On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

The door to her room slammed shut behind her, and soon Daiyu and I were on her bed, the cool feeling of the white silk sheets against our bare skin somehow thrilling, promising what was to come. I couldn’t help but glance around, despite having been in her room before. It was just like Daiyu’s personality, straightforward, clean and elegant, mostly in black and white, though she did like the colour green as well.

Seeing me looking, Daiyu, next to me on the bed, leaned in, black eyes as moist as her damp lips, and kissed me. Soon her tongue was probing me passionately, and I responded, tangling mine with hers, pulling her into my arms, the white and gold dress she wore making her appear like an elegant fairy. Just like in the Cultivation novels. Daiyu’s definitely worth the title of jade beauty.

“So, you want to Dual Cultivate?” I asked, and she nodded, though she seemed a little annoyed.

“Of course. Growing stronger is important. If I am to keep up with you, stay by your side, I need strength. But I also enjoy the intimacy, the closeness.” She kissed me again, on the forehead this time. “I would not have you think I am only interested in what I can gain. You hesitated enough.”

“Can you blame me?” I asked, hugging her tightly. Daiyu’s chest wasn’t massive, but for her build it was large enough, and she usually wore Cultivator-style robes which were rather tight, emphasising what she had. “You were suddenly put in my care, and… like Hinata, you’re… well, your age made it a little uncomfortable for me.”

“Why?” Daiyu asked, genuinely puzzled. “Wait, no, I think I understand.” Daiyu let out a slightly aggrieved sigh. “Seeing your lively sister, who is very carefree, and the women from the training school of various ages… unlike in the world of Cultivation, the young are encouraged to eschew weighty burdens, to grow slowly, to enjoy themselves. But I… I am not such. As I have told you, since the day I could walk I have trained. Martial arts, Cultivation, the Six Noble Pursuits. I have never been a child, for Cultivators do not have a childhood. Although…”

“Yes?” I prompted. There’s always something new to discover about women. They always have more hidden depths, and even when I think i’ve figured them out, look away for a day, even an hour, and they’ll have changed. Perhaps now I’ve realised that, I’ve truly become a riajuu?

“Now is hardly the time, the situation here in Japan is not settled. But seeing Asha, it makes me think of our own children. I want them to follow in my footsteps, just as I followed in my father’s, and his parents before him. But I also do not wish to deny them the joys of an ordinary life, a childhood, such as your sister, Eri, Kana and others had. To that end…” Her dark eyes met mine, her gaze honest and earnest. “…I will be strict, yet also kind. But we have strayed from the topic.” She kissed my forehead tenderly again. “I was capable of seeing for myself, deciding for myself. You did not force me. I am a woman of great pride. Perhaps many men would find that off-putting. With my status as a prodigy, and beautiful one…” She smiled wryly, and I fond myself laughing. Daiyu certainly isn’t modest. But she’s earned the right not to be.

“…I was well used to envy from women, and jealousy from men. Many wished to dominate me, tame me… but I am Zhao Daiyu, I bend to none I do not choose. You worried that it was fast, that we did not know each other, but as I said… I was alone in the world, cast adrift on the tides, and I washed ashore into your hands. It was clearly the will of the Heavens. No Cultivator would question such. And…” This time she kissed my lips, and deeply her tongue probed. She took my hand, placing it on her chest, and despite the white cloth in the way I groped it, and her mouth opened a little as we kissed, leaking out a pleased, aroused moan. I restrained myself to just a little fondling though, and as we parted, a thin bridge of saliva momentarily linking our tongues, I felt she looked at me a little reproachfully, before her serious demeanour returned.

“…besides, you were to my taste. I confess, I did not see my Dao companion as someone to be shared, but I also have no resistance to the possibility, considering that concubines are not unusual in the Sects. Father never took one, he was devoted to mother, but… I am not my father. Neither are you.”

“I promise I’m not conflicted anymore.” I reassured her. “Honestly, it’s been a lot to get my head around. Eri, I thought I’d spend my life with her, but… honestly, I also loved Shaeula, but lied to myself. Honestly, I lie to myself a lot. I’d loved Shiro too, even before this, but never admitted it to anyone, least of all myself. But things have changed. Hinata came into my life like a bolt of lightning, chaotic and fun, and then one after another I accepted more girls. I felt bad, especially for Eri, but…”

“But Eri is stronger than you believed. You still cannot help but see her as that small child you had to protect. I understand her well.” Daiyu concluded. “But surely your thoughts have changed?”

“Yeah, honestly, feeling bad is just selfishness, to make me feel better. I know it, I have to own it. I chose everyone, because I wanted to. I may have felt pressured, like with Hinata, but… I chose to give in. Therefore I will accept it. And I want everyone to be happy, and…” I’m not selfless, nobody is. The truth is… “…honestly, I want you all. Perhaps it’s greed like that why I might be suitable to be Astral Emperor, despite my misgivings. But… I refuse to just take. So as the numbers of girls within my arms increase, I worry that each of you won’t receive the full share of love you need. And… I may be determined, but I already know there will be more who I fall for, more who fall for me… it’s only going to get worse.”

