On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Three Hundred And Ninety-Four – R18/Contains Sex

“Daiyu…” I said softly, and she looked at me, still clutching my hand. “I know how much Cultivation means to you. But the first time… that shouldn’t be for it. Our relationship isn’t going to be one of profit and loss, is it? After all, I don’t really understand the Dao like you do, but that’s not the sort of companionship I want. Or want for you.” I winked at Eri, who nodded.

“That’s right Daiyu. If it’s not founded on affection, I’ll chase you out. I’m not letting our relationships be transactional. I may…” she nodded to Shaeula, who was still grinning happily. “… have mellowed a little, or become more accepting, but I’ll not budge on that. About some things I know I’m right!”

Her skin flushed, Daiyu nodded once the difficult parts were translated. “I understand. I… perhaps I see matters too in terms of black and white. But… you know that is not all I want. I truly believe this was meant to be. No, that makes it sound like I am merely being washed by the tide. No, I truly believe I am happy this choice was presented to me. But I still chose. That was meant to be. I am happy I have a chance to feel this way again. That I am not alone, that I have purpose.” Her smile was heartbreakingly pure, her onyx eyes glittering. “More… I feel my chest throb, and not in the way that I feel when I am Cultivating.”

“I believe you are a female before you are-are a Cultivator.” Shaeula said, nodding firmly. “It is only natural for such feelings.”

“Yes, I see this now.” she agreed. “But that hardly matters. I have arrived at this place, washed on the tides under the moon, and now this is my place.”

“Under the moon-moon. I do like that. It does make me wonder, does it not-not you, Akio? Tsukuyomi. The Fae. Then this Chang’e of yours.” She smiled. “Even your name can mean bright hero of the moon, no? I am not-not Tsukiko, but I find it hard not-not to believe this was all fated.”

“I think it doesn’t matter.” Eri disagreed. “Perhaps we are just looking for meaning in what’s already happened. It is strange though. But just like Akio, I don’t believe in destiny or fate. If we don’t like the way things are, we’ll change them.”

“Well said. But this… there is no-no need to change it, is there?” Shaeula chuckled, and Daiyu nodded.

“No. There is no need at all. So… I am prepared.” She said, her flushed face and fast breathing rather erotic, in contrast to her usual stoic demeanour.

“Relax.” Eri patted her shoulder. “It’s not something you need to be prepared for. Just… have fun?” she smiled.

“Yes, you must-must enjoy yourself.” Shaeula agreed. “So for now… we shall leave you to it. Come, Eri, Hyacinth. There will be time-time for us later.” She pushed my back, and I led Daiyu towards the bedroom. Once inside I closed the door. She looked at me, a little tense, but I merely smiled reassuringly and patted the bed, and we sat down together.

“I’m not forcing this, you know. It’s not as though you need to commit, to be with me. Just like Kana wants to take it slow…” as I said that, her expression changed, and I tilted my head, puzzled.

“I believe that Kana is having fun, yes. But mostly… I believe she is a shrewd girl, who well understands the male mind. Unlike me.” She admitted. “It is you who needs to take matters slowly with someone, have fun and relax. You are under great stress, having to carry all our fates. We are, as Eri would say heavy women, no?” she giggled a little.

I see. She’s right. Not that I mind. I’d be a fool to complain when you look at them all. Carrying a bit of weight isn’t a burden, it’s a privilege. But then, that doesn’t change it can sometimes be stressful…

“Remind me to be nicer to Kana.” I said, and Daiyu nodded.

“Now you are being nice enough to her. I believe she is finally well satisfied.”

At her words, I looked at Daiyu, closely, trying to understand what about her piqued my curiosity. That’s it. I get it. “You know, you seem very mature, Daiyu. Sometimes you seem a lot older than you are. You’re easy to talk to.”

“I believe it is rude to call a girl old.” She sniffed, though I could tell she wasn’t angry. Seeing her in her silky, diaphanous Chinese-style robe, sitting beside me, the subtle smell of her perspiration and some fragrant perfume in my nostrils, I found her very desirable, her looks similar to a Japanese person, yet with a slightly exotic cast. “But I confess, I was never much of a child. Not as the heir to the Incorruptible Jade.” She leant her head on my shoulder, her bound-up hair tickling me. “From a young age, when it was seen I had talent… I never had time, not the inclination for play, or making friends. The strong are often the lonely.”

“I disagree.” I shook my head. “I’m strong, right? And I’m less lonely than ever!”

“That is true.” She agreed, a slight smile curving her lips. “But you are deeply unusual. Were you a Cultivator, you would be jealously hoarding power, not sharing it with me, like the Spirit Water.” She paused, her dark eyes dreamy. “I still can hardly believe it. A Foundation that only the greatest Sects in Kunlun could dream of, it has come to me.” She then softly kissed my cheek, a merest brush of her lips. “Though it was quite frightful. The mess was disgusting. I think… your true greatness is you do not fear to share. It is not praiseworthy, from a Cultivation perspective. But as your Dao Companion, I will toughen you up… and let you soften me. I think the middle ground shall suit us just fine.”

“Yes, Hinata says I need to be firmer. I am trying. But I don’t want to lose kindness. After all, If I’m going to rule a vast Territory, stand beside Shaeula in the Seelie Court, enter into politics… I don’t want to be a dictator, someone who only considers his own needs.”

“I understand. And I will aid you.” She promised. “For you have helped reignite my pride in my Cultivation, that nearly died with my Sect, my family. No, you shall be my Sect and my family now. All of you. I find it… reassuring, not to be alone in the world. Were it just I, I would spend my life attempting to slay the traitors who betrayed us. Instead… I will allow my vengeance to simmer. In time I will strike, but my Dao… I do not know it yet, but it will not be as an avenger. The price is too high.”

“I think that’s wise.”  I squeezed her hand, and touched her bare shoulder. Her skin shivered at my gentle caress, but her eyes were calm and composed. “I’d hate to see you throw away your life, Daiyu. And I wouldn’t be the only one.”

“I know. I shall instead triumph over my enemies by reaching my most perfect self, and look down on them from on high. Perhaps then I shall stomp them like bugs…” she smiled wickedly. “… but for now… I rejoice in my rekindled love of my past. I believe Kana is the same.”

“Kana? She never really cared for her powers or the shrine.” I said, and Daiyu shook her head.

“Yes, I gather that. But now she is finally able to take pride in what she has that others do not, to respect herself. In that way, we are similar. Both inheritors of a storied legacy.”

“That reminds me. Just what is Cultivation? Qi… it’s basically created from aether, and it functions largely the same. I don’t entirely get the purpose?”

For a moment, Daiyu froze, before she smiled ruefully. “We are talking about this now? I understand you wish me to be calm, but…” she shifted, and her chest was pressing against my arm, the thin cloth doing little to hide her softness. “…I could be rather hurt, that you are not eager.”

