Lucian's attention then shifted to the Sub-Quest section.
---
[
Sub Quest(s)
]: 2
[1> Kill the hidden threat, protect what's yours]
[Description]: Marcus, a Core Disciple of the Azure Sword Sect, has set his sights on Host's woman/sister Isabella, coveting her rare Yin Physique to use her as a Cultivation Cauldron. Now that he knows Host will also be joining the Azure Sword Sect as a new disciple, Marcus sees Host as a threat to his long-term plans. He will surely attempt to kill Host out of fear that Host may interfere with his plans for Isabella.
[Objective]: Kill Marcus before he can harm the Host or claim Isabella
[Reward]: 500 Fate Strands
[Status]: In progress
---
"WHAT THE F*CK",
Lucian involuntarily spoke out loud, but seeing the blue-haired naked beauty now sleeping peacefully in his arms, he forced himself to calm down and re-read the whole Sub-Quest again.
From the description, he could analyze many things.
First, Isabella, just like her mother, also possessed a rare Yin Physique, something he hadn't known before.
And her Physique was actually not in a dormant state like Celine's!
This explained why those disciples would be interested in her joining the sect.
Second, Marcus seemed to be aware of Isabella's Physique. This meant that her acceptance into the sect was already decided, or at least highly likely. It also implied that Marcus had connections or methods to identify such Physique.
Third, Marcus would surely target Lucian just as the description in the Sub-Quest stated.
Fourth, and perhaps most importantly, this Marcus is a Core Disciple! His cultivation realm was obviously high enough that Lucian couldn't fight against.
'But isn't this Marcus, the Emperor's brother, and also our uncle who is supposed to help us?'
Lucian thought, his brow furrowing in confusion.
The revelation sent a chill down his spine, despite the warmth of Celine's body pressed against him.
His mind raced, piecing together these fragments of information. Marcus, this man who was supposed to be their protector, their guide in this new world, was in fact their most immediate threat.
The irony was not lost on Lucian.
'A wolf in sheep's clothing, and we were about to walk right into his den.'
Lucian's jaw clenched, his crimson eyes flashing with a dangerous light.
If it hadn't been for the description in the System Interface, he might have really fallen for such backstabbing!
'If you want to touch my woman, then be ready to face the consequences, Marcus,'
He thought, his grip on Celine's sleaping body tightening unconsciously.
The sleeping beauty stirred slightly at his touch, her azure hair spilling across his chest like a silken waterfall. Lucian forced himself to relax, not wanting to wake her.
His mind, however, was far from calm.
He may have only known Isabella for a short time, but she was his now. And Celine too.
The thought of Marcus, or anyone else, trying to harm them or take them away ignited a burning rage within him.
He began to formulate a plan, his thoughts racing. Marcus might be a Core Disciple, but Lucian had advantages of his own — the System, for one.
'I need to get stronger, fast,'
He mused, his mind drifting to his Innate Fate "Gluttonous",
'But before that let me check the other Sub-Quest.'
---
He could potentially advance through the small realms at an unprecedented rate.
The thought sent a thrill of excitement through him, causing his body to tingle with anticipation.
Lucian's gaze shifted to the small bulge of his pants, now resting by his side.
He always kept it close, even during his sexual moments like this.
Carefully, he grabbed his pants and reached inside the pockets without disturbing Celine's peaceful slumber.
He took out a pouch containing six stones, along with a piece of paper covered in incomprehensible symbols.
He removed one of the shining stones and then set the pouch aside.
His fingers brushed against the cool, smooth surface of the Spirit Stone.
The stone glimmered in the dim light of the room, as he held it in his palm, he could feel a faint, rhythmic pulsing, almost like a heartbeat.
Veins of energy, like liquid starlight, swirled within its crystalline structure.
Taking a deep breath, Lucian didn't hesitate anymore.
With a swift motion, he brought the Spirit Stone to his lips and swallowed it whole!
Gulp–!
The smooth crystal slid down his throat effortlessly, leaving no sensation as it passed.
For a moment, nothing happened!
Lucian's brow furrowed in confusion.
But then, as the Spirit Stone settled in his stomach, everything abruptly changed!
A wave of heat erupted from his abdomen, spreading rapidly through his body.
It was as if liquid fire had been injected directly into his veins, racing along every nerve and sinew.
Lucian's muscles tensed involuntarily, his back arching slightly as the sensation slowly intensified.
The heat continued to build, growing more intense with each passing second.
Sweat beaded on his forehead, rolling down his temples in rivulets. His skin also began to redden.
At this moment, Lucian understood his mistake.
He actually didn't know how to activate the "Gluttonous" Fate Movement's ability, and the System wouldn't answer him.
'F*ck, am I going to d-'
Before he could complete his cursing to himself, a warm feeling washed over his soaked body.
The volatile Spiritual Energy began to automatically refine and proceed to merge with his bones, pushing his cultivation rapidly.
The sensation was unlike anything Lucian had ever experienced.
It started as a gentle warmth in his stomach, spreading outwards through his "clogged passageways".
This warmth quickly intensified, becoming a blazing inferno that coursed through his veins.
Yet, instead of pain, Lucian felt an indescribable pleasure.
The refined energy began to seep into his bones. He could feel each individual skeletal structure absorbing the power, growing denser, stronger.
It was as if his entire physical form was being reforged, tempered like fine steel in a master blacksmith's forge.
Even though the process was not painful, but rather uncomfortable, he felt as if tiny ants were crawling inside his body; even if he wanted to scratch, he couldn't.
Lucian also noticed that, compared to before when his body would naturally and intrinsically absorb the Spiritual Energy, this time, although he could "feel" the energy also coming out of his pores, it was way less than before.
As the energy continued to course through him, Lucian's senses heightened.
The world around him seemed to be more vibrant than before.
Crackle–!!
His bones creaked and groaned, as it absorbed the refined energy. Lucian could feel his skeletal structure becoming denser, stronger.