“It is.” Daiyu agreed. “But fortunately, you have no weak little flowers, who only exist to look good in a vase, to be placed on a shelf and forgotten. Even those who would be ordinary, those you considered young girls… Eri, Kana, Hinata, Aiko… they all strive to become their best selves. No, to transcend their limits, and be better. And not just for you, but for their own pride. I respect them. They may not be Cultivators, not yet, but they live the essence of it. And… we are not merely ordinary. Shaeula, Hyacinth, Asha… you as well. You will live hundreds of years, perhaps more, if not slain in battle. I too… I have now seen a Saint, false as he was, and in the visions, true ones. And we have even tasted the edges of a Tribulation above Sainthood. I have seen the heights of Mount Tai, and while the distance is great, the drop frightening, to know it exists, and that others will help me walk that path, fills me with anticipation. Now, since it is the day of my birth, and you agreed to listen to all my wishes and whims… I shall be brief, as I have other things to do. But… remember, in the world of Cultivation, he who has the biggest fists makes the rules, and all problems yield to power. You are a dragon, Akio. Not meant to be bound by mortal limitations. Simply grow stronger, and find a way to satisfy us, all of us, those with you now, and those yet to come.”

“I know.” I agreed. “I’m certainly not the fool I was, am I?” I asked, and Daiyu merely smiled slightly, a touch mocking, and I pretended to be angry.

“Oh, make a fool of me will you? Then… you have to be punished!”

“Really?” Daiyu giggled teasingly, showing her hidden softer side when we were alone. “If you can! I am proud of my durability, and I heal fast.”

Her eyes were bright, and I took the bait. I grabbed at her chest again, squeezing more firmly, and she let out a gentle moan. My knee slid up her body, pushing up the long skirt of her robe, revealing her slender, jade-like thighs, and the rather risqué black panties she wore. Seeing those further inflamed my passions, and one hand reached down, tickling her inner thighs, while my other hand crept to her bottom, kneading and groping the smooth flesh, which was rapidly becoming hot to the touch.

Daiyu’s breath was coming faster, and we locked lips again. Pulling at her panties, I slid them down a little, observing a scattering of droplets of sour-smelling nectar. Seeing I had noticed, her skin flushed, but her movements grew furiously passionate. Pressed against me, her body winding sinuously, she reached down and tugged down my pants, my already hard cock popping free. For a moment she froze in surprise and I laughed, kissing her playfully, lightly tapping her bare bottom. “Why are you so shocked? You’ve seen it before. More than seen it.”

“I know.” Daiyu pouted, showing a rich series of expressions in the heat of our intimacy. “Regardless, I am still lacking experience. Though I do strive to be the best, as I told you before. Be it in Cultivation, martial arts or love, I shall soar like the phoenix to the Heavens!” she promised, making good on her words by gently grasping my manhood. One hand stroked the glans, tingling on my sensitive flesh, while the other gripped my shaft, tightening and loosening as if it was her pussy, as she stroked me.

Unwilling to be undone, I unlaced the toggles that held her robe-like dress shut, baring her breasts, clad in a black bra. I tugged, and her breasts spilled free, her nipples already pink and hard. With an expression of delight I started sucking on one, biting it gently, and she moaned softly, though she didn’t stop her hands. Shooting me a reproachful look, she opened her mouth to speak, only for her words to be swallowed by another, louder gasp. I rolled my tongue around her nipple, gently stroking it, sucking on her pale flesh, leaving rosy kiss marks behind, and while I was doing that, my fingers spread her pussy, more droplets of love nectar falling. I scooped a drizzle out, my finger momentarily darting inside her, and then began to wetly polish the bean of her clitoris, her skin flushing with arousal.

“I… will not be outdone!” Daiyu gasped, taking on my challenge. She pulled my cock towards her entrance with her small hands, and for a moment I thought she was going to start having sex, only for her to clamp her legs around my body, her thighs sandwiching my dick. I could feel her panties rubbing against me, and also the hot feel of her flesh. With a mischievous smile she showed off her flexibility, rocking her lower body while now using one hand to rub my glans, the other to stroke my face tenderly, even as I toyed with her breasts.

“Where did you learn this?” I asked, licking her nipples one last time, leaving them damp with my saliva. My lower body felt hot and heavy, the smooth feeling of her thighs, combined with other sensations from her slightly lowered panties driving me towards the peak. She opened her mouth a little, tongue peeking through, seeking a kiss, and I obliged, and when we parted, she giggled, answering me happily.

“It just seems interesting. It is like Cultivation. Some things are just meant to work, but… there are endless variations.” Her thighs tightened, and she teased me further. “I thought you were going to punish me? It seems… you are about ready to burst… uh?” She let out a gasp as I pulled her up into my embrace, my engorged dick throbbing mercilessly. Seating her on my lap, I gently parted her folds, my cock sliding into her pussy, her warm, sticky walls throbbing. As she was penetrated, her skin turned bright pink and she started to sweat.

“So forceful. I hardly hate it though…” Daiyu whispered into my hear, her breath as hot as her body. “…eventually I would have had to find a Companion, or if not, to marry purely to pass on my bloodline to offspring. Perhaps… oh…” I was rubbing her clit still, and that loosened her up, and with one final thrust, scattering precum and her love juices, I was buried to the root, and her expression went slack for a moment, as she fidgeted restlessly. She then recollected herself, continuing. “…yes, perhaps I would have been like Su Caihong, from the visions of the nine-tailed fox we shared. A single dalliance, to make a child, and then lonely. I…” Having recovered from the deep penetration, her breath now more even, she slowly began to slide up and down on me, her tight ass slapping against my thighs, while she guided my free hand to her breasts again. “…am happy it does not have to be that way. So…”

“So?” I encouraged her.