“Hardly. But I am curious. But I suppose…”

“… there is time for you to learn, when we entertain each other with Dual Cultivation. You will need a grounding then.” she said, nodding. “... but before that… you wanted us to join our bodies simply because we wished to, no? My hand… it has stopped shaking, has it not? I am calm and ready.”

Yes, she was clearly a bit nervous. Not that I blame her. “I’m nervous too.” I said, and she looked at me in surprise.

“Why? You are a man of some experience, are you not?”

“Maybe so, but it’s all come recently. Besides, that was with others. Not with you.” I told her, bringing another smile and blush to her face. “The first time is always special. And I want it to be good for you.”

“I am not a fool. I am no sheltered orchid, unaware of how a man and a woman interact. I have read the Dual Cultivation Techniques, and other scriptures.” She seemed a little offended, so I stroked her head until she calmed down. “I am aware the first time can be painful, but I am a Cultivator, I fear no pain, and the elixir of Chang’e will heal any injuries I suffer. You may indulge with me as you please… uh?” She was surprised as I pushed my lips against hers. For a moment she didn’t know what to do before responding, her tongue twisting with mine wetly, as I lasted her lips, her saliva. When we separated, she touched her damp lips, a little stunned, and I kissed her forehead.

“I don’t have a fetish for hurting women. And yeah, it stings a little, but it soon becomes pleasure. If you aren’t enjoying it, I won’t. To be honest, I’m a little troubled. You and Hinata… you are both right on the border of what’s acceptable, you know! I’m practically a lolicon here. Though…with you your maturity shines through. I guess you’ve lived a disciplined life.”

“I have. Which is why a little pleasure will not ruin my resolve.” She sighed loudly. “As for Hinata, she knows her own mind, you have the approval of her parents… enough with your delaying. But…” she kissed me this time, angry and passionate, and as we separated, a thin bridge of saliva between us, she growled. “… enough of other girls. I am here now, and you are supposed to be showing me the pleasures of being a woman.”

So fierce. She’s certainly unique. With a fond expression on my face, I nodded. “You’re right. Sorry. I’m still me, I get overwhelmed in the moment. But… I’m also the me that has made my resolve. So… Daiyu. I like you. I want to marry you. Your bravery, resolve, dedication… it’s all so very blinding. To that end… I want to make love to you.”

“I see. I wish to marry you too, as my Dao Companion, through storm and calm, through fire and frost, against the tiger and the dragon, together we shall wrest all the power and secrets from the Universe itself. But first… show me what love is.”

I gently laid her down, and for a minute we just stared at each other, our breaths hot on each other’s skin. Daiyu was first to speak. “Do I not need to touch and suck your manhood?”

“Maybe later.” I shook my head. “That’s a more advanced technique.”

She giggled then. “You make it sound like Cultivation. So if that would be Foundation, what would the Qi Refining of sex be?”

“That’s simple.” I reached out, caressing her bare cheeks, neck, shoulders and arms, before one hand settled on her still-clothed breasts, and the other stroked her back through the thin cloth. “We have to get used to the touch of our skin, used to being naked, as we were born. Then…”

“I know what comes after.” She giggled softly, a barest whisper of her voice. She reached out and touched me, slipping her hand inside my shirt. “Your skin is like velvet, and your muscles are steel. No, harder, stronger.” She looked at me then, eyes bright. “I am pleased. I would hate my Dao Companion, my man… to be a weakling. It helps you are to my taste, too... uh, your hands…” She shivered as my own hand was inside her dress now, touching bare, hot flesh, the hard nub of her nipple being massaged by my palm. I slid my other hand up under her flowing skirt, and I realised she was bare underneath as my hand glided over her bare thighs and felt a brush of hair.

“Don’t mind me. I won’t do anything you don’t like.” I promised. “I’m just…”

“Touching my skin, yes.” Daiyu panted, flushed and embarrassed, an unusual look for her. “I shall not lose!” she promised, and her hands too slid downwards. She flinched a little as her hands circled my manhood, seeming fascinated as it grew in her grip.

“Gently…” I said, and her touch changed. I pulled her dress down, exposing her chest, and buried my face in it, licking away, my tongue rasping on her bare flesh. She gasped, her hands speeding up, and she moaned.

“I want to kiss again. It feels more… intimate.” She said, and I licked all the way up her body, around her neck and we finally tanged tongues again. My cock had popped free, hard and slightly damp, and I tugged, her white dress around her thighs, the knife-like slit of her pussy hidden under a small thicket of dark hair. As she moaned, my hands stroked and groped her skin everywhere, and she was now exuding a sticky, sweet scent, her sweat fragrant.

“That… I think I like this.” Daiyu gasped. “My mind goes blank, and there is no worry, stress, fear…”

I see. Despite the fact she’s strong, I can’t forget that she’s still lost everything she’s ever known. I need… no, I can’t do it alone. Shaeula, Eri, Shiro… everyone’s helping her settle in, find her place. I kissed her again, and whispered into her ear.

“Don’t worry. We’ll never leave you behind. I promise.”

She blinked, before giving me a warm smile. “I know. I can feel your intentions. I am not a child to be easily tricked. You are all earnest, and have always treated me well. Ahn… what are you doing?” she muttered, shuddering, and I kissed her again, my tongue sending saliva into her mouth, while her throat gulped.

“Just loosening you up a bit. I want your first time to be something worth remembering. Our first time.” I had exposed her clit, and was rubbing it tenderly and expertly, my experience with the other girls making me deft. My other fingers were rubbing her pussy, and warm, sour liquid was starting to spill out from her, her body twitching.

“I see. It feels… strange. Not unpleasant, but… no, I will not.. be… ahn, uh… distracted. Should I touch you?” her hand snaked around my dick, tugging at it oddly and clumsily. “I know your feelings are true. I… uh, ahh… can sense it with my Qi. It is sensitive to malice, deceit…. Oh, by the Heavens, I feel strange…” Her panting moans were becoming more frequent, and my fingers were sinking into her pussy a little, soaked with her fluids. Though I’m careful not to go deep… “I feel it… with my skin… as well. Your touch is kind… but lewd. So very lewd. This is, ugh… no, ahn, ahn… more embarrassing… than I imagined!”

Seeing a stoic beauty melting under my ministrations excited me. I filed away the note about Qi being able to sense emotions for later, and licked her breasts, her belly, her thighs, enjoying the sour taste of her sweat and nectar as it dribbled down the inside of her legs. She’s easy to get wet. That’s good… “Yes, it’s supposed to be embarrassing.” I whispered to her, as she tightened around my gently probing fingers. “Because it’s sharing something of yourself few others ever get to see…”

“Surely… just you?” she gasped, and I didn’t elaborate. I know they are outside, watching and listening. I don’t need my keen senses for that. Oh well, Daiyu will get used to it soon enough. Her hand was speeding up on my dick, and she marvelled at the warm, pulsing sensation and damp stickiness on her fingers. Curious, even as her body shivered from my touch, she sped up her fingers, whether it was natural talent, or her Qi sensing, rapidly adjusting and perfecting her stroking, her delicate fingers rubbing at my glans as she stroked and squeezed.

