Chapter 288 The Cat and Mouse Game
Inside the ice diamond dome, Karsha lounged comfortably on a large bed, surrounded by five beautiful ladies. His head rested gently on June's lap as she massaged his shoulders.
Yi Ran nestled beside him, while Li Jing sat on his left. Li Fei and Mei Lin were playfully engaging with his dragon. The scene was the perfect picture of tranquility and intimacy, a well-earned reward after his trials.
"So, what's the plan now?" Li Jing was the first to break the silence.
"We'll be diving into close cultivation and won't emerge until a few days before the sect competitions," Karsha replied, causing the ladies to frown in unison.
"Two months is way too long!" Yi Ran protested, her voice tinged with frustration. Despite her centuries of life experience, the thought of being apart from Karsha for such an extended period made her pout like a spoiled child.
"It's just two months. No need to be so dramatic," Karsha said, teasingly kneading her boobs.
"I've secured some incredible treasures that will greatly enhance your cultivation. It's best if we all spend some time strengthening ourselves.
I promise, once we come out of seclusion, we'll go at it for an entire day, non-stop," Karsha added with a mischievous grin. Despite their lingering sadness, the ladies nodded in agreement.
"Will you be secluding yourself with us?" Li Fei asked, taking a sip of a heavenly juice she had obtained from Karsha's dragon.
"No, I'll be heading to the island," Karsha replied, causing the ladies to look at him with a mix of curiosity and concern.
"I knew it. He's going to see the other sisters there," Yi Ran said, prompting the other ladies to nod in understanding. They were aware that Ayarr, Alida, and Tifa were waiting for him on the island.
Although Karsha hadn't mentioned his suspicions about Lady Illo, they knew that since he hadn't made any moves yet, the snake ladies were still out of his reach. But with his impending trip, they knew it wasn't going to be a leisurely visit—those three would likely join them soon.
Despite knowing this, the ladies couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy towards the three unknown sisters.
"There's no need to be alarmed," Karsha said, sensing their unease. "I'm not going there for what you're thinking. While I can't make any promises, my main goal is to train.
The island has the best environment for it." The ladies relaxed a little and resumed their intimate activities, savoring every last moment of their time together.
After a few hours, everyone cleaned up and headed back inside, where Xian and Linnea were preparing dinner. Karsha watched them with a smile, thinking to himself,
"Young love truly is the sweetest kind." They enjoyed a pleasant meal together, and after dinner, everyone retired for the night.
That night, Xian and Linnea's passion didn't go unnoticed. Their moans of pleasure filled the mansion, leading Karsha and his ladies, who might have overheard, to give Xian a thumbs-up the next morning. Xian's face turned beet red when he realized he'd forgotten to activate the privacy formation in the room.
Karsha, amused by Xian's embarrassment, simply smiled. He took Xian to one of the training grounds and brought out Lunar and the Green Feather Hawk Egg from the expedition.
Lunar and Xian formed a bond through a contract. Xian promised to respect Lunar, ensure she lacked for nothing, and avoid making her fight unless necessary.
Now, with five formidable monsters at his command—after subduing the King and Queen Bloodmoon wolves and two more Tier 8 Calamity Mutants—Xian's power was impressive. Lunar, though powerful in her own right, would have time to relax and focus on her cultivation once Karsha addressed her innate body issue.
Xian carefully placed the Green Feather Hawk Egg inside his soul space. Karsha nodded and said. "Take Linnea around the sect and city. When you're done, head to the Jade Mansion—Li Fei and the others will be there.
I'll set up an environment for you and Linnea to cultivate. Use this time to make progress on the cultivation method I gave you. When Linnea's master arrives, Yi Ran will handle everything, so you can focus solely on your cultivation."
After a few more exchanges, Karsha and the ladies returned to the sect while Xian and Linnea went strolling around the city. Karsha ensured each of his women had the resources they needed.
He even made a brief trip to the island to pick up a cultivation method he wanted to give to Li Jing. Additionally, he created an array to enable Xian and Linnea to cultivate faster, aiming for Xian to reach Sage level before the sect competition.
Once everything was set, Karsha bid his goodbyes and departed for Snake Island. Upon his arrival, he immediately informed Lady Illo.
Initially, he had planned to keep his presence on the island a secret, but after some thought, he decided it was better to let her know.
To his surprise, it took less than five minutes for Lady Illo to appear. "You're here," she said, her voice carrying an undercurrent of tension.
Karsha studied her for a moment before replying, "Yes, I am. I thought it best to let you know."
