Torvin remained focused on the unresponsive stele, cycling through diagnostic possibilities. 'Incompatible energy signature? System overload? Material failure?' He ignored the cacophony of whispers and mockery rising from the assembled crowd, their opinions nothing more than irrelevant data points.
He failed to register Wu Qingcheng's silent arrival beside him until her presence registered as a significant shift in the ambient energy field. He turned, maintaining a neutral expression.
'She's observing my reaction.' He deduced. Displaying excessive distress or confusion would be disadvantageous.
Wu Qingcheng studied him, her gaze analytical. 'Still probing the inert stele? Does he genuinely not comprehend the result, or is this stubbornness? A pity such a physique lacks the necessary spiritual connection.' She sighed internally, a soundless exhalation of thwarted curiosity.
Before Wu Qingcheng's arrival, Li Qiye was an anomaly, a subject of fleeting gossip. Now, his status had irrevocably shifted. This physically potent but spiritually inert individual, this apparent 'trash' in the eyes of cultivators, was now linked to a name that resonated across the entire Sifang Continent – Wu Qingcheng, Master of Lanyue Palace, one of the Five Emperors. He was her designated consort.
A collective, unspoken groan seemed to emanate from the male disciples present. The crushing weight of unrequited admiration turned bitter. The female disciples remained silent, caught between awe for their Palace Master and confusion at her choice. Openly questioning Wu Qingcheng was unthinkable. Survival in a cultivation sect often meant knowing when silence was the wiser course.
Suddenly, a powerful aura descended. A streak of white light materialized five meters before Wu Qingcheng, resolving into an imposing figure – an old man clad entirely in white, from his robes to his long hair, eyebrows, and beard. He radiated an ancient, sharp energy, like a sword honed over millennia.
"Palace Master!" the old man's voice was sharp, cutting through the hushed atmosphere. "This cannot stand! We counselled against external political marriages, yes, but to debase yourself with... this?!" His disdainful gaze swept over Li Qiye.
Wu Qingcheng remained unmoved, ignoring the newcomer. Her focus remained solely on Li Qiye. Her voice, though cool, held an undeniable weight. "Li Qiye. This Palace asks: Are you willing to become this Palace's Consort?"
[Bio-Interface Alert: External Proposition Detected. High-Stakes Social/Political Interaction. Parameters: Accept/Decline Consort Status offer from Entity 'Wu Qingcheng'. Calculating Potential Outcomes…]
[Outcome Projection (Accept): Secured status within Lanyue Palace. Guaranteed resources/protection (level dependent on Wu Qingcheng's continued favor). Potential loss of autonomy. High external scrutiny/hostility.]
[Outcome Projection (Decline): Immediate high probability of lethal retaliation from Wu Qingcheng. Loss of current sanctuary/resources. Survival odds drastically reduced.]
'Me? To become a consort? To be reduced to some boy-toy?' The proposition was unexpected. Torvin's Viltrumite instincts recoiled at the implication of subservience, even if nominal. His innate ambition was of dominance, not patronage. His Earth-influenced mind hated the idea of a politically motivated union. However, tactical assessment dictates survival as primary objective. To decline would equal probable death.
"I am unwilling," Torvin stated firmly, the ingrained Viltrumite pride momentarily overriding the logical survival calculation. The potential cost seemed less immediate than the affront to his sense of self-determination.
A stunned silence fell over the plaza. Disciples and Elders alike stared, mouths agape as Wu Qingcheng herself blinked, a flicker of genuine surprise crossing her usually impassive features.
[Bio-Interface Warning: Choice Declined. Survival Probability recalculating... Critical Threshold Approaching! Recommend immediate course correction!]
There was no reward or merit in declining Wu Qingcheng's offer, so why? It's because Torvin was raised on Earth where interpersonal connections are valued in a relationship, where one could openly show their vulnerabilities and insecurities to their partner— where one could truly be called worthy and deserving of love.
Torvin wanted to be loved for who he actually is.
'This system of mine doesn't come with any deus ex machina, does it? Then it only means that I must face the consequences of my actions' . Torvin instantly recognized his miscalculation as pride was a luxury survival did not permit.
Wu Qingcheng's expression hardened, the temperature around her dropping perceptibly. "This Palace asks again. Are you willing?" The question was laced with palpable killing intent.
[Bio-Interface Critical Alert: Lethal Intent Detected from Entity 'Wu Qingcheng'. Survival Probability: < 5%. Immediate Compliance Recommended! Overdrive Protocol Activation available (Insufficient reserves, will probably not mitigate primary threat).]
