My Xianxia Harem Life

Riley and the group received the generous rewards of the Seven Sword Grand Meet and left amidst the enthusiastic congratulations of the crowd.

The elders, who had initially been skeptical, now regarded Riley with deep respect after learning the identity of the mysterious old woman from earlier and witnessing the results of Riley’s rigorous training of the 24 disciples.

Though the full extent of the disciples’ abilities remained unclear, their performance spoke volumes.

The way they dodged the barrage of thousands of sword lights with precision and grace was enough to leave an indelible impression.

Each disciple demonstrated not only skill but also wisdom, adapting to the challenge and forming strategies of their own.

The gathered elders couldn’t contain their discussions:

”We should consider poaching some of the Stone Mountain Sect disciples.”

”If we offer them gifts—no, even the position of our legacy disciple—it might sway them.”

”Good luck with that, fellow Daoist,” one elder replied, scoffing.

”If I were them, I wouldn’t leave a sect that has Elder Riley.”

”The knowledge he possesses and what those disciples can learn from him is priceless!” another elder added, nodding with admiration.

”Honestly, I don’t doubt anymore that he’s the one who killed Lucas Prince. It makes perfect sense now.”

”Exactly. The techniques we’ve seen from him are probably just the tip of the iceberg,” someone else agreed.

The air buzzed with conversations, all revolving around Riley.

His achievements and the talent he had cultivated were undeniable, elevating not only his status but also that of the entire Stone Mountain Sect.

”We should celebrate, Elder Riley!” one of the disciples suggested enthusiastically. Their victory was well-earned, and they were eager to enjoy the moment.

”Alright, I know just the place,” Riley replied, a small smile tugging at his lips.

The disciples erupted into cheers, their spirits high as they followed Riley to the Drunken Immortal Pavilion. By the time they arrived, news of their victory had already reached the establishment.

Patrons greeted them with congratulations, and the atmosphere was charged with excitement. The group wasted no time ordering food and drinks, their laughter filling the air.

The pavilion’s menu boasted more than just liquor, offering exquisite dishes to complement the alcohol.

While the disciples reveled in their success, Katherine’s attention was drawn elsewhere.

Her smile faded as she noticed Riley at the bar, exchanging words with an extraordinarily beautiful woman behind the counter. The woman’s presence unsettled her.

Katherine extended her spiritual sense toward the stranger and confirmed she was a mere mortal. Yet, her instincts screamed otherwise—this woman was dangerous.

Determined to intervene, Katherine stood abruptly.

”Elder Michael, kindly watch over the disciples for now. I’ll return shortly with Elder Riley,” she said, not waiting for a response.

”Of course, Daoist Midnight Lotus,” Elder Michael replied, but Katherine was already on her way to the bar, her robes billowing slightly as she strode forward.

As she approached, she forced a smile and addressed Riley.

”It seems you have a friend here, Elder Riley. Is she the reason you chose this place out of all others?”

Before Riley could respond, the woman behind the counter—Veronica—smiled slyly, her eyes glinting with mischief.

”Oh? Is that jealousy I detect in your voice, dear guest? Elder Riley was merely reminding me of our little bet.”

Katherine’s eyes narrowed slightly as she turned to Riley.

”And what bet is that, Elder Riley? Care to enlighten me?”

Riley cleared his throat, clearly uncomfortable.

”It’s nothing, really. Just a trivial matter. Do you want something to drink? The specialty here is Dragon’s Heart Wine. I can guarantee it’s the finest you’ll ever taste.”

Katherine arched an eyebrow, her expression akin to that of an unimpressed wife catching her husband in a suspicious situation. Yet, she knew better than to make a scene, especially here.

Their sect’s image was at stake, particularly after their victory at the Seven Sword Grand Meet. She decided to play along—for now.

”Fine. Give me a glass,” Katherine said, her tone clipped as she directed her request toward Veronica.

Veronica, her smile widening, poured a glass with deliberate elegance and placed it before Katherine. Without hesitation, Katherine picked up the glass and downed it in one go.

”Another!” she demanded, glaring at Riley, who looked as though he wanted to be anywhere else.

”Daoist Midnight Lotus, you shouldn’t…” Riley began, but she silenced him with a sharp look.

”Another!” she repeated, ignoring his protest.

Veronica’s smile remained fixed as she poured a second glass. Riley watched with mounting concern as Katherine emptied it just as quickly as the first.

”Daoist Midnight Lotus, you really shouldn’t have more than one. It’s…” Riley started, but his words trailed off as Katherine paused mid-motion.

Her expression shifted, a flicker of confusion and realization crossing her face.

”What’s happening to m…” was all she managed to say before her eyes rolled back, and she slumped forward, unconscious.

Riley caught her before she could fall and carefully arranged her to sit comfortably at the counter, her breathing steady but shallow.

He let out a soft sigh, glancing at Veronica, who looked entirely too pleased with herself.

”You should’ve warned her properly,” Veronica teased, her voice honeyed with feigned innocence.

”I tried,” Riley replied, exasperated. ”But as you can see, she clearly didn’t listen.” He shrugged helplessly.

”No matter,” Veronica said, her tone shifting to something more serious. ”It’s actually convenient that your girlfriend is out of the picture for now. I need to ask you a favor, Riley.”

Riley straightened, his expression matching her seriousness. ”We’re friends. Share, tell, speak. You have my full attention, Veronica.”

Veronica hesitated for a moment, her usual confidence briefly giving way to contemplation. Finally, she leaned in slightly and spoke.

”I heard that you were the one who taught your disciples to grasp and learn dao essence. I want you to teach me how to do it too, Riley. I’d owe you a big favor if you did, and…” Veronica stopped here for effect.