“Damn, you’re a natural…” I gasped, as I felt a hot weight rising up inside me. My own fingers sped up too, and as the damp squelching noises intensified, Daiyu stared into my eyes coquettishly, further stoking my lust.

“I am… ahn… a prodigy. I can of course… ugh… master this. Besides… it feels… like a game. My Qi feels your pleasure, and how… ugh, ahn… can I increase… it?”

“But you should take it… easy or…” I said, but it was too late. Her hands sped up, her rubbing fingers finding all my pleasure points, and I cried out in happiness as I ejaculated. My fingers squeezed, and the ruby bead of Daiyu’s trembled, before her own back arched, love nectar drenching her thighs and the dress around her legs. As she looked up, eyes wide, my semen splattered her breasts first, then her neck, before it showered down on her flushed face, staining cheeks, nose and lips.

“Is this…?” she lapped out with her tongue like a cat, making a face at the strong flavour. “it is bitter.”

I scooped out her own juices, licking my fingers. “And yours is sour. But it’s your taste, so I’ll like it.” I promised. Lying down beside her, my dick brushing against her leg, leaving a slimy trail on her pale skin, I bent in for a kiss.

“I am dirty…” she said, embarrassed, but I wanted her tongue, and she stuck it out, and our tastes mingled.  When I pulled away, merely stroking her hair and back, my hand cheekily kneading her ass a little, keeping her fire of arousal lit, I shook my head.

“There’s nothing dirty about you. So… how was it? Your first orgasm?”

“It was… intense.” She admitted. “Like a white wave surging through me. But you looked in pleasure as well, Akio.” She said. “Your face. I could not help but find it cute. Though I was surprised to be so showered…” She wiped some of my cum off her cheeks, inspecting it, before gently sucking it off her fingers. “I see. Yes, your taste. I understand. When I think like that, it no longer seems so bitter.”

“That’s just the beginning. Next…”

“Yes.” She interrupted me, my still-hard dick now in her hands. She raised one eyebrow, before bending down, her warm mouth suddenly enveloping the head. I felt her tongue, and she slurped, before withdrawing, a thin line of cum on her lips. “All clean. Now next… you will enter me, right? Make me a woman? Your woman.”

“That’s right.” I said. Her clean-up was clumsy but earnest, and so cute… “Are you afraid?”

“I am Black Jade the Ever Beautiful.” She said her hated nickname proudly. “Of course I am not scared. I will not be Ever Pure soon though. No, my purity is gone. You have toyed with me, and I have tasted your seed. I am only sorry my father and mother did not live long enough to see their daughter become an adult, and master Foundation Realm. But no matter…” she snuggled against me. “… if the Heavens are kind, perhaps they still know, if the spirit lives on after death.”

“It does.” I promised, remembering Tsukiko-san.

“In that case…” her breathing had calmed down and her flushed skin was now pale again. “… I would dedicate my purity to you. No, from what I have heard, it is my heart you crave. Perhaps you were afraid of loss as a child? I must speak to Eri and your sister regarding this. Your sister… I hope she will accept me.”

“She will.” I promised. “Aiko loves cute girls, and she sympathises with those who have it hard. But for now, that doesn’t matter. Think of just us.”

“I will.” She licked at more of the cum on her face. “So, this will pour inside me. We will make a child…”

“No.” I shook my head. “Not yet. The timing isn’t good for you, is it? There’s medication…”

“Even us Cultivators have that.” Daiyu agreed. “I merely wished to say it. I do wish a child. To pass on my name to the future. But… not now. Yes. So…” she spread her legs, arms outstretched too, inviting me, and she looked very lewd, lying on the bed, wet and still spotted with my sperm, her soiled dress around her legs. “Show me it is worth the wait.”

With one last kiss I opened up her pussy, the insides a beautiful salmon pink and twitching, drooling fluid. Her hymen was there, and it looked like a pearly white film. “It’s a little thick. There might be some pain in the breaking of it…” I said, working out the best angle. I’ve done this a few times now. I want her to suffer as little as possible.

“I am jade, such will not be cracked by a little pain.” She boasted, her eyes on my dick as I pushed it towards her entrance. She took a deep breath, and held out a hand. I took it, entwining our fingers, while my other hand guided my dick in. As it slowly slid inside her, pushing her wide, I reached the obstruction of her hymen.

“Become as one with me. Our Dao will entwine, as will our bodies and our souls. Our fates and destines as well!” Daiyu said, and I needed no further invitation.

“Daiyu… I…” As I tore through her maidenhead, her face twisted in a momentary expression of pain. A faint trickle of red ran down her legs, staining the dress, but I felt her body heal. The obstruction remained gone, but her tender flesh was restored near-instantly.

“Chang’e is a goddess. She would not wish me to suffer.” Daiyu said proudly, winking at me, her expression awed as she touched her belly. “I feel you, inside me. I am a girl no longer. I have shed my fear, my naivety and also my chastity. In exchange I have gained the will to continue, hope for the future… and love, no?”

“Yes.” I agreed, kissing her. “Since you are free of pain, can I?” Her body is trained and tight, I can feel her walls sucking on me with every beat of her heart, as though she’s trying to wring me dry…

“Feel free. I too would wish to feel it. If it was as pleasurable as before…” she flushed, grinning, and I noticed her expressions changing more and more as we grew closer.

“In that case…” Our hands still entwinned, I used my free hand to stroke her while we kissed, my cock sliding in and out of her pussy as I moved my body. Each thrust wrung a gasp from us both, and as wet slaps sounded as our bodies pounded together, her moans were discharged into my mouth, as our tongues tangled fiercely, as though seeking to devour each other.

“I feet it, like the flame inside!” Daiyu managed to cry. “When you strike there, I shiver, like my being burns!”

“How about here?” I switched the angle of thrusts. The first couple elicited little response, but then she arched her back, nearly biting me in shock. Yes, you feel it there…

“I am rising… again!” Daiyu was overflowing with nectar, and as I drank her saliva, licked at her salty tears and even the sweat of her neck, I felt my own rising sensation. Her free hand was scratching my back, though her nails could leave no impression on my skin, but it felt sensual, and her body wriggled against mine, her pussy almost trying to devour me. Once more I shifted angle, and as Daiyu drooled, her first experience without the pain that marked the usual defloration, I clung to her, body and spirit. She’s sensitive here too. If I…

Pulling her up so I could reach deep inside her, she squealed with pleasure, and as I thrust again and again, more juice scattered. “Here it comes… the white…” she cried, and as her whole body trembled, her pussy convulsing, dragging me further in, I came too, my warm sperm gushing inside her, joining the mess on her thighs and dress. It was such a lovely dress too…

“I am being filled. I am a woman, before I am a Cultivator.” She gasped, the renewed realisation both shocking and delighting her. I continued to thrust, and since she was exceptionally sensitive, her orgasm continued, a second burst of pleasure shuddering through her, greater than the first, as I poured out every drop, my own cock trembling.

