Shen Hong smiled calmly. "Good. That's the answer I was hoping for."
I turned to Yang Kai. "Stay here in the High Heaven Sect until you break through to the Nascent Soul Realm."
Yang Kai frowned, stepping forward. "What? No! I want to go with you, Master!"
I sighed softly, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I know you want to, but I don't want you getting caught up in my troubles. This path I walk… it's not safe."
Understanding flickered in Yang Kai's eyes. He forced a smile and nodded. "Alright, Master. I'll become stronger. I promise."
I stepped closer and spoke in a low voice. "I'm going to give you my secret techniques. Train with them, and grow stronger."
I asked in my mind, "System, is there a technique that suits my disciple?"
Ding!
Host, we have several techniques suitable for your disciple.
Five Elements Palm [Golden Grade] – 8000 XP
Five Elements Lotus [Golden Grade] – 13000 XP
Five Elements Domain [Golden Grade] – 12000 XP
"Buy them all," I commanded.
Ding
33,000 xp points deducted.
Current XP: 37,200
As the techniques were transferred into Yang Kai's spiritual sea, his eyes widened.
"Master… these are all Golden Grade techniques!"
Shen Hong, who had been listening nearby, gasped. "Golden Grade?! Those are the rarest techniques in this world. How did you get them?"
I smiled faintly. "They're only effective for cultivators with a Five Elements Body. My master left them to me, but I always believed they were meant for Yang Kai."
Yang Kai's eyes reddened, tears slipping down his cheeks. "Master… I won't let you down. I'll become stronger. I swear it!"
Yun Sha stepped forward and hugged Yang Kai gently. "Don't cry. Your master will return for you. Believe in him."
Yang Kai nodded, wiping his tears. "Yes, Mistress Yun Sha."
That night, everyone returned to their rooms. I walked back with Yun Sha to mine.
As we entered, I whispered, "I have to become even stronger now."
Yun Sha lowered her gaze. "I'm sorry… It's all my fault."
I pulled her into my lap, wrapping my arms around her. "No. This is the path I chose. My goal has always been to become stronger, no matter the cost."
She rested her head on my chest. "Then I want to become strong too."
I lifted her chin and kissed her softly. "You will. I'll make sure of it."
We shared a quiet, passionate night together.
---
Five hours later…
I looked at her, hesitating. "Yun Sha…"
She stirred. "What is it?"
"I… I made an agreement with the Meng Family. I have to marry Meng Ruo."
She went quiet for a moment. "Why are you telling me this now?"
"Because it matters," I said seriously. "I won't keep secrets from you."
Yun Sha stared at me, then gave a small smile. "I knew from the start… someone like you can't stay with only one woman. I've accepted that."
"I'm sorry…"
She kissed me gently. "Don't be. Just promise me one thing."
"Anything."
"No concubines. No lesser wives. If you take a woman, she becomes your wife. Equal to the rest of us."
I held her hand tightly. "I promise. They'll all be my wives."