Chapter 16 Insert
While the rest of the cultivation world was scouring every corner for any trace of Daoist Scarecrow, Riley was carefully tiptoeing around the Thousand Stars Summit, making sure not to disturb Luna in her diligent cultivation.
This presented no challenge for him, as he had complete mastery over his power and cultivation base, which was at the 10th stage of the Void Tribulation Realm.
To everyone in the sect, however, he appeared to be merely at the 1st stage of the Golden Core Realm—a deliberate facade to conceal his true strength.
"Ahhhhh… I can finally rest," Riley murmured with a contented smile. He sighed in relief, savoring his first good night’s sleep in this world.
Being at the pinnacle of power in this lower realm, he faced no significant threats. At only 25 years old, with the potential to live for more than 10,000 years, his future looked exceptionally bright.
"Hmmm… should I visit my parents back home?" Riley mused. Back on Earth, he had been an orphan, never knowing the love of a real family.
Despite forming many meaningful friendships and relationships over his 100 years of life there, the warmth and comfort of a family had always eluded him.
"Let’s just see what the future holds," he thought, resolving to pursue this idea in the near future. He let out another long, deep sigh, a smile lingering on his lips.
"Life is good," Riley whispered to himself before drifting into a peaceful sleep, the weight of the world’s struggles feeling distant and insignificant.
***
Morning came, and Riley began his usual ritual. He ate heartily as Luna served him another feast. He noted with some satisfaction that the girl had made progress in her cultivation as well.
She was now in the 6th stage of foundation establishment realm.
"Well done on achieving a breakthrough in your cultivation, Luna. You’re qualified to be a core disciple in the sect now. You can go and get your promotion if you want, but just remind the sect master to appoint your replacement," Riley said in between bites.
"Are you planning on throwing me away, Young Master Riley? I want to stay by your side," Luna replied, her eyes shimmering with what appeared to be tears.
She was clearly faking it, but her acting was impressively convincing.
"Of course not. I’m just saying you have options now. You’re not tied to me or this place at all," Riley said, meeting her gaze evenly.
"I understand, Young Master. But it’s good here. I want to stay forever. And maybe I can serve you in other ways as well," Luna said, her voice soft and teasing.
She winked suggestively, her meaning unmistakable.
"Cough! This soup is really good. You’re an amazing cook, Luna!" Riley spluttered, trying to steer the conversation away. He nearly choked on the soup in his haste to compose himself.
Luna might not have been the most beautiful woman in the sect, but her figure was nothing short of stunning.
The thin robes she wore didn’t help matters, especially with her hardened nipples visible through the fabric. Only a man without desire and a cock could remain unaffected.
"Of course. I’ll do anything for you, Young Master. I’ll be your cook for life if you wish. Just say the word, and you’ll have all of me to f…" Luna began, her tone full of energy and intent, but she was interrupted by a commotion outside the cultivation mountain.
"Outer disciple Riley Mason! Come out! Daoist Midnight Lotus is here to see you!" an arrogant voice rang out, breaking the moment with its sharp edge.
"Daoist Midnight Lotus! That’s the sect m…" Luna gasped in surprise, but her words were cut off abruptly.
"Yes. It’s bad to keep such an important guest waiting," Riley interjected with a smile. Luna maintained her composure, knowing it was her turn to play her part before him.
If necessary, he could resort to a soul dominion technique to end this meeting swiftly. Stepping forward, he prepared to greet his unexpected guests.
The mountain formations dimmed as he approached, revealing five figures—three men and two women, all exceptionally attractive.
Aside from them, it was clear who led the group: a woman seated alone in a majestic carriage pulled by two magnificent spirit beasts.
Riley noted her presence, though her features remained blurred signifying that her carriage also have myriad formations around it to avoid spies from looking in.
He could have probed closer with his divine sense, but risking detection was not worth it. Instead, he focused on the mirage foxes—ideal carriers with their teleportation ability.
These were clearly great spirit beasts to have.
"I am Outer Disciple Riley Mason. Would the guests honor me by entering my humble abode? It would be ideal to discuss your purpose here away from prying eyes and ears," Riley invited politely.
"A mere outer disciple like you dares to invite Lady Midnight Lotus into this stinky place where even birds don’t dare to take a shit? Who do you think you are?!" The lead man’s voice rang out, filled with disdain. He was large and muscular, yet Riley stood taller and bigger, composed despite the provocation.
These individuals, all in the Golden Core realm, possessed power and status that would have easily made them elders within the Stone Mountain Sect.
And yet, here they stood—not as masters, but merely as servants to the mysterious woman inside the grand, luxurious carriage.
"I am but an outer disciple. Please, state your purpose for visiting," Riley responded calmly, smiling patiently. His hundred years on Earth had taught him to control his emotions.
"Do you assume Lady Midnight Lotus would deign to visit such lowly quarters or that she needs anything from a trash like you?" the man retorted arrogantly, his tone practically inviting conflict.
"Enough, Marshall. Thank you for your troubles," a soft female voice intervened from the carriage, its melodious tone like the song of angels, unique and sweet.
"Young Master Riley, would you join me in my humble carriage instead? I have an important matter to discuss," she invited gracefully.
"Of course, Daoist Midnight Lotus," Riley nodded respectfully before ascending to the carriage. The five people around it exuded palpable hostility, and even the mirage foxes regarded him with animosity.
Riley disregarded their enmity, entering the cool interior. There, he beheld the woman seated alone—a vision of beauty unmatched in both the xianxia world and his former home.
Riley nearly forgot how to breathe.
He heard a sweet, melodic laugh, a sound so enchanting it seemed to break the spell that had frozen time itself.
Riley snapped back to reality, inhaling deeply to steady himself as his heart raced uncontrollably.
He gulped, the gesture painfully obvious, and shifted his gaze downward—only to notice, with no small amount of embarrassment, that his body had reacted to her presence in ways he couldn’t ignore.
His "little brother" was eager and ready, betraying his inner turmoil despite his attempts to maintain composure.
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