Chapter 776 – "Perfect Husband" (18+)
Shi Lian lay beneath Alex, her body still trembling from the final waves of release. The heat of him inside her, the steady thrum of his heartbeat against her chest, and the way his arms held her so securely made every nerve in her body hum with satisfaction.
Her breathing slowed, each exhale warm against his neck. Then she tilted her head back just enough to meet his eyes — those calm, steady eyes that never wavered.
"That…" she whispered between breaths, "was the best sex of my life."
Alex's lips curved faintly, but he said nothing, simply brushing a strand of hair from her face.
Her gaze softened, her hand coming up to cup his cheek. "Alex…"
He waited, his eyes never leaving hers.
"You are," she said, her voice full of quiet certainty, "the perfect husband."
Alex held her gaze a moment longer, then leaned down to kiss her — slow, warm, and sealing the words between them.
From where she stood nearby, Yu Mei's lips quirked into the faintest smile, her eyes glittering with satisfaction at the bond she'd helped forge tonight.
Shi Lian's body was still warm, the aftershocks of their last climax lingering in her legs and chest — but the deep, aching hunger in her hadn't completely faded. She shifted slightly beneath him… and then froze.
Her eyes widened as she felt something new — thicker pressure between her thighs, and another warm, pulsing shape against her lower belly. She looked down just enough to see it: Alex had grown another penis, perfectly matched to the first, the sheer size and heat of them making her breath catch.
Before she could even form a thought, she caught sight of movement from behind — a long, slick, pink tentacle unfurling from his pelvic bone, curling upward toward her face with an almost playful sway.
Her lips parted in surprise, but there was no fear — only a deep, rolling heat in her belly at the sight of it.
She looked up at him, her cheeks flushed, eyes glistening with both desire and emotion. Her voice was soft, but full of conviction.
"You are…" she whispered, her gaze locking on his with absolute sincerity, "…the perfect husband."
Alex's lips curved faintly, his hands settling at her waist as the tentacle traced lightly along her jaw, teasing but not yet touching her lips.
Yu Mei, watching from the side, smiled knowingly. "Oh, Aunt… you're going to enjoy this."
Shi Lian's breathing quickened as Alex shifted above her, adjusting his position so both of his shafts pressed against her slick entrance, the heat radiating between them almost unbearable. The pink tentacle continued its slow, teasing movement along her cheek and chin, as if savoring her anticipation.
Her hands slid over his chest, her nails grazing his skin as her eyes flicked between the two thick lengths poised to take her. "Alex…" she breathed, her voice trembling with need.
He didn't answer with words. Instead, he pressed forward, the first shaft stretching her as before, but now joined by the subtle, rhythmic pressure of the second sliding along her other entrance. Her gasp was sharp and unrestrained as he filled her in ways she had never imagined — the fullness almost too much, yet so intoxicating she couldn't think to stop.
The tentacle moved lower, brushing across her lips, coaxing them open before slipping inside with a slow, deliberate push. Its texture was smooth yet firm, the gentle pulsing sending an electric thrill straight to her core.
Alex began to move — deep, rolling thrusts that drove both shafts into her with perfect rhythm, the tentacle matching each stroke with its own slow invasion of her mouth. Her moans were muffled, vibrating around the warm, slick length filling her lips, but her eyes never left his.
Minutes blurred into more, each wave of pleasure building on the last. Shi Lian's body shuddered around him, her legs trembling, her chest rising and falling rapidly. She came once, then again, each release leaving her more breathless yet no less hungry for him.
The tentacle coiled lightly against her tongue, feeding her every sound back to Alex as he maintained his relentless pace. His control was absolute — never rushing, never faltering, yet always driving her closer to the edge.
When the next climax hit, it tore through her with such intensity that she cried out around the tentacle, her whole body arching beneath him. Alex held her there, both shafts pulsing deep inside her as he followed her over the edge, filling her completely.
But he didn't stop. Even as the aftershocks rippled through her, he kept moving, drawing more gasps and desperate, muffled moans as the session stretched on into something that felt endless — a cycle of pleasure, release, and renewed hunger that neither seemed ready to end.
