"Lust gave him power. Politics will test it."
The Crimson Sect hadn't been this unstable in centuries.
After Lucien's awakening of the Lust Dominion Core, disciples began to act strangely. Cultivators who once prided themselves on emotional discipline now flushed at the mere sound of his voice. Sect mistresses woke up wet from dreams they couldn't explain. Male disciples avoided eye contact, intimidated by his rising influence.
But it wasn't just desire.
It was fear.
The kind that came when the rules changed overnight — and no one had the courage to admit it.
Elder Hall Gathering
Empress Shae stood atop the central dais, robed in black-violet silk. Around her, six Inner Elders — all powerful Yin cultivators — whispered among themselves like crows around fresh blood.
"He broke three core rules," one Elder hissed.
"He conquered five high-level disciples within days," another added.
"He seduced Empress Shae herself," a third said, her voice tinged with disbelief.
Shae remained quiet.
Then, she raised one hand.
Silence.
"He is not just a danger," she said. "He is potential."
"Potential for what?" someone asked.
Shae turned slowly. Her eyes glowed faint violet.
"To become what none of you had the courage to try."
> [System Notification: Inner Sect Ranking Adjustment — Lucien Blackthorn promoted to Candidate for Crimson Throne.]
Lucien's Chambers
Lira sat at the window, polishing her dagger. Her hair was wet from a fresh bath. Her body — still sore from their last encounter — hummed with Yin energy.
She wasn't smiling.
Inside the chamber, Veyla and Sera massaged Lucien's shoulders while Nyra, recently returned, stood stiff at the door.
Lucien sipped wine, golden robe open at the chest.
Then he said it.
"I've been invited to the Royal Yin Banquet."
Everyone froze.
Lira turned. "That's suicide."
Nyra stepped forward. "That's a trap."
Lucien smiled.
"Maybe. Or maybe it's the throne finally noticing me."
> [Quest Triggered: Attend the Royal Yin Banquet. Survive. Dominate. Seduce.] [Reward: Access to Inner Sect Library + Chance to Bond with Royal Yin Bloodline.]
Tensions Build [18+]
Later that night, the chamber was too quiet.
Lucien knew the signs. Lira wouldn't look at him. Veyla kept her distance. Nyra's eyes darted with doubt.
They were all trying to stay calm.
He stepped toward them. "Talk."
Lira stood. "You keep taking more."
"I need to," he said.
"Do you?" Veyla asked softly.
Lucien stepped between them. "This power doesn't feed on promises. It feeds on connection. Submission. Lust."
He looked at them, one by one.
"Do you think I'm doing this for pleasure?"
Silence.
"Then let me show you why."
[18+ Scene Begins: Lucien Claims the Bond Again]
He stepped toward Lira first — always first.
She didn't move. Didn't flinch.
Until his lips met her collarbone.
Then she gasped.
He undressed her slowly, piece by piece, peeling away her resistance.
Then Veyla. Then Sera. Then Nyra.
One by one, he undressed them not just with hands — but with purpose.
He didn't take them all at once. He made them watch.
Watch him make love to Lira like she was a queen.
Watch Veyla cry when he kissed her thighs.
Watch Sera arch off the bed from a single thrust.
Watch Nyra whisper his name like a spell.
> [System Update: Emotional Bond Stability Reinforced — Harem Level 2 Achieved.] [New Passive: Shared Pleasure Link — All bonded partners now react to Host's stimulation, regardless of direct touch.]
When it was over, the women collapsed beside him.
Lucien stood.
He wasn't exhausted.
He was preparing for war.
Banquet Approaches
A crimson envelope arrived at dawn.
Gold-inked. Sealed with the crest of the Crimson King.
Inside:
> "To Candidate Lucien Blackthorn. Your presence is required at the Royal Yin Banquet. Dress to impress. Prepare to bleed."
Lucien smiled.
"Finally. Something worth fucking or fighting for."
---
To Be Continued…
Next Chapter: The Royal Yin Banquet — One Throne, Many Eyes [18+]