Spirit Sense Heresy.

  A quarter of a lunar cycle passed.

  Sects came bearing gifts and offering Nadia their congratulations.

  Eventually, someone said what they had all been circling for.

  “The Celestial Sect seeks to find balance,” Envoy Calreth Vaelor stated. “Your daughter has alerted Heaven to her birth. Under our guidance, her Karma will recede, and balance will be restored.”

  The room went cold—so cold it might as well have been mid-winter with the windows thrown open.

  “Forgive my ignorance, Excellency,” Nadia replied evenly, “but as a child, my daughter will not be burning her Karma any time soon.”

  Vaelor inclined his head. “Matriarch.”

  The word almost sneered itself into existence.

  Then he felt it—the weight of every elder’s gaze settling on him like drawn steel.

  “We seek a political alliance between Ironwood and the Celestial Sect,” Vaelor continued smoothly. “Times are dangerous, and they threaten to become more so.”

  He gestured faintly, as if outlining a diagram only he could see.

  “We are aware of your son’s weakness to intent. As allies, we would provide training and spiritual guidance. With our guidance and his healing, we could secure any resources we needed. Your village suffers from a shortage of eligible men. We can offer many paths to strengthen those in need—ensuring Ironwood grows more… balanced. In this arrangement, everyone benefits.”

  Nadia nodded once.

  Both Dar and Rong had warned her that the news would spread.

  What disappointed her was who must have spoken—someone she had enjoyed sharing tea with, someone she had not expected to betray confidence so casually.

  “Your offer is generous,” Nadia said calmly, “but Dar remains contracted to serve the Empress, and our land is paid for through that service.

  The only son I have, who is currently learning cultivation, has been taken in by General Li Jang of Tianrelion.

  As for growth, now is not an ideal time to create more mouths to feed.”

  She met Vaelor’s eyes without flinching.

  “So, we must decline, and hope the future proves more fortuitous for all involved.”

  Vaelor’s smile thinned.

  “Your children are at risk,” he said. “Is ignorance truly the path you wish to walk?”

  Nadia turned slightly. “Shepard.”

  Shepard straightened. “Mother?”

  “The Celestial Sect has opened its doors to you. What say you, my son?”

  Shepard did not hesitate.

  “I would rather stay here—with you and Grandma. There’s too much work in the village. I don’t have time to leave and cultivate. It isn’t in my heart.”

  Nadia nodded and turned to her daughter.

  Rong stood quietly at the side, a conservatively dressed infant in gray cradled against her chest.

  “Daughter?” Nadia asked.

  “If I die, I die,” Rong said plainly. “My place is here, Mother. With the village. With you.”

  Silence followed.

  Finally, Vaelor spoke again, his voice carefully measured—yet his hands betrayed him, trembling faintly.

  “We understand. Sometimes the young must learn through experience what wisdom would have taught. The Celestial Sect withdraws its offer—for now. May your choices bring you the balance you deserve.”

  Nadia bowed her head in acceptance.

  “Excellency is gracious,” she replied. “All one can do is bear the weight of their decisions and move forward. Should the Celestial Sect require assistance with cultivation or bodily care, our doors remain open. Lately, we have been occupied with fertility treatments—but service to the community remains our calling.”

  Vaelor stilled.

  Then his voice hardened.

  “We would like verification of this service.”

  “We understand,” Nadia replied without pause. “At present, we are backlogged with imperial-approved appointments. However, if Excellency can provide two individuals willing to remain with us for several sun cycles, we can perform a demonstration to verify the service’s viability.”

  Vaelor smiled again—this time with intent.

  His gaze shifted to his entourage, settling on Elder Maelis Thren.

  “Then we ask for your hospitality,” he said. “I have two people well-suited to your process. They will allow us to determine whether your service delivers… tangible benefits, should we choose to proceed.”

  Nadia inclined her head.

  “I see. Then let us recess. Our elders will arrange the particulars at your accommodations so that you may rest and recover from your journey.”

