Earth - Tim's Apartment
Tim's alarm blared at 6:30 AM, jolting him awake in his earth body. He stumbled toward the bathroom, his movements clumsy and disoriented as he tried to maintain the Soul Qi Bridge symbol while performing basic morning tasks.
The interlocking spirals required constant concentration, and multitasking was proving nearly impossible. He squeezed toothpaste onto his finger instead of his toothbrush, then stood there confused for several seconds before realizing his mistake. When he tried to brush his teeth properly, the complex symbol wavered in his mind, causing the tiny trickle of qi production to stutter and stop.
"Focus," he muttered around a mouthful of toothpaste foam, forcing the spirals back into perfect alignment.
The moment the symbol stabilized, qi began flowing into his parched dantian again. His body absorbed the energy like a sponge, every cell seeming to drink in the precious spiritual power. It would take time—possibly weeks—to build up enough qi vapor to attempt cycling it through his meridians, but it was progress.
Real, measurable progress.
Tim tried to shave while maintaining the symbol, promptly nicked himself three times, and decided that looking scruffy was preferable to bleeding to death. Getting dressed took twice as long as usual since he kept putting clothes on backwards or inside-out whenever his concentration slipped.
By the time he was ready for work, he'd managed to maintain the Soul Qi Bridge for nearly an hour straight, and he could finally feel his dantian now it had qi in it. Exhausted but satisfied, he grabbed his bag and headed out.
Earth - Riku's Mansion
Meanwhile, Riku was having her own breakthrough with soul cultivation. She stood in her spacious bedroom, practicing the Soul Steps technique with growing confidence and precision.
Step forward.
Her soul projection extended ahead of her, and she appeared 5.2 centimeters forward in a blur of motion that bypassed normal acceleration entirely.
Step left.
Another instant displacement, this time lateral.
Step back.
The sensation of moving without crossing the intervening space was intoxicating. She was essentially teleporting in tiny increments, and with each successful attempt, her range was slowly increasing.
But the real breakthrough came when she attempted multiple rapid steps in succession. Instead of the awkward lurching she'd experienced before, Riku managed to chain three soul steps together seamlessly—forward, right, forward again—covering nearly sixteen centimeters in rapid successive bursts.
To an observer, she would have appeared to stutter-step through space like a glitching video game character, each movement too fast and unnatural for the eye to follow properly.
"Yes!" she whispered triumphantly, then immediately began practicing combination movements. Step forward while projecting her arm back for defense, step sideways while extending her leg for a kick, step backward while maintaining forward momentum for a devastating surprise attack.
Cultivation World - Bridgetown Medical Pavilion
Lia woke to find Lady Elena Holstead sitting in the chair beside her bed, looking perfectly composed despite the early hour. The noblewoman's traveling robes were immaculate, her hair styled in an elegant braid, and her expression warm but calculating.
"Good morning, Miss Lia," Elena said with a genuine smile. "I hope you don't mind the intrusion, but I wanted to speak with you before we departed."
Lia sat up carefully, wincing slightly as her healing injuries protested. "Lady Elena. Is everything prepared for travel?"
"Almost. But first..." Elena's eyes swept over Lia's basic sect robes with obvious disapproval. "We need to discuss your wardrobe situation. Those robes mark you as Flowing Water Sect, which could draw unwanted attention. Plus, they're rather... utilitarian."
She gestured toward Lia's outfit with the casual confidence of someone accustomed to luxury. "Do you have any civilian clothing? Something that doesn't scream 'target' to every bounty hunter and sect loyalist in the kingdom?"
Lia shook her head. "Just what I'm wearing and one spare set of robes."
"I thought as much." Elena stood and activated her storage ring, producing several outfits that made Lia's breath catch. These weren't the elaborate court dresses she'd expected, but rather the kind of clothes worn by wealthy young cultivators—elegant but practical, expensive but not ostentatious.
Rich silk blouses in deep blues and emerald greens, fitted pants that would allow for easy movement, a stylish leather jacket reinforced with protective formations. Everything was clearly high-quality but designed for someone who might need to fight at a moment's notice.
