Wang Li's next target was Liu Mingxia, the wife of the esteemed leader of the Golden Flame Sect. She had arrived under the guise of delivering important documents to finalize the alliance, but Wang Li knew that her husband had sent her to gauge his intentions. Liu Mingxia was a petite woman with delicate features, but she carried herself with a regal air.
She had heard the stories of Wang Li's conquests, but she was confident in her own strength of will. She would not be seduced.
When Wang Li invited her to dinner that night, she accepted out of courtesy, but she maintained her distance. She had no intention of allowing this man to charm her.
As they dined, Wang Li complimented her intelligence and grace, never once overstepping his boundaries. He asked her about her life in the Golden Flame Sect, and as the conversation progressed, Liu Mingxia found herself lowering her guard. Wang Li had an uncanny ability to make her feel heard, appreciated, and admired in a way her husband rarely did.
At one point during the meal, Wang Li reached across the table to pour her a drink, his hand briefly brushing against hers. Liu Mingxia's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly pulled her hand back, berating herself for the reaction. She reminded herself of the rumors, of the countless women who had fallen under his spell, but despite her best efforts, she couldn't deny the pull she felt toward him.
After dinner, Wang Li escorted her back to her chambers. As they walked, he spoke softly, his voice like honey. "I've greatly enjoyed our time together, Lady Liu. You're a remarkable woman—intelligent, strong, beautiful. Your husband is a lucky man."
Liu Mingxia's heart raced, and she cursed herself for the flush that crept up her cheeks. She knew she should step away, put distance between them, but Wang Li's presence was intoxicating. When they reached her door, he took her hand, kissing it softly.
"If you ever need anything, you know where to find me," he said, his voice filled with promise.
Liu Mingxia felt a warmth spread through her at his words, and though she told herself she would never act on these feelings, she couldn't shake the longing that had settled deep within her.
~~
Perhaps one of the most challenging conquests was Lady Meng, wife of Meng Jian, the leader of the Iron Rock Sect. She was fiercely loyal to her husband, her devotion unshakable. She had come to the Holy Devil Dragon Sect on business, fully aware of Wang Li's reputation. She had made it clear that she would tolerate no advances, that her loyalty to her husband was unbreakable.
Wang Li found her challenge irresistible.
Lady Meng was a tall, striking woman with fiery red hair and a sharp wit. She was known for her unyielding will and her skill in battle. She prided herself on being untouchable, and she made sure that Wang Li knew it.
"You'll find no weakness in me, Sect Master," she said when they met in his chambers. "I am here for business only. Don't think you can play your games with me."
Wang Li chuckled softly. "Lady Meng, I wouldn't dream of it. I respect you far too much to treat you as anything less than an equal."
Lady Meng scoffed but allowed herself to engage in conversation with him. Wang Li didn't push her, didn't attempt to seduce her directly. Instead, he spoke of matters that interested her—battle tactics, cultivation techniques, and the intricacies of sect politics. Lady Meng, though wary, found herself drawn into the conversation, her respect for Wang Li growing despite herself.
As the days passed, Wang Li continued to engage Lady Meng in discussions, never once attempting to cross the line. He was patient, knowing that her guard would eventually lower if he gave her the respect she demanded.
It wasn't until one night, after a particularly long and engaging discussion, that Lady Meng found herself lingering in Wang Li's chambers longer than she had intended. They had been discussing battle formations when Wang Li poured her a drink, their hands brushing together as he handed her the cup. The touch sent a jolt through Lady Meng, and she cursed herself for the reaction.
Wang Li chuckled. "If they do, it will be too late. By then, they'll be so dependent on us that they won't be able to sever ties even if they wanted to."
As she turned to leave, Ming Yue hesitated. "The wife of Lord Wu from the Scarlet Cloud Pavilion will be visiting this evening."
"Lady Wu?" Wang Li mused aloud. "I've heard much about her. Devoted to her husband, they say. I suppose it's time to test that devotion."
Ming Yue raised an eyebrow. "She's no easy mark. They say she's virtuous and unshakably loyal."
"All the more satisfying when she inevitably falls," Wang Li said, smiling to himself. "Prepare the guest chambers for her arrival."
~~
Lady Wu, the wife of Lord Wu, was a tall, elegant woman with a composed demeanor. Her every move spoke of grace and refinement. Unlike many of the women Wang Li had encountered, there was a deep sense of righteousness in her, almost as if she carried the virtues of her sect like a shield.
When Lady Wu arrived that evening, Wang Li greeted her with his characteristic charm. He guided her through the grand halls of the sect, offering her a tour of the intricate designs and statues that symbolized the might of the Holy Devil Dragon Sect. She remained polite, her responses clipped but respectful.
"You have a remarkable sect, Sect Master Wang," Lady Wu said, her voice soft yet firm. "It's clear why so many have aligned with you."
Wang Li smiled at her, the warmth of his gaze never wavering. "I've heard much about you, Lady Wu. They say your wisdom and loyalty are unmatched. Your husband is fortunate to have someone like you by his side."
Lady Wu smiled demurely but did not indulge in flattery. "I am only doing my duty as his wife."
Wang Li inclined his head, admiring her poise. "I admire that loyalty. It's rare to see such devotion these days. So many are swayed by temptation."
She cast him a sharp glance, sensing something deeper behind his words. "Temptation is the path to ruin, Sect Master Wang. My husband and I have a deep understanding. I could never be swayed."
"Of course," Wang Li said smoothly, his smile never fading. "But even the strongest bonds are tested by time, aren't they? Perhaps that's what makes loyalty so beautiful—the fact that it endures despite the challenges."
Lady Wu's expression hardened. "I don't know what you're implying, but I can assure you, my loyalty will never falter."
Wang Li's gaze softened. "I meant no offense, Lady Wu. Forgive me if my words were poorly chosen. I merely speak from my own experiences—too often, I've seen powerful men and women fall to temptation. But I can see that you are different. You're stronger than most."
Her posture relaxed slightly, though she remained guarded. "Thank you for your kind words, Sect Master."
Wang Li nodded, deciding to shift tactics. He didn't need to push her immediately. Time would erode her defenses—he would ensure it.