The room fell into an eerie silence, broken by the soft rustle of pages. Bathed in the candlelight, a woman with blonde hair, clad in tanned nightwear, was engrossed in the book before her, her entire focus dedicated to the knowledge hidden within the book.
Despite its weathered appearance, the old book retained its timeless allure, a testament to Niara's dedicated care. It wasn't a tome on restorative magic, but the intricacies of the empire, the cultivation technique, and the secretive sects intertwined with her family's involvement.
Within the empire, the Clover Sect held not just a substantial role but stood as the epicenter of healing techniques. While some sects boasted alternative training methods and unique philosophies, there were smaller, lesser-known sects that, due to their distinct viewpoints on life, garnered little interest from the populace.
In the diverse landscape of cultivation, various sects offered distinct approaches. While the Clover Sect focused on cultivation through resonance with other cultivators, others delved into more taboo and hazardous methods, some considered too dangerous or unsavory.
However, dual cultivation stood as a method that, while pushing boundaries, managed to survive within the realm of tolerance.
Siuxa's words regarding the Fox Demon 'eating' the cultivator were not exaggerated; such a ritual did indeed exist within cultivation. The process, involving the flow of chi throughout the nervous system merging with the body, could indeed lead to the consumption of the victim before their eventual death.
Because chi will disappear along with life.
Despite their existence in the shadow, the empire had banned such forbidden cultivation, actively pursuing sects that continued to delve into these arts. Dual cultivation, in contrast, continued due to its inherent nature, as it was unavoidable for humans.
As she read the book further, she found one sect name that caught her attention. It was Wisteria Sect which was famous for its ability to manage chi into martial arts forms. It was named as the second that contributed to the Huanmin Empire itself in terms of strength. Hence, the best graduates of their disciples were certain to be recruited by the empire.
Years of conflict among these sects endured, often avoiding open bloodshed. Unjust territorial disputes, arbitrated by the emperor, left chaos in their wake. The confiscation of resources further fueled the discontent of the locals, intensifying their calls for liberation.
The sound of multiple footfalls ascending the stairs drew Niara's attention. She turned at the locked entrance, her mind racing. "Have they returned?" she wondered, rising from her chair. "Could it be Meagu with them?"
The screeching of wood could be heard until it came to a halt outside the door, followed by a somewhat rough knock. Niara, inside, hurriedly made her way to the entrance, calling out, "I'm coming!" She snatched the key and began to unlock the door.
"You all back—" Niara's two azure eyes widened and turned to shock as she realized that these were neither Renxian, Siuxa, nor Meagu. Instead, she found herself face-to-face with several men.
"It's been a long time since I didn't see your face, little chick," said the man at the front with a mischievous smile.
Still in a stunned state, Niara almost shut the door but the men intervened, suffocating her mouth and nose as she tried to deflect. However, they easily made her submit and even with a loud huff, the woman started to lose consciousness - taking her out of the room.
Some of them were standing by outside the inn, the red liquid seeping out of some of the residents who happened to be staying there - lying on the floor along with the innkeeper. While the others carried Niara into a carriage, the bald man in iron armor stood vigil, looking around to make sure.
He was Giond, keenly aware of someone approaching from the nearby intersection. Even from a distance, he discerned her as a woman with flowing silver hair adorned in white attire. Yet, it wasn't her appearance that instilled fear in him at that moment.
The aura he sensed radiated from the woman on an immense scale, causing the burly man's legs to tremble. Stammering, he instructed, "Go now!"
The coachman executed the order, aware that interference could threaten the mission. As Giond and the other members of the Hunter Association readied themselves, he unsheathed his sword, his trembling hands revealing his nerves as the woman's figure emerged beneath the lantern's glow.
She was the Fox Demon, Meagu. With the terrifying stare she delivered, the Hunter Association could not move a step forward. He froze even as their lips strangled, wanting to declare something but being silenced. Cold sweat began to ooze from their foreheads, especially Giond.
