My Xianxia Harem Life

Chapter 368: Chapter 368 Pathway

The hour had finally come.

Beneath the crimson glow of dusk, Riley and his followers strode through the grand gates of the Sacred Heart Sword Sect, their silhouettes outlined by the waning light.

The air was still, heavy with anticipation, as countless disciples gathered along the stone walls and terraces to witness their departure.

The massive bronze gates creaked open, and the sound echoed across the courtyard like the toll of a funeral bell.

Every step Riley took outside felt like a declaration—a defiance against fate itself.

His robes fluttered in the cold wind, and behind him, his people followed in silence, their faces set and resolute.

Whispers rippled through the onlookers like wind through dry leaves.

”Elder Adam isn’t with them,” one young disciple murmured, his tone uncertain.

”Maybe he’s given up on his disciple,” another said, shaking his head.

”After all, what can a stupid disciple do against the might of a great elder of the sect?”

”Riley Rice is dead meat, I agree,” a third scoffed. ”No matter how you look at it, he’s walking toward his grave.”

”Quiet, fools!” an older disciple snapped, his eyes darting around warily.

”Do you think Elder Adam’s absence means weakness? You think your eyes can truly see where he walks?” He leaned forward, voice dropping to a whisper. ”Mark my words—Elder Adam is nearby. He’s watching. Waiting for the perfect moment to defend his direct disciple.”

The crowd fell silent at his words.

For a while, only the rustling of the banners and the low hum of spiritual energy could be heard.

Many disciples turned their gaze toward the mist-covered mountains beyond the sect walls, half expecting to see a shadow flicker among the trees.

Somewhere deep within that forest, perhaps, a master’s killing intent lay hidden—coiled, patient, and cold.

As Riley’s group descended the long mountain path, the last rays of sunlight disappeared beyond the horizon.

Darkness began to blanket the land, and the watchers atop the sect walls could not help but feel a shiver run down their spines.

No one knew if Riley was walking toward triumph or doom.

But one thing was certain—

Blood would be spilled before dawn.

***

The journey was not made by flying boat, and that simple fact alone stirred confusion among those who watched them leave.

The Sacred Heart Sword Sect had fleets of spirit vessels and flying boats, yet Riley chose not to use any of them.

Instead, he and his more than fifteen hundred followers traveled the old-fashioned way—by mortal horses, with carriages loaded with supplies following in a long, winding line down the mountain path.

To outsiders, it seemed like madness. To those who followed him, it was faith.

The sound of hooves striking stone echoed across the wilderness as the group made their way through valleys and wooded plains.

The wind carried the scent of pine and distant rain, and the faint glow of spiritual lanterns lit their path as twilight deepened.

By the time night fell, they had not gone far from the sect’s borders.

The slow pace frustrated a few, but no one voiced complaint.

At last, Riley gave the order to make camp in a small clearing beside a tranquil lake.

The moonlight shimmered on its surface like liquid silver.

The air was cool but not biting, and when the wind stirred, it whispered through the tents like the breath of unseen spirits.

Riley raised his hand, and with a flick of his fingers, spiritual lines spread from beneath his feet, forming a large protective formation that sealed the camp from the chill and dampness of the night.

A faint golden barrier shimmered briefly, and the warmth within returned to that of a mild spring evening.

”I’ll get some soup for us, dear,” Juliet said, her voice soft and warm as she leaned closer to kiss his cheek before walking toward the cooking tents.

Her robes fluttered behind her as she disappeared among the lights.

Aurora and Edith had gone a few minutes earlier to help with the preparations.

Normally, their attendants would have done everything—but tonight was different.

This was not a journey of power or prestige.

It was a march toward an uncertain destiny, perhaps even death.

In such a time, no wife wished to sit idle.

They wanted to serve their husband with their own hands, even in something as simple as preparing dinner.

That left Riley and Selena alone beside the campfire.

The flames flickered between them, casting gold and crimson light across their faces.

The scent of burning wood mingled with the distant aroma of broth and herbs as servants and soldiers moved quietly through the camp.

Not one raised their voice. Not one looked fearful.

Selena’s silver hair shimmered in the firelight as she looked around, her expression soft yet filled with awe.

”Everyone seems to be taking it so well,” she said quietly. ”No panic, no hesitation... not even a whisper of fear. It’s as if they’ve already accepted whatever fate awaits them.”

Riley’s lips curved slightly as his gaze swept across his people—maidservants, guards, old comrades, and loyal servants who had followed him without question.

”They trust me,” he said simply.

His voice was calm, confident, but laced with something deeper—something heavy.

”It’s not unusual.”

