The dense forest swallowed their footsteps as Li Shen led the Poison Sisters through winding paths. Shadow Step carried them swiftly, but even his enhanced qi reserves depleted after hours of sustained use. As dusk approached, they found a sheltered clearing to make camp.
Qin Feng gathered dry branches while Qin Ru cleared the ground. Li Shen struck flint against steel, sparks catching the kindling. The flames cast dancing shadows across their faces as they settled around the fire.
"Let's start with your past," Li Shen said, studying the sisters' features in the firelight.
Qin Ru's fingers traced patterns in the dirt. "We were daughters of the previous Viper King. Not many know this truth."
"Our father ruled with wisdom and strength," Qin Feng added, her voice soft with memory. "The clan prospered under his guidance."
"Until Zhongba came." Qin Ru's jaw tightened. "The Sage of Hell attacked our carriage at the border. He tore through our guards like paper. Father fought to protect us, but-" Her voice cracked.
"We were infants," Qin Feng continued. "Xi Fang saved us that day. She served as our father's advisor and managed to escape with us while Zhongba destroyed everything."
"Ra Cun, our uncle, took the throne after father's death." Qin Ru's lip curled. "He married Xi Fang to legitimize his claim. Together, they rebuilt the Viper Clan into what it is today."
"They raised us as orphaned disciples," Qin Feng said. "Few remember we are the true heirs."
Li Shen absorbed their story, pieces clicking into place. The sisters' exceptional abilities, their stature in the clan, Xi Fang's influence - it all stemmed from this hidden legacy. The system pulsed in his mind, highlighting the political advantages this knowledge offered.
The fire crackled, casting a warm glow over Li Shen and the Poison Sisters. Qin Ru's breath hitched as Li Shen traced the curve of her jaw, his touch firm yet gentle. She leaned into his hand, a subtle shiver running through her. Qin Feng watched, eyes reflecting the dance of flames, her breaths growing shallow.
Li Shen's voice was low, commanding. "Come to me."
She obeyed, moving to kneel beside her sister. Li Shen's hand slid from Qin Ru's face to tangle in Qin Feng's hair, gripping tightly. A soft gasp escaped her lips, eyes fluttering closed.
"You both need warmth," Li Shen declared, tightening his grip. Qin Feng's breath got heavier, a small smile playing on her lips. Qin Ru's eyes met his, thirst of lust and arousal melting into submission.
He released Qin Feng, only to grab a handful of Qin Ru's hair. She hissed, a sound of pleasure mixed with pain. "Is this what you want?" he murmured, pulling her head back.
Her lips parted, breath coming in quick pants. "Yes, Master."
Li Shen leaned down, capturing her mouth in a fierce kiss. Qin Feng watched, her own breaths growing ragged. When Li Shen pulled away, Qin Ru's lips were swollen, her eyes eager.
He turned to Qin Feng, cupping her chin. "And what do you desire?"
She leaned into his touch, a soft moan escaping her. "I want you, Li Shen. I want all three of us together."
Li Shen's grip tightened, a cruel smile playing on his lips. "Then warm each other for me."
Qin Feng turned to her sister, hesitating briefly before leaning in. Their lips met, tentative at first, then deepening. Li Shen watched, satisfaction curling in his gut. The system hummed, amplify their desire, their submission.
Qin Ru's hands slid up Qin Feng's arms entering her cleavage, pulling her closer. Their breaths mingled, bodies pressing together. Li Shen sat enjoying their every move, taking in every shiver, every gasp.
He let them explore each other, their touches growing bolder, more desperate. When their breaths turned to pants, their bodies flushed with heat, Li Shen intervened. His hands gripped their shoulders, pulling them apart. Their eyes, drunk with desire, turned to him.
"Enough," he commanded, voice rough with need. "It's my turn."
"You want this, don't you?" Li Shen murmured, his voice low and commanding. Qin Feng's cheeks flushed, her eyes full of desire. She nodded, a soft purr escaping her lips.
Li Shen released Qin Ru, only to grab a handful of her hair. She gasped, a sound of pleasure mixed with pain. He pulled her head back, exposing her neck, and leaned in to bite the soft skin, hard enough to leave a mark. Qin Ru moaned, her body arching against his.
He turned to Qin Feng, his eyes dark with lust. "On your knees."
She obeyed, her movements could not hide her heated tremble in her limbs. Li Shen released Qin Ru, pushing her gently to the ground beside her sister. He stood before them, his breaths growing ragged as he unfastened his belt.
