The practice fields of the White Crane order echoed with battle noises—steel blades ringing against each other, mystical energy pulsing through fighting stances, and the measured beat of steps as students traded blows in pairs. A casual observer might see only structured rehearsal, but Li Shen recognized it as an echo of his former life and a reminder to the destiny he'd sworn to reshape.
Li Shen stepped out and scanned the familiar grounds. Training fields nestled among towering peaks held memories of his past life—where he'd fought and grown under White Crane masters' watch. The practicing students around him evoked mixed feelings, their faces recalling those who would die when chaos destroyed the Sect.
Yet here they trained, vibrant and determined as ever. The scene awoke his resolve. This wasn't just his past anymore, but an opportunity to rewrite fate. His previous life had ended in treachery, but now, armed with the system, he'd forge a different path.
His thoughts were interrupted by a voice behind him.
"Li Shen, you're finally here."
He pivoted to meet Mei Lan's piercing stare, her usually severe demeanor lightened by the playfulness of a smile.
The rhythmic tap of her footsteps echoed across the stone as she approached, each movement radiating subtle self-assurance. Her bearing was flawless, spine straight and chin lifted with dignity. Despite the passage of time, he found himself appreciating her elegant and refined presence.
Mei Lan's sword glinted in the sunlight as she twirled it effortlessly, her feet moving in a fluid dance on the battlefield. She had been a fierce and respected warrior in his previous life, known for her unparalleled grace and lightning-quick strikes. But that trust and companionship were not enough to stop the tragedy that had yet to unfold.
"Ready to spar?" she asked, an eyebrow raised in challenge. Her voice was light, but her eyes held a competitive gleam.
Li Shen hesitated for a moment, memories of their previous sparring sessions flashing through his mind. The Vassal Bond System had given him new strength, a path to power unlike any other. It was still a mystery to him, but he knew that sparring with Mei Lan would be an opportunity to test its worth.
Li Shen drew his blade, then paused. Master Yan's summon had seemed urgent, yet here was Mei Lan challenging him to a casual spar. Li Shen lowered his weapon, memories of Mei Lan's playful nature flooding back. In his past life, she'd often used similar tricks to lure him into training matches.
"You haven't changed at all, have you?" The words slipped out before he could stop them.
Mei Lan's composure cracked as a giggle escaped her lips. She spun her practice sword in a flourish, white robes swirling around her legs. "What do you mean? We sparred just last week."
Her eyes sparkled with mischief. "I may have stretched the truth a bit. The old master is meeting with the council elders. But since you're here already, might as well make the most of it."
She shifted into a fighting stance, her movements fluid as flowing water. "Come on, I've been practicing a new technique. Unless you're afraid?"
The familiar banter struck Li Shen with an odd mixture of nostalgia and caution. Here was the Mei Lan he'd known before everything went wrong - before betrayal and death tore their world apart. But he was different now, carrying knowledge of a future he had to prevent.
"Using Master Yan to lure me out here was a dirty trick."
"Got you here, didn't it?" Mei Lan's grin widened as she circled him, blade at ready.
They moved to an empty space within the courtyard, drawing the attention of a few nearby disciples who were curious to see the match. Mei Lan's reputation as a top disciple of the White Crane Sect meant that sparring with her was no simple task. She was precise, calculating, and relentless.
Li Shen took a deep breath, centering himself as Mei Lan settled into her stance. Her posture was perfect, every muscle coiled and ready to strike. Li Shen mirrored her, adopting a stance that he had not used in this lifetime but one that had been refined through decades of experience in his previous life.
Without warning, Mei Lan launched her first strike—a lightning-fast thrust of her sword aimed at Li Shen's chest. He parried the blow with practiced ease, his movements smooth and fluid. Mei Lan pressed the attack, her blade flashing as she unleashed a series of rapid strikes, each one more precise than the last. But Li Shen was ready. His sword moved in sync with hers, deflecting each strike with minimal effort.
"You're faster than before," Mei Lan remarked between strikes, her eyes narrowing in concentration.
Li Shen stayed silent, absorbed in battle's flow and the qi surging through him. Each sword clash stirred the system within, and as they fought, he sensed more than a skill test. The system had mentioned "forming bonds" for power, and he felt a connection building with Mei Lan.
The steel clashed in a whirlwind of attacks, yet Li Shen experienced a rush of vigor rather than exhaustion. His technique grew quicker and more accurate. When Mei Lan launched a fierce thrust, he deflected it smoothly before retaliating with a rapid ascending blow that made her retreat. She regained her footing immediately, her gaze filling with astonishment.
A knowing smile crossed her face. "You've been practicing on your own, haven't you?" The gravity in her tone was unmistakable as she adjusted her stance, clearly recognizing their sparring had become something more serious.
