<+50 Spirit>
Azreal's mind goes blank as he reads the huge amount of Qi. Holy shit, what even is Yin essence and why is it so powerful? This amount is almost more than my total Qi cultivation since I came to this world.
Azreal, feeling a sense of admiration towards Xiara, to give up her virginity to him as well as her Yin essence, shows her commitment to him and further proves her feelings.
Azreal, feeling a sense of panic, remembers the destruction of his own room during his last breakthroughs. He opens his eyes, expecting to see a torrent of destruction in Xiara's dorm. Azreal releases a heavy sigh of relief, he manages to get his Qi under control before anything could happen.
Thank you, system, that means more than you will ever know. Azreal hums a happy tune from Earth to himself as he is now studying his status page, attempting to understand all of the new information which has bombarded him.
Peak Martial Adept and Peak Soul Initiate, Master Juhee had mentioned that these initial realms are barely the first step in the cultivation journey. Once I breakthrough, my body will undergo a change beyond anything I've felt before, the system also mentioned that the next level is where my journey really begins. I need to concentrate and learn as much as possible before I break through.
Azreal's mind whirls with the implications of his rapid progress and the mysterious power within his physique. The Heaven Defying Conqueror, a name that promises both greatness and terrible responsibility. Can I control this power, use it to protect those I care about, or will I fail at yet another thing in this life and it will consume me?
He thinks back to the surge of energy he felt during his intimate moments with Xiara, the way his physique seemed to revel in the conquest. Is this my fate, to be driven by an insatiable hunger for conquest?
Azreal, becoming lost in his thoughts, manages to begin to form a plan. His first step will be to discuss with his Master how and when he should breakthrough. Azreal, lost in thought and planning, instantly snaps out of it, hearing soft footsteps approaching him. Xiara, who has just returned from washing herself, wearing nothing but a loose silk bathrobe, Azreal swallows nervously as his mind discards rational planning and begins to flood with desire.
"Don't even think about it, I just got clean and we have much to do," says Xiara, as she takes a seat next to Azreal and leans her head on his shoulder. A defeated smile is all Azreal can muster as he pushes his mind to calm down from the state of excitement he feels. "Azreal, I have this thing in my vision, a weird box with writing on it? It is informing me that due to being registered as a companion of heaven I have had my potential in alchemy upgraded and have been given an alchemical flame that can evolve alongside me, and I have breakthrough two small realms from having sex with you…" Xiara's questions hang in the air, Azreal now aware that he needs to tell her about his powers and physique.
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"Xiara, I haven't told you about my physique," says Azreal, taking a deep breath and waiting for her to look into his eyes. "My physique is named the Heaven Defying Conqueror, I know very little, almost nothing, about the physique beyond its name and a small aspect of its ability."
"The Heaven Defying Conqueror physique allows me to conquer and then absorb the power or energies of the conquered thing. This physique is much more terrifying in potential than simply combat, it extends to anything I can completely conquer from women to formidable foes, divine beasts, monsters, and I am sure there is more I am unaware of. The power of this physique is honestly something I cannot comprehend." Azreal and Xiara discuss this for the next thirty minutes.
Xiara continues to ask questions and Azreal answers honestly. After the time passes and the conversation turns back to Xiara and Azreal's relationship, he takes a deep sigh before answering her question. "I hate to admit it, but I believe my physique drove me to act faster than I would've normally. I've never experienced anything like this before, growing up alone and lost in a world that wishes to crush me, I never had the chance to experience anything like love or sex. And I want to tell you that my physique has registered that I've conquered you, in mind, body and soul, so please accept my apologies for using your body."
Azreal stares into Xiara's eyes, searching for a hint of disdain or hate, an emotion he is uniquely familiar with as in the depths of his eyes on Earth, there is nothing but disdain and hate for himself.
A swift flick to his forehead is Xiara's only response before she speaks. "You didn't force me against my will, you treated me with love and care, I kissed you first, I fail to see how any of this is your fault. I enjoyed this, you enjoyed this, stop overthinking. My mother always used to say that one day a man will appear out of nowhere and he will do something that will grip your heart. It may be the way he talks to you, the way he watches you, the things he does for you, but in the end that one moment you will know that he is the right person for you." Xiara's words are soft, yet full of emotion. Azreal raises her head off his shoulder and brings her into a tight embrace.
Ten minutes of comfortable silence pass as Xiara and Azreal enjoy each other's embrace. Xiara is the first to break the silence. "Azreal, from everything you've told me, you benefit from 'conquering', right?" Her tone rises slightly as she asks her question. Azreal responds as he looks down towards her cute freckle-dusted face and hazel eyes. "Yes, I feel if I do not continue to conquer and take advantage of my physique, I will be wasting my chance to get ahead in life."
"So does that mean you will need to conquer more women? If I recall, you have to conquer them mind, body and soul?" Xiara asks as she pinches Azreal's chest through his robe. "Argh!" He lets out a small squeal, before stammering and unable to get any words out. Xiara covers her mouth as she begins to laugh. "Don't worry yourself too much, you really are new to this world, aren't you?" Her words are lighter and happier than he imagined.
"It is not uncommon for those with power to have many women as their lovers or wives. Kings, Emperors and powerful cultivators often have a harem of women, so I am fully aware and most women of the nine heavens are aware that men with potential like yours will never be tied to a single place or person. As your physique registered me as one of your conquests, I believe it somehow registered my feelings as I want to be yours, and I want to see you reach heights unheard of. And I know that this will include conquering more women, and I do not mind, just promise me that you will not forget me, please." Xiara's last words are a plea for love, a plea to never be forgotten.
