The next morning came thick with humidity, the kind that clung to skin and made garments feel just a little tighter than usual. But Xiao Yan wasn't thinking about the weather.
He was thinking about the kiss.
And the moan.
And the way Xiao Mei had clung to him like a woman on the edge of her first climax.
> Erotic Qi Thread Acquired.
New Technique Unlocked: Touch of Sensual Flame (Rank I)
Passive Bonus: Erotic Qi Flow +5% per minute during skin-to-skin contact.
He smirked to himself as he washed his face beside the courtyard pond, shirtless, toned, and now subtly glowing with a virile aura that hadn't been there before.
Across the pond, a group of female disciples paused their morning drills to steal glances. One even dropped her wooden sword.
> Erotic Aura (Passive): Activated.
Nearby female targets' Libido Response heightened.
Current Status: Mild Interest (×4), Flustered Arousal (×1)
"Good morning, ladies," Xiao Yan said casually, stretching, his sculpted abs flexing.
The girls flushed and scurried away in a giggling group.
But not everyone was impressed.
"That's the trash everyone keeps whispering about?" came a cool, unimpressed voice from the path behind him.
He turned, and for a moment, his breath caught.
A woman stood tall, arms crossed. Slender, elegant, yet with a strikingly powerful aura. Her eyes were golden, her long violet-black hair tied back in a sleek martial braid that flowed down to her waist. The Xiao Clan crest gleamed proudly on her shoulder.
Xiao Yu.
His older cousin. Cold. Arrogant. Stunning.
Her robe was tight around the chest, her long legs wrapped in form-fitting black training pants.
"Did you just leer at those girls until they fled?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "Typical pervert."
Xiao Yan smiled lazily. "You must be projecting. Seems like you stuck around to watch."
She blinked—then stepped forward, her voice lowering. "You've changed. There's something… different about you."
> [Target Detected: Xiao Yu – Dou Qi Stage 5]
Bust: 95cm | Waist: 60cm | Hips: 93cm
Erotic Affection: Annoyed Awareness
System Suggestion: Dominate the interaction. Push her pride.
"Well," Xiao Yan said, stepping into her space, "you could always give me a thorough inspection, cousin. I won't resist."
Her eyes narrowed. "Careful. Flirting with me won't end well."
"Who said I was flirting?" His voice dropped to a whisper. "Maybe I'm just claiming what's mine."
Her cheek twitched—then, with a sudden burst of Dou Qi, she vanished and reappeared behind him, a foot slamming into his back. He barely rolled away in time, landing on one knee with a grin.
"Nice," he said. "Your legs are even stronger than they look."
She stared at him—longer than she should've—before walking away with a swish of her hips.
But he caught it. That pause in her step.
She was intrigued.
Later That Night – In the Guest Hall
The guest wing of the Xiao Clan compound hadn't been used in years. Which is why Xiao Yan was surprised to find it freshly cleaned—and lit.
He approached carefully, drawn by the scent of fire lilies and a heat that prickled against his skin like warm oil.
He entered.
And there she was.
Sitting on the edge of a low chaise lounge, legs crossed, wine in hand, hair a flowing waterfall of midnight flame.
Her eyes glowed like coals. Her lips curled like temptation itself.
She wore a crimson silk robe slit up both sides, exposing toned thighs and the swell of large, perfect breasts that pressed against the fabric with every breath.
Yao Mei.
> New Companion Detected: Yao Mei – Unknown Stage
Alignment: Lustfire Sect (Hidden)
Mission Objective: Earn Her Guidance
Status: Curious Desire
"So," she purred, "you've made progress. I can feel the Erotic Qi in you… swirling. Eager. Hungry."
Xiao Yan swallowed. "You've been watching me?"
"I've been watching over you," she corrected. "And now, I think… it's time we properly met."
She stood, walked to him slowly. Each step sent warmth up his spine.
"Remove your shirt."
He obeyed.
Her hand trailed down his chest, nails grazing his skin.
"Good," she murmured. "You've already begun developing your Lust Channels. That makes you ready for your first technique enhancement."
"Enhancement?" he asked.
Her eyes gleamed.
"Strip. Completely."
> Initiating Dual Cultivation Protocol: Lustfire Induction Ritual
Xiao Yan hesitated—then undid the robe and let it fall.
She stepped close, her body pressing into his, her full breasts flush against his chest, her lips brushing his ear.
"Do you trust me?" she whispered.
"No," he said. "But I'm hard enough to pretend."
She laughed, then pressed her palm to his heart.
Flames erupted—not physical, but erotic flames of Qi that swirled around their bodies. The air grew thick with scent, pressure, and moans of pleasure that echoed from their very souls.
She kissed him—hard. Her tongue was demanding, her hands greedy. Her robe dropped, revealing her flawless body. Her curves were generous, her nipples hard, her thighs smooth and strong.
Their bodies collided, tangled, burned.
He didn't just fuck—he cultivated.
Each thrust was a surge of Qi. Each moan, a ripple of growth. Their skin glowed faintly, light trails dancing between them.
> +90 Libido Points
Erotic Qi Core Level Up: Rank II Achieved
New Skill Acquired: Seduction Field (Passive)
Hours passed like moments.
And when he finally collapsed beside her, drenched in sweat, the softest smile played on her lips.
"You're a fast learner," she whispered. "But this was just the beginning. I'll make you into a man this world will tremble before."
Elsewhere – A Familiar Face Watches
In the shadows of a training hall, another girl stood alone, fists clenched.
Xun Er.
She'd seen Xiao Yan disappear into the guest wing. She'd felt the heat. And she'd heard enough.
"That woman…" she whispered. "She's dangerous."
And deep inside, a flame of her own began to rise.
Jealous. Protective.
Possessive.