News of Mo Gan's demise had spread across the continent with whirlwind speed. The way he commanded the Iron Talon warriors had struck terror and awe throughout the realm, making his defeat at Li Shen's hands seem utterly impossible to comprehend. The countless combat schools staggered under the weight of these shocking events, and while the White Crane students boasted of their victory, although the elders reminded them that this moment is short lived. Their triumph had to have opened old wounds, and rival clans noticing the sudden shift in the balance of power would take advantage.
Li Shen walked through the White Crane Sect's marble halls, sensing the heavy atmosphere. Disciples trained fiercely, their faces showing both fear and determination. In their chambers, elders debated strategies against the coming threat.
Despite the looming conflict, the Vassal Bond System gnawed at his thoughts. While the voice ostensibly quieted after the invasion, its effects on Mei Ling and Mei Lan lingered, leaving him at unease. The system's insatiable appetite for dominance demanded fresh victims. Its influence coursing through Li Shen's consciousness, amplifying his cravings.
Passing the courtyard, his daydream ended by the unexpected embrace from behind as Mei Lan wrapped her arms around him. Though still healing, she had nearly recovered all her strength and could begin basic practice sessions.
She had regained her vibrant and spirited gaze. The injuries and bruises she had sustained in last battle were now gone. It appeared that the system's grip had at last loosened, allowing her genuine emotions to emerge.
"Li Shen," She moved quickly ahead, stealing a soft, fleeting kiss from his mouth. Several cultivators walking past by whispered enviously about the romantic couple's display of affection.
"How are you holding up?"
"I'm fine," Li Shen replied, though he knew that wasn't entirely true.
His muscles bulged beneath his shirt, evidence of his intense training and discipline. But as he stood there, feeling the surge of strength pulsing through his veins, he couldn't help but wonder if it was all worth it.
Mei Lan's fingers brushed against his sleeve, her caress was gentle and resolute. Her voice was soft but has concern to him. "It seems like you've been avoiding us since our last shenanigans. If you are offended, I will not make such demands again."
As she placed her hand on his arm, Li Shen's muscles tightened. The familiar tingle of their bond surged through him, and the system within him reacted, heightening the intensity of the moment. He could feel her affection for him growing even stronger in response.
System Notification: Vassal Mei Lan—affection levels rising. Emotional dependence increasing.
There it is, that voice again.
"It's not that. I've been busy," Li Shen said, his voice tight.
Mei Lan's almond-shaped eyes shows empathy as she stood on her tiptoes and gently pressed against his side. "You don't have to bear this burden alone," she whispered, the warmth of her breath tickling his ear. "Mother and I are here to support you."
Li Shen turned away, fighting the system's influence. Their connection felt wrong - her attraction artificially heightened by the system's manipulation.
"You rescued us. You mean everything to us," Mei Lan breathed in his ear.
Her words chilled him. He'd meant to protect them, but the system had warped things. The Vassal Bond had turned Mei Lan's loyalty into an unnatural, absolute devotion.
System Notification: Vassal Mei Lan—submission levels at maximum. Emotional and physical submission complete.
Li Shen's heart sank at the system's message. Though Mei Lan's bond granted him power, her complete submission left him hollow. He'd admired her independence, but the system had transformed her into something unnaturally dependent.
"I..."
Li Shen started, but before he could finish, the sound of hurried footsteps approached.
Elder Tian Wei appeared, his expression grim as he made his way toward Li Shen. The elder's presence immediately shifted the tone of the conversation, and Mei Lan quickly stepped back, her gaze turning serious.
"Elder," Li Shen greeted, bowing his head respectfully. "What's the urgency?"
"Disturbing reports have reached us. As predicted, the Iron Talon Sect refuses to accept Mo Gan's demise. However, now they've formed an alliance with the Viper Clan," spoke the elder in somber tone.
Li Shen's gaze sharpened. The Viper Clan had a reputation for their merciless strategies and expertise in poison methods. Their fighters, particularly the notorious Viper Heads, instilled fear across the martial realm. If the Iron Talon Sect had genuinely joined forces with them, the White Crane Sect faced a much graver threat than they had expected.
"The Viper Clan's warriors have already been spotted moving toward our borders," Tian Wei continued. "And worse, we've received reports that two of their most dangerous warriors, Qin Ru and Qin Feng, the Poison Sisters, are leading the charge."
Li Shen's mind raced.
In his previous life, he had heard whispers of the infamous Poison Sisters. He couldn't believe they were actually facing him now. Their deadly beauty were widely known. So were their particular style, hair cascading in intricate braids. But any voice of praises would also note their cold eyes full of killing intent.
As they were already spotted nearby the forest entrance and darted towards the White Crane Sect's headquarters, it was clear that the Iron Talon Sect was not powerless without Mo Gan.