The cold pressure emanating from Wu Qingcheng was immense, almost physical. Sweat beaded on Torvin's brow despite his resilient physiology. The system's stark probability seemed to prophesize his grim fate.
"This Palace will ask one final time." Wu Qingcheng's voice was glacial, each word resonating with the power of her cultivation realm. The pressure intensified, forcing Torvin to grit his teeth to remain standing.
[Bio-Interface Critical Alert: Lethal Intent Threshold Surpassed. Threat Imminent. Compliance is the only viable path. Survival probability upon continued refusal: Approaching 0%.]
'Correction required. Survival mandates adaptation...' There was no shame in tactical retreat, but to be humiliated and to be used as a yang furnace in the process was truly a hard pill to swallow.
"I... am willing!" Torvin forced the words out, the decision purely pragmatic, survival overriding all other considerations.
The crushing pressure vanished instantly. Wu Qingcheng gave him a single, cool glance, then addressed the stunned assembly. "The matter is decided. One month hence, the ceremony will be held in the Sect Hall." Her declaration was absolute, leaving no room for argument.
"Palace Master, absolutely not!" The white-haired Elder immediately protested, stepping forward again. "You cannot bind yourself to this… this talentless nobody! It undermines the dignity of Lanyue Palace!" His sentiment was echoed by the silent despair of many onlookers.
But then Torvin snapped, adrenaline still coursing through him from the near-death threat. The Elder's repeated insults and utter disregard for his presence, even after he'd been forced into accepting the consort role, ignited a spark of fury.
While confronting Wu Qingcheng was suicide, this Elder... even if he proved to be stronger, even if he proved to be faster— Torvin could see the future.
He will not live to see tomorrow.
His outburst was less about defending Wu Qingcheng's honor and more about raw defiance against being dismissed so contemptuously, especially by someone perceived as weaker than the Palace Master.
'Assess threat: White-haired Elder. Visible age significant, but cultivation negates conventional aging effects. Actual strength unknown, but sufficient to challenge Palace Master's decision verbally.'
The Grand Elder merely scoffed, looking down his nose at Li Qiye as if observing an annoying insect. "You? Relying on the Palace Master's favor to bark? Know your place, boy." He flicked a dismissive hand towards Li Qiye, sending a pulse of invisible force – pure Qi pressure – intended to silence him, to put him firmly in his place.
[Bio-Interface Alert: Incoming Energy Assault Detected! Type: Cultivator Qi Pressure (Non-Lethal, Compliance-Forcing Intent). Estimated Impact: Moderate Incapacitation, potential internal injuries. Recommend Evasion (Probability of Success: Low) or Retaliation... Overdrive Protocol Available for Retaliation (High Physiological Cost).]
'Inescapable. Retaliation required.' The pressure wave was almost upon him. Dignity demanded resistance, survival demanded capability. The Overdrive was costly, but being subdued just like this is simply unacceptable. 'Activate Overdrive Protocol!'
BOOM!
Not a sound, but a detonation of raw physical presence. Far exceeding the brief surge during the beast tide encounter, a torrent of unrestrained power erupted from Torvin. The system, perhaps reacting to the direct threat and Torvin's desperate intent, seemed to unlock a deeper reserve, pushing the Overdrive protocol far beyond its previous limits.
The outburst of energy didn't just surround him; it exploded outwards in waves of raw, untamed power. His black hair fluttered with defiance as a sharp intent emanated from his eyes. The ground beneath him cracked. A shockwave ripped outwards, sending loose debris flying and forcing even nearby Elders to brace themselves. Lower-level disciples were flung backwards or forced to their knees, unable to discern the speed of the figure.
The Grand Elder's Qi pressure wave simply disintegrated in a straight on collision with Li Qiye, utterly neutralized by the sheer physical force radiating outwards.
Bai Ji, Wu Qingcheng, and the Grand Elder stood their ground, their robes whipping violently but otherwise unaffected by the display of physical force. Their eyes, however, were wide with shock.
The Grand Elder stared, speechless. The dismissive scoff died on his lips. This "trash" was now radiating with power that felt fundamentally different from their known and established techniques— emanating raw, unrefined, overwhelming physical might.
Wu Qingcheng's phoenix eyes narrowed further. 'This energy signature is stronger than before! Even approaching half my own peak output? How? What is the source of this power?' This 'Li Qiye' is far more than he appears. The puzzle deepened, and her interest intensified exponentially.