My Xianxia Harem Life-Chapter 166 Journal

The two women strolled leisurely along the stone path that curved through the sect's tranquil gardens, the late afternoon sun casting warm golden light over their shoulders.

The scent of blooming plum blossoms lingered in the air, mingling with the faint rustle of leaves in the breeze. They walked side by side, their conversation light and relaxed after a long time apart.

Bianca glanced over at her younger sister, who walked quietly at her side, her hands clasped in front of her.

"Senior Sister Jade, let me introduce you," she said warmly, placing a gentle hand on Amelia's back. "This is my sister, Amelia."

Jade turned toward the girl with a radiant smile, her expression softening immediately. "Such a cute little girl," she said affectionately. "Hello, Amelia. You can call me Big Sis from now on—I'm Jade."

Amelia's cheeks flushed a delicate pink. She hesitated for a moment before murmuring, "Hi." Her voice was barely audible, her eyes flickering between the two older women before settling on the ground.

"She's a bit shy," Bianca said with a chuckle, patting Amelia's head gently. "But she'll warm up soon enough."

Jade laughed, a melodic sound that seemed to brighten the entire path. "She reminds me of myself when I was younger. Don't worry, Amelia—stick with us, and you'll be blooming like a spring flower in no time."

Their laughter drifted through the quiet courtyard as the three continued their walk, their steps slow and unhurried.

The path eventually led to a private courtyard where Jade resided—an elegant place nestled near the southern edge of the sect grounds.

The area was peaceful, surrounded by high walls draped in flowering vines and a small koi pond that shimmered in the sunlight.

Jade's servants moved swiftly to welcome them, laying out a spread of delicate snacks and glasses of freshly squeezed orange juice beneath the shade of a plum tree.

A breeze stirred the petals overhead, sending a few floating down like soft confetti.

Seated comfortably on cushioned benches, the three relaxed as they sipped their drinks and nibbled on sweet pastries.

Amelia, though still quiet, had started watching Jade with curious eyes, clearly fascinated by her elegance and grace.

"You've changed a lot since you left the sect for your training, Bianca," Jade said as she set her cup down. Her eyes sparkled with mischief. "And I've been hearing some interesting rumors. Is it true what people are saying? That you and Elder Riley are… involved?"

She trailed off deliberately, her gaze drifting toward Amelia, who was visibly trying to listen without appearing too nosy. The girl's ears perked slightly, and her posture straightened with quiet anticipation.

Bianca let out a small laugh and didn't bother to hide the truth.

"Yes," she said with a smile. "It's true. Riley and I are together now."

Jade raised her eyebrows slightly, a teasing glint in her eyes. "Well, well. I thought something was going on. You practically glow these days."

"There's no point in hiding it anymore," Bianca said, shrugging. "People would notice sooner or later. Disciples having this kind of relationship with their masters isn't new either."

Bianca continued and smiled. "Yes. And before you ask—he treats me very well."

"That's… good to know," Jade nodded and continued with some more weightless talk just to pass the time until she finally arrived at the reason why she called Bianca to her place.

"I'm not sure if I should ask this, Bianca…" Jade began, her voice laced with hesitation. Though her expression remained calm, her eyes betrayed a flicker of curiosity—the kind that had been gnawing at her since the rumors first started circulating around the sect.

Bianca tilted her head, gently setting her cup of orange juice down on the stone table between them. "There's no need to hesitate, Senior Sister Jade. Please, ask your question."

Her words were sincere, and so was the warmth behind them. After all, Jade was someone Bianca deeply respected—someone she owed more than she could ever repay.

Years ago, during her early days in the sect, Bianca had become the target of envy.

Her beauty had drawn attention, not all of it welcome, and it hadn't taken long before a few jealous disciples tried to isolate and humiliate her.

They mocked her during training, whispered lies behind her back, and once even tampered with her spiritual pills. It had been a dark time—until Jade stepped in.

Jade hadn't just scolded the culprits; she'd made an example of them. With calm authority, she had reminded everyone that the sect valued merit over pettiness, that unity mattered more than jealousy.

From that moment on, no one dared to cross Bianca again.

To Jade, it had likely been a routine act of discipline—just another day upholding the peace within the sect. But to Bianca, it was everything. That act of protection became a cornerstone of her admiration, and she never forgot it.

So now, if Jade had a question—even a difficult or intrusive one—Bianca was ready to answer it.

Jade glanced toward Amelia, who had momentarily wandered off to admire the koi pond, and then leaned in slightly. Her voice lowered.

"We've all noticed something strange over the past few months. The women in Elder Riley's group… you've all changed. Not just in demeanor, but in strength. You, Leia, even that quiet girl who used to lag behind the others—what's her name? Luna? Suddenly, all of you feel... different."

