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Silken Tyrant of Tempest: The Pavilion That Soothed the World
Chapter 1: The Birth of Indolent Divinity
On the sacred peak of Mount Celestial Indulgence, where the clouds themselves dared not form without permission, young master Zhao Wu Lin had just been born. Unlike other infants who entered the world crying, Zhao merely yawned and gazed at the assembled elders with mild disappointment.
"Remarkable," whispered the Ancient Physician as he examined the newborn. "In all my ten thousand years, I've never seen such meridians."
The Sect Master, Zhao's father, leaned forward anxiously. "Is something wrong with my son?"
"Wrong?" The Ancient Physician laughed, a sound like old jade striking stone. "No. Something is extraordinarily right. Your son possesses the legendary Body of Luxurious Reversal."
A collective gasp swept through the birthing chamber. The last recorded appearance of such a physique had been during the Era of Divine Realignment, when the heavens themselves had been restructured.
"Are you certain?" asked Zhao's mother, her voice still weak from the delivery.
The Ancient Physician nodded solemnly. "Observe."
He gently passed his hand over the infant, sending a tendril of cultivation energy toward him. Rather than absorbing it as any normal cultivator would, baby Zhao's meridians instantly inverted the flow, forcing the Ancient Physician to stumble back, suddenly drained.
"His body rejects conventional cultivation methods," the Physician explained, steadying himself against a jade pillar. "Instead, it reverses the energy flow. The stronger the cultivator who serves him, the more energy he absorbs."
"But how will he train? How will he cultivate?" Zhao's father demanded.
The Ancient Physician's eyes twinkled. "He won't. That's the miracle of the Body of Luxurious Reversal. He will grow stronger the less effort he makes. Comfort, pleasure, service—these will be his cultivation techniques."
As if understanding his extraordinary fate, baby Zhao closed his eyes and promptly fell asleep, his tiny chest rising and falling in perfect, unhurried rhythm.
"He will need a guardian," the Sect Master realized. "Someone who can protect him until his power matures."
The Ancient Physician nodded. "Not just any guardian. He will need someone wholly devoted to his service. Someone who will make his cultivation their sole purpose."
And so began the great search across the Ten Thousand Worlds for the perfect servant for the young master with the most exceptional cultivation physique ever recorded.
Twenty years later...
"Lei'er," Zhao Wu Lin called languidly from his spirit-jade bathing pool. "The water temperature has dropped by half a degree. See to it."
A shadow moved across the ornate bathing chamber—Lei'er, his sword-maid and absolute attendant. Though she had been in Zhao's service for only five years, her devotion was unmatched across the realms.
Lei'er had been found in the World of Endless Blades, a realm where children were raised from birth to become living weapons. She had been the most accomplished prodigy in ten generations, capable of slaying immortals before her fifteenth birthday. The Celestial Indulgence Sect had acquired her services at an astronomical price—the equivalent of seventeen star systems and the secret to eternal youth.
Not that Lei'er had cared about the payment. From the moment she'd laid eyes on young master Zhao, she had found her true purpose.
"Forgive me, Master," Lei'er said, bowing deeply. Her beauty was severe and flawless, her long black hair bound in an intricate style that never seemed to loosen no matter how quickly she moved. "I will correct it immediately."
She approached the bathing pool and dipped one slender finger into the water. Instantly, the liquid began to shimmer as Lei'er circulated her profound cultivation energy, raising the temperature to precisely the level Zhao preferred.
"Better," Zhao acknowledged without opening his eyes.
Those who didn't know better might have thought his tone ungrateful, but Lei'er recognized the subtle softening of his voice that indicated satisfaction. She had studied her master with an intensity that bordered on religious devotion, learning to interpret the minute variations in his expressions, his breathing, the cadence of his speech.
"Shall I wash your hair, Master?" Lei'er asked, already preparing the rare essence shampoo derived from thousand-year spirit beasts.
Zhao made a small sound of affirmation. Lei'er moved behind him, her movements fluid as water, and began to gently massage his scalp with her fingertips.
As she did so, she could feel Zhao's unique cultivation method activating. His meridians pulsed, drawing energy from her service, transforming her devotion into raw power. It was a strange and beautiful symbiosis—the stronger Lei'er became as a cultivator, the more energy Zhao could extract from her service.
"Lei'er," Zhao murmured as she worked the fragrant essence through his perfect hair, "I'm bored with this world."
"Would you like me to arrange for new entertainment, Master? Perhaps another competition among the imperial princesses for the honor of serving your evening tea?"
Zhao sighed dramatically. "Tedious. They're all the same—desperate to curry favor, lacking genuine skill or personality."
Lei'er nodded in understanding. This was not the first time Zhao had expressed dissatisfaction with the caliber of potential cultivation partners in their realm. Despite countless beauties from noble families and powerful sects practically throwing themselves at him, Zhao remained perpetually unimpressed.
"Perhaps," Lei'er suggested carefully, "Master might consider exploring beyond our current realm? The Ten Thousand Worlds offer countless possibilities."
Zhao's eyes opened slightly, showing a flicker of interest. "You can travel between worlds?"
"My sword, the Divine Edge of World Severance, can cut through dimensional barriers," Lei'er explained. "I have refrained from mentioning this ability as it seemed unnecessary to your comfort until now."
Zhao sat up slightly in the bathing pool, droplets of spirit-infused water sliding down his perfectly cultivated physique. "Lei'er, you continue to surprise me. After five years, I thought I knew the extent of your capabilities."
Lei'er bowed her head, secretly pleased by her master's rare display of surprise. "I exist only to serve you, Master. I reveal my abilities as they become relevant to your needs."
"A new world," Zhao mused, settling back into the water. "Yes, that might alleviate my boredom. But it would need to be interesting. Special."
"What qualities would Master desire in this new world?"
Zhao thought for a moment, his eyes half-closed. "Something different. Not another cultivation world with the same tedious hierarchies and predictable power structures." He waved his hand dismissively. "I want something exotic. Something with unusual beings. Creatures that don't exist in our realm."
Lei'er remained silent, allowing her master to develop his thoughts.
"I had a dream," Zhao continued, his voice softening with rare enthusiasm. "A world with talking slimes, powerful swordswomen, and dragon women who could shift into human form." His lips curved into a small smile. "Dragon women who could hug me while I nap."
Most servants would have laughed at such a specific and seemingly impossible request. Lei'er simply nodded. "I will find such a world for you, Master."
"You sound very confident, Lei'er."
"The Ten Thousand Worlds contain infinite variations, Master. What you describe exists somewhere among them. I will find it."
Zhao closed his eyes fully again, apparently satisfied. "Good. See that you do. And finish washing my hair. You stopped when I sat up."
"Forgive me, Master." Lei'er immediately resumed her ministrations, her mind already cycling through the dimensional coordinates she had cataloged over her years of training.
She had never told Zhao, but before entering his service, she had spent three years mapping the coordinates of countless worlds, preparing for the day her master might wish to travel. Lei'er's foresight was just one of the many qualities that made her the perfect servant for the Silken Tyrant.
As she rinsed the essence from Zhao's hair, Lei'er allowed herself a small smile. A new world meant new challenges, new beings to manage, new environments to make comfortable for her master.
It meant proving her worth all over again.
She could hardly wait.