"These should fit you perfectly," Elena said, laying the clothes across the foot of the bed. "Though I suspect you've been going without proper undergarments this entire time."
Lia felt heat rise in her cheeks as she realized Elena was absolutely right. The basic sect robes had included simple underclothes, but nothing remotely resembling proper support for her large breasts.
Elena produced several delicate items from her ring with a mischievous smile. "These are... let's call them confidence boosters. Quality silk, perfectly fitted, and designed to make a woman feel powerful." She held up what was clearly expensive lingerie—not the practical cotton like fabric Lia was used to, but lace and silk that left little to the imagination.
"I couldn't possibly—" Lia began.
"Nonsense. You're about to spend two days on an ark with a very handsome young man who's clearly smitten with you. A woman should always be prepared for... opportunities." Elena's grin turned decidedly wicked. "Besides, good undergarments are like good armor—they provide confidence and protection in equal measure."
Tim's consciousness recoiled in embarrassment even with the thin mental wall, while Lia's feminine instincts responded with curious interest. The mental wall he'd constructed allowed her to appreciate the gesture without his male sensibilities interfering.... mostly.
"Thank you," Lia said quietly. "This is incredibly generous."
"Think nothing of it. We girls have to stick together, especially when surrounded by men who think they know what's best for us." Elena moved toward the door. "Get dressed and meet us at the dock in an hour. We have a much better traveling arrangement on a main continent ark—I think you'll enjoy the journey."
Cultivation World - Dock, Bridgetown
An hour later, Lia stood at the edge of Bridgetown's docking platform, staring up at an amazing vessel. The main continent ark was nearly 400 meters long, its hull crafted from spirit-steel. Unlike the utilitarian trade ships or the weapon-heavy military vessels, this was clearly designed for both luxury and speed.
Elena's clothes fit perfectly, transforming Lia from a refugee sect disciple into someone who looked like she belonged among nobility. The deep blue silk blouse brought out her purple eyes, while the fitted black pants showed off her figure without being overly inappropriate. Most importantly, the proper undergarments Elena had provided made her feel confident and gave Lia support she never truly appreciated until now.
The difference was immediately apparent to everyone around her.
Varek had been waiting near the boarding ramp, chatting casually with Marcus about the journey ahead. But the moment Lia appeared, his conversation died mid-sentence. His eyes went wide as he took in her transformed appearance, and he actually swallowed hard enough that his throat bobbed visibly.
"Lia?" he said, his voice slightly hoarse. "You look... incredible."
For the first time since they'd met, Varek seemed genuinely flustered. The confident warrior who had faced down a Golden Core expert was reduced to stammering as he stared at her.
"Lady Elena was very generous with her wardrobe," Lia replied, fighting down a blush as she noticed his reaction. The way he was looking at her—like she was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen—made her heart race putting the thin soul wall to the test.
Earth - College Campus
Meanwhile, Riku was discovering the downside of their emotional connection as she made her way through the crowded college corridors. Varek's overwhelming attraction to Lia's transformed appearance was bleeding through into her female mind, leaving her distracted and dizzy with secondhand desire.
She bumped into a vending machine while staring blankly ahead.
"Sorry," she mumbled to the machine, then realized what she'd done and felt her cheeks burn.
Three steps later, she walked directly into another student.
"Hey, watch where you're—oh, hi Riku!" The boy's irritation vanished when he recognized her. "You okay? You seem kind of... out of it."
"Fine, just tired," she managed, though her head was spinning with Varek's thoughts about how amazing Lia looked in proper clothes, how the silk brought out her eyes, how he wanted to...She found herself biting her lower lip.
She bumped into a door frame.
"Seriously, Riku, are you sick?" another student asked with concern.
By the time she reached her classroom, Riku had apologized to two more people, a water fountain, and a potted plant. The strength of Varek's attraction to Lia was overwhelming her usual coordination, leaving her as flustered and distracted as her cultivation world counterpart.
"Get it together," she whispered to herself, sliding into her seat just as the professor began his lecture.
But as Varek continued to stare at Lia with obvious appreciation while they boarded the magnificent ark, Riku realized this was going to be a very long two days for both her bodies.
