As word of Shang Xuan's successful awakening of an A-grade aptitude spread throughout the Shang Clan, jealousy reached its peak in the heart of Shang Wen, a young master from a competing branch of the clan. Shang Wen had a high B-grade aptitude, but no matter his talent, it never seemed to be enough. His true resentment, however, was directed not toward Shang Xuan's cultivation but toward the two beautiful maids who accompanied him everywhere—Lianhua and Meihua. For years, Shang Wen had harbored a secret crush on the twins, mesmerized by their flawless beauty, their grace, and their striking resemblance to each other.

  In his eyes, Shang Xuan had always been a nobody, a pretty face with no real substance. Shang Wen had convinced himself that Shang Xuan would awaken a mediocre aptitude, likely C-grade, and that once Shang Xuan's inevitable failure became apparent, he would have his chance. Shang Wen believed he could charm the twins away from Shang Xuan, offering them the life they truly deserved. He imagined himself marrying both of them, treating them like queens, and living in harmony with the beautiful goddesses who had stolen his heart. In his fantasy, Lianhua and Meihua would adorn his home like precious jewels, devoted to him and grateful for his affection.

  But today's events had shattered that fantasy.

  Shang Wen had stood in the main hall, watching with clenched fists as Lianhua and Meihua remained by Shang Xuan's side, their heads bowed in submission, their every movement reflecting their absolute loyalty to him. He had never seen them so devoted, so obedient to anyone, and the sight made his blood boil. How could they serve Shang Xuan with such dedication? How could they look at him with those adoring eyes?

  Shang Wen had barely restrained himself from attacking Shang Xuan right there in the hall, his mind clouded by rage and heartbreak. He wanted to tear Shang Xuan apart, to free the twins from what he believed was their servitude. His uncle's firm grip on his shoulder was the only thing that stopped him from acting out.

  Later that evening, Shang Wen gathered with his so-called friends—other young masters from the Shang Clan—at a private tavern. The wine flowed freely, and the bitterness in Shang Wen's heart grew with every cup. His friends watched him closely as he poured drink after drink, hoping to dull the ache in his chest, but the alcohol only fanned the flames of his anger.

  "They shouldn't be his," Shang Wen muttered darkly, his eyes glazed over. "Those girls… Lianhua… Meihua… they're too good for him. They should be mine."

  His friends exchanged knowing glances, sensing an opportunity to manipulate Shang Wen further. One of them, a fellow young master who had been spying for Shang Xuan's half-siblings, leaned forward with a sly grin. "You're right, Shang Wen," he said, his voice dripping with false sympathy. "Those girls don't belong with someone like him. Have you ever seen him with anyone else? No friends, no connections in the younger generation. He's probably too obsessed with those two maids to care about anything else."

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  Another young master chimed in, his voice equally venomous. "Exactly. It's obvious. Why else would he be so reclusive? He barely shows his face around the clan unless it's for something important. I bet he spends all his time behind closed doors… enjoying those twins. Can you imagine what he's doing to them?"

  Shang Wen's hand trembled as he lifted his cup to his lips. His mind flashed with images of Lianhua and Meihua, their alluring figures, their delicate bodies. He had often fantasized about what it would be like to have them to himself—to feel their warmth beside him, to experience their touch. Their long, golden hair cascading down their backs, their soft skin like porcelain, their eyes gazing up at him with admiration… In his imagination, they were his, wearing luxurious robes that he had gifted them, their beauty fully his to enjoy.

  But now, his fantasies were tainted with jealousy. In his mind, those beautiful goddesses were in Shang Xuan's bed, serving him in ways that drove Shang Wen mad with envy. His heart ached as he imagined Shang Xuan taking advantage of their submissive devotion, humiliating them, making them beg for mercy. The thought was unbearable.

  Another of Shang Wen's "friends" added fuel to the fire. "I've heard rumors that Shang Xuan doesn't treat them well," he said, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "He treats them like nothing more than playthings, humiliating them in private to stroke his ego. He probably enjoys seeing them cry, knowing they have no choice but to obey him."

  Though the claims were nothing more than lies meant to provoke Shang Wen, in his drunken state, he believed every word. His fists clenched, his knuckles white. His breath came in ragged gasps as rage clouded his judgment. All he could think about were the twins—Lianhua and Meihua, the girls he had dreamed of, being violated and humiliated by Shang Xuan, the man he hated most.

  "That bastard," Shang Wen spat, slamming his cup down onto the table. "I'll make him pay for this… I'll take them back. They're mine. They should have been mine all along."

  His friends exchanged sly smiles. They had succeeded in stoking Shang Wen's anger, and now they only needed to push him further.

  "Why wait?" one of them suggested, leaning in closer. "You're stronger than him, aren't you? You've got the backing of your family. If you challenge him now, you could take back what's rightfully yours. Those girls… they deserve someone like you, not him. He doesn't care about them the way you do."

  Shang Wen's drunken mind latched onto the idea. His heart pounded as visions of confronting Shang Xuan flooded his thoughts. He imagined himself standing victorious over his hated rival, the twins running to his side, grateful for their freedom. He would take them in his arms, protect them, and they would finally be his, as they were always meant to be.

  "I'll do it," Shang Wen growled, his voice filled with determination. "I'll make him regret ever laying a hand on them."

  As he spoke, his friends leaned back, satisfied that they had set Shang Wen on a dangerous path. Little did Shang Wen realize that his so-called friends had already begun reporting everything to Shang Xuan's half-siblings, eager to fan the flames of conflict even more.