Chapter 23: The Truth
The room was quiet, save for the gentle sound of Lira’s soft breathing. She lay fast asleep, her body completely drained from their earlier intimacy. A small, satisfied smile rested on her lips, and her delicate features looked even more serene under the dim light.
Lucas stretched his arms, feeling the surge of power coursing through his body. He had successfully broken through two stages, reaching the late stage of the Adept Rank. The immense Yin energy he had absorbed from Lira had accelerated his progress far beyond what an ordinary cultivator could achieve in months. If he wished, he could push himself further, stepping into the next realm—but he knew better. Strength without stability was dangerous. He needed to solidify his foundation first.
He stood up and freshened himself, wiping away the sweat from his body and changing into a fresh set of robes. His gaze drifted back to Lira, still peacefully resting on the soft blankets. Even in her exhausted state, he could sense a lingering aura of Yin energy radiating from her. It was strange—after such intense dual cultivation, her reserves should have been significantly depleted, yet she still exuded an almost unnatural abundance of Yin.
"That’s... odd," he muttered to himself, frowning slightly.
Something about Lira was unusual. Most women, especially those who hadn’t cultivated extensively, would have needed time to recover their Yin essence after such an exchange. Yet, Lira’s energy remained strong, as if untouched. It was something worth investigating, but not tonight. She needed rest, and he had other matters to focus on.
For now, he would let her sleep. But soon, he would need to uncover the mystery behind her seemingly boundless Yin energy.
Lucas had just settled into his thoughts when a firm knock on the door pulled him back to reality. His brows furrowed slightly as he stood up and walked over. He opened the door just enough to peek outside, keeping his body positioned to block the view of the room behind him. The last thing he needed was for anyone—especially Selene—to see Lira resting inside.
And there she was, standing before him. Selene Fairchild.
"Wrong time to come," Lucas thought, his expression betraying mild irritation.
"I’ve come to talk to you, Xavier," Selene said softly, her voice carrying a touch of hesitation.
Lucas regarded her with an indifferent gaze. "What is it?" He didn’t step aside, making it clear she wasn’t welcome inside.