By the time she collapsed against him again, her body slick with sweat, Shi Lian's voice was hoarse from moaning, her limbs trembling from the effort of keeping up with him. Yet her eyes still glowed with affection and fierce desire, her lips curving into a weak but loving smile.
"You…" she whispered again, her voice ragged but certain, "…are the perfect husband."
Shi Lian was still draped against Alex's chest, her skin flushed and glistening, her breath coming in uneven draws. The tentacle had finally withdrawn, leaving her lips tingling, and both of Alex's shafts were still buried inside her, holding her in a constant, simmering heat.
Yu Mei stepped closer, her arms loosely folded, a knowing smirk on her lips. "Tell me something, Aunt," she said lightly, though her tone was edged with mischief. "Was this better than that little foursome you once had with three men?"
Shi Lian's eyes widened slightly at the blunt question. For a moment, she hesitated, as if unsure whether to speak it aloud with the memory lingering in her mind. But then her gaze shifted to Alex — to the warmth in his eyes, the strength in his touch, and the way her body still ached with the pleasure he'd given her.
Her lips curved into a small, almost shy smile. "…It was many times better."
Yu Mei's smirk turned into a full, satisfied grin. "Good. I wanted them to hear that."
Her eyes flicked toward the corpses outside, the weight of her words hanging in the air.
Alex only held Shi Lian closer, as if sealing her answer into truth with the steady strength of his embrace.
Chapter 777 – "The Ring"
The air in the tent had settled into a quiet warmth, the chaos and screams of the night now just a fading echo outside. Shi Lian was nestled in Alex's lap, her head resting lightly against his shoulder, her breathing calm for the first time in what felt like years.
Alex shifted slightly, one hand lifting toward the small pouch of materials he kept within reach. His fingers worked with calm precision, threads of mana weaving through his movements as bits of rare metal and gemstone fused together in his palm.
The glow of his crafting magic lit the space between them — soft silver entwining with a delicate, pale pink crystal that shimmered faintly in the light. Within moments, a flawless ring took shape, its beauty understated but carrying a warmth that seemed to hum with his own presence.
When it was finished, Alex reached for her left hand. Shi Lian blinked in surprise as he gently took her fingers, lifting them between his own.
"Shi Lian," he said quietly, his voice steady but warm, "this is yours."
Her breath caught as he slid the ring onto her left ring finger. The metal was cool at first, but quickly warmed against her skin, almost as if it was alive.
She stared at it for a moment, the pink crystal catching the lamplight, before looking back at him — her eyes bright with emotion. "Alex…"
He didn't need to say anything more. His hand stayed over hers, the ring now sitting perfectly where it belonged.
Yu Mei, watching from the side, allowed herself a small, approving smile. "Now you really are his wife, Aunt."
Shi Lian's gaze softened, her fingers curling slightly to hold the ring in place as if she never intended to take it off.
Shi Lian's eyes shimmered as she looked at the ring on her finger, then back up into Alex's calm, unwavering gaze. Her heart swelled, the heaviness of the past — years of humiliation, forced submission, and cold, loveless nights — seeming to melt away under the warmth of his presence.
Without a word, she leaned forward, her lips finding his in a slow, deliberate kiss. It wasn't rushed or fueled by the heat of desire this time — it was steady, grounding, filled with the weight of everything she wanted to say but couldn't put into words.
Alex's arms closed around her, one hand settling at the small of her back, holding her close. The kiss lingered, her fingers brushing against his jaw, as though she wanted to memorize the feel of him.
When she finally drew back, her forehead rested against his. Her voice was quiet, but certain. "I feel… lucky. Lucky and grateful to fate that I finally found you… after everything."
Her fingers curled slightly, pressing the ring into her skin as if to anchor herself to the moment. "After I've suffered for so long… to finally know what true love feels like…"
Alex didn't speak, but the way his hand gently stroked her back said enough.
