Time quietly flowed, and Gwen's life had formed a peculiar duality.
During the day, she was still the blonde girl bustling between school, band, and family, but no one knew that she now possessed strength and secrets far beyond ordinary people.
At night, or whenever she had the opportunity to be alone, she would transform into a diligent "cultivator" and... Michael's "regular visitor."
Gwen's 'dual cultivation' with Michael had evolved from initial shyness and struggle to a state of normalcy, and even… a secret anticipation.
Each fusion of energy was like a dual baptism of soul and body, not only bringing a leap in power but also an indescribable sense of belonging and satisfaction that left her addicted and unable to extricate herself.
This normalized 'dual cultivation' brought Earth-shattering changes to Gwen.
Her skin became even fairer and more delicate, as if Water could be squeezed from it, and her figure became more well-proportioned and alluring, full of youthful vitality and an indescribable charm.
She was no longer the slightly innocent girl she once was but began to exude a unique charm that lay between a girl and a woman.
Due to the growth of her power and the existence of her secret, she became more confident; the confusion in her eyes lessened, replaced by determination and… a subtle hint of danger.
Walking down the street, her head-turning rate soared, and even the football players at school who used to ignore her now looked at her with fiery gazes.
The most significant change, however, was in her abilities.
Climbing walls was like instinct, her spider sense could almost predict any subtle change happening around her, and her strength and speed reached an astonishing level.
Once during band practice, the drummer accidentally knocked over the heavy drum kit; seeing it about to hit someone, Gwen instinctively reached out and easily held up the dozens-of-pounds-heavy drum kit, stunning all her teammates.
"Wow! Gwen! When did you get so strong?" The bassist, Mary Jane, asked with her mouth agape.
"Uh… I've been working out recently," Gwen could only explain, feeling a chill in her heart.
She had to hide her secret more carefully.
Her father, Director George Stacy, also vaguely noticed his daughter's changes. His daughter seemed to have become more independent, more assertive, and… more beautiful, but she also seemed to have more on her mind.
"Gwen, are you hiding something from me recently?" Director George asked casually during dinner one time.
"No, Dad, you're overthinking it," Gwen said, pushing around the salad on her plate, her eyes flickering slightly.
"Is that so?" Director George looked deeply at his daughter. "Anyway, be careful. The city isn't peaceful lately."
Gwen's heart warmed, and she nodded: "I know, Dad."
She knew what her father was worried about, but she also knew that she was no longer the little girl who needed to be protected at all times.
She had gained the power to protect herself, and even others.
And Michael, who had given her all of this, was not without changes during this time.
Every dual cultivation session with Gwen greatly benefited him.
The special Yin essence power generated in Gwen's body due to the spider mutation was an excellent 'tonic' for the Yin Yang Harmony Manual.
The Harmony True Qi in Michael's Dantian had condensed to a critical point, as if it could break through the bottleneck and enter the second stage of the cultivation method at any time.
Once he broke through, his strength would undergo a qualitative leap, his spiritual sense would expand, his True Qi would become more refined, and his control over energy would be more effortless.
He would even be able to initially perform some secret techniques of the Harmony Sect.
But he was not in a hurry to break through.
The Yin Yang Harmony Manual emphasized the harmony of Yin and Yang, and natural progression. Forcing a breakthrough might destabilize his foundation.
Moreover, he was still waiting for a better 'opportunity'.
Although Gwen's energy was pure, its attributes were relatively singular.
If he could find more women with different attributes and equally powerful potential for 'dual cultivation', absorbing more diverse Yin essence power, then his breakthrough would be more perfect, and his future achievements would be even greater.
His spiritual sense, like a tireless radar, constantly scanned the city.
That woman in Hell's Kitchen with a dark and tenacious aura… seemed to be a lawyer?
She defended justice by day, but by night, she seemed to transform into an elf in the darkness, agile and resolute.
In a S.H.I.E.L.D. Base, that red-haired Agent codenamed 'Black Widow', her aura was like the most dangerous venomous snake, cold and lethal, yet with a fatal allure.
Her body seemed to have undergone some special modification; her energy composition was very peculiar.
And that… goddess, presumably from Asgard?
Her power system was completely different from Earth's, full of divine and destructive auras. If he could dual cultivate with her… Michael could even feel his Harmony True Qi stirring.
Of course, he also sensed other 'anomalies'.
For example, that playboy flying around in his Iron Man Suit, that old ice cube with a shield, that irritable big brother who could turn into a green hulk… The power systems of this World were truly diverse and extremely interesting.
Michael lay on the sofa, holding a glass of red wine, a faint smile playing on his lips.
Gwen, this seed, had grown robustly; it was time to find the next… more fertile soil.
He wasn't worried that Gwen would be displeased by this.
The Harmony Sect's cultivation method came with a peculiar connection.
As long as he wished, he could make any woman who had dual cultivated with him develop a deep-seated reliance and… obedience towards him.
Of course, Michael didn't like to use force.
He preferred to watch his prey willingly step into his carefully woven web, one step at a time.
For example, the famous Black Widow—Natasha Romanoff.
Michael could feel that vague, almost imperceptible gazes were beginning to fall on Gwen.
Was it S.H.I.E.L.D.?
Because of the street robbery incident last time?
"Perfect timing," Michael took a sip of red wine, a glint of light flashing in his eyes.