The Golden Phoenix Inn stood at the center of the bustling crossroads town. Lanterns glowed warmly as cultivators, merchants, and travelers moved in and out. Walter and his three companions entered the main hall, drawing a few curious glances.
Walter booked two connected rooms for the night. After a simple meal of spirit beast meat and rice, the group settled in the larger room.
Sylvara leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "You sensed someone here?"
"Yes," Walter replied. "The system marked a new target. Calyria Voss — noble alchemist princess. She has a Pure Essence Alchemy Body. Perfect for our growing harem."
Thalira grinned, cracking her knuckles. "Another one already? You don't waste time."
Vespera blushed softly. "As long as she's willing… I'll help her adjust."
A knock sounded at the door. A servant delivered a message. "Miss Calyria Voss invites the tournament champion Walter Cooper to her private alchemy room upstairs. She wishes to discuss rare ingredients."
Walter's eyes lit up. "Perfect timing."
He stood and looked at his girls. "Wait here. I'll handle the first meeting. If things go well, I'll bring her back later."
Sylvara nodded. "Don't take too long. We'll cultivate together afterward."
Walter climbed the stairs and knocked on the indicated door. A cool, elegant voice answered, "Enter."
The room was filled with the rich scent of herbs and simmering potions. Calyria Voss stood behind a large alchemy cauldron. She had long midnight-blue hair tied in an intricate knot, sharp emerald eyes, and flawless porcelain skin. Her robes were luxurious purple and gold, hugging her graceful figure with subtle elegance. She carried the proud aura of someone born into nobility.
"So you are the sudden champion everyone is talking about," Calyria said, not looking up from her cauldron. "Walter Cooper. Your rise is suspicious. I need rare ingredients for my latest pill. If you truly broke through so fast, perhaps you have access to something useful."
Walter stepped closer, admiring her beauty openly. "I might have more than ingredients to offer, Lady Calyria. Your Pure Essence Alchemy Body is legendary. It must be exhausting to refine pills alone."
Calyria finally looked up. Her emerald eyes narrowed, but a hint of surprise flashed across her face. "You know about my physique? Bold. Most men wouldn't dare speak so directly."
The system chimed.
[High Potential Target: Calyria Voss]
[Pure Essence Alchemy Body compatibility: Supreme]
[Bonding Reward Projection: Alchemy skill boost + massive qi and pill refinement gains]
The goddess whispered seductively, "She's proud and intellectual. Challenge her mind first, then her body. She craves someone who can match her excellence."
Walter smiled confidently. "I speak directly because I can help you. Dual cultivation with me can ease the drain on your essence. You'll refine higher-grade pills faster, and I'll grow stronger with your alchemical talent. A perfect exchange."
Calyria set down her stirring rod, crossing her arms. The motion pressed her full breasts against the fabric of her robes. "You propose becoming my cultivation partner? Just like that? I am the daughter of the Voss Noble Clan. I don't share my body with random upstarts."
"Yet here you are, inviting me alone," Walter countered, stepping even closer. "You felt my qi when I entered. It's different. Balanced. Powerful. Ice, healing, and fire already flow through me. Your essence would complete the set beautifully."
Calyria's cheeks gained a faint flush, but her voice stayed cold. "Arrogant. Prove it. Show me one reason why I should even consider your offer."
Walter moved quickly. He gently took her hand and channeled a small amount of combined qi — Sylvara's frost mixed with Thalira's flame and Vespera's healing warmth. The energy flowed into Calyria's palm.
Her eyes widened. A soft gasp escaped her lips as the balanced qi eased a hidden strain in her meridians.
"That… feels different," she admitted, voice quieter. "My essence has always been unstable during long refinements. This… stabilizes it."
Walter didn't let go of her hand. "Imagine how much stronger it would feel with full dual cultivation. Deep, intimate bonding. You giving me your essence while I give you pleasure and power in return."
Calyria pulled her hand back, but she didn't step away. Her breathing had quickened. "You are dangerous, Walter Cooper. Most men beg for my attention. You speak as if I already belong to you."
"Because you will," Walter said softly but firmly. He reached up and brushed a strand of her midnight-blue hair behind her ear. "Tonight. Let me show you what true partnership feels like."
The tension in the room thickened. Calyria stared at him for a long moment, pride warring with curiosity and budding desire.
Finally, she whispered, "Lock the door."
Walter did so without hesitation. He pulled her into a deep kiss. Calyria resisted for half a second, then melted against him. Her hands clutched his robes as the proud alchemist princess began to surrender.
He guided her toward the large alchemy table, pushing aside tools and ingredients. Calyria's robes loosened under his skilled fingers, revealing smooth, porcelain skin and elegant curves.
"You're beautiful," Walter murmured against her neck. "And soon, you'll be mine."
Calyria moaned softly as his lips and hands explored her. The intellectual pride cracked under waves of pleasure. She pulled him closer, whispering, "If you disappoint me… I'll poison you."
Walter chuckled. "I won't disappoint."
He entered her slowly on the edge of the table. Calyria gasped loudly, her emerald eyes fluttering. The Pure Essence Alchemy Body reacted instantly, sending waves of refined energy into him.
The system notifications flooded in.
[Bond Formation with Calyria Voss Initiated!]
[+450 cultivation points]
[Pure Essence Alchemy Body partially absorbed]
Their movements grew faster and more passionate. Calyria's usually composed voice turned into needy moans as pleasure overtook her.
The fourth bond was forming beautifully.