From her spot nearby, Yu Mei smiled faintly, her tone softer than usual. "Then keep him close, Aunt. You've earned it."
Shi Lian smiled through the warmth in her eyes, leaning in to kiss Alex again — sealing her vow to never let go.
Alex brushed a loose strand of hair from her face, tucking it gently behind her ear. His touch was unhurried, as if they had all the time in the world. Shi Lian closed her eyes at the simple gesture, leaning into his palm like it was the safest place she had ever known.
The sounds outside — the faint rustle of the night wind, the quiet creak of the tent's fabric — faded to nothing against the steady beat of his heart beneath her ear. She traced idle patterns along his chest, memorizing the warmth and strength that radiated from him.
"I used to think love was something weak," she murmured, her voice low. "Something that could be taken away, bought, or broken. I never thought… I would feel it like this."
Alex's hand found hers, their fingers interlacing. "It's not weak," he said simply. "Not when it's real."
Her lips curved faintly, and she looked down at their joined hands — the ring catching the soft glow of the lamplight. "Then this… is the most real thing I've ever had."
They stayed like that for a long while, no rush to move, no need to fill the silence. Yu Mei, for once, didn't speak, her expression unreadable as she turned her gaze away to give them the moment to themselves.
Shi Lian let out a contented sigh, her head resting once more on Alex's shoulder. "I don't care what comes next," she whispered, "as long as you're with me."
Alex tightened his hold on her ever so slightly, a quiet promise in the gesture.
The night wrapped around them like a warm blanket, and for the first time in years, Shi Lian felt truly at peace.
Chapter 778 – "A Morning She Never Had Before"
Soft morning light filtered through the edges of the tent, painting the fabric in pale gold. The air inside was still warm from the bodies within, the scent of the night's closeness lingering faintly.
Shi Lian stirred slowly, her lashes fluttering open to find herself exactly where she had fallen asleep — cradled securely in Alex's arms. His chest rose and fell in a steady rhythm beneath her cheek, the deep, slow breaths of someone still asleep.
For a long moment, she simply lay there, listening to his heartbeat.
A faint smile touched her lips. In the past, whenever she had been used by other men — whether in the name of "duty," "pleasure," or cruelty — it had always ended the same way. They would pull away as soon as they were satisfied, leaving her cold and alone in the aftermath. Not one of them had ever thought to stay. Not one had ever held her like she mattered.
But Alex… Alex was different.
He hadn't just stayed — he had held her through the night, his warmth constant, his embrace unyielding. She could still feel the protective weight of his arm around her waist, the way his body seemed to shield her from the world even in sleep.
Her fingers curled slightly into the fabric of his robe, as if to anchor herself to this moment. She didn't want it to end.
A whisper escaped her lips, too soft for him to hear. "So this… is what it feels like."
From her spot nearby, Yu Mei sat cross-legged, clearly awake and watching with a faint smile. "You look like you've found your place, Aunt," she said quietly.
Shi Lian's cheeks warmed, but she didn't deny it. "I have."
Yu Mei's voice cut through the quiet warmth, laced with playful mischief. "Careful, Aunt… if you squeeze him any tighter, you might fuse yourself to him."
Shi Lian blinked and glanced down, realizing just how firmly she was curled into Alex's chest. Her cheeks warmed, but before she could reply, another thought struck her — the way her niece was speaking, the glint in her eyes.
This wasn't the Yu Mei she remembered.
The Yu Mei she knew had always been calm, refined, and measured — a graceful presence who rarely let her emotions slip. But the woman before her now carried a sly confidence, a playful cruelty, and a willingness to show it without hesitation.
"This isn't like you," Shi Lian murmured, studying her.
Yu Mei smirked knowingly. "Oh, it's exactly like me. I've been like this since I was 5 years old.… I just wore a mask to hide it. Kept it pressed down under all that refinement." She tilted her head slightly, the smile never leaving her lips. "But I think it's time you saw the real me."
Her eyes flicked toward the corner of the tent. "And since you've been away so long, Aunt… let me show you some of my work."
