My Xianxia Harem Life-Chapter 85 Chess

The watching crowd held their breath, their eyes darting between Riley and the woman. After all, most men would have been desperate to get on her good side. Some would have groveled at her feet for the slightest bit of her attention.

But Riley Mason?

He was already sick of her presence before she even had the chance to introduce herself.

"So this is where you sit. I apologize, Young Master Riley. I didn’t know."

The woman smiled gracefully as she rose to her feet, her demeanor composed and elegant. There was not a trace of anger in her expression, nor did she seem the least bit flustered.

She had already conducted a thorough investigation and knew that Riley Mason harbored a terrifying secret.

It was no coincidence that the matriarch of the Heavenly Sword Sect had personally come to see him.

Even more astonishing were the persistent rumors that Riley had guided the disciples of the Stone Mountain Sect in comprehending the very essence of the Dao.

For someone to impart Dao essence so freely—especially to cultivators who had yet to reach the Golden Core Realm—was utterly unheard of. This was not something an ordinary genius could accomplish.

The only plausible explanation was that Riley Mason’s body had been taken over by an ancient existence. An old monster. An old fogey.

To perform body possession, one had to be at least at the Spirit Severing Realm, a stage that marked the threshold between mortals and true cultivators who glimpsed the mysteries of immortality.

However, to teach the Dao essence so effortlessly suggested an even higher level of mastery.

A mere Spirit Severing cultivator could barely grasp the concept themselves, let alone bestow enlightenment upon others.

No, if this theory was true, the being inhabiting Riley Mason’s body had to be at the absolute pinnacle of the Spirit Severing Realm, if not beyond.

This realization alone was enough to ensure she remained respectful, even deferential, throughout their interaction.

The world was cruel, and she had no intention of provoking an existence she could not hope to resist.

However, what disturbed her most was the unnatural speed of Riley’s rise.

Mere weeks ago, he had been nothing more than an insignificant figure, struggling to break through in the Body Refinement Realm.

Yet now, he exuded an unfathomable aura, his mastery over medicine and cultivation theory reaching absurd heights. Such a transformation was not natural, even for the most heaven-defying of prodigies.

Even though Riley Mason appeared to be only at the Golden Core Realm, she refused to believe that was the truth. His strength far surpassed that level—so much so that she could only shudder at the thought of his true power. To what extent he had transcended, she dared not even imagine.

As she stood before him, her flowing white cultivator robes clung to her curves, highlighting a figure that could topple kingdoms. Her allure was undeniable—one of the most breathtaking women Riley had ever laid eyes on.

Many would have lost themselves in admiration, but Riley remained unmoved. Beauty meant nothing to him when he knew the truth.

Using his Mind Palace Master techniques, he had already extracted her memories, and what he found left him deeply unsettled. This woman’s cruelty knew no bounds.

Torturing animals—dogs and kittens—was a mere pastime for her, something she indulged in with the same ease that others might enjoy a cup of tea.

And yet, there was more to her than sheer sadism. Her past was steeped in darkness, her life a cruel tale of suffering and survival. In some twisted way, she had become the monster that the world had once been to her.

Riley exhaled slowly, his gaze unreadable. He understood her now—understood why she had become the way she was. But that did not mean he forgave her. Life was unfair to many, yet not all chose to embrace cruelty in return.

Still, he showed nothing on his face. His expression was calm, detached, and indifferent.

"Lies," he said, his voice cool and unwavering. "You knew full well that I sit here. In fact, you’ve been spying on me since yesterday."

His words cut through the air like a blade, and the woman’s eyes flickered ever so slightly.

Without another glance, Riley strode past the gathered crowd—those who had come seeking his medical expertise—and seated himself on his chair of honor, completely unbothered.

The woman lowered her gaze, her smile unfaltering, but inwardly, her thoughts churned.

Riley Mason… Just who, or what, are you?

"I really can’t hide anything from you, Young Master Riley. Your eyes unveil the secrets of the heavens themselves."

The beautiful woman’s voice was soft and melodious, carrying a mesmerizing charm. She took a graceful step forward, her flowing white robes accentuating her ethereal beauty. There was no hesitation in her movements, no trace of fear—only admiration and curiosity.

"Please allow this unrefined girl to introduce herself properly," she continued, lowering her head slightly in a gesture of respect. "My name is Daoist Gentle Dream. It is my honor to finally meet you, Young Master Riley."

