Chapter 20 – The Conquest Continues

Chapter 20 – The Conquest Continues

The night air was thick with the lingering scent of sweat and incense. Moonlight seeped through the silk-draped windows, casting soft silver shadows over the bed where Sister Mei lay—her body limp, her breath slow, her skin flushed from the night's intense dual cultivation. Her once-pristine robes were in disarray, the evidence of their encounter still clinging to her. She had given herself to him completely, not just in body but in Qi. And in return, Shen Tian had grown stronger.

He stood at the edge of the bed, bare-chested, his muscles glistening under the faint glow of the night's embers. His physique had changed—hardened, refined by the surge of energy he had absorbed. Every inch of his body felt like it had been tempered by divine fire, his veins coursing with both Yin and Yang energy in perfect harmony.

His Qi had deepened. His awareness had expanded. His body had transformed.

He curled his fingers into a fist, testing the raw power flowing through his limbs. This was only the beginning.

[Ding! System Upgrade Unlocked!]

System Spirit Activated!

Appraisal Function Unlocked!

New Quest System Added!

A sudden, electric pulse shot through his mind, and then—a voice.

"Host, you have unlocked the next evolution of the system. I am now able to communicate and assist in your journey."

Shen Tian exhaled sharply. "So you can talk now?"

"Affirmative. The system has evolved. I can now provide real-time analysis, quest assignments, and appraisals of people, objects, and abilities."

His lips curled into a smirk. This was perfect.

He activated the Appraisal Function, and instantly, his vision shifted, glowing symbols flashing before his eyes as they settled on the woman beside him.

[Name: Mei Xue]

[Cultivation: Core Formation (Mid-Tier) – Recently Enhanced]

[Physique: Ice Jade Yin Body – Perfect for Dual Cultivation]

[Status: Exhausted, Satisfied]

A glimmer of satisfaction flickered through Shen Tian's gaze. She had been useful.

But his work was not yet finished.

His ears caught the faintest whisper of footsteps approaching his chamber. A familiar presence. A strong Qi signature.

Elder Lan Rui.

The thought sent a surge of anticipation through him. This was his next step.

Sister Mei had been a valuable source of power, but Elder Lan Rui… she was on an entirely different level. A high-ranking elder of the sect, her cultivation was leagues above most disciples. If he could dominate her, absorb her Qi… he would skyrocket in strength.

Shen Tian grabbed his robe, pulling it loosely around his shoulders, but he made no effort to fully tie it. He wanted her to see him like this. To see the aftermath of his conquest.

The door slid open without warning.

Elder Lan Rui stepped inside.

She was draped in flowing silk, her long black hair cascading over her shoulders. Her eyes, sharp and calculating, took in the scene immediately—the disheveled bed, the unconscious, blissful expression on Sister Mei's face, and finally, Shen Tian himself, half-dressed, his body brimming with newfound power.

Her gaze darkened. Something had changed about him.

She shut the door behind her. "You've been busy."

Shen Tian smirked, stepping forward, his presence radiating dominance. "You sound jealous, Elder Lan Rui."

Her lips curled in amusement. "Jealous? Hardly. But I am… curious."

She took another step closer, the air between them thick with tension. Her fingers reached out, tracing along his collarbone, her touch light but deliberate. Testing him.

"Your Qi is different," she murmured. "Stronger. Sharper. What exactly have you been up to, Shen Tian?"

Shen Tian caught her wrist before she could pull away, holding it firmly but not forcefully. His golden eyes burned into hers. "Why don't you find out for yourself?"

For a moment, silence stretched between them.

Then, she smirked. "Bold."

[Ding! System Quest Activated!]

Quest: Subdue Elder Lan Rui through Dual Cultivation

Objective: Absorb her Yin Qi while proving dominance

Reward: +20 Yin Absorption Efficiency, +10 Body Tempering Proficiency, +1 Divine Qi Core Enhancement

Shen Tian's smirk widened.

Tonight, he would take what was his.