Spirit Warrior

"You can't cultivate until the mana in your body is replaced with Qi because you train your mana, and as a three-circle mage, you have a lot of mana stored inside you," Yuan explained.

"Huh?... Aren't mana and Qi the same thing?" Lily inquired, assuming that the mana and Qi mentioned by Yuan were identical.

"No, Big sister. They are different. Qi is far more superior and profound than the mana that magicians use to cast their spells. It's the essence of life and a form of energy created by heaven and earth. Comparing it to mana is like comparing a gold coin to a copper coin," Yuan clarified, providing a distinction between the two energy forms and explaining why Lily, as a magician, couldn't start cultivating at this time.

"The amount of Qi in this world is abundant because there are no cultivators to absorb it in the air, as it is mostly monopolized by mages and knights. Mages train their mana to increase the capacity of their hearts, while knights refine the mana in their auras to break the limitations of their bodies and improve overall strength," he added further.

Upon understanding the reason behind her inability to cultivate, Lily felt a sense of disappointment. She couldn't help but ask, "Yuan, little Yuan! Is there no other way for me to cultivate?"

Anna, observing her daughter's sad expression, also inquired, "Shouldn't there be a way for Lily to cultivate?"

Yuan glanced at their dejected expressions for a moment, contemplating whether he should explain the concept of dual cultivation, which might allow Lily to cultivate. However, he hesitated, wondering if they would accept this unconventional method.

Yuan took a deep breath, considering whether to explain the concept of dual cultivation to them. After a moment of contemplation, he decided to be honest with his family.

"Well, there is another way for Lily to cultivate," Yuan began, and the two women looked at him with hopeful eyes. "It's called dual cultivation."

"Dual cultivation? What's that?" Emma asked curiously.

"It's a special method in cultivation where two individuals, usually a man and a woman, cultivate together and exchange energies, in other words, having sex," Yuan explained carefully. "In this process, the man cultivates with the woman, helping her to convert her mana into Qi. It's a beneficial practice for both parties as they both gain insights and strengthen their cultivation."

Lily's eyes widened in surprise. "You mean... I need to cultivate with you?"

Yuan nodded. "Yes, that's the basic idea of dual cultivation. The man provides the necessary Qi for the woman, allowing her to cultivate and progress."

"Dear, is there a different option besides having sex with you?" Anna questioned while covering her somewhat flushed face with her hands.

"The only option, Mama! I'm not kidding about this since it's a serious matter."

"I know you won't lie to me, but will Lily approve of this approach?" Yuan has never lied to Anna even once, so she has complete faith in her son. Anna is aware that Yuan won't joke about something this significant. 

'Huh?...having sex with little Yuan?... Several families have such a relationship among their family members to maintain the purity of their bloodline, even though it is rather wrong. How can I refuse it when I've heard how marvelous cultivation is?' While the idea of being intimate with her younger brother was completely new and unusual for her, Lily questioned whether she would consent to it.

"I agree!" Lily suddenly responded.

'Huh? Did I hear right or am I hearing things?' Before turning to face Lily, he pondered in perplexity.

When they heard Lily's response, they all turned around and looked at her with bewildered expressions.

'Did I hear that right?' These are the thoughts Anna and Emma were having.

"I said that if the dual cultivation thing really works, I would accept to do it with Little Yuan, but only if he agrees to my one condition!" Lily spoke while her face flushed, and she lowered her head to avoid making eye contact with him.

"WHAT! She agreed so quickly...? Nora, please tell me I'm not dreaming!" Yuan's mind screamed in disbelief upon hearing Lily's words.

[I can assure the host that you are not mishearing her; she actually stated it, and it doesn't appear that she is forcing herself either! She stated that with sincerity.] He was not dreaming, Nora assured him.

"Dear, are you certain of your choice? You know, once you've done it, you can't go back on it." Lily was questioned by Anna about whether or not she really wanted to do it with Yuan and wasn't just forcing herself to do it for cultivation.

"Are you certain, young lady? I am aware that many people have this kind of relationship, but are you certain, young miss?" Emma questioned Lily since she was worried about her as well.

"No, Mom and Sister Emma, I'm not forcing myself to do anything! I mean it seriously!" They believed her because of the seriousness in her voice as she spoke.

'I won't be a virgin for much longer, it seems...' He heard their conversations and thought.

[Host, I share this opinion as well! However, be careful not to dual cultivate with her until you are in the Spirit Warrior realm because she is a three-circle mage with a ton of mana, which will put a ton of strain on your body.] Yuan nodded sympathetically as Nora emphasized the need for the reminder.

Anna then turned to face Yuan and questioned, "Do you understand what your sister said? So, what are your thoughts? Are you prepared to carry out the deed with your sister and accept her condition?" She inquired with seriousness, knowing that it's not something to take lightly. Even though Lily is his biological sister, she will happily accept Yuan's desire to make her his wife.

"Do I have any other options? But first, I'd like to know about the condition," Yuan stated, showing that he is not a fool and cannot consent to a condition without first understanding what it entails.

"My condition is fairly straightforward. You must assume full responsibility for me and eventually marry me in the future!" Lily hurriedly hid behind her mother's back after saying it with a flushed face out of embarrassment.

'This is so embarrassing, ahhh!' she murmured, wanting to dig a hole to hide out because she was so embarrassed.

"Do you think I'm one of those aristocratic brats that treat women like toys and discard them once they've had their fill? I will accept full responsibility for everything because I am not one of those goddamn Noble brats!" Yuan stated as he gave her a tender, affectionate hug.

