The sun has now shifted to the west and night with a full moon has replaced the throne. The two adventurers who had dived into the freshwater were now warming themselves in front of the bonfire burning at the edge of the river, wrapped in white simple clothes to cover their bodies.
"So how did you decide to leave the brothel?" Meagu who had her knees bent in front of her chest, starting to embrace it, turned her head towards the woman with black hair that was left loose.
Siuxa was silent for a few seconds, her eyes that reflected the firelight looked miserable until she opened her voice. "It was difficult. The sensation of trauma still stays and I can feel it all the time, and still... I find myself unable to break free from the addiction."
Meagu chose to remain silent, fully aware of the inner turmoil she had endured. After years of herself in the world of the night, which had served as a mere outlet for desire, it was confirmed to be an arduous struggle to combat something ingrained in everyday existence. The mental torment was real the time she cried out in defiance.
"But I can't live like that forever," she continued, looking down and watching her hands rest on her thighs - kneeling in spot. "I have dreams to fulfill."
Siuxa then clenched her hands which had trembled. "At least with that, I can see the better side of me. The side that is acceptable to me. Something..." Her voice began to soften, her eyes taking on a distant look, "that I can be proud of."
Meagu's typically cold and sharp stare held a trace of something different this time—a hint of emotion. Her flawless countenance remained focused ahead as her legs stayed, did not move. "I thought you were a weak woman who exploited Sanxiu's strength."
"But it seemed I was wrong about you," added the silver-haired woman who let her hair fall to her back, tied with a crimson ribbon at the end. "That's the real power you have. No cultivation needed."
Hearing that, Siuxa turned her head with a jerk, not knowing what Meagu meant and letting the woman next to her speak behind her words. "A stalwart determination to change for the better." Meagu turned her head with a smile. "Now I know why the Rogue Cultivator doesn't mind having a companion like you."
Siuxa could not believe that the Fox Demon had this side. A Yaomo who sympathized with her, a Demon who even offered her mental support. Wiping away the tears that broke through, Siuxa chuckled and then said, "I didn't expect the woman who almost killed me to have such a behavior."
The Fox Demon cleared her throat and shot a nuisance face in Siuxa's direction. "It's because of what happened with Uris. My sentiments got the better of me, you know?"
"I'm sorry," Siuxa then brought the fish skewer closer to the fire. "I had to do it."
"I understand, you don't have a choice," Meagu picked up her meat from the bonfire that was ready to consume. "What's more, I should let him free and rest."
Meagu opened her ample lips, revealing two fangs that extended to tear the dark red flesh. "All because of my selfishness, I kept him alive in that state."
She ate up the food in her mouth until she swallowed it all. "I'm just afraid that I won't find someone like him again." Meagu's melodious voice turned soft. "Who can accept me for who I am regardless of my own background."
The tranquil twilight was filled with the sounds of burning wood and river behind them, their somberness was noticeable. While Meagu and Siuxa exchanged their tales, Renxian could be spotted beneath the waterfall. He meditated half-naked, allowing the rushing stream to cascade onto his lotus form from above.
With his eyes closed, his well-built shape appeared to radiate in the moonlight. He allowed his black hair to dissolve, damped, dressed in a loincloth that reached his knees. Completely unresponsive, he maintained his focus and remained silent.
"Is this method effective for (Enhanced Senses)?"
[Yes, it is efficient and influential. You can feel each droplet of this water and it will make you difficult to concentrate on your mind. Therefore, this cultivation will improve faster on your success!]
"How far am I now?"
[Name: Renxian
Skill (Enhanced Senses): 35%]
The man flinched at the number and smiled. "Looks like you were right. Can this lift me to the maximum?"
[Of course, but not in one night.]
"I know, I know," Renxian nodded, understanding that cultivation would take time. As he had read, even some of the cultivators in the novels spent years to achieve that. "I need to be disciplined for this."
