The Yang Family estate was quieter now, a stark contrast to the intense conflict in Shadow Valley. After the trials in the valley and the mysterious attack from the ancient entity, Shiv (Yang Kai) had emerged stronger but shaken. His cultivation had surged to the Eighth Stage of the True Element Boundary, yet with that power came a constant, gnawing hunger—an uncontrollable need that was growing more intense with each passing day.
His new ability to absorb life force and increase his cultivation was powerful, but it had a dangerous side effect: the intense desire for women, which threatened to overpower him at any moment. He had managed to keep it under control thus far, but it was becoming increasingly difficult.
The Inheritance War continued, but for now, there was a lull, a temporary peace that allowed the remaining heirs to regroup and prepare for the next phase. Shiv used this time to reflect and stabilize his cultivation, but the hunger inside him continued to grow.
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Lingering Thoughts of the Ancient Entity
The mysterious entity that had struck him in Shadow Valley still haunted his thoughts. It hadn't attacked out of malice; the injury seemed almost accidental, as if the entity had been excited by sensing Shiv's Eternal Life ability. But the encounter had left an imprint on Shiv, reminding him that there were forces at play far beyond the Yang Family's struggle for power.
The entity remained hidden, its presence distant but lingering in the back of Shiv's mind. Whatever it was, Shiv knew it wasn't evil, but it was dangerous—its sheer power was undeniable.
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Reunion with Family
Back at the estate, Shiv spent more time with his family, reconnecting with his parents, Yang Zhen and Su Yu Ting. The warmth of his parents' presence offered him brief moments of respite from the turmoil within him. Shiv had come to terms with the fact that these people, though they had raised the original Yang Kai, were now his family as well. He felt a deep sense of responsibility to protect them.
His parents, unaware of the inner conflict raging inside their son, were proud of the strength he had shown in the Inheritance War. Su Yu Ting, in particular, was relieved to have her son back, and she doted on him during their time together.
But even in these peaceful moments, Shiv could feel the hunger tugging at him. He knew it was only a matter of time before he would have to face it head-on.
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Hu Jiao Er's Arrival
It was during one of these peaceful days that Hu Jiao Er, a familiar figure from Shiv's past, arrived at the Yang Family estate. Her presence stirred something deep within Shiv, but he maintained his composure. Their relationship had always been complicated, filled with unspoken feelings and a powerful attraction, but the hunger that now gripped Shiv made it harder for him to control himself.
When he saw her, the hunger flared, but he buried it beneath layers of self-discipline, refusing to let it take over.
"Yang Kai, it's been too long," Hu Jiao Er said with a smile, her voice soft but filled with emotion. Her eyes lingered on him, and there was a warmth in her gaze that made Shiv's heart race.
"It has," Shiv replied, his tone calm but guarded. He couldn't deny that seeing her stirred something within him—something far more powerful than just attraction.
The two of them spent time together, sharing stories about their experiences since they had last met. Hu Jiao Er had grown stronger as well, her cultivation advancing to the True Element Boundary, though she hadn't been part of the Inheritance War.
As they talked, Shiv felt the pull of his desire growing stronger. He had always felt connected to Hu Jiao Er, but now, with his new ability, the desire was different—more intense, more primal. It wasn't just her presence that affected him; it was the energy she carried, the life force that called out to him.
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Emotional Tension
As the evening wore on, Shiv found it harder and harder to keep his emotions in check. Hu Jiao Er was more than just an attractive woman—she was someone he cared about, someone he had shared experiences with. But the hunger inside him twisted those feelings into something else, something more urgent.
Hu Jiao Er noticed his tension and grew concerned. "Is something bothering you, Yang Kai?" she asked gently, her voice filled with genuine care.
Shiv hesitated for a moment, his gaze locked with hers. He wanted to tell her everything—about his new ability, the hunger, the danger it posed—but he couldn't. Not yet. He didn't want to burden her with the truth.
"I'm fine," he replied, forcing a smile. "Just… a lot on my mind."
But the truth was, he wasn't fine. The hunger was growing stronger, and he could feel himself losing control. Every moment he spent with Hu Jiao Er made it harder to suppress his desires.
As the night drew on, Hu Jiao Er stood to leave, but she hesitated. "I've missed you, Yang Kai," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I… I was hoping we could spend some time together, just the two of us."
Her words were like a spark to dry tinder, igniting the fire that had been building inside Shiv. He could feel the hunger flaring, his control slipping. He wanted to say no, to walk away before things went too far, but he couldn't. He was losing the battle against his own desires.
"Come with me," Shiv said quietly, his voice filled with a mix of emotions—desire, guilt, and a need for connection.
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The Moment of Loss
(Scene skipped)(should I include this too)
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Aftermath: The Surge of Power
When it was over, Shiv felt a surge of energy coursing through his body. His cultivation had skyrocketed, reaching the Ninth Stage of the True Element Boundary. The life force he had absorbed during their encounter had fed his Eternal Life ability, propelling him to new heights of power.
But with that power came an even stronger hunger. The desire that had been gnawing at him before had now grown into something far more dangerous, far more uncontrollable. He had felt the full force of his ability during their time together, and while it had given him strength, it had also pushed him closer to the edge.
He stood by the window, staring out at the darkened estate. His thoughts were conflicted. The power he had gained was undeniable, but the cost was steep. The hunger was now a constant presence, and he knew that the more he used this ability, the more he would need to feed it.
Hu Jiao Er, still lying beside him, was unaware of the turmoil raging inside him. She had been a willing participant, but Shiv knew that this was just the beginning. If he wasn't careful, this power could consume him.
But he couldn't stop now. The Inheritance War was still ongoing, and the mysterious entity from Shadow Valley still loomed in the background. Shiv needed every advantage he could get, and this ability was his key to rapid cultivation growth.
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New Resolve, Greater Danger
In the days that followed, Shiv continued to push his cultivation forward, using the power of his Eternal Life ability strategically. He sought out opportunities to grow stronger, knowing that the hunger inside him was a double-edged sword.
He realized that intimacy with women of strong cultivation was a way to fuel his growth, but it also came with a cost—the stronger the woman's energy, the more he craved it. He had to keep his desires in check, or risk losing himself to the hunger completely.
For now, he had control. But he knew that control was fragile, and if he wasn't careful, it would shatter.
And then, there was the matter of the ancient entity. Though it hadn't reappeared since the attack in Shadow Valley, Shiv could still feel its presence, watching, waiting. Whatever it was, it had been drawn to his Eternal Life ability, and he knew that his power would only continue to attract more attention—from both allies and enemies.
The Inheritance War was far from over, and the road ahead was fraught with danger. But Shiv was ready.
No matter the cost, he would continue to rise.
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