Meagu mustered a wide smile, still with her natural, seductive nature. "Ah, what a coincidence that I'm here to be welcomed by muscular men like you."
"But it seems my fun will have to wait for now," she said and stood right in front of Giond. She stroked the man's chin, turning his look downward to meet hers. "I've always had a hunch that you were involved with that healer woman."
"Quite a stroke of luck, wouldn't you agree? The scheme might have succeeded if there were no unexpected visitors," she mused, walking past Giond.
She halted, Meagu's eyes still fixed on the carriage that was receding into the distance. "But now, I've arrived."
Giond realized he was trapped this time, understanding that there was no escape. His body refused to respond, and fear held him in its relentless hold. He couldn't help but regret that he had divulged Niara's whereabouts. Who could have anticipated that the blonde woman was such a crucial figure?
As he started to turn around, a forceful slash surged towards them. The claws, enveloped in a magenta aura, mercilessly cleaved through the bodies of the five hunters, scattering a reddish liquid across the road. Unmoved, the Fox Demon maintained her calm, still wearing a smile as she glanced back in the direction the carriage had departed.
"It's your turn."
***
The irregular sounds of labored breathing resonated with the flowing river. Siuxa, who remained perched on the rock, found herself unconsciously drawing Sanxiu into her embrace, their kisses even more passionate. The dreamlike world that had been so tantalizing was now being realized in the material realm.
Renxian, in contrast to his initial resistance, allowed himself to surrender to the fiery embrace of fervor. Their lips collided, immersing in a delicate yet fervent dance of tongues. The intoxicating sensations encouraged Sanxiu to take the lead, igniting the flames of desire between them.
His hands now began to travel from Siuxa's shoulders to her neck, lower and beyond. He didn't know why he allowed this to happen, but Renxian felt that there was no doubt in his heart. That the woman who was now in front of him was most likely his future life partner.
He ventured to touch Siuxa's chest which was not too large and not too small - it felt full and fit in Renxian's hand. The woman choked, breaking the connection between the two, and began to arch her back, letting out sighs that thrived heavier and louder as Renxian touched her nips with his fingers.
In the moonlight, as if she presented a milk-white neck, the man didn't hesitate to brush his lips upon it. The ecstatic rush of breath amplified the pleasure coursing through Siuxa, causing her body to quiver, and her legs to weaken.
[You are getting better at this.]
Continuing his exploration, the man's left hand descended along her waist, tracing to her thighs, which were still concealed by a black cloth. Every one of Renxian's caresses sent shivers down the woman's spine, and she kept her eyes closed. Slowly, his hand moved upward, reaching the intimate valley between her crotch.
Losing control of his restraint, Sanxiu began to explore the area, his movements quickening. Siuxa, lost in the throes of satisfaction, surrendered herself even more to the feelings. "Ahn... yes, right there," her melodic voice echoed, further fueling Renxian's excitement.
"I... I... I come..."
At that moment, Renxian's hands were ensnared by Siuxa's thighs, and her body tensed, her arms encircling Renxian's neck as she kissed him once more. A surge of fulfillment overcame her, and as the sensations reached her peak, she released a long breath and went limp.
At that moment, she snapped back to her senses and noticed that Renxian was now inches away from her. She could feel the contours of his sculpted body squeezed against her. With a soft and tired voice, she questioned, "Renxian? Is this not a dream?"
Startled, Renxian withdrew himself, still above Siuxa, his eyes wide open. Realizing the situation, he then offered a warm smile and said, "Welcome back, Siuxa. You have completed your cultivation."
Aware that what she did in the dream world carried over to the real world, Siuxa's face blushed. "Did... did we do that... that action..." Her flustered state was evident, her eyes glazed over.
Feeling awkward and uncertain about how to answer, Renxian nodded and said, "Yes, it appears so."
The woman uttered in a hushed and soft tone, was tinged with shyness as she occasionally stole glances at the man. "T-Thank you, Renxian, for being with me," she confessed.
Siuxa's response was completely unexpected, leaving him wide-eyed, and offered her a warm smile.