Shen Yu’s smile deepened as he analyzed the sheer utility of the Primal Mark of Belonging. It was a versatile instrument of control, one that could serve as a regal crest for his wives or a brand of absolute subjugation for the slaves he intended to acquire.

The multifaceted nature of the mark was truly terrifying. The ability to sense a target’s location across vast distances provided a strategic advantage he couldn’t ignore; it meant his reach would always extend to the very edges of the horizon.

He noted the fidelity function with a calculating gaze. While his Primordial Genesis Seed already ensured absolute devotion, its uses were strictly limited per cultivation level. This new technique was the perfect solution for the "lesser" acquisitions, women who were useful or beautiful enough to keep, but perhaps not vital enough to warrant a precious seed. With this brand, he could expand his influence and secure his harem without wasting his most elite resources.

It was more than a mere technique; it was the blueprint for an empire where every piece on the board was tethered directly to his whim.

The mark did, however, carry the familiar constraints of his other skills: it could only be successfully anchored to those within two major realms of his own.

Currently standing at the 9th Stage, the absolute peak of Qi Condensation, Shen Yu realized he could theoretically brand someone as powerful as a Nascent Soul expert.

It was a staggering power dynamic, allowing him to exert influence over masters far above his station.

Yet, Shen Yu had no intention of using the mark as a crude tool of force. He had a refined taste for the hunt.

He preferred the slow, intoxicating process of seduction, breaking down a woman’s defenses until she was the one begging for the brand, pleading to become his absolute, eternal possession.

His thoughts drifted to his three wives resting beside him. While he intended to mark them, he recalled the specific ritual required: a deep, soul-merging union culminating in his essence being accepted within them.

Given that they had spent the entire night and morning in a state of carnal exhaustion, he decided to spare them for now. There would be plenty of time for marking tonight, or perhaps in the days to follow.

With a final mental command, he pulled up his status to gauge his progress.

===============

[ PRIMAL DESIRE INHERITANCE: HOST STATUS ]

Name: Shen Yu

Cultivation Base: Qi Condensation (9th Stage)

Progression to Next Realm: 92%

Desire Points (DP): 2,300

[ PHYSIQUE & BLOODLINE ]

Bloodline: Heaven-Seducing Primordial Bloodline (Primordial Grade)

[ SKILLS ]

Celestial Fox Veil [Active]

Heaven’s Charm [Passive]

Primordial Genesis Seed [Active]

[ CORE INHERITANCE ARTS ]

Primordial Yin-Yang Scripture (Stage 1)

Blood-Hand Demonic Medical Arts

The Primal Mark Of Belonging

===============

He noted that his progression had climbed from 81% to 92%. It was a significant jump, yet it felt somewhat modest given the sheer volume of dual cultivation he had just engaged in.

He wasn’t concerned, however; he knew with certainty that the final push needed to shatter the bottleneck of the Qi Condensation realm would come once he finally claimed Mei Yilan.

Satisfied, Shen Yu closed the interface, letting the neon flicker of the screens dissolve into the rising steam. He straightened his posture, the shift in his muscles immediately drawing the attention of the three women who had been draped over him like vines.

"Alright, that’s enough relaxing," he said, his voice regaining its sharp, commanding edge. "Let’s move. We all have work to do."

A chorus of soft groans echoed through the jade chamber, but the women complied without a fight. They rose from the water, their movements fluid and graceful as they helped dry Shen Yu’s powerful frame before attending to themselves.

Once dressed in their flowing silk robes, they parted ways, Meng Yan returned to manage the Jin Estate, Xu Yi headed to the Jade Spring Hall, and Lixue, energized by the morning’s activity, dashed toward the training courtyard to hone her sword techniques.

Shen Yu turned his steps toward Mei Yilan’s quarters. It was time to reveal the nature of her salvation.

When he arrived at her room, he found it empty. A passing servant informed him that the Matriarch was in the study. Shen Yu let out a soft sigh, a small smile playing on his lips, even with her life force flickering like a candle in the wind, she was still buried in the clan’s ledgers.

He reached the office a moment later. The heavy sandalwood doors were carved open, allowing a gentle breeze to stir the air. Mei Yilan was seated behind a massive desk, her head bowed as she meticulously reviewed the accounts. A few stray strands of her black hair danced in the wind before she absentmindedly tucked them behind her ear.

Shen Yu knocked softly. She looked up, and for a fleeting second, a vivid crimson flush stained her cheeks. She struggled to maintain her composure, fighting the urge to look down or recall the terrifying, majestic sight of him from the night before.

Taking a steadying breath, she offered a composed smile. "Come in, Yu’er."

She rose from her desk and moved toward the plush guest chairs, gesturing for him to join her. Shen Yu sat directly across from her, the space between them small and intimate.

Shen Yu’s gaze lingered on Mei Yilan, noting the way her pulse thrummed visibly at the base of her throat. Just as he was about to delve into the delicate specifics of her salvation, the familiar ripple of the void flickered in his peripheral vision.

============

[ NEW QUEST INITIATED!!! ]

Directive: The Matriarch’s Total Surrender.

Objective: Convince Mei Yilan to accept the Dual Cultivation cure. She must not only agree but must verbally acknowledge her status as your wife.

Time Limit: 36 Hours

Reward: 1,500 DP

Penalty: Death of Mei Yilan

============

He dismissed the screen with a flick of his mind. The penalty didn’t faze him; it was merely a confirmation of the reality he already knew. If she didn’t submit to his essence, the fractures in her core would claim her life regardless. There was no room left for alternative cures, only the inevitable.

Turning his full, unyielding focus back to the woman trembling before him, Shen Yu felt the predatory hunger in his blood surge.

"Aunt," he began, his voice dropping into a register so low and resonant it was almost a growl, vibrating through the very floorboards beneath her feet.

"I’ve come to discuss the cure for the fractures in your core."

---------

A/N:

Weekly Goal: 120 Power Stones [23/120]

Monthly Goal: 30 Golden Tickets [26/30]