There was a charged silence between them, thick with unspoken words. Lady Illo's eyes flickered with a mixture of scepticism and curiosity. She wasn't entirely sure why she felt a certain pull towards him, but it was undeniable.
"I wasn't expecting you so soon," she said, her tone attempting to maintain a casual air, but the slight tremor in her voice betrayed her inner turmoil.
Karsha stepped closer, his gaze intense. "I have unfinished business here. And I thought you might want to know."
Her breath hitched slightly at his nearness. She tried to maintain her composure, but his presence was disarming. "What kind of business?"
He smirked a hint of mischief in his eyes. "The kind that involves getting stronger. I'm sure you understand."
Lady Illo swallowed hard, her mind racing. She was both drawn to and wary of him. Her feelings were a confusing blend of attraction and caution. "You always have an agenda, don't you?"
Karsha's smile widened. "Doesn't everyone?"
She looked away, trying to steady herself. "I suppose so. But your agenda always seems... personal."
"Everything I do is personal," he replied, his voice dropping to a lower, more intimate tone.@@novelbin@@
Lady Illo felt a shiver run down her spine. She wasn't sure how to handle this intensity. "And what exactly do you want from me, Karsha?"
His eyes bore into hers, and he took another step closer, their proximity almost electric. "I think you know." Your journey continues with My Virtual Library Empire
She took a deep breath, trying to clear her thoughts. "I'm not sure I do."
Karsha reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Then maybe it's time we figured it out together."
Lady Illo's heart pounded in her chest. She was torn between the desire to step back and the urge to lean in closer. The tension between them was palpable, and neither of them seemed willing to break it.
Lady Illo's eyes sparkled with mischief as she took a step back, breaking the intense moment. "Well, Karsha," she said, her voice light yet teasing, "since you're here, perhaps you'd like a tour of the island. We've made a few changes since your last visit."
Karsha raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her playful demeanour. "I'd like that," he replied, matching her tone.
Lady Illo turned gracefully, leading the way through the lush, verdant landscape of Snake Island. Karsha followed closely, the rhythmic sway of her hips a subtle reminder of the tension between them. As they walked, she pointed out various landmarks and improvements, her voice animated with genuine enthusiasm.
"This area," she said, gesturing to a serene pond surrounded by flowering plants, "has become a favorite spot for meditation and reflection. The tranquility here is unmatched."
Karsha nodded appreciatively. "It's beautiful," he said, his gaze drifting from the pond to Lady Illo's face. "Just like its caretaker."
Lady Illo glanced back at him, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Flattery, Karsha? I didn't take you for the type."
"Only when it's deserved," he replied smoothly, his eyes locking onto hers with a mix of sincerity and challenge.
They continued their stroll, the conversation flowing easily despite the underlying tension. Lady Illo led him to a secluded grove, the air filled with the heady scent of blooming flowers. She stopped and turned to face him, her expression a blend of curiosity and something more.
"You've changed since the last time you were here," she observed, her voice soft and probing. "Stronger, more confident. It's... intriguing."
Karsha took a step closer, the distance between them shrinking. "You're not the only one who's noticed," he said, his voice low and intimate. "And what about you, Lady Illo? You seem different too. More... guarded."
She tilted her head, considering his words. "Perhaps," she conceded. "But some things haven't changed."
"Like what?" he asked, his gaze unwavering.
"Like the fact that you still manage to get under my skin," she admitted, her voice a whisper.
Karsha chuckled softly, the sound deep and rich. "Is that so? And here I thought I was just being charming."
Lady Illo stepped closer, the heat between them almost tangible. "Oh, you're charming, alright," she said, her eyes glinting with challenge. "But there's more to it than that, isn't there?"
Karsha leaned in, his lips inches from hers. "Maybe," he murmured. "Or maybe it's just the thrill of the chase."
She smiled, a slow, seductive curve of her lips. "Maybe it is," she agreed. "But don't think for a moment that you've caught me."
Karsha's eyes darkened with desire and determination. "Who said anything about catching? Sometimes, the chase is the best part."
Their faces were close, the tension between them electric. Neither moved, each waiting for the other to make the next move. The game they were playing was intoxicating, a dance of wills and desires that neither wanted to end too soon.
Lady Illo finally broke the silence, her voice barely more than a breath. "Then let's see how well you play, Karsha."
With that, she turned and walked away, her movements graceful and deliberate, leaving Karsha to watch her retreat with a mixture of frustration and excitement. The game was far from over, and both of them knew it.
What do you think?
Total Responses: 0