcoming the beasts posed a threat to Aric's plan.

Determined to put an end to Ye Chen's momentum, Aric subtly ordered his mind-controlled followers to release a horde of more powerful demonic beasts in Ye Chen's direction. Many of these beasts were not only stronger but had also been drugged, making them more aggressive and relentless. They charged towards Ye Chen like a wave of destruction, their eyes glowing with an unnatural fury.

As the ground trembled beneath him, Ye Chen's heart sank. His eyes widened in disbelief as he saw Rank 2, 3, and even Rank 4 beasts closing in on him from all directions. It was as if he had become a magnet, drawing them to him with an irresistible force.

He knew that taking them on all at once would drain his energy and leave him vulnerable, but he had no choice—the beasts were coming, and there was nowhere to hide.

The first beast, a Rank 2 Ironhide Boar, charged at Ye Chen with terrifying speed, its tusks gleaming wickedly as they aimed straight for his chest. The ground seemed to tremble beneath its massive weight, but Ye Chen remained calm, his instincts honed from countless battles. With a swift sidestep, he narrowly evaded the boar's attack, feeling the rush of air as its tusks grazed past him.

His sword flashed in a precise arc, slicing through the boar's tough flank. Blood sprayed across the forest floor as the boar stumbled and collapsed, but Ye Chen had no time to catch his breath.

A Rank 3 Thunderclaw Panther, as swift as lightning, leapt from the shadows, its claws crackling with electric energy. Ye Chen barely had time to react, raising his sword just in time to block the deadly strike. The impact sent a jolt of pain up his arms, his muscles straining under the panther's ferocious strength.

The beast was relentless, its fangs bared in a snarl as it twisted away from his counterattack, leaving only a shallow wound. Ye Chen's mind raced—he had to finish this quickly, or he'd be overwhelmed.

But before he could press his advantage, more beasts emerged from the underbrush, drawn by the scent of blood and the thrill of the hunt. Two Rank 2 Steelback Wolves flanked him, their eyes glowing with predatory intent, while a Rank 3 Rockhorn Rhino lumbered toward him, its massive horn ready to gore him where he stood. Ye Chen's heart pounded in his chest, but he forced himself to remain focused.

He couldn't afford any mistakes—his life depended on it.

The wolves struck first, darting in from opposite sides with terrifying speed. Ye Chen pivoted, slashing at the wolf on his right, his blade cutting through fur and flesh. The wolf yelped and retreated, but the second wolf seized the opportunity to lunge at his exposed back.

Ye Chen spun just in time, raising his sword to deflect the wolf's snapping jaws, but the force of the attack sent him stumbling backward.

Before he could recover, the Rockhorn Rhino charged, its heavy footsteps shaking the ground. Ye Chen leapt into the air, narrowly avoiding the rhino's deadly horn as it gouged deep into the earth where he had stood. Landing in a crouch, Ye Chen immediately rolled to the side to avoid the rhino's next charge, his mind racing to find a strategy.

"They're coming at me in waves," he thought, gritting his teeth as he dodged another swipe from the remaining wolf. "If I don't take them down quickly, I'll be overwhelmed."

Summoning a surge of energy, Ye Chen unleashed a powerful slash that cleaved the wolf in two, then immediately turned his attention back to the rhino. The beast charged again, but this time, Ye Chen was ready. He waited until the last possible moment before sidestepping, then drove his sword into the rhino's side, channeling his spiritual energy into the blade.

The rhino bellowed in pain as the energy exploded within it, tearing through its insides. It collapsed with a thunderous crash, but Ye Chen's relief was short-lived.

A shrill screech from above warned him of new danger. A Rank 4 Flamewing Serpent descended from the treetops, its wings ablaze with fire. The heat from its breath seared the air around him, and Ye Chen barely had time to dive out of the way as a torrent of flames scorched the ground where he had stood.

"Damn it, they just keep coming!" Ye Chen cursed under his breath, his body aching from the exertion. He could feel his strength waning, but he knew he couldn't stop—not with these beasts intent on tearing him apart.

The serpent coiled around a nearby tree, its fiery eyes locked on Ye Chen as it prepared to strike. Ye Chen watched it closely, his grip on his sword tightening. The serpent lunged, its fangs bared, but Ye Chen was ready. He darted to the side, avoiding the deadly bite, then sprang forward, driving his sword deep into the serpent's underbelly.

The serpent screeched in agony, its body writhing violently as it tried to shake him off.

Ye Chen gritted his teeth, holding on as the serpent thrashed around. With a final, desperate surge of energy, he twisted his sword, the blade cutting deeper into the serpent's flesh. The creature let out one last, earsplitting screech before its body went limp, crashing to the ground in a lifeless heap.

Panting heavily, Ye Chen withdrew his sword, his hands trembling from the effort. Blood dripped from a deep gash on his shoulder where one of the beasts had landed a blow. His breathing was labored, and his vision blurred with exhaustion. But he couldn't afford to rest—not yet.

"They're testing me, wearing me down," Ye Chen realized, his thoughts racing as he scanned the forest for any more threats. "But I can't let them break me. I've come too far to fall here."

Despite his injuries, he forced himself to stand tall, his resolve unshaken.