My Xianxia Harem Life

"I heard that you possess profound knowledge of the healing arts, Elder Riley. Please take me as your disciple!"

Bianca's voice was firm, her expression resolute. In a blink, she moved with startling speed, dropping to her knees in front of Riley.

Her forehead nearly touched the ground in deep reverence, her long, dark hair cascading over her shoulders like a waterfall.

Riley arched an eyebrow, his fingers tapping idly against the armrest of his chair. He had, of course, anticipated this moment.

After all, he had long since copied every one of Bianca's memories into his own. He understood her desperation, her drive, and more importantly—her weakness.

He leaned forward slightly, his piercing gaze raking over her from head to toe.

Bianca was a vision of youthful beauty—graceful, poised, and exuding an innate elegance despite her current submissive position.

Her figure, sculpted from years of rigorous training, was both delicate and strong, a balance that only made her more desirable.

Yes, this was a golden opportunity.

But he knew better than to be hasty.

"You're already studying pill making, Core Disciple Bianca," Riley said, his tone even.

"If you persist on that path, I have no doubt you'll become an extraordinary healer in your own right. Why seek more?"

Bianca clenched her fists, her head snapping up as she met his gaze with burning determination.

"I don't want to wait, Elder Riley." Her voice was thick with urgency.

"I want to learn from the best."

A flicker of amusement crossed Riley's face, but he let her continue.

"I've heard of the miracles you performed in Greenfield City—how you cured cultivators suffering from incurable ailments. They say you healed those on the brink of death as if it were mere child's play. And the rumors… they say you've already reached the Void Tribulation Realm." Her breathing grew heavier, her hands tightening in her lap.

"To study under you would be the greatest honor and advantage I could ever hope for."

Riley remained silent for a moment, watching her. She had done her research. That much was clear.

More than that—she was desperate.

Desperate enough to cast aside her pride, to kneel before him and beg.

And he liked that.

Slowly, he leaned back in his seat, feigning deep thought before finally nodding.

"Very well," he said.

"Pack your things. We'll be leaving on a journey soon."

Bianca's heart leaped, excitement flashing across her features. But before she could express her gratitude, Riley's gaze darkened, and his voice dropped an octave.

"But… you should know," he continued, his tone slow and deliberate, "there is often a special bond between master and disciple. Especially when they are of opposite sexes."

The room grew eerily quiet.

Bianca stiffened ever so slightly, her breath hitching.

Riley tilted his head, watching her intently.

"If you choose to follow me, you must be prepared to embrace that reality."

His words lingered in the air, thick with implication.

She was no fool. She knew exactly what he meant.

A master and disciple often spent long hours together—training, cultivating, sharing hardships. That closeness, in many cases, led to something far more intimate.

Many great sect masters and elders took their disciples as lovers or even wives. It was an unspoken truth in the cultivation world.

Bianca hesitated, her mind racing.

She had always been proud, independent. She had rejected countless suitors who sought her hand. She had never once considered submitting to any man, not even those from the most prestigious sects.

And yet…

This was Elder Riley.

A legend. A man shrouded in mystery and power.

A man who could give her everything she ever desired.

She took a slow, steady breath, then lifted her chin, looking him straight in the eye.

"I won't change my mind, Elder Riley," she said, her voice unwavering. "I'll be here tomorrow."

A slow, knowing smile spread across Riley's face, his eyes gleaming with something unreadable.

"Good."

With that single word, Bianca knew—her fate had been sealed.

Bianca stepped outside, her gaze lifting to the vast sky above. A soft smile graced her lips, yet it did little to mask the sorrow welling in her heart.

Warm tears slipped down her cheeks, but she made no move to wipe them away. Instead, she allowed the cold night wind to steal them, scattering the evidence of her grief into the darkness.

She summoned her flying sword with a thought, the blade humming to life beneath her feet. As she ascended, the world below shrank away, leaving only the endless sky and the whisper of the wind.

But no matter how high she soared, she could not escape the weight pressing against her chest.

A memory surged forward, raw and unbidden.

"I don't want to die, sister. I want to grow big like you and Mom. I…"

The voice of a child. Fragile, trembling. A voice that had haunted her for years.

Bianca's breath hitched, and she clenched her jaw.

How many times had she replayed those words in her mind? How many nights had she lain awake, tormented by the helplessness she had felt in that moment?

She had sworn back then—sworn that she would never be powerless again.

That she would fight.

That she would never lose someone she loved ever again.

"I will see you again, Amelia," Bianca whispered, the words barely audible over the howling wind.

Her fingers tightened around the hilt of her sword. Her eyes, once clouded with sorrow, hardened with icy resolve.

She would not waver.

She would not break.

If she had to beg, she would. If she had to kill, she would. If she had to tear apart the heavens themselves to fulfill her promise, then so be it.

Bianca inhaled deeply, the cold air burning her lungs.

She had come to the Stone Mountain Sect for a reason. To grow stronger. To grasp power with her own hands. To carve a path forward, no matter the cost.

And she would not stop until she had done what she set out to do.

No matter the blood spilled.

No matter the price paid.

She would fulfill her vow.

Or she would die trying.