She paused, her gaze sharpening. "You feel powerful. Beyond anything that should be possible in such a short time. Did Elder Riley… help you?"

Bianca didn't look surprised. She gave a soft nod, her lips curling into a smile. "Yes. He did."

There was a gentle light in her eyes, the kind that only appeared when she spoke of Riley.

"He's incredibly generous with those he cares about. He taught us techniques, guided our breakthroughs, gave us resources that most disciples wouldn't even dream of seeing. He doesn't just train us—he believes in us. And because of that, we've been able to grow."

Jade listened in silence, her brow furrowing as the implications sank in.

Bianca continued, her tone turning more thoughtful. "Right now, all of us—Leia, Ava, Luna, myself—we've reached the Spirit Severing 10th stage. That's already a level that most inner sect disciples can only hope to reach after centuries of cultivation."

Jade blinked, visibly stunned despite herself.

"And," Bianca added softly, "we're close to breaking through."

Jade's breath caught.

"The Void Tribulation Realm," she murmured, almost in disbelief. "You're all on the verge of stepping into it?"

Bianca nodded again. "It sounds crazy, I know. But Elder Riley… there's something about him. He doesn't follow the path of ordinary cultivators. His methods are different. His presence alone seems to stir the flow of spiritual energy. Just by being near him, your cultivation becomes more fluid, breakthroughs more natural."

She laughed quietly, more to herself. "Honestly, even I don't fully understand how he does it."

Jade sat back, her arms folded lightly as she stared off into the distance. Her mind raced with questions—how was it possible for one man to raise so many women to such heights?

Even elders of the sect, with their vast experience and treasures, couldn't achieve that. Was it a secret technique? A divine artifact? Or perhaps… something deeper?

"To think that all of you reached this level so quickly," she said after a long pause. "It's not just talent or hard work. It's him. He's the key."

Bianca didn't deny it. "Yes. Riley is special."

Silence fell between them for a moment as Amelia returned and quietly took a seat beside her sister, sipping her juice with wide, innocent eyes.

Jade glanced at the girl, then back at Bianca. "Do you think… he could help others too?"

Bianca looked at her carefully. "Are you asking for yourself?"

Jade hesitated, then gave a small smile. "Maybe. I've been stuck at the peak of the Foundation Establishment Realm for two years now. No matter how hard I push, the breakthrough won't come. And yet… all of you soared past me in the blink of an eye."

Bianca reached out and gently touched her hand. "If you truly want to grow stronger, and if your heart is sincere, then yes—Riley would help you."

Jade's eyes shimmered with something between hope and uncertainty. "Would he even notice someone like me?"

Bianca gave a quiet laugh. "He already has."

"How can that be…?" Jade murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. She stared at Bianca, clearly struggling to believe what she'd just heard. Her usually composed expression cracked, revealing a flicker of vulnerability.

"It sounds… unreal."

Bianca leaned in slightly, her eyes glinting with a knowing light.

"Let me tell you a little secret," she said softly, her tone dropping as she shifted the conversation to spiritual transmission—her words flowing directly into Jade's mind, hidden from the innocent ears of young Amelia, who was still happily sipping her juice nearby.

"Riley… he's easily swayed by beauty."

Jade's brows rose slightly in surprise, but Bianca continued, her voice both playful and serious.

"You are one of the most beautiful women in the sect, Jade. Everyone knows it—even Riley has probably noticed you already. But beauty alone isn't enough. You need heart. You need desire. If you want something from him—guidance, strength, affection—you have to go after it. Riley is a man unlike any other… and in this era, someone like him is rarer than a phoenix feather."

Jade remained silent, her lips pressed into a thoughtful line. Her eyes dropped to the smooth surface of her cup, watching the faint ripples in the juice as if trying to find answers in their reflection.

She didn't respond immediately, but Bianca could sense the internal shift. Something had stirred in her—curiosity, uncertainty, perhaps even the first spark of ambition.

Jade had always been calm, mature, and composed. She had never chased after men, nor wasted time with frivolous desires. But this… this was different. The women around Riley were changing, rising.

They were gaining power, influence, and strength—not through schemes or flattery, but through a connection with a man who genuinely empowered them.

Could I… reach higher too? Jade wondered silently.

Bianca said nothing more. She simply smiled and picked up her cup again, giving Jade the space to think.

And Jade did think.

For a long moment, she sat in stillness—her elegant fingers tightening slightly around her drink, her gaze distant as her mind wandered through possibilities she had never considered before.

Her heart, steady and cold for so long, now beat just a little faster.