Chapter 4: The Temptation of Greed
The days following Raiyen's growing influence with Lian Yu were filled with subtle victories. His power, though still in its infancy, began to spread like a slow-burning fire. The System whispered in his mind with every step, every action, every new sin sown. Lust had been but the beginning—now, it was time for the next.
Greed.
The Black Vein Sect was a breeding ground for ambition, but ambition was never truly satisfied. There were always those who wanted more. Always those who felt they were entitled to power beyond their reach.
And Raiyen knew just where to strike.
---
The Cultivation Chamber
Raiyen sat in his chamber, his eyes closed in deep concentration as he meditated. The faint hum of spiritual energy surrounded him as he tapped into the power of the Sinbound System. A soft chime echoed in his mind, signaling a new notification.
> [Sinbound System Update]
Sin Sown: Greed – Moderate
+50 Sin Points Acquired
[Skill Unlocked: Sinful Temptation (Tier 1)]
Raiyen smiled, opening his eyes. This was only the beginning.
The system had gifted him a new ability—Sinful Temptation. A tool to amplify the darkest desires in others. Greed, especially, was a sin that could topple kingdoms, break alliances, and consume the weak. It was the perfect sin for manipulating the ambitious, for turning those who desired more into mere puppets.
He stood and walked to the window, gazing out at the sect's sprawling courtyard. The Black Vein Sect, with all its political schemes, was ripe for the taking. Raiyen's eyes settled on one man in particular—Han Yuren, a senior disciple known for his insatiable hunger for power. Han was ambitious, ruthlessly so, but he lacked the vision to reach the heights he craved. The perfect target.
Raiyen had studied him closely over the past few days. Han Yuren was a proud man, with a commanding presence, but his greed was like an open wound—a weakness he was desperately trying to cover up with false confidence.
> [Target Identified: Han Yuren – Mortal Tier 3]
[Sin Potential: High – Greed]
[Optional Action: Exploit greed. Offer temptation.]
It was time to make a move.
---
The Encounter
The next morning, Raiyen made his way to the Sect's main training grounds. He had learned that Han Yuren often practiced with his fellow disciples in the early hours, showing off his strength and skill to maintain his status.
Raiyen was not interested in brute strength. No, his goal was far subtler.
As he approached the training grounds, he saw Han Yuren in the middle of a sparring match, his muscular frame moving with grace and precision. His opponent—a young, eager disciple—was struggling to keep up.
Raiyen watched for a moment before stepping into the training area, his presence immediately drawing attention. Han Yuren's sparring partner faltered at the sight of him, stepping back and bowing respectfully.
"Monarch Raiyen," Han Yuren greeted with a slight sneer, though his eyes narrowed in curiosity. "What brings you to the training grounds today?"
Raiyen smiled, his gaze never leaving Han Yuren's eyes. "I've been watching you, Han Yuren. You have skill, strength... but that's not enough, is it?"
Han Yuren raised an eyebrow, his expression shifting from curiosity to slight annoyance. "What are you insinuating, Raiyen?"
Raiyen stepped closer, his voice low but insistent. "I'm not insulting you. I'm merely stating the truth. You've climbed the ranks through hard work, but there's a ceiling. You can't break through it with mere effort."
"And what do you suggest, then?" Han Yuren asked, his voice tinged with skepticism but also curiosity. "What is it you think I lack?"
Raiyen's smile widened. He knew this was the moment.
"You lack power," he said. "The kind of power that can make you untouchable." He paused, letting the words hang in the air. "I can give that to you."
Han Yuren's gaze flickered with something—hunger, perhaps. Raiyen could see the wheels turning in his mind. The seeds of greed were already taking root.
"What do you want in return?" Han Yuren asked, his voice dropping to a whisper. His pride was still intact, but Raiyen could tell that his desire for more was overwhelming his caution.
"Nothing much," Raiyen said, his voice smooth, almost coaxing. "Just that you accept my offer. Join me, and I will ensure that you rise above all others. The sect will bow to you. You will have everything you've ever desired."
Han Yuren looked around, as if checking to see if anyone was listening. The surrounding disciples were busy with their own training, but Raiyen could sense that Han was losing himself in the allure of the offer.
"I… I can't refuse that," Han Yuren murmured, almost to himself. "What do I need to do?"
Raiyen stepped closer, placing a hand on Han Yuren's shoulder, his touch almost possessive. "Swear your loyalty to me. Allow me to guide you. And I will make your every wish come true."
> [Sin Sown: Greed – High]
+75 Sin Points Acquired
[Skill Unlocked: Sinful Loyalty (Tier 1)]
New Trait Unlocked: Sinbound Patronage
Han Yuren has sworn loyalty to the Sinbound Monarch. Future rewards may apply.
Raiyen felt the surge of power as the deal was struck. Han Yuren's greed had been fully awakened, and now it was bound to him.
---
The Aftermath
As Raiyen left the training grounds, he couldn't help but smile. Han Yuren was just the first of many. The world was full of people like him—ambitious, hungry for power, but too blind to see the consequences of their desires. Raiyen would use their greed to build his empire, piece by piece.
The Sinbound System was not just a weapon. It was a tool for reshaping the world.
And Raiyen would be the one to wield it.
---
Later That Night
Back in his chamber, Raiyen stood before the mirror, his eyes gleaming with newfound power. The flames of desire burned within him, but it was not just his own lust and greed he sought to satisfy. No, it was the sins of others that fueled him now. The more they sinned, the stronger he became.
Xiao Zhi entered quietly, holding a tray of tea. Her eyes flickered to the floor, avoiding his gaze.
"You're looking more powerful every day," she said softly, her voice a mixture of admiration and fear.
Raiyen turned to her, his gaze softening for a moment. "And it's only just beginning, Xiao Zhi. The world will soon know my name. But you, my dear, will have a front-row seat to watch it unfold."
Xiao Zhi hesitated before speaking again. "You're... different now, Raiyen. I can see it in your eyes. You're not the same person you were."
Raiyen's smile was dark, almost predatory. "No, Xiao Zhi. I'm not the same person. But I'll show you what I can become."
The Sinbound Monarch had sown greed in Han Yuren, and with it, a new path had opened up. But there was much more to be done.
Greed was just the beginning.