Chapter 39: Chapter 39: First Kiss
When the first rays of dawn flashed through the windows of Vahn’s small hut, he finally opened his eyes. A soft, dark luminescence retreated from his skin, flowing back into his body. He had been cultivating without pause for the entire night.
A contented, almost feral smile touched his lips. He was no longer at the initial phase of Qi Refining. The terrifying efficiency of the Void Refining Art had propelled his cultivation to the peak of Stage 3 in a single session.
Vahn didn’t know the exact metrics of other cultivators, but he was certain he had surpassed the majority of the disciples in his batch. A single night of cultivation using the Forbidden Manual had achieved what might take an ordinary cultivator weeks or even months.
Yet, he knew he was still holding back. He hadn’t even applied the true, monstrous potential of his manual. According to the scroll’s secrets, the Void Refining Art could devour any kind of cultivation resource like herbs, pills, even spirit stones, and refine them into pure, potent Void Qi at a speed far exceeding the average cultivator.
"The key is resources," Vahn realized.
To truly skyrocket his power, he needed Spirit Stones or rare herbs. He had none. Earning those resources was now his highest priority.
With the night’s work done, Vahn carefully cleaned up his hut. The serious matter of Holy Son Rudra and the others who were hunting him was completely forgotten in the face of his exhilarating progress.
Early in the morning, Vahn headed over to Seraphina’s Cave.
He found the cave entrance quiet. Peeking inside, he found out Seraphina was in a closed-door cultivation.
Just outside, Vahn spotted Zephya. The little girl was sprawled out on a single, thin mattress on the cold stone floor, sleeping like a log. Her small body was curled up against the morning chill.
Vahn’s expression turned sympathetic. He went over to her side and gently pulled a nearby, discarded blanket, wrapping the little girl completely. Zephya twitched for a moment, letting out a small sigh, and her expression instantly turned serene as she snuggled into the warmth.
After ensuring the girl was comfortable, Vahn headed to the small, makeshift kitchen area near the cave entrance. He began to cook, using the leftover resources he found—simple grains and dried meat—to prepare a meager but warm meal for all 3 of them.
Despite the meager ingredients, Vahn’s cooking skills were extraordinary. Using only the limited resources, he managed to create an extremely salivating dish, transforming the humble breakfast into something that looked almost Divine. The food was artfully arranged, glistening with flavor, and the tantalizing aroma alone was enough to make the stomach rumble.
The rich scent of the cooking drifted through the cave, pulling Zephya from her deep sleep. She opened her eyes, immediately spotting Vahn by the fire. The irresistible smell made her forget their earlier grudge completely; her face was a mask of pure, blissful hunger.
"Vahn! What are you making?" she mumbled drowsily, already climbing off her mattress. She padded over, her eyes glued to the sizzling food.
"It smells so good! Can I have some?"
For a moment she forgot the grudge between them.
Vahn chuckled, the sight of her ravenous expression was enough dissolve any lingering tension.
Though the little girl coild be extremely annoying at time, he couldn’t ignore how innocent and cuty she is.
He spooned a generous portion onto a clean, wooden plate and handed it to her with a warm smile.
"Of course, Zephya. It’s ready."
Zephya didn’t hesitate, immediately digging in with shining eyes.
It was at that moment that Seraphina emerged from her secluded closed-door cultivation area. Her aura was stable and refined, indicating a successful session. She paused, taking in the warm scene: the delicious aroma filling the cave, Zephya happily eating, and Vahn watching over her with a gentle, caring expression.
Seraphina’s worried features softened into a look of genuine awe and impressed warmth. This simple moment of her husband tending to her disciple and preparing food with such care, was more precious than any rare spiritual treasure.
"Vahn, thanks the heavens you’re back safely. Did you find the find the thing you desired for?" she asked, sitting down gracefully between them.
Vahn smiled mysteriously as he answered, "Indeed. I have obtained what I needed. And it’s all thanks to you."
Zephya remained puzzled, while Seraphina smiled in relief.
