The days that followed Rylan's triumphant return to Oakhaven with the Dire Wolf carcass solidified his position within the village. The villagers, once merely cautious, now viewed him with a mixture of reverence and genuine gratitude. The threat of the Dire Wolf, a pervasive fear that had curtailed their access to essential resources, was gone, thanks to his single-handed effort.
He maintained his façade of a generous, powerful wanderer, but beneath the surface, Rylan was meticulously calculating. Oakhaven was more than just a temporary shelter; it was a stepping stone, a secure base where he could grow his power and gather crucial intelligence.
Each night, under the cover of the small, borrowed room in Elder Kael's home, Rylan continued his dual cultivation with both Elara and Lyra. The System's rules were absolute, and the rewards were tangible. With Elara, the dual cultivation was gentle, focused on nurturing her nascent Qi Gathering realm and drawing out the steady, fundamental energy she provided. With Lyra, it was more intense. Her inherent Minor Mana Affinity made her a particularly potent partner, and the energy she contributed felt cleaner, more invigorating.
With each session, Rylan felt his Foundation Establishment (Late-Stage) realm deepen, the spiritual energy in his Dantian becoming denser, more refined. He wasn't on the verge of a breakthrough yet, but the continuous influx of energy was making him formidable, his control over his spiritual essence growing. The Lustful Emperor's Guidance also passively aided both women; Elara's Qi Gathering progressed steadily, and Lyra, with her sharper mind, began to grasp the fundamentals of sensing and channeling spiritual energy with remarkable speed. Her "Herbal Lore" skill, passively acquired, also meant she instinctively knew how to find and utilize rare medicinal herbs that could subtly aid in cultivation, even without direct System prompts.
During the day, Rylan immersed himself in village life, ostensibly helping with the harvest and further clearing the North River path. This gave him ample opportunity to observe, to listen, and to subtly exert his growing influence. He engaged Elder Kael in long conversations, skillfully extracting information about the Baron Von Hess, his reputation, his territory, and, most importantly, any rumors about the Jade Empire.
He learned that Baron Von Hess was a petty tyrant, more interested in enriching himself than protecting his populace. His personal guards were rough, uncultivated soldiers, but he reportedly had a few Qi Condensation realm cultivators in his direct service, gifted to him by the Jade Empire to ensure his loyalty. This detail caught Rylan's attention. Qi Condensation was the realm directly above Foundation Establishment. A challenge, but not an insurmountable one.
The Jade Empire itself was a distant, awe-inspiring entity, spoken of with both reverence and fear. Its capital, Jade City, was rumored to be impenetrable, protected by powerful arrays and legions of cultivators. Seraphina and her clan would be there.
One afternoon, while working near the village well, Rylan noticed a group of women gathered, their faces etched with worry. A young woman, perhaps Lyra's age, with dark, anxious eyes, was speaking in hushed, distressed tones. Rylan subtly activated the Harem System's scanning function.
[Ding! Potential Harem Member Detected!]
[Name: Lena (Unregistered)][Status: Fearful, Burdened, Latent Healing Affinity (Weak)][Challenge Rating: Medium-Low][Conquest Requirement: Alleviate her immediate burden and offer enduring security. Dispel her fear.][Potential Reward: Foundation Establishment (Late-Stage to Peak), Minor Healing Affinity, Harem Slot +1, "Medicinal Practices" (Basic Knowledge Skill)]
Rylan turned his attention fully to the group. "What troubles you, ladies?" he asked, his voice calm and empathetic, yet with an underlying authority that made them look at him.
The anxious young woman, Lena, wrung her hands. "It's my mother, Master Rylan," she explained, her voice trembling. "She fell ill yesterday, a terrible fever. The village healer, old Master Borin, says he needs a rare herb from the Whispering Peak, but no one dares go. It's too dangerous, especially with the Baron's patrols being so aggressive lately. And without the herb... my mother won't last the night."
Rylan's eyes narrowed slightly. Whispering Peak. Aggressive Baron patrols. A rare herb needed urgently. And a clear "Conquest Requirement" from the System. This was an opportunity wrapped in a crisis.
"Whispering Peak, you say?" Rylan mused aloud. "And the Baron's patrols?" He paused, letting the fear in their eyes amplify the perceived danger. Then, he looked directly at Lena, his gaze piercing but reassuring. "Do not despair, Lena. I will go to the Whispering Peak. I will retrieve the herb for your mother."
Lena's eyes widened, a fragile spark of hope igniting within them. "You... you would, Master Rylan? But it's so dangerous!"
"Danger is merely an obstacle," Rylan replied, his voice firm, projecting absolute confidence. "Your mother needs this. I will bring it back."
The women murmured, awe and relief sweeping through the group. Lena's fearful status on the Harem System's overlay already began to subtly shift.
Rylan turned, a determined glint in his eyes. Whispering Peak might hold dangers, but it also held the promise of his next breakthrough. The Lustful Emperor was about to face a new challenge, and claim his next prize.
End of chapter 11