After the Storm — Concubine's Night and Morning After
High in the skies above Feng City, Hao Xuan soared through the clouds on his spiritual sword, robes fluttering in the wind. The cold air rushing past his face did little to quiet his thoughts. His mind wasn't on the horizon ahead—it lingered in the past.
—Flashback—
The very night after the inheritance banquet had ended, Hao Xuan traveled to the Gu Clan's ancestral estate, accompanied by several elders of the Hao family. Gu Luo Jin, the patriarch of the Gu clan, received them with careful courtesy, though tension rippled beneath his calm smile.
"Respected leader of the Hao family," Gu Luo Jin said with a small bow, "To what do we owe the honor of your visit? Please, allow us to prepare a proper welcome."
Hao Xuan didn't sit. His gaze was sharp, his voice colder than steel.
"I won't waste time. I've heard your daughter, Gu Siyin, is the most elegant woman in Feng City. I've decided to take her as a concubine. Make the arrangements."
The hall fell into silence. Even the flickering lanterns seemed to hesitate. Gu Luo Jin froze—but only for a moment—before lowering his eyes.
"As you wish," he answered stiffly. "The Gu Clan will honor your decision."
But his heart churned with conflict.
> "A concubine… not a wife? Still… the Hao family defeated the Shao and Chan clans in a single generation. Better for my daughter to enter that dragon's den than be buried in obscurity."
He walked slowly to Gu Siyin's chambers. She sat by the window, unmoving, as if she already knew.
"Siyin," he said, his voice low and bitter. "You are to become Hao Xuan's concubine. For the clan."
She remained quiet for a long time before finally rising. Her expression was unreadable.
"For the clan, then," she whispered. "I accept."
---
That Night — The Concubine Ceremony
Beneath a crimson moon, lanterns of spirit-fire drifted skyward, painting streaks of gold across the heavens. In a private courtyard of the Hao estate, Gu Siyin stood before a small ceremonial altar, dressed in a flowing crimson gown. Unlike a bride, she wore no crown. No veil. Only dignity and silence.
Hao Xuan, clad in his usual dark robes embroidered with subtle sigils, stood across from her. The atmosphere was solemn, yet quiet—like a pact formed between shadows.
The officiating elder spoke without flourish:
> "With the blessing of the ancestors and recognition of both clans, this ceremony binds Gu Siyin as concubine to Hao Xuan. From this day forward, her soul shall share his shadow, her name reside in his inner court."
There was no divine omen. No lotus in the sky. Just silence.
But Gu Siyin still bowed three times—once to the heavens, once to her clan, and finally… reluctantly, to him.
To the world, it was a quiet union. To her… it was surrender dressed in silk.
---
Later — Hao Clan Inner Residence
Inside a quiet chamber, Gu Siyin sat on the edge of a low bed, her crimson sleeves falling across her lap. Hao Xuan entered silently. Her posture was perfect. Her silence sharper than any blade.
He walked toward her, intent on completing what the system required.
> [Ding! System Task Progress]
Take Gu Siyin as a Concubine — Completed
Cultivate with her at least once — Pending
Eliminate the hate in her heart — Pending
He reached for her, but she spoke first.
"Wait… I must tell you something."
Hao Xuan halted. "Speak."
She looked at him, her voice low. "You've heard of the Lang family's destruction?"
He nodded. "A demonic cultivator erased them overnight."
She looked away. "He asked for my hand. When I refused… he killed them all. If he learns I've lain with another man, he'll destroy your clan too. He's not done with me yet."
Hao Xuan laughed faintly. "Do you know what my true cultivation is? They think I'm at the third layer of the 6th stage. But I've long since touched the peak."
She stared, stunned.
"And," he added, "my master's power is enough to level Feng City in a single breath. You don't need to fear anyone, Siyin. You belong to me now. I'll protect you."
She hesitated. "Why choose me? I'm not a saintess, nor the daughter of a grand sect."
He met her eyes. "Because I chose to. No one else mattered."
Her shoulders trembled slightly.
"You speak sweetly," she said, eyes lowered. "But is this kindness… or a hunter taming a bird in a gilded cage?"
He smiled faintly.
> You're testing me again. Still so guarded.
"I won't force you," he said. "If you don't wish to consummate tonight, we won't."
Then, he placed his palm on her forehead—transferring a rare, high-grade cultivation technique designed exclusively for women.
Her breath hitched. "This is…"
"A gift. Not because you're my concubine. But because I regret the way this happened. I leave for a journey tomorrow. Goodnight."
He turned to leave, but her fingers reached out.
"Then… just stay. At least for tonight."
> [Ding! Favorability Increased — Mid Level]
Hao Xuan smiled inwardly.
She's opening up.
"You'll regret this," he teased.
She shook her head, smiling gently. "I already belong to you. There's nothing left to fear."
He pulled her into his arms. And that night, for the first time—not as enemies, not as strangers—but as two people thrown together by fate, they cultivated as one.
---
Morning After
Sunlight trickled softly through spirit-weaved curtains, washing the chamber in gold. Gu Siyin rested quietly beside him, her long hair cascading across his chest. Her breathing was slow, her expression peaceful.
Hao Xuan stared upward, unmoving.
She had chosen to stay.
Not out of duty. Not for the Gu Clan. But perhaps—for him.
He reached toward her hair… then stopped.
> Not yet. Not until the hate in your heart is truly gone.
But for now, this moment… was enough.
He let his eyes close—for the first time in many lives, finding rest.
---
Present — In the Skies Above Feng City
"What a peaceful moment," Hao Xuan thought, wind rustling through his hair. "Only in my 218th life… did I ever earn one like this."
---