Before Kael could finish speaking, Rikka burst into laughter. She laughed so hard her body shook. "Who do you think you are? The monk Tang Seng, whose flesh grants immortality with a single bite?"
To her, Kael's words were nonsense, utterly absurd. But Kael wasn't angered by her mockery. "I may not be Tang Seng, but in this regard, I surpass him."
With that, Kael beckoned with his finger. Rikka was pulled by an invisible force, flying into his arms. She was shocked.
"If you don't believe me, I'll prove it now."
As he spoke, Kael stripped off the clothes she had just put back on. At the same time, he used certain seductive techniques. Rikka blushed, her body burning with uncontrollable heat.
Kael lifted her onto the desk, and they consummated. Throughout, Kael naturally employed the Flying Together demonic art. With its power, yin and yang energy flowed rapidly through them both. This was the sign of initiation into the art. When yin and yang energy transformed into yin-yang mana, it would mean Kael had mastered it.
But this was a long process. One Sumeragi Rikka was not enough to achieve it. Still, the yin-yang energy gave her significant improvement. For Kael, however, it was negligible. Already at Third Rank Lower, even yin-yang mana would barely matter. Only when he used the Primordial Heavenly Demon Chapter to absorb the Flying Together art would he gain great benefit. But he wouldn't waste it before breaking through a bottleneck.
Afterward, Rikka felt refreshed, full of energy instead of tired. That was the benefit of the art—pleasure and vigor. She also noticed her chronic back pain from long hours at her desk had vanished. Her skin was smoother, her body renewed.
Now she realized Kael hadn't been joking. Dual cultivation with him truly brought great benefits. Yet it seemed unbelievable. That such an act could yield benefits was beyond reason.
"What is going on?" she asked.
She had only heard that such acts drained energy, leaving one weak if indulged too much. She never imagined it could bring benefits.
Kael smiled. "Have you heard of dual cultivation arts?"
Though not a Taoist, Rikka had heard of them. They were well-known in modern society.
"You actually know such secret arts?"
"I know many. Dual cultivation is just one."
Tempted by the benefits, Rikka leaned closer, eager for more. Kael didn't refuse, and they embraced again. This time she was cooperative, even proactive.
When it ended, Kael patted her and asked: "So, have I passed the test?"
Sumeragi Rikka didn't answer, her expression conflicted. "I hesitate. Just now, I suddenly imagined growing old with you. I know it was impulsive, but it proves your charm.
My students are innocent. If they spend time with you, they might fall in love. This system is meant to relieve stress, not find boyfriends. So I hesitate."
Kael was surprised. Even after dual cultivation twice, she still refused him. Her resolve was unusual. No wonder she was principal. She had strength.
"In that case, forget it."
He dressed. He wasn't one to force others. If she hesitated, he wouldn't push. It was only a private academy. This world had no shortage of beautiful women.
Before leaving, Kael said: "Do me a favor."
Rikka didn't refuse. "What do you want?"
"Meet Lady Yukinoshita and casually mention the benefits you gained from dual cultivation with me."
Rikka laughed. "Lady Yukinoshita is older than me, and you're interested in her? Are you into older women?"
Kael explained: "You misunderstand. She has the Inner Charm Body, the best for dual cultivation. With her, I gain much."
Sumeragi Rikka understood, but asked challengingly: "And me?"
Women often had strange competitiveness.
Kael smiled. "So-so."
He left the office. After leaving the academy, Kael returned home and slept.
The next morning, he was awakened by his phone ringing. Groggy, he answered. "Hello, who is it?"
"It's me!" Marin's voice came through. "Renjou-kun, are you free today?"
"I'm free." Kael had planned to hunt spirits to strengthen himself. But Marin's call was clearly an invitation. He wouldn't refuse.