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Within the Sacred City, a kaleidoscope of prodigies converged, their ambitions a symphony of clashing egos and veiled schemes. The Sacred Lotus Academy's recruitment loomed, casting a feverish glow over the city's opulent streets. Lan An, his name now whispered after his lethal display at the gates, vanished into the throng, his plain robes a cloak for the storm within. Meanwhile, his harem—Mu Zi Yin, Liu Shi Qin, Li Zhu Luan, and Bai Su Mei navigated the city's allure, their radiance a beacon drawing eyes and envy. As they sought respite, their path led to a lavish tavern, a stage for new rivalries and the promise of reunion, their hearts tethered to the Conquer the Mother-in-Law quest's lingering echoes.
The four women, their grace unmatched, sought a modest inn to await the recruitment trials. Their celestial allure turned heads wherever they tread, a quartet of stars amidst mortal dust. Passing a bustling tavern, its grandeur alight with revelry, they drew the gaze of young prodigies entering its doors, their noble auras ensnaring every eye.
At the tavern's entrance, a pair in resplendent robes greeted guests, their Early Nascent Soul auras modest yet proud. Spotting the four women, they hurried forward, their faces alight with eagerness. "Please, four young ladies, a moment!" the youth called.
"Who might you be?" Liu Shi Qin inclined her head, a courteous gesture, her sisters turning to regard the pair.
"I am Le Thanh, and this is my sister, Le Ni," the youth said, bowing with practiced grace. "May we assist you?"
"What's your purpose?" Liu Shi Qin asked, maintaining decorum as the others observed.
"Our young master, Le Kang, hosts a banquet within, seeking to forge bonds with the world's talents. All are welcome," Le Thanh said, a spark of pride in his eyes at his master's name.
"Indeed, your ethereal presence honors us. We humbly invite you to join the feast," Le Ni added, her smile blooming like a spring blossom.
"Le Kang?" The women exchanged glances, the name unfamiliar, their expressions neutral.
Le Thanh's eyes flickered with faint displeasure at their indifference, but he smiled, explaining, "Our Le Clan is a Seventh-Grade Power. Young Master Le Kang, a veteran of the Sacred Lotus Academy for twenty years, shines among its ranks."
His tone carried a hint of arrogance, expecting awe. Yet the women remained unmoved, their composure unshaken.
"Ahem," Le Ni interjected, "Young Master Le Kang is an Early Spirit Form titan, his talent peerless. As vice-leader of the Frenzy Battle Faction, he holds sway within the Academy."
The banquet, hosted by the Frenzy Battle Faction, aimed to showcase its might to new recruits, culling promising talents for future enlistment post-trials. Such gatherings were common, with taverns across the Sacred City alive with similar spectacles, as factions vied for influence.
The Academy permitted such freedoms, barring only violence and discord, allowing veterans like Le Kang to openly court prodigies. A shrewd move, it expanded networks and secured talent, a single act reaping manifold gains.
The women, grasping the banquet's intent, mused if their Harem Faction should host such an event to recruit female prodigies. Yet their fledgling reputation within the Academy made it impractical, and they shelved the notion.
"Very well, we'll join briefly," Mu Zi Yin said softly, her sisters nodding in accord.
They sought to gauge the city's talents and this veteran's mettle, preparing for Lan An's return. Le Thanh and Le Ni's eyes gleamed with triumph, sensing their master's delight at these noble beauties, whose allure promised rewards if Le Kang won their favor.
Inside, the tavern exuded extravagance, Spirit Teas and Spirit Fruits served by graceful maids. A vast hall sprawled, tables lining its sides laden with delicacies. Prodigies, male and female, filled the seats, their youthful faces aglow with ambition. Many boasted, their voices weaving tales of lineage and lore, a cacophony of pride.
The women assessed the scene, noting an ornate throne at the hall's center, empty, awaiting the banquet's host. Unhurried, they chose seats at the rear, settling with quiet elegance.
Yet their presence stilled the hall, an ethereal hush falling. Eyes locked onto them, unyielding—women's gazes burned with envy, men's with a spectrum of desire, curiosity, and lust, yearning to pierce their silken veils. Throats parched, the men craved the faces beneath.
"Greetings, fair maidens. I'm Lin Tai. May I have the honor of your acquaintance?" A dashing youth in blue robes approached, wine cup in hand, his courtesy marred by the greed in his eyes.
The women remained serene, ignoring the false gentleman. Lin Tai, a Golden Core Perfection prodigy from a Sixth-Grade Power, bristled at being dismissed, his pride stung. Mocking glances from the crowd fueled his ire, but he forced a smile. "My abruptness offends. I'll take my leave."
Turning, he "accidentally" spilled his wine, aiming for their silken tresses. The petty act fooled no one—a Golden Core master's clumsiness was a lie. None could intervene in time.
Mu Zi Yin's eyes glinted, her hand waving lightly. Spiritual energy surged, redirecting the wine and cup back at Lin Tai. He flew back like a ragdoll, coughing blood, crashing in disgrace.
"You dare act in Sacred City?" Lin Tai shrieked, fear and fury contorting his face.
Mu Zi Yin retracted her hand, her voice a silken blade. "A prodigy so frail? I merely shielded my sisters from your wine, yet it struck you. My apologies."
