Walter Cooper wiped the dust from his ragged outer disciple robes and glanced around the empty courtyard. The sun had dipped lower, casting long shadows over the phoenix-carved pillars. His body still ached from Harlan's kicks, but the system's subtle fortification made the pain bearable. More importantly, a new surge of confidence ran through him.
In his old life, he had been invisible. Here, he had a literal cheat. The Harem Bond System wasn't just a power tool—it was his ticket to revenge and dominance.
He pulled up the blue screen again.
[Mission Timer: 6 days, 23 hours remaining]
[Current Strength: Still Trash Tier. Temporary Body Boost active for 36 more hours.]
[Advice: Higher-quality women yield better rewards. Target inner sect disciples for superior talents and physiques.]
The goddess's voice returned, soft and teasing. "Don't waste time hiding in the dirt, Walter. The inner sect baths fill with proud flowers at dusk. One look at you now, and they might laugh… but charm them right, and they'll be the ones begging."
Walter smirked. "Message received."
He moved quickly through the outer sect grounds, sticking to shadowed paths. The Azure Phoenix Sect sprawled across misty mountains, divided into outer, inner, and core areas. Outer disciples like the original Walter handled menial chores and basic training. Inner disciples enjoyed better resources, private pavilions, and access to sect techniques.
Guards patrolled the dividing gates, but Walter spotted a side trail used by servants. He slipped through unnoticed, heart pounding. One wrong move and he'd be beaten worse than before.
Inside the inner sect, the air felt richer with spiritual qi. Elegant pavilions lined manicured paths. Lanterns glowed softly as evening settled. Laughter and conversation drifted from a large bathing complex ahead—separate wings for men and women, but shared outer gardens.
Walter crouched behind a flowering bush, observing. A group of female disciples in lighter blue robes chatted near the entrance. Their auras felt stronger than anything in the outer sect.
One stood out immediately.
She was tall and elegant, with long silver-white hair tied in a high ponytail and sharp, icy-blue eyes. Her posture screamed arrogance. A faint chill emanated from her—ice attribute, probably. She wore the inner sect badge proudly on her chest.
Sylvara Thorne. The name surfaced from the body's memories. Senior sister to many, a rising talent at Qi Condensation Stage 4. Known for her cold demeanor and ruthless training. The original Walter had admired her from afar… and been ignored completely.
Perfect first target.
Sylvara dismissed her companions with a wave. "Enough gossip. I need to cultivate in peace. Don't disturb me."
The others bowed and left. She headed toward the women's bathing wing alone.
Walter's pulse quickened. This was risky, but the system rewarded boldness. He waited until she disappeared inside, then crept closer, using the evening mist for cover.
He found a cracked window overlooking the outer changing area. Steam rose from heated pools. Sylvara began loosening her outer robe, revealing smooth, pale skin marked with faint cultivation tattoos that glowed faintly blue.
"Damn…" Walter whispered. She was stunning—curves in all the right places, confident movements that showed she knew her worth.
The system chimed softly.
[High Potential Target Detected: Sylvara Thorne]
[Bloodline: Frost Phoenix (Rare)]
[Special Physique: Ice Yin Body (Excellent for Dual Cultivation)]
[Bonding Reward Projection: Major cultivation boost + new ice-based technique.]
The goddess laughed in his mind. "See? Worth the risk. But don't just stare, Walter. Make your move. A clumsy accident works wonders on proud ones like her."
Walter's mind raced. He couldn't barge in—that would end in disaster. Instead, he noticed a loose tile on the roof above the changing screen. If he dislodged it carefully…
He climbed quietly, heart hammering. One push. The tile slipped and clattered down, knocking over a wooden screen inside with a loud crash.
Sylvara spun around, half-undressed, eyes flashing with anger. "Who's there? Show yourself!"
Walter dropped down into the outer area, pretending to stumble. "Sorry! I—I got lost. Outer disciple on errand duty. I didn't mean to—"
Her gaze locked on him. Recognition hit. "You. The trash from the outer sect. Walter Cooper. How dare you sneak into the inner sect baths? Do you have a death wish?"
She channeled qi, and cold air swirled around her fist. Frost formed on the ground.
Walter raised his hands, keeping his voice steady but with a hint of charm. "Senior Sister Sylvara, please. It was an honest mistake. The paths are confusing at dusk. I swear I saw nothing… though I must say, even angry, you're breathtaking."
Her cheeks flushed slightly—more from rage than embarrassment. "Flattery from a zero-root waste? Pathetic. I'll teach you what happens when trash forgets its place."
She stepped forward, but Walter didn't back down. The temporary boost let him move with surprising grace. He dodged her first strike, the frost missing him by inches.
"Wait! Hear me out," he said quickly. "I've changed. Give me one chance to prove I'm not the same weakling everyone mocks."
Sylvara paused, eyes narrowing. Something in his confident tone threw her off. Most outer disciples would be groveling by now.
The system flashed:
[Seduction Progress: 5%. Her pride is high, but curiosity sparked.]
Walter pressed the small advantage. "One conversation. If you still want to punish me after, I'll accept it."
Steam filled the air between them. Sylvara's robe hung loosely on her shoulders. Tension thickened.
She lowered her fist slightly. "Fine. Speak fast, trash. You have one minute before I freeze your limbs."
Walter smiled inwardly. Hook set. The real game was just beginning.