Next morning, Lucas stretched his limbs, feeling refreshed from the night's cultivation. The first thing he noticed was Lira's gaze. She was avoiding his eyes, her hands fidgeting slightly in her lap. The soft glow of morning light through the curtains highlighted the delicate blush on her cheeks.
"Good morning, Master," she greeted in a quiet, almost hesitant voice.
Lucas smirked. She's shy.
She had been bold last night, completely giving herself to him in a way that surprised even her. Now, in the aftermath, she was clearly struggling to process it. Her fingers lightly gripped the hem of her dress, her shoulders tense, as if unsure how to act around him now.
Lucas took his time to admire her.
She looked different.
Her already delicate features had become even more radiant. Her hair had a silkier sheen, catching the sunlight in a way it never had before. Her skin was smoother, fairer, with an unmistakable glow. Even her body had subtly changed—her curves were fuller, more refined. Her breasts and hips had become slightly more pronounced, her waist a little tighter, and her overall appearance exuded an almost otherworldly beauty.
Lucas knew exactly why.
The Dual Cultivation Technique.
Not only did it strengthen cultivation, but it also enhanced the body and mind. He had experienced it himself—his own strength had jumped two entire stages in just one night. For Lira, who had been at the novice rank, the effects were even more dramatic.
Lucas walked over to her and, without warning, wrapped his arms around her in a gentle hug.
Lira stiffened in shock.
"Relax," he murmured. "How are you feeling this morning?"
She hesitated before responding, her voice softer than usual. "I… I feel amazing, Master."
"Good." Lucas pulled back slightly, meeting her gaze. "Tell me… do you feel a surge in your cultivation?"
"Yes, Master," she admitted. "I can feel it, but… I can't seem to control it."
Lucas nodded, expecting that. She was overflowing with energy, but without the proper knowledge, she wouldn't be able to channel it properly.
"Sit down," he instructed, gesturing toward the meditation cushion. "I'll guide you through it."
Lira obeyed instantly, lowering herself to the cushion and folding her legs underneath her. Lucas knelt beside her, placing a hand on her back to help her regulate the energy flowing through her meridians.
"Close your eyes and focus," he said. "Feel the energy moving through your body. Don't fight it—guide it."
Lira followed his instructions, her breathing steadying as she concentrated. Lucas watched closely, adjusting her posture when necessary, giving her pointers whenever she faltered.
Minutes passed.
Then suddenly—
A soft boom of Qi energy rippled from her body.
Lucas smirked. She did it.
When she opened her eyes, a flicker of shock and excitement danced in them.
"Master… I…" she trailed off, touching her chest as if trying to comprehend the power coursing through her.
"You just broke through to the first stage of the adept rank," Lucas told her.
Lira gasped. "Already?"
Lucas chuckled. "Why do you sound so surprised? Did you think I'd let my partner fall too far behind?"
Lira's cheeks turned a shade redder, but this time, she held his gaze—no longer shy, but filled with a newfound confidence.
Lucas watched as Lira sat in deep concentration, absorbing the energy surging within her. He could feel the shift in her aura, the newfound strength beginning to take root. But it wasn't enough—not yet. She had to keep growing.
He leaned back, running a hand through his damp hair. If she falls too far behind, she'll become a weakness. Not just for herself, but for him as well. This world was brutal—those who lacked strength were nothing more than pawns to be used, discarded, or destroyed.
Dual Cultivation wasn't just about his own gains. The technique thrived on balance. If she's too weak, she won't be able to sustain the Yin energy flow.
"I'll end up draining her rather than benefiting from the exchange." He thought. That wouldn't help either of them. They needed to advance together, step by step, to ensure the technique worked at its full potential.
More than that, he didn't want her to feel powerless. Strength determines everything here. If she lags behind, she'll eventually start feeling like she doesn't belong at my side. That kind of distance would be worse than any physical gap in cultivation. He had already lost too much in his past life—he wouldn't let weakness create another separation.
And then there was the most brutal truth of all.
"The stronger I get, the more powerful my enemies will be. There will come a time when I'm not around to protect her. If she isn't strong enough to defend herself, she won't stand a chance when that day comes."
Lucas sighed, watching as Lira's Qi stabilized. She had broken through, but there was still a long way to go. For us to walk this path together, she must grow alongside me. He wasn't just building his own strength—he was ensuring that when the storms came, she wouldn't just survive. She'd stand beside him, unshaken.