Chapter 2: The Journey Between Worlds
Three days after Zhao Wu Lin expressed his desire for a new world, Lei'er stood before him in his private meditation chamber, her face serene but her eyes alight with quiet satisfaction.
"Master, I have located the world you described."
Zhao, who had been reclining on his spirit-woven chaise while a terrified imperial princess attempted to play the zither to his exacting standards, opened one eye lazily. "Have you now?"
The princess immediately stopped playing, her fingers trembling on the strings.
"Did I say you could stop?" Zhao asked without looking at her.
"N-no, Young Master Zhao," the princess stammered, immediately resuming her performance, though her nervousness made the melody even more disjointed.
Zhao sighed. "Enough. Leave us."
The princess bowed deeply, backing out of the chamber with obvious relief. Lei'er watched her go with a dispassionate gaze. Another failure. None of the cultivation partners brought before her master lately had shown any promise.
"Tell me about this world, Lei'er," Zhao said, adjusting his position slightly on the chaise.
Lei'er moved to stand at precisely the correct distance from her master—close enough to hear his quietest command, far enough not to impose on his personal space.
"It is called the world of Tensura, Master. A realm where beings known as monsters coexist with humans, demihumans, and various magical entities. Among these monsters are sentient slimes, some of which have evolved to remarkable levels of power."
"And the dragon women?" Zhao inquired, a hint of interest coloring his usually bored tone.
"They exist as well. Called 'True Dragons,' they are among the most powerful entities in that world. Several female dragons possess the ability to take human form—forms of exceptional beauty, I might add."
"And swordswomen?"
"Abundant. The realm has several powerful female warriors, including holy knights, demon lords, and various specialized fighters."
Zhao's expression remained neutral, but Lei'er noted the subtle shift in his breathing—a clear sign of growing interest. After five years in his service, she had cataloged twenty-seven distinct breathing patterns that corresponded to his various emotional states.
"How did you find it so quickly?" Zhao asked.
Lei'er bowed slightly. "Before entering your service, I mapped the coordinates of ten thousand worlds, categorizing them by their unique properties. When you described your requirements, I simply consulted my records and conducted targeted reconnaissance to confirm the details."
For a brief moment, Zhao's perpetually bored expression flickered with genuine surprise. "You anticipated my desire to travel between worlds years before I expressed it?"
"I anticipate all possible desires you might eventually express, Master. It is my duty to prepare for your needs before you become aware of them yourself."
Zhao studied Lei'er with newfound appreciation. "You continue to exceed expectations, Lei'er."
Coming from anyone else, this might have seemed like faint praise. Coming from Zhao Wu Lin, the Silken Tyrant who had never offered a compliment without immediately following it with a criticism, it was extraordinary.
Lei'er bowed deeply, her heart racing despite her outward calm. "Your satisfaction is my only goal, Master."
"When can we depart?"
"Whenever you wish. I have already prepared appropriate attire for the climate and customs of the Tensura world. I have also packed essential cultivation aids, comfort amenities, and the materials needed to establish your proper dwelling once we arrive."
Zhao nodded once. "Tonight, then. After my evening bath."
"As you wish." Lei'er bowed again and turned to leave.
"Lei'er," Zhao called as she reached the door.
"Yes, Master?"
"How powerful are the beings in this new world? Will they pose any threat to me?" For the first time in their five years together, Lei'er detected the faintest hint of vulnerability in her master's voice.
She turned back to face him, her expression softening imperceptibly. "Master's cultivation level is difficult to assess by conventional standards, as it operates on principles unknown in most realms. However, I have analyzed the energy signatures of the strongest entities in Tensura."
"And?" Zhao prompted.
"None can match you at your current level," Lei'er stated with absolute certainty. "Furthermore, the unique composition of spiritual energy in that world appears particularly compatible with your Body of Luxurious Reversal. I expect your cultivation will advance more rapidly there than it has here."
The corner of Zhao's mouth twitched in what might have been the beginning of a smile. "You've thought of everything, haven't you, Lei'er?"
"Not everything, Master. Merely everything that matters to your comfort and cultivation."
With that, Lei'er departed to make the final preparations for their journey.
That evening, after Zhao's bath (the water maintained at exactly 40.5 degrees, scented with precisely seven drops of thousand-year lotus essence), Lei'er helped him dress in traveling robes. Though "traveling robes" was perhaps a misleading term—the garments were crafted from spirit silk harvested from divine silkworms, layered with protective enchantments and comfort-enhancing formations.
"These will adjust to the magical atmosphere of Tensura automatically," Lei'er explained as she tied the sash around Zhao's waist. "They will also regulate your body temperature regardless of external conditions."
Zhao nodded absently, already bored with the technical details. "Where will we arrive in this new world?"
"I have selected coordinates within a forest glade in what is known as the Jura Tempest Federation—the nation ruled by the powerful slime entity I mentioned. The location is aesthetically pleasing, secluded enough for privacy, yet close enough to civilization for convenient access."
"You will carry me, of course," Zhao stated rather than asked.
"Of course, Master." Lei'er would never expect Zhao to exert himself by walking through a dimensional passage.
When all was ready, Lei'er led Zhao to the central courtyard of his private residence. The moon hung full and bright above them, illuminating the scene with ethereal light.
Lei'er drew her sword—the Divine Edge of World Severance. The blade gleamed with an inner light that seemed to bend reality around its edge. With a single, precise movement, she sliced through the air itself, creating a tear in the fabric of reality.
The dimensional rift shimmered before them, a swirling vortex of cosmic energies and fractured light.
"Is it stable?" Zhao asked, eyeing the rift with mild concern.
"Perfectly, Master. I have reinforced the passage with my own cultivation energy. It will be as smooth as walking from one room to another."
Without further hesitation, Lei'er swept Zhao into her arms. Despite her slender frame, she lifted his six-foot-tall body effortlessly, cradling him against her chest as one might hold a precious treasure.
Zhao yawned dramatically as they approached the rift. "Wake me when we arrive," he murmured, closing his eyes and resting his head against Lei'er's shoulder.
"As you wish, Master."
Lei'er stepped into the dimensional passage, her stride confident and unhurried. Around them, reality fragmented and reformed in dizzying patterns. Cosmic forces howled like hungry beasts, held at bay only by the protective bubble of Lei'er's cultivation energy.
Lesser cultivators would have been torn apart by the chaotic energies of interdimensional travel. Lei'er navigated the void between worlds with the same calm precision she brought to all her duties.
In her arms, Zhao Wu Lin slept peacefully, his breathing deep and regular. Lei'er gazed down at her master's face, allowing herself a rare moment of unguarded affection while he couldn't see. The bond between them transcended mere service—though Lei'er would never presume to name it aloud.
After what might have been minutes or hours in the timeless void, Lei'er sensed their approach to the Tensura world. She adjusted her grip on Zhao slightly, preparing for the transition.
With a final surge of cultivation energy, Lei'er stepped out of the rift and into a sun-dappled forest glade in an entirely new world.
The dimensional passage sealed itself behind them, leaving no trace of their extraordinary journey.
Lei'er remained still for a moment, her enhanced senses cataloging every detail of their new environment. The air was rich with natural mana, far more concentrated than in their home realm. Ancient trees surrounded the glade, their leaves whispering in a gentle breeze. A crystal-clear spring bubbled nearby, its waters shimmering with magical energy.
Perfect. Exactly as she had foreseen.
"Master," Lei'er said softly. "We have arrived."
