The System of Desires
Chapter 10 — Temple of Silent Screams
The night before they left for the Temple, Kai found himself lying awake, staring at the faint glow of the campfire.
The System's notification still floated in the corner of his mind.
[Dual Cultivation Opportunity Detected — Lian Shen.]
Recommended: Engage before entering High-Danger Zone.]
He closed his eyes and exhaled.
"Kai?"
He turned. Lian stood nearby, her hair loose, a faint uncertainty in her eyes.
"You're still awake," she said softly.
"Couldn't sleep," he admitted.
She hesitated, then sat beside him. "Neither could I."
Opening Up
For a moment, neither spoke. The night was quiet except for the crackle of the fire.
"Back in the duel," Lian said suddenly, "when you stood in front of everyone… I realized something."
Kai looked at her.
"You're not just some nobody from a fallen clan anymore," she said quietly. "You've become someone who can change things. For me… for all of us."
Kai's chest tightened. "Lian—"
She reached out, her fingers brushing his.
"I trust you, Kai," she whispered. "With everything."
The Decision
The System chimed softly.
[Affinity Check Complete — 100% Approval. Dual Cultivation Available.]
Kai hesitated — then made his choice.
"Lian," he said gently, "what I'm about to ask… it's not just for power. It's because I care about you too."
Her eyes widened slightly, then softened. "I know."
The firelight flickered as they moved closer, the world shrinking to just the two of them.
Dual Cultivation (Tasteful & Emotional)
What followed wasn't just physical — it was spiritual. As their Qi merged, Kai felt Lian's warmth, her trust, her determination flow into him.
The System's voice was almost reverent:
[Dual Cultivation Complete.]
[Major Breakthrough Achieved: Core Formation Stage 1.]
[New Skill Unlocked: Spirit-Bonded Strike.]
[Permanent Stat Boost: +20% Vitality, +15% Qi Recovery.]
Kai's entire body thrummed with new power, his spear humming faintly as if sensing his growth.
Lian leaned against him, flushed but smiling faintly.
"You feel… different," she murmured.
Kai brushed a strand of hair from her face. "Stronger. Thanks to you."
Morning Tension
At dawn, Yue noticed the change immediately.
"You broke through," she said, eyes narrowing slightly.
Kai nodded. "We'll need the strength where we're going."
Yue's gaze flicked briefly to Lian — and something unspoken passed between the two women.
Kai pretended not to notice. Yeah, this is going to get awkward fast…
Journey to the Temple
The Temple of Silent Screams was an ancient ruin perched on a cliffside, its gates carved with faces frozen in eternal agony.
The air was thick with malevolent Qi, heavier than anything they had felt before.
"This is it," Yue said grimly.
Kai gripped his spear, its tip glowing faintly with his new Qi circulation.
"Stay sharp. If this altar is anything like the last one, we're not leaving without a fight."
Inside the Temple
The temple was dark, lit only by faint crimson torches. Strange whispers echoed through the halls, disorienting them.
"Ignore the voices," Kai said. "It's just spiritual interference."
They fought their way through hordes of demonic puppets — corpses animated by corrupted Qi.
Lian's sword danced like silver light, Yue's chains cut down enemies from a distance, and Kai's Spirit-Bonded Strike tore through groups at once.
By the time they reached the central chamber, they were covered in sweat and blood — but alive.
The Final Altar
The largest altar yet pulsed in the center of the chamber, connected to black veins that ran through the entire temple.
But they weren't alone.
A figure stood before the altar — tall, robed in black, mask carved like a snarling beast.
"So," the figure said, voice echoing unnaturally. "The Shen brat and his little friends have come to ruin everything."
Kai leveled his spear. "You're the one behind the corruption?"
"I am merely a servant," the figure hissed. "The world is changing, little cultivator. Soon, you will all kneel before the Blight."
"Not today," Kai said, charging.
Climactic Battle
The cult leader was unlike anything they had fought before. His Qi attacks warped the air, summoning black claws and shadowy beasts.
Kai's new strength made a difference — he moved faster, struck harder, and could match the cultist blow for blow.
"Lian, cover me!" he shouted.
She darted in, blocking a strike that would have taken Kai's head.
Yue hurled her chain, wrapping the cultist's arm and yanking him off balance.
Kai's spear blazed as he unleashed Spirit-Bonded Strike — a surge of Qi amplified by his bond with Lian — piercing through the cultist's chest.
The masked figure screamed, then dissolved into ash.
[Boss Defeated — Rewards: +1,200 EXP, Cultist Relic Obtained.]
Destroying the Final Altar
Together, they poured their Qi into the altar until it cracked and shattered.
The oppressive energy lifted, replaced by the faint warmth of natural Qi returning to the valley.
[Global Quest Complete — Corruption Purged.]
[Rewards: +3,000 EXP, Shen Clan Reputation Increased, Rare Treasure Unlocked.]
Aftermath
As they left the temple, dawn was breaking over the mountains.
"We did it," Lian said softly, smiling.
"One battle," Yue corrected. "But whoever that man served… he won't be the last."
Kai nodded grimly. "Then we get stronger. All of us."
Lian glanced at him, cheeks pink, and Yue smirked faintly.
Kai exhaled. Yeah, this harem thing is definitely going to be complicated.