We burst out of the side tunnel like rats fleeing a sinking ship, the cool night air slapping us in the face.
The capital was in chaos behind us—shouts from guards, the deep hum of that massive Immortal Sect airship settling down like a predator claiming its territory.
Wuji was crippled and chained, but I knew it wouldn't last. Those sect bastards would free him, heal him up, and come hunting with twice the fury.
Mei Ling carried Xiao piggyback-style, the kid still woozy but clinging to her like glue. I led the way, my old legs pumping with that overflow vitality keeping me spry.
We stole three horses from a nearby stable—quiet as shadows, thanks to another quick system purchase: [Silent Step Powder] for 15 harem points. Sprinkled it on the hooves, and we galloped off without a sound.
The eastern woods swallowed us whole, a thick tangle of ancient trees and twisting paths called the Whispering Thicket by locals. Legends said the trees talked to each other, sharing secrets of anyone who passed through.
Bullshit, probably, but it made for good cover—dense foliage blocked sightlines, and the underbrush muffled our tracks.
We rode for hours, pushing the horses until they were lathered in sweat. Xiao dozed against Mei Ling's back, mumbling in his sleep about food and home. Poor kid. Mei Ling kept glancing at me, her face a mix of gratitude and that lingering confusion from our "power-ups."
I caught her eyes on my crotch once or twice—yeah, that healthy cock was still at half-mast from the adrenaline, but she looked away quick, blushing.
As dawn crept in, we ditched the horses near a stream to throw off any trackers and went on foot. The Thicket was no joke—vines snagged at our clothes, roots tripped us up, and weird glowing insects buzzed around like nosy spies. But it was safe. No roads meant no patrols.
By midday, Xiao was whining about hunger, so we stopped in a small clearing. I scavenged some wild berries and roots—old emperor memories coming in handy—and Mei Ling used her qi to start a smokeless fire. We ate in silence, the kid wolfing it down like he hadn't seen food in weeks.
"Tianlong," Mei Ling said softly, watching Xiao play with a stick. "What now? The Sect controls half the empire. We can't just hide forever."
I nodded, chewing on a tough root. "We head to the borderlands. There's a place called Eldridge Hollow—old mining town turned rebel hideout. Loyalists from my reign hole up there, smuggling spirit stones and plotting comebacks. If we link up, we get allies, supplies, maybe even word on my grandson Zhao Chen."
Her eyes lit up. "You think they're still fighting?"
"Damn right. Wuji never fully crushed them." I grinned, but inside, the system was nagging: [Vitality Dropping: 118/100 - Engage in Intimacy to Maintain Overflow] Shit, the boost was fading. Time to farm some points.
As evening fell, the Thicket grew colder—mists rolling in, the kind that chilled you to the bone. We found a sheltered spot under a massive fallen tree, its hollow trunk making a natural cave. Mei Ling laid out some cloaks for beds, tucking Xiao in first. The kid was out like a light, snoring softly.
I sat close to her, pretending to warm my hands by the dying fire embers. "Cold night," I muttered, scooting nearer. Our thighs brushed, and that spark hit—[Light Touch: Vitality +2]. She didn't pull away, just nodded.
"Yeah... the mists here carry a chill from the spirit veins underground." She shivered, her full breasts jiggling under the torn robes. Damn, she was a sight—curves begging to be touched.
I "accidentally" leaned in, my arm brushing her side. "Oops, sorry. These old bones get clumsy." My hand grazed her hip, fingers lingering just a second too long on that soft, round ass. She tensed but smiled faintly.
"It's fine, Tianlong. You've been through a lot."
[Subtle Grope: Vitality +5, Harem Points +3]
We lay down, Xiao between us like a little barrier. But as the night deepened and the cold bit harder, I rolled closer in my "sleep," mumbling about the chill. "Too damn cold... need warmth..." I pressed against her back, spooning her tight. My chest to her shoulders, and yeah, my hard cock nestled right against her ass—those plump cheeks cushioning it like a perfect fit. I ground in just a bit, pretending to adjust.
Mei Ling stirred, half-asleep, her body going stiff for a moment. "T-Tianlong? What...?"
"Shh, just staying warm," I whispered groggily, like an old man seeking comfort. "Nights like this remind me of winter campaigns... huddle close or freeze."
She hesitated, confusion clear in her voice. "It... it feels... strange." But she didn't move away. After all, I was just a harmless old geezer, right? Wrinkled, gray-haired, barely hanging on. No threat. She probably thought it was accidental, or maybe the cold messing with me. Her breathing evened out, but I felt her ass twitch against me, warm and inviting.
I "shifted" again, pressing harder, letting my hand "slip" to her waist, fingers tracing her curves. The system loved it: [Close Contact: Vitality +10, Arousal Detection Bonus +5]. My cock throbbed against her, separated only by thin fabric, and I swear she let out a soft gasp, confused but not protesting. Points rolled in as I held the position, grinding subtly like I was dreaming.
[Vitality Stabilized at 120/100]
[Harem Points +15]
By morning, she woke flushed and awkward, avoiding my eyes as we packed up. "Slept okay?" I asked innocently.
"Y-yes... it was warm." She busied herself with Xiao, but I caught her glancing back, puzzled but not suspicious. Perfect.
We pushed on for two more days, weaving through the Thicket's maze.
I kept farming points—brushing hands while helping her over roots, "steadying" her with a hand on her lower back (sliding down to cop a feel), even a quick hug after Xiao tripped and cried, pressing her tits against me.
Each time, excuses flowed easy: "Old habits," or "Just making sure you're steady." She bought it, the bond growing without her realizing how horny the system was making things.
Finally, on the third day, the trees thinned out, and we emerged onto a rugged hillside overlooking Eldridge Hollow.
It was a dusty town built into cliffside caves, lanterns flickering from mine entrances turned hideouts.
Smoke rose from hidden forges, and I spotted armed figures patrolling—rebels, for sure.
But as we approached, arrows whistled down, thunking into the dirt at our feet. A gruff voice shouted from the cliffs: "Halt! State your business, or die where you stand!"
Mei Ling froze, holding Xiao close. I raised my hands, but inside, the system pinged: [New Contact Detected: Potential Ally - High Harem Potential Female Archer]
Shit, already? And then a figure stepped into view—a fierce woman with a bow, curves straining her leather armor, eyes sharp as daggers.
"Who the hell are you?" she demanded.
This was gonna be interesting...