My Xianxia Harem Life

Chapter 2: Chapter 2 Whisper

”...Soul Dominion,” our MC said with a resolute tone, his mind already anticipating the overwhelming power of the skill.

”Affirmative, host,” the system responded, its voice calm and mechanical.

Ding!

In an instant, an intense wave of pain surged through his entire being.

”AHHHHHHHHH!” our MC screamed, clutching his head as the indescribable agony raked through his soul.

He couldn’t even pinpoint where the pain had started—it felt as though every fiber of his being was being torn apart, as though his very soul was being dragged through an inferno.

It was as if his body were burning in the deepest pits of hell. He cried tears of blood, the searing pain making it almost impossible to endure.

He writhed on the bed, gasping for breath, his vision blurry, his body drenched in sweat. Every second felt like an eternity, and the world around him seemed to spin in a haze of torment.

After what felt like an eternity of agony, the pain began to subside, but not before he was left gasping for air, his chest heaving.

”Hahhh... that was terrible,” our MC muttered weakly, wiping the blood from his eyes. The pain he had just endured was far beyond anything he had experienced before.

It eclipsed even the excruciating headache he had felt just minutes prior, and was more intense than any suffering he had endured in both this life and his previous one on Earth.

His body felt as though it had been through a trial by fire, his mind on the verge of shattering.

After a few moments, he took a deep breath and focused inward, feeling the remnants of the pain still lingering at the edges of his consciousness.

As the haze cleared, he realized he now understood the full extent of Soul Dominion. He could control the minds of others with absolute authority—but there were limits.

He discovered that at his current stage, the Body Refinement Realm, he could only use Soul Dominion three times before his soul would be pushed beyond its limits.

However, as he progressed into the next realm, the Foundation Establishment Realm, he would be able to use it six times in total.

This increase in power would allow him to dominate even more targets, but with each use, there was a cost.

If he used it too many times and above the limit of what he can, the first person he had ever controlled—his initial target—would break free from his grasp.

The person would retain full control over their body and mind, and his influence would be utterly severed. He could not afford to let that happen, not with such a powerful ability at his disposal.

He sighed, realizing the balance he would need to strike in the coming days.

Soul Dominion was an incredible power, but it came with a hefty price. He would have to be strategic, cautious, and deliberate in using it, or else risk losing control of his very advantage on this xianxia world.

Riley thought long and hard about how to best utilize his three chances to control someone. After careful deliberation, he devised what he believed to be a foolproof plan.

”This will be easy,” he muttered to himself, nodding and smiling with confidence. Excited, he set off toward his chosen destination.

Stepping out of his modest wooden house, Riley paused to admire the grandeur of the Stone Mountain Sect. Towering cliffs surrounded the sect, and the vibrant scenery took his breath away.

The air was crisp and fresh, carrying a subtle energy that seemed to infuse everything it touched. The flowers and trees sparkled with an almost magical brilliance, their vitality practically tangible.

Riley could feel the spiritual essence of this xianxia world permeating the atmosphere, making the entire scene seem like a painting brought to life.

He shook his head, snapping himself out of his reverie. There was no time to lose—he had a purpose here. With renewed focus, he made his way deeper into the sect, heading straight for its center.

”Good morning, Master Riley!” A chorus of greetings rang out as a crowd of servants bowed respectfully to him.

The Stone Mountain Sect housed over a thousand slaves and servants, far outnumbering its cultivators.

After all, not everyone was born with the spiritual vein required to channel the world’s spiritual essence into their bodies.

Riley nodded in acknowledgment, offering no words as he stayed focused on his task. When he approached the inner court, an old man suddenly stepped forward, barring his path.

”Stop, young one. This is not a place you’re permitted to enter,” the old man said, eyeing Riley’s brown sect robes with evident disapproval.

”Forgive me, Elder Joshua,” Riley replied, his tone calm but firm. ”I need to speak to the sect master. The news I bring is urgent.”

The old man frowned, clearly unimpressed.

”The sect master is in closed-door cultivation. If you have news, share it with me, and I will relay it to the elders. They will decide if it warrants the sect master’s attention.”

Riley hesitated, his mind racing.

System, are you there? he thought.

”Yes, host. I am here,” came the system’s reply.

”Is the sect master the strongest person in the sect?”

”I’m sorry, host, but the system database only contains what you already know. It cannot provide additional information.”

”Then what are your functions, aside from the starting gift pack?”

”The system provides three epic rewards for significant achievements. These rewards are granted randomly and are not guaranteed for every accomplishment.”

”I see,” Riley muttered, before turning his attention back to Elder Joshua.

”The Dark Obelisk Cult is preparing to attack our sect,” Riley said evenly.

”I will share the details only with the sect master. If you refuse to take me to him, I’ll leave the sect and wash my hands of its fate. A doomed sect is none of my concern.”

With that, Riley turned on his heel, as if ready to leave.

”Halt!” Elder Joshua’s booming voice reverberated through the courtyard, drawing the attention of nearby disciples.

Though his expression remained stern, his trembling hands betrayed his inner turmoil—whether from fear or urgency was unclear.

After a tense moment, Joshua leaned closer and whispered, ”Come with me. I’ll take you to the sect master now.”