My Xianxia Harem Life

”Yes. My family is also from Blazing Sun City. The Miller Clan has proposed a marriage for me, and my family can’t refuse because they fear the consequences of rejecting them,” Leia said, her voice laced with frustration. She hesitated for a moment before lowering her gaze.

”I don’t want this, but my family is powerless to oppose them.”

She stopped there, waiting for Riley’s response. He was sharp—someone who could read between the lines. Would he take the hint? Would he understand what she wanted without her having to beg?

Leia didn’t have to wait long.

”I see.” Riley’s tone was calm, measured.

”Do you want me to deal with the Miller Clan for you, Core Disciple Leia? I can handle it—out of the goodness of my heart.” He nodded slightly, his expression unreadable.

Leia’s breath caught in her throat. He made it sound so simple.

”Yes, please.” She swallowed, trying to keep her voice steady, but there was an undeniable tremor in her tone.

”If you can… I’ll be forever indebted to you, Elder Riley.”

”A small matter.” Riley waved a hand dismissively.

”If you don’t want to marry, no one in this world can force you. I have your back.” He smiled at her then, the kind of smile that made it seem like nothing in the world could shake him.

Leia felt her chest tighten.

”Thank you, Elder Riley!” she said, her voice filled with genuine gratitude. Her eyes burned, and she quickly blinked away the tears that threatened to fall.

It had been so long since she’d felt truly protected.

”Don’t mention it. You can return and cultivate in peace,” Riley said, as if the conversation was already over. He gave her a final nod before looking away, seemingly prepared to dismiss her entirely.

Leia remained frozen in place.

She had expected something else. A price. A condition. A veiled hint of what he might expect in return.

That was how the world worked, wasn’t it?

No one did favors for free, especially not when they involved standing against a clan as powerful as the Millers.

But Riley simply smiled, unaffected. He didn’t press her for anything, didn’t try to manipulate her into some unspoken deal.

Leia was… disappointed?

No—she quickly corrected herself—she should be relieved.

He wasn’t the kind of man she thought he was. He was a gentleman. A good man with an innate kindness.

That realization made her next decision effortless.

She took a deep breath.

”Do you like me, Elder Riley?”

Riley stilled. For the first time, she saw real shock flash across his face. But it was gone in an instant, replaced by his usual composure.

”If you’re fishing for compliments,” he said after a moment, ”then I’ll say what any man would—you’re beautiful, Core Disciple Leia.” His tone was neutral, carefully balanced.

He neither encouraged nor rejected her, choosing his words with the precision of a man who understood the weight they carried.

Leia smiled softly.

”I see.” She took a step closer.

”Then… if you’d have me, I’d like to grow closer to you, Elder Riley. If you’ll allow it.”

Riley didn’t move, but she could see the way his muscles tensed ever so slightly. She took another step.

”We entered the sect in the same batch ten years ago,” she reminded him.

”We’re the same age. And honestly, I can’t think of a man I admire more than you. I like you, Elder Riley. I like you a lot.”

Leia stopped just a step away, close enough that she could feel the warmth radiating from him. Close enough that if either of them moved even slightly, they’d touch.

She said no more. She had made her move. The rest was in Riley’s hands.

For a moment, silence stretched between them.

Riley’s expression was unreadable, but Leia could see the faintest flicker of hesitation in his eyes. It lasted only a second before he exhaled softly and allowed a smile to tug at his lips.

”I like you too, Leia.”

And then he moved.

He closed the distance between them, his fingers grazing her cheek before he leaned in, capturing her lips in a deep, lingering kiss.

Leia’s breath hitched, her body melting into his as warmth spread through her chest.

Riley was twenty-five. She was twenty-five.

There was nothing inappropriate about this. No one would question their relationship.

But to Leia, none of that mattered.

What mattered was that, for the first time in a long time, she had found someone who truly stood by her side—not because they had to, but because they wanted to.

And that meant everything.

”Hahhh…”

When their lips finally parted, Leia was already gasping for breath.

She hadn’t expected Riley to be such a skilled kisser—his lips, warm and demanding, had moved with an effortless confidence that left her lightheaded.

Every brush of his tongue against hers sent a thrilling jolt down her spine, making her knees weak.

She blinked up at him, dazed, her chest rising and falling rapidly. Her body felt unbearably hot, as if set ablaze by something far beyond her control.

This was her first kiss, yet it alone was enough to stir something deep within her—a yearning so intense it made her whole body tremble.

A liquid heat pooled low in her belly, spreading insidiously, pulsing with need. Leia’s thighs clenched instinctively as she became acutely aware of the dampness between them.

It was embarrassing how quickly her body had responded, how easily she had melted under Riley’s touch. She had never known that a mere kiss could awaken such overwhelming desire.

Riley’s hand cupped her cheek, his thumb grazing over her flushed skin, his golden eyes dark with restrained hunger.

He studied her, his gaze lingering on her swollen lips as if contemplating his next move.

”Last chance,” he murmured, his voice husky.

”You can still go back if you don’t want this, Core Disciple Leia.”

Leia stared at him, her heart hammering against her ribs.