In traditional Qi cultivation, every realm requires a corresponding state of mind. But transitioning from Martial Arts to the Immortal Path is different—it's more like the power system of this world. You either grind until you break through with raw power, or you have a sudden epiphany and ascend.
Ethan had a premonition: if he completed the "Mortal World Training," he would not only complete the second life metamorphosis but also step into the Immortal Path of martial arts.
He verified this with Sheila (the Succubus Queen) and Sirzechs. Sheila confirmed the theories, while Sirzechs—ever the battle maniac—offered a "shortcut": a life-and-death battle. Sirzechs offered to beat Ethan to within an inch of his life repeatedly to force his soul to evolve under the threat of death.
Ethan declined. He wasn't a masochist, and he really wanted to see the "Mortal World" path through to ensure his martial arts didn't wither.
So, in mid-October, Ethan began his "Mortal World Training." The rule was simple: live like a commoner. Don't use powers to solve problems or change lives. Usually, this requires going somewhere where nobody knows you.
But Ethan had a problem. He couldn't just leave. His girls couldn't endure the void of a long absence, and he himself was addicted to their nightly "dual-cultivation" routines. For him, sex had become as routine as eating or sleeping. Even if he forgot, the succubus sisters, Maria and Lucia, would be there to remind him, as they practically lived off the excess spiritual energy he radiated during the act.
In such a lewd, high-energy environment, even if Ethan didn't use active magic, he was far from "normal." He was stuck at the first step. He gathered all his contracted girls, including the newest and strongest, Chisato.
"How do we solve this?" Ethan asked through the soul network.
"Ethan, don't rush the breakthrough. Take it slow," Rias suggested.
"President, waiting for a crisis to break through is too late," Ethan countered. If he didn't advance, the girls—tied to him by the contract—would also be stuck at the Devil King level. Chisato, already God-rank, gained zero benefits from dual-cultivation with him because of the "mortal-immortal" gap.
"How about you live elsewhere for a month?" Akeno suggested, her impressive breasts swaying.
"Would a month even work?" Mittelt and Koneko asked from Ethan's lap. "And Akeno-nee, could you last a month?"
"Ara, ara..." Akeno blushed and looked away. Aside from the succubi, her libido was the strongest. Ethan loved her sadistic-but-submissive side far too much to leave her for a month.
"Just let him train with Sirzechs!" Yuuki Kiba (female) suggested. Ethan glared at her; if he wanted to get beaten up, he wouldn't be having a meeting.
Suddenly, Raynare (Yuma Amano) spoke up, tapping her chin. "Is it possible... that Ethan's soul is already strong enough, but just not... pure?"
Ethan's eyes lit up. He pulled the beautiful black-haired girl closer. "Go on, Yuma."
"Ethan, you have that... 'Netorare Protagonist' (NTR Victim/Beta) template, right?" She struggled with the term. "You naturally attract women but cause men to hate you. This might be why your soul isn't pure. Your 'Attraction' talent and 'Dual-Cultivation' are a set, but the extreme hostility from other men is a 'impurity' or a side effect. If you remove the dross and keep the essence, your soul might transform."
Ethan looked at Chisato. "Chisato-nee, what do you think?"
"It's highly likely," she replied.