My Xianxia Harem Life-Chapter 167 Ascend

The day ended with Jade lost in thought, her mind tangled in a storm of questions and unresolved emotions.

It had been hours since Bianca had left her room, but the conversation lingered like a shadow, refusing to be brushed away.

No matter how many times she tried to distract herself—by sorting scrolls, adjusting her cultivation posture, or pacing around her quarters—her thoughts inevitably returned to one thing: Riley.

Specifically, how Riley was drawn to beautiful women.

Jade had never thought much about it before. She’d always assumed strength, reputation, or cultivation prowess would be what mattered most to a man like him.

But now, Bianca’s offhanded remarks echoed in her ears with unsettling clarity. The realization gnawed at her—how much of Riley’s interest in Bianca stemmed not from her talent, but from her beauty?

Without even realizing it, Jade found herself in her private chambers, her hands untying the familiar folds of her sect uniform.

The silk slipped from her shoulders and pooled at her feet. She stepped in front of the tall mirror, the one she usually ignored unless adjusting her hair or checking her robes before a mission.

Now, she stared at her reflection as if seeing herself for the first time.

She tilted her head slightly. Her long hair tumbled down her back in soft waves, framing a face that still bore the softness of youth—delicate features, wide, expressive eyes, lips that were full yet unkissed. Her body was... alluring, undeniably so.

The gentle curve of her waist, the subtle swell of her hips, the perky roundness of her breasts—she understood now why the male disciples were always seeking her attention, why they stammered around her or tried to impress her during sparring matches.

She had the kind of beauty that confused men—innocence wrapped in temptation.

Compared to Bianca, who exuded boldness and charm, Jade’s beauty was more understated, more quietly captivating.

If they were side by side, stripped of status and power, Jade felt confident she could rival her. Perhaps even outshine her, at least in appearance.

But it wasn’t always like this. There was a time when Jade had been the stronger one.

Back then, Bianca looked up to her, sought her advice, even feared her a little. Now, their roles had reversed so cruelly it made her chest tighten with resentment.

Bianca had surged ahead—gaining favor, confidence, Riley’s attention. Jade had fallen behind.

And no matter how hard she cultivated, how disciplined she remained, fate had begun to feel like a cruel master playing a twisted game with her life.

Her gaze dipped lower in the mirror. Her breasts, soft and firm, bore pink nipples that had never been touched by anyone but herself.

And lower still, between her thighs, was her most private part—untouched, sealed, a symbol of the innocence she still clung to, whether by choice or circumstance.

She had always believed that saving herself for someone she truly cared about would make her first time special. But now... what if that moment never came?

What if she continued waiting, only to be left behind again?

She couldn’t deny it anymore—she wanted Riley. Not just as an object of affection, but as someone she could call her own.

She wanted to feel chosen. Desired. Wanted. And she had the capital to make it happen: a body men longed for, a face that haunted dreams, and a heart that ached to stop pretending she didn’t care.

All she lacked... was the courage.

Just the guts to act. To take a step forward. To claim what she wanted instead of always watching from the shadows.

And if she did—if she could push aside her fear, her hesitation—perhaps the rest would become history.

Jade stood in front of the mirror for a long, long time, her reflection unblinking, unwavering.

Her heart beat faster the longer she stared, as if daring her to move, to make a choice.

And then, somewhere deep inside her, something clicked. Quietly, resolutely, she made up her mind about what she would do next.

No more waiting.

No more watching.

This time... she would act.

Jade spent an entire week consumed by contemplation, pacing her room with furrowed brows and restless hands.

She thought of countless ways to approach the issue, only to discard one idea after another. This wasn’t just any problem—it was one she couldn’t afford to handle carelessly.

Her heart, her pride, and perhaps her future hung in the balance. And as much as she hated to admit it, she needed help. But not just from anyone.

She needed him.

Riley.

Eventually, after weighing the risks and imagining every possible outcome, she decided to proceed with utmost subtlety.

She penned a carefully worded letter, one that downplayed her desperation and presented the issue as a minor cultivation setback.

The words were deliberately humble, a simple request for an expert’s opinion.

She dared not mention the real reasons behind her plea—reasons that tugged at her soul far deeper than a mere cultivation bottleneck.

She couldn’t bring herself to deliver it personally. The idea of stepping foot on Thousand Stars Summit, of presenting herself in front of him so openly, was far too daunting.

Instead, she handed the sealed letter to a trusted servant with strict instructions and a heart full of anxiety.