At her gesture, Elder Mei Suhua stepped forward, head bowed. Yu Mei's tone turned sharp and commanding. "Crawl on all fours. Be my chair."
"Yes, Mistress," Mei Suhua replied without hesitation, dropping to her hands and knees.
Yu Mei stepped toward her, settling herself gracefully onto the elder's back as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Mei Suhua didn't flinch, holding her position with practiced obedience.
Shi Lian could only watch, a mixture of surprise and curiosity in her expression.
Yu Mei leaned forward slightly, resting an elbow on her knee as she met her aunt's gaze. "This," she said with quiet pride, "is my first work of art — Alex's first sex slave. Fully trained. Fully loyal. And very, very close to me."
Mei Suhua's voice came steady from beneath her. "It's my honor, Mistress."
Yu Mei's smirk deepened. "See? Even she knows her place."
Yu Mei's voice cut through the quiet warmth, laced with playful mischief. "Careful, Aunt… if you squeeze him any tighter, you might fuse yourself to him."
Shi Lian blinked and glanced down, realizing just how firmly she was curled into Alex's chest. Her cheeks warmed, but before she could reply, another thought struck her — the way her niece was speaking, the glint in her eyes.
This wasn't the Yu Mei she remembered.
The Yu Mei she knew had always been calm, refined, and measured — a graceful presence who rarely let her emotions slip. But the woman before her now carried a sly confidence, a playful cruelty, and a willingness to show it without hesitation.
"This isn't like you," Shi Lian murmured, studying her.
Yu Mei smirked knowingly. "Oh, it's exactly like me. I've been like this for five years… I just wore a mask to hide it. Kept it pressed down under all that refinement." She tilted her head slightly, the smile never leaving her lips. "But I think it's time you saw the real me."
Her eyes flicked toward the corner of the tent. "And since you've been away so long, Aunt… let me show you some of my work."
At her gesture, Elder Mei Suhua stepped forward, head bowed. Yu Mei's tone turned sharp and commanding. "Crawl on all fours. Be my chair."
"Yes, Mistress," Mei Suhua replied without hesitation, dropping to her hands and knees.
Yu Mei stepped toward her, settling herself gracefully onto the elder's back as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Mei Suhua didn't flinch, holding her position with practiced obedience.
Shi Lian could only watch, a mixture of surprise and curiosity in her expression.
Yu Mei leaned forward slightly, resting an elbow on her knee as she met her aunt's gaze. "This," she said with quiet pride, "is my first work of art — Alex's first sex slave. Fully trained. Fully loyal. And very, very close to me."
Mei Suhua's voice came steady from beneath her. "It's my honor, Mistress."
Yu Mei's smirk deepened. "See? Even she knows her place."
Yu Mei adjusted her seat on Mei Suhua's back, crossing one leg over the other in a leisurely manner. "Elder," she said smoothly, "tell my aunt exactly what you are."
Without hesitation, Mei Suhua spoke clearly. "I am Master Alex's sex slave and Mistress Yu Mei's property. I exist to serve them in any way they desire."
Yu Mei's eyes gleamed as she glanced at Shi Lian. "You see? No shame. No hesitation. That's the result of perfect training."
Then she leaned forward slightly, her tone taking on a commanding edge. "Elder… kiss the ground at my aunt's feet."
"Yes, Mistress."
Mei Suhua crawled forward on all fours until she reached Shi Lian, then lowered herself to press her lips to the ground just in front of her toes.
Shi Lian raised an eyebrow, unable to hide her intrigue. "You've… certainly changed since I last saw you."
Yu Mei's smirk widened. "And improved."
She tilted her head in thought, then added, "Elder, present yourself."
"Yes, Mistress." Mei Suhua sat back on her knees, lifted her chin, and bared her neck in submission, her hands resting palm-up on her thighs.
Yu Mei looked to Shi Lian again, her voice dripping with satisfaction. "This is what I want to give Alex more of — women who aren't lovers, just slaves, toys, pets. Ones he can use and discard without a second thought."
