Max woke up feeling a little more determined than usual. The events of the previous day still echoed in his mind like a dream that refused to fade. His mother's letter, the jade pendant, the mysterious liquids, the storage ring... It was like being dropped into the first chapter of a cultivation novel he used to secretly read on his phone under the blanket.
But now, the story wasn't about someone else. It was his.
And that truth hit a little harder when he stared at the ceiling in his large, luxurious room. A room that suddenly felt way too quiet without his mother around. Still, he couldn't afford to get lost in sentiment. Not when he had so much to do and barely any time.
Today, he decided, was the day he would begin his journey as a cultivator.
Still in his pajamas, he made his way downstairs, rubbing his eyes. The scent of freshly brewed coffee and something sweet wafted through the air. That's when he saw Maria.
She stood by the dining table, gently placing a plate of toasted bread and a hot bowl of soup. But today—today she looked... different.
Her usual composed elegance had transformed into something else. Something softer, warmer, and far more alluring. She wore a slim-fitting tank top and a pair of short shorts that revealed her smooth, long legs. Her curves were on full display—especially the two soft peaks pressing against her top. Her hair, usually tied back, was loose and flowing, giving her a wild, seductive aura.
Max blinked. Was this really the same Maria?
He remembered the letter again. His mother mentioned giving Maria a bloodline awakening pill. Maybe this was the result of that. It wouldn't completely awaken her bloodline, but it would at least enhance it, nudging her one step closer toward her potential.
And it showed.
Max sat down at the table, trying not to look like a hungry wolf, but his eyes had a mind of their own. Maria noticed. She walked over slowly, a gentle sway in her hips, and leaned just a little too close as she poured him a cup of coffee.
"Young Master," she said, her voice a soft purr, "do you want... to eat?"
Max choked on his coffee. Not because of the drink, but because of the deliberate way she leaned forward, giving him a full view of her cleavage. He saw a teasing smile tug at her lips.
Was she... flirting?
He coughed, trying to regain composure. "Tonight."
Maria blinked innocently. "Hmm?"
"Tonight. We'll talk about... eating."
She giggled—actually giggled—and walked away with a sway that made Max question the limits of his self-control.
His thoughts began to spiral again. What exactly did his mother mean by saying Maria was a gift? Why was she from the upper realm? A slave bought at an auction? It all sounded way too fantasy-like. But then again, so did everything else in his life right now.
He picked up the spoon and started eating. The food was delicious, but his mind wasn't on breakfast.
He was already planning what to do next.
---
After breakfast, Max ran upstairs like a kid who'd just been promised a secret toy. Once inside his room, he locked the door, drew the curtains, and took a deep breath.
From under his bed, he pulled out the small box containing everything his mother left him—the spiritual liquid bottles, the jade pendant, and the mysterious storage ring. For now, he placed the storage ring aside. Without spiritual power, it remained locked to him.
Instead, he picked up the jade pendant. It was cool to the touch, and the surface shimmered with soft, pulsing light. His mother had said it contained a technique passed down in their family. She'd also told him to drink at least one bottle of spiritual liquid before using it.
Max hesitated only for a moment before uncorking one bottle. The liquid inside was a deep, vibrant green, and it smelled like mint and crushed herbs.
"Bottoms up," he whispered.
The moment the liquid touched his tongue, a strange warmth spread through his chest and limbs. It wasn't unpleasant, but it was intense. Like being wrapped in a fuzzy, electric blanket. His heart pounded, and he felt something stir inside his body—as if something long asleep had just opened one eye.
He waited for a few minutes until the warmth settled. Then, he held the jade pendant to his forehead.
A flood of information surged into his mind. It was overwhelming at first—words, images, breathing techniques, body postures, and strange ancient mantras. His head throbbed, but he gritted his teeth and endured it.
When the rush stopped, he collapsed onto the bed, breathing heavily. But the knowledge remained.
He now understood that the technique in the pendant was a dual cultivation method. It allowed for solo cultivation, but it was slow—painfully slow. Dual cultivation, however, amplified the results drastically.
Of course, that meant cultivating alongside a partner. A woman. Or... women.
His cheeks flushed.
He tried to distract himself by recalling the cultivation stages mentioned in the pendant:
Qi Gathering
Qi Condensation
Foundation Building
Core Formation
Nascent Soul
God Transformation
Tribulation Ascension
His mother had said that after reaching the final stage—Tribulation—he could ascend to the upper realm.
"Alright... let's do this."
He crossed his legs and began to breathe as the technique instructed. Inhale for four counts, hold, exhale for six. A slow rhythm. A calm focus. He visualized the qi in the air—the life energy—and tried to draw it into himself.
Nothing happened.
Minutes passed. Then an hour.
A faint swirl of energy finally drifted toward him. He felt a tiny thread of qi enter his body. It was weak. Barely noticeable.
He frowned.
Was this it? Was he that untalented?
Then he remembered another line from the pendant's information: Those with taboo bloodlines may find solo cultivation extremely difficult or even dangerous due to internal rejection of worldly qi. Dual cultivation is advised.
So that was it. His bloodline—whatever it was—was rare. Forbidden, even. It reacted poorly to normal cultivation methods. His only hope of quick progress was... dual cultivation.
He opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling again.
Maria had said she would help him tonight.
He sat up, rubbed his face, and let out a long sigh.
So much for an easy path.
He didn't feel ready. He didn't even understand how to start something like that. But he trusted his mother. She wouldn't have left all this behind if it wasn't important.
He stood and walked over to the window. Outside, the sun was starting to dip into the horizon. The city lights were blinking to life one by one.
A new life was calling him. A path full of uncertainty, strange powers, beautiful companions, and a destiny that didn't leave room for hesitation.
He would either embrace it...
Or get left behind.
But not tonight.
Tonight, he would take the first real step.
With Maria...