The sixth day dawned gray and heavy over Clear Stream Village, the sky thick with low clouds that promised rain but withheld it like a threat held just out of reach. The air felt thick, humid, pressing against skin like a second layer. Alex stood on the veranda of the residence—his residence—robe open against the muggy warmth, bare chest rising and falling in slow, controlled breaths. Below him, the village moved with new purpose. The wooden palisade—once rotting and gap-toothed—now stood taller, reinforced with fresh timber hauled from the forest edge and sharpened stakes driven deep into the earth. Hunters moved in pairs along the perimeter, spears at the ready, eyes scanning the tree line for any sign of intrusion. Traps lined the main road leading into the village: hidden pits lined with sharpened bamboo, tripwires connected to swinging logs weighted with stones, small braziers of qi-gathering incense burned at regular intervals to mask his growing signature from distant senses. The smoke rose in thin, fragrant threads—jasmine and ginseng—blending with the natural mist.
Six days. That was all that remained until the Jade Serpent Sect outer disciple patrol arrived—reduced from eight, according to Mei Lin’s latest secret talisman. The small jade slip had arrived at dawn via a silent spirit bird that self-destructed after delivery, leaving only ash and her terse warning: "They move faster than expected. Expect them on the seventh. Be ready."
He was ready—or as ready as a Qi Gathering cultivator could be against a Foundation Establishment elder.
Lila stood at his right shoulder, green robe clinging to her curves in the humidity. Sweat beaded on her collarbone, trickling down between her breasts. "The tribute is in," she said quietly, voice steady. "Five more low-grade spirit stones from hidden stashes. Herbs for another week of pills. The farmers promise double output if we protect the fields from beasts. They’re already planting extra rows along the eastern ridge."
Sable nodded from his left, silver-blue hair damp and sticking to her neck. "Rhea and the new girls—Mina, Yuna—are progressing. I taught them the basic qi circulation from the stolen manuals. They’re loyal now. Eager. They asked to spar with the hunters this afternoon. Rhea even managed a weak qi-infused punch—enough to crack a wooden post."
Alex’s jaw tightened. He had claimed the three new recruits two nights ago—breaking their innocence in a marathon session that left them sobbing his name and the silk sheets soaked through. Their bonds had formed quickly; the harem now stood at six, each woman a source of qi, support, and quiet strength. But loyalty alone wouldn’t stop a Foundation blade. He needed more—more qi, more techniques, more bodies willing to bleed for him.
He turned inside.
The main hall had become a command center: maps of the surrounding forests scratched on parchment with charcoal, tribute piled in neat stacks along the walls—rice sacks, herb bundles, spirit stones glinting in the low light. The small spirit-gathering array hummed constantly in the corner, qi mist curling in lazy spirals. He sat on the low platform—cushions arranged in a rough circle now—and absorbed another spirit stone. Qi flowed into his dantian—warm, coiling, blending with the serpent method Mei Lin had given him. His body refined further: muscles denser, senses sharper, speed a blur even to his own eyes. His cock—subtly enhanced again—twitched under the robe, a reminder of the system’s perverse gifts.
Mei Lin’s talisman had been clear: "The patrol is led by Elder Huo Yan — Foundation Establishment 3rd layer, cruel, greedy. He will sense your qi if you’re not careful. He brings two outer disciples and a Foundation 1st layer enforcer. They will demand tribute and inspect every cultivator."
Alex exhaled slowly.
Six days had become five, then four, then three.
Now it was the seventh.
The spirit eagle appeared at noon.
It circled once—massive wings casting a shadow over the square that made villagers freeze—then landed with a thud that shook the ground. Dust billowed outward in a choking cloud. Doors slammed. Children were yanked inside. The square emptied in seconds.
Elder Huo Yan dismounted first—mid-30s, face scarred from old battles, red robes with gold serpent embroidery billowing like fresh blood. Foundation Establishment 3rd layer—qi thick as smoke around him, pressing down on the air itself. His eyes were narrow, greedy, lips curled in permanent disdain. Behind him came two outer disciples—both Qi Condensation 9th, young and arrogant, robes pristine—and a Foundation 1st layer enforcer—tall, muscular, carrying a heavy qi-infused halberd that glowed faintly green.
Huo Yan’s voice boomed across the empty square.
"The qi anomaly was reported here. Bring your strongest cultivator. Pay tribute—fifty low-grade spirit stones and your best women—or we burn this place to the ground."
Alex stepped into the square—flanked by Lila, Sable, and Mei Lin (who had arrived secretly at dawn, pretending to "assist" the patrol but loyal to him now). Rhea, Mina, and Yuna waited at the edges, hidden among the crowd that peeked from windows and doorways.
Huo Yan laughed—a harsh, barking sound.
"A Qi Gathering brat dares stand before me? Kneel, insect."
He released his Foundation pressure—a wave of crushing qi that slammed into the village like a physical force. Windows rattled. People collapsed in the streets—vomiting blood, screaming, clutching their chests. The air grew heavy, thick, like breathing underwater.
Alex resisted—Aura Suppression Resistance + his pure yang qi holding firm—but he was pushed back two steps, boots digging furrows in the dirt. Pain bloomed in his chest. Mei Lin pretended to support Huo Yan, standing beside him with a cold expression, but secretly fed Alex qi through their hidden bond link—a cool serpent thread that steadied his foundation and dulled the pressure.
Huo Yan’s eyes narrowed.
"You resist? Impressive for trash."