Cultivation World - Ark Golden Core Common Room
The main continent ark's common viewing room was a marvel of luxury and engineering. Floor-to-ceiling crystal windows provided a panoramic view of the landscape rushing by below, while comfortable seating areas were arranged around low tables inlaid with spirit stones that provided ambient lighting. The entire space radiated wealth and refinement, from the silk wall hangings to the delicate formations that maintained perfect temperature and air quality.
Lia settled into one of the plush seats, still adjusting to how different she felt in Elena's clothes. The proper undergarments and well-fitted outfit made her carry herself differently—more confident, more aware of her own femininity. Varek had barely stopped staring since they'd boarded, which was both flattering and nerve-wracking.
"Miss Lia," Marcus said, settling into the seat across from her with obvious curiosity, "I have to ask about what we witnessed during the battle. The sheer amount of qi you displayed was... extraordinary. What's your actual qi capacity, if you don't mind sharing?"
Lia blinked in confusion. "I'm sorry, what do you mean exactly?"
Marcus's eyebrows rose. "You don't know your own qi measurements? Don't you have a measuring ring?"
"A what now?"
"Oh my," Elena said, looking up from her own seat nearby. "Marcus, she's from a smaller sect. They probably couldn't afford proper measurement equipment."
Marcus nodded in understanding, then produced an elegant silver ring from his storage space. The band was inscribed with incredibly complex formations that seemed to pulse with analytical energy. "This is a qi measuring ring—quite expensive, but essential for any serious cultivator. It provides precise measurements of your total qi reserves in standardized units called 'qu.'"
He held up the ring, which was glowing softly with internal formations. "To give you perspective: a normal level 1 Qi Refining cultivator might have around 2 qu, while a level 9 could reach 220 qu. Foundation Establishment is where things get interesting—level 1 typically starts around 600 qu, progressing up to about 4,000 qu at level 9."
Varek leaned forward with interest. "I've always wondered about my exact measurements. My sect's equipment is... less precise."
"Perfect! Lord Varek, would you like to try first?" Marcus offered the ring with a smile.
Varek slipped the ring onto his finger, and immediately the formations blazed to life. Numbers appeared in the air above the device, glowing softly as they stabilized.
"Level 4 Foundation Establishment... qi capacity 2,800 qu," Marcus read aloud, his voice filled with genuine admiration. "That's exceptional for your level, Lord Varek. Most level 4s would be closer to 1,800 or 2,000 qu. Your reserves are nearly those of a level 6."
Varek grinned, clearly pleased with the confirmation of his above-average capacity. "Not bad for a 'barbaric northerner,' right?"
"Your turn, Miss Lia," Elena said eagerly, clearly as curious as her brother about the results.
Lia accepted the ring with some trepidation, slipping it onto her finger as the others had done. The moment the metal touched her skin, the formations exploded into brilliant light. The numbers that appeared above the device glowed.
"Level 1 Foundation Establishment..." Marcus began, then his voice trailed off in disbelief. "Qi capacity... 3,600 qu."
The common room fell silent except for the gentle hum of the ark's propulsion systems.
"That's impossible," Elena whispered. "No level 1 has ever measured that high."
"Let me check the calibration," Marcus said, taking the ring back and running his own qi through it. His readings appeared normally: "Level 5 Foundation Establishment, 2,400 qu."
He handed it back to Lia. "Try again."
The same brilliant display, the same impossible number: 3,600 qu.
"Miss Lia," Marcus said carefully, "your qi reserves at level 1 are higher than most level 7 Foundation Establishment cultivators. That's not just unusual—it's unprecedented."
Varek stared at her with a mixture of awe and something that might have been possessive pride. "No wonder you could feed that shadow technique for so long. You're not just talented—you're a genuine freak of nature."
"Varek!" Elena scolded, though she was smiling.
"I mean that in the best possible way," he said quickly, his eyes never leaving Lia's face. "Do you have any idea what this means? With proper training and advancement, you could become one of the most powerful cultivators of our generation."