Tian Wei nodded, his expression serious. "And, there's more. The Viper Clan isn't arriving by themselves. The Iron Talon Sect has dispatched their top captains to mobilize their troops. They're not merely after vengeance—they intend to annihilate us."
The weight of the situation settled over Li Shen like a shroud. The White Crane Sect was facing a war on all fronts, and the forces arrayed against them were formidable. The Iron Talon Sect, weakened but still dangerous, had called upon their allies, and now, the Viper Clan's deadliest warriors were leading the charge.
As if to dispel his worries, a familiar inner voice stirred within. It presented him with a potential solution. He hesitated, unsure if he truly wanted to follow this path.
System Notification: New Vassal potentials detected. Target: Qin Ru, Qin Feng. Bonding will unlock poison-based abilities.
Li Shen's breath caught in his throat as the system's message popped into his mind. The realization made him shuddered. His gaze shifted to Mei Lan, who stood nearby with concern etched on her face. The system had already changed her, warping her natural affection into something deeper, more dependent. Now it wanted him to do the same to the Poison Sisters.
The system's cold logic made his stomach turn. It didn't matter that these women were deadly enemies coming to destroy his sect. It didn't care that they served the Viper Clan, or that their hands were stained with countless lives. To it they were simply potential vassals waiting to be claimed and bound.
"Li Shen?" Mei Lan touched his arm, pulling him from his dark thoughts. "What are you thinking?"
He couldn't possibly tell her the truth - that her whole being was a mere tool of his power.
System Notification: Reminder - All female targets are viable vessels. Emotional state or allegiance irrelevant to bonding process.
The message seemed to notice his shaken emotional state and decided to intervene. It confirmed what he had just understood - the system was a tool of pure domination, caring nothing for the bonds of loyalty or friendship. It would twist anyone, friend or foe, into his vassal.
His heart pounded in his chest as he weighed the consequences. Could he really form a bond with the Poison Sisters? And if he did, what price would he have to pay? They were known to be lethal, merciless, and fiercely devoted to the Viper Clan. Using the system to control them would not be a simple feat - it would lead him further down a path that he was already struggling to navigate.
"Elder Tian," Li Shen said, his voice quiet but firm. "Prepare the disciples for battle. I'll stall the Poison Sisters myself."
Tian Wei's usual stoic look was shaken, clearly surprised by Li Shen's confidence. "You? Alone?"
Li Shen nodded, his resolve hardening. "I've faced Mo Gan before. These invaders are too sure of their own prowess. Their arrogance will always be their downfall."
The elder's piercing gaze bore into him. Despite the irony in Li Shen's own words, the recklessness of youth and the champion mindset were still able to captivate this old man. After a long silence, the elder finally nodded, his wrinkled face bearing the weight of years of experience. "But you must tread carefully, Li Shen," he warned. "The Poison Sisters are unlike any enemies you've encountered before."
Li Shen's gaze darkened as he thought of the system's insistent push toward more bonds. "I will keep the Elder's warning in mind."
Under the pale moonlight bathing the White Crane Sect, Li Shen maintained his solitude, steeling himself for the impending conflict. The Poison Sisters were already near. While he fortified his spirit for the confrontation ahead, the system whispered through his mind, a reminder of the prize of this next harvest.
System Notification: Vassal potentials detected— Poison Sisters Qin Ru, Qin Feng. Form bonds to unlock new poison based abilities.
Li Shen crouched atop the White Crane Sect's curved roof tiles, scanning the dense forest below. Moonlight filtered through the canopy, casting dappled shadows across the ground. The perfect terrain for an ambush - or a trap. His muscles coiled with tension, ready to spring at the first sign of movement.
The Vassal Bond System pulsed through his consciousness, already sensing its prey. A familiar warmth spread through his chest, but this time tinged with an edge of anticipation he hadn't felt before. These weren't allies to protect - they're enemies to subdue.
A cool breeze carried the sweet scent of night-blooming jasmine mixed with something sharper, more chemical. Poison. The sisters were close.
Li Shen's fingers traced the hilt of his sword. The dense foliage below might offered countless places to hide, but also limited movement. The sisters' poison techniques worked best in close quarters but out here he had room to maneuver.
The system's presence grew stronger, more insistent.
System Notification: Targets approaching.
Li Shen gritted his teeth against the system's eagerness. These women were not people, merely power waiting to be claimed. But he couldn't deny the allure of mastering their abilities. The Poison Sisters' techniques would give him an edge he desperately needs.
Two shadows darted between the trees below, barely disturbing the leaves. Their movements flew like water, synchronized yet independent. The infamous Poison Sisters had arrived.
Li Shen drew his sword, the sharp metal catching the moonlight. The forest seemed to hold its breath. This was his chosen battlefield - where he would either claim two powerful new vassals or fell to their deadly arts.
Li Shen was almost sure that the system, that foreign thing within him, was also excited with anticipation.
System Notification: Targets in range. Get Ready to engage.