"Once you safely emerge from seclusion," Han Yue whispered, her voice barely audible, "I'll give myself to you as a reward."
Xiao Jietian's eyes instantly lit up.
Fortunately, I've experienced many temptations of beauty by now. My willpower is firmly established.
If I had heard these words in the past, I would have swept her into my arms and ridden off immediately. No need to wait for seclusion.
"Good." His smile turned mischievous. His arm tightened around her waist. "Then you'd better wash up and await my favor."
"Favor?"
Medusa's teasing voice sliced through their intimate moment.
"Do you think you're an emperor now, bestowing favors? Are you going to flip through cards too?"
Han Yue's mind snapped back to reality.
They're still here.
Everyone.
Watching.
Her face burned. She buried it firmly in Xiao Jietian's chest.
You can't see me. You can't see me.
Xiao Jietian stroked her back soothingly.
"It's alright. Later, you'll have a chance to tease them back."
His hand stiffened.
Death glares.
From all directions.
If he could see it, a massive, flashing "DANGER" sign would be hovering directly above his head.
"Ahem." His voice was carefully casual. "I should enter seclusion now."
He vanished.
Han Yue, still in his arms a moment ago, found herself suddenly unsupported.
Where did such a big Xiao Jietian go?
How could he just disappear?
She turned.
And saw the expressions on the others' faces.
…Oh.
That's why he ran.
A giggle escaped her—puchi.
"Oh, Yue'er." Ya Fei's eyes gleamed with mischief. "Are you laughing at us?"
The others slowly gathered around.
"It seems you have some thoughts about Xiao Jietian's words as well."
"No, no, no!" Han Yue backed away frantically. "You're mistaken! Completely mistaken!"
She retreated.
Her feet moved.
She stayed in place.
…Sister Xian'er.
That's unfair.
Little Fairy Doctor smiled serenely.
"I advise you not to struggle. It's useless."
A pause.
"Just obediently accept your punishment."
The women advanced.
Han Yue was a little lamb, surrounded by five wolves.
Hands extended.
Tickling commenced.
"No—no—HAHAHA!"
Han Yue twisted, writhed, laughed uncontrollably. She tried to push their hands away, but two fists could not contend with four—no, ten—hands.
The tickling escalated.
Then devolved.
What began as a targeted attack evolved into a free-for-all. Dresses shifted. Charms were revealed. Spring blossoms paled in comparison to their playful antics.
If only someone could witness this scene.
The bathing demons of Journey to the West? Incomparable.
(Speaking of Journey to the West—such a pity. With so many beauties, they only focused on the monkey.)
If Xiao Jietian emerged now, his eyes would feast.
More likely, he would be caught and ganged up on by the women.
Eternal truth: women are good sisters for life.
Xiao Jietian heard their playful noise from his seclusion chamber.
A knowing smile touched his lips.
Harem harmony.
No palace intrigues. No power struggles.
Just this—lively, warm, genuine.
A harmonious family prospers in all things.
He turned his attention away.
This frolic will help Han Yue integrate completely.
Medusa and the others orchestrated it deliberately.
He did not immediately begin refining.
Instead, he produced his medicine cauldron.
With a wave of his hand, a mountain of medicinal herbs appeared on the ground—each pulsing with immense energy.
I don't know how long this seclusion will last.
But I cannot break my promise to Zi Yan.
"Always have pills to eat"—broken immediately after making it?
That would leave a bad impression.
What if this highly talented magical beast runs away?
Where would I find another?
An hour passed.
Xiao Jietian surveyed the several jade bottles on the ground.
"Over five hundred pills." He murmured. "Should be enough for her to eat for quite some time, right?"
All the surplus energy-rich herbs I had.
The rest, I need for myself.
He flicked his hand.
The jade bottles transformed into streaks of light, shooting directly toward the pavilion where the women played.
They sensed the approaching objects.
None moved to intercept.
Xiao Jietian's aura.
He would never harm us.
(Except in certain situations. Where he makes us bleed.)
The streaks of light landed steadily on the table before them.
They studied the jade bottles with confusion. Through the translucent jade, they could see pills within—dense with medicinal energy.
Xiao Jietian's voice echoed softly in their ears.
"Yue'er. These pills are for Zi Yan. If she comes looking for me later, give them to her."
A pause.
"Don't give them all at once. Half at a time. Prevent her from losing control if she has too many."
"Good." Han Yue responded immediately.
"Then I enter seclusion now. You should also cultivate during this time. Challenge the Boundless Heavenly Tower."
Another pause.
"Yun'er. Fei'er. You may go directly to the warehouse for energy crystals."
The women nodded.
They sensed it—the taste of battle in his tone.
Knowing his way of thinking, they understood his meaning.
After his voice faded, Ya Fei glanced curiously at the jade bottles.
"Sister Yue'er." Her tone was light, but her eyes were sharp. "Who is this Zi Yan?"
The name sounded female.
The others' gazes also turned.
Han Yue briefly introduced Zi Yan's identity.
She even mentioned what Xiao Jietian had told her—that Zi Yan was a magical beast.
"Oh." Yun Yun relaxed. "So that's it. I thought he was hiding another beauty outside."
A chuckle.
"But it seems Xiao Jietian plans to recruit her into Boundless Heavenly Hall. Topping your academy's rankings several times—her talent is extraordinary."
A pause.
"When I first heard she was twelve or thirteen, it scared me." Another pause. "I thought Xiao Jietian had some… strange hobbies."