Lia felt a flutter of excitement mixed with intimidation. Tim's analytical mind was already working through the implications—if her qi reserves were this massive at level 1, what would they become as she advanced? Level 9 Foundation Establishment cultivators with normal progression would have around 4,000 qu. If her ratio held steady, she could potentially reach 30,000 qu or more.
That was well into Golden Core territory.
"This explains so much," Marcus mused, settling back in his chair with a thoughtful expression. "The casual destruction during your training video, the ability to sustain that hybrid technique, even surviving in the ruins when other disciples died. You're not just skilled—you're operating with a dantian that most cultivators can only dream of."
"It also makes you incredibly valuable," Elena added more seriously. "And incredibly dangerous to certain people. Those qi reserves in the wrong hands, or under the wrong influence..."
The weight of her genetic gift settled over Lia like a mantle. With great power came great responsibility, and apparently, great danger. But looking at Varek's admiring expression and feeling the vast reservoir of qi swirling within her dantian, she couldn't help but feel a thrill.
Cultivation World - Ark Common Room
Lia was curled up on one of the luxurious couches, browsing through the holographic news feeds that floated in the air before her. The cultivation world's media was having a field day with their leaked battle footage—analysis videos, expert commentary, and increasingly wild speculation about her relationship with Varek dominated many channels.
She was halfway through an article titled "Shadow Beast Techniques: Ancient Forbidden Arts or Modern Innovation?" when she heard familiar footsteps approaching. Without looking up, she watched from her peripheral vision as Varek swaggered over with all the subtlety of a peacock in mating season.
He didn't just sit beside her—he claimed the couch space like he owned it, settling close enough that his thigh pressed against hers while draping his arm across the back of the couch behind her shoulders. The move was so blatantly obvious that Lia had to fight to keep her expression neutral.
"Comfortable?" she asked dryly, not looking away from the holographic display.
"Very," Varek replied with shameless confidence, leaning closer under the pretense of reading the news feed. "Interesting article. Though I think they're underestimating just how powerful your shadow technique really is."
His voice carried that low, intimate tone that sent shivers down her spine despite Tim's mental eye-rolling in the background. The new clothes Elena had given her suddenly felt very relevant—the silk blouse and proper undergarments made her acutely aware of his proximity and the way his eyes kept drifting from the news to her "assets".
"You're not exactly subtle, are you?" Lia observed, finally turning to meet his gaze directly.
Varek's grin was pure masculine satisfaction. "Subtlety is overrated. Besides, after that measuring ring demonstration, I think we've established that nothing about you is normal or subtle."
Earth - College Classroom
Meanwhile, Riku slipped into Tim's classroom just as the final bell rang, settling into her usual seat with a knowing smile. She'd been monitoring the situation through Varek's perspective all morning, and the secondhand confidence from his shameless pursuit of Lia was making her feel unusually bold.
She arranged her materials on her desk with deliberate precision, then looked up expectantly toward the door. Tim would be arriving any moment, probably flustered and distracted by whatever romantic maneuvering was happening in the cultivation world.
The other students chatted quietly among themselves, completely unaware that their classmate was simultaneously experiencing a galactic pursuit playing out . Riku pulled out her phone and typed a quick message to Tim: "Hope you're ready for an interesting class, sensei. Things are getting... intense... on both sides."
She hit send just as she heard footsteps in the hallway, then sat back with the same confident smirk that Varek was currently wearing on the ark, ready to see how their teacher would handle dual-body romantic pressure.
Earth - Tim's Classroom
Tim walked into his classroom trying to maintain the Soul Qi Bridge symbol while simultaneously dealing with the growing sexual tension bleeding through from the cultivation world. The mental wall he'd constructed to separate his personalities was flickering like a faulty lightbulb as Varek's confident advances on Lia sent waves of conflicting emotions through their shared consciousness.
"Good afternoon, everyone," Tim began, setting his materials on the desk while fighting to keep his voice steady. "Today we'll be working on passive and active voice constructions and—"
He paused mid-sentence as he felt Varek's arm sliding down from the back of the couch to rest across Lia's shoulders, fingers trailing along her neck with deliberate intimacy. The sensation was so vivid that Tim actually shivered in his Earth body.