Zhao's eyes remained closed. "Five more minutes," he murmured sleepily.
Lei'er's expression softened marginally. "As you wish, Master."
She carefully laid Zhao down on a patch of soft moss beside the spring, ensuring his robes remained unwrinkled and his body properly supported. Then she stood guard beside him, her hand resting lightly on her sword hilt, her senses extended to their maximum range to detect any potential threats.
Almost immediately, Lei'er became aware of the forest's reaction to their presence. The trees—which her enhanced perception identified as semi-sentient dryads—began to stir, their branches swaying despite the absence of wind. Small creatures scattered in all directions, fleeing the aura of overwhelming power that emanated from the sleeping Zhao.
More interestingly, Lei'er detected several powerful energy signatures converging on their location from various directions. The inhabitants of this world had already sensed their arrival.
Lei'er smiled faintly. Good. Let them come. Let them witness the glory of her master. Let them learn, as she had learned, that to serve Zhao Wu Lin was not subjugation but elevation.
The Silken Tyrant had arrived in Tensura, and nothing would ever be the same.
Chapter 3: First Contact and Fateful Impressions
Zhao Wu Lin awoke with a dramatic yawn, stretching languidly on his moss bed. His eyes opened to an unfamiliar canopy of trees, their leaves shimmering with traces of magical energy.
"Lei'er," he called without raising his voice, knowing she would be within earshot regardless of where she stood.
"I am here, Master." Lei'er materialized beside him instantly, kneeling with perfect posture.
"This moss," Zhao said, shifting slightly, "while acceptably soft, is beneath my station. Prepare suitable accommodations."
"Yes, Master. Shall I construct the Silken Pavilion?"
"Mm." Zhao nodded, then sat up and looked around with mild interest. "This is the Tensura world?"
"Yes, Master. We are in a sacred glade within the Jura Tempest Federation, the nation ruled by the slime entity I mentioned."
Zhao sniffed the air delicately. "The ambient spiritual energy is... adequate. Different from our realm, but not unpleasant."
"It should be highly compatible with your cultivation method, Master."
As Zhao stretched again, his silken robe slipped open slightly, revealing his perfectly cultivated chest—not overly muscled, but defined with the precision of a master sculptor. At that exact moment, a rustling came from the bushes at the edge of the clearing.
"Master," Lei'er said quietly, "we have observers."
Zhao didn't even turn to look. "Are they beautiful women?"
Lei'er extended her senses toward the hidden observers. "Three individuals. Two appear to be high-level kijin warriors—male. The third is a female forest sprite. I would rate her attractiveness as moderate by local standards, perhaps a six out of ten on your personal scale."
Zhao sighed dramatically. "Disappointing for a first impression. Still, one must start somewhere. Invite the female for tea. Dismiss the others."
"As you wish." Lei'er vanished from Zhao's side and reappeared directly in front of the hidden observers.
The two kijin warriors—humanoid figures with horns and exceptional physical capabilities—immediately drew their weapons. The female forest sprite, a petite green-haired being with translucent wings, squeaked in alarm and tumbled backward out of her hiding spot.
Before the kijin warriors could complete their attack motions, they found themselves completely immobilized, their bodies frozen in place by an invisible force.
"My Master extends an invitation to tea," Lei'er said to the trembling forest sprite, her voice perfectly modulated—not threatening, yet brooking no refusal. "You two," she addressed the kijin warriors without bothering to look at them, "will return to your master and deliver a message. The Silken Tyrant, Zhao Wu Lin, has chosen this location for his temporary residence. All appropriate tribute may be brought directly to the Pavilion once it materializes."
"W-we serve only Lord Rimuru," one of the warriors managed to say despite the crushing pressure holding him in place. "We do not recognize your master's authority here."
Lei'er's expression didn't change, but suddenly both warriors were on their knees, heads bowed so low they nearly touched the ground. The pressure around them had intensified to the point where breathing itself became a conscious effort.
"My Master has no interest in your political hierarchies," she said softly. "He merely wishes for comfort, entertainment, and relaxation. If your leader is wise, they will accommodate these modest desires."
She released the pressure, and the two warriors found themselves rushing back toward the city, their bodies moving before their minds had even processed the command to flee.
Lei'er turned to the forest sprite, who was trembling so violently her wings produced a faint humming sound. "What is your name?"
"S-Sylphina," the sprite stammered.
"Well, Sylphina, today your existence gains purpose. You will serve my Master his welcoming tea. I will instruct you in the proper methodology."
"B-but I don't know how to make tea! I'm just a forest scout!"
Lei'er's gaze softened marginally. "Then you will learn. Consider it an honor—few beings in any world receive the privilege of serving the Silken Tyrant."
Lei'er extended her hand, and a small storage ring on her finger glowed briefly. From it emerged an ornate tea set crafted from jade so fine it was nearly translucent. "Come. I will teach you the first position of the Celestial Tea Ceremony. Master prefers his first cup precisely three minutes after waking in a new location."
Sylphina found herself nodding helplessly, caught in Lei'er's inexorable will like a leaf in a hurricane.
Back in the center of the glade, Zhao had begun his morning grooming ritual, combing his fingers casually through his perfect hair. He appeared completely unconcerned with Lei'er's handling of the observers, trusting her implicitly to manage such trivial matters.
Over the next hour, under Lei'er's rigorous instruction, Sylphina learned the basics of serving tea to Zhao's standards. Her hands shook so badly at first that she spilled half the precious leaves, earning a sharp look from Lei'er that made her wings temporarily stop functioning from fear.
By the third attempt, however, Sylphina began to find a rhythm to the ceremonial movements. There was something hypnotic about the precise folding of the napkin, the exact angle at which the cup must be presented, the careful temperature management of the water.
When she finally served a cup that met Lei'er's approval and presented it to Zhao, the Silken Tyrant accepted it without comment, taking a single sip before setting it aside.
Sylphina waited anxiously for his verdict, her wings vibrating with tension.
After what seemed like an eternity, Zhao spoke: "The local water has an interesting mineral composition. Not unpleasant."
Lei'er's expression brightened imperceptibly—the equivalent of ecstatic joy for anyone else. "You hear that, Sylphina? Master finds your tea not unpleasant. This is high praise indeed for a first attempt."
Strangely, Sylphina did feel a rush of pride at the tepid compliment. Something about Zhao's acknowledgment, however minimal, felt more significant than any praise she had received before.
"Now," Lei'er said, turning her attention back to the glade, "I must prepare the Pavilion. Sylphina, you will continue to attend my Master while I work. Remember—do not speak unless spoken to, maintain a distance of exactly three paces unless called closer, and refresh his tea the moment the cup is less than one-third full."
Sylphina nodded earnestly, suddenly determined to excel at these simple tasks. "I understand, Lady Lei'er."
"I am not 'Lady,'" Lei'er corrected. "I am merely Lei'er, servant of Master Zhao."
With that clarification, Lei'er moved to the center of the glade and drew her sword. The Divine Edge of World Severance gleamed in the dappled sunlight as she began to trace complex patterns in the air. Where the blade passed, reality itself seemed to ripple and distort.
Sylphina watched in awe as Lei'er's movements became increasingly intricate, her sword leaving trails of golden light that hung in the air like calligraphy written by the gods themselves. The forest sprite had never witnessed such a display of controlled power—it was both terrifying and beautiful.