[Correct. Discipline is the most important thing. You will learn the advancement and consequences.]
Renxian drew a deep breath, determined to endure the constant sensation of the cold water. He knew that a cultivator in Gate 4 could maximize their endurance to become nearly immune to such hardships. Although he hadn't fully regained all of his abilities, at least this time, he could withstand the waterfall's pressure.
"Could you help me?" he murmured. "To ensure I don't return to my world this time?"
The system didn't respond immediately, but a few seconds later, the robotic voice echoed in his mind.
[Sure, I will prevent it.]
Hearing this, Renxian harbored no doubts. He committed himself to meditation this time, even though it was exceptionally challenging to delve into his subconscious. His brows furrowed together, demonstrating his immense effort to maintain focus, and he began to slip into a state of altered consciousness.
The sensation of the water's touch faded, giving way to a numbing stillness. The sounds around him hushed as if he had entered a vacuum, and the darkness that had obscured his vision unveiled something unfamiliar to Renxian—something new to him.
"This... this is not my memories," he exclaimed, finding himself amid an otherworldly realm, surrounded by a radiant, all-white expanse. "I've never been here before!"
As she blinked her eyes, the room, no, the enormous and spacious hall was filled with various things. Renxian's eyes widened as he took in the intricate decorations adorning the walls, the glittering chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, and the vivid red carpet extending before him. He was left speechless, at a loss for words to react to this opulent sight.
His awareness evolved as he noticed that he was no longer naked but illuminated in a red court dress with golden embellishments, leaving no doubt that he was now in a palace. The intoxicating magnificence of this regal area overwhelmed him.
Renxian sensed the presence of someone behind him, and suddenly, a hand covered his eyes, its delicate fingers bearing milk-white skin decorated with a gleaming ring that caught the light from outside. He was taken aback by the unexpected contact but made an effort to remain composed.
"What is Sanxiu doing in this place?" The woman's voice was sweet and soothing.
Renxian fell into a brief silence, pondering the situation. "Is this real? Was I transported here during my meditation?"
The woman who had covered Renxian's eyes now embraced him, wrapping her arms around his neck while standing on tiptoe. "Oh, darling, what are you talking about?" she asked with an affectionate tone.
Renxian, consumed by interest, attempted to steal a glimpse of the woman who had her head nested on his right shoulder. The alluring scent enveloped him, and he could see her straight raven hair. However, the moment he was about to turn his head to look at her face, he found himself instantly back at the base of the waterfall, back to his senses.
"What?"
[Name: Renxian
Skill (Enhanced Senses): 40%]
Renxian's heightened senses enabled him to discern the rustling of distant bushes. He swiftly rose to his feet, on high alert, ready for any potential threat. However, when the figure emerged, he relaxed his defenses upon recognizing Meagu.
"Oh, why are you naked like that?" The silver-haired woman teased in a seductive tone, advancing to the edge of the land. "Aren't you a bit of a perv?"
Renxian sighed and leaped over the rocks, making his way to the shore. "What's the matter?" He skimmed toward the white trousers he had left hanging on one of the tree branches. "Wait, did you leave Siuxa alone?"
With a broad smile, Meagu approached Renxian. "You don't think Siuxa is still a child, do you? She can look after herself." Her demeanor displayed a subtle change this time. "I'm still with her, so no need to be concerned."
"What does that mean?" Renxian stepped back as the woman in front of him continued to approach.
"Soul Clone," she said and was a few inches away from Renxian. "With that technique, I could receive information from what Siuxa said."
Sanxiu who was cornered was unable to evade or run, he was anxious. "Don't come near me! Let me dress myself first!"
It appeared that Renxian's words fell on deaf ears as Meagu continued to pay no heed. Instead, she touched Sanxiu's still-wet body with her fingers, tracing certain areas. "You can wear it later."
Lower than Renxian, she looked up slightly. "Besides," she said, "I'm here because of our deal."