“So no more foolish thoughts about whether I am happy.” she insisted, softly kissing me. I could feel her care and affection through it, and when we parted, I shook my head, even as she slid up and down on my cock, trying to find the areas inside her that gave her the most pleasure. Occasionally she would tremble, eyes widening, and then change her movement patterns, forcing my dick to rub her pleasingly. “I am. And you are. How could… ahn… you not be? With… um, ahn… me?” She was now starting to gasp and moan. “Being… uh… on top in… ahn, ahn… control is very… uh, ahn… satisfying!”

“I don’t worry, not really, not anymore.” I shook my head. “Not about whether it’s right, or good for you.” I started to move my own body, teasing her. “In control you say? I’m still punishing you!”

Wet slaps sounded, and Daiyu groaned. Seeing that her pleasure was intensifying, I realised she had guided me to the spot bringing her the most sexual pleasure, and so I probed at it, moving fast and them slow, alternating, rubbing inside her. My own body was shivering, and I could feel my seed boiling within me, eager to dye her insides.

“Your punishments are… ahh… lewd but… ahn… so kind!” Daiyu managed, expression slack. “I… am… flying away! Ahh… soaring!” Daiyu convulsed, the rich scent of her sweat and nectars tugging at my nose. Her pussy convulsed, clamping down on me, and only my iron willpower stopped me cumming straight away. I had something to say first, but I was also eager to release myself, indulging in Daiyu’s body, so I made it quick, tightening the muscles in my ass to prevent me leaking.

“Daiyu, I know I’m the one for you, for everyone. I can’t trust anyone else to make you happy. But… now I have greater worries, because… having accepted everyone in my heart, and… likely accepting others in the future, I want to be just as good for all of you as you are for me.” I admitted it to myself now. I was selfish and greedy, but it did definitely come from a place of love. Some loves grew over a long time, like my feelings for Eri, from a childhood friend to a sister to a lover, whereas others could spark quickly, through shared battles and trials. Or even a flash at a first instant, like Hinata insists she fell for me. All love is as valid as any other, so long as we work at it… With my words I sped up, each thrust shaking Daiyu’s still sensitive body, the afterglow of her orgasm still lingering. Despite that, and her cute little moans and gasps which turned me on even more, her damp black eyes were looking at me curiously and lovingly. Yeah, Daiyu was right. She was meant to wash up on my shore. And nobody will take her from me now…

“I… love you, Daiyu!” I promised, one final thrust accompanied by a long, soft groan as my body convulsed.

“It… ahn… grows larger and hotter inside… uh… me.” Daiyu muttered dreamily. “My insides… so warm… and full!”

I gushed out a torrent of my semen, far in excess of what a normal body should have. Daiyu’s insides were twitching, her womb shivering as I poured it inside her. Soon it was trickling out around the edges of my still iron-hard dick, and I thrust into her a few more times, wringing damp groans from her, until I finally slid free, cloudy white liquid splattering her panties still worn around her thighs. Lying down beside her, I pulled her into my embrace, finishing my thought, stroking her hair and wiping the sweat from her brow. Although… With a mischievous grin I began to toy with her sensitive clit and sodden pussy again, keeping her fire burning, and she gave me a knowing look, though she was far from displeased.

“Thank you, Daiyu.” I kissed her sweaty forehead, tasting her unique scent. “As always, that was magical. But as I was saying… my worry now isn’t whether I’m right to have you all in my life, just… how can I make sure that you are all as happy as you can be? It keeps me up at night sometimes. I think even claiming Earth as an Astral Emperor would be an easier task…”

Arms around me, Daiyu snorted. “Liar. We are all very easy to please.” Daiyu’s stamina had recovered quickly, as befitting such a tough girl with a regenerative Favour. “Everyone is making an effort. Yes, I wish to spend time with you. As do Eri and the others. But today they conceded to me, as I will concede when it is fair. We all know we have to be reasonable. You are our spoils, and when dividing you, we must make sure everyone gets enough. Besides…” She giggled, her breath coming in soft gasps, as her pussy dribbled out more of my cum, pulsating as my fingers aroused it anew. “…you managed to double the time we can spend with you, with your subtle bodies being twinned. That is progress.” Her giggles were somewhat high-pitched.

“True.” I agreed. “Now…” I picked up Daiyu and slid behind her. I pulled down her panties and tossed them aside, before stripping off her dress, which was sadly now covered in sweat and other liquids. She’ll need to change before going out tonight… “We’re not done, are we?”

Daiyu wiggled her ass suggestively, turning her head to look at me. “No, I am not yet satisfied. While it would be nice to spend many days like this in bli…ss…” She sucked in a breath as my dick slid inside her again, her insides now sopping with lubricating fluids, both mine and hers. Touching her belly gently, she smiled. “…we cannot, until we have secured Earth against all our enemies. When that day comes… all of us together will celebrate. I hope you have… ahn…” I began to move, dick sliding in and out, probing different spots from before, her body responding. “…the stamina… uh, ahh, for us… ahn… all!”

