Pleasure system: I alone own all the money and women

Waking up, I stretched lazily, the faint morning light filtering through the curtains of Jessica's small but cozy apartment. My gaze drifted to my right, where Jessica lay beside me on the couch, still half-asleep and half-naked. Her golden hair spilled over the cushions like sunlight, and her nipples peeked through the thin fabric of her tank top. I couldn't resist reaching out to gently squeeze her breast, feeling the warmth of her skin beneath my fingers. She stirred slightly but didn't wake, her breathing steady and calm.

Reluctantly, I stood up and made my way to the bathroom to clean up. The apartment was modest, filled with the faint scent of lavender and the occasional hum of the city outside. Jessica's place was a sanctuary, a stark contrast to the chaotic world beyond its walls, a world where cultivators, ninjas, and guilds vied for power, and where systems and cultivations dictated one's place in society.

When I returned, Jessica was already awake, moving gracefully around the small kitchenette. She wore a loose robe that clung to her curves, her hips swaying with every step as she prepared breakfast. The sight of her made my stomach growl, though not necessarily for the food. She glanced over her shoulder, catching me staring, and flashed a playful smile.

"Hungry?" she teased, her voice soft and melodic.

"Starving," I replied, my eyes lingering on her.

The food was simple but delicious, fluffy scrambled eggs, toasted bread, and a side of fresh fruit. Jessica had a knack for making even the most mundane meals feel like a feast. As I took a bite, I couldn't help but compliment her. "It's delicious. Your hands are truly a wonder."

She beamed at the praise, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Thanks! Cooking is one of the few things I'm good at."

"You're good at a lot more than just cooking," I said, my tone light but sincere.

She chuckled, her laughter like music. "Flattery will get you everywhere, Ashbourne."

After breakfast, Jessica excused herself to clean up. I watched as she walked to the bathroom, her movements fluid and hypnotic. Her breasts bounced gently with each step, and her hips swayed in a rhythm that was impossible to ignore. I forced myself to look away, focusing instead on the remnants of my meal.

As I ate, my mind wandered to the topic of cultivation. Jessica was a healer, a rare and valuable skill in a world where violence and conflict were commonplace. I decided to broach the subject. "Hey, at what level are you in healing cultivation?"

She paused mid-step, turning to face me with a curious expression. "Oh, last time I checked, I was at level 30," she said with a hint of pride. "Why do you ask?"

I hesitated for a moment before responding. "I was thinking you could tutor me. I've been neglecting my healing cultivation, and I could use some guidance."

Jessica's eyes widened in surprise. "Healing cultivation? I thought your cultivation and focus was on time cultivation. Isn't that rare enough on its own?"

"It's complicated," I admitted, avoiding her gaze. "But yes, I have both."

Her surprise turned to awe. "Double cultivation… I've only heard stories about that. You're one of a kind, Ashbourne."

I shrugged, trying to downplay it. "It's not as impressive as it sounds. I'm only at level 15 in healing cultivation, and I haven't had a proper tutor."

Jessica's expression softened. "Well, you've got one now. Consider it my way of repaying you for everything you've done for me."

I nodded, feeling a pang of guilt. Jessica had been through a lot, rescued from a brothel, burdened with debt, and forced to rely on others for survival. I had helped her, but I didn't want her to feel indebted to me. "You don't owe me anything, Jessica. This is your choice."

She smiled, her gratitude evident. "I know. And I choose to help you."

---

We headed outside, leaving the bustling city behind as we ventured into a secluded forest. The air was crisp and filled with the scent of pine and earth. Jessica led me to a quiet clearing, where the sounds of nature enveloped us, birds chirping, leaves rustling, and the distant murmur of a stream.

"Healing cultivation is deeply connected to nature," Jessica explained, her voice calm and soothing. "To understand it, you must first understand the world around you. Nature is the source of all healing magic."

We sat cross-legged on the soft grass, holding hands as Jessica guided me through the basics. "Close your eyes and listen. What do you hear?"

I focused, letting the sounds of the forest wash over me. "Birds chirping, wind blowing, cows mooing in the distance. Wild animals on the hunt, deer running… and…" I paused, my brow furrowing. "A horse riding our way?"

My eyes snapped open, and I grabbed Jessica's hand, pulling her to her feet. We hurried to a nearby tree, hiding behind its thick trunk as the sound of hooves grew louder. Moments later, a group of ninjas emerged from the shadows, their movements silent and precise. At their center was a figure I recognized all too well, Phoenix, the so-called hero from my former life.

My jaw tightened as memories flooded back, memories of betrayal, pain, and humiliation. Phoenix had been there the night I died, her hands stained with my blood. She had been one of the many who had defiled and broken me, despite my status as a hero. Seeing her now, so calm and composed, ignited a fire within me.

Jessica noticed my reaction and whispered, "Isn't that Phoenix? She's a renowned healer. Maybe she could—"

I clamped a hand over her mouth, silencing her. "Not a word," I hissed. "Those ninjas are trained to detect even the slightest sound."

We waited in tense silence as Phoenix and the ninjas conversed, their voices too low to make out. After what felt like an hour, they dispersed, leaving the forest eerily quiet once more.

Jessica looked at me, her eyes filled with questions. "Ashbourne, what's going on? Why are we hiding from them?"

I shook my head, my mind racing. "Not here. Let's go back to your place. I'll explain everything."

She nodded, her trust in me unwavering. Together, we made our way back to the city, the weight of my past and the dangers of the present looming over us like a storm.