Zhao, meanwhile, appeared supremely uninterested in Lei'er's dimensional construction work. He had found a particularly comfortable spot on the moss and was now examining his fingernails with mild disapproval.
"Sylphina," he said suddenly, causing the sprite to jump nervously.
"Y-yes, Master Zhao?" she squeaked, accidentally using Lei'er's form of address.
"Tell me about this Federation. Who rules it? What manner of slime is this 'Rimuru' that Lei'er mentioned?"
Sylphina fluttered closer, careful to maintain the prescribed three-pace distance. "Lord Rimuru is a unique slime who evolved into a Demon Lord. He united the monsters of the Jura Forest into a nation where different species coexist peacefully. He's incredibly powerful and kind—" She caught herself, suddenly uncertain whether praising another powerful entity was appropriate in Zhao's presence.
To her relief, Zhao merely nodded lazily. "A civilized slime. Interesting. And does this Rimuru have female associates of significant power?"
"Oh yes!" Sylphina said eagerly, on safer ground now. "There's Lady Shion, his personal protector—she's an ogre with incredible strength. Lady Shuna, a princess with amazing magical abilities. Lady Milim, another Demon Lord who's Lord Rimuru's friend. The dryad Treyni who speaks for the forest. Lady Hinata, the human hero who commands the knights of the Western Holy Church..."
As Sylphina continued listing the powerful women of Tempest, she noticed Zhao's expression shifting from boredom to mild interest. By the time she mentioned Velzard, the White Ice Dragon, a faint smile had appeared on his lips.
"Perfect," Zhao murmured, interrupting Sylphina's recitation. "Lei'er chose well."
Behind them, Lei'er's sword movements reached a crescendo. The patterns of light she had been weaving suddenly collapsed inward, creating a tear in reality much larger than the one they had used to travel between worlds. From this dimensional pocket emerged the first hints of the Silken Pavilion.
It began as a single jade pillar, materializing fifty meters above the ground. Then came another, and another, until a skeleton of gleaming columns hung impossibly in the air. Between them stretched filaments of pure white silk that somehow supported the weight of ornate railings, curved roofs, and floating gardens.
The structure unfolded like a blooming flower, each new level more intricate and beautiful than the last. Waterfalls appeared, cascading from certain balconies only to evaporate into sweet-smelling mist before reaching the ground. Spirit-beasts carved from living jade took their positions as guardians at various entrances. Gardens burst into instant bloom, filled with exotic flowers from a thousand worlds.
At the heart of it all formed Zhao's personal chamber—a space of such concentrated luxury that even glimpsing it from a distance made Sylphina feel lightheaded.
As the Pavilion materialized fully, a subtle but profound change washed over the surrounding forest. The very laws of nature seemed to bend slightly, adjusting to accommodate Zhao's presence. The light became softer, more flattering. The air carried hints of delicate perfumes. Even gravity itself seemed to operate with greater consideration, ensuring that falling leaves drifted down in aesthetically pleasing patterns.
Sylphina felt it too—a strange alteration in her own thoughts and emotions. Her initial fear of Zhao and Lei'er had transformed into something more complex: a mixture of awe, admiration, and a peculiar desire to be of service. She found herself wondering what it would be like to be chosen as a permanent attendant rather than this temporary role.
The thought should have alarmed her, yet somehow it didn't.
Lei'er returned to Zhao's side, sheathing her sword with a fluid motion. "The Pavilion is ready, Master. Shall I escort you to your chambers?"
Zhao nodded and stood, adjusting his robes with a casual gesture that nonetheless resulted in perfect draping of the fabric. "Come, Sylphina. You shall continue your tea service training in proper surroundings."
Without waiting for her response, Zhao allowed Lei'er to lift him into her arms. Lei'er leapt upward with graceful power, carrying her master effortlessly toward the main entrance of the floating Pavilion.
Sylphina hesitated only briefly before fluttering after them, her heart racing with an emotion she couldn't quite name. It felt like the beginning of something momentous—not just for her, but for the entire Jura Tempest Federation.
The Silken Tyrant had arrived, and the world would reshape itself to his preferences, whether it wished to or not.
Chapter 4: The Delegation of Curiosity and Confusion
In the great meeting hall of Tempest, Rimuru Tempest stared out the window at the impossible structure now floating above his city. The Silken Pavilion hung in the air like a dream manifested into reality, its multiple levels of jade and silk defying architectural logic.
"Should we attack?" Benimaru asked, his flames flickering with readiness around his clenched fists.
Rimuru frowned, his usually cheerful face creased with concern. "I... don't think we can." He turned to his ministers, confused by his own hesitation. "More strangely, I don't think I want to."
Shion, normally the first to suggest violence against intruders, was staring at the Pavilion with an unreadable expression. "Lord Rimuru," she said slowly, "with your permission, I would like to investigate this structure personally."
"Me too," said Shuna, her usual gentle demeanor oddly intent.
"And I," added Treyni, the dryad minister who had teleported into the meeting without announcement—something she rarely did.
Rimuru looked at the three powerful women, then back at the Pavilion. Something very strange was happening, and for once, the slime Demon Lord had no idea how to respond.
The doors to the meeting hall burst open, and the two kijin scouts stumbled in, their faces pale, their movements uncharacteristically uncoordinated.
"Lord Rimuru!" the first scout gasped. "The intruders—"
"They're unlike anything we've encountered before," the second scout finished, leaning heavily against the wall.
Souei, Rimuru's shadow ninja, narrowed his eyes. "Report properly. What did you observe?"
The scouts exchanged troubled glances. "There appears to be just two of them," the first scout said. "A man and a woman. But their power..." He trailed off, shaking his head.
"The woman immobilized us completely with no visible effort," the second scout continued. "She called herself Lei'er, servant of the 'Silken Tyrant.' And the man—"
"He did nothing," the first scout interrupted. "Absolutely nothing. He just sat there, looking bored. Yet his aura was... overwhelming."
"Like staring at the sun," the second scout agreed. "A lazy, indifferent sun that could incinerate you if you annoyed it enough to make the effort."
Rimuru absorbed this information with growing concern. "And Sylphina? The forest sprite who was with you?"
The scouts looked at each other again. "She... remained behind. The woman—Lei'er—said she would serve their master tea."
"They kidnapped Sylphina?" Shion exclaimed, her hand moving to her massive sword.
"No," the first scout said hesitantly. "It was strange. It seemed more like... an honor? Like being selected for a special duty? I can't explain it properly."
Diablo, the primordial demon who served as Rimuru's close aide, stepped forward from the shadows where he had been observing. "Lord Rimuru, I recommend caution. These beings appear to possess power beyond ordinary measurement."
"Agreed," Rimuru nodded. "We'll send a diplomatic delegation. Myself, Benimaru, Shion, Shuna, and Souei. Rigurd, maintain city defenses while we're gone."
"Lord Rimuru," Treyni interjected, "I would strongly recommend my inclusion in this delegation. The forest itself is... responding to these visitors in unprecedented ways. The ancient trees are bowing toward the Pavilion, and the natural mana flow has altered course to spiral around it."
Rimuru blinked in surprise. "The trees are bowing? That's... concerning. Very well, you'll join us as well."
As the delegation prepared to depart, Rimuru couldn't shake a strange feeling of anticipation. Despite the potential threat these newcomers posed, he felt an inexplicable curiosity—almost eagerness—to meet them.