“I’m a man, of course I’ll manage.” I snorted, amused, slapping her bottom playfully, the sound ringing out. That made Daiyu tighten on me, so I did it a few more times, until her bottom was faintly pink from other than arousal. “Besides, isn’t it you who brags about your staying power?”

Daiyu smiled challengingly at me, and her ass twitched, as she tightened her own muscles, clamping hard on me. As I groaned in pleasure, her smile turned triumphant.

“Try me and see!” she snickered, balancing on one foot in the doggy-style pose on the bed, her other foot tickling my balls. “I shall be the last woman… standing…”

“Challenge accepted!” I grinned, attacking her insides with a far more rapid pace than our first sex of the day. Not wanting to be outdone, Daiyu’s foot caressed me, and I marvelled at how agile she was, her toes seeming almost as dexterous as fingers as she fondled me. I used my free hand that wasn’t embracing her to play with her clit and asshole, even sliding a finger in a little, loosening her up. Daiyu’s gasps were hoarse, but she refused to relent, and with a cheeky grin, actually used a little Qi. Her long hair twisted around my body, teasing me gently, and with a smile I decided to call her bluff. Pulling out, ignoring her brief moan of disappointment, I grabbed her long, flowing dark locks that had been brushing against my now bare upper body, her hair having somehow removed my shirt. When it comes to Qi control, she’s got more talent than I do with aether, definitely. If anyone’s the prodigy here, it’s her…

“What are you…?” She began, only to look surprised as I wrapped her hair around my dick and started stroking. Daiyu released more Qi, so I was curious, and my Eye shone, and I could see that it was some sort of technique to turn hair into a weapon. Yet she’s using it this way?

“I’m going to…” I cried out moments later, no need to hold back to match with her. I usually enjoyed seeing the girls drowning in pleasure more than feeling my own, but Daiyu was being cheeky, so teasing her tugged at my feelings, making me feel a little sadistic.

“Such a waste…” Daiyu pursed her lips, before her eyes went wide. Moments later I laughed, the crude hair-job we had performed together not feeling the best, but it was something amusing, so I enjoyed it nonetheless. The evidence of that was the spray I cascaded through her silken strands, and soon her hair was stickly and clumping up. The jet had also blasted her face and upper body, beads of white along her breasts, neck and face. With a delicate tongue, she licked up my cum, swallowing it, before looking down at her hair, a momentary expression of annoyance on her face.

“We are supposed to be going out. This will take a lot of effort to…” I cut off her words with a kiss, heedless of her dirty face. Our tongues tangled, and my incredible Fortitude allowed me to remain at full attention. Slipping my dick into her pussy again, I started moving, bodies slapping together rhythmically. As we separated after one such thrust, I grinned, and whispered to her that I would help her clean herself later.

“See that you do.” Daiyu moaned, my movements provoking her into retaliating, shaking her own body, making each of my thrusts deep and penetrating. “I… ahn… have no wish to be… uh… seen in such a state by… ahn… any but you or my… sisters.”

“Sure thing.” I promised, my words hot and fast. Wiping some of the spilled liquids from her pussy into her ass, I kneaded them in, fingers spreading her open. I slid out of her pussy and forced my large member into her tight hole. Her body protested a little, but with her Favour such discomfort was only momentary.

“I feel… empty down there.” Daiyu complained, so I slid multiple fingers into her drooling slit, stirring her up, and as I pounded both her ass and her pussy, she quickly came again, this time her love nectars practically spurting across my legs. She flushed, embarrassed, but I gave her no respite. My fingers drove her wild, not able to reach her deeper, most sensitive parts but still teasing her to ecstasy, and her ass convulsed, gripping me so hard I thought my cock would be cut off. That triggered my own ejaculation, and as I pulled her tight, my fingers poking at her, narrowing her further, I sprayed her insides as if with a hose.

“Not so empty now?” I pointed out, grinning. With an effort, I pulled out even as I was cumming, splattering her legs, and thrust in to where my fingers were a moment before. I speared her secret spot, my dick pushing against the entrance to her womb, even as I was still cumming, and more liquid flooded her.

“Are you… that eager… to give Asha’s children some… siblings?” Daiyu panted when she came down from her own high, looking at me with mock accusation. She nestled into my chest, her body a lewd sight, cum seeping from her pussy and ass in copious amounts, her hair and body a sodden mess. If anyone else saw this scene they’d never imagine I was able to do all this by myself…

“One day.” I promised. “One day. But probably not now.” We kissed again, this time more relaxed, tender nibbles on each other. “So, have I tired you out? We still haven’t Cultivated?”

Daiyu grinned. “I did not want you to think I am merely interested in the act as a means of strengthening myself.” She patted her belly. “No, I love it for what it is, even if you overfilled me, brute. I will have no room for dinner.”

“It’s a different stomach.” I promised, laughing at her joke, and she smiled warmly.

“Indeed. A stomach for love is impossible to fill. It only wants more and more.” She placed her head on my shoulder, peering at me. “I do wish for a child, but perhaps now is not the time. But yes… we shall Cultivate. And this time… I believe you will benefit far more.”

“My benefit is simply having you.” I promised, and she flushed, this time with shyness, before slapping my ass firmly, hard enough to leave a handprint.

“Flatterer. Worse, I believe you mean it. It makes me feel like all is well with this world, but… I am not satisfied with only receiving. Yin and Yang, I must give as well as receive, to make us a true Dao partnership. Now, I have caught my breath. Are you ready?”

