"But how can you fall for someone who doesn't have a tenth of your talent? People would make fun of us." Rowan smiled sadly, his eyes reflecting a distant sadness.
"No talent? Don't give me the same bull crap you tell everyone else, Rowan. I know you were already in the core formation realm when we were both 11. I can only imagine what realm you've reached today," Lyra said, her voice firm yet tender as she took a step closer. "You've always been exceptional, far beyond what others can comprehend. Others may see me as a prodigy, but it is you who truly deserves such praise." She reached out, her fingers gently brushing against his arm, seeking to convey the depth of her conviction.
As she practically pressed her body close to him, Rowan's heart pounded in his chest. Lyra's presence was a mix of warmth and determination that he found both comforting and disarming. She was right; no one in the Nine Heavens Sect could compare to him. Even the most talented boys and men there couldn't hold a candle to his brilliance, let alone compare to a single hair on his head.
Lyra's eyes never left his, filled with a mixture of admiration and something deeper, something that made Rowan feel vulnerable in a way he hadn't experienced before. The world around them seemed to fade, leaving just the two of them in a bubble of shared history and unspoken emotions. Rowan knew the risks, the whispers and judgments they would face, but in that moment, none of it seemed to matter.
"Don't be silly, Lyra. That was years ago. You were probably hallucinating at the time," Rowan deflected, his voice tinged with a mix of avoidance and regret.
"I was not hallucinating. I read the cultivation books in the sect, and they say that only someone who reaches the core formation realm can release their spiritual essence into the physical world. I still remember the black smoke-like substance that came from your fingertips and into my wound. You can lie to anybody else, but don't lie to me, Rowan. I'll hate you for life, I promise you," Lyra sobbed into Rowan's chest, her tears soaking through his robes.
Rowan sighed, his heart aching at the sight of her distress. When they were eleven, Lyra had been bitten by a poisonous snake. The snake's venom was so potent that her leg began to decay visibly within seconds. It was clear that this was no ordinary snake—it was a magical beast, accidentally stepped on by Lyra while she was playing in the rice fields.
The memory of that day was still vivid in Rowan's mind. He had been terrified when he saw the snake strike her, and even more so when he saw the rapid decay spreading from the bite. In an impulsive moment on his part, he had channeled his spiritual essence, a power he had kept hidden from everyone, even from Lyra. The black smoke-like substance had flowed from his fingertips, enveloping the wound and neutralizing the venom.
Lyra's cries had faded into quiet whimpers as the pain subsided, replaced by a mixture of awe and confusion at the sight of Rowan's power. He had sworn her to secrecy, fearing what others might think or do if they knew the extent of his abilities. He could have easily erased her memories of the event altogether but he feared that he might do something wrong to Lyra since he was not that skilled in harnessing his power yet during that time.
Now, standing in the present, Rowan realized how deeply that moment had impacted Lyra. She had seen through his facade, recognized his true potential, and it had shaped her understanding of him ever since. He gently stroked her hair, trying to comfort her, but also grappling with the truth she demanded from him.
"Lyra," he whispered, his voice breaking, "I never wanted to lie to you. I just... I didn't want you to see me differently. I wanted to protect you, to keep you safe from all the dangers that come with this power."
Lyra looked up at him, her eyes filled with a fierce determination. "I don't need protection from you, Rowan. I need the truth. We're in this together, no matter what. Don't shut me out."
Rowan felt a surge of emotion, a mix of relief and fear. He realized that Lyra's strength and loyalty were unwavering, and that their bond was stronger than any secret he could keep. He took a deep breath, ready to finally be honest with her.
"Alright, Lyra. I'll tell you everything. No more lies, no more hiding. We face the future together, whatever it may bring."
And so Rowan shared his story for an hour straight, his voice heavy with the weight of his experiences.
"So that's it. I'm afraid of this power corrupting me. Whenever I use any of the skills in the inheritance, I feel a dark, greedy, petty impulse inside me. It's something I can't control, and yet, part of me is thrilled to use it, to let it out. I know it's wrong, which is why I've been suppressing myself in the city, avoiding conflict of any kind," Rowan sighed deeply, his shoulders slumping as if a great burden had been lifted just by speaking.
Lyra listened intently, her eyes never leaving Rowan's face. The gravity of his words hung in the air between them. She finally broke the silence, her voice filled with awe and curiosity. "Wow. So you received that inheritance when you were just 5 years old, and you have vivid memories of an immortal emperor. That's incredible. But it also sounds terrifying, Rowan."