Qin Feng reached for him, her hands steady despite her rapid breaths. Li Shen's gaze flicked to Qin Ru. "Help her."
Qin Ru joined her sister, their hands working together to free the manhood load. Li Shen's breath hitched as they took him in their hands, their touches soft yet firm. He gripped Qin Ru's hair again, wrapping the silky strands around his fist.
"Open your mouth," he commanded, his voice rough with need. Qin Feng parted her lips, her eyes locked onto his. Li Shen guided himself into her, a groan escaping him as her warmth enveloped him.
He began to move, his hips thrusting slowly at first, then faster, deeper. Qin Feng took him eagerly, her eyes watering but her gaze fixed on his. Li Shen turned to Qin Ru, his grip in her hair tightens.
"Your turn," he growled, pulling her head back. With his other hand, he formed a fist, pushing two fingers into her mouth. She sucked on them greedily, her tongue swirling around.
Li Shen pulled his fingers from Qin Ru's mouth, trailing them down her body. He pushed her legs apart, his fingers finding her entrance. She was wet, ready for him. He thrust his fingers into her sacred cave, her moans vibrating against his hand.
He fucked Qin Feng's mouth, his hips moving in rhythm with his fingers inside Qin Ru. Their moans filled the air, their bodies writhing beneath him. Li Shen could feel his climax building, his breaths coming in short, sharp pants.
With a final thrust, he pulled out of Qin Feng's mouth, his release spilling onto her lips. Qin Feng looked up at him, her eyes glazed with desire. She turned to Qin Ru, leaning in to kiss her, sharing Li Shen's essence between them. Their tongues met, their moans mingling as they tasted him together.
Firelight bathed their naked forms as Li Shen held the Poison Sisters against his chest, their limbs entangled in the afterglow. Their breathing fell into rhythm, matching the crackling embers as smokes and passion drifted through the trees.
Qin Feng sighed and pressed closer, her fingers trailing his chest before sleep reclaimed her. Qin Ru whimpered and found her sister's hand atop Li Shen's torso, their fingers intertwining as she relaxed into their shared warmth.
Dawn painted the sky in amber hues as Li Shen and the Poison Sisters descended the final hill. The sight of Purple Lotus City finally unfolded before them. Its grand architecture was a proof of the Viper Clan's prosperity. Curved roofs mimicked lotus petals, their purple tiles catching the morning light. Stone bridges arched over canals that divided the city into distinct districts, each waterway dotted with actual lotus flowers.
"Home," Qin Feng breathed, her eyes bright with pride.
Li Shen absorbed every detail. The agricultural district stretched along the eastern quarter, terraced gardens climbing the hillsides in perfect symmetry. Workers tended vast fields of medicinal herbs, their movements precise and practiced.
"The herbs is the source of our poison techniques," Qin Ru explained, noting his interest. "Each terrace grows different ingredients."
They passed through the trade district, where merchants had set up their stalls. The streets buzzed with activity - traders haggling over silk and spices, craftsmen displaying intricate pottery painted in the city's violet signature.
Natural gardens was set neatly, offering peaceful havens amid the bustling city. Carefully pruned trees framed winding paths, while streams trickled through rock gardens designed to mimic mountain landscapes in miniature.
"The planning is immaculate," Li Shen said, studying how each district flowed naturally into the next. In his past life, he had only heard stories of Purple Lotus City's beauty before its destruction. The reality surpassed every tale.
Qin Feng squeezed his arm. "Wait until you see the inner palace."
They crossed another bridge, this one wider than the others. Below, boats laden with goods navigated the canal network, an efficient transport system that connected every quarter of the city.
The grand gates of Viper Manor loomed before them, its black iron bars twisting into serpentine patterns. Two guards in emerald uniforms stepped forward, spears crossing to block their path.
"Halt. State your business," the left guard barked, his eyes narrowing at Li Shen.
Qin Feng lifted her chin. "The Poison Sisters returning from mission. This man is our honorable guest."
The guards exchanged glances, then turned their attention to Li Shen. One approached with a detection talisman, a standard security measure to reveal hidden weapons or malicious qi.
"This is unnecessary," Qin Ru cut in, her voice sharp as steel. "We vouch for him."
The guards hesitated, but the weight of the Poison Sisters' authority won out. They bowed deeply and stepped aside, reopening the gates.
As they walked through the courtyard, Li Shen turned to Qin Feng. "Your rank seems to carry significant influence here."