Selena tilted her head slightly, studying his face illuminated by the flames. ”You sound proud.”

”I am,” Riley admitted. His eyes softened.

”Do you know how rare this is, Selena? To have people who would follow you to the end... not because they are bound by duty, but because they believe in you? Even when they know they might die tomorrow, they still stand beside me.”

He fell silent for a moment, watching the soldiers pitch tents and the disciples meditate around the camp.

Each one was calm, their mood steady and resolute.

The faint hum of the protective formation blended with the sounds of quiet breathing, of life refusing to bend to fear.

Selena’s gaze softened as she turned back to him. ”They don’t just believe in you, Riley. They love you.”

Riley smiled faintly, though a trace of melancholy glimmered in his eyes.

”Perhaps. No matter what it may be, I think it’s a something worth celebrating.”

The two sat in silence for a while, listening to the soft crackle of the fire.

Above them, the night sky stretched wide and endless.

A few stars peeked through the drifting clouds, faint and far away, yet still shining bravely against the darkness.

Juliet soon returned with a bowl of steaming soup, followed by Aurora and Edith carrying plates of warm bread and roasted meat.

The smell alone lifted spirits around the fire.

Riley’s wives sat close to him, smiling despite their exhaustion.

”Eat, my love,” Juliet said gently, passing him the bowl.

He accepted it with a nod, taking a slow sip. The warmth spread through his chest, grounding him.

For a moment, surrounded by his wives and loyal followers, he could almost forget the looming bloodshed that awaited them.

But as he looked out toward the horizon—toward the dark woods beyond the valley—his eyes hardened.

He could feel the faint stirring of killing intent in the distance, like a whisper on the wind.

He said nothing. There was no need to alarm the others.

The night deepened. The stars above watched in silence.

The small family gathered around the dinner table, a simple meal laid out before them.

The flickering lamplight cast gentle shadows on the walls, and the faint sound of the wind outside filled the silences between bites.

It was a quiet evening—too quiet. Even the children could sense that something was different tonight.

Riley sat at the head of the table, his face calm but his eyes heavy with thoughts.

His three children, all barely five years old, looked at him with curiosity and trust.

They didn’t yet understand the storm that was brewing beyond the safety of their home.

”Father, I heard there’s going to be fighting soon!” Walter blurted out suddenly, his little hands gripping his spoon tightly.

”I want to fight too!” Griffin added quickly, puffing out his small chest with pride, trying to imitate the heroic stories he’d heard of brave warriors.

Riley chuckled faintly, though there was a hint of sorrow in his eyes.

”You’re still too young to fight, my sons,” he said softly.

”There will be a time for courage, but not today.”

”Father... why do we have to leave?” Tia’s small, trembling voice broke the moment.

Her spoon had fallen from her hand, and her wide eyes were full of confusion and fear.

Riley reached across the table and gently stroked her hair.

”Because the world is not safe right now, my little one,” he said in a low voice. ”But don’t worry. Father will protect all of you. That’s a promise.”

The children nodded, comforted by his words, though they didn’t truly understand them.

Soon after, their eyes began to grow heavy, and one by one, Riley’s wives carried them to bed, tucking them in gently.

When the last door closed and silence fell over the home, Riley lingered in the dim light, lost in thought.

He knew what tomorrow might bring—blood, chaos, and the fall of many lives.

Not theirs but their enemies.

But tonight, he would not let anything put him down.

His gaze drifted toward his wives—Aurora, Edith, Juliet, and Selena—each of them beautiful, strong, and loyal in their own way.

His eyes darkened with a familiar hunger.

The women noticed immediately; after all, they had seen that look many times before.

”Husband,” Aurora spoke first, her voice low but trembling, ”we’re going to be attacked soon. Shouldn’t we—”

Her words turned into a gasp as Riley’s hand wrapped around her waist, pulling her close.

”There’s always danger,” he murmured against her neck, ”but tonight... I want to remember what I’m fighting for.”

Aurora’s protest melted into a moan as he lifted her easily and laid her on the bed.

The others stood frozen for a moment, their hearts pounding with a mix of fear and desire.

Then, one by one, they joined.

Riley’s strength, his touch, his heat—it filled the room.

Their whispered fears faded beneath the rhythm of their shared passion.

Each cry, each sigh, was both a declaration of love and a desperate defiance against the cruel fate awaiting them.

The night stretched on endlessly.

Outside, the wind howled like an omen of what was to come, but inside their home, the world was drowned out by the sound of fierce, tender lovemaking.

By the time dawn’s first light touched the camp, the room was quiet again.

Riley lay among his wives, their bodies tangled together, his mind already bracing for the coming slaughter to come.