“I…” she sought my tongue, and as we collapsed to the bed, her head on my arm, her hair having come loose from her pins, hanging around us like the night sky, she looked at me, a touch vacant. I took that opportunity to kiss her while she gathered her thoughts.

“I see.” She said at last. “Were this a battle, you have won. I lose to the pleasure of your power.”

“There’s no winning and losing. We both gave and we both received. Besides, I think I had the better deal.” I stroked her loose hair, once more amazed at how my life had changed over these last months.

“Maybe.” Daiyu said proudly, before laughing, a rich one filled with relief. “No more reason, nor need to hesitate. I am a woman now, who knows the feeling of a man.”

“True.” The door burst open, and Shaeula was there, followed by… Everyone but Hinata, Kana and Asha it seems. Well, Asha can’t get here anyway. Not yet… “Yet do not-not be mistaken. It is not male but Akio which is why-why you feel joy. Never forget that, and make no-no errors.”

“I know.” Daiyu said archly. “I thank you for your caution, but…” she hugged me, uncaring about her nakedness and dishevelled state. I guess it is all girls here apart from me… “I know. I am not a fool. Even if I was… Qi does not lie.”

That again, huh? “I have to say, it was a nice touch, you licking him clean after the handjob…” Shiro rattled off such crude words with a straight face, looking gorgeous even being lewd. Seeing me looking, she flushed. “What? It was. The sort of thing that happens in the dirty doujins you boys read. Oh, Asha is sorry she can’t be here for you, Daiyu. But… well, there’s always next time, right?” she winked.

“So why are you here?” I asked, and Eri, as first wife, answered for everyone.

“To grow closer. If we’re going to all be your wives, Akio, we have to bond. And…” Eri looked at Shaeula and Hyacinth… when I shared experiences with them, I fond myself liking them more. I want to like you too, Daiyu.” she said earnestly, and Daiyu replied in her improving Japanese.

“Thank you Eri. I do… appreciate… yes, appreciate your kindness, when you have little cause. I would eagerly learn from you… your… experience? But before that…”

“I have it here.” Motoko said, eyeing us curiously. She handed Daiyu a small book, in which she had been recording her Sect’s knowledge, as well as knowledge gained from our captured Cultivators. She then paused, and I could hear Natsumi giggling behind her. “Natsumi and I are beginners too, but if you wish the benefit our of meagre experiences, we are happy to share.”

Daiyu looked surprised, before bursting out in laughter. She squeezed Motoko’s hand as she took the book, before flipping it open. “I see. Yes, I get it. Such a strange feeling. I should be jealous, see you as a rival.” She shrugged. “Concubines are not unusual, strong Cultivator bloodlines need many children, to secure talented offspring. But they seldom live in harmony. Too much incentive to struggle for the position of legal wife. Yet… for now, I only feel happy you are here with me.”

“That’s because it’s a family we are building, Built on bonds of care. And I’ll never let any of you go.” I hugged Daiyu and pulled in Motoko with my other arm, and after she returned the hug, everyone else demanded one too…

********

I let out a groan, gushing sperm into Shaeula’s small mouth. She grinned, mouth still clamping my dick, and her tongue rolled around, licking me. When I finished, she pulled free, opening her mouth to show the sticky white liquid on her tongue to Daiyu, before closing her mouth and swallowing, small throat working, Smacking her lips, she grinned. “That is how-how you perform the oral sex. A blowjob, Shiro does-does call it.”

“I see. That is educational.” Daiyu said, nodding, her fingers tracing the writing and diagrams in her book as she watched.

“You don’t need to slavishly copy our little pervert here.” Shiro advised. “I do it a bit differently. You do too, right Eri?”

Eri nodded, embarrassed. “I do what Akio seems to like. He does the same.”

“Oh yeah, he’s great at eating us out. Aki’s a major playboy now. In fact, we’re all standing around after he’s defiled another pure cutie. Such a sinful riajuu. You’d have called for your own death a few months ago.” Shiro snickered, amused.

“I shall experiment.” Daiyu promised, looking at me fondly. “I am not satisfied, unless I am the best.”

As Shaeula laughed at that declaration of war, as she called it, we spent a little longer talking about sex and our relationships, before Shaeula asked the question on everyone’s minds. “So, Daiyu. This Dual-Dual Cultivation, how does it work? If it can make you stronger, then we would be most-most interested as well.”

“Before that…” I could see Daiyu’s stats now, as we were bonded kin. Lovers’ Link alone wasn’t enough yet, it seemed, except for actual family, like Aiko. But having sex, the connection of our bodies and hearts, that was definitely enough. “…I want to go over Qi and get an understanding of it. I believe that Qi Refining is converting aether into Qi, which is both more refined, and somehow less flexible. But I’d like to hear in your own words just what it is. You mentioned being able to feel emotions with it too?”

“I see. This is all basic knowledge.” Daiyu paused, and seeing her lying naked next to me, dripping with the aftermath of our sex, while explaining these concepts, brought a smile to my face. “Qi is the energy of Heaven and Earth. Though the energy of Heaven is fleeting, and finding such since the days of long-vanished Kunlun is but a mere wish. So the energy of the Earth, we have to work with. But it is hardly pure.”

“I see. Ether and aether, then Qi… Earthly energies… I always thought they came from the Astral, but then…”

Tan peeked out through Shiro’s eyes, a brief gleam of red, but she didn’t say anything. Her silence made me think I was on the right track with my speculations though. When I was doing my research right at the start, on Astral projection, chakras and more, there were some other ideas that were a part of the whole spectrum which don’t seem to fit in. Or do they…

“Qi is this energy purified. It has two sides, as do all things. Yin and Yang, mind and body, emotion and reason. Earthly Qi is created to perfectly match the techniques of Cultivation. The jumble of energies you call ether and aether might perhaps be capable of greater feats, but… Qi nourishes the body and strengthens the spirit. It works best internally and affecting the mind and spirit of others. Until recently, all we Cultivators could use it for was to expand our perception, the Qi sense…” she demonstrated, and my Eye shone. I see. That’s rather fascinating. “… as well as cause internal damage to another person, via injecting Qi within them, or confusing and fogging minds and spirits. Of course, in the past, so much more was possible, but… that is not done with unaspected Qi alone. Qi is simply the key, the foundation.”

