The Path to Power

Aayan lay on the bed, Ruhi curled up against his chest, her breath warm against his skin. The lingering heat of their passionate night still clung to the air, but before he could fully relax, the familiar mechanical voice of the System echoed in his mind.

Ding!

[ Harem Expansion Mission: Second target detected—Maya (Inner Core Disciple, Fire-Type Qi Gathering Stage 9). ]

[ Mission Reward: 100 Blank Points upon successful acquisition. ]

Aayan's lips curled into a small smirk. The System had already chosen his next partner, and he wasn't surprised. He had noticed Maya before—her fiery spirit, her unwavering determination, and most importantly, her stagnant cultivation. Despite being at the 9th stage of Qi Gathering, she had been stuck there for years, unable to break through to the Foundation Establishment Realm.

His fingers absentmindedly traced Ruhi's soft skin as he pondered his next move. He had one week before his System Upgrade Mission officially ended, and gathering powerful women into his harem would only benefit him. With the new System 2.0 features, he now had the ability to teleport to his harem members and share certain system information telepathically—but there were strict conditions.

Any harem member who betrayed him or revealed System information to an outsider would instantly die.

It was a safeguard Aayan appreciated. Loyalty was absolute.

Gently moving Ruhi aside, he dressed in a fresh robe and stepped out into the night. His eyes glowed faintly as he activated his enhanced vision, scanning the Inner Core disciple area.

Tonight, he would claim his next target.

Inner Core Disciple Area – Training GroundsMaya sat cross-legged on a stone platform, sweat dripping down her forehead as she forced her Qi to circulate. Her body burned with frustration and exhaustion, her meridians aching from the endless cycles of energy.

No matter how much she trained, she couldn't break through.

Her fists clenched. She had done everything—taken rare herbs, practiced advanced techniques, sought advice from elders—but nothing worked. And now, her peers looked down on her, treating her as a failure, a girl who didn't deserve to be an Inner Core disciple.

A group of female disciples stood nearby, whispering among themselves.

"She's been stuck at Stage 9 for two years, right?" one of them sneered.

"She should just quit before she embarrasses herself further."

Maya ignored them, but deep inside, their words stung.

Just then, a faint gust of wind swept through the training grounds. Before she could react, a figure appeared beside her, standing tall and confident, his golden eyes gleaming in the moonlight.

Aayan.

The girls watching instantly fell silent, their expressions shifting from mockery to curiosity and jealousy.

Maya looked up at him, surprised. "What are you doing here?"

Aayan smirked. "I was watching you struggle."

Her eyes narrowed. "Tch. If you're here to mock me, save your breath."

He chuckled. "No, I'm here to offer you a way out."

Maya stiffened. "What do you mean?"

Aayan crouched beside her, his voice low. "You're stuck at the 9th stage, not because you lack talent, but because your foundation is unstable. Too much Fire Qi has accumulated in your meridians, making your core rigid instead of adaptable."

Maya's breath caught in her throat. No elder had ever told her that.

"I have a method to fix that problem," Aayan continued. "With my help, you'll break through to Foundation Establishment in one week."

Maya's heart pounded. "And what's the catch?"

Aayan leaned closer, his voice like a whisper of flames.

"Dual Cultivation."

Her face flushed red. "You—You want me to—"

He raised an eyebrow. "It's the fastest way. But if you prefer to stay weak forever, suit yourself."

Maya's mind raced. She had worked for years to reach this level, yet she was still looked down upon, treated like a joke. If Aayan was telling the truth… this could be her only chance to regain her honor.

She swallowed hard, her fists clenching.

"…One week?"

Aayan smiled. "One week."

A single flame flickered in her eyes—one that had been long extinguished.

"I'll do it."

Aayan stood up, extending a hand. "Then let's not waste time."

Maya took his hand, and the moment their fingers touched, a system notification appeared in Aayan's mind.

Ding!

[ Harem Expansion Mission: Second target acquired. ]

[ Reward: 100 Blank Points received. ]

Aayan's smirk widened.