When Mia learned about the attack on Aric, she was furious. After the meeting was over, Mia was on her way to confront Edmond Lei, the patriarch of the Lei family. Her steps were purposeful, and her heart burned with indignation. As she approached Edmond's study, she didn't bother to knock, pushing the doors open with force.
Edmond looked up from his scrolls, surprised by the sudden entrance. "Mia," he began, but she cut him off.
"Edmond, how could you allow this to happen?" she demanded, her eyes blazing with anger. "Our son, Aric, was attacked in the dead of night, and you did nothing!"
Edmond sighed, setting his scroll aside. "Mia, you know that Jarod's ambitions have always been problematic. But we must handle these matters delicately. Accusing him without solid proof could divide the family."
Mia's fists clenched at her sides. "Delicately? Aric could have been killed! And now you expect me to stay calm while our son is targeted? No, Edmond. This cannot continue. If you care for Aric's safety, you must take action."
Edmond frowned, leaning back in his chair. "And what do you propose we do, Mia? We cannot simply cast Jarod out without irrefutable evidence."
"I will not stay sane if this happens again," Mia declared, her voice trembling with emotion. "I suggest that I stay at Aric's mansion. I can ensure his safety personally, and it will also reduce my anxiety. If you care for my well-being, you will agree to this."
Edmond considered her words carefully. He knew Mia's temper well enough to understand that her fury could cause more trouble if left unchecked. Moreover, having her stay at Aric's mansion would indeed reduce her worry and potentially prevent more conflicts.
"Very well, Mia," Edmond said finally. "You may stay at Aric's mansion. I will make the necessary arrangements. But remember, we must keep the family's unity in mind. Your presence there should not be seen as taking sides."
Mia nodded, her expression softening slightly. "Thank you, Edmond. I promise I will be discreet. But I will not compromise on Aric's safety."
Edmond gave her a reassuring nod. "I understand. Take care of our son, Mia."
With Edmond's approval, Mia quickly made arrangements to move into Aric's mansion. She was eager to be closer to Aric, to protect him and ensure his safety. When she arrived at the mansion, Aric greeted her with a warm smile.
"Mia," Aric whispered, taking her hands in his. "I'm so glad you're here."
"Aric," she replied, her voice soft and filled with emotion. "I've missed you so much. Now, we can finally stay at the same place."
They embraced tightly, the weight of their hidden love making the moment all the more intense.
Mia returned the embrace, her heart swelling with love and relief. "Aric, my dear. I couldn't stand the thought of you being in danger. I'll be staying here from now on."
Aric nodded, understanding the depth of her concern. "Thank you, Mia. Your presence here means a lot to me."
After a few moments, Aric pulled back slightly, looking into Mia's eyes. Without a word, he leaned in and kissed her, a kiss filled with all the passion and longing they had kept hidden for so long.
Mia responded eagerly, her hands tangling in his hair. The kiss was a promise of their commitment to each other, despite the challenges they faced. When they finally pulled apart, both were breathless but smiling.
As they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, Mia felt a profound sense of peace. For the first time in a long while, she was exactly where she wanted to be – with the man she loved.
After a few days --
On one hand, the rumors about Jarod were spreading like wildfire, creating a storm of scandal that tarnished his reputation. On the other hand, Aric was continuously working to improve himself, ensuring that he was ready for any challenge that lay ahead.
As Mia settled into Aric's mansion, the atmosphere was charged with a mixture of determination and passion. Each night, Mia and Aric found solace in each other's arms, their love manifesting in nights of intense passion and dual cultivation. The intensity of their sessions was palpable, the air crackling with spiritual energy as they melded their auras. Each night, their bond grew stronger, and Aric felt his power surging with every session.
Soon, Aric reached the peak of Nascent Soul Realm (9th Stage).
During this time, Ulsa often visited the mansion. When she first entered the mansion, Mia was quite sceptical. But later on, she observed Ulsa's genuine devotion to Aric, her unwavering support, and the sincerity in her actions. Ulsa's loyalty was not merely a façade; she was truly dedicated to Aric's cause and well-being. This realization brought a sense of relief to Mia, who had been burdened with doubts.
Aric's progress was nothing short of astounding. Despite not possessing any special physique, he had reached the peak of the Nascent Soul Realm through sheer determination and relentless effort. His cultivation was a testament to his willpower and the effectiveness of his dual cultivation with Mia and Ulsa.
Meanwhile, Aric had taken steps to ensure his plans remained confidential. He used his mind control abilities to subjugate all the servants in Mia's household, ensuring their loyalty and silence. This precautionary measure helped him avoid any potential leaks and kept his strategies hidden from prying eyes.
Aric knew that to defeat his opponents, he needed to be stronger. He purchased a powerful sword skill from the system store, the "Eclipsing Shadow Blade." This skill, when combined with his Heavenly Jade Sword, created a deadly combination. The technique required precision and agility, blending shadow and light in a dance of lethal beauty.
His daily practice routine was grueling. Aric would rise before dawn and spend hours in the training grounds, his movements a blur of speed and grace. The Eclipsing Shadow Blade technique demanded perfect synchronization between mind and body. Aric would repeat each form until it became an extension of his will, his sword slicing through the air with deadly accuracy. His muscles ached from the exertion, but he pushed through the pain, knowing that every drop of sweat brought him closer to perfection.
In addition to his sword training, Aric also focused on his physical conditioning. He would run through rigorous drills, enhancing his strength, speed, and endurance. His body became a finely tuned instrument of destruction, capable of withstanding intense battles. Despite the toll it took on him, Aric never wavered, his determination unwavering.
Despite his progress, Aric felt the need for an additional layer of safety. He understood that in moments of crisis, he needed a backup plan. He devised a strategy to squeeze more villain points and reduce Jarod's protagonist halo, increasing his chances of winning the upcoming competition.
And he soon got an idea....