  In their suite, Janice and her helper served tea and snacks, then left as quickly as possible.

  Elder Hendrik respectfully sat across from the Envoy. Behind him, several women, including Nadia’s daughter, stood in silence.

  The Envoy's eyes glided over her long, plain robes, her covered hair, and her clasped hands in front of her.

  Then he noticed the woman's face was nearly identical to her mother's, except she lacked the warrior-like strength.

  Instead, he felt his loins stir when the woman's eyes glanced up at him, and he saw her eyes were the color of warm honey.

  The Envoy’s Intent moved while his eyes remained on Hendrik, who was explaining the steps involved to help them understand what would be expected of the couple.

  When the man's lust pressed into Nadia’s daughter, she trembled and squeezed her thighs together while biting her lower lip.

  Her eyes rose for a moment, locking with the Envoy’s, then lowered again as she shuffled behind a larger woman who stepped into the man's direct line of sight with the daughter.

  The woman, Elder Maelis Thren, and her counterpart, Captain Jorn Halevar, watched in silence, their eyes taking in everything.

  Vaelor nodded to Hendrik, “We understand. Who will be performing the ceremony?” the envoy asked.

  Ironwood’s elder smiled and nodded amicably. “For the lady, Jianrong will be assisting; for the gentleman, Shepard will provide support.”

  “I see, what about Dar Luso? You must forgive me if I have my people's well-being at heart. We wish to have only the best.” The envoy pointed out.

  Hendrik smiled unperturbed. “Dar Luso specializes in Meridians; his siblings are more bodily knowledgeable as opposed to Soul specialization.”

  While the two men talked, the Sect delegation's intent pressed on everyone present, and found only Jianrong reacted.

  The intelligence of the Gilded Sect was accurate.

  “Shall we begin?” Hendrik was receptive to helping them get their proof.

  The Envoy nodded.

  Shepard was brought in, and Hendrik and Vaelor watched from the sidelines at a special residence operated by the village. There were four large rooms, each with a bathroom.

  Hendrik explained that, with the assistance of half a dozen women, Shepard gave Halevar a massage good enough that the spy fell asleep.

  While they worked on Halevar, the envoys' hands moved through complex seals until he could see that the boys' Karmic threads were not properly anchored, and their spirit-body connection was loose, as if they were mortals.

  Vaelor turned to Hendrik and spoke softly. “With the Matriarch's children at risk, shouldn’t the elders pressure her to send them for training?”

  Hendrik looked at the man with understanding in his eyes. “We have tried since the day they were able to cultivate. But it's not the mother who prevents them; they do not desire to leave the home. Even the strongest son who moved for the empire was mortally wounded and still returned home rather than seek sect assistance.” He explained as they moved to the room with Elder Thren, who grunted and moaned as she received the same treatment.

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  After two incense sticks and two cups of tea, Hendrik turned to Vaelor. “Apologies, but will we be observing the copulation portion or the process, or shall I have them prepare a private room?

  Vaelor blinked. “Is there no array or talismans used?”

  Hendrik smiled and shook his head. “The massage you watched is the majority of preparation, as now all meridians have been loosened and realigned, so the body and soul are in alignment. The final step is that both participants will receive an infusion of refined Qi into their Root chakra through a proven cycle, and be released to conceive at their own pace. There is another path that is more, er, laborious, but both of your sect representatives are in excellent health and don’t seem to need energetic assistance.” Hendrik replied.

  Vaelor felt cheated. He had thought the process would take days to prepare, not days of copulating to ensure success.

  These two’s offspring are essential to the Sect. I must insist we use your best method to ensure their bloodlines are combined. As for a private room, that won't be necessary. All of us are adults here; duty to the Sect outweighs modesty.” The envoy explained.

  Hendrik nodded. “Of course, as you say, duty before comfort. Shall we enjoy our midday meal now, or would you prefer to eat while we watch?” Hendrik asked, utterly oblivious to how absurd he sounded.