Azreal, taking her back into his embrace, raises her head with his hand and kisses her deeply. "I promise I will never forget you," says Azreal, holding the embrace tightly before he pulls away from her. "Now, I need to leave and begin my training." Azreal stands and after a few parting words and another kiss from Xiara, he leaves her dorm with an extremely satisfied expression on his face.
Stepping out of her dorm, Azreal takes a deep breath, inhaling the fragrant aroma of blooming herbs and thriving plant life. The stone pathways he wanders through on the mountainside are well-maintained and pristine, a stark contrast to the often dirty or battle-scarred walkways of the Unbound Pavilion. The outer court of the Spirit Heaven Pavilion is a sight to behold, a stark contrast to the bustling Sect grounds.
Azreal's mind flashes back to the moment Xiara accepted his offer, the way the system had announced her as his Companion of Heaven. What does it truly mean, to be bound in this way? Is it merely a reflection of our feelings, or is there a deeper significance at play?
Azreal brings his focus to the environment around him, small wooden dorms, similar in size to Xiara's, are nestled between ancient trees, their branches twisting and reaching towards the heavens. Vibrant garden beds burst with a myriad of alchemical herbs and plants, their leaves glistening in the gentle afternoon sunlight. Azreal's eyes widen as he spots a cluster of Skyfire Grass, its blades glowing with an ethereal blue hue. The system had told him about this rare herb as they passed by initially, it is highly prized for its ability to enhance spiritual perception when consumed.
As he continues along the path, Azreal's gaze is drawn to a patch of Liwin Lotus, their delicate petals unfurling to reveal mesmerising patterns of gold and silver. The air around them seems to hum with a gentle energy, as the petals have potent Qi-gathering properties. Nearby, a bed of Crimson Heart Vine twists and coils, its vibrant red tendrils pulsing with a lifeforce all their own, causing Azreal to recall his bloody battle with the Bloodvine Ent. A chill runs down his spine as he recalls the doom he felt before Darian managed to snatch the core from the beast.
Azreal can hardly contain his excitement, having spent most of his life on Earth cooped up in an apartment building, where the only greenery was the occasional potted plant struggling to survive. Here, in the outer court of the Spirit Heaven Pavilion, nature thrives in all its untamed glory. Each step showers him in a new wonder, from the shimmering Moonlight Dew clinging to the leaves of a silvery bush, to the delicate Whisperwind Flowers that seem to sway and dance even in the absence of wind and weather.
As he makes his way towards the Unbound Pavilion training grounds, Azreal takes the long route, ensuring to bask in the sights, sounds, and scents of this alchemical garden. He marvels at the multitude of coloured Ferns, their leaves as tough as beast hide, and the Pink Soulspring Blossoms, said to be one of the most used ingredients for soul repairing pills.
Do I even need to understand alchemy now that I have Xiara?
Azreal continues his conversation with the system until he makes his way to the Unbound Pavilion's Headquarters, in search of his Master. The Unbound Pavilion is unusually quiet. As Azreal makes his way through the Unbound Pavilion, he can't help but notice the change in atmosphere. The once vibrant and bustling training grounds are now eerily quiet, the clashing of weapons replaced by hushed whispers and wary glances.
Disciples move about their duties with a newfound sense of purpose, their faces set in grim determination. The laughter and camaraderie that once filled the air have been replaced by a tense, almost electric undercurrent of anticipation.
Even the Elders seem affected, their usually stern demeanors now tinged with a hint of unease. They gather in small groups, their heads bowed in intense discussion, their eyes constantly scanning the surroundings for any sign of threat.
The Sect is on high alert, Azreal realises, a shiver running down his spine. The attack on the Lingxi Grove was just the beginning. We are at war, even if we don't yet know the face of our enemy.
He catches snippets of conversation as he passes, tales of strange occurrences and unsettling rumours. The Echoes of the Forsaken have cast a pall over the Sect, a shadow that grows longer with each passing day.
As he approaches the Headquarters, Azreal can hear the faint sound of a heated discussion. Attempting to focus on the conversation, he slows his walking speed. Rounding the stone walls of the headquarters and walking through the massive double doors as he enters, Azreal realises the two voices he heard came from his Master Juhee and Vice Leader Qiang. Both are standing next to a large wooden table with a map of the continent sprawled on dark brown paper.
"They are clearly targeting major Sects across the first Heaven; almost every major Sect, including the Verdant Sword Sect and the Skyward Blossom Sect, have reported cult-like events occurring within their borders. Most Sects haven't faced an actual incursion into their grounds with most of these events occurring at nearby towns or cities, but this is clearly an attack on the foundation of the cultivation alliance within the first Heaven," said Vice Leader Qiang, moving his hand across the map and pointing out places as Master Juhee reads from a letter held in her hands.
"Azreal! You finally made it back to us," said Master Juhee, beckoning him over with a kind smile.
Azreal, startled by her statement, forgot that those at the Martial King realm can easily sense his approach. With a quick step, he approaches and thanks his Master Juhee for the twin harmony pills and guidance in restoring his Qi and Soul Essence after they returned from their meetings with the Elders.
"Vice Leader Qiang, I hope you are well," said Azreal, a genuine smile on his face, hoping to win Qiang over rather than be the source of his scornful glare. "Who could possibly be well when the Sect is in danger!" Vice Leader Qiang snaps back, before he rubs his face with his hands.
"I am sorry, Azreal. It's been highly stressful. I've had to background check every single person and confirm their backgrounds within the Sect and I am not even a tenth of the way through it. But that is a problem for the Elders, not a promising young man like yourself. I am glad you are fine after your encounter with the Echoes of the Forsaken." He forces a small smile on his face before he returns to the map and begins to place markers on locations within the southern continent.