“Qi is like a universal fuel then? If ether is oil from a well, and aether is the refined petroleum products distilled from it, which can provide a huge amount of energy, then Qi is further refined and distilled, some sort of specialist fuel. So it contains less power, but can run your Techniques, which are specially optimised?”

“Yes. Cultivation is a history of perfecting and refining Techniques to use Qi to achieve great feats. And changing ourselves to better utilise it. In doing so, our bodies and spirits can be strengthened, our minds growing sharper. Eventually, the goal is Sainthood, which I believe is a state similar to you now, Akio. And above that, a true Immortal. Though I know not if a Saint from Kunlun ever reached such. If they did… well, they no longer remain on this Earth, it seems.”

“A question, if I may?” Motoko asked politely, and Daiyu nodded.

“If that is the case, what about your Foundation Techniques?” As Natsumi and even Shiro nodded beside her, I thought I already knew the answer, from my examination of her skill.

Spiritually Pure Qi Refining – This advanced Qi Refining technique can convert aether into pure Earthly Qi, and will raise the quality of such Qi by one rank. Qi interacting with and accumulating Water element will be further increased in rank, empowering Water element Techniques. Heavenly Qi is not inhibited due to the high purity of the Technique. The Refining rate for ether into Earthly Qi is roughly ninety-nine parts in a hundred, there is little waste. [Class: Noble] [Type: Principle]

Earthly Qi – A systematic refining and imprinting of one of the building blocks of the multiverse. Qi is a specialised form of energy, which shares the majority of the properties of aether, but cannot be freely manipulated by imagination, with the exception of some certain states. In exchange it has high affinity for some uses, and can achieve a greater efficiency and power when utilised in these rigid techniques than the original aether. It can also be combined with other refined energies in a similar way, converting them to elemental Qi, ????? Qi and ???????.

Already a Principle, I see…a shame that Heavenly Qi is almost entirely question marks when I look, but I don’t believe it comes from ether. Adherence maybe? No, that doesn’t seem quite right… But the answer to Foundation is simple…

Daiyu’s answer was what I expected. “Qi is the energy of the body and the spirit, but it can be many other energies. Elemental Qi are the most common, and by blending these energies in our Dantian…” she touched her lower body. “…we create new, stronger aspected Qi, usable in greater Techniques. Though until recently, there were few who were able to cross the peak of Qi Refining and begin their Foundation.” She smiled, proud of herself, and I kissed her cheek. She flushed, before continuing. “Even then, I was barely able to manage a little Earth Qi.” She snorted. “Not to be confused with Earthly Qi, do not make that mistake. Now though…” she flipped through her book. “… one of the simplest Water Qi Arts… Water Darts…” she closed her eyes, fanned out her fingers, and moments later a volley of water bullets flew out. I channelled wind to stop them damaging the room, and Daiyu made a rather adorable face, her expression contrite.

“Be more careful.” I laughed, and she nodded.

“I shall. I truly am a prodigy. To master a new Art, even one so simple, on my first try… no, hubris is poison. I am skilled yes, but the Spirit Water is a level of water Qi far in excess of what I could have ever expected. It knows what it must do to serve me.”

“You make it sound alive.” Eri said, and Daiyu shrugged.

“I do not think it is alive, it is merely energy. But… it should be handled with care, guided, not forced.”

“I think I’ve got it. And Tan didn’t even give me a hint.” Shiro complained. “Using aether is more flexible, but more wasteful, while Qi is limited but more efficient, and potentially stronger in certain specific ways?”

“That sounds about right. My mom had some old roleplaying books from Britain. Quite a famous one… Dungeons and Dragons. So, it’s a bit like the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Wizards can use any spell they’ve learned, given notice, while Sorcerers only know a few, but can use them a lot more?”

“I don’t think that’s exactly right, nerd.” Shiro teased me. “But I think we’re close.”

“So how does Dual Cultivation fit in?” Eri asked. “Akio doesn’t have Qi, he uses aether.”

“I do worry about that. But…” Daiyu shrugged, her small chest distracting my eyes for a moment. “… I saw the paintings, of your bodies, and mine.” She touched her lower body again. “There are actually three Dantians… I have discussed this before. We only rely on the lower one, the golden stove…” she smiled wryly. “Which some say generates elixir, which strengthens the body. You can see why I find such ironic. Though it is not elixir, but the strengthening effects of Qi, that make the body strong.”

Only I nodded, everyone else looking confused. Chang’e’s Divine Favour is called Chang’e’s Moon Elixir of Immortality. “We’ve all experienced the strengthening of the body from having our networks perfected, and accumulating aether via levelling up.” I agreed. “I wonder…”

“You wonder correctly.” Daiyu said proudly. “Our Foundation technique should strengthen us more than your haphazard accumulation. Discard the dross, extract perfection. That is the way of Cultivation.” Daiyu nodded regally. “But for that to work…”

“Elemental Qi. And also…?”

“Yes. Yin and Yang. Darkness and Light. Female and male. Without those, the effects are reduced. And as a woman, gathering Yang, the male element, it is hard. Now however…”

“The Spirit Water.” Shiro said triumphantly. “Spiritually Pure Physique.”

“For Daiyu, it’s Spiritually Pure Foundation Technique. The description is much the same, but it also talks about strengthening the Dantians and Qi Refining.” I said. “So…”

“Yes, next is to Accumulate, where one saturates their bodies and spirit with as dense and pure a Qi as they can. I have a great advantage now, since you say my Refining is so effective, and I possesses a potent Spirit Water Qi. But I am not satisfied. To go higher, further, the old scrolls and tags say I must also master one of either Yin or Yang, else I will struggle to form my Golden Core.” She snorted. “To think I am seriously worried about what should be an unreachable dream. I am very prideful, But…”

“It does not-not seem so unreachable now?” Shaeula said gently, and Daiyu nodded, her damp hair tickling my bare skin.

“Dual Cultivation is extracting the Qi within all beings… I see…” Daiyu’s eyes suddenly opened wide, realising something. “I did wonder why Qi sense could detect all living beings, despite only Cultivators actively Refining Qi. And why it seemed so muddy. Qi sense is detecting the aether in all living beings!”

“But does that mean that Akio’s Yang Qi won’t be pure enough for you?” Natsumi asked.

“I.. do not know.” Daiyu said, before shaking her head. “No, I believe it will be fine. Because…” she tapped my back. “This… lunar chakra. It strikes me as very similar to the middle Dantian, the crimson palace. I can only go by the old writings, but it is there that Qi is Refined further, and creates shen, or spiritual energy.”

“I get it.” I understood her meaning. “The lunar chakra gathers and strengthens all the elements one possesses, at least when understanding and strength grow enough. It took a while for me to manifest wood element there.” I grinned a touch shame-facedly.

