The Heaven's Pinnacle Summit was held once every century—a gathering of righteous sects, empires, clans, and spiritual rulers to discuss balance, justice, and unity among cultivators. Invitations were rarer than divine weapons, and those invited were considered paragons of virtue.
Priyanshu Yadav, the hidden villain masked as a righteous prodigy, walked calmly toward the summit grounds.
Clad in pristine white robes, laced with subtle golden patterns, he wore a tranquil expression. His aura radiated righteousness and serenity—so much that even spiritual beasts bowed as he passed.
In the distance, the sky itself shimmered. A floating palace hung in the air like a sacred jewel. Stairways made of light connected to it, glowing with celestial formations.
At the entrance, guards examined every entrant with divine perception. Even the slightest flaw in karmic intent would trigger the cleansing flames.
But when Priyanshu stepped forward, the divine flames welcomed him, parting gently.
One elder whispered to another, "What a noble aura…"
Another said, "His soul feels untouched by corruption. He must be a reincarnated immortal."
Priyanshu bowed slightly, humility in every movement. "It is an honor to stand among the righteous."
Inside, the Grand Pavilion buzzed with conversation. More than a hundred prodigies sat around the central lotus platform, each bearing their sect's insignia—Phoenix Hall, Thunder Sky Sect, Eternal Dharma Temple, and others.
A girl with silver eyes and a sword on her back glanced at Priyanshu with curiosity. "I don't recognize your emblem, friend. May I ask your origin?"
He smiled softly. "I'm from the Cloudveil Refuge in the Southern Mist Mountains. A small place."
The name didn't exist. He'd created it using the system's Illusionary Sect Generator, which gave it a fabricated karmic trail readable by even divine-level soul senses.
System Prompt:
[You've successfully deceived 98 cultivators of the Heaven Rank.][+150 Fate Points
| +2 Villain Points
+8 Righteous Reputation]
The session began. The Grand Righteous Elder stood and announced, "Let all voices be heard. Let all grievances be spoken. We are gathered for unity."
One by one, sect leaders spoke of disturbances, rogue cultivators, and demonic movements.
Priyanshu, listening silently, took mental notes—every weakness, every internal conflict, every unspoken alliance.
When it was his turn, he stood.
"Brothers and sisters of the Dao… I may come from a forgotten corner, but I believe true righteousness is not loud. It is quiet. It acts from the shadows, protecting without pride, guiding without chains."
The hall fell silent.
Even the most arrogant prodigies found themselves nodding.
[You have gained +70 Righteous Karma Points.][Three major sects want to recruit you.][Five hidden sects now perceive you as a threat.]
He sat down slowly.
Behind the gentle smile on his face, a thought stirred:
"Righteous? No. I'm the shadow in your light, the crack in your perfection. And soon… I'll be the architect of your fall."