Her smile was radiant, her every word imbued with warmth. Even without using any spiritual techniques, she naturally exuded an enchanting allure that made men weak in the knees.

"The tales of your benevolence have spread far and wide across this region," she continued, her voice rich with praise. "Your good deeds have not gone unnoticed. On behalf of the righteous people of this land, I offer you my deepest gratitude, Young Master Riley. Your kindness and compassion are without equal. If only more men like you existed on this continent, the world would be a far safer and more prosperous place."

The moment her words fell, murmurs of agreement rose from the surrounding crowd. Many of the spectators, already captivated by her beauty, found themselves nodding subconsciously.

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However, Riley remained unmoved. He studied her carefully, his piercing gaze sweeping over her delicate features, but his expression betrayed no emotion.

"All pleasantries and flowery words," he said coolly. "Yet, I’ve yet to hear a valid reason for an elder of the infamous Phantom Abyss Sect to appear before me." His voice turned sharper. "Tell me, are you here seeking revenge for Lucas Prince?"

The atmosphere shifted instantly.

Daoist Gentle Dream felt a sudden, suffocating pressure wash over her, and for the first time in centuries, her composure wavered. Riley’s gaze was no longer that of an ordinary young man. It was far too sharp, far too knowing—like the gaze of a higher existence looking down upon all things.

It wasn’t just her white cultivator robes he seemed to see through—no, it was far more intrusive than that. She felt exposed, as if her very soul had been peeled open and laid bare before him.

It was an uncomfortable sensation.

Yet, it was not unfamiliar.

She had felt this before—many times in her youth, when she had been nothing more than a disciple within the Phantom Abyss Sect. The elders had scrutinized her the same way, treating her as a specimen rather than a person.

The memory was bitter, but she quickly suppressed it.

No one in this world should have had the ability to make her feel like this ever again. And yet, here she was, standing before Riley Mason, experiencing an eerie deja vu.

She clenched her fingers momentarily, forcing herself to push the sensation aside.

"Of course not, Young Master Riley," she finally replied, her voice as smooth as ever. "Lucas Prince was reckless and foolish. While he may have been an elder of my Phantom Abyss Sect, it was his own arrogance that led him to offend you. His death was the natural consequence of his actions, and rightfully so."

Her words were spoken without the slightest hesitation. She did not bother pretending to mourn Lucas Prince’s death. The Phantom Abyss Sect had always operated under a ruthless philosophy—strength was the only true authority. The weak had no place among them.

Riley let out a short laugh, shaking his head. "Spoken like a true member of an evil sect. I suppose expecting an honest answer from you is asking too much?"

Daoist Gentle Dream merely tilted her head slightly, her lips curling into an enigmatic smile. "What do you mean, Young Master Riley? I have been nothing but honest from the very beginning. Lies do not suit me."

Her voice, sweet and intoxicating, carried a teasing lilt. She took a single step closer, her delicate scent wafting toward him—an indescribable fragrance that seemed to linger between ethereal and seductive.

Then, she smiled.

The effect was immediate.

Gasps erupted all around them as the gathered men trembled, their faces turning red. Some clutched their chests as if struck by an invisible force, while others visibly staggered backward. A few even collapsed to the ground, their eyes dazed, their breathing erratic.

There was no doubt.

Many of them had just experienced something… shameful. Premature ejaculation at its finest!

Daoist Gentle Dream was absurdly beautiful, and with just a single smile, she had caused half the men present to lose control of themselves.

The realization was mortifying, yet none of them could muster the strength to tear their eyes away from her.

Riley, however, remained unaffected.

He simply sighed, rubbing his temples before turning away.

"…"

Without another word, he resumed his duties, attending to the long line of patients awaiting treatment. Continue reading on novelbuddy

Daoist Gentle Dream watched him carefully, her expression unreadable. She had expected some level of resistance from him, but this… this level of detachment was intriguing.

No man had ever ignored her so thoroughly before.

She had seen men go mad for her. She had seen them betray their sects, their families, and even their very beliefs just to please her. And yet, this young man—this Riley Mason—couldn’t seem to care less.

How fascinating.

A smile played on her lips once more, though this time, it was one of genuine amusement.

She knew her presence in Riley Mason’s life would not go unnoticed, nor would it be insignificant.

What role she would play… only time would tell.

But Riley? He didn’t care. Whatever she brought into his life, he would take it one day at a time.

And live each day to the fullest.