“Yes. I suspect that the Dantian serves as a way to become a being that is both spirit and mortal. Like you.” Daiyu said. “Perhaps we copied it from spiritual beings, or some wise scholar came across it by chance. But…”

“In that case, even though I don’t have a Dantian, the lunar chakra can likely serve as a substitute. But Qi and Cultivation is very regimented, orderly. Can we make it work?”

“You misunderstand.” Daiyu laughed. “Yes, Cultivation uses Qi and Techniques rigorously. But that is because they are proven to work. Power and efficiency are what Cultivators strive for, but any means that provides further power, without choking off future growth, is what we will seize. Be it Earth, Heaven, the Gods themselves… we will take it. But…” she looked rueful. “We hate power we do not control. I did not wish to use Chang’e’s power, since I did not understand it. The one thing we demand is control over ourselves and our destinies. That is another reason Dao Companions are so cherished and precious. As they are the only ones we allow to share control over our future.”

I’m feeling flattered about now. I hope I’m worth it. No, I’ll make sure I am and she doesn’t regret it.

“Tan.” I said, and Shiro’s eyes flickered red.

“What is it? I will not spill secrets…” she said lazily.

“I know. All I’m asking is… we’re right, aren’t we? The lunar chakra can serve as a Dantian in this? It’s close enough, right? I don’t want to put Daiyu at risk.”

Tan let out a long sigh. “I am not here to answer all your questions. I demand compensation. A feast, with much alcohol. I thirst…”

“Sure, whatever!” Actually Shiro still eats and drinks enough for three people. Three greedy people. But it’s not like I can’t afford it. I didn’t hesitate. “A compassionate and good giver of advice like yourself deserves a treat now and again.”

“Your speculation is somewhat off, but in the main accurate. There might be some difficulties, but with Chirurgery, I dare say you can avoid a disastrous outcome.” She turned to Daiyu then. “Girl, be greedy. That is the way of Cultivation, of those who follow the Six Paths. Drain him dry…” she licked Shiro’s lips, before closing her eyes, and Shiro was back in control again.

“She’s gone for now. And I got another flash from her, whether she meant to, or… no, she probably did mean me to know.” Shiro shook her head. “Daiyu, your lower Dantian isn’t proper. She suspects that the original Techniques you learned for Qi Refining and Foundation are flawed.”

“Surely not. Such would not…” she froze, horrified. “Are you saying that Kunlun deliberately allowed inferior ….” She gnashed her teeth, dark eyes boiling with rage, so I pulled her into a hug, sharing the warmth of our touching skins.

“It’ll be fine.” I soothed her, but she shook her head, tears gleaming in her dark eyes.

“It will not! If the Foundation is wrong, then… I will never achieve anything!”

“Wrong. Tan has already given us all the hints we need. Now… we have to prepare.” Thanks Tan. I still have some grudges against how you’ve used Shiro, but since then you’ve helped us a lot. If your Six Paths ever needs repayment, I’ll give it…

********

“It’s a shame that most of them don’t have images.” Natsumi said. She and Motoko were probably the most excited of us, not including Daiyu, of course, as while Cultivation wasn’t entirely a martial field, anything that was disciplined and involved strengthening the body piqued their interest. “But this one does…” she looked at Daiyu’s book of notes.

“The point of the Qi Refining and Foundation Techniques is that the image should not be needed. The Technique should be repeatable and naturally mould the body correctly.” Daiyu pouted, still naked. As I ran my Split Thoughts (I had temporarily withdrawn my other body) to simulate the outcomes of following the listed techniques, I shivered as Shiro touched my body in various places, her long fingers ticklish.

“Stop that.” Eri chided her, but Shiro merely shrugged, laughing.

“No way. I’ve already been helpful. I get to have some fun teasing Aki in exchange.”

“You’ve been helpful?” Eri said sourly, taking a drink from Hyacinth, who had whipped up supplies for us, since this had dragged on longer than anticipated. Kana and Hinata were managing the training school and Territory, while we worked. “I think Tan was the one who helped.”

“Rude. Tan’s help is my help. I think you’ve got cheeky since you started being able to walk again.” Shiro said, her smile showing she was joking.

“I just want Daiyu fixed.” Eri said, and Daiyu nodded.

“I appreciate your kind support.” she said, and Eri raised an eyebrow.

“You can appreciate it by teaching me! You want disciples, right? And anyone can Cultivate to be strong? You don’t need a Divine favour?”

“There is the issue of talent, but…” Daiyu said doubtfully, before nodding. “I will do my best!”

“So lukewarm!” Shiro sniggered, earning another glare from Eri. Meanwhile, I had finished my sketches, and was comparing them with Shaeula, Daiyu leaning over eagerly, her bare shoulder brushing against mine. I then groaned as Shiro’s hands started getting very playful. I’m trying to concentrate here! No, compared to running two bodies, I can ignore this. I am tranquil and at peace. I’m totally not being stroked off by Shiro while I’m sitting here…

“I believe that it should not-not be affecting your root chakra. That-that is a problem.” Shaeula rubbed at her chin, eyes gleaming amber while she thought. “The sacral chakra too… see here? The lunar chakra does not-not affect the heart or the others around it. I did-did wonder why some of your chakra network seems disconnected… but what-what would these fools from Kunlun gain?”

“I know what they would gain. The powerful Five Great Sects of Kunlun, they were used to being at the top, unquestioned. Even now it is… was… the same. Our new Five Great Sects hoard our knowledge. The path of Cultivation is also a greedy one. Power for ourselves and those we trust is good, power for others… that is a disappointment. No doubt the techniques they allowed to spread were flawed deliberately, to prevent others from challenging their authority.”

“How petty.” Shaeula sniffed. “But did you not-not secure some knowledge they did not-not wish to share?”

Batting away Shiro’s hands, I suddenly began to sketch some more. We had theorised some examples, and added to Daiyu’s, what Tan had shared in a brief flash with Shiro, and the drawings we did have, plus a comparison to my network, and also the way that Daiyu’s Dantian had changed significantly after gaining the Spiritually Pure Techniques, coupled with our insights into Chirurgery, and we had a solid idea of what it should be like.

Daiyu looked at my sketches, and I met her gaze. “Daiyu, are you sure about this? I’m confident, but… this is Cultivation. I’m not dealing with something I understand.”

“What does it matter?” Daiyu shook her head. Her hand grabbed my dick, taking over from Shiro, and replicated her technique, her face flushed. “If I cannot reach the peak this way, because my path has been cut off before I started, what does it matter if I fall to ruin now?” She bent down, and her tongue licked at my dick, using what she was shown earlier. Motoko and Natsumi were looking on shyly, perhaps remembering their own times. In-between her sucking, she continued. “I would rather take a chance. And if I should fail, you will not cast me aside, will you?”

