Chapter 4: Fall of the Target
The alarm buzzed at 6:00 a.m., and for a moment, I considered smashing it with a burst of Qi. Unfortunately, I was still in the Body Refining Realm, and all I'd manage was a bruised fist and a broken clock. So, like any modern cultivator with a healthy sense of self-preservation, I rolled over and hit snooze.
I lay there, letting the early morning haze fade as I cycled the Primordial Chaos Divine Sins Emperor Technique. The familiar dark current of Chaos Evil Qi trickled through my meridians, slow but steady. I'd made progress—my physique was adapting, my body growing tougher, and the first sin, Pride, was now a subtle, ever-present aura that made people instinctively take me more seriously. Not bad for a few days' work, especially on a planet where spiritual Qi was about as common as honest politicians.
But today wasn't about brute progress. Today, I had a target: Emily.
Emily, my psychology-major friend with the uncanny ability to read people, was the perfect first conquest. She was observant, sharp, and just vulnerable enough to need validation. In my past life, I'd written her as the best friend, the one who always helped the protagonist grow in the future. This time, she'd help me ascend—just not in the way she expected.
I arrived at campus early, my mind already plotting. The quad was still quiet, dew glistening on the grass, and students shuffled past with headphones in and eyes half-closed. I spotted Emily on a bench again just like yesterday, just this time coffee in hand, notebook open, already scribbling notes. She looked up as I approached, her eyes brightening.
"Morning, Tian Mo. You're up early again today?" she asked, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Again couldn't sleep," I replied, flashing her a smile I'd practiced in the mirror. "Still too many thoughts in my head. You ever get that way?"
She laughed, warm and genuine. "All the time. Want to talk about it?"
I sat beside her, close enough to hint at intimacy, far enough not to spook her. "Actually, yeah. I've been thinking about people—how everyone's always wearing masks. You ever wish you could just see what's underneath?"
Emily's lips curled in a knowing smirk. "You mean, like, see the real them? That's my whole major. Most people are easy, but you… you're a tough read starting from few days ago."
I leaned in, lowering my voice. "Maybe that's because I'm still figuring myself out. Or maybe I'm just good at hiding."
She studied me, her eyes searching something. I let the aura of Pride seep out, just a touch, making her feel like she was in the presence of someone important. She shivered, almost imperceptibly.
"I think you're more complicated than you let on," she said, voice soft.
"Maybe," I replied, "but I like that you try. Most people don't bother."
She smiled, a little flustered. "You're really different lately. Like more… confident."
I shrugged, letting a hint of vulnerability show. "Guess I just realized life's too short to play it safe."
We sat in companionable silence for a moment. I let the tension build, then shifted the conversation. "You know, I've always admired how you see through people. It's a huge talent."
Emily blushed. "It's just practice."
"No, it's more than that," I insisted, letting my Qi gently nudge her emotions, amplifying her pride. "You're special, Emily. I mean it."
She looked away, hiding a smile. "You're being too sweet, Tian Mo."
"Only for you," I teased, and she laughed, the sound genuine. The seed was planted.
Classes passed in a blur. I paid attention, of course—knowledge was power, and I had no intention of being the dumbest immortal in the room—but my focus was on Emily. Between lectures, I found excuses to walk with her, to share jokes, to ask about her dreams. Each time, I let my cultivation technique subtly influence her, making her feel more comfortable, more valued, more drawn to me.
At lunch, we met up with Alex and Mike. Alex was ranting about some new AI project, while Mike was already checking stock prices on his phone. I played the part of the supportive friend, but I watched Emily, noting how she always glanced my way, how her body angled toward me even when she was talking to the others.
"Emily's been helping me with some psychology stuff," I mentioned casually, earning a surprised look from Mike.
"Really? I thought she only tutored lost causes," he joked.
Emily rolled her eyes. "Tian Mo's not a lost cause. He's just… complicated lately."
Alex grinned. "That's one word for it."
I smirked. "You guys just don't appreciate my depth."
After lunch, I walked Emily to her next class. The hallway was quiet, sunlight streaming in through tall windows. I paused, turning to face her.
"Hey, Emily," I said, voice low, "can I ask you something personal?"
She nodded, curiosity piqued.
"What do you want, really? Out of life, I mean."
She hesitated, caught off guard. "I… I want to help people, I guess. Make a difference. Be seen for who I am, not just what I can do."
I nodded, thoughtful. "That's brave. Most people just want to fit in."
She smiled, a little sad. "Fitting in is overrated."
I reached out, gently brushing her hand. "You don't have to fit in with me. I see you, Emily. The real you."
She froze, eyes wide, and I felt the bond strengthen. My cultivation technique thrummed, feeding on her pride and longing, drawing in a sliver of Chaos Evil Qi. It was intoxicating—a taste of power and control.
"Thank you," she whispered. "That means a lot."
"Anytime," I replied, letting my fingers linger just a moment too long.
That night, I meditated again, cycling the technique, feeling the slow but steady progress. I replayed the day's interactions, analyzing every word, every glance, every touch. Emily was falling for me, slowly but surely. Soon, she'd be loyal, devoted, willing to do anything I asked.
The next week passed in a blur of classes, study sessions, and subtle manipulation. I invited Emily to join me for coffee, for walks around campus, for late-night study marathons. Each time, I let my Qi flow, amplifying her emotions, making her crave my attention, my approval.
One evening, as we sat on the library steps watching the stars, she leaned her head on my shoulder. "You know, I'm glad we're friends, Tian Mo. I feel like I can be myself around you."
I smiled, wrapping an arm around her. "That's all I want, Emily. For you to be you."
She sighed contentedly, and I felt the bond deepen. My cultivation technique pulsed, drawing in more Qi, strengthening my body, sharpening my mind.
I knew I was close. One final push, and Emily would be mine—body, mind, and soul.
The next day, I made my move. After a long study session, I walked her home, stopping just outside her apartment.
"Emily," I said softly, "there's something I need to tell you."
She looked up, eyes searching mine. "What is it?"
I hesitated, letting vulnerability show. "I care about you. More than I should. I know it's sudden, but… I can't help how I feel."
She blushed, her eyes darting around nervously. "You know,I care about you too, Tian Mo."
I leaned in, kissing her gently. She melted into my arms, and I felt her surrender—complete and total. My cultivation technique surged, feeding on her love, her pride, her longing. The bond was sealed.
I will leave her till here to avoid frightening her.
That night, as I lay in bed in my room, I smiled. Emily was mine (of course not completely but will be soon, you know... right!). The first piece of my secret force had fallen into place.
Tomorrow, I'd will slowly begin shaping her into the perfect pawn—loyal, loving, and utterly devoted to my cause.
After all, in this world, power wasn't just about strength. It was also about control.
And I will be the master of both.
(At least I think so... Right?)