Seeing her teasing, lustful expression, despite the fact I had already had three bouts of sex, I found my cock standing to attention once more. “Always.” I promised, remembering my initial fumbling sex with Eri. I’m not sure whether being so experienced now is a good thing, but… there’s no straight man alive who would hate this… Laying Daiyu down gently on the bed, my Eye glowed, and as I opened her pussy once more, dick sliding in, my worries seemed to fade away, only Daiyu on my mind now…

***

“You feel it?” Daiyu asked me. We were pressed against each other, holding each other close like the lovers we were. The sex we were having now was a little slower, exulting in the feelings of each other’s bodies, each time I moved, piercing deep into Daiyu’s body, or she slid up and down, tightening on me, was not just lovemaking, but something more. Her left hand was on my heart, and mine on hers, her hard nipple a little nub against my palm, and I couldn’t help but squeeze her pert breast greedily. Our foreheads were pressed together, and with each thrust, our lower Chakras joined too, before separating. That’s the key. Yin and Yang momentarily in contact, sparking off and spreading…

The difference was, this time, Daiyu was providing me a far stronger stream of Yin energy, the darkness element she had mastered from the Dark Rhyming Tree magnified by the surging passions of our lovemaking, fortified by our Qi, though Daiyu was carrying the Cultivation, my efforts feeble in comparison. Seeing my chagrined expression, she bit down on my lip, then thrust her tongue inside, kissing me deeply.

“None of that!” She muttered when she was done, and our lips parted, heads still touching. “You are still a mere Qi Refiner, my adorable little disciple.” Daiyu teased, having the upper hand for once. “You may outstrip me in many aspects, but if you could Cultivate better than I so soon after learning, then I would be too ashamed to call myself Zhao Daiyu!”

“In that case, you could always call yourself Oshiro Daiyu…” I muttered, and she froze, eyes wide, face going blank with surprise. The flow of Qi strengthened, and after a moment she giggled incredulously.

“That would be what Shiro would call a critical hit, no? I felt my heart quake.” She admitted. “One day. But not yet. My point stands, despite your flattery and misdirection. Simply be guided by me. Our Spirit Water also resonates well…” Faint droplets of impurity were leaking from us too, the vile-smelling dark ooze disgusting. Fortunately, both of us had extremely pure physiques, so the amount was miniscule. “…as does the Jade.” She narrowed her eyes as she looked into mine. “Though sadly, it is an element of Yang, containing light. Though earth Qi is of the Yin, so… a little circulates. How is it?”

I tried to draw on the Jade element I was receiving, even as I continued to make love to Daiyu, each thrust seeming to shake my own lower body, the sensations transmitted between us. She could feel my pleasure as my cock pushed through her sopping, wriggling insides, while I could feel her exultation as her body was pried open, my dick caressing her deepest folds. Using a Split Thought, I tried to isolate the Jade, but even Daiyu produced little, so what was sent to me, as a Yang element with a Yin root, it was feeble, unable to activate my abilities. “Not enough, I’m afraid. Though that’s not a bad thing.”

“Why?” she asked in surprise, and at my sudden grin, she flushed, already understanding. We kissed again, this time it was my turn to playfully nibble on her lips and tongue, and as we separated, spit scattering, I sped up my thrusts, driving us closer to climax again.

“Simple. Because we’ll have to keep going until we Rank up some Skills. What a shame, right?” I winked, and Daiyu scowled, though it was one of amusement, and her body jerking with each of my motions showed how much she was enjoying our sex.

“A shame? We… have other plans… ahn, for later, uh… do we not?”

“We do, so… we’d better make the most of this.” I declared boldly. My hand tightening on her chest, feeling her heartbeat, and moments later we were crying out together, our orgasms synchronised, Daiyu feeling as if she was blowing out a hot stream of light, at the same time as her body drank my light in greedily, while I felt a cool embrace of darkness, feeling as if something within me was shuddering, gulping in rather than spraying out, and my body shimmered with light…

***

“I am satisfied. To an extent.” Daiyu’s black eyes peered into mine, her hair spread out over our naked bodies like a cloak. It felt uncomfortable and clumpy thanks to my earlier teasing, but there was definitely something amazing about lying there naked with a beautiful girl, having her use your arm as a pillow.

“I didn’t expect you to gain too much, unfortunately.” I stroked her head with the arm she wasn’t clutching in her tight embrace, and her eyes narrowed, content. “You’re already so skilled. At least your Dual Cultivator Class and Technique both reached Rank three.”

“Yes, small gains grow into large powers. I have discovered that from watching the others.” Daiyu agreed. “Even those with little strength are growing rapidly. I did hope for more though. For you as well.”

“Yeah, if I’m going to learn Jade element, it’s up to you.” I teased her playfully, kissing her nose, cheeks and forehead, before sliding my lips down lower, but she only tutted.

“Enough. If you continue, we will only end up making love again.”

“Is that so bad?” I smirked, and she shook her head, hair tickling me.

“No, but… I have something else to speak of first. But your gains…” she pressed, and I explained.

“Same as yours, both to Rank three. There simply wasn’t enough of the other elements. But… that’s something we can fix.”

