Lucien stood shirtless under the twin moons, his body still humming with the aftermath of his night with Selene.
The priestess.
The untouchable one.
Now bound to him by sweat, moans, and magic.
But even as her sleeping form lay behind him, glowing faintly with the Soulbind mark pulsing on her chest, Lucien knew something had changed—in him.
> [Trait Acquired: Ecstasy Aura – Passive]
"Your presence radiates subtle lust. Weakens emotional defenses of nearby Yin cultivators. May trigger arousal, obsession, or jealousy."
He smirked.
"This... is going to be fun."
As Lucien walked through the sect's inner courtyard, robes loose, hair slightly messy, he felt it happening.
Eyes turned.
Whispers bloomed like flowers in the dark.
Three disciples giggled and looked away when he passed. One dropped her scroll. Another stared like she'd seen a ghost — or a fantasy.
> [Aura Effect: Mild stimulation triggered]
[Two Yin Sources nearby registered interest.]
Lucien didn't have to do anything. His walk alone sent shivers down spines.
A new kind of power pulsed through him now — not the kind you earn with fists, but the kind you earn with presence.
And the Crimson Sect had never seen someone walk with that kind of confidence before.
Later that evening, he returned to the training grounds — where the younger disciples usually gathered to spar or meditate.
He wasn't there for meditation.
"Hey!"
A voice called out.
He turned.
It was her.
A disciple he hadn't seen before. Around 18, maybe 19. Slender frame, long auburn hair tied up in a high ponytail, and robes that were just a little too tight around her chest. She held a dual-blade staff and had that "I don't fall easy" energy.
Perfect.
"You're Lucien, right?" she asked, walking toward him, expression guarded.
He raised a brow. "I am. And you are?"
"Nyra," she said, tilting her head. "You've been... making waves."
Lucien smiled. "I do ripple nicely."
Her lips twitched — trying not to smile. Failing.
"Are the rumors true?" she asked. "You seduced the priestess?"
He stepped closer, just enough for her breath to hitch slightly.
"I don't seduce, Nyra," he said. "I connect. Deeply."
> [New Yin Source Detected: Nyra]
Emotion: Curious | Lust: Dormant | Pride: High
Status: Tease required. No direct advance.
System Tip: Disarm with honesty. Touch later.
Lucien didn't pounce. Instead, he leaned back against a tree, looking her over casually.
"You're strong," he said. "The way you hold that weapon. Precision, not flair."
Nyra blinked.
"You noticed that?"
"I notice everything," he replied smoothly. "Especially beautiful, dangerous women."
She flushed slightly. Then narrowed her eyes.
"You're dangerous."
Lucien smiled. "Only if you get too close."
She hesitated. Then — surprise — sat beside him.
The conversation flowed. For once, Lucien let go of charm and just... talked.
She was smart. Ambitious. Proud of her technique. She hated the Sect's obsession with dual-cultivation but admitted it was the fastest way to power.
"Too many try to skip the connection," she said. "They think pleasure equals strength. But it's not that simple."
Lucien nodded. "Exactly. Pleasure is easy. Surrender? That's rare."
Their eyes met.
And in that moment — something clicked.
Nyra leaned slightly closer. Just enough for her robe to shift at the shoulder. Just enough for her scent to brush past his nose.
> [Lust Level Rising: 38%]
[Emotional Resistance Cracking...]
Lucien reached out — slowly — and touched a strand of her hair, tucking it behind her ear.
She didn't move.
Didn't blink.
He leaned in. Paused an inch from her lips. Let the air between them heat.
But he didn't kiss her.
He pulled back.
Nyra's breath shook. "Why... didn't you...?"
Lucien stood, brushing off his robe casually. "Because next time, I want you to close the gap."
He left her there — flustered, confused, and aroused.
> [Aura Effect: Imprint triggered]
[Nyra added to potential Yin Bond List]
Later that night, Lucien sat in his chamber, shirt open, the red moonlight casting silver across his abs.
> [System Notification: Progress Path Chosen – Seduction First, Power Second]
[Skill Branch Unlocked: Pleasure Chains (Lv1) – Bind target during climax to extract bonus Yin]
He flexed his hand. A faint red glow shimmered across his fingers like invisible cuffs.
This world… was his now.
And the women inside it?
They were beginning to orbit him like moons.
---
To Be Continued...
---
Next Chapter: The Courting Trial — Claiming the Crimson Throne [18+]
The Sect Master has announced a new trial: any disciple may challenge for the inner chamber—if they can pass the seduction gauntlet. And guess who's already the favorite?