Chapter 5: The Art of First Impressions
The Tempest delegation approached the Silken Pavilion with a mixture of caution and inexplicable fascination. Rimuru led the way, flanked by Benimaru and Shion, with Shuna, Souei, and Treyni following closely behind.
As they neared the floating structure, a staircase of pure jade materialized before them, stretching from the ground to the main entrance fifty meters above.
"How... accommodating," Rimuru muttered, eyeing the staircase suspiciously.
"This construction defies all natural laws," Souei observed quietly. "The material composition alone should make it impossible to float, yet it hangs in the air as if gravity is merely a suggestion."
The group began their ascent. With each step, they felt the subtle but unmistakable influence of the Pavilion's aura. Anger and hostility seemed to melt away, replaced by a strange sense of admiration and curiosity.
Benimaru, ever vigilant, noticed this effect first. "Lord Rimuru," he whispered urgently, "there's some kind of mental influence at work here. My combat instincts are... dulling."
Rimuru nodded. "I feel it too. Everyone stay alert. Whatever's happening, we need to keep our wits about us."
At the top of the staircase, they found an open archway leading into a reception hall of breathtaking beauty. The walls were adorned with paintings that seemed to move subtly when not directly observed. Delicate fountains produced musical notes as water droplets fell in perfectly timed sequences. The air itself was perfumed with a scent that somehow managed to appeal to everyone's individual preferences simultaneously.
Standing in the center of the hall was Lei'er, her posture perfect, her severe beauty somehow enhanced by the opulent surroundings.
"Welcome to the Silken Pavilion," she said, her voice melodious yet formal. "My Master awaits your audience."
Rimuru stepped forward. "I am Rimuru Tempest, leader of the Jura Tempest Federation. This structure has appeared uninvited in our territory. We would like to understand your intentions."
Lei'er's expression remained unchanged. "My Master, Zhao Wu Lin, the Silken Tyrant, has chosen your realm for his temporary residence. It is an honor few worlds receive."
Benimaru bristled at her tone. "An honor? You intrude on our land without permission and call it an honor?"
Lei'er's gaze shifted to Benimaru, and the temperature in the hall dropped several degrees. "Where my Master chooses to rest becomes, by definition, his domain. This is not arrogance but cosmic principle."
Before Benimaru could retort, Lei'er continued, "Follow me. My Master will explain in his own words." She turned and began walking deeper into the Pavilion, clearly expecting them to follow without question.
"Should we?" Shuna whispered to Rimuru.
Rimuru hesitated, then nodded. "We came for answers. Let's hear what this 'Silken Tyrant' has to say."
As they followed Lei'er through the winding corridors of the Pavilion, each more beautiful than the last, Shion found herself unusually quiet. Normally the most vocal about potential threats, she now seemed lost in thought, her eyes darting around to take in every detail of their surroundings.
"Are you well, Shion?" Rimuru asked quietly.
Shion blinked, as if coming out of a trance. "Yes, Lord Rimuru. I'm simply... assessing the situation."
Treyni, walking behind them, whispered, "The wood used in this construction... it's alive. Not merely living wood, but aware. Somehow, it's been convinced to maintain this form willingly."
Lei'er, without turning around, responded to Treyni's observation. "The Eternal Jade Spirit Trees offer their service to my Master gladly. As do all beings of discernment eventually."
Finally, they reached a set of massive doors carved with scenes that seemed to shift and change as they watched—one moment depicting peaceful gardens, the next showing cosmic battles of incomprehensible scale.
"My Master awaits within," Lei'er announced. "You will show proper respect or be removed."
The doors swung open silently, revealing Zhao Wu Lin's receiving chamber. The room defied conventional understanding of space—it seemed both intimate and vast simultaneously, with distant corners that somehow remained perfectly visible despite the apparent distance.
In the center, reclining on a receiving couch artfully arranged to support his every contour, was Zhao Wu Lin himself. He appeared to be in his mid-twenties, with features so perfectly formed they seemed almost artificial in their symmetry. His hair, black as night and gleaming with inner light, was casually arranged in a style that would have taken most stylists hours to achieve.
Beside him knelt the forest sprite, Sylphina, carefully holding a tea tray with trembling hands, her expression one of intense concentration.
"Master," Lei'er announced, "the delegation from Tempest has arrived as expected."
Zhao opened his eyes lazily, regarding the visitors with an expression of mild interest. "So," he said, his voice surprisingly melodious for someone who appeared so disinterested, "you are the ruler of this little nation? A slime?"
Rimuru stepped forward, forcing himself to maintain his diplomatic composure despite the strange effect Zhao's presence was having on him. "I am Rimuru Tempest, yes. And you are trespassing on Tempest Federation territory."
Zhao waved his hand dismissively. "Territorial claims bore me. Lei'er, explain to the slime how reality functions in my presence."
Lei'er stepped forward. "My Master exists above common laws of territory. Where he chooses to rest becomes, by definition, his domain. This is not a matter of politics but of fundamental cosmic principles."
Benimaru's flames flickered dangerously around his hands. "That's absurd! No one is above—"
He never finished his sentence. Lei'er didn't move, didn't draw her sword, didn't even look in his direction. Yet suddenly Benimaru found himself kneeling, his forehead pressed to the luxurious carpet of the Pavilion's receiving hall.
"My Master dislikes loud voices while he is digesting," Lei'er said calmly.
Rimuru's eyes widened. Benimaru was one of his strongest subordinates, a being of immense power—and he had been dismissed like a child.
"What do you want from us?" Rimuru asked, struggling to maintain his composure.
Zhao closed his eyes, seemingly bored by the entire conversation. "Want? I want nothing from you specifically. I simply desired a change of scenery. Your world seemed interesting." He opened one eye lazily. "Though I must say, so far it has proven rather provincial."
"Provincial?" Shion stepped forward, her massive bust quivering with indignation. "Tempest is the most advanced nation in the—"
"Your perfume," Zhao interrupted, "is too strong. It disrupts the natural fragrance of the spirit grapes." He turned slightly toward Lei'er. "Make a note to provide proper olfactory education to the local beauties."
Shion's mouth fell open in shock—shock that quickly morphed into something else entirely as Zhao's casual dismissal activated a strange new feeling in her chest. Never in her life had anyone spoken to her with such casual disregard for her power or status.
It was... oddly exhilarating.
"I apologize for my subordinate's fragrance," Rimuru said quickly, noticing the dangerous gleam in Shion's eyes. Not dangerous for Zhao—dangerous for Shion herself. "Perhaps if you explained your purpose here, we could come to an arrangement."
Zhao sighed dramatically. "Purpose? I have no purpose. Purposes require effort. Effort is beneath me." He stretched languidly, his robe slipping open again to reveal more of his perfect cultivation physique.
Every female in the delegation suddenly found it difficult to focus on the diplomatic situation.
Even Rimuru, who technically had no gender as a slime, felt a strange flutter in his humanoid form's chest.
"However," Zhao continued, "since you insist on tedious negotiations, I will indulge you." He waved a hand casually. "Lei'er, outline the minimum requirements for my comfortable stay."
Lei'er produced a scroll that unfurled to an impossible length, rolling across the floor toward the Tempest delegation.
"My Master requires the following," she began. "Daily deliveries of the finest local fruits and delicacies. A rotation of skilled massage practitioners. Absolute peace and quiet between the hours of his choosing for proper rest. Entertainment in the form of music, dance, and intellectual conversation when he desires company. And..." she paused, her voice dropping half an octave, "a selection of the realm's most beautiful and powerful women to serve as his cultivation partners."