Shi Lian regarded the scene for a long moment, her gaze flicking from Yu Mei's commanding presence to the obedient elder kneeling before her.
Yu Mei's smile was sharp, but her tone was almost teasing. "If you ever want a pet of your own, Aunt… I can teach you how to train one."
Shi Lian tilted her head, her gaze lingering on Mei Suhua's bowed form before looking back to Yu Mei. "A pet of my own, hmm? I'll think about it." A faint smile played on her lips before she turned to Alex. "Tell me… how many slaves do you actually have?"
Alex met her eyes without hesitation. "Only one. Mei Suhua."
Yu Mei's expression sharpened with curiosity. "What about Nyx?"
At the mention of the name, Shi Lian glanced between them, sensing there was more to the story.
Alex shook his head slightly. "Nyx isn't a slave. She's my follower. But…" His tone softened a little. "…we have special feelings for each other. We're lovers — even if she calls me 'Master' all the time."
Shi Lian's brows lifted slightly at the clarification. "So… she chooses to call you that?"
Alex nodded. "It's her way of showing devotion. But it's not the same as this." He gestured subtly toward Mei Suhua, still kneeling at Yu Mei's feet, her posture unwavering.
Yu Mei smirked, clearly pleased at the distinction. "Exactly. There's a difference between a loyal lover and a trained slave." Her gaze slid back to her aunt. "And I think you're starting to see why I enjoy the latter so much."
Shi Lian didn't deny it — though her eyes lingered on Alex with a subtle glint of curiosity and perhaps a hint of possessiveness.
Chapter 779 – "A New Courage" (18+)
Yu Mei's eyes gleamed with mischief as she leaned slightly forward on Mei Suhua's back, her voice taking on that smooth, coaxing tone she used when she wanted to push someone's buttons.
"So, Aunt…" she began, drawing the words out, "…what about it? Wouldn't you like to have a slave of your own? Someone completely under your control — someone who exists only to please you?"
Normally, Shi Lian would have blushed furiously at the suggestion, shaking her head and denying it outright. In the past, such talk would have left her flustered, embarrassed, and searching for a polite way to change the subject.
But now… she didn't react quite the same way.
Her mind flickered back to the night before — to Alex's arms around her, to the tenderness that had followed their passion, to the ring now on her finger. For the first time in years, she felt wanted not just for her body, but for herself.
She realized, with a quiet kind of shock, that something inside her had shifted.
Before, she had never received love — only physical attention, lust disguised as affection. That had left her repressed, ashamed, unable to voice her true desires. But after finding true love, that timidness was beginning to crumble.
Her gaze lifted to Yu Mei's, calm and steady. "Maybe," she said simply, the word carrying more weight than she intended.
Yu Mei's smile was sly but approving. "That's the start of an honest answer."
Shi Lian's lips curved faintly. "I suppose I'm not the same woman I was before. Back then, I was only given… one thing. And it wasn't love. I had no courage to speak my mind."
"And now?" Yu Mei pressed, her tone warm but insistent.
Shi Lian glanced at Alex, who was now stirring slightly beside her, and her voice grew firmer. "Now… I think I could say exactly what I want."
Yu Mei's lips curled into that knowing smile again, her eyes narrowing just slightly as if she were sizing her aunt up.
"Then," she said slowly, "if you're truly ready to speak your mind… let's put it to the test."
Shi Lian tilted her head, curiosity flickering in her expression. "A test?"
Yu Mei nodded. "Yes. Something simple. I want you to tell Alex — clearly, without hesitation — exactly what you want from him right now. No shyness, no polite hints, no looking away."
The challenge hung in the air between them.
Shi Lian's gaze instinctively flickered to Alex, who was now watching her with calm patience, his expression unreadable but open.
In the past, she would have shrunk back from that gaze, hiding behind indirect words or waiting for someone else to take the lead. But now, with the ring warm on her finger and the memory of last night still fresh in her mind, she felt an unfamiliar steadiness inside her.
