Renxian found himself unable to respond as the woman squeezed her body closer, her head now mere inches from his. Confusion about their agreement had been limited to the ritual, leaving him to wonder if she desired something else at this moment.
"Wait, what deal are you talking about?" Renxian asked, alarm coursing through him as Meagu responded with a lascivious smile while looking at him.
Renxian felt Meagu's fingers tracing his neck and cheeks, and her words sent a shiver down his spine. "Ah, did you intentionally forget it?" she purred, her tone teasing. "It's a deal if you refuse the ritual when I want it."
Renxian felt a lump in his throat, wondering when this idea had emerged. He knew that Dual Cultivation wasn't a choice at this point; their connection was too weak, and immersing such an act would result in nothing but uncontrollable lust. He was determined to make an impression that had true value.
[Is not this wonderful? It will strengthen (Trust) and increase (Bond) between you.]
Renxian spoke, his annoyance evident. "Don't you always advise me on handling situations like this? Aren't you guiding me on how to deal with such temptations?"
[No. But in exchange, I will provide you some (Side Quest) to make this Dual Cultivation succeed.]
Renxian realized that this situation was inevitable. Resisting Meagu's advances seemed futile as she had the upper hand for the moment. Moreover, their short-lived relationship was at risk, and the consequences of the Fox Demon's rampage were extremely dangerous.
With no other viable options, Renxian let out a resigned breath. He closed his eyes, and when he opened them, they flashed with a cerulean color. "What do you want?"
The crimson irises were centered on Renxian's lips, and she opened them with her thumb. "I want you." Her voice was smooth like the sound of a soothing breeze.
As if carried away by an inexorable current, Renxian found himself unable to resist as Meagu's face drew tighter. He could feel her warm breath and the alluring aroma of her body. Before he knew it, their lips met, and their eyes closed in an intimate connection.
Renxian was overwhelmed by the intoxicating pleasure, and Meagu's plush, soft lips left him unable to resist. The kiss deepened as the woman's tongue danced with his own. Lost in the moment, Renxian could respond in kind, his mind in a blissful daze.
[Side Quest (Meagu): Hug her!]
Hearing that voice, Renxian gasped, and his two hands, which had been inactive, began to move. They glided along Meagu's hanfu clothing until they settled on her curved waistband. With a tightening grip on her, he caused Meagu to startle, her choked breathing betraying her surprise.
[Side Quest (Meagu): Hug her! (Completed)]
[Increased Meagu's trust: 10%]
Renxian sensed that Meagu was gradually succumbing, and the balance of power had shifted. His gentle caresses became more deliberate as they trailed down from her waist to the soft curve of her hips. In response, Meagu lost herself to the sensations, emitting a moan of satisfaction.
Renxian's mind was lost in the heat of the moment, and he couldn't bring himself to stop. Their kiss broke away, and he shifted his attention to Meagu's smooth neck. Her sweet sigh, which resembled a seductive melody in Renxian's ears, only fueled his intense desire, and he found it increasingly difficult to hold back.
Renxian not only indulged in the passion of the moment but also noticed something extraordinary. He felt their energies resonating as if Meagu's and Renxian's chi were merging, creating a heightened force. This sensation surpassed anything he had ever experienced in meditation, intensifying the connection between them.
[This is called Dual Cultivation Resonance. Your auras will bond and make cultivation easier and faster. It is followed by the Dual Cultivation ritual to increase the chances of success.]
As Meagu's desire intensified, her hands began to explore uncharted territory, starting from Renxian's chest and moving downward to his sculpted abdomen. However, when she reached a sensitive area that startled Renxian, he swiftly halted her advances, releasing his embrace.
"Wait, stop!" Renxian exclaimed, holding Meagu back with both hands pressed against her shoulders. "I can't do this right now."
Meagu, wide-eyed and with her mouth agape, composed herself and responded with a wide smile. "Oh? Are you afraid?"
Renxian, with his blushed face, attempted to explain. "No, it's not that. This isn't the right time for us to go further."
"I mean, I still don't know much about you," he added while putting on his clothes and attempting to distance himself. "I want our relationship to be more meaningful than this. Don't you think that's better?"
