Upgrate

As Bi Huaqin showed signs of surrender, Diao Changju intensified his psychological tactics.

With a casual wave of his hand, 10 more bottles of pills appeared on the table.

"These contain 1,100 premium Qi Condensing Pills. Agree to serve me, and they're all yours," he said with a sly grin.

Bi Huaqin's eyes widened as her inner resolve wavered.

Diao Changju leaned back, his tone nonchalant yet probing. "I imagine others have tried to entice you before, but their offers were laughable compared to this."

Another wave of his hand and the table was piled high with pill bottles, a mountain of cultivation resources.

"This stash alone is enough to take you to the Golden Core stage."

Bi Huaqin's legs gave out as she slumped into her chair. Her fists clenched as turmoil raged within her mind.

Diao Changju seized the moment. "And let's not forget who I am. I was the personal disciple of Hua Xiangxi, the former sect master. The current master, Liu Liyan, is my junior apprentice sister. Everyone in this sect, no matter their rank, shows me deference. When they see me, they bow and greet me as Elder Diao."

He poured her a cup of green tea, his movements deliberate, as though he was offering her destiny itself.

Huaqin hesitated, her gaze fixed on the tea cup in her hands. She hadn't decided if she should drink.

Diao Changju's voice softened. "Besides, I don't have much time left. Less than ten years. Ten years of your companionship for a lifetime's worth of resources—enough to last you a thousand years."

His words carried a stark truth. He wasn't lying about his dwindling lifespan. Though he conveniently omitted the fact that breakthroughs could extend it indefinitely.

"Ten years… Ten years…" Bi Huaqin muttered, conflicted. She was acutely aware that resistance was futile. Alone with a Golden Core stage elder, her Qi Refining level offered no protection. If he wanted to take her by force, she'd have no way to stop him.

Taking a deep breath, Bi Huaqin drained the tea in one gulp, her expression turning icy.

"I will serve you," she said, her voice cold. "But you must keep our relationship a secret."

She rationalized her choice: once Diao Changju died, she could reclaim her image as a pure and untouchable fairy.

"That's acceptable," Diao Changju replied, his grin widening. "But during my remaining years, you are to cease all your… extracurricular activities."

Huaqin snorted. "Don't worry. If I didn't need resources, I wouldn't have wasted my time dealing with those disgusting men in the outer sect."

Her blunt honesty amused him. The delicate façade she'd maintained crumbled before him, revealing her true nature.

Despite her verbal agreement, Diao Changju noticed a lack of response from his system.

"System," he asked inwardly, "she said she'd serve me. Why isn't there any confirmation?"

The system's cold, mechanical voice replied:

"Bi Huaqin's words are insincere. She has not willingly submitted to you."

"Ah," Diao Changju mused, stroking his beard. "So true submission requires more than empty words."

Bi Huaqin must have noticed his calculating gaze, for she sneered. "What now? Can't wait any longer?"

Diao Changju didn't deny it. "Exactly. The sooner you submit, the sooner we can move forward."

She raised a brow, her tone dripping with mockery. "Are you sure you're up to it?"

Her laughter rang out, loud and derisive, as she glanced at his frail appearance. "I remember seeing you limping with a cane not too long ago."

Diao Changju's face darkened. "You'll see soon enough." He rose to his feet, his movements steady and strong—a testament to his system-enhanced vitality.

Bi Huaqin sauntered over, leaning against him with a coy smile. "Shall I help you to your room, Elder Diao?" she teased, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

Diao Changju wasted no time. He hoisted her onto his shoulder and carried her to his quarters.

An Hour Later

Bi Huaqin lay sprawled across his chest, tracing the wrinkles on his skin with her fingers, her voice sultry yet taunting.

"Elder Diao, I must admit, I underestimated you."

"And you didn't disappoint either," Diao Changju replied smugly, stroking her delicate face.

Their moment of intimacy passed quickly. Huaqin slipped out of his embrace and began dressing.

"I've been away for too long today. I need to go. Remember—no one can know about us," she warned, fastening her robe.

"I'll keep my word," he assured her.

"I'll return in two days. Keep the pills here. It's safer that way," she added, wincing as she moved toward the door.

Diao Changju's gaze lingered on her pained expression. "Do you need some medicine before you leave?"

"No!" she snapped, glaring at him. "It's your fault I'm like this. Spare me your fake concern."

Watching her hobble away, Diao Changju shrugged and turned his attention to the system.

"Congratulations, Host. You have successfully forced Bi Huaqin into submission."

"First-time submission reward unlocked."

"Host's cultivation advanced to Golden Core (late stage)."

"Reward: One Heavenly Sage Peak Experience Card (5 minutes)."

"Skill unlocked: Conceal Cultivation (allows the Host to disguise cultivation level)."

The surge of power coursed through him, smoothing out some wrinkles and reinvigorating his body. But he knew it was far from enough to make him young again. True change would only come at the Nascent Soul stage, where his lifespan could extend by a millennium.

Diao Changju eyed the Heavenly Sage Peak Experience Card warily.

"A gift this generous? There's no way this isn't a setup," he muttered. "Let's just hope I never need to use it."