Yu Mei leaned forward slightly, resting her chin on her hand as she sat on Mei Suhua's back. "If you can't say it now, Aunt, then maybe you're still the same as before. But if you can… then I'll believe you've changed."
Shi Lian took a slow breath, her fingers brushing over Alex's chest as she searched his eyes. The corners of her mouth curved upward — not in shyness, but in quiet determination.
"All right," she said softly, but without faltering. "I'll say it."
Shi Lian's eyes never left Alex's. Her fingers splayed against his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath her palm. There was no blush, no nervous fidget — only a quiet strength in the way she held herself.
"I want you," she said clearly, her voice ringing in the warm stillness of the tent. "Right now. Not later, not when it's convenient… now. I want you to make me feel what I felt last night, and more."
The directness of her words made Yu Mei's brows lift slightly, a pleased smirk tugging at her lips.
Alex studied her for a moment, then gave a faint nod. "If that's what you want…" His hand slid up to cradle the back of her neck, his touch firm but gentle. "…then I'll give it to you."
Yu Mei gave a soft, approving laugh. "Well, Aunt… you passed my test. That's how you speak when you know what you want."
Shi Lian's lips curved into a smile, not out of pride, but from the freedom of finally being able to say it aloud.
Yu Mei leaned back slightly, still perched atop Mei Suhua's back. "Go on, Aunt. Show me that your courage wasn't just in the words."
Shi Lian's gaze softened, but the resolve in her eyes didn't waver as she leaned in to kiss Alex — not as a shy request this time, but as the first move in claiming exactly what she'd asked for.
Shi Lian's kiss deepened almost instantly, her fingers curling into Alex's robe to pull him closer. Alex's arm slid around her waist, drawing her firmly into his lap as his other hand cupped her jaw, tilting her head to take the kiss even deeper.
Her breath came faster as their lips moved together in a heated rhythm, each exchange stoking the fire between them. When Alex shifted, laying her gently back onto the bedding, Shi Lian followed his lead without hesitation, her body arching into his touch.
Yu Mei leaned casually on Mei Suhua's back, watching with a smirk that was equal parts approval and intrigue. "Good… very good. That's how a woman should claim what she wants."
Alex's hands traced over Shi Lian's sides, the warmth of his palms making her skin shiver. She responded eagerly, wrapping her legs around his hips and pulling him down against her. Their breathing quickened together, the air between them thick with desire.
When Alex finally entered her, Shi Lian's head tilted back with a gasp, her fingers digging into his shoulders. "Yes… just like that," she breathed, her voice rich with both need and satisfaction.
Alex set a steady, deep pace, his gaze locked on hers the entire time, as if daring her to look away. She didn't — not once — meeting him stroke for stroke, kiss for kiss.
Yu Mei's smile widened as she shifted slightly, crossing one leg over the other. "You see, Aunt? This is exactly what I wanted to see — no shyness, no hesitation. Just you taking what you desire."
Shi Lian's only response was a moan that melted into another kiss, her body moving with Alex's in perfect rhythm. Every thrust, every brush of his lips, pushed her closer to the edge, and she clung to him like nothing else in the world mattered.
Minutes stretched into something timeless, the passion between them unbroken. Even with Yu Mei watching, there was no embarrassment — only the raw, unrestrained connection they had discovered the night before.
Shi Lian's body clung to Alex's as though they had been made to fit together, every movement perfectly aligned. His steady, deep thrusts sent heat rolling through her in waves, and she met each one without falter, her legs tightening around his waist to pull him deeper.
Their mouths kept finding each other — kisses that alternated between fierce and tender, each one tasting of breathless desire. When her first climax came, it hit like a jolt of lightning, her nails raking lightly down his back as she cried into his mouth. Alex didn't slow, only holding her through the shuddering release before pushing her into the next wave.
Yu Mei sat with one hand under her chin, her expression one of smug satisfaction as she watched her aunt's resolve turn into unrestrained passion. "That's one," she murmured softly, her voice meant more for herself than for them.