The crowd's eyes narrowed, awed by her casual deflection, injuring a Golden Core Perfection with a gesture. They assumed she concealed her Mid Nascent Soul realm, unaware she was a Spirit Form titan beyond their perception.
"Hmph!" Lin Tai, seeing no allies, slunk back to his seat, mocked by scornful glances. His pride demanded he stay, hoping Le Kang's favor would salvage his chance at the Frenzy Battle Faction.
The hall quieted, none daring to echo Lin Tai's folly, granting the women peace. As more prodigies arrived, seats filled, and the banquet's fervor resumed. Toasts and boasts echoed, yet the women's corner remained an island of calm, a stark contrast to the revelry.
Two more prodigies, emboldened by their charm, approached, only to retreat rebuffed, their egos bruised.
"Young Master Le Kang arrives!" the maids' chorus rang, silencing the hall.
All eyes turned to the central throne, where a figure emerged. Le Kang strode forth, his steps a tiger's prowl, white robes flowing, his handsome face framed by unbound hair. His Early Spirit Form aura pulsed, amplifying his commanding presence the vice-leader of the Frenzy Battle Faction, a veteran of the Sacred Lotus Academy.
His gaze swept the hall, pausing on the four women, his pupils contracting. Stunned briefly, he suppressed a flicker of desire, his voice warm and resonant. "I, Kang, am honored by the presence of such gallant youths and radiant beauties. My heartfelt thanks!"
The crowd rose, bowing with flattery. "Young Master Le speaks too kindly! Your presence is our privilege!"
"Indeed, as our senior, guide us henceforth!"
"Young Master Le's charm captivates!" a maiden giggled.
Le Kang's eyes crinkled with satisfaction at the adulation, his gaze lingering on the women, noting their detached scrutiny. Intrigued, he raised his cup. "My honor remains. A toast to all!"
"Fine wine!" the crowd echoed, draining their cups.
The women, as courteous guests, sipped lightly, their restraint noted. "What's this? Do you scorn Young Master Le?" Lin Tai, nursing his grudge, sneered.
Le Kang's eyes flickered, a trace of displeasure surfacing. The crowd chimed in, "Ladies, a mere cup drink fully to honor the host!"
"We're unaccustomed to wine," Li Zhu Luan said, her tone cool.
"If it's troublesome, we'll depart," Bai Su Mei added, her voice icy, weary of the charade.
Le Kang's heart sank losing these enigmatic beauties was unthinkable. "Haha, a few drops matter not! Let's not trouble our fair guests," he laughed, defusing the tension.
"Hmph, the young master speaks, but guests should respect their host," Lin Tai muttered, unyielding.
Le Kang's eyes flashed with hidden anger at Lin Tai's disruptions, but he maintained his genial facade, shifting focus. "Those from Sixth-Grade Powers and above likely hold direct Academy slots, bypassing trials?"
Nods rippled through the crowd. Sixth-Grade Powers received two slots, up to five for Ninth-Grade, granting direct entry. Talents from these powers could still join trials independently, while those from Fifth-Grade or lower relied solely on trials.
Lin Tai preened, one of his Lin Clan's two direct slots. "Those with slots wishing to join the Frenzy Battle Faction, raise your hands," Le Kang said, smiling.
Lin Tai's arms shot up first, followed by several youths. Le Kang nodded, pleased—slot-holders were rarely mediocre, ideal for his faction.
"Those joining us, my aides will register you post-banquet. On recruitment day, we'll be family! Cheers!" Le Kang drained another cup.
Some twenty remained seated, uninterested, including Mu Zi Yin's group, their disinterest clear. Le Kang approached, his tone courteous. "May I know your names and origins, ladies?"
"We're independent cultivators, unaffiliated," Mu Zi Yin replied calmly.
"You'll face the trials, then?" Le Kang's eyes betrayed surprise, believing their candor, as lies would unravel at recruitment.
The crowd's eyes gleamed with disdain independent cultivators were lesser in their eyes, sparking predatory thoughts among some men. "I know a trial overseer, a Void Refining elder. Should you need aid, speak, and I'll assist," Le Kang offered, his pride thinly veiled.
The crowd gasped, awed by his connection to a Void Refining titan. "We'll pass the trials on merit. Thank you," Liu Shi Qin said, her voice a cool rebuff.
"Very well, stay as honored guests," Le Kang said, his heart darkening, though his smile held.
"We've matters to attend. Farewell," Bai Mu Mei said, rising, her patience spent.
As they turned, Bai Mu Mei gasped, covering her mouth in joy. "Tố Mai, what's wrong?" her sisters asked.
"It's him! I sense him he's back!" Bai Mu Mei's eyes shimmered with tears, her smile radiant.
"Truly? Hurry, let's find that rogue!" Li Zhu Luan beamed, her worries dissolving.
Mu Zi Yin and Liu Shi Qin, steadier, exhaled in relief, sharing contented smiles. Hand in hand, the four women departed, their intimacy a vision under the crowd's stunned gaze.
Le Kang's heart twisted, as if stabbed, his pride wounded. These women, cold to him, now glowed for another, their contrast fueling his resentment. "Friends, let's step out. I sense a remarkable figure awaits," he said, calming his turmoil, leading his allies from the tavern.
The crowd surged after, the banquet's fervor dissolving in their wake.