"Aunt Xi Fang created our position," Qin Feng explained, pride coloring her voice. "After she married Uncle Ra Cun, she established the Poison Sisters as a special unit."
"We hold equal standing with the Viper Heads," Qin Ru added. "But unlike them, we're exempt from tedious meetings."
"Though since we do not attend strategic meetings, we must complete any mission the King assigned without debate," Qin Feng said. "It's a fair trade. More freedom for absolute loyalty. Besides, the two of us do not have the expertise the Ten Heads possess."
The sisters led Li Shen past elaborate gardens where purple lotus flowers bloomed in pristine ponds. Their petals seemed to glow with an inner light, a testament to the qi-rich soil of Purple Lotus City.
The trio entered the grand hall of Viper Manor, their footsteps echoing off polished marble floors inlaid with jade serpent motifs. Towering columns wrapped in carved vines supported the vaulted ceiling, while purple silk banners bearing the clan's emblem rippled in the breeze from open windows.
Qin Feng and Qin Ru led Li Shen through a series of increasingly ornate chambers. Each room displayed the Viper Clan's wealth and power - from display cases holding ancient scrolls to weapon racks bearing ceremonial blades.
They reached the throne room where Ra Cun sat upon an elevated dais, his muscular frame draped in scarlet robes embroidered with intricate snake patterns. Xi Fang stood beside him, her flowing dark hair cascading over shoulders clothed in deep purple silk.
"We've returned from our mission," Qin Feng bowed deeply.
Ra Cun's sharp eyes fixed on Li Shen. "And who is this stranger you have brought before us?"
"This is Chen Fong," Qin Ru stepped forward. "A wandering warrior who aided us when the Skull Sovereign's forces attacked the White Crane Sect."
Li Shen dropped into a respectful bow. "Your Majesty, I was fortunate to assist them during that treacherous battle. The White Crane Sect fell, but your Poison Sisters fought bravely."
Xi Fang walked up and down the dais, revealing a little bit the whiteness of her legs. She was impatient to hear more about the news of the White Crane Sect's fall. "To think the mighty has fallen," she said, looking at Li Shen. "Tell us more about the attack, Chen Fong."
As Li Shen and the sisters recounted a carefully curated version of events, Ra Cun listened with growing concern. The Viper King showed no sign of recognizing the stranger before him as Mo Gan's killer. Nor did he inquire much about the Talon Twins' ambush. Whatever treachery the Talons had initially prepared for them was no further concern. The sudden entrance of the Skull Sovereign had changed everything.
Before the tale had ended, his mind was already calculating on the various implications of the Sovereign's bold move against one of the Eight Clans.
He was surprised when Li Shen, now under his alias Chen Fong, suddenly dropped to one knee before the dais. It seemed the story was over.
"I have been lucky once to witness the unthinkable and live to tell the tale. With the little knowledge I have, even I know that the wind of history is changing. It has been my great fortune that my wandering days have taught me the value of belonging to a powerful sect. Your Majesty, if I may be so bold, I wish to pledge my loyalty to the Viper Clan."
Ra Cun's eyes narrowed, his fingers drumming against the throne's armrest. The idea of his clan being a safe enough refuge from - or even a stronghold against - the Sovereign future machinations flattered him. The man might talk humbly, but the fact that he was a Skull Sovereign survivor was evidence of his value. Still, the Clan would not welcome anyone without merit. "Many seek to join our ranks. Few prove worthy."
"Uncle," Qin Feng stepped forward, her voice soft but firm. "We've witnessed his skills firsthand. His techniques would be an asset to our clan."
Xi Fang circled Li Shen, her analytical gaze scanning every detail of his posture. As she passed behind him, the system pulsed subtly, its influence seeping into her thoughts, easing her natural suspicion.
"There's something intriguing about him," Xi Fang mused, returning to Ra Cun's side. Her earlier wariness had softened to curiosity.
"Please, Uncle," Qin Ru added. "Let him prove himself."
Ra Cun stood, his imposing frame casting a shadow across Li Shen. "You vouch for this wanderer, then?"
The Poison Sisters bowed in unison. "We do."
"Very well." Ra Cun's voice filled the throne room. "Chen Fong, you will have your chance. But know this. The Clan are not for the weak of heart and spirit. Were you to waste my generosity, you shall savor harsh consequences. And so will those who have vouched for you."
"I thank you for this opportunity, Your Majesty," Li Shen kept his head bowed, hiding the glint of satisfaction in his eyes. "I will prove my worth to the Viper Clan."