---
Lin Yue awoke in a quiet chamber. The jade bed was soft beneath her, and the ambient light was gentle. Incense drifted lazily through the air, calming her nerves even as confusion lingered.
"You're safe," said a calm voice.
She turned to see Li Zhen, his posture relaxed, expression unreadable. There was no malice in his gaze—only quiet control.
"Where... am I?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.
"My cultivation abode," he answered. "You were hurt during a confrontation with a demonic cultivator. I saved you."
A half-truth. But believable.
"I… remember a girl—white robes…"
"She's my subordinate. A wandering healer. She brought you to me."
Lin Yue sat up slowly. Her spiritual core still felt restricted, but not sealed. A delicate array pulsed faintly on the walls.
"You'll be able to move freely soon," he added, stepping closer. "But your body is unstable. You were injured internally. I can help you recover."
She hesitated. Then nodded. "…Thank you."
Li Zhen sat beside her. He took her wrist gently, examining her meridians, his fingers cold but steady.
> [System Notification: Emotional Affection – 23%]
[Loyalty – 5%]
[Beauty Score – 88 | Talent: High]
[Eligible for Karmic Extraction upon deeper trust]
He did not move further. No sudden affection. No false promises. Instead, he showed restraint and care—planting seeds in silence.
"Drink this," he said, handing her a small vial of liquid. "It will stabilize your soul sea."
She drank it without question.
---
Elsewhere – Midnight
Ayara sat at the edge of a cliff, her eyes glowing crimson as she sharpened her claws on a bone.
She hated waiting. Hated seeing another woman in her master's domain.
But she obeyed.
Because even hate was a tool he could use.
And she'd rather be a weapon than forgotten.
---
Back in the chamber
Lin Yue was already showing improvement. Her aura flowed more freely, and her eyes now watched Li Zhen with cautious gratitude.
"I want to repay you," she whispered.
"You don't owe me anything," he said, standing. "But if you truly wish to offer something, cultivate here for three days. Learn from what I provide. Then decide."
He left her alone.
Three days.
Time enough to let his system analyze her patterns, triggers, and responses.
Emotion was a formula.
And he had mastered it.
---
System Update:
> [New Passive Activated: Emotional Web (Tier 1)]
All targets with more than 20% affection now generate passive karmic energy over time.
Linked targets now mildly influence each other emotionally when in proximity.
> [Total Karmic Energy stored: 330 units]
[Upgrade to Emotional Web Tier 2 requires 500 units and two fully loyal followers]
He nodded.
Soon.
---
Day Two – Lin Yue's curiosity deepened.
She explored the valley, finding arrays of silence, cultivation chambers, and one massive stone slab with golden runes carved into it.
She found Ayara watching her.
The demoness said nothing—only stared.
Lin Yue bowed slightly. "You… saved me too, didn't you?"
Ayara smiled, fanged and soft. "I brought you here. That's all."
The tension was tangible. But Li Zhen did nothing.
He let it fester. Let them stew in rivalry. Obsession.
He only needed their focus to remain on him.
Not each other.
---
Night of the third day
Lin Yue entered the main chamber, now dressed in loose robes provided by Li Zhen. Her hair was tied simply, and her steps were light.
"I've finished my stabilization," she said softly. "And… I've made a decision."
He raised an eyebrow, seated calmly in meditation.
"I want to stay here. Under you. Learn what you're willing to teach."
He stood. "There is no sect here. No status. Only worth."
"Then I'll prove mine," she said.
He walked to her, placed a hand on her shoulder.
"You will begin as a servant cultivator. Earn your rise. I give no favors."
She knelt slowly. "I accept."
---
> [System Notification: Lin Yue Loyalty +10% | Affection: 38%]
[Karmic Extraction Initiated: +45 Energy]
[Small Physique Boost Gained]
[MC Cultivation: Foundation Establishment 6th Layer]
---
Later
He stood alone on the peak again, eyes gazing toward the distant mountains. His network was growing.
One demoness. One loyal disciple.
Both bound by emotions they didn't fully understand.
Both dancing to strings only he could see.
And yet… not once did his heart stir.
That was his strength.
---