My Xianxia Harem Life

A ripple of shock ran through the crowd.

Gasps and muffled exclamations broke the silence as they processed his audacious response.

The disciples from the Disciplinary Pavilion exchanged tense glances, their composure faltering ever so slightly.

They were clearly unprepared for such an outright rejection of Daoist Three Swords’ invitation.

"Did… did he just refuse?" someone whispered, barely audible.

"Who does he think he is? Daoist Three Swords is a legend!" another muttered, equal parts astonished and intrigued.

Despite the murmurs and growing tension, Riley stood firm, exuding confidence that bordered on arrogance.

He didn’t spare the hovering disciples another glance, instead casually turning back toward his companions.

His unspoken message was clear: he wouldn’t be moved by authority alone.

The leader of the disciples clenched his fists, his expression darkening as he struggled to maintain his composure.

This was far from the reaction he had anticipated.

Still, with so many guests of the Heavenly Sword Sect watching, he couldn’t afford to appear weak or lose face.

"You dare disrespect the name of Daoist Three Swords! You will pay for this with your l—" the leader began, his voice brimming with fury, but he didn’t get the chance to finish.

"It was a joke," Riley interjected, cutting him off with an easygoing smile.

"So, where is Daoist Three Swords? I can’t wait to meet a true legendary hero in the flesh."

The casual remark sent shockwaves through the crowd.

Gasps and whispers rippled through the gathered disciples and guests.

No one had expected Riley Mason to make such a brazen jest at a moment like this.

The sheer audacity left the leader momentarily speechless, his mouth opening and closing as though he couldn’t decide whether to explode in rage or swallow his pride.

Elder Michael, sensing the tension, smoothly stepped forward to defuse the situation.

With a wave of his hand, he signaled for his Stone Mountain disciples to follow him.

The issue seemed resolved for now, and the crowd reluctantly dispersed, though many still cast curious glances at Riley.

Soon after, Riley joined the Heavenly Sword Sect disciples, escorted to the guest courtyards designated for his group.

Meanwhile, Elder Michael led the Stone Mountain disciples to their own accommodations.

The courtyards were grand, lined with flowing streams, lush gardens, and buildings carved with intricate sword motifs that spoke of the sect’s heritage and strength.

The Seven Swords Grand Meet was set to begin in seven days, giving all attendees ample time to prepare, train, and explore the rich sect grounds.

The Heavenly Sword Sect, renowned for its wealth and resources, had spared no expense in its hospitality.

From rare cultivation materials to exquisite meals, everything was designed to impress—and to remind guests of the sect’s unrivaled power.

***

Riley was escorted to a grand hall, the very air of the space heavy with an aura of prestige and power.

As he walked through the corridors, every pair of eyes turned to him.

Whispers followed in his wake, low murmurs growing into a cascade of speculation.

"That’s him! Riley Mason!"

"Isn’t he the one who killed Lucas Prince of the Phantom Abyss Sect?"

"What?! A 1st-stage Golden Core cultivator killing a 10th-stage powerhouse in the same realm? That’s impossible! I’ve never heard of such a feat!"

"Fools!" another scoffed.

"That’s the kind of fairy tale you’d tell to children. Someone else must have intervened and dealt the final blow to Lucas Prince. There’s no way anyone could leapfrog that much in combat without outside help."

Riley heard every word but kept his expression neutral, a faint smirk tugging at the corners of his lips.

He found their reactions amusing—watching their skepticism and awe play out was like a form of entertainment.

Celebrity treatment, he thought, not bad at all.

It was a stark contrast to his previous life on Earth.

For the first half of that life, he had lived in complete anonymity, overlooked and ignored.

It wasn’t until later, when he’d amassed a fortune, that he finally got a taste of fame and admiration.

By then, however, the fire of youth had already left his veins, and the spark of excitement had dulled with age.

The experience of being treated like a rockstar had come too late to fully savor it.

Now, in this new life, things were different.

Here, admiration, fear, and curiosity surrounded him wherever he went, and Riley was determined to enjoy every moment of it.

As he approached the grand hall’s entrance, he paused briefly, glancing back at the murmuring crowd.

His smirk widened into something sharper, more confident.

"Let them talk," he muttered under his breath, his voice low enough for only himself to hear. "They’ve seen nothing yet."

With that, Riley stepped into the grand hall, his back straight and his presence commanding, ready to face whatever awaited him inside.

They approached the final door, and the lead disciple stepped forward, knocking firmly before announcing, "Master, Elder Riley Mason is here."

"Let him in," an aged, hoarse voice responded from within.

The disciple pushed the door open and gestured for Riley to enter.

Once inside, the door closed softly behind him, the lead disciple remaining outside to stand guard in silence.

Riley’s gaze settled on the figure before him—a frail, emaciated old man seated cross-legged on a worn cushion.

The man looked as if a stiff breeze could topple him, his paper-thin skin stretched tightly over brittle bones.

His sunken eyes held a dim light, and his every shallow breath seemed a battle against time itself.

Yet, despite his decrepit appearance, there was an unmistakable air of authority about him.

This was Daoist Three Swords, a legend among legends.

Riley took a moment to absorb the scene.

The old man’s aura, though weak compared to its peak, still carried a sharpness—like a blade dulled by age yet capable of cutting a million heads if handled carelessly.

The death qi in the room was palpable, an oppressive presence that clung to the air and prickled against Riley’s skin.