"That’s good to hear. But can I also have some, Vahn?"
Vahn watched her refreshing figure up close and smiled. She was truly a beauty worth giving his all.
"Of course. I have made it especially for you." he flattered with his signature smile.
Zephya pouted as Seraphina smiled back at him and made eye direct contact.
In that cave, surrounded by the delicious food and the simple sounds of eating, this impromptu breakfast turned into a moment of pure, blissful family harmony. Seraphina realized just how much Vahn truly cared for their "little family," a deep satisfaction settling in her heart.
"You’re truly a good person, Vahn. I am glad I have made the right choice back then."
Her sincere words struck a chord in Vahn’s chest. Alongside this, the system’s glowing reward notifications flashed before his eyes.
[ Your Emotional Connection with Seraphina Dawnlight increased by 8%. Current: 73% ]
[ Rewards Gained: Light Affinity +100%, Heaven Grade Cultivation Art - Radiant Soul Healing ]
Vahn’s excitement died down instantly.
"What would I do with a Healer’s Art? I need something for attack." His immediate reaction was disappointment.
"Wait..."
But then the System’s intent became apparent to him. The reward was an Immortal’s Soul Healing Art, and Seraphina was already a gifted healer.
"Does it want me to give this to Seraphina? But why? Will I get bigger rewards?"
The thought of maximizing his gains excited him even more than personal acquisition. If strengthening Seraphina resulted in future, superior rewards, it was the perfect strategy.
So, without delay, after breakfast, he took out the Heaven Grade Healing Art in the form of a brilliant white scroll and handed it to Seraphina.
"Seraphina, I have a gift for you. Take a look at this."
Seraphina and her disciple Zephya shared a curious look before slowly unrolling the brilliant white scroll. The instant they saw the complex, ethereal script and felt the immense, pure energy emanating from the words, their eyes widened in unison. It was undeniably a Heaven Grade Art.
"Vahn!" Seraphina gasped, clutching the scroll as if it were spun glass. "Where did you get this? This is beyond priceless!"
"Yes! Where?" Zephya echoed, practically vibrating with shock.
Vahn shrugged halfheartedly, trying to sound casual.
"Oh, that. I picked it up at the Towers of Primordials. It was a minor reward, right next to the Heaven Grade Cultivation Manual I mentioned."
Zephya’s jaw dropped. "You went to the Tower of Primordials? When? Master never even told me you were gone!"
The little girl’s jealousy quickly shifted to the main topic of achievement.
"So, how many steps did you manage to cross? Master reached the 45th Step when she challenged it years ago!" she boasted proudly.
Vahn downplayed his monumental achievement, not wanting to deal with the inevitable questions about the top platform.
"Me? Just the 39th."
Even that seemingly modest number came as a massive shock. Crossing the 30th step was the domain of talented elders; reaching the 39th was the mark of a Holy Son-level genius.
Seraphina and Zephya both looked at him with an entirely new light in their eyes. Seraphina had always assumed Vahn was talented, but he had once again shattered her expectations.
"Vahn, this is..." Seraphina shook her head, still overwhelmed, but she carefully accepted the scroll. "Thank you. You might not know, but a Soul Healing Art is nearly impossible to acquire one, especially one of this grade. I didn’t have a dedicated one until now."
She rose slightly and gently placed a tender kiss on his cheek with the natural red lips of her.
It wasn’t just a gesture of gratitude, but also the sign growing affection for him.
Zephya’s mouth went completely agape at the display of intimacy.
Vahn, however, was immediately over the moon, but not just because of the kiss. The system had gone wild in his mind:
[ Your Physical Connection with Seraphina Dawnlight increased by 10%. Current: 35% ]
[ Rewards Gained: Divine Cultivation Art - Nine Heavens Lightning Swords ]
Divine Grade!
The sheer power contained in those two words completely surpassed the Heaven Grade scroll he had just given away. He had traded a valuable healer’s art for an ultimate attack art.
The System’s method of reward was truly proving to be the most lucrative path to power.