"Cultivation partners?" Rimuru repeated, confused.
"My Master cultivates through the Body of Luxurious Reversal," Lei'er explained. "His power increases through pleasure, comfort, and being served by exceptional women. The stronger the woman, the greater the benefit to his cultivation."
A murmur ran through the delegation. Such a cultivation method was unheard of in their world.
"And if we refuse these... requirements?" Rimuru asked carefully.
Lei'er's expression didn't change, but the temperature in the room dropped several degrees. "That would be unfortunate. My Master dislikes being denied. When denied, he becomes... disappointed. When my Master is disappointed, I become displeased." Her hand rested lightly on her sword hilt. "You do not wish to see me displeased."
The threat was delivered with such calm certainty that no one doubted its legitimacy.
"Perhaps," Shuna suddenly spoke up, her gentle voice cutting through the tension, "we could reach a compromise. What does your Master offer in return for our hospitality?"
Zhao opened both eyes now, looking at Shuna with the first hint of actual interest he'd shown since the delegation arrived. "Intelligent," he murmured appreciatively. Then, louder: "In exchange for properly meeting my modest needs, I offer protection."
"We don't need protection," Benimaru managed to say, though still unable to rise from his kneeling position.
"Not protection from external threats," Zhao clarified with a lazy smile. "Protection from me." He gestured vaguely at the window, where the Pavilion's influence could be seen spreading through the area—the very laws of nature bending subtly to accommodate his presence.
"My existence alters reality," he continued. "Those who please me thrive within this altered state. Those who displease me..." He shrugged. "Ask Lei'er what happened to the last world that refused my requests."
All eyes turned to Lei'er, who smiled for the first time—a smile so terrifying that several guards took involuntary steps backward.
"It no longer exists," she said simply.
Rimuru swallowed hard. He could sense no deception in her words.
"I see," he said finally. "Then it seems we have no choice but to welcome you properly to Tempest." He bowed slightly. "We would be honored to provide for your... modest needs."
Zhao nodded once, then closed his eyes again, clearly considering the audience over.
As the delegation prepared to leave, Shion, Shuna, and Treyni all lingered, their eyes drawn to the reclining figure of Zhao Wu Lin.
"You three," Zhao said without opening his eyes. "Stay. Lei'er will explain the proper methods of serving me tea. The rest of you may go."
Rimuru started to protest, but found he couldn't form the words. Something about the Pavilion, about Zhao himself, made opposition feel not just difficult but conceptually wrong.
As Rimuru and the others departed, Lei'er began instructing the three powerful women in the precise temperature, pouring technique, and serving posture for Zhao's preferred tea ceremony.
Chapter 6: The Art of Recruitment
Two days after the initial meeting, Lei'er stood at the edge of the Silken Pavilion's main balcony, her gaze fixed on the sprawling city of Tempest below. Her master had expressed interest in expanding his cultivation collective, and Lei'er was determined to fulfill his wishes perfectly.
"Lei'er," Zhao's voice called from within his private chambers. "Come here."
She materialized at his side instantly, kneeling with perfect posture beside his enormous bathing pool. The water gleamed with spiritual essence, tiny motes of light swimming through it like luminescent fish.
"Yes, Master?"
Zhao reclined in the pool, his perfect physique half-submerged in the glowing water. Shion knelt at the edge, awkwardly attempting to massage his shoulders with her enormous strength carefully restrained. Beside her, Shuna carefully prepared spirit fruits on a jade platter, while Treyni used her connection to plant-life to infuse the bath water with additional natural essences.
"These three," Zhao gestured lazily at the women serving him, "while making adequate progress, lack proper training. Their power is impressive, but their service skills are... provincial."
Lei'er nodded. "I have been intensifying their training, Master. However, they come from a culture without proper understanding of cultivation service."
"Mm." Zhao closed his eyes as Shion found a particularly sensitive pressure point. "I wish to expand my cultivation collective. The energy of this world is compatible with my methods, but I need more powerful partners to maximize its benefits."
"I have already begun assessing potential candidates, Master," Lei'er replied. "There are several exceptionally powerful female entities in this world who would provide significant cultivation enhancement."
"Tell me," Zhao said, his voice languid with pleasure as Shion's strong fingers worked along his neck.
"Foremost among them is Milim Nava, one of the oldest and most powerful Demon Lords. Her chaotic energy signature would complement your ordered cultivation beautifully. Then there is Luminous Valentine, the Vampire Queen, whose immortal essence carries unique properties. Hinata Sakaguchi, the human hero, possesses holy energy that would diversify your cultivation base. And perhaps most promising, the True Dragons Velzard and Velgrynd, whose elemental mastery represents the pinnacle of this world's power."
Zhao opened one eye to look at Lei'er. "You've been thorough, as always." The faintest hint of approval colored his voice.
Lei'er felt a warm glow of satisfaction at her master's recognition. "It is my duty and privilege to serve, Master."
"Begin with the Demon Lord child. Her chaotic nature intrigues me."
"Milim Nava. Yes, Master. I shall retrieve her immediately."
Lei'er rose gracefully and turned to leave, but Zhao's voice stopped her.
"Lei'er."
She turned back immediately. "Yes, Master?"
"Use persuasion first. Your... forceful methods, while effective, can damage the willing service aspect that maximizes cultivation benefits."
Lei'er bowed deeply. "I understand, Master. I shall be the very essence of diplomatic charm."
The corner of Zhao's mouth twitched in what might have been the beginning of a smile. "Now that," he said, "I would like to see."
Finding Milim Nava proved remarkably simple. The ancient Demon Lord in the body of a perpetual child was causing a commotion in Tempest's central marketplace, hovering above a honey vendor's stall and demanding "special super-sweet honey" in a voice that carried across the entire plaza.
Lei'er approached silently, observing the pink-haired Demon Lord with calculating eyes. Milim wore revealing attire that showcased her petite yet powerful frame, and the aura surrounding her confirmed Lei'er's assessment—this being possessed enough raw power to significantly enhance Zhao's cultivation.
"I WANT THE SPECIAL HONEY!" Milim was shouting, stamping her foot in mid-air, causing small shock waves to ripple through the marketplace. "RIMURU PROMISED ME THE SPECIAL HONEY!"
The poor vendor cowered behind his stall. "Lady Milim, I don't have any special honey today! Perhaps tomorrow when the new shipment—"
"I DON'T WANT TO WAIT UNTIL TOMORROW!"
Lei'er chose this moment to intervene. "Perhaps I can offer an alternative."
Milim spun around in mid-air, her tantrum momentarily forgotten as she eyed the newcomer suspiciously. "Who are you? You're not from Tempest."
"I am Lei'er, servant of Zhao Wu Lin, the Silken Tyrant." Lei'er bowed slightly, just enough to show respect without subservience. "My Master has recently established the Silken Pavilion above your friend's city."
"Oh! The pretty floating house!" Milim's eyes widened with childlike excitement. "I wanted to visit, but Rimuru said to wait until he figured things out." She pouted. "Rimuru's no fun sometimes."
"My Master has specifically requested your presence," Lei'er said smoothly. "He has heard of your exceptional power and wishes to make your acquaintance."