Rowan nodded, his expression somber. "It is. The emperor was a figure of immense power and influence, but also of great darkness. His memories are a constant presence in my mind, guiding me but also tempting me with their sinister allure."
Lyra leaned forward, her curiosity piqued. "What realm have you reached now, Rowan? You were already in the Core Formation realm when we were just 11. Have you progressed to the Nascent Soul realm, or even the Soul Transformation realm like the sect master of the Nine Heavens Sect?"
Rowan hesitated, then spoke softly. "I've reached the Nascent Soul realm. It's been a difficult journey, and the higher I climb, the stronger the impulses become. It's a constant battle to maintain control."
Lyra's eyes widened in wonder. "The Nascent Soul realm... that's amazing. But also, I can't imagine the pressure you're under. The sect master of the Nine Heavens Sect is in the Soul Transformation realm, and those who reach that level can live up to 10,000 years. They can create sects that last for millennia. Do you aspire to reach that level?"
Rowan sighed again, looking out into the distance. "I don't know. Part of me wants to achieve greatness, to use my power for good. But another part of me fears what I might become. The higher realms offer immense power, but also greater risks of corruption. I'm constantly walking a fine line between ambition and caution."
Lyra reached out and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "You're not alone, Rowan. You have friends who care about you and will support you through this. Whatever you decide, we'll be here for you."
Rowan smiled faintly, appreciating her words. "Thank you, Lyra. That means a lot to me. For now, I'll continue to tread carefully and hope that I can find a way to harness this power without losing myself in the process." Rowan lied. In truth, he did not even have to cultivate but could still possess the might of an immortal emperor. He deemed it unnecessary to share this with Lyra, knowing it would do her no good and only cause harm. They continued with small talk about Rowan's situation, discussing the intricacies of his power and the challenges he faced. Despite the lighthearted conversation, there was an underlying tension that both could feel.
Lyra broke the silence, bringing up a topic that had been on her mind for years. "So, are you going to fuck me now, Rowan? I've been waiting for years," she said, her voice trembling slightly despite the playful pout on her lips. Her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes shone with a mixture of anticipation and nervousness.
Rowan hesitated, feeling a mix of emotions. "I don't know, Lyra. As I've told you, I've been corrupted by the memory. I'm afraid that once I start, I won't be able to stop. I might end up doing something reckless, like creating a harem or succumbing to darker impulses." His smile was sad, reflecting the internal struggle he had been grappling with for so long.
Lyra looked at him with determination. "I don't care. As long as I get to be the first, I will lead your harem and keep everything in order," she replied confidently. Her words were bold, and it was clear that her desire was clouding her judgment. She was willing to say anything to get what she wanted, driven by a deep longing that she had suppressed for years.
Rowan sighed, feeling the weight of his decisions pressing down on him. He was tired of hiding, tired of denying himself the things he wanted. He had spent so long living in fear of his own power, of the dark impulses that came with it. But here was Lyra, offering herself to him with unwavering trust and desire. Could he afford to let this opportunity pass?
"As you wish," Rowan said, his voice soft but resolute. He leaned in, and for the first time in his life, he initiated a kiss. It was a gentle, tentative kiss at first, but as their lips met, a surge of emotions washed over him. The kiss deepened, filled with years of pent-up desire and unspoken feelings.
Lyra responded eagerly, wrapping her arms around him and pulling him closer. The kiss grew more passionate, and Rowan felt the barriers he had built around his heart begin to crumble. He pulled back for a moment, looking into Lyra's eyes. "Are you sure about this?" he asked, needing to hear her affirmation one more time.
Lyra nodded, her eyes filled with conviction. "I've never been more sure of anything in my life, Rowan. I want you, all of you, no matter what."
Rowan smiled, a genuine smile that reached his eyes. For the first time, he felt a sense of peace, as if he had finally found a place where he belonged. He kissed her again, and this time, there was no hesitation. They both knew that this was a turning point, a moment that would change their lives forever.
As they embraced, Rowan felt the dark impulses stirring within him, but for once, they didn't frighten him. Instead, he felt a sense of control, a belief that with Lyra by his side, he could face whatever challenges lay ahead. The future was uncertain, but in this moment, he knew he was exactly where he needed to be.