“Yes. Or persistence will prevail. A shame though, I had hoped you would gain more from this.” Daiyu muttered, before surprising me with her next words. “Dual Cultivation is rather like what you and those of you with lunar Chakras do, is it not?”

I nodded. “Yeah, it’s similar, but… not the same.”

“Indeed, for you do not work on Yin and Yang, darkness and light, opposites. But a shared blend. That… that makes me rather jealous. They say that the proud tiger is mighty, but even he envies the dragon flying above. I feel this keenly.”

“Don’t be. It’s just something that the Fae do…” I began, but her flat look stopped me.

“Not just the Fae. Eri, Motoko, Natsumi, even Hinata can do it as well. Yet I…” she paused, and I filled in the silence.

“It’s too much of a risk, messing with your Chakra network. You’re a Cultivator, it’s a bit different.” I warned, and Daiyu merely looked at me, unblinking. “Look, I know your Cultivation means everything to you. Why risk damaging your Foundation over this? Isn’t that too greave a risk for little gain?”

“Yes, my Cultivation is indeed of utmost importance to me. But so are you.” Daiyu promised, and I felt my heart clench. The purity and honesty in her dark eyes made me realise once more that when Daiyu made up her mind to love someone, she would do it wholeheartedly, never holding anything back. Just like her Cultivation, everything Daiyu does is with every fibre of her being. She’s consistently intense, but also… somehow gentle.

“I want to see the heights beyond the heights. Earth Immortal realm is surely not the end. For if there is an Earth Immortal, then there should be a Heaven Immortal as well. And perhaps even beyond that. But… even if I fail, if my Cultivation shatters, I shall still have you, no?” She seemed assured of that, and she was right. I would never betray a girl who loved me, that I was certain of. “And Chang’e’s Favour too. I would hone my strength through other means if I must, but… I believe this is a calculated risk.”

“How so?” I was genuinely interested. I didn’t want to make Daiyu do anything dangerous, but I also couldn’t stop her taking risks if she felt they were justified. I was her support, her companion, not her master.

“Your abilities are profound.” Daiyu pointed out. “Humans do not have lunar Chakras, ordinarily. So you should be unable to create such networks. But… I think that is not absolutely true. I believe you were… fortunate.” Her words were teasing, and I felt my dick harden as I looked at her. Seeing that, Daiyu snorted, her small hand gently wrapping my shaft and stroking away.

“We are talking seriously. You are a lusty one. it makes me happy though, to be desired. Honest desire, not the disgusting, possessive way I was looked at back at the halls of my Sect. You desire my body and my heart. I shall soothe your fires while we talk.” Her fingers twirled, finding new ways to please me, and she continued her reasoning. “Shaeula created yours at first, but I believe we always had the potential. It is merely shifted in form. In me, it would be the middle Dantian, the Crimson Palace. I know little about it, though records say back in the era of Kunlun, we Cultivators did not merely focus on the lower Dantian, the Golden Stove, and those that did were considered failures, with weak foundations.”

I nodded, remembering she had mentioned that before, bidding her continue, even as her smile was lewd and my breath came in hot gasps, my cock twitching in her hand.

“I believe that the middle Dantian is a mediator of elemental Qi, much as the Golden Stove refines aetheric Qi, the so-called strengthening elixir. It would tally with what the lunar Chakra does. Especially as, if the lower Dantian creates elixir, the middle creates spirit. No wonder you can share your spiritual senses through synchronising them. I believe the Chakra networks we see… mine, yours, Shaeula’s, those of Yōkai, Fae and others… are all generally similar, yet we only perceive the surface, perhaps a little deeper. There must be an underlying, truly perfect one.”

I had considered that myself. Shaeula’s forcing of a lunar Chakra into me had been madness, and only her inherently absurd good fortune seemed to have saved the day, that or perhaps the bond we shared through our Oaths and the Fae-Bonded Class. But perhaps it wasn’t as miraculous as it seemed, merely Fortune allowing her to strike at the right part of my rudimentary network, unearthing what was already there, for us to perfect it later.

“Despite that, I’m not confident.” I warned, and she giggled, speeding up her hand. She rolled down my body, and gave me a sly wink, opening her delicate mouth.

“I am. But not a fool. Should you break me, I trust to Chang’e’s blessing, and my own strength to recover. And we shall summon Shiro and Taṇhā and take all precautions. But… I have seen the peaks…” Her breath tickled my sensitive glans, cool against the precum that was leaking from the tip. “…and I know my foundation is lacking. Even with your Spirit Water. There are many Cultivators who take the slow and steady path, taking no risks, and many are destined for the summit, but… those that take the correct daring risks are those that challenge the very Heavens themselves.”

“I know, but…” I began, and Daiyu sucked at my dick, licking it greedily. She then released it momentarily.

“I am going to persuade you, even if I must offer you my body once more.” She winked again, playfully. “So… see how serious I am!” And with that, she seized my cock, sucking on it messily, her technique still clumsy, but she was a quick learner, and soon she was swallowing noisily, my cum trickling from her mouth, while I tapped away a message on my phone with my free hand, wondering why I was such a pushover for my girls…

***

“So, why did you want to see…. me?” Shiro trailed off, looking at the state of the bed and our bodies, sticky with love nectar, cum and sweat. “Shit, what the hell have you two been doing?”

