Walter slipped back into the outer sect under the cover of darkness. His body felt completely different now. Qi flowed smoothly through newly repaired meridians. Every step carried more strength than before.
He checked the system screen as he walked.
[Current Cultivation: Qi Condensation Stage 3]
[Harem: 1/?? – Sylvara Thorne (Loyalty 85%)]
[New Technique: Dual Ice Flame Palm (Earth Grade)]
A satisfied grin spread across his face. From complete trash to Stage 3 in a single night. The Harem Bond System was no joke.
The goddess's voice purred softly. "Feel that rush, Walter? This is only the beginning. Claim more beauties and the heavens themselves will tremble."
He reached his small, rundown outer disciple hut and pushed the door open. The moment he stepped inside, a familiar voice echoed from the shadows.
"Well, well. Look who's still breathing."
Harlan Voss stepped out with three of his lackeys. Their faces twisted with mockery and anger.
"You actually dared show your face again after today?" Harlan sneered. "I was going to wait until the tournament, but since you're here… let's finish what we started."
Walter didn't panic. He stood relaxed, arms loose at his sides. "Harlan. Perfect timing. I needed someone to test my new strength on."
The bully laughed loudly. "New strength? You? The zero-root trash?"
One lackey charged forward, throwing a simple qi punch. Walter dodged effortlessly and countered with a palm strike infused with his new technique.
Dual Ice Flame Palm!
Blue frost mixed with golden flame exploded from his hand. The attack slammed into the lackey's chest, sending him flying backward into the wall. Ice crystals formed on his robes while burn marks smoked on his skin.
The other two lackeys froze in shock.
Harlan's eyes widened. "What the—? That's impossible! You were nothing yesterday!"
Walter cracked his neck, stepping forward. "A lot can change in one night. Especially when you stop being everyone's punching bag."
Harlan roared and channeled his own qi. Phoenix flames erupted around his fists as he rushed in at Qi Condensation Stage 2 power.
Their fists met in the middle. Harlan expected an easy crush. Instead, Walter's enhanced strength pushed him back several steps. Frost and flame clashed, creating a burst of steam.
"You… how?" Harlan gasped, shaking his bleeding hand.
Walter didn't answer with words. He followed up with another Dual Ice Flame Palm, this one faster and stronger. The strike hit Harlan square in the stomach. The bully doubled over, coughing blood as ice spread across his torso and flames licked at his clothes.
The remaining lackeys turned and ran, screaming for help.
Harlan dropped to one knee, glaring up at Walter with hatred and fear. "This isn't over, Cooper. When the inner sect hears about this—"
"They'll hear that their proud young master got beaten by the trash he used to bully," Walter cut in coldly. "Run along, Harlan. And tell everyone the old Walter is dead. The new one collects debts."
Harlan staggered to his feet and fled into the night, cursing the whole way.
Walter exhaled and dismissed the technique. His qi reserves barely dipped. The bond with Sylvara had given him far more than he expected.
He sat down on the worn bed and opened the system again.
[Mission Update: First Bond Completed – Reward Claimed]
[New Main Mission: Form 3 Bonds before the Sect Tournament (2 days left)]
[Bonus: Each additional bond before the tournament grants extra rewards]
A soft knock sounded at the door.
Walter tensed, then smiled when he sensed the familiar cold-yet-warm aura. "Come in, Sylvara."
The door opened quietly. Sylvara Thorne stepped inside, still wearing her inner sect robe but with her silver hair down. She closed the door behind her and looked at him with a mix of shyness and lingering desire.
"I… couldn't wait until tomorrow," she admitted, voice softer than usual. "After what we did… my cultivation advanced to Stage 5. And I feel different. Connected to you."
Walter stood and pulled her into his arms. "Good. Because I just used our bond to beat Harlan senseless. Your power is already helping me."
Sylvara's eyes sparkled with surprise and approval. "You really did it? That bully deserved it."
She leaned up and kissed him, hungry and eager. Her hands roamed over his chest as the kiss deepened.
The system chimed.
[Bond with Sylvara Thorne deepening… Loyalty now 92%]
[Additional yin essence available for second session]
Walter broke the kiss just enough to speak. "Stay the night. Let's cultivate again. I need to push further before the tournament."
Sylvara nodded, cheeks flushed. "As you wish… my bond partner."
She let her robe fall to the floor once more, revealing her beautiful body. Walter lifted her easily and laid her on the small bed. Their second round started slower this time — more intimate, more exploratory.
He kissed every inch of her cool skin while she moaned softly beneath him. When he entered her again, the pleasure was even stronger than before. Their energies mingled perfectly, ice and growing flame dancing together.
[Dual Cultivation Session 2]
[+280 cultivation points]
[Qi Condensation Stage 4 reached!]
Sylvara cried out in ecstasy as another climax washed over her. Walter followed soon after, the bond growing even tighter.
Afterward, they lay tangled together in the narrow bed. Sylvara traced patterns on his chest with her finger.
"I never thought I'd belong to anyone," she whispered. "But with you… it feels right. Just don't forget me when you claim others."
Walter smiled and kissed her forehead. "You'll always be my first. And you'll help me choose the next ones."
Outside, the night grew quiet. But Walter's mind was already planning ahead.
The sect tournament was coming. With Sylvara at his side and more bonds on the horizon, he would dominate it.
His eyes gleamed with ambition.
The Dual Cultivation Empire had taken its first real step.