"And different ways of expressing action," he continued, shooting a daggered glance at Riku, who was sitting in her usual seat but clearly not paying attention to anything happening in the classroom.
Cultivation World - Royal Ark
Varek's fingers traced a gentle path along Lia's neck, his touch feather-light but unmistakably possessive. "You know," he murmured, his breath warm against her ear, "that measuring ring proved something I already suspected."
"What's that?" Lia asked, her voice slightly breathless as his thumb brushed against her pulse point.
"That you're absolutely extraordinary," he replied, shifting closer until their faces were mere inches apart. "In every possible way."
His free hand came up to cup her cheek, thumb tracing along her jawline as he leaned in slowly, deliberately. The intensity in his dark eyes made her breath catch, and she felt her body responding in ways that bypassed Tim's conscious control entirely. Her lips parted slightly, tilting her face up toward his as every feminine instinct screamed at her to close the remaining distance between them.
Tim's mental wall was supposed to give Lia freedom to be female, but it also meant that when her body wanted something, it simply moved toward it without his usual overthinking. Her hand came up to rest against Varek's chest, not to push him away but to feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her palm.
"Lia," Varek whispered, her name like a prayer on his lips as he closed the final inch between them
"Tim's mental wall wavered as he felt the intensity of the moment, a brief flash of 'wait, what am I doing?' before Lia's feminine instincts reasserted themselves."
Earth - Classroom
Riku's eyes had gone glassy and unfocused, her pen dangling forgotten in her hand as she experienced the romantic tension through Varek. Her lips parted slightly, and she unconsciously leaned forward in her seat as if drawn by an invisible force, one hand pressing against her own chest in unconscious mimicry of Lia's movements.
Tim watched this display with growing frustration at Lia's own arousal, his mental wall wavering as he felt Lia's racing heartbeat, the warmth of Varek's breath, and the way her body was melting into his touch without any conscious decision on her part.
"Miss Tanaka," Tim called out with deliberate formality, though there was a hint of playful challenge in his voice. "Perhaps you'd like to demonstrate the difference between active and passive voice for the class?"
Cultivation World
At that exact moment, Varek's lips were brushing against Lia's, soft and warm and perfect, as her body arched toward him with pure feminine instinct. Her eyes fluttered closed, lost in the sensation
Earth - Classroom
Riku's eyes snapped back into focus, her cheeks burning crimson as she realized the entire class was staring at her. She'd been leaning so far forward that she was practically falling out of her chair, her lips parted and her expression dreamy, one hand still pressed against her chest.
"I... uh..." she stammered, straightening abruptly and nearly knocking over her water bottle. "I was just... thinking about... voice constructions?"
"Voice constructions," Tim repeated with barely suppressed mirth, noting how flustered she looked. "And were you considering the active or passive approach to whatever was... capturing your attention so completely?"
Several students snickered at Riku's embarrassment. Riku shot Tim a look that promised revenge while trying to regain her composure.
"The action was... being performed by someone else," she said with as much dignity as she could muster, attempting a passive voice example. "I was merely... receiving the effect."
"Ah, passive voice," Tim replied with a straight face, though his eyes sparkled with amusement. "And what would the active voice version sound like? Who exactly is performing this action?"
Riku sat back in her chair, still blushing but now glaring at him with mock indignation for interrupting what should have been her claiming Lia's lips in cultivation world.
Tim's mental wall flickered again as he felt Lia's mixture of frustration and amusement at having their almost-kiss interrupted . In the cultivation world, she had pulled back from Varek with a breathless laugh, her body still tingling from the near-miss. This mental soul wall is weird to manage Tim thought wondering if it was worth taking down completely.
"Now then," Tim continued, addressing the whole class while Riku plotted her revenge, "let's discuss how the same action can be expressed in completely different ways depending on perspective..."
As the lesson continued, Tim made a mental note that he'd need to be more careful with the soul wall he'd constructed—while it gave Lia the freedom to embrace her femininity, it also meant her body was increasingly following instinct rather than conscious thought, which could lead to some unthinkable consequences.