“Is it not obvious?” Daiyu replied, still nestled naked in my arms, having no shame showing herself in front of Shiro. I suppose she is prepared to show Dual Cultivation to others we are close to, just not men, thankfully, so this isn’t shameful to her. Besides, it shows she’s comfortable with the other girls, which is a good thing. “First we made love, then we Dual Cultivated. But I found myself unsatisfied. I am a greedy woman, all Cultivators are by nature. I want it all. Why, are you jealous?”

“Aki would be upset if I wasn’t. That’d mean I don’t love him enough.” Shiro winked. “But your big sis Shirohime will make allowances, especially on your birthday. So, what’s your complaint? As far as I can tell, you’ve been breaking in the bed well enough. It looks like a damn bukkake show in here.” As I raised an eyebrow at that, she flushed. “Oh come on, Aki. You know I’m not an idiot. I’ve listened to you guys talk about porn before. It’s not like I watch any. If I wanted some fun…” Her blush deepened, and Daiyu laughed gently.

“Unfortunately, not today. Akio is mine this day. But if you aid me, I will remember this favour.” Daiyu promised.

“I’m not… I can go a few days without sex just fine!” Shiro was very cute when flustered, it didn’t happen that often, so Daiyu and I both enjoyed the moment. “So you never answered me?” She changed the subject as best she could.

“It is simple. While I do enjoy the feeling of Dual Cultivation, it is not enough. I believe I need my middle Dantian, the Crimson Palace, or perhaps the lunar Chakra. I would most sorely wish to experience the close blending of spirits. Sharing our Qi through Dual Cultivation, our feelings and sensations… it is wonderful, but somehow lacking.”

Shiro pursed her lips, frowning. “I’m sure it is. Not that I’d know. I don’t get to do either with Aki. Don’t get me wrong, sex is great, and … well, honestly, being someone’s girlfriend, even a harem bastard like Aki here, is more satisfying than I ever imagined it would be. Just hanging out seems so much more special. But if you are unsatisfied, think of me!”

“I apologise.” Daiyu did nod sadly. “I did not think, forgive me.”

“It’s fine. Forget it. I’m lucky to be alive at all, I guess. But… isn’t that a dumb move? Aki’s got skills, sure, but… this is your Cultivation, right? I doubt there’s too many shortcuts that work.”

Daiyu nodded, now addressing Tan. “Taṇhā, I would ask for a moment of your time.”

One of Shiro’s eyes flashed red, and her mouth opened, only for a long, confused pause, as Tan took in the scene of Daiyu and me snuggled together in a state of post-coital bliss. After a further silence, she coughed, before speaking. “I was listening. Your Crimson Palace, yes? I am not a Cultivator myself, though I am not unaware of the general points. I have already achieved what Cultivators aim at, barring… no, that is not to be spoken of.” There was a faint buzzing before she changed the subject. “Yes, there are three Dantian, and without all three being active, you will never reach the truest of heights. Though so few, even in the Pantheons, ever see such pinnacles. Even with just your lower Dantian, you could certainly reach Sainthood, or even Immortal, yet the road would be long and hard. With the Crimson Palace… that would be enough to pave your way.”

“I knew it.” Daiyu nodded. “So that is why they say those who only use the lower Dantian have lacking talent. So how does one awaken it?”

“There are many ways. It has atrophied within the bodies of you young beings, due to insufficient ether density. In time, perhaps your children will once more recover their bloodlines. Bloodline… hmm.” Tan paused. “I see another way. You are Jade-Blooded, are you not?”

“So they mentioned it then?” I asked, and Tan nodded, while Shiro spoke.

“Yeah, we all like to share each other’s triumphs, don’t we?”

“Akio…” Tan spoke. “Show me her body.”

“You can see everything already.” Shiro quipped, glancing at Daiyu’s naked, dishevelled yet somehow glossy body, and Tan silenced her.

“Enough. We have little time for your amusements, princess. I am serious. Show me, those images of light you made before.”

Nodding, I peered at her with my Eye, weaving an illusion. Daiyu’s network was projected, and Tan observed it carefully. Out of curiosity, I tried overlaying a version of the lower Dantian over the middle one. It didn’t quite fit right, and I also tried with the lunar Chakra, which did seem to connect better, though the position was wrong. Unless… The Night Moons that Shaeula now had, perhaps…

“Tan, the lower Dantian seems to subsume the root and sacral chakras. So wouldn’t the middle Dantian do the solar plexus and heart chakras? If so…” I changed the illusion, making a rough image. “Shiro, can I get some buffs on Chirurgery? Go all in, I can handle some backlash.”

“If you say so…” Shiro surged with aether, and soon my Chirurgery was temporarily breaking new barriers. As I worked, it was as if I was gathering new insights, and my Eye burned uncomfortably. I separated out the lower Dantian and my lunar Chakra, looking deep inside the structures, seeing the careful webs of capillaries, acupoints, meridians and more that went into them. Yeah, even perfectly adapted networks like I give through Chirurgery are just that. Adapted. They may be strong and stable, and likely good enough, but… obviously it wouldn’t be that simple. Tan also gave me some pointers, and the fact that Daiyu had a significant bloodline would certainly be advantageous, apparently.

“How about this?” I said at last, everyone peering at my illusory version of Daiyu’s network. “Before, I would have considered this a masterpiece, but now I can see while it’s certainly excellent, it’s far from the best it could be, even with your guidance, Tan.”

