Inside the Sumeru Ring, the Icefire Yin Yang Well had gradually transformed into a paradise-like sanctuary.
In just a few days, the area underwent dramatic changes, thanks to the numerous plant-type soul beasts with intelligence residing there. By simply instructing them to extend their branches and vines at specific angles, stunning architectural structures were created.
It was like something out of a dream.
Qian Ran couldn't help but think of the elven abodes in Western fantasy. Their forest dwellings might look something like this.
"Master."
As soon as Qian Ran entered the Sumeru Ring, seven maids sensed his presence and promptly knelt before him in greeting. Since being brought here by Huo Yun'er, they had been consumed by anxiety.
In this place, Qian Ran had absolute control over their freedom and their lives.
If they had once been unwilling to become his maids, that reluctance had now vanished entirely. They had become Qian Ran's possessions, body and soul. Resistance would only lead to a miserable end, while submission might grant them freedom or even happiness.
Besides, Qian Ran was such an outstanding man. If they could remain by his side, would it really be so bad?
Their only fear now was that as more people joined, they might lose their privilege of being his personal maids.
"Well done. You've changed a lot."
Qian Ran regarded the seven beautiful women kneeling before him.
In his previous life, even a maid-themed café offering only cosplay could excite hordes of enthusiasts, despite the staff merely donning maid outfits without truly embodying the role, and their appearances being average at best.
If those thirsty fans on Blue Planet saw the women kneeling before Qian Ran now, they'd probably faint from overstimulation.
However, Qian Ran's interest in these maids was limited.
"Raise your head," he commanded, stepping toward the oldest of the group, a mature woman named Xia Lan, the biological mother of Dai Lilo. Among them, Xia Lan was the only one who sparked even a flicker of intrigue in Qian Ran.
His shoe pressed against Xia Lan's chin, forcing her elegant face upward.
In her eyes, he saw defiance and anger. While her body submitted, her heart would not yield so easily—especially not someone as seasoned as Xia Lan.
That was fine. Qian Ran liked taking his time.
Ah, the rotten decadence of noble life.
"Which of you is Dai Hao's daughter?" Qian Ran, having quickly lost interest, glanced at the remaining six women.
"I am, Master. My name is Dai Yurou." A beautiful young woman near Xia Lan hesitantly lifted her head. Fear and awe mingled in her expression.
"You'll do. Prepare yourself. You'll serve me in my chambers soon." Qian Ran spoke as if discussing something as mundane as daily chores. In truth, it wasn't far from the truth—these women were his property, to dispose of as he pleased.
From their lives to their souls, even to gifting or selling them, everything about them was under his control.
For a master as gentle as Qian Ran, they could count themselves lucky.
"Thank you, Master." Dai Yurou's eyes lit with joy, her delicate porcelain-like fingers trembling slightly. The other women looked on with envy.
No matter what, serving Qian Ran personally meant Dai Yurou's future would be far brighter than theirs. Even if she had to endure some of his peculiar preferences, as long as she pleased him, her prospects were promising.
"I like catgirls." Qian Ran's gaze traced Dai Yurou's kneeling form, admiring the curves of her body. If a tail were to sway from her hips, wouldn't that be delightful?
"You may return to your duties. Finish constructing the palace according to my designs as quickly as possible." Qian Ran's eyes swept the surroundings. Some of the intricate, specialized structures he desired would take time to build.
A place for Qian Ran to reside needed to be both hidden and grand—an appropriate setting for his indulgences.
In history, Cao Cao built the Bronze Sparrow Terrace to collect the beauties of the land. Qian Ran's vision far surpassed that of the cunning warlord.
"You humans are so wicked," Bing Di and Xue Di appeared at Qian Ran's side, rolling their eyes at him. Watching a group of stunning human women kneeling and obeying Qian Ran's every word had left even the two soul beasts astonished. It was as if they had opened the door to a new world.
So this was possible?
Humans were indeed vile—arrogant and indulgent.
"They're just maids. If you need anything, you can instruct them as well." Qian Ran wrapped an arm around each of their waists. To him, Xia Lan and Dai Yurou couldn't compare to the likes of Xue Di and Bing Di. Maids would always be just that—servants. After spending so much time in the Douluo Continent, Qian Ran found his worldview increasingly aligned with this world's values.
If Xia Lan or the others died one day, Qian Ran doubted he'd feel much sorrow. Perhaps he'd lament the loss of a plaything, but nothing more.
Qian Ran realized he was becoming more like a villain. Perhaps this was how most perspectives evolved—gradually and inevitably. Play with enough ordinary women, and the thrill dulled.
"Alright." Bing Di stuck out her little tongue. Truthfully, she didn't care much. In her heart, her Ice Jade Scorpion clan was the noblest. Humans were nothing to her; she'd long regarded them as ants. If not for Qian Ran, she would never have associated with them in her lifetime.
Xue Di shared the sentiment. Her aloof demeanor masked an innate pride.
In their eyes, maids were akin to slaves. If they couldn't provide material or emotional value to their master, they had no right to exist. Without value, they'd be sold off or erased from the world.
Qian Ran lacked no material wealth. Thus, it was their duty to bring him joy.
"I'm planning to refine this area so it can become our home. Here, we can all gather whenever we want," Qian Ran said as he continued caressing their waists.
"That's wonderful." Bing Di clapped her hands in approval.
Her primary reason for staying at the Icefire Yin Yang Well was that it allowed her to see Qian Ran anytime. Back at the Shrek Academy residence, if Qian Ran left the city, she couldn't follow.
Now, residing in Qian Ran's Sumeru Ring, she could meet him whenever she missed him.
"I'll be heading to the Star Dou Forest in a few days. Once Xue'er arrives, we'll set off. You'll get to see some of the forest's fearsome soul beasts." Preparing for his journey to the Star Dou Forest, Qian Ran ensured Bing Di and Xue Di were informed. They had been curious about the Silver Dragon King, Gu Yuena, ever since he mentioned her.
Now, they'd get their wish.
"Yuyou, when will Master finally notice us?" A red-clad woman named Ajiao sighed to her companion Yuyou. Seeing so many stunning human women in the Icefire Yin Yang Well, with Bing Di and Xue Di above them, left her feeling dejected.
"I don't know. Maybe it'll take a long time." Yuyou pouted. Compared to Bing Di and Xue Di, they lacked both beauty and power, nor were they as obedient and submissive as the human women.
"I don't care. If Master won't take me, I'll just force—"
(End of Chapter)