Lucas and Lira stepped outside after Lira was done stabilizing her Qi. The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of blooming flowers from the palace gardens. Lira walked a step behind Lucas, her hands neatly folded in front of her, still adjusting to the overwhelming surge of energy she had gained from the cultivation.
The two of them made their way toward the academy, their steps light but steady. Lira, despite her newfound energy, was still nervous. The academy was a place of nobles, young elites, and arrogant disciples who looked down on servants like her. She felt out of place walking beside Lucas, but she wouldn't let it show.
Lucas noticed. "Relax, Lira," he said, his voice calm but firm. "You're not just a servant anymore. You're my apprentice. Act like it."
Lira nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat.
The academy gates were grand, towering over them with intricate carvings of legendary cultivators locked in battle. Two guards stood at the entrance, their sharp eyes scanning the newcomers. Lucas held out his identification token, and after a brief inspection, they stepped aside, letting him through.
Inside, the academy grounds buzzed with activity. Students sparred in designated training areas, their Qi clashing in bursts of energy. Others sat in small groups, discussing cultivation techniques or reading ancient scrolls. The atmosphere was thick with ambition and competition.
Lucas ignored the stares. Some recognized him as Xavier, the once-weak young noble who had been in a coma for months. Whispers spread quickly.
"Did you hear? He can cultivate now."
"Impossible. He was barely a novice before."
"Maybe his father pulled some strings."
Lucas smirked at their murmurs but kept walking. They could talk all they wanted—soon, they'd see for themselves.
Approaching the registration hall, he pushed the doors open, the scent of old parchment and incense filling his nostrils. An elder sat behind a large wooden desk, scribbling on a scroll. He barely looked up.
"Name?" the elder asked dryly.
"Lucas Graves," he almost said out of habit. But he caught himself in time. "Xavier Alden."
The elder finally glanced up, eyes narrowing. "Ah… you. The one who returned from a coma." His gaze flickered to Lira, standing quietly behind him. "And who's this?"
"My apprentice," Lucas answered, his tone neutral but firm.
The elder frowned. "Servants aren't allowed to—"
"She's my apprentice," Lucas cut in. "If there's a problem, take it up with Elder Gideon."
The elder hesitated. No one wanted to challenge a respected court elder. With a sigh, he dipped his brush in ink and scribbled down Lucas' name.
"You're officially reinstated. Your classes will resume tomorrow." He slid a token across the desk. "Don't waste this opportunity, Alden."
Lucas pocketed the token and turned to leave. As they walked out of the hall, Lira's eyes shone with admiration. He didn't hesitate to stand up for me.
The academy visit was done, but Lucas wasn't ready to head back just yet. There were a few things he needed before fully settling in—cultivation resources, new robes, and perhaps a decent weapon.
"Let's go to the stalls" he said, turning to Lira.
She blinked in surprise but nodded quickly, following behind as they made their way through the academy gates and into the bustling streets beyond. The market was alive with energy—vendors shouting prices, the scent of roasted meats and fresh herbs filling the air, and cultivators bargaining over rare materials.
Lira stayed close, her eyes darting around.
Lucas led the way to a shop selling cultivation pills. He browsed through the selection, picking out what he needed. "I'll take these," he told the shopkeeper, tossing a pouch of coins onto the counter.
Lira watched silently, impressed at how casually he handled everything. He carried himself differently now—confident, in control.
After finishing his purchases, they strolled through the market, passing by a small jewelry stall. Lucas stopped, eyes landing on a delicate hairpin carved from jade, simple yet elegant.
"You like that?" he asked, glancing at Lira.
She hesitated. "It's beautiful."
Lucas picked it up without another word and handed a few coins to the vendor. Then, turning to Lira, he placed the pin in her hands.
"For you," he said simply.
Lira's breath hitched. "Master, I can't—"
"Take it." His tone left no room for argument. "Consider it a gift."
Her fingers tightened around the hairpin. No one had ever given her something just for the sake of it. She lowered her head, trying to suppress the warmth rising to her cheeks.
Unbeknownst to them, a pair of sharp eyes had been watching the entire interaction from a distance.
Selene.
She had left the academy shortly after Lucas, curious about where he was going. And now, standing in the crowd
, she clenched her fists as she watched him give that gift to another woman.
Her heart twisted in a way she didn't expect.
That should have been me.