  The envoy raised a hand to decline.

  Hendrik nodded, guided him to the third room, and pointed. “We have an observation array installed for convenience.” He pointed to a crystal on a shelf. “For a reasonable fee, we offer to memorialize the event with a full recording of the copulations for both academic review and…more personal reasons. Don’t worry, yours will be free of charge.”

  The two elders were brought in wearing soft robes; both had color on their necks and faces, but said nothing.

  Rong helped Elder Thren disrobe and performed a facial rub. At the same time, Shepard did the same for Halevar, ending with both siblings running their fingers over the patients' scalps, down the necks, and back, finally ending at their tailbones, making both people shudder.

  Then Rong and Shepard took up the lotus position and waited.

  The two sect personnel seemed unsure how to proceed until a pulse of refined Qi moved from each sibling along the Qi thread they had connected to the patients' bodies, granting them access to the patients' meridians.

  Vaelor’s mouth fell open as he watched the two elders he knew, Captain Halevar, a man of duty, patience, and silence, take hold of Elder Thren, who was from the Foundation Establishment, and begin copulating while standing.

  Hendrik nodded with a sharp glint in his eye. All of this was a game, and he was no new player.

  “As you can see, our proprietary massage opens up couples to be more open with their intimate nature. We don’t use drugs or intent as that can cause long-term issues for patients and children. Instead, we use a more holistic approach that is in line with nature and the Dao.”

  Rong glanced at Shepard, who puckered his lips as the two slowly increased the Qi flowing from them to their patients.

  After an incense, the room was thick with the reality that both people were invested in the outcome.

  A small table was brought, and wine was served.

  A steak was brought for Hendrik, who marvelled at the captain's technique.

  “Your people are impressive specimens to endure over a chime's worth of effort and still have reserves. We see many a young master come through and barely make it an incense stick before they begin weeping, they are spent and unable to continue.” Hendrik said before taking a large bite of meat.

  Vaelor felt his face was both red and on the floor as he endured the nonstop din of biology and both of his people moaning and gasping like courtesans.

  He wanted it to end; he wanted to leave; he didn’t care if they had a child anymore. He just did not want to be in a room that smelled of intimacy so thick he feared his clothes were ruined while he watched an elder dissect each gasp, every thrust, and the sect's people's way of talking when arousal overcame modesty.

  “Well, I think both parties are finally ready,” Hendrik said as if he knew precisely the states of their bodies.

  Hendrik clapped twice.

  Shep and Rong both nodded as the volume of Qi and the frequency of pulses picked up speed, until both people on the bed were so loud that Hendrik reached into his robe and pulled out four soft pieces of material, handing two to the Envoy.

  “It is going to get loud; you might want these,” Hendrik offered, speaking loud enough to be heard while placing the two he had in his ears.

  Vaelor stared in shock as his most reliable people proceeded to scream with pleasure in a non-stop race to climax.

  Then

  It was over.

  Both people collapsed where they were. The bed was drenched as the two people.

  The woman gave a soft snore, and the man wept quietly.

  Hendrik, Jianrong, and Shepard began clapping. “Impressive, Envoy Vaelor. Your sect has trained these people so well that their stamina is legendary. Now, if you don’t mind, we have other duties. We will start again tomorrow at the same time, so we will have food and drink brought for the couple to regain their strength. Good day.” The elder said with a bow that Jianrong and Shepard mimicked.

  That evening, Envoy called a meeting with his entourage. Both Halevar and Thren were present but could not sit down; the only change between them was the proximity of their bodies, which were much closer than before.

  Vaelor looked around but did not make eye contact with the two patients. He was not sure he would ever be able to look them in the eyes again.

  "This is,” he didn’t know how to describe getting what he asked for. “Unacceptable and serves no purpose,” he admitted. "We have confirmed the treatment exists; that's sufficient."

