Chapter 13: The Flying Tiger Sect
"Yanmei,"
"Yes, master?"
"Why didn't you just get rid of that guy when he threatened you?" Li's voice was stern.
"Master, I didn't want to cause you any trouble," Yanmei replied, bowing her head.
Li Ye walked over to Yanmei and lifted her chin. "You're mine, Yanmei. If anyone, even the emperor, tries to harm you, I'll deal with them. Remember, you belong to me and only me."
Yanmei found herself flustered, her cheeks warming under Li's touch.
"Good. Let's go to bed," Li said, heading towards the bed.
"Goodnight, master," Yanmei said, starting to leave, but Li stopped her.
"Where do you think you're going? You'll be sharing this bed with me," Li declared.
"But, master, I am but a humble maid. How can I presume to share your bed with you?" Yanmei protested.
"You are my maid, and you shall attend to my every need. Come, join me," he commanded.
Yanmei acquiesced, settling beside him.
"Prepare my breakfast before waking me up tomorrow," Li instructed before falling asleep.
Yanmei watched him sleep, feeling grateful for his protection.
"Why are you so good to me, Master? Even when I was empress, no one cared for me like you do. I don't want power or eternal life, just your love," she whispered, hugging him tightly as she drifted off to sleep.
The next morning,
"Master, it's time to wake up. We need to leave for the sect soon," Yanmei reminded him.
"I'll be down in a minute. Prepare our breakfast ready," Li said, getting out of bed.
"Yes, master," Yanmei replied.
After breakfast, they set off for the sect.
"Yanmei, to become an official disciple, you need to pass the trial of the flying tiger. Then they'll test your element affinity and talent," Li explained, resting his head on her lap.
"Are you a disciple too, master?" Yanmei asked.
"No, I'm not. But I'll take the tests with you," Li replied.
Halfway there, Li stopped the carriage.
"Why did we stop, master?" Yanmei wondered.
"Let's get you some new clothes. You deserve to look as beautiful as you are," Li suggested, his affection for Yanmei apparent in his words.
Amidst the lively street, they went in side a cloth shop.
The shop assistant greeted them with a warm smile, "Welcome."
"How may I assist you?" the assistant inquired politely.
Li Ye turned to the attendant, "Could you select some clothes for her,"
"This way, miss," the assistant led Yanmei to the clothing section, unveiling an array of luxurious fabrics.
"These are some of our finest collections," the assistant proudly presented.
"Do you have something more simple," Yanmei replied modestly.
Observing the exchange, the assistant silently pondered, 'Why do these poor individuals bother to come to a high-end shop? Can't they go elsewhere?'
"We specialize in premium selections for our esteemed clientele. The items you seek aren't within our shop," the assistant explained to Yanmei.
Turning to Yanmei, Li Ye asked, "Have you chosen any clothes for yourself?"
"We don't stock the items you seek here, sir. Our cheapest clothes are priced at least 100 bronze coins," the assistant sneered at Li Ye.
Without hesitation, Li Ye tossed 10 silver coins towards the attendant, shocking them with his generosity.
"Is this enough?" Asked.
"No need to fret, sir. We'll procure the finest clothes for her," the assistant assured, rallying the staff to fetch the best from their collection.
"I don't need this luxurious clothes, master," Yanmei insisted to Li Ye.
"But I desire to see you adorned in elegance," Li Ye insisted, his eyes fixed on her.
Trying on several outfits, Yanmei sought his opinion, "Do I look beautiful, master?"
"Yanmei, you radiate beauty even in simple clothing," Li Ye affirmed, admiring her.
"She looks beautiful in anything she wears. I'll purchase each piece," Li Ye declared to the attendant, prompting a gleeful response from them.
After selecting the attire, they resumed their journey in the carriage, Yanmei clad in one of Li Ye's chosen dresses.
"Please wake me upon arrival at the sect," Li Ye instructed Yanmei before closing his eyes.
As he drifted into his soul space, Li Ye sought Sara's presence.
"Sara, where are you?" he inquired.
[Master, I was assisting Mother with soul essence absorption]
"When will she conclude?"
[It'll take another day, Master]
[Additionally, there are pending system notifications]
"Display them."
[Master has enslaved the Luo clan]
[+500 destiny points]
[Yanmei's affection increased by 5]
[Yanmei's bond with Master is now an unconditional lover]
"So, enslaving someone earns destiny points," Li Ye mused to Sara.
[Yes, Master. You'll earn destiny points for causing someone's destiny value to decrease or increase. Each person possesses a destiny value, determined by their role and the world's rank]
"I'm going back. Take care of everything in my absence," Li Ye bid farewell.
[Yes, Master. Take care]
"How much longer until we reach the sect?" Li Ye inquired.
"We'll arrive shortly. Also, Master, I need to wear my maid uniform before our arrival," Yanmei reminded him.
"I appointed you as my maid for your protection. You don't need to perform all maid duties. Just listen to my instructions," Li Ye reassured her.
"Moreover, wear the garments I purchased for you. They enhance your natural beauty," Li Ye urged Yanmei.
Blushing at his words, Yanmei complied.
Arriving at the Flying Tiger Sect, they joined the multitude gathered for the trials, embarking on their cultivation journey.
"Remarkable! The Flying Tiger Sect truly deserves its status as the kingdom's foremost sect," a bystander remarked.
"Yes, the turnout for the trials is staggering. However, only 300 will be chosen," another observed.
"300 out of thousands! I must pass or face expulsion from my family," a hopeful participant fretted.
Amidst the chatter, a grand carriage approached, halting at the sect's entrance.
"Who arrives in such grandeur?" curious voices murmured.
As a captivating woman emerged, her presence enveloped the onlookers in awe, her regal aura suggesting noble lineage.
The crowd fell silent as a stunning woman stepped gracefully out of the carriage, capturing everyone's gaze and displaying an aura similar to royalty.
Accompanied by a man of unassuming demeanor, the crowd's attention lingered on the resplendent woman, thinking of her identity, ignoring her companion.
Amidst the speculation, a voice announced, "The trials of the Flying Tiger Sect shall commence!"