The profound surge of energy subsided, leaving Rylan breathless, yet undeniably invigorated. His Dantian, once a fragile, almost non-existent flicker of spiritual essence, now pulsed with a steady, vibrant warmth. He felt the spiritual energy within him circulate with newfound ease, a stark contrast to the sluggish trickle from before. His senses were sharper, his body lighter, and a quiet confidence settled within him, replacing the familiar self-loathing. He was no longer "Pathetic." He was Foundation Establishment (Mid-Stage), a significant leap from the early stage he had just entered.
He pulled back slightly from Elara, his eyes still closed, savoring the systemic changes. He felt no weakness, no fatigue, only an immense wellspring of power. This was far beyond what conventional cultivation manuals promised for a single night's effort. The Harem System was truly extraordinary.
He opened his eyes, looking at Elara. She lay beneath him, her eyes wide, tears still tracing paths through the dirt on her cheeks. But they weren't tears of fear anymore. There was confusion, yes, but also a dawning wonder, and a nascent energy radiating from her small frame.
"Elara?" he whispered, his voice still hoarse.
She gasped, a soft, involuntary sound. Her body still trembled slightly, but a vibrant flush now colored her cheeks, and her breathing was rapid. "I... I feel... warm," she stammered, her voice thin but laced with a strange exhilaration. "Something... something is moving inside me. What did you do?"
Rylan smiled, a genuine, unburdened smile that hadn't graced his face in years. He felt a flicker of possessiveness, a new sensation that resonated with the System's "dominance" requirement. "I awakened you, Elara. You have a cultivation aptitude, and now, it's active. You are no longer just a mortal. You are a cultivator, just like me."
He reached out and touched her forehead. The blue screen flickered, showing her updated status:
[Name: Elara Sterling (Harem Member)][Cultivation Level: Qi Gathering (Early Stage)][Status: Awakened, Bound, Cultivating][Potential: Rising]
Qi Gathering. The first true step on the cultivation path. While still far below Foundation Establishment, for a girl who had been starving and entirely ignorant of spiritual energy moments ago, it was nothing short of miraculous. The System didn't just take; it gave, transforming its members, making them capable, ensuring their 'usefulness.' This synergistic aspect was key to its power.
"Qi Gathering?" Elara repeated, awe in her voice. She had clearly heard tales of cultivators, perhaps even seen some, but never dreamed she could be one. She looked at her own hands, then back at Rylan, her awe deepening into something akin to reverence. "You... you saved me. You gave me power."
"And you, in turn, strengthened me," Rylan replied, a knowing gleam in his eyes. He gently helped her sit up. "This bond, Elara, it's a mutual path. As I grow stronger, you will too. And in return, your faith, your presence, will continue to fuel my ascent."
He paused, letting the implication sink in. She was bound to him, not just by circumstance, but by the very essence of their intertwined cultivation. This was the true nature of the Harem System's "conquest." It created loyalty, dependence, and shared destiny through mutual benefit.
A new message from the System appeared:
[Reward for First Dual Cultivation: Basic Cultivation Realm Breakthrough (Foundation Establishment Mid-Stage), Minor Physical Enhancement, Harem Slot +1, "Lustful Emperor's Guidance" (Passive Skill)]
Rylan felt a subtle but profound change in his own body. His muscles felt denser, his bones stronger, and a faint, subtle aura seemed to emanate from him. The physical enhancement was tangible. But "Lustful Emperor's Guidance"?
[Lustful Emperor's Guidance (Passive Skill): Grants basic comprehension of cultivation techniques to Harem members and slightly accelerates their initial cultivation speed.]
This was excellent. It meant he didn't have to painstakingly teach Elara from scratch. The System facilitated her growth, ensuring she became a more potent source of energy and a more capable subordinate.
The first rays of dawn now filtered through the broken windows, painting the ruined room in hues of orange and gold. The world outside, though still desolate, seemed to hold more promise.
"We need to leave this place soon," Rylan declared, his voice decisive. "It's too exposed. We need to find resources, information, and a more secure base. And I need to learn about this world. Where are we, Elara? What do you know of the lands beyond this ruin?"
Elara, now more composed, looked out at the breaking day. "This is the Sterling Clan's old manor," she said softly, confirming his earlier suspicion. "It's been ruined for years. The nearest settlement is the Village of Oakhaven, a half-day's walk east. Beyond that... is the Jade Empire's territory."
Jade Empire. The name sent a fresh surge of cold fury through Rylan. Seraphina. His betrayers. The System had given him a path, and now, it had given him a direction.
He would start with Oakhaven. He would gather what he needed. And then, he would begin the long, arduous, and utterly pleasurable journey of carving his name into eternity. The Lustful Emperor was ready to step out of the shadows.
End of chapter 5