"Really?" Milim preened visibly at the compliment. Then her eyes narrowed with sudden suspicion. "Wait, is this a trap? Are you trying to trick me? Because I'm super-duper strong, you know! I could destroy this whole city if I wanted to!"
"It is no trick," Lei'er assured her. "My Master merely wishes to offer you something you might enjoy. Something sweeter than any honey."
"Sweeter than honey?" Milim's eyes grew huge. "What could be sweeter than honey?"
"Spirit Nectar from the Divine Blossom Tree. My Master brought several vials from our home realm. It is said to be the sweetest substance in ten thousand worlds."
"TEN THOUSAND WORLDS?" Milim was practically vibrating with excitement now. "I want it! Give it to me!"
"Only my Master can authorize its dispensation," Lei'er said, allowing a note of regret to enter her voice. "If you were to visit him at the Pavilion, however..."
"Let's go right now!" Milim grabbed Lei'er's arm and began pulling her in the direction of the Pavilion. "Take me to this nectar!"
Lei'er allowed herself to be pulled along, hiding a small smile of satisfaction. Some targets required subtle manipulation, complex psychological maneuvering, or even direct force. Others, like Milim, simply needed the right bait.
As they approached the Silken Pavilion, Lei'er took the lead, guiding Milim up the jade staircase that materialized before them.
"Wooooow," Milim breathed, her eyes wide as they entered the reception hall. "It's so pretty! And it feels... nice here. Like, really nice. Like I don't even want to smash anything!"
"My Master's presence has that effect," Lei'er acknowledged. "He brings harmony to chaos."
She led Milim through the winding corridors, past gardens where impossible flowers bloomed and fountains played musical notes as their waters fell. Milim darted from one marvel to another, her childlike enthusiasm unrestrained.
Finally, they reached Zhao's reception chamber. Lei'er paused at the door. "You must show proper respect to my Master," she instructed. "No shouting, no sudden movements."
"Okay, okay," Milim agreed impatiently. "I'll be good! I promise! Now let me see the super-sweet nectar!"
The doors opened, revealing Zhao reclining on his couch, now dressed in silk robes of deep blue that set off his perfect complexion. Shuna knelt beside him, carefully combing his hair with a jade comb. Treyni stood nearby, using her connection to plants to maintain the perfect ambient fragrance in the room.
"Master," Lei'er announced, "I present Milim Nava, Demon Lord."
Zhao opened his eyes lazily, regarding Milim with mild interest. "So this is the chaos child."
Milim, for perhaps the first time in her long existence, found herself momentarily speechless. She stared at Zhao with unabashed fascination.
"She doesn't look particularly powerful," Zhao observed to Lei'er. "Are you certain of your assessment?"
That broke Milim's trance. "HEY! I'm super powerful! I'm one of the oldest and strongest Demon Lords in existence! I could destroy this entire—"
Lei'er cleared her throat pointedly, and Milim clapped a hand over her mouth, remembering the instruction not to shout.
"Sorry," she mumbled through her fingers. "But I am really strong."
The corner of Zhao's mouth twitched. "Spirited, at least." He gestured languidly. "I understand you have a fondness for sweets."
Milim nodded eagerly. "Lei'er said you have something sweeter than honey from ten thousand worlds!"
"Ah, the Spirit Nectar." Zhao turned slightly toward Lei'er. "Bring a small vial. Let our guest sample it."
Lei'er produced a tiny crystal vial from her sleeve, its contents glowing with golden light. She carefully removed the stopper and held it out to Milim.
"Just one drop on your tongue," she instructed. "It is exceedingly potent."
Milim practically bounced with excitement as Lei'er tilted the vial, allowing a single golden drop to fall onto her outstretched tongue. The moment it made contact, Milim's eyes flew wide open.
"MMMMMM!" she moaned, her entire body shuddering with pleasure. "IT'S SO GOOD!"
The flavor expanded in her mouth like an explosion of sweetness, each moment revealing new dimensions of delectable sensation. It was honey, but also fruit, but also something entirely unlike either—a sweetness so pure and perfect it seemed to bypass her taste buds entirely and stimulate the pleasure centers of her brain directly.
"More!" Milim begged when she could speak again. "Please, can I have more?"
Zhao observed her reaction with lazy amusement. "Perhaps. If you prove yourself worthy."
"Worthy? How do I do that? I'll do anything!" Milim's desperation was palpable.
"My cultivation method requires service from powerful beings," Zhao explained, gesturing for Milim to approach. "The stronger the being, the greater the benefit to my cultivation. In return, my cultivation partners receive... enhancements."
"Enhancements?" Milim cocked her head curiously.
"Increased power, refined control, expanded awareness," Lei'er elaborated. "And, of course, regular access to Spirit Nectar and other delicacies from our home realm."
"So I just have to serve you? Like Shuna is doing?" Milim pointed at the princess, who continued combing Zhao's hair with serene focus.
"Precisely," Zhao nodded. "Simple tasks, performed with devotion. Nothing onerous."
"And I get more of that super-sweet stuff?"
"A full drop each day," Zhao confirmed. "Possibly more as you advance in your service training."
"DEAL!" Milim shouted, then immediately covered her mouth again. "I mean, deal," she whispered.
Lei'er smiled faintly. "Master, shall I begin her preliminary training immediately?"
"Yes," Zhao closed his eyes again. "Start with proper massage techniques. Her energy signature is chaotic but potent. It should provide interesting cultivation effects."
Lei'er bowed. "Come, Milim Nava. Your service to the Silken Tyrant begins now."
As Lei'er led the excited Demon Lord to the training chambers, she allowed herself a moment of satisfaction. One down, several more to go. Her master's cultivation collective was expanding exactly according to plan.
Chapter 7: Diplomatic Missions and Deeper Pleasures
One week after Milim's recruitment, the Silken Pavilion had become a center of activity that rivaled Tempest's governmental buildings. A steady stream of visitors came and went—mostly female warriors, mages, and dignitaries who had heard rumors of the strange newcomer who offered power in exchange for service.
Zhao Wu Lin reclined in his private cultivation chamber, attended by his growing collection of powerful women. Shion had progressed from shoulder massages to more intimate forms of service, currently kneeling between his legs and awkwardly attempting to take his length into her mouth under Lei'er's patient instruction.
"More gently," Lei'er directed, her tone clinical despite the erotic scene before her. "Master's pleasure is maximized through precision, not force."
Shion adjusted her technique, her usual brashness replaced by intense concentration as she worked to please Zhao properly. Nearby, Shuna prepared scented oils for the next phase of cultivation service, while Treyni maintained the room's perfect atmospheric conditions. Milim sat cross-legged at the foot of the enormous bed, watching with fascination as she enjoyed her daily drop of Spirit Nectar.
"Lei'er," Zhao murmured, his eyes half-closed with pleasure as Shion's mouth engulfed him more skillfully now. "The Vampire Queen. It's time."
Lei'er bowed. "Yes, Master. I shall depart immediately."
Before she could leave, Zhao added, "And the human hero, Hinata. Bring her as well. Their contrasting energies would complement today's cultivation session."
"Two recruitments in one day?" Lei'er's eyebrow raised fractionally—the equivalent of extreme surprise from anyone else. "A most ambitious schedule, Master."
"You doubt your capabilities?" Zhao challenged mildly, his breathing becoming slightly heavier as Shion found a particularly effective rhythm.
