Chapter 29: Rewards
The early morning sun filtered through the paper-thin windows of the pavilion, casting a warm, golden hue across the room. Dust motes drifted lazily in the light, dancing like tiny spirits suspended in silence. In the midst of that soft stillness, Meng Hao slowly opened his eyes.
His vision was met with the sight of Li Yao's slender figure resting beside him, her bare body partially draped by the silken sheets, one arm wrapped tightly around his torso. Her head was turned away from him, her long, dark hair cascading over the pillow like a waterfall of silk. Her breathing was calm, even, lost in the quiet depths of sleep.
Meng Hao remained motionless, gazing at her profile for a moment, and a thought emerged in his mind.
It seems… I'm no longer a virgin.
A wry, almost disbelieving smile tugged at the corner of his lips. His thoughts drifted as he stared at the sleeping beauty in his arms, a woman so ethereal and unattainable by the standards of his previous life. From Earth to this world… who would've thought I'd end up spending a night like this with someone like her? He exhaled slowly. In my old world, a girl like Li Yao wouldn't have even spared me a glance. She was the kind of woman men only dreamed about—beyond reach, untouchable.
But here… everything was different.
Here, in this cultivation world, he wasn't just some average man struggling through life. Here, he had become someone admired, even desired. His name carried weight. His talents stood above many. And most of all, his physique—cultivated, refined, and undeniably attractive—drew attention.
Now, he mused, even women like her are drawn to me… completely lustful, even.
A grin slowly formed on his face as flashes of the previous night surfaced in his mind—hot, vivid, unforgettable. Every detail returned to him with clarity: her moans, her scent, the feel of her skin under his fingertips. The way her body had reacted to him, how her breath had hitched with every touch, every thrust. He had explored her thoroughly, inch by inch, savoring every response he drew from her.
His eyes twinkled with a triumphant gleam.
Her flavor… was truly interesting.
Just as the thought passed through his mind, something stirred in his memory. His brows furrowed slightly as he recalled a certain matter—something crucial.
Wait… the system.
"System," he murmured mentally, careful not to make a sound aloud. Where's my reward for the dual cultivation mission with Li Yao? Don't tell me you're trying to scam me out of it…
The familiar mechanical chime echoed crisply in his mind.
[Ding! Host, please refrain from framing the system. This system is honest, fair, and extremely user-friendly.]
[Ding! It has been detected that the host has successfully completed the mission: "Dual Cultivation with the Daughter of Luck – Li Yao."]
[Reward: 100 years of cultivation.]
[Would you like to claim your reward now?]
The words caused Meng Hao's eyes to brighten instantly.
A hundred years of cultivation!
He nearly laughed aloud but managed to stifle it, not wanting to disturb the sleeping Li Yao. A radiant smile stretched across his face as excitement bubbled in his chest. A hundred years… what kind of realm would I even reach? Could I directly ascend to the heavens with this reward alone?
He felt his heart pounding with exhilaration. His current level would skyrocket, but he also understood something important—he needed to be cautious. Something like this could not be taken lightly.
No, he thought, I can't accept it here. With her sleeping beside me… I don't know what kind of phenomenon might be triggered if I accept this cultivation all at once. It's better to find a quiet, secluded place.
Gently, almost reverently, he began to peel her arm away from around his torso. She stirred slightly in her sleep, murmuring something incoherent, but did not wake. With practiced silence, Meng Hao slid from under the sheets and stood, the cool air brushing over his bare skin.
He moved across the room and retrieved his robes, dressing quickly and efficiently. Once clothed, he turned back to look at Li Yao one last time before leaving. The morning light traced the contours of her figure, her features peaceful, content.
There was no doubt in his mind—she had been thoroughly satisfied last night. The bond they'd shared through dual cultivation had been more than just physical. It carried spiritual and karmic weight now.
But there would be time to explore what that meant later.
For now, cultivation came first.
Without a sound, Meng Hao stepped out of the room, sliding the door closed behind him with the utmost care. The hallway outside was quiet, bathed in soft light from the rising sun, and the spiritual energy of the mountain flowed like a gentle breeze.
He exhaled and smiled to himself, already walking toward the secluded cultivation chamber he favored. A hundred years of cultivation awaited him.
And this… was only the beginning.