Surely, she thought, someone of Riley’s status would take days to respond. Perhaps he wouldn’t even reply at all.

After all, she was just one of many among the younger generation—unremarkable in comparison to the prodigies that surrounded him. She braced herself for silence.

But all those assumptions shattered the very next morning.

Jade had barely finished combing her hair when the servant burst into her chambers, eyes wide with disbelief. "He’s here," he said breathlessly.

"Who’s here?" she asked, confused.

"Elder Riley."

And just like that, her world tilted.

She stepped out into the courtyard, heart pounding, her hands clammy with nerves. There he stood—tall, composed, and strikingly handsome, as if he had descended from a painting of a celestial deity.

The morning sun kissed the edge of his silver robes, and his dark hair fell neatly over his shoulders. His presence alone seemed to shift the air around him, commanding attention without a word.

Jade could barely keep her heartbeat under control. Her chest felt tight, her breath shallow. She had heard tales—who hadn’t?

Riley, the man who had risen through the cultivation realms faster than anyone in recent memory.

Some called him a genius, others whispered that he was the reincarnation of an immortal.

With every miraculous feat he accomplished, the rumors only grew. And Jade? She had tried not to believe them.

But now, standing before him, half of her couldn’t help but believe every word.

She swallowed hard, willing herself to appear composed.

"G-Good morning, Elder Riley," she greeted, her voice barely steady as she bowed respectfully.

Her words stumbled slightly, her mind screaming at her to act naturally.

But how could she, when the man before her radiated such effortless perfection? She wasn’t ready. Not for this. Not for him.

But there was no turning back now.

"Good morning, Core Disciple Jade. I’ve come to help you with your problem," Riley said, his voice smooth like velvet, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

His tone was calm and respectful, but beneath that polished surface lay a knowing edge.

Riley had already taken a glimpse into Jade’s thoughts the moment he stepped into her courtyard.

She had tried to veil her intentions behind formality and restraint, but her mind betrayed her—filled with hesitation, curiosity, and something else she was trying hard not to name.

Desire, perhaps. Or fascination. Either way, Riley found it endearing. Even more than that, he found it useful.

He stood there in effortless confidence, his posture relaxed but commanding, eyes watching her every move. The young woman before him was indeed beautiful—graceful in her nervousness, and dignified even in uncertainty.

He could see why people whispered her name as one of the sect’s jewels. And she was only one of the three.

In time, he fully intended to walk through this sect with all three at his side, each one bound to him in her own way. Not through force, no.

Riley was patient. And he knew how to play the game better than anyone.

"Thank you, Riley. Please, follow me," Jade finally managed to say, her voice soft but steady.

She turned, and Riley followed without a word, letting his eyes linger briefly on the curve of her back, the quiet sway of her robes as she walked.

Her scent was faint—floral, clean, and entirely her own. It drifted toward him with every step, teasing his senses.

He remained in control, but the awareness of her presence, her closeness, was something he couldn’t entirely suppress.

They reached her private quarters soon enough—a modest room, delicately arranged, with simple decorations and a soft palette of colors that suited her personality.

The moment he stepped inside, Riley could sense it: the faint aura of untouched innocence, a kind of purity not just in body, but in the energy she carried.

The room smelled of fresh parchment, lavender oil, and something warm and human. It made his pulse quicken ever so slightly.

Jade moved to the side, gesturing politely toward a small table near the window.

"Please, make yourself comfortable," she said, her voice gaining confidence now that they were alone.

Riley inclined his head, stepping closer but not sitting just yet.

His eyes lingered on her face—those wide, expressive eyes that tried so hard to conceal what she felt.

"So," he said finally, letting his voice drop just a touch lower, "how can I help you?"

He was playing along, yes—but he wasn’t just humoring her. He genuinely wanted to know what kind of game she had planned.

A letter asking for help with a minor cultivation issue? That was merely the surface. Riley knew better.

Beneath that, Jade was testing something. Testing him. Herself. The waters between them. And he was more than happy to step into them.

Jade took a breath, her fingers brushing lightly against the edge of her sleeve. She hesitated—just for a second—but then met his gaze.

That single moment, so brief yet so brave, made something stir in him again. She was trying to stay composed, trying to play this with dignity.

But Riley… Riley was a master at this dance.

He offered her another gentle smile. "Take your time," he said. "I’m not in a hurry."

And he meant it.

Whatever Jade was planning, whatever path she was taking to approach him—he would walk it at her pace. But that didn’t mean he wouldn’t enjoy every step.