"Never, Master. I shall return with both."
Lei'er departed the Pavilion, her mind already formulating the distinct approaches needed for these two very different targets. Luminous Valentine, the Vampire Queen, would require political finesse and appeals to ancient pride. Hinata Sakaguchi, the holy knight, would need a different approach entirely—perhaps an appeal to duty or curiosity.
She decided to visit the human hero first. According to her intelligence, Hinata was currently in Tempest on a diplomatic mission from the Western Holy Church, staying at the guest quarters near Rimuru's governmental complex.
Lei'er moved through the city like a shadow, her presence barely registering to the citizens of Tempest. Those who did notice her quickly averted their eyes, instinctively recognizing a predator far above their station.
She found Hinata in a training yard, practicing sword forms with fluid precision. The human hero was an attractive woman with a serious demeanor, her power evident in the way her holy energy infused each movement of her blade.
Lei'er observed silently for several minutes, assessing not just Hinata's power but her character. The disciplined movements, the unwavering focus, the slight furrow of concentration between her brows—all spoke of someone driven by duty and self-improvement.
This would be a challenging recruitment, but Lei'er had never failed her master.
"Your form is excellent," Lei'er called out as Hinata completed a particularly complex sequence.
Hinata spun around, her sword instantly at the ready. "Who are you?" she demanded, her eyes narrowing as she took in Lei'er's unfamiliar appearance.
"I am Lei'er, servant of Zhao Wu Lin, the Silken Tyrant. Perhaps you've heard of our recent arrival."
"The floating pavilion," Hinata nodded cautiously, not lowering her sword. "Rimuru mentioned your... master's unusual requests."
"And yet you do not seem alarmed by my presence," Lei'er observed.
"Should I be?"
"Most are," Lei'er admitted with a small shrug. "My reputation tends to precede me."
"I judge threats by actions, not rumors," Hinata replied evenly. "What brings you here?"
"My Master has expressed interest in meeting you. He believes your holy energy would provide unique benefits to his cultivation method."
Hinata's eyes narrowed further. "I've heard about this 'cultivation method.' It sounds suspiciously like a harem to me."
"A crude but not entirely inaccurate assessment," Lei'er acknowledged. "However, it would be more precise to call it a symbiotic energy exchange. My Master gains power from the service of exceptional beings, and in return, those beings receive substantial enhancements to their own abilities."
"And I'm supposed to be interested in this... why?" Hinata's tone was skeptical, but Lei'er noted the slight shift in her stance—curiosity warring with suspicion.
"Because you are a warrior who seeks strength to protect others," Lei'er said simply. "My Master can offer you power beyond what your current training methods could achieve in decades."
"At what cost?"
"Service. Devotion. And yes, certain... intimate duties."
Hinata snorted. "Not interested. I don't sell my body, not even for power."
Lei'er had expected this response. "What if I told you that Shion's strength has increased by thirty percent in just one week of service? That Treyni's connection to the forest has deepened beyond what she thought possible in her lifetime? That Milim's chaotic energy has gained a stability that has eluded her for centuries?"
Hinata hesitated, her sword lowering slightly. "That's... significant. But still—"
"I propose a demonstration," Lei'er interrupted smoothly. "Not of the... intimate aspects, but of the power enhancement. A simple touch from my Master, transferring a fraction of his cultivated energy to you. If you find the results unimpressive, we will never approach you again."
"And if I do find it impressive?"
"Then you agree to attend one cultivation session. Observe only. Make your decision afterward."
Hinata considered the offer, her tactical mind weighing the potential benefits against the risks. "How do I know this isn't some form of mind control? Rimuru mentioned that your master's presence seems to... influence people."
"Perceptive," Lei'er acknowledged. "My Master's aura does have harmonizing effects on those around him. However, it enhances natural inclinations rather than creating artificial ones. Those who serve him do so willingly, their decision-making intact."
"That's not very reassuring," Hinata pointed out.
Lei'er shrugged slightly. "Would you prefer a comforting lie? My Master values honest service, not deception. The choice will be yours, but it will be made with full awareness of what you're choosing."
This straightforward approach seemed to resonate with Hinata. After a long moment, she sheathed her sword. "One demonstration. No commitment beyond that."
"Excellent." Lei'er bowed slightly. "Shall we proceed to the Pavilion?"
"Now?" Hinata seemed surprised.
"My Master's schedule is precisely maintained. The optimal time for your demonstration is within the next hour, when his cultivation energy will be at its daily peak."
Hinata hesitated, then nodded decisively. "Let's go. But I'm bringing my sword."
"I would expect nothing less," Lei'er replied with the faintest hint of approval.
After escorting Hinata to a waiting area in the Pavilion (and instructing Sylphina to serve her tea), Lei'er departed immediately for her second recruitment mission. Luminous Valentine, the Vampire Queen, would be a very different challenge.
According to Lei'er's intelligence, Luminous was currently residing in a temporary embassy in Tempest, maintaining diplomatic ties while pursuing her own agenda involving the Western Holy Church—an agenda that somehow connected to Hinata Sakaguchi, though the details remained unclear.
The vampire embassy was easy to identify—a gothic structure that seemed oddly out of place among Tempest's more organic architecture. Guards in ornate armor stood at attention outside, their enhanced senses instantly detecting Lei'er's approach.
"Halt," the lead guard commanded. "State your business."
"I am Lei'er, emissary of the Silken Tyrant. I request an audience with Queen Luminous Valentine on a matter of mutual interest."
The guards exchanged uncertain glances. "Wait here," the lead guard finally said, disappearing inside the embassy.
Lei'er stood perfectly still, her posture relaxed yet dignified. She had dealt with countless royal courts across multiple worlds—a vampire queen's protocol was nothing new to her.
After several minutes, the guard returned. "Her Majesty will see you. Follow me."
Lei'er was led through dimly lit corridors adorned with paintings depicting vampire history—mostly conquest and subjugation, she noted with mild interest. Finally, they reached a grand reception room where Luminous Valentine sat upon an ornate throne.
The Vampire Queen was breathtakingly beautiful, with pale skin that seemed to glow with inner light, platinum blonde hair arranged in an elaborate style, and eyes that held the wisdom and cruelty of centuries. She wore an elegant gown that managed to be both regal and revealing, showcasing her perfect figure.
"So," Luminous said, her voice musical yet commanding, "you are the servant of this... Silken Tyrant I've been hearing about."
Lei'er bowed with precise respect—not too deep, which would indicate subservience, but not too shallow, which would cause offense. "Queen Luminous, I bring greetings from my Master, Zhao Wu Lin."
"And what does your master want with me?" Luminous asked, elegantly crossing one leg over the other.
"My Master believes that a being of your exceptional power and refined nature would make an ideal cultivation partner. He invites you to the Silken Pavilion to discuss a mutually beneficial arrangement."
Luminous laughed, the sound like crystal bells. "How charmingly direct. I've heard rumors about your master's 'cultivation partners.' Am I to understand he's inviting me to join his harem?"
"My Master prefers the term 'cultivation collective,' but essentially, yes. In exchange for your service, you would receive significant enhancement to your abilities and access to cultivation methods unknown in this world."
"I am a Queen," Luminous said, her smile fading. "I do not serve anyone."
Lei'er had anticipated this response as well. "Of course. Which is why my Master proposes an exchange of service rather than one-sided submission. He would grant you access to his unique cultivation energy, which