“Of course not.” I stroked her head, and that encouraged her to go further, her face twitching as she swallowed my member, gagging as it hit the back of her throat, but she continued to lick and suck at it, her eyes showing her trust. Right, we have to make this work… But even if we make a screw-up, we can maybe fix it later… no, no mistakes. This is a bit like programming. I’ve never wrote this particular code before, but we have some examples, and I know the language, the compiler and the hardware… it might not be the way the designer envisaged, but of the outcome is the same…

“Here we go… uh, no, actually I’d better… oh, uh, sorry, I’m about to…”

“Let it out…” she muttered around my shaft, and I didn’t have much choice, as her lewd tongue, her desperation, was transmitted to me. I spurted, and she widened her eyes in surprise as my sticky cum sprayed into her mouth and down her throat. Gagging, she desperately swallowed, and when my dick was pulled out, she coughed white fluid into her hands.

“Still bitter…” she managed, and I ruffled her hair gently.

“Don’t push yourself. I get that you’re uneasy… but I’ve got this.” I promised.

“You just did not-not want Daiyu to bite in surprise.” Shaeula said, lightening the mood, before taking Daiyu’s hand and wiping her lips. “But yes, Akio is quite-quite correct. There is no-no need for concern. Besides, you have the blessing of Chang’e, no? With that, you will never-never be weak. Now, are you ready?”

Daiyu nodded, her eyes shining with resolution. “I am Zhao Daiyu. I survived treachery and the deep ocean, I let the tide wash me hither and yon, but I decide to swim. Do it. Should I break, I was simply not Incorruptible Jade, merely a shiny black pebble. But I do not think that is my fate…”

“All right then. This… is likely going to hurt…”

She smiled. “You said that begore….” She touched her still-damp crotch. “… but I barely felt a twinge. Of pain.” And with that endearing set of words, I began to carve into her lower body with blades of aether…

********

“Tan isn’t saying anything, but I’m getting satisfaction, and I doubt it’s because she’s enjoying the food. Nice though it is of course, Hyacinth.” Shiro said, and Hyacinth giggled, curtsying. Daiyu was lying beside me, still naked, and I was stroking her bare back as she buried her face in the pillow, her ears and neck red.

“There’s no need to be embarrassed.” Eri soothed her. “I made a spectacle of myself the first time.”

“I am Zhao Daiyu! I do not cry out!” she said, her pout hidden. “Nor do I wish to be seen shedding such vile muck! But…”

“Yeah, sorry. But honestly, I’m confident! It really wasn’t as bad as I imagined. Thankfully.” The Chirurgery was surprisingly easy, as ironically the Spiritually Pure Techniques she had inherited seemed to know how her chakras should have been, so it was more a case of me supplying the blades, and them guiding the cutting. Is it because of the affinity for Qi? It’s hard to say… The downside of that was that it was incredibly painful, as the Spirit Water didn’t care for subtlety or kindness, only ejecting impurities and fixing damage. There was more hidden inside the chakras. Cutting that out was harrowing. But…

“It looks like your root and sacral chakras are functioning better than ever. Normally in fact.” I observed. “And your Dantian is unharmed. It’s shifted a bit, and there’s a few more roots and branches going to and from it, but… I think we’re good?”

At my words, Daiyu finally sat up. She called upon the Water Darts again, as well as used Qi sensing, and a few other Qi techniques. When she was done, she nodded. “Yes, I feel… it feels easier, certainly. The Qi is more responsive, and I feel … rejuvenated.” She flexed. “I… I thank you.” She bowed to Shiro. “If I had not known, I could have found out too late…”

“No way. Just helping a fellow babe of Aki’s out. Us haremettes have to stick together.” Shiro was embarrassed by the thanks. “Besides, by the time you discovered you were screwed, Aki’s skills would be better anyway. He’d still come through. Speaking of coming through…” she smiled a cheeky, lewd grin. “… are you going to take a break tonight, or…?”

Daiyu and I exchanged glances. “I don’t mind.” I said. “I’ve had fun.”

“I bet you have…” Eri snorted. Daiyu thought for a moment, before shaking her head.

“No, I am a little concerned. My Dual Cultivation Technique could be flawed so…” she looked at Shiro, eyes damp. “Can you observe? I would appreciate guidance.”

“Well shit.” Shiro giggled after a moment. “That really threw Tan for a loop. She so does not want to watch you two going at it. But…” she winked. “…keep it quick and clean. Just to check it’s legit. She says you can go at it like animals when she’s gone.”

“Fine. The rest of you…?”

“Staying, of course.” Eri commented. “This might be something we learn to do. So…”

“I do not mind. They have all supported me. Now…” Daiyu got on her back, opening her legs, and I was embarrassed as some of my semen spilled out of her pussy. “We shall join, my Yin to your Yang. But it is not merely that simple…” She grabbed my hands, and I could feel her Qi entering me. “… left hand to my heart.” She placed my hand on her modest breast, which was still sticky. “Forehead to forehead.” She pressed her head against mine. The position was good, so we kissed. Her hand was on my heart too, and with every beat, I could feel her Qi.

“You know…” I began, but Shaeula beat me to it.

“Yes, it is not-not dissimilar to sharing our lunar chakra, it seems. I do-do wonder more strongly if Cultivation was created in jealousy at spiritual beings? You mortals are quite-quite clever at adaptation and taking ideas from others.”

“In the end, we would even take from the Heavens.” Daiyu said, and I began to return aether to her, rich with elemental essence. She shuddered, feeling it surge through her, and she used her free hand to grab my traitorous dick, which was hard again. Damn, how many times have I cum now? If I didn’t have my stats, this harem would kill me. I guess I’d die happy though…

“…and root to root.” Daiyu declared, as my dick buried itself in her pussy to the root. I could feel her heart beating, her walls twitching.

“Isn’t this just sex?” Eri asked, and Daiyu nodded.

“To an extent, yes. But…”

“Aren’t we connecting all three points where one of the Dantians should be? A coincidence?” I asked, though I had a feeling it wasn’t.

“You know the answer to that. Now… we must focus. Ordinarily, you would be calling on your Qi, and using it to filter out your essence, what makes you male. Your Yang Qi. The jumble you are giving me now, it is rather off-putting…”

“I see. Yeah, like how you froze your light and earth elements so you could… let me try it…” I had a lot of light element, a mutated one, but that wasn’t Yang, was it? But conversely… It’s still a variation on light. So… also… I know Daiyu needed earth element, so I made sure to filter out everything but earth and light, circulating them. Meanwhile, Daiyu was gathering her own darkness, her Qi changing. As she gathered it, her eyes darkened, and a faint blue mist was rising, and her look was lustful.

“I am feeling rather sad right now.” Eri muttered, remembering. “Akio, I think…”

I couldn’t answer as Daiyu was kissing me deeply and frantically, her body starting to slide, my cock pushing in and out of her. No, I’m not ready yet. I held firm, and she looked at me, eyes watering, before clearing her head with great effort.

