Morning light filtered into Walter's small hut. Sylvara had slipped out before dawn to avoid rumors, but the fresh bond still hummed warmly in his chest. He felt stronger than ever at Qi Condensation Stage 4.
He stretched and checked the system.
[Current Cultivation: Qi Condensation Stage 4]
[Harem: 1 – Sylvara Thorne (Loyalty 94%)]
[Mission: Form 3 Bonds before the Sect Tournament (1 day left)]
The goddess's voice teased him. "One down, two more to go. Don't get distracted by revenge alone, Walter. Power comes from pleasure."
Walter smirked. Today was the pre-tournament gathering in the central square. All disciples would be there to register and show off their progress. Perfect place to scout the next target.
He changed into cleaner outer disciple robes and headed out. The paths buzzed with excitement. Inner and outer disciples mixed together, talking about techniques and rankings.
In the central square, a large stage had been set up. Elders sat on elevated seats while disciples lined up to register.
Walter spotted Harlan in the distance, bandaged and glaring daggers at him. He ignored the bully for now.
His eyes scanned the crowd and locked onto a quiet girl standing near the healing pavilion tent.
Vespera Lune.
She had soft lavender hair that fell to her waist and gentle violet eyes. Her robes were pure white with green accents, marking her as a talented healer disciple. From the original memories, she was known for her Pure Yin Healing Physique — incredibly rare and perfect for dual cultivation. Shy and soft-spoken, she rarely spoke to anyone outside healing duties.
She was currently treating a minor injury on a young disciple, her hands glowing with soft green light.
Walter felt the system react immediately.
[High Potential Target Detected: Vespera Lune]
[Special Physique: Pure Yin Healing Body (Supreme Grade)]
[Bonding Reward Projection: Massive qi recovery + healing techniques + huge cultivation leap]
"Perfect," Walter muttered.
He waited until she finished and approached casually as she packed her herbs.
"Excuse me," he said with a warm smile. "You're Vespera Lune, right? The healer everyone talks about?"
Vespera looked up, startled. Her cheeks turned pink as she clutched her medicine bag. "Y-Yes… Do I know you?"
"Not yet," Walter replied gently. "I'm Walter Cooper. I saw how skillfully you healed that disciple. Your technique is beautiful."
She blinked, clearly unused to compliments. "T-Thank you… Most people only come to me when they're hurt. You… don't look injured."
Walter stepped a little closer, keeping his voice low and kind. "I'm not. But I heard healers like you carry a heavy burden. Always giving, never receiving. That must be tiring."
Vespera lowered her gaze, fiddling with a strand of her lavender hair. "It… can be. But it's my duty."
The system chimed.
[Seduction Progress: 8%. Shyness high, but she's intrigued by genuine attention.]
Walter continued softly. "What if someone could help you recover faster? Share the burden… and make you feel good while doing it?"
Vespera's face turned even redder. She glanced around nervously to make sure no one was listening. "W-What do you mean?"
Before Walter could answer, an elder announced the start of the registration. Disciples began moving toward the stage.
Vespera hesitated, then whispered quickly, "Meet me behind the healing pavilion after registration. I… I want to hear more."
She hurried away, but not before giving him one shy, curious glance.
Walter's grin widened. Hook set.
He registered quickly, listing his cultivation as Stage 4. The registrar's eyes widened in shock, but Walter just smiled and walked away.
Later, behind the quiet healing pavilion, Vespera waited nervously in the shade of blooming spirit herbs.
"You came," she said softly when he appeared. "I thought maybe you were joking."
"I don't joke about important things," Walter replied. He took her hand gently. Her skin was incredibly soft and carried a faint healing warmth.
Vespera trembled but didn't pull away. "What you said earlier… about helping me recover. Is it true? My Pure Yin body… it drains me when I heal others. No one has ever offered to… share that burden."
Walter pulled her closer, tilting her chin up so their eyes met. "It's very true. Through dual cultivation, I can absorb some of the strain and give you pleasure in return. You'll grow stronger too. And I… will protect you."
Her violet eyes shimmered with hesitation and budding desire. "I've never… done anything like that. I'm not like the bold senior sisters."
"That's what makes you special," Walter murmured. He leaned in and kissed her softly.
Vespera gasped against his lips, then slowly kissed back. Her body relaxed into him as the shy healer began to open up.
The system updated rapidly.
[Seduction Progress: 35%. Pure Yin Body reacting positively.]
[Bond Formation highly recommended tonight.]
Footsteps approached from the main square. Vespera pulled back, breathing fast, face flushed.
"Tonight," she whispered urgently. "After the moon rises. My private healing room in the inner sect. Come alone. Please…"
She squeezed his hand once before slipping away.
Walter watched her go, already feeling the next surge of power on the horizon.
Sylvara would understand. And with Vespera's healing physique joining the bond, his foundation would become nearly unbreakable before the tournament.
The goddess laughed approvingly in his mind. "Two flowers in two days. You're learning fast, Walter Cooper."
He turned back toward the outer sect, mind racing with plans.
The tournament tomorrow would be his stage to shine.
But first… tonight belonged to the shy healer.