System S.E.X. (Seduction, Expansion, eXecution)

Chapter 785: Chapter 785: Haven of the Celestial Peaks

They departed the assigned residence discreetly, cloaking their auras as they walked through the bustling districts of the imperial capital. Ethan scanned their surroundings in search of a private, sealed cultivation room—ideal for suppressing the energy fluctuations that the ritual would undoubtedly trigger.

"We could rent a high-tier cultivation chamber at the central pavilion," proposed Ethan, looking toward the girl beside him. "The isolation arrays will protect the purification of your meridians, and it will be safer for you."

Isabella stopped dead in her tracks, crossing her arms as she shook her head firmly.

"Don’t even dream about it," answered Isabella with a stern look. "You promised this would be special, and I have no intention of spending my first time with you locked inside a cold stone cave that smells like ancient dust. We are going to a real place."

Before he could object, Isabella took him by the arm and guided him toward the outskirts of the eastern district, where floating mountains bordered the imperial capital’s horizon. After ascending a white marble staircase surrounded by mystic flora, they arrived before imposing bronze gates guarded by sentinels clad in fine silk robes.

Towering before them was a colossal mansion sprawling across the mountainside, resembling a giant castle crowned by spiritual hot springs and cascading waterfalls of golden light.

"It is the Celestial Peaks Pavilion," explained Isabella, gazing at the place with a spark of long-held wishfulness in her eyes. "It is the most famous relaxation and cultivation resort in the entire empire. I’ve always wanted to come here since I was a little girl, but entry doesn’t depend on how much gold you have in your pockets... they only grant access to cultivators with extraordinary power and renown."

Ethan observed the majesty of the estate, sensing the dense spiritual energy emanating from the upper springs. Such a location not only provided the luxury she desired, but also the energy density required for the Dual Phoenix Dragon Dance Sutra.

"Well then," offered Ethan with a serene smile, gripping her hand firmly. "Let’s go. I will follow you wherever you want to go."

Upon reaching the grand bronze gates, two guards clad in silver armor and fine silk stepped forward, raising their halberds to block their path. Their eyes swept Ethan up and down, taking note of the simplicity of his robe, which lacked royal embroidery or high-ranking insignias.

"Halt," warned the guard on the left in a disdainful tone. "This pavilion is reserved strictly for the high nobility and renowned cultivators of the empire. Servants or low-born companions must wait in the lower plaza."

Ethan did not reply with words. He took a step forward and unleashed a thread of his aura.

BOOM!

A razor-sharp pressure reminiscent of a sacred blade exploded into the air, enveloping the entrance. The Dao Manifestation Realm echoed through the atmosphere, causing the guards’ halberds to tremble violently. Both men turned pale, feeling their meridians freeze under Ethan’s cutting intent, and immediately bowed deeply, breaking out in a cold sweat.

"F-Forgive our insolence, Young Master!" the first guard stammered, pressing his forehead against the ground. "Please, step inside!"

Ethan clenched his fists, contemplating teaching them a harsher lesson for their initial arrogance.

[Don’t do it, Master], Crul’s voice suddenly echoed within his sea of consciousness, warning him in a serious tone. [Those two are no weaker than you; they merely recoiled due to the purity of your Dao Heart. Furthermore, the supervisor hidden inside the central tower is just as strong as King Alaric. Don’t cause unnecessary trouble before the tournament.]

Ethan adjusted his sleeves, letting the aura dissipate as quickly as it had appeared. Without uttering another word, he offered his arm to Isabella, and together they walked calmly toward the castle’s luxurious reception.

Upon crossing the reception doors, the scent of mystic sandalwood and snow orchids enveloped them immediately. The lobby was colossal, adorned with white jade pillars and floating crystal chandeliers that cast a soft glow across the polished marble floor.

Behind a counter carved from millennium-old sandalwood, a receptionist clad in an elegant purple silk robe maintained a professional smile. However, upon watching the couple approach—taking note of Ethan’s simple attire and Isabella’s noble demeanor—her gaze flickered with a brief hint of skepticism.

"Welcome to the Celestial Peaks Pavilion," greeted the receptionist, bowing her head with measured courtesy. "How may I assist you today?"

"We want the best suite with a private spiritual spring," spoke Ethan, resting his hands upon the counter. "For fifteen days."

The receptionist raised an eyebrow, unable to conceal her disbelief at the request. Reserving the primary suite for a single day required a fortune in high-tier spirit stones or an imperial merit token; requesting it for half a month straight was a luxury reserved for ancient monarchs or patriarchs of supreme sects.

"Young Master...", the receptionist began in a cautious tone, "our celestial-grade private spring suites not only require identity and status verification within the empire, but also an advance deposit amounting to..."

Before she could finish stating the sum, Isabella stepped forward with natural elegance. She unclasped a golden jade token engraved with the Soaring Dragon insignia and King Alaric’s personal seal from her waist, letting it drop onto the wooden counter with a sharp clack.

"Bill all charges directly to the Soaring Dragon Kingdom delegation’s account," commanded Isabella in a firm voice, locking her eyes onto the attendant.

The receptionist picked up the token with trembling hands and inspected it immediately. The slight disdain in her eyes vanished completely, replaced by a flash of absolute shock. Across the entire imperial capital, news regarding the upcoming Imperial Tournament was spreading like wildfire; everyone knew that the kings of each major delegation had arrived with unfathomable resources to back their fighters.

"P-Please, forgive me, Your Highness!" exclaimed the attendant, bowing so deeply her forehead nearly touched the counter as cold sweat covered her neck. "I failed to recognize the royal crest right away! Please accept my humblest apologies for my blindness."

Hastily, the woman retrieved a key carved from dragon crystal and presented it with both hands in utter devotion.

"The Celestial Spring Imperial Suite is ready for you," continued the receptionist in a hurried voice. "It possesses the highest energy density in the resort alongside complete isolation arrays. I will assign our finest staff to ensure you are not disturbed by anyone."

Isabella took the key with a serene gesture, offered Ethan a sidelong glance, and together they walked down the private corridor without looking back.

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