“I apologise.” She gasped. “My Yin is hard to control. Yet control it I must, merely giving in to base urges achieves nothing.” She paused. “The mess has ceased. Now it is… wait, earth as well?”

“You did want to raise the Invincible Jade Yang technique, didn’t you? It may be flawed, but we can correct it. Maybe it’ll even be correct, now that your chakras aren’t malformed anymore. And if not… your chakra network should be able to hold earth element at your root.”

“So, do you get it?” Shiro asked, and everyone shook their heads, except for Hyacinth.

“Yes, I dooo.” She nodded. “Darkness and Light. Elements ooof emotion, of being. When are twooo hearts most closely as ooone? During sex, making looove. Lovers’ Link could be considered this tooo, no? But mistress Daiyu knooows a lot.” She giggled cheerfully. “Merely fucking…” Hyacinth looked wicked at that moment, licking her lips. “… I looove it. To warm Akio’s bed… but the power, it is nooot used properly. Merely a bright flame and whoooooosh, all gone, heating the air around. But Hyacinth thinks, if the fire is cooontained, the warmth is useful, can dooo work.”

“A good metaphor. All things contain Qi, but Qi is only pure when first created. It is then coloured by the body. Mine. Female. Yours. Male.”

“I see. I’ve considered this before. How aether can become elemental energy, and the opposite is true, even if there are losses both ways. So…” my Eye glowed, and I began to match Daiyu’s flow. Doing so, I managed to start changing the earth and light elements, making them more suitable for Daiyu’s body.

You have gained a skill, Moonlight Jade Qi Refining Rank 1.

Your Skill, Light Manipulation has increased from Rank 5 to Rank 6 and broken the first bottleneck. You can…

I see it. Yes, Qi. The elements I had refined into Qi were harder to control, resisting me, but they wanted to be used, in specific ways at least. Daiyu felt the overspill resonate with her, before her eyes opened wide. “Yes. That is it! You have copied me, yet reversed it. Yang to my Yin! How talented you are. Perhaps I am not the prodigy here…”

“No. You guided me. I merely watched and listened. Hyacinth gave me a hint too. Now… how to make it flow to you? It won’t obey me…”

“Easy. Dual Cultivation is so-called, as two must join. But also… the joining of body and heart. So… sex.” Daiyu began to move, and every time our bodies connected, I could feel what was male, the light, filled with brilliant earth energy, flood into Daiyu, while I received darkness, the female. Doing to heightened my emotions, and my lust rose. I could barely hear the voices of everyone else around us, as I was engrossed in Daiyu. No, I was one with Daiyu. I could feel Lovers’ Link, too, pulsing as well, and Daiyu giggled, even as she gasped in erotic delight, her body slapping against mine, cum, a little blood and her juices foaming at the join between my dick and her slit.

“You were meant for this…” Daiyu giggled. “Eri was complaining all your gains in strength come from being lewd. I did not believe it, but…” Her eyes were moist and she kissed me, her hand tight on my chest, even as mine was kneading her breast, energy flowing between our hearts and our foreheads. My Eye could see a branching of shining energies from these points.

“… your skill, it is improving the connection. Dual Cultivation is notoriously inefficient. In Kunlun, practitioners were seen as weak, unsuited to true Techniques. Though feeling how I do…” her whole body was flushed and trembling, and she was orgasming lightly with every thrust. My dick was on fire, precum shooting out as well, the sensation strange. “… I suspect that many practised it as well as their ordinary Techniques. And that it was made to be inefficient, so that there is an excuse…” her look was so cute I sucked on her tongue fiercely, speeding up. “… to do it more!”

“I… could get… ahn, uh… addicted to this.” Daiyu whispered, a barest breath so the others wouldn’t hear, and I replied in kind, even as our bodies circulated the energy. Feeling deep emotion, yearning, wishing for security, desire for hope, I gave her what she needed to hear.

“That’s not a problem. I’ll accompany you as often as you wish me to…” Hearing those words, she couldn’t help herself, and her movements sped up, her hips gyrating. Unable to resist, I began to speed up, varying between deep and shallow thrusts, her body gushing love juices enough to soak the bed, all the while, we were careful to keep our points of connection. This does rather limit the sex we can have doing this. But… what if we have other ways to connect? Like… with a grin, I imagined what would happen if Daiyu had a lunar chakra and we linked those during Dual Cultivation.

“Look at me!” she declared, her free hand pulling down my face. Her tongue met mine, and she cried out. “Look at me as I become one with you!”

“Fine then. I’ll match your rhythm.” I could feel her body as if it was my own, and she mine, and therefore I knew her pleasure, that a great tidal wave of joy was coming to wash her away, and as she writhed, her lustful expression and heady emotions quite unlike her usual self, I thrust one final time, knocking on the entrance to her womb. The sudden compression sent her overheated body into ecstasy, and she clamped down on me as if crushing me in a vice, her walls sucking, screaming in loud abandon, and as she did so I exploded, my orgasm coming, the flow seeming to never end, and as it did so, out gushed light too, brilliant azure and gold and red and green and black… wait, why so many colours? Was my last coherent thought, before I fell down on top of the gasping and drooling Daiyu, my heart racing as if the old, unfit me had run a marathon, my Chakra network burning…

********

“Better?” Hyacinth asked kindly, as I gulped at the glass of water. Beside me, Daiyu, her face red, wrapped in a sheet now, was likewise taking little sips, looking like a timid squirrel.

“Don’t be shy, little Daiyu. I was veeeeeeeeery impressed when you screamed like that.” Shiro teased her. “Tan was amazed too. She says, and I quote “You have quite the aptitude for perverted arts, woman.” So keep it up!” Giving her a thumbs up finished off Daiyu, who hid under the blankets. Unfortunately, that put her head near my lower body, and she quickly darted out, red as a lobster. She was so cute I pulled her close, and held her until she calmed down.

“More to the point… your body. It has changed a little-little.” Shaeula observed, her eyes glowing. “You have kindled earth element.” She said, and Daiyu looked surprised.

“So soon? I did not feel I absorbed enough for that…”

“Yes. You did not-not. But something else has happened. Your earth element… I believe it is mutated. In fact… is it even earth at all? Perhaps Mangetsu…” Shaeula grinned. “Most-most fascinating, and it surely requires further study. Akio, Daiyu, we need further data. Time to go again!”

I remember this from Lovers’ Link. Shaeula tried to get Eri and I to keep having sex… As I turned my gaze on the flustered, mortified yet not refusing Daiyu, who was trembling, but looking at me resolutely, my Eye flared. Shaeula’s right. It’s around her third eye chakra too. Could it be… wait, I have an idea. Maybe Prominence Dawn…