Chapter 4

As evening approached, I could feel Nehla’s nervousness growing. We sat in the garden, the scent of night-blooming jasmine filling the air, but the usual serenity was broken by her fidgeting hands and darting eyes. I knew I couldn’t delay the discussion any longer. It was time to explain the specifics of the dual cultivation technique she was about to undertake.

“Nehla,” I began gently, “as I’ve mentioned, the cultivation method we’ll be using involves a dual cultivation aspect.”

Her face flushed a delicate pink, and she avoided my gaze. “Yes, Sect Head. You did.”

I smiled slightly, trying to ease her obvious discomfort. “It’s understandable if you’re feeling a bit apprehensive. This is a ... personal matter, after all. Dual cultivation is more than just a physical act; it’s an exchange of energies, a merging of qi.”

She nodded, still not looking at me. “I ... I understand in theory. Mother explained the basic concept of yin and yang.”

“Indeed,” I continued. “The technique relies on the balance and flow of these energies. My yang qi will interact with your yin qi, and this exchange is what fuels your cultivation. It allows for a faster and more seamless advancement.”

Nehla bit her lip, clearly struggling with the details. “And ... how, exactly, does this work?”

I took a deep breath, knowing I had to be direct but also sensitive. “During intimacy, our energies will naturally interact. However, the technique requires a more focused and directed exchange. It involves specific breathing patterns, movements, and mental visualizations that enhance the flow of qi between us. I will guide you through each step, showing you how to align your energy with mine, how to receive and release the qi in a way that benefits your cultivation.”

Her blush deepened, and she looked down at her hands, which were now tightly clasped in her lap. “It sounds ... complicated.”

“It may seem so at first,” I assured her. “But it’s also very natural. Our bodies already know how to do this; it’s simply a matter of focusing our intention and directing the energy. I will be there with you every step of the way, guiding you, ensuring you feel safe and comfortable. There is no shame in being new to this; I simply ask for your trust and your willingness to learn.”

She nodded slowly, taking a shaky breath. “I trust you, Sect Head. I want this.”

“I know you do, Nehla,” I replied softly. “And I will do everything in my power to make this a positive and transformative experience for you. Remember, this is not just about the physical act, but about the connection, the exchange, the shared journey we are embarking upon. It’s about your growth, your advancement, and your new path. And I will be here, with you, to guide you.”

I could see the mix of nervousness and resolve in her eyes as I went into the details, and I felt a surge of protectiveness. This was a significant moment, a turning point in her life, and I wanted to honor her bravery and her trust. When I finished and she indicated she understood what she needed to do, I stood, offering her my hand. “Shall we retire to my chambers then? We can discuss the technique further, and you can ask any questions you may have before we proceed. Or not.”

She took my hand, her grip a little tight, but her gaze met mine with a quiet determination. “Yes, Sect Head. I am ready.”

I smile at her response. “It’s husband, now, my dear.”

She blushed and glanced downward. “Yes, husband,” she barely whispered.

Hand in hand, Nehla and I entered my villa, passing by my concubine’s bedchambers to reach mine. A quiet anxiety radiated from her, but also her resolve to embrace this new path. She was just too adorable. I made an effort to speak of other things, asking about her day and her thoughts, attempting to ease her tension, but I also understood the moment that was upon us.

The air was thick with anticipation as the conversation faded. Her eyes met mine, and there was a vulnerability there, a mixture of fear and trust that touched me deeply. I moved slowly, gently reaching out to take her hand. It was cold, trembling slightly, and I held it with warmth, letting my gaze meet hers to silently convey reassurance.

I helped her to undress slowly, each garment falling away like a layer of the apprehension she carried. Her body was beautiful, porcelain skin flushed with a faint blush, and I admired her with a respect and tenderness I hoped she could sense. I knew this was a delicate moment, a significant turning point in her life, and I wanted to honor her courage and the trust she placed in me.

With a quiet sense of purpose, I began to unfasten the ornate clasps of my robe, the fine silk sliding against my skin. It was a slow, deliberate act, not wanting to startle my timid concubine. My gaze met Nehla’s, and I saw a flicker of embarrassment mixed with acceptance in her dark eyes.

Her breath hitched slightly as I reached out, my fingertips gently tracing her arms and back. A blush bloomed across her skin, a soft pink that deepened as my touch lingered. I explored her body with reverence, my hands moving with a slow, deliberate grace. Each touch was a question, a silent inquiry, ensuring she was comfortable, that she felt safe and respected. The intimacy was not just physical; it was a sharing of energy, a connection that transcended words. I could feel the subtle tremors that ran through her, the tension and the anticipation, and I wanted to ease them, to create a space where she felt truly seen and accepted.