Meagu, observing Renxian's flustered and scattered state, couldn't help but chuckle at his behavior. "Well, well, there's no need to be that embarrassed. Besides, it is your first experience so I don't blame you for that."
[Such a waste.]
"Who cares!" shouted Renxian inside his head. "I remember that you told me to be in no rush during this Dual Cultivation with Siuxa. Why do you seem different this time?"
[Because Dual Cultivation with the Yaomo is rare. You wouldn't miss out on such an incredible thing, would you?]
Renxian chose to maintain his silence while dressed in black robes, putting aside his thoughts on what the system had mentioned. "Ah, right, I haven't had a taste of your cooking yet. Can I have a bite?" he asked, turning his head and walking past Meagu. "Come on now!"
Still bewildered, Meagu sighed and commented, "Virgin Cultivator."
***
The night changed and the light of the sun emerged from the east. They began to collect their belonging to continue their adventure to the nearest village. Not only did they need some pills and potions to help with cultivation, but Renxian also needed a new weapon. Without a sword, he seemed to have trouble executing some of his skills, especially since he couldn't do martial arts at all.
Renxian realized the importance of finding a sect that could enhance his abilities. Relying solely on a weapon wasn't sufficient; mastering martial arts was essential for defending against unexpected dangers and becoming a well-rounded cultivator.
Renxian decided to let Siuxa and Meagu lead the way while they entertained in their conversation. He noticed that their relationship was sweetening, which was a relief as he no longer had to endure their loud arguments. Nevertheless, his thoughts were drifting elsewhere, dwelling on the incident during his meditation.
"What was that all about, system?" Renxian said in his thoughts. "It's not like I had experienced before."
[It is not a recollection. It is a future sight.]
"What?" Renxian felt strange this time, both eyebrows linked. "Could you expand it?"
[You might not have noticed, but when you happen to come back to your last life, the real-time fastened. But, when you access the future, the real-time slows down.]
Renxian was speechless, contemplating. "But how can I see that? Why can I feel it?"
[This is indeed, something that should not happen to you. To be able to see into the future can be done by Celestial Cultivators, the Divines, who are in the Heaven Realm. It is impossible for mortals to do.]
Hearing this, Renxian was even more lost in thought. Especially to the figure of the black-haired woman who embraced him. He turned forward, especially to Siuxa who was sharing a meaningful moment with Meagu. With the beautiful ring and the warm greeting she had offered, could that woman indeed be Siuxa?
Suddenly, a blood-curdling scream pierced the air. Renxian, Siuxa, and Meagu gasped and turned their heads in the direction of the source, which was within the nearby forest. Without uncertainty, Meagu, who had a keen sense of smell, took on a grave expression. "It's the scent of Goblins!" she declared.
They hurriedly made it into the grove of trees, with Renxian and Siuxa following Meagu. She led them toward the source of the increasingly audible screams. Soon, they came to a halt and were taken aback by the sight of moss-colored creatures with large, pointed ears, each of them armed with spears.
Amid the chaotic scene, they discovered a man in dire straits, lying helpless with a stab wound through his iron armor. Nearby, a blonde woman, clad in once-white robes now tainted with dust and blood, appeared to be struggling to retreat as she collapsed on the ground. In her hand, she clutched a wooden staff, which she aimed at the Goblins in a desperate attempt to fend them off.
The blonde woman cried out in desperation, "No! Get away from me!" Her fear was discernible as she fought for survival against the Goblins.
As one of the Goblins with an incomprehensible voice closed in and leaped, aiming his spear at the terrified woman, it seemed as though the attack would lance her. However, in the nick of time, Renxian came to her rescue. With lightning speed, he intervened, employing his Blinding Slash skill to save the woman from harm.
The woman, still held in the embrace of Renxian's two hands, stared wide-eyed at the man with the bun. Her azure irises radiated shock as she had nearly accepted her imminent death, only to be saved by this remarkably attractive stranger.
Checking her condition, Renxian turned toward her, their eyes linked. "Are you alright?"