  The Envoy sighed. "We're leaving tomorrow morning."

  Vaelor was walking with his escort when he saw Nadia’s daughter chatting with women, some with children, some without.

  He turned to the Ironwood escort, who nodded ascent, and the small group moved to Jianrong.

  “Little sister greetings,” Vaelor said, then froze when he realized she was feeding a baby, a blanket covering both of them for modesty.

  Rong smiled and slightly flushed, but bowed her head. “Excellency, you honor us. I apologize for my state. I am helping some mothers who are going through difficulties. The Celestial Sect seems to have many amazing people.” The young woman said amicably.

  A seat was cleared and offered, and the Envoy sat down across from Nadia’s first daughter. Tea was served, and the guards gave him space to talk.

  Vaelor felt comfortable; all around him, women watched him in curiosity, some with veiled desire, others with fear.

  “I must say, both you and your brother are very skilled at body care. My subordinates have both complimented your touch.” The envoy purred.

  Jianrong smiled. “We have a lot of practice, you may not know this, but my mother's clan uses very harsh techniques for cultivating that leave long-term damage to the body and meridians. We learned from caring for them, and luckily, that means people like your subordinates benefit. Although I think other sects have similar skills, my brother said the Gilded sect, er, a person he met was very skilled at touch.” Jianrong blushed, not wanting to use words a brother might use.

  “I see, I had heard your brother Solomon was very close to several Petals from the Gilded sect. Did he ever consider joining them?” Vaelor asked probing.

  Rong nodded. “My late brother said the Petal Commander Cai had captured his heart, but then she fled her Sect, and that was the end of that.” She explained.

  “I see, you have my condolences. I understand, were you very close to him?” he asked.

  Rong wiped her face. “Not…not as close as I wish I had been. Time and consequences have a way of sneaking up on you.” She sighed.

  A pulse of intent, warm and gentle, pressed into Rong as Vaelor spoke. “In my sect, connection is important. All of us feel like we have found others who would care for us the same way we care for them.” Vaelor said softly.

  Rong blushed. “I, that uh…thank you. We are weary of Sects because we know we won't fit in, but I guess that doesn’t mean we cannot be friends.” Rong's smile blossomed.

  Vaelor smiled at her as his intent slowly changed as he presented his best side to her. “Are you married? Since you can care for other children, I wanted to ask if you have a child as well?” he probed while his intent made the woman feel attraction, opening her up to being honest or more.

  “When I gained my first lunar cycle, I found that what most women get during pregnancy, I was capable of. At first, it wasn't very comfortable. I was younger, but my family is multi-affinity, so it was invaluable for children…so I endured. Now it's second nature.

  “Is this related to the treatment?” Vaelor asked, leaning forward as his intent intensified.

  Rong blinked slowly, her mouth moved, but no words came.

  Vaelor backed off, realizing he had gone too far. “Miss, are you okay?” he deflected.

  Rong nodded and smiled dreamily. “Sorry, I was thinking about something else. Is the Envoy married?” she asked, suddenly interested.

  Vaelor froze, then he smiled. “No, I am married to my duties.”

  Rong looked disappointed.

  “Ah, you asked about the treatments. No, we didn’t start doing this until I turned nineteen, and I reached adulthood at thirteen.” She explained.

  “I see,” Vaelor said softly.

  Jianrong looked at him, as if mulling something over. “Excellency, I am going to give the child back, feeding is over.. I won't be but a few moments…would you be interested in taking a walk together?” she asked her large amber eyes watching his face, while her voice sounded hopeful.

  Vaelor smiled, then looked at his guards. “I don’t think they will allow it.” He teased.

  Rong smiled. “Wait here!” she gushed. Not long after, she returned and kicked the guards away.

  Excellency, there is a path along the farm terraces that is very pretty at night, would you…like to go with me?” she asked, unsure.

  Vaelor nodded, a gentle smile touched his lips, and his warm intent pressed into her.