Alex shifted his angle, his hips rolling with deliberate precision, and Shi Lian's gasp broke into a sharp moan. Her second climax came faster than the first, her body arching so hard she thought she might lose herself entirely. Alex's hand slid up to cradle the back of her head, his forehead resting briefly against hers as she rode the high, her chest heaving.
Still, he didn't stop.
Her third release left her trembling, her limbs heavy and her breath ragged, yet the fire inside her refused to burn out. She clung to him desperately, not because she was being overwhelmed, but because she wanted every moment of it to last.
By the fourth, she could barely think. Her voice had gone hoarse from gasping his name, her thighs quivering with the strain of holding him so close. Alex's own breathing had grown heavier now, his focus never wavering as he drove them both higher again and again.
Yu Mei's eyes glimmered, her lips curving upward. "And she used to be shy," she mused aloud. "Look at her now."
The fifth release tore through Shi Lian like a breaking wave, leaving her limp beneath him, her skin damp with sweat. Alex finally slowed, leaning down to kiss her softly — a kiss that felt almost like a reward for her endurance.
But she surprised him, her legs tightening again, her voice breathless but steady. "Don't stop."
Yu Mei laughed quietly, clearly delighted. "Oh, Aunt… you're going to be a dangerous woman now."
By the time the sixth and final climax shook through her, Shi Lian was left panting in Alex's arms, her head resting against his shoulder, every muscle loose from exhaustion. And still, she smiled — the content, glowing smile of a woman who had taken exactly what she wanted, and more.
Alex kissed the top of her head, holding her close as her breathing slowed, while Yu Mei's approving gaze lingered like a silent seal on her transformation.
Chapter 780 – "The Black Choker"
Shi Lian was still nestled in Alex's arms, her body relaxed but her eyes alert again. Her gaze wandered across the tent… and stopped on Mei Suhua, still kneeling obediently where Yu Mei had left her.
A slow, thoughtful smile spread across Shi Lian's lips. "She should be collared," she said casually, as if suggesting a simple accessory.
Yu Mei's eyes lit up at once. "You know… I agree." She turned her head toward Alex with a playful grin. "Husband, make her a collar."
Alex exhaled through his nose, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "You two…" He shook his head lightly but didn't refuse.
Lifting one hand, he began weaving threads of dark mana, the air shimmering faintly as the energy condensed and shaped itself in his palm. Slowly, the form took shape — not a traditional chain-linked collar, but a smooth, pure black band with no markings.
When it was finished, it gleamed faintly under the lamplight, the depth of the black seeming to draw the eye in.
Yu Mei tilted her head. "That doesn't look like a collar."
Shi Lian nodded in agreement. "It's more like… a choker necklace."
All three women studied it — its design simple, yet carrying a quiet elegance that felt at odds with its intended purpose.
Alex's fingers brushed over it once, feeling the faint hum of mana embedded in the material. "It will serve the same function. It's more discreet this way."
With that, he stepped toward Mei Suhua, who lifted her chin obediently, her eyes bright with anticipation. Alex fastened the choker around her neck, the smooth material fitting perfectly against her skin.
Yu Mei's lips curved in satisfaction. "Perfect. Now she looks presentable… and claimed."
Shi Lian's smile deepened. "It suits her."
Mei Suhua lowered her head slightly as Yu Mei's hand reached out, her fingers tracing the smooth curve of the black band. There was no cruelty in her touch this time — only a kind of affectionate ownership, as though she were appreciating a fine piece of work.
Alex watched for a moment before speaking. "That choker has the same core enchantments as the rings I've made. She'll be able to teleport directly to others wearing a linked ring, no matter the distance. And she can communicate with anyone who has one, instantly."
Yu Mei's brows lifted in pleasant surprise. "Oh? So I can issue orders to my slaves from anywhere?"
"Exactly," Alex said. "And there's more. The choker will protect her from any attack or harmful effect from cultivators at level nine or higher. It's always active."
A slow, delighted smile spread across Yu Mei's face. "So she's not only obedient, but also… untouchable to anyone else." She gave the choker another gentle stroke. "Perfect. This way, I can command her without ever worrying about her being taken or harmed."
