Lucas held the vial in his hand, staring at the shimmering golden liquid inside. This was it—the key to stabilizing his cultivation path and unlocking the true potential of the Dual Cultivation Technique. He had already broken through to the Adept Rank after refining his meridians, but this... this was something different.
He took a deep breath and drank the contents of the vial in one go.
Unlike the elixir that burned through his meridians, this one was... soothing. A rush of cool energy spread through his body like a gentle stream, seeping into his bones, muscles, and, most importantly, his Dantian—the core of all cultivation. The sensation was unlike anything he had felt before.
His lower abdomen pulsed with warmth, his Yang energy surging and condensing at an alarming rate. The power coiled inside him, pressing against his meridians, demanding release. Lucas clenched his jaw as he felt his entire body react, and to his surprise, he felt a tightening sensation below his waist.
His little Lucas had hardened, throbbing with the excess energy accumulating in his body. His breathing grew heavy as the realization set in—this was exactly why the Dual Cultivation Technique required a partner. The energy was too overwhelming to contain alone.
If he didn’t find a way to balance this newfound power, he would be stuck at the Adept Rank indefinitely.
Lucas exhaled sharply, forcing himself to remain composed. He scanned the room, his eyes landing on Lira, who was still meditating with her eyes closed. Sweat glistened on her delicate face, her breathing steady but deep. She looked entirely focused, absorbing the qi flowing into her body.
Could she be the one?
His mind raced. Selene was an option, but something about her made him hesitate. There was an unease lurking in his chest whenever he thought about her. Until he understood what that was, he wouldn’t involve her.
But Lira... she was different. She was devoted, obedient, and above all, grateful. A natural Yin energy flowed within her—it was subtle but present. If cultivated properly, she could become an ideal partner.
Lucas sat cross-legged, waiting patiently as she continued her meditation. Time passed slowly, the candlelight flickering against the stone walls.
Three hours later, Lira let out a slow breath, her lashes fluttering as she opened her eyes.
Tears welled up in them.
"Master... I’m a Cultivator!" she whispered in awe, her voice trembling.
Lucas couldn’t help but smile. She had no idea how much her life had just changed.
Lucas leaned back slightly, observing Lira as she stood before him. She was still wearing the same plain, rough-spun servant robes she always did—garments that were meant to mark her as someone of lower status, someone meant to blend into the background.
Now that she had begun her cultivation journey, those robes no longer suited her.
"Now that you’re a cultivator," Lucas said, his voice firm but kind, "you can’t be wearing robes meant for a servant anymore."
Lira’s eyes widened slightly, and she lowered her head. "But... my Lord... I am still your servant," she whispered. "More than that, I am a servant of your father. Only he has the right to free me."
Lucas could hear the hesitation in her voice—the uncertainty, the fear of overstepping boundaries. She had lived her whole life under servitude, bound by rules she had no power to break.
"Don’t worry, Lira," he assured her. "I’ll talk to him."
Before she could protest further, he stood up and strode toward the door. He didn’t wait for a reply. There was no point in discussing it—he would handle this himself.
Lucas made his way through the grand halls of the Alden Estate, heading toward his father’s quarters. The estate was as lavish as ever—intricate tapestries lined the walls, and the polished marble floors reflected the warm glow of golden lanterns. Servants bustled about, bowing respectfully as he passed.
When he arrived, a guard informed him that Elder Gideon was currently in a meeting with other high-ranking elders. Lucas didn’t mind waiting. He stood outside the chamber, listening to the low murmur of voices from within.
After nearly an hour, the doors finally opened, and the elders stepped out, their expressions serious. They acknowledged Lucas with slight nods before making their way down the hall.
His father emerged last, looking pleased to see him.
"Son..." Elder Gideon greeted with a broad smile. "I see you’re looking much better."
Lucas bowed deeply and respectfully before answering, "I am feeling much better, Father. I’m here because I have a request."
His father’s brows lifted slightly, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "Oh? And what might that be?"
Lucas took a breath before speaking. "I ask that the servant assigned to me be freed. She is worth more than a servant."
Elder Gideon’s expression changed slightly, his smile fading into something more neutral. He clasped his hands behind his back, studying Lucas carefully. "No, son," he said after a moment. "Her family sold her. She cannot be freed unless her family’s debt is repaid."
Lucas had expected this answer, but it still annoyed him. He wanted Lira to have the freedom she deserved. However, pressuring his father now wouldn’t be wise—he had to approach this differently.
"Very well, Father," Lucas replied. "Then I ask that she no longer wear what other servants do. I want her to be distinctive—to serve me alone, as someone set apart from the others."
This request made Elder Gideon chuckle slightly. "That, I can allow," he said with amusement. "If she is to serve only you, then she should be dressed accordingly."
"Thank you, Father," Lucas said with a respectful nod.
But Elder Gideon wasn’t done yet. He narrowed his eyes slightly, his voice dropping into something more measured. "Tell me, son... is there any particular reason you’re asking for these favors?"
Lucas met his father’s gaze without hesitation. "Nothing that raises any concerns, Father," he answered smoothly.
A brief silence hung between them before Elder Gideon finally nodded. "Very well. But keep in mind, son, that power and responsibility go hand in hand."
Lucas bowed again. "I understand, Father."
Just as he turned to leave, his father added, "Before you go... we are going to see the king tomorrow."
Lucas paused mid-step. "The king?" he asked, turning back.
"Yes," his father confirmed. "He has asked to see you."
"Why?"
"We’ll know when we get there."
Lucas frowned slightly but didn’t question it further. "Alright, Father."
With that, he left the chamber, his mind already shifting to other matters.
When Lucas returned to his room, Lira was waiting anxiously, wringing her hands together. She rushed to her feet as soon as he entered.
"My Lord!" she said, her eyes searching his face for an answer. "How did it go?"
Lucas smirked slightly. "You’re not free yet," he admitted, watching as her expression fell slightly. "But... from today onward, you will not wear the robes of a servant anymore. You are mine alone. And to reflect that, I will buy you the finest robes."
Lira’s mouth parted slightly, her eyes widening in disbelief.
"My Lord... I... I don’t know what to say."
"Then say nothing," Lucas said with a grin. "Come. We’re going to the market. You need new dresses."
Lira
blinked away her tears, then nodded eagerly.
For the first time in her life... she was more than just a servant.