"R-Really... Little Yuan? You're not going to abandon me in the future, are you?" Lily questioned tearfully as she hugged him.

"Big Sis, you have my word that I won't ever abandon you, even if I later attract many women!" He explained that polygamy is very prevalent in this society and that most men have at least one or two women as concubines in their lives, but he made a commitment to her.

"I... I am really happy, Little Yuan. I was wrong when I assumed that you wouldn't care about me in the future! Little Yuan, I'm very happy right now!" She gave him a loving hug since hearing his vow to her made her feel incredibly joyful. They exchanged brief hugs with one another.

"That's enough you two!" As she watched Yuan and Lily embrace, Anna commented, feeling a little envious.

'Why am I behaving this way? Am I jealous of my daughter, or is it something else? There is nothing else, he is my son, but he is too handsome! What even am I thinking?' She shouted to herself, unaware that she was beginning to feel attracted to her own son romantically.

'It appears that Mistress is envious of her own kids, fufufu!' Emma chuckled as she observed Anna's face of resentment and thought to herself.

"Mom! Because he is hugging me and not you, are you jealous?" Lily admitted that she was aware of how overly cautious her mother could be.

"Well, are you now rubbing salt in your mother's wound? I guess I need to remind you of our agreement from back then!" Anna scowled at Lily.

Lily lowered her head and stepped away from Yuan, saying, "No need; I remember it quite well.

'What agreement are they referring to?' He pondered as he cast a questioning glance at his mother.

The situation became more enigmatic when Anna saw his observant look on her and simply smiled mysteriously at him.

'What might she be concealing? Why don't I have any recollection of it, then?' As he couldn't think of anything relevant to it, he asked himself this.

[Host! You won't need to consider this too much because you'll know when the timing is right!] said Nora.

He learned through the memories of the previous Yuan that nobility is the worst scum in this world and doesn't give a damn about ordinary life. Most aristocrats have an extremely lusty and greedy attitude toward attractive ladies. He needs to watch out for the Nobles' deceitful kid. He was quite certain that they would cause a disturbance if they ever saw his gorgeous sister and mother.

"Umm! I was wondering when we would be practicing dual cultivation, Little Yuan." With a flushed expression of embarrassment, Lily enquired.

"You need to wait until I make a breakthrough into the realm of spirit warriors before we can do that," Yuan spoke in a gentle tone, which caused Lily to flush even more.

"I will go and cultivate a bit till dinner is ready; I advise you do the same, Mom, and your treatment is cultivation; you should remember it very well," he remarked as he stood up from the bed and moved towards the door. Without giving them the time to respond, he said as much and left the room.

Yuan sits in the lotus position once more for meditation in his room, seated on the floor. He draws in a big breath and then shuts both of his eyes. He then activates the 'Empyreal Consumption Skill' to absorb the surrounding Qi.

<Empyreal Consumption Skill has been activated!> 

<5 2000> 

<950 2000> 

<2000 2000> 

<You have absorbed enough Qi for a breakthrough> 

<You have reached Second Level Spirit Apprentice> 

<5 3000> 

<3000 3000> 

<You have absorbed enough Qi for a breakthrough>

<You have reached Third Level Spirit Apprentice> 

<5 4000> 

<4000 4000> 

<You have absorbed enough Qi for a breakthrough> 

<You have reached Fourth Level Spirit Apprentice> 

<5 5000> 

<2865 5000> 

<5000 5000> 

<You have absorbed enough Qi for a breakthrough> 

<You have reached Fifth Level Spirit Apprentice> 

<The host has learned Enhance Sense> 

<5 6000> 

<4800 6000> 

<6000 6000> 

<You have absorbed enough Qi for a breakthrough> 

<You have reached Sixth Level Spirit Apprentice> 

<5 7000> 

<2590 7000> 

<4860 7000> 

<7000 7000> 

<You have absorbed enough Qi for a breakthrough> 

<You have reached Seventh Level Spirit Apprentice> 

<5 8000> 

<4500 8000> 

<8000 8000> 

<You have absorbed enough Qi for a breakthrough> 

<You have reached Eighth Level Spirit Apprentice> 

<5 9000> 

<5780 9000> 

<9000 9000> 

<You have absorbed enough Qi for a breakthrough> 

<You have reached Ninth Level Spirit Apprentice> 

<5 10000> 

<5900 10000> 

<8790 10000> 

<10000 10000> 

<You have absorbed enough Qi for a breakthrough> 

<You have met the requirement for a breakthrough> 

<You have reached First Level Spirit Warrior> 

<Your Enhanced Sense upgraded into Advanced> 

<You have learned Enhance Strength> 

<All Stats +1900> 

_

<Advanced Sense> 

<Rank: Mortal> 

<Description: Highly enhances the function of all senses permanently. (always active)> 

_ 

<Enhance Strength> 

<Rank: N A> 

<Description: Greatly enhance your strength and stamina> 

____

Yuan felt as though his body had become as light as a feather once he had attained the realm of the spirit warrior. He sensed a great deal of spiritual energy, or Qi, expanding inside of him; he felt like he was beaming with energy and was no longer tired as before. Despite having no physical changes, he felt his body becoming stronger and more refined; it was an incredible sensation for him that he couldn't adequately express in words.

[Congratulations to the Host for reaching the Spirit Warrior realm within a day; you have simply achieved an unbelievable feat, Host!] Nora congratulates him.