Shi Lian chuckled softly. "It's like giving your favorite pet armor and a leash at the same time."
Yu Mei's eyes glimmered with amusement. "Exactly. And now, she's even more valuable to me."
Mei Suhua kept still under their attention, her posture flawless, the faintest glint of pride in her eyes despite the conversation treating her as property.
Yu Mei's fingers lingered on the choker a moment longer before she leaned back, glancing at Alex with a half-smile. "You're too fond of her, you know."
Alex met her gaze evenly. "If I'm going to make someone mine, I make sure they're protected."
Mei Suhua's heart swelled at the words. It wasn't just the protection the choker offered — it was the fact that he had given it to her, with his own hands, without hesitation. The gesture made her feel… cherished. Pampered, even.
A warmth spread through her chest, and the faint smile she wore now wasn't one of smug pride, but of quiet contentment. She had already been fiercely loyal to him, ready to obey any command without question — whether it meant killing whomever he named, even members of her own sect, or ending her life if he willed it.
But now… that loyalty had deepened into something far stronger.
She could feel it in her very core, like the choker wasn't just an accessory but a binding mark that tied her existence even closer to his. The thought of failing him, of disappointing him in any way, became unthinkable.
She bowed her head slightly, her voice soft but certain. "Master… I will never betray you. Whatever you wish, no matter the cost, is my only purpose."
Yu Mei's lips curved in satisfaction, brushing her fingers one last time over the choker. "Good. Then you'll serve him even better now… and by extension, me."
Yu Mei adjusted her seat atop Mei Suhua's back, then turned her gaze to Alex. "Husband," she said smoothly, "Fei Xue, Ling Hua, Mei Lian, Ru Yan, Shui Yun, Yan Zhi, and Jin Rou… I'd like to leave them to give us some space."
Her lips curled into a knowing smile. "They also want to explore this place a bit — and with your rings, they'll have more than enough protection. From the look of them earlier, they were having fun already."
Alex raised a brow. "Fun?"
Yu Mei's eyes glinted with amusement. "Yes. While other sects are barely surviving here — starving for resources, fighting tooth and nail for scraps — your wives stroll around without a care, taking treasures as if they were picking fruit from a garden."
Shi Lian chuckled softly at the image. "I suppose that's the difference between following you… and following anyone else."
Yu Mei nodded, her voice full of casual pride. "Exactly. Let the other sects scramble for their lives. We'll enjoy this paradise at our pace."
Alex gave a small, approving nod. "Then let them go. The rings will keep them safe."
Alex leaned back slightly, his arm still loosely draped around Shi Lian. "If they're enjoying themselves, let them. We've got enough here to occupy us."
Yu Mei smirked. "Oh, I know. I just didn't want the tent to get crowded while we… continue our own matters." Her gaze flicked meaningfully to Mei Suhua, who was still kneeling at her feet, head bowed and waiting for the next command.
Shi Lian's eyes followed that gaze, her expression thoughtful. "You've trained her well, Mei Mei. She's… different from any woman I've met."
The pride in Yu Mei's voice was unmistakable. "Of course. She's my masterpiece — the perfect mix of loyalty, skill, and submission." She reached down and stroked the choker again, almost like one might pet a favored animal.
Mei Suhua's lips curved faintly, her voice low. "It's my honor, Mistress. And my pleasure to serve Master Alex as well."
Shi Lian tilted her head. "She really is devoted. Even I can see it."
Yu Mei glanced toward her aunt with a sly smile. "Maybe you'll have one like her, Aunt… sooner than you think."
Shi Lian returned the smile, though her eyes lingered briefly on Alex. "If the opportunity comes… I won't hesitate."
Alex gave a quiet chuckle, resting his hand on Shi Lian's knee. "Looks like Yu Mei's influence is rubbing off on you."
Yu Mei laughed lightly. "Good. I want my family to share my taste in… gifts."
Mei Suhua remained perfectly still during their exchange, the faint glint in her eyes showing she took pride in being the center of such discussion — even as property.