That night, in Kierra's pocket dimension.

''So, what is dual cultivation?''

Facing this innocent question from August, the three women belatedly remembered that she wasn't even a cultivator in the first place.

''It's sex.''

So, Kierra blurted out, not indenting to hide or understate it in the slightest.

''One with feminine energy and one with masculine energy engage in intimacy, subsequently absorbing one another's power and making them stronger... something like that.''

''Aside from sounding quite stupid, won't that only work with a man and a woman?''

''Who knows?''

In reality, there were many methods suitable for women to cultivate with each other as well, but Kierra thought it didn't matter... yet. If she were to bed Kang Shuren, dual cultivation or not, she would have to make her willing to first.

It was time to go on the offense.

For that, she would need to outline her plans. Generally, Kang Shuren was an introverted and peaceful woman who secretly admired 'cool' things. To such a person, acting overly flirtatious was poison.

Kierra's seductive acts had an immense effect on just about anybody else but not on Kang Shuren—not as effectively, at least.

Fortunately, the daughter of the Lightning Tiger and the future Heavenly Shura had shown interest in the female body, so Kierra thought she could do it.

The next day, she invited Kang Shuren on a date, which she accepted. It was vital that August also allowed it.

Because neither of them craved action at the moment, they opted to sit quietly near a pond.

''Thinking back, I rarely have a chance to talk with you alone.''

''Right...''

''...''

''...''

The conversation was dry. Usually, neither of them would have to worry about talking topics when they stayed in groups of three or four, or even more, but it was a bit awkward with just two of them.

''Erm... what was your original world like?''

Kang Shuren raised a random question. Just yesterday, the Heavenly Shura herself confirmed that Kierra and August were indeed from another universe, so she rightfully became curious.

Through the blindfold, she could see the archwizard's pretty eyelashes tremble ever so slightly, reminiscing of a butterfly's wings flapping in the wind.

Humans were naturally drawn to beautiful things, and she was drawn to Kierra's godly face.

''The most suitable description... right. It was a world of wonder.'' Kierra replied. ''It was free of any constraint, so everything developed in a strange yet captivating way. You would see whales swimming in the sky, carrying cities on their back, or warships racing on clouds—space shuttles burning on mana, fulfilling man's dream of conquering the vast universe.''

''...''

''On land, mana-mutated beasts fought relentlessly for territories while mankind joined forces to thrive. Dragons ruled over the climate; ancient golems guarded the tombs of distant civilizations, and spirits bonded organic creatures with nature. Under the stars of our home galaxy, we exist.''

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As Kierra turned to her disciple, she noticed that Kang Shuren was stunned.

Even though it was beyond subtle, she could sense that the future Heavenly Shura was... jealous. She indeed was.

Merely imagining the scenes Kierra had described made her heart flutter. An indescribably intense yearning for such a fantastic world blossomed inside her. She wanted to experience them. She wanted to insert herself into those stories...

She wanted to go on an adventure.

For the first time in her life, Kang Shuren realized her ambitions. Although the Central Divine Realm was filled with wonder, the things Kierra told her were too different. It was...

Romantic.

''I want to go there...''

Unknowingly, her mouth opened. In response to this, Kierra lifted the corner of her mouth.

''I will get you there.'' She said, combing through Kang Shuren's green hair with her hand. ''As my disciple, you have the right and obligation to visit the original Crimson Tower.''

Kang Shuren's heart was beating fast. She didn't even notice that her mouth was forming a curve, only thinking about arriving at Kierra's home world.

''Huh?''

When she finally snapped out of it, she found a cozy sensation enveloping her right arm. For some inexplicable reason, Kierra was leaning against her shoulder!

Kang Shuren's gaze was fixed on the large witch hat, which sat on her lap.

'This is...'

This was an obvious attempt. Otherwise, Kierra wouldn't press her rabbits against her arm like this!

At that moment, all her senses became hyper-sensitive, much to her reluctance. A mind-numbingly alluring scent assaulted her nose, making her mind unable to work properly.

This was the first time she had been in such close contact with another person besides her family.

Turns out, she also craved human warmth. She had thought she wasn't interested in romance, but now, it was apparent. With each little movement Kierra made, Kang Shuren felt her heart getting closer to jumping out of her chest.

The black hair tickled her back. The two mountains wrapped her arm, trapping it in an inescapable trance.

''Don't be so nervous.''

Kierra's sweet voice that dripped like honey pulled Kang Shuren even deeper into the abyss. By the time the archwizard had realized that something was wrong, namely by how much the arm trembled, it was too late.

''...''

Kang Shuren malfunctioned.

Um... Kierra didn't expect Kang Shuren's tolerance to be this low!

┑(￣ Д ￣)┍

So, as any master would, the archwizard lifted Kang Shuren and put her on her lap. The little bird-like woman curled up perfectly, giving a nice, soft feeling as Kierra hugged from behind.

Coming from a distinguished family, the woman was also well-groomed, so she smelled nice.

Her bodily scent leaning toward nature—almost flowery—was Kierra's favorite. As she stared at the tensed-up Kang Shuren, Kierra couldn't help but be grateful for August's choice. If the Sword Empress didn't allow her to fool around like this, she wouldn't have the chance to relish these adorable women.

As the archwizard was enjoying herself like that, a certain someone was suffering in her pocket dimension.

'Awawawawa...! What do I do?!'

Bai Qing felt like choking.

This morning, her master, Kierra, went out with Kang Shuren, so she was, naturally, left alone with August in this spacious yet surprisingly small house.

''Wanna eat something?''

''A-Ah, it'll be an honor, Your Majesty...''

''Call me comfortably. Let's go grab something from the kitchen.''

Which inevitably led to this situation where she was preparing breakfast with one of the strongest existences that she knew. She felt her eyes burning, and it was definitely not the onions that August was cutting.

In reality, she hardly knew August at all, so it was beyond awkward.

As she stared at the Sword Empress's slender hands holding the knife, she could imagine her neck coming off with that if she dared to anger her.

''You know.''

''Huh?''

Suddenly, August spoke up, but her tone was unexpectedly soft.

''Kierra loves meat.'' She said. ''We didn't have them at all back in the slums, and she always dreamed of eating it one day. I'm glad we can afford however much she wants now.''

''The... slums?''

''We came from the absolute bottom. She and I... we used to be ragged kids rolling on the streets. It all worked out, though. Somehow.''

Although August was smiling, her eyes weren't. Her brightly shining golden eyes were filled with relief and... fear. Perhaps she imagined a future where she and Kierra couldn't make it.

When those eyes darted to Bai Qing briefly, it was apparent that the disciple was tearing up, her face ridden with guilt.

Compared to these two, she grew up in a regular household, and her life was relatively smooth. She thought she was lacking in spirit and effort.

''Forget it.'' August sighed, patting Bai Qing's shoulder. ''Take it as an advice. Score some points by making her a meat dish.''

''I-I understand!''

From that point onward, Bai Qing's opinion of the 'scary' August greatly changed.