  Then Envoy sneered as they walked down the simple path, the smell of wildflowers and fertilizer caressing them.

  When her fingers brushed against him, he changed his plans.

  “You are beautiful, Jianrong, too beautiful to hide under such heavy robes and conceal your hair.” The Envoy said gently as his fingertips touched hers.

  Jianrong let her head rest against the man as he moved from warmth to intent to desire, which, after the day's events, had not left his thoughts, leaving him ashamed.

  “Mother says I am too pretty to go out like other women, when I do…. men follow me. She says it's for everyone's safety.

  Vaelor swallowed as he realized there was a faint scent that made his meridians tremble.

  “Did she say you have a special constitution?” he asked, almost afraid of the answer.

  Jianrong nodded. “Too much Yin, the feeding helps manage it.” She confessed.

  Vaelor turned to her, pressing his intent into her until she was looking at him dreamily. Leaning down, he kissed her as his intent lessened, kissing back like a novice.

  Vaelor guided her to the ground while kissing her more passionately until she moaned under his hands.

  “Excellency,” Rong moaned, then tried to hold him back before he pinned her hands.

  “We can't, I don’t have anything to prevent people from knowing.” She moaned her body moving on its own against him.

  Vaelor chuckled as her robe fell open under his fingers, and a body only a goddess should have shimmered under the pale moonlight.

  The scent he was searching for engulfed him, turning his desire from a candle flame into a fire.

  “Rong, I want you; you want me. We can be together. I would marry you.” Vaelor lied, but his intent said he was to be trusted; he would never lie.

  His robes opened, and he saw in her eyes that she desired him.

  A cruel smile played across his face as he maneuvered her legs.

  His lips found her bare skin while she arched her back, her hands moving across his face, then through his scalp and down his spine.

  Then things stopped.

  Jianrong pushed back weakly as she spoke.

  “We must marry first, then I can give myself to your excellency,” Rong explained as his refined Qi began to cycle around the Root Chakra, moving from her fingers to the path she already laid out, turning his already unpleasantly painful arousal into something akin to existential need.

  The man's intent pressed into her, making her go limp.

  “Little whore, you're already on your back. Do you think you can just say no, and I will stop?” Vaelor chuckled as his need kept growing, surprising him.

  He had not wanted a woman so badly in years.

  “You're mine now.” His mouth found hers and claimed it as his own.

  He moved to her breasts when suddenly she screamed. “HELP! RAPE!”

  Vaelor was stunned; his intent had not let up, but she was moving like it didn’t affect her.

  The next moment, four Core Formation warriors landed around him. The largest of the four women was Nadia, who grabbed his long hair and yanked him off her daughter.

  “Mom! He wouldn’t let go of me!” Jianrong began sobbing as Rosha drew her blade to kill the man.”

  “Wait!” Nadia ordered as she shoved the man to the ground, their Aura’s crushing him like an insect.

  “My daughter is the Empress's attendant, you dare put your hands on her? You will leave, NOW. Do not return.” Nadia ordered, and Rosha and Mira, along with Elder Ivana, grabbed the Core Formation Envoy by the arms and guided him away.

  Rong covered herself, then got a hand up from her mother. “Ohhhh no…I hope he doesn’t get in trouble.” The young woman said in a high-pitched voice.

  Mother and Daughter looked at one another, and both began to laugh.

  Vaelor moved through the village, people standing outside, watching in shock.

  His robe was loose, his arousal apparent, and three Core warriors were guiding him with enough force and speed that his feet barely touched the ground.

  When the Envoy had flared his Aura, wanting to pressure the three women to give him space, to his surprise, they did not even react.

  Half an incense stick later, the Celestial Sect delegation was outside the fort's gate that closed solidly behind them.

  The two patients couldn't get on their horses, let alone walk normally.

  Vaelor was trembling with rage, while above them, dozens of guards watched them with bows.

  After a short time, a melodious, feminine voice called out.

  “No Loitering!”