Li Shen pressed the advantage, his strikes coming faster and with more force. Each clash of their blades sent sparks flying, and the disciples watching the match murmured among themselves, clearly impressed by the display. Mei Lan was forced to retreat several steps, her expression growing more focused.
System Notification: Vassal Bond with Mei Lan forming.
The system's notification made Li Shen pause. Each exchange strengthened a growing bond with Mei Lan, promising greater power.
The connection felt real - a thread linking them together. Their qi resonated as they fought, her essence flowing into him through the system, amplifying his strength.
Drawing on this new power, Li Shen struck with unprecedented speed. Mei Lan barely deflected the blow, staggering backward in surprise.
Li Shen didn't let up. He pressed forward, his sword a blur as he unleashed a barrage of strikes. Mei Lan's defenses faltered under the assault, and with a final, decisive movement, Li Shen disarmed her, sending her sword clattering to the ground.
The disciples fell silent, stunned that one of White Crane's finest had been defeated.
Mei Lan stood panting, her gaze fixed on Li Shen. After a pause, she smiled.
"You've definitely improved," she said, her voice both respectful and amused.
Li Shen nodded, winded but thrilled.
The bond between them had solidified, and he could feel the power of the Vassal Bond System coursing through him. He had grown stronger—not just from the sparring session itself, but from the connection he had formed with Mei Lan.
System Notification: Vassal Bond with Mei Lan established.
As the system's voice echoed in his mind, Li Shen understood that this was only the beginning. The Vassal Bond System had unlocked something within him, a path to power that he had never imagined in his previous life. And Mei Lan was just the first step.
Mei Lan retrieved her sword, her expression thoughtful as she sheathed it. "You've changed, Li Shen," she said, her voice quieter now.
Li Shen smiled faintly. "I am, Mei Lan. Sometimes we find strength in unexpected places."
She studied him for a moment longer, then nodded. "I suppose you're right. Whatever you're doing, it's really working."
With that, she turned and left the training grounds, leaving Li Shen to his thoughts. He watched her go, his mind racing with the possibilities of what the system had offered him.
System Notification: Make Mei Lan lust explode to solidify the bond further
Dark desires start to stirred within Li Shen from the system - twisted urges he couldn't ignore. As his power grew through the bond, sinful thoughts subtly took him over, whispering of control over others. Right now the figure of Mei Lan consumed all his attention.
He traced her route as she headed to her chambers. After she disappeared inside and closed the entrance, Li Shen made his move. Silent as a shadow, he slipped through the doorway and approached the bathroom, where the sound of flowing water indicated she was preparing to bathe.
Li Shen silently entered the bathroom, seeing Mei Lan through the steam. He grabbed her hands, pinning her body against the wall.
"What are you doing?!" she demanded, panicked.
"I'm taking what is mine," he growled.
Mei Lan struggled, but Li Shen's strength overpowered her, his gaze roaming her body. She braced herself, heart heavy with betrayal.
But unexpectedly, Li Shen's touch softened. He caressed her, whispering words of praise. Mei Lan felt desired, but as his hands wandered, she tried to push back.
"What do you want?!" she shouted.
"I cannot resist this.." he replied coldly.
Mei Lan's emotions warred within her. As Li Shen's hands ignited sensations, she surrendered to the pleasure. Their bodies tangled, grunts and moans echoing. Their bond flared, emotions intertwining.
As they reached their peak, Mei Lan felt Li Shen's release. Her resistance waned under his gaze.
They sat side by side, looking into each other's eyes while regaining their composure.
"You can't deny the chemistry between us," he remarked after a short while.
"I know I've hurt you," he said softly, taking her hand. "But I also know you have give in to the desire as well. You will see, this is a new way of strength, by solidifying bonds."
Mei Lan hesitated, full of shame, but her will had been weakened. Then she nodded reluctantly.
Mei Lan's heart threatened to burst from her chest as Li Shen pressed his lips against hers in a desperate, all-consuming goodbye kiss. Every nerve in her body ignited with longing and passion as he pulled away, leaving her breathless and aching for more. With a heavy heart, she watched him disappear into his quarters, knowing that their separation would only fuel the intensity of their love for each other.
System Notification: Vassal Mei Lan—full submission complete. Agility of The Crane Skill unlocked.
The bond with Mei Lan brought strength and clarity—he now understood the system's purpose. He could forge bonds with women to gain unprecedented power.
His resolve hardened. He would avoid a life of betrayal and death. He'd harness the system's power to protect himself, strengthen allies, and prevent treachery.
Li Shen stood ready. With this second chance, he wouldn't fail.