CHAPTER 35: SHE’S PERFECT FOR MY FUTURE HAREM!

In the midst of the roaring crowd, Yue Yu bit her lip, fighting the overwhelming urge to scream at the top of her lungs:

"I HAD SEX WITH THE SAINT!"

The words practically lodged in her throat like a burning coal—but no, that was too much.

Way too much.

Just thinking it made Yue Yu’s face flush crimson.

Instead, she settled for clapping enthusiastically, joining the others in their thunderous applause.

Her cheers were loud, even spirited, but the moment Lin Fan’s gaze swept in her direction, she jolted upright and immediately shifted into a full performance of booing and mock outrage—

Complete with crossed arms and a dramatic scowl.

Lin Fan spotted her act and, predictably, smiled.

Not out of mockery or smugness, but something softer.

’She really is a good girl...’ Lin Fan thought to himself:

’She’s perfect for my future harem!’

A few more minutes passed as the cheers slowly died down, the atmosphere settling into a respectful silence.

All eyes turned toward the elders seated at the front.

Hei Long stepped forward, his posture straight, his tone firm yet calm:

"Please... give us our training regime for today."

He then turned on his heel and stepped back—deliberately—and melted into the crowd of disciples.

The move wasn’t flashy or grand, but its impact was immediate.

Murmurs broke out.

Disciples glanced at each other, visibly surprised.

Wasn’t he the Young Master of the Hei Family and the Saint of their sect?

He was supposed to stand apart—above them.

Yet here Hei Long was, choosing to stand with them.

This simple gesture struck a chord.

Ji Yao noticed.

She didn’t speak, nor did her expression betray much.

But there was the smallest flicker in her eyes—subtle, but real.

And then, silently, without ceremony, she too stepped forward and joined the crowd beside him.

She didn’t even know why.

It just felt... right.

There was something oddly grounding about standing here, shoulder-to-shoulder with the others.

For someone born to high status, flanked her whole life by yes-men and flatterers, Ji Yao had never seen someone of Hei Long’s position behave this way.

It made her rethink a few things.

’Perhaps... this is how those of high status should carry themselves,’ Ji Yao thought.

Hei Long noticed her move, of course.

He noticed everything.

But he chose not to say a word.

Hei Long’s eyes lingered for only a moment before he turned his gaze ahead again.

’It’s best if she makes the first move,’ he mused.

After all, women like Ji Yao were probably used to being approached every day—fawned over, complimented, pestered.

Hei Long could guess how exhausting that was, always having to deal with people forcing their way into her space.

He wasn’t interested in adding himself to that list.

’Let her come when she’s ready,’ Hei Long thought.

The elders slowly rose to their feet. Their robes fluttered slightly in the breeze.

One of them—a stern-faced elder with a long beard streaked with silver—stepped forward and cleared his throat.

"Today’s training regime," he began, his voice like distant thunder, "is simple in concept, yet demanding in execution."

He looked out across the gathered disciples, sweeping his gaze over them all.

"You are to descend the mountain and return with monster cores. Any rank, any species. Quantity or quality—either is acceptable. Whether you bring back a hundred common cores or a single rare one, your effort will be judged accordingly."

A murmur ran through the disciples.

The elder raised a hand, silencing them before continuing.

"All monster cores retrieved today will remain your property. You may use them to cultivate or trade. However..."

He paused:

"Those who return with the best cores—again, whether in terms of strength, rarity, or sheer number—will be rewarded."

The elder’s eyes gleamed slightly.

"The reward is... special."

That vague promise sent a wave of excitement rippling through.

Disciples straightened their backs.

Some cracked their knuckles.

Others whispered excitedly among themselves.

Everyone knew that when the elders said special, it meant something valuable—perhaps a technique scroll, a rare pill, or even access to a hidden chamber in the sect grounds.

Hei Long said nothing. But a knowing glint sparked in his eyes.

’So that’s how it is,’ he thought. ’A simple gathering—used to test ambition, judgment, and restraint. Clever.’

He glanced subtly at the disciples around him.

Some were already plotting routes down the mountain.

Others looked uncertain, likely wondering how dangerous the journey might be.

But a few... a few had already begun to move, their eyes sharp with focus.

Nearby, Ji Yao narrowed her eyes.

’Monster cores, hm?’ she thought:

’A test of strength, but also of decision-making. Will people chase after rare monsters too far from the sect? Or settle for easy prey?’

She glanced sideways at Hei Long, who stood calm and relaxed—like he already knew what he was going to do.

Ji Yao hated that she found it intriguing.

"..." Yue Yu, meanwhile, had made up her mind in a heartbeat. With both hands clenched into fists, she grinned to herself.

"This is perfect," she muttered under her breath:

"I’ll grab a core so dazzling, Hei Long will have no choice but to praise me again!"

Yue Yu giggled.

Then quickly pretended she didn’t.

Lin Fan glanced over, eyes locking onto Yue Yu.

He rubbed his chin thoughtfully:

’Should I ask if I can join her?’

The idea popped into his head uninvited.

Before Lin Fan could entertain it for more than a second, a groan echoed inside his mind.

The old man sighed deeply:

’How about... no? This is exactly why your progress stagnates! You finally have a chance to get your hands on a high-quality monster core, and you’re thinking about chasing skirts?’

Lin Fan folded his arms into an exaggerated X across his chest, defiantly.

’Impossible.’ he declared inwardly, a dead-serious look on his face:

’She’s already in my heart. She lives there rent-free.’

The old man felt a headache brewing.

’Rent-free?’ he muttered, nearly coughing up spiritual blood:

’You think the heavens are going to bless a man who chooses girls over grind? I could help you track the aura of a rare monster, maybe even guide you to one that’s already injured. But instead, you’re entertaining the idea of following a mere girl!?’

"..." Lin Fan didn’t reply.

His gaze hadn’t moved from Yue Yu.

All the disciples waited for the final signal.

The elder gave a single nod:

"You may begin."

Like a swarm of birds released from a cage, most of the disciples scattered in all directions, rushing down the mountain and into the surrounding forests.