“Of course not.” Tan snorted drily. “I am pleased you finally realise your shortcomings, Akio. You have talent, I admit it. Few combine such perceptive sight as you have with talents of Chirurgery, coupled with such healing gifts. The combination stands you in august company. But if it was so easy to create Cultivators, why would there ever be a shortage?”

“Yeah, though it’s just like granting my trainees a lunar Chakra won’t actually grant them the Skill until they work on it and strengthen it enough, it offers some benefits. So…” I looked at Daiyu beside me. “Are you sure? I’m actually more confident now, and…” I looked at Tan and Shiro before shrugging. “…okay, I still can’t help you out, Shiro. I’m not going into the tangled mess that Tan’s conjunction with you is, not yet. But I’ve learned a little. One day soon…”

“I’ll hold you to that, Aki. I want to screw you like the others do.” Shiro teased, and Tan spoke coldly.

“I think not. Not while I am so connected with you. Make do with what you have.”

“I forgot you’re not ready for that sort of thing yet…” Shiro snorted, and as they bantered, Daiyu grasped my hand.

“I understand I will have to advance it through my own efforts, but… taking a little help from my Dao companion is hardly cheating. The Heavens will forgive me, I am sure.” She then took a deep breath. “I will never blame you, even if something goes wrong. If so, I am yet young, we both are. We have time to seek solutions. Perhaps knowledge from Tamamo-no-Mae, or those from Kunlun, if they yet live… and if not, I have already decided I will fight in other ways. If those such as Eri, Kana, Motoko and Natsumi can, I can do no less.”

“If you’re sure.” I kissed her tenderly, and with the roaring of my blood boiling under Shiro’s buffs, I began. “First, we do this…” Aether flashed, fine needles of it clearing out debris and blockages in the meridians, opening acupoints and precisely prickling minor Chakras, opening them like lotus flowers. Then came knives, slicing away dead, dysfunctional areas. Daiyu’s body, much like the first time I had worked on a Dantian, almost seemed to guide me, though I had to resist it at points. The knives of aether also widened some branches, shaving off others, as well as cutting a rather savage hole in Daiyu’s back. She groaned, this time the pain far greater, and I also had to fight against Chang’e’s blessing, which was trying to repair her subtle body, though thanks to that I also noticed that when I got something right, it no longer tried to undo the damage I was inflicting. At least I assume so, from my experience and the sense my buffed Chirurgery is giving me…

“Everything’s like clockwork, like the Orrerys Eri used to admire as a child but could never afford. Every star, every planet, every gear, moving in precision. But… sometimes we have to stand in the darkness to be able to see clearly.” The aether generated by the main seven Chakras blinded and obscured what lay behind. Worse, just like the starry skies above, things move. Like Shaeula’s Night Moons. Eri’s now too, I guess.

Aether was used in ever more creative ways, sculpting and shaping, and I realised to an extent that Shapercraft worked as well. I can make an item out of my severed arm, so why can’t I make Daiyu an item of sorts? Being an item is just an arbitrary distinction, isn’t it? I mean, fantasy is full of tales of living swords, golems and more. The Crimson Palace took shape, though it wasn’t quite right, but I needed slightly more than just that. The position is a little off, but… Guided by feel, Daiyu’s nature as my Fae-Bonded, I clutched her hand. “This is dangerous. I think if we leave it now it’ll likely all be okay, but…” She stopped me with her lips, kissing me desperately. I could feel her trembling a little, her skin hot with nerves, but when she pulled free, our kisses lingering on each other’s lips, she was resolute.

“I accept no half measures. If I succeed, I shall rejoice. If I fail, you can wash away my sorrows…”

“Sneaky!” Shiro complained, and I shut out all the distractions, pulling in adherence too. I was short of it, which might affect my future plans, though I hopefully had a method to deal with that. But I wouldn’t spare it for Daiyu. With one final effort, I shaped my cutting blades of aether into a strange, corkscrew-type drill, and made one savage incision through the middle Dantian. Daiyu convulsed, but the spirals of adherence that layered the surgical tool quickly scraped away the damaged areas, injecting healing energies. Her Divine Favour reacted, accelerating, and before I could respond the area stabilised, aether and Qi flowing to it, sparking it to life.

Your Class, Shaper of Flesh and Spirit, has increased from Level Three to Level Five. Damage your Shaping causes to subtle bodies will heal with less scarring and complications. Tools made from Aether, Adherence and ???????? to work your will are sharper and more precise. Larger structures and parts of the ???????? ?????? are more easily manipulated.

Your Skill, Shapercraft, has increased from Rank Two to Rank Three. You have increased perception regarding the structures of subtle bodies, and you can allow slightly imperfect structures to function properly, though if this is too extreme complications may cause injury. You have a limited ability to conjoin differing foundational points of a subtle body, allowing for unique effects, but when Shapercrafting living matter, the balance must be maintained else rejection will occur.

Your Class, Master of Many Crafts, has increased from Level Seven to Level Eight…

The messages blaring across my vision showed I had achieved something, but what mattered was Daiyu, so my Eye shone all the brighter, and as further letters scrolled across my vision, I let out a slight sigh of relief, releasing my held breath…

Crude Middle Dantian Rank 1. The Middle Dantian, the Crimson Palace, is a cauldron…