Heavenly Harem Sect

225  Zena's Frustration

[: Daniel POV :]

As Zena wept in my embrace, her tears wetted my robe, and she began to narrate the life she had led in the Immortal Realm.

"All my life, I trained tirelessly, striving to fulfill the wishes of my clan members and even my parents"

"But why... in the end, I was betrayed?"

Her cries resonated loudly.

"Was it because my efforts weren't enough?"

"Did I fail to satisfy their expectations?"

"Why did they kill me and obliterate everything I had worked for? It's just so unjust..."

Despite the centuries that had passed since the betrayal, the pain and resentment she carried were still raw.

She had never been given the opportunity to seek her revenge, and the injustice of it all weighed heavily on her heart.

Her situation had undergone a profound transformation, and I reassured her with unwavering conviction.

"Don't worry. As long as I'm here, no one's going to betray you"

"Even if your own family were to turn against you, I won't hesitate to protect you."

The depth of her sorrow served as a stark reminder that even the mightiest individuals could succumb to the darkest aspects of human nature.

My words resonated with her, and Zena cried harder, moved by the profound assurance of safety.

"Master... thank you."

Zena repeated her gratitude between sobs.

Gradually, her tears began to subside, replaced by a calmer disposition.

As she regained her composure, her thoughts shifted to the events that had led her to this moment, reuniting with me.

"I was born as the firstborn daughter of a powerful immortal family, a weighty responsibility I carried from the moment I entered the Immortal world."

She delved into her past, recounting how, even at a tender age, her father had started grooming her, loading her young shoulders with an immense weight of expectations.

"I was merely nine when I began my cultivation journey, and the pressure was unbearable," she recalled.

"Despite that, I trained relentlessly because I wanted to fulfill my parents' wishes"

"But even then, it was all cruelly snatched away from me when my own sister, driven by jealousy, ended my life through poison."

Zena's fists clenched tightly as she elaborated, the pain still fresh in her voice.

"My death not only had a impact on me but also shattered my parents' hearts, especially my father, who blamed himself," she continued.

"That's why, given the opportunity, I yearn for revenge against her."

Her desire for retribution still burned fiercely within her, a smoldering ember of anger and longing.

The passage of centuries had done little to ease the pain, and the memories remained as vivid as ever, the wounds still raw.

"Unfortunately, even after being reincarnated here, I had no hope, as the bridge between Mortals and Immortals had been severed,"

Zena revealed.

"But upon hearing your voice, Master, a glimmer of hope began to flicker within me"

"I thought perhaps you might have a way back to the Immortal Realm"

"However, the powers you've granted me seem to be more than sufficient."

Her eyes brimmed with intensity, reflecting the depth of emotions she held for me.

I continued to listen attentively as she poured her heart out.

"After being enlightened, I realized how hollow my vengeful plans were"

"With the strength I possess now, exacting revenge would be effortless, but that doesn't mean I will forget," she continued.

"That's why, Master, I pledge my absolute loyalty to you, vowing to be by your side and follow your every command."

 She declared her loyalty without any hesitation, and I couldn't help but chuckle at the sincerity of her words.

I gently caressed Zena's hair, and she seemed to relish the touch.

"Don't worry, Zena," I assured her in a soothing tone.

"You're already my disciple, and that's more than enough."

She purred contently like a cat as my hand ran through her hair.

After a moment, I withdrew my hand and asked, "Any more you'd like to share?"

Zena hesitated, clearly reluctant to continue.

"It's fine; there's not much more to say"

"The reason I didn't mention this earlier is that I didn't think it was something worthy of a Master," she confessed.

I shook my head with a reassuring smile.

"Even the smallest stories can teach someone an important lesson, so no matter how insignificant it may seem, share what you know."

Zena smiled back, her trust in me evident.

"Very well, Master"

"The remaining details are relatively mundane"

"After my rebirth, I led a noble family in this city, and that's about it."

"Alright, then I'll share my plans, and it's quite straightforward,"

I began, looking into Zena's eyes.

"As you already know, I have a sect under my rule, and I oversee two cities. I'm planning to extend my rule to this city"

"What are your thoughts on that?"

Zena's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "It's splendid, Master!"

"This city is truly worthy of being under your rule."

I nodded in agreement.

"Good"

"How about ruling it together with me and the other sect members?"

"Would you like that?"

"If you'd allow me, I would be honored, Master,"

Zena responded with genuine eagerness.

"Very well," I declared, "from today onwards, you are officially an Elder and a full-fledged member of the Heavenly Harem Sect."

Zena immediately knelt before me, her voice filled with devotion.

"I shall serve the Young Master and the sect until my very last breath."

With this pledge, she solidified her place in the Heavenly Harem Sect, a choice she knew was right for her and her journey in the mortal realm.

"I appreciate your loyalty,"

I complimented, and a warm smile spread across Zena's face.

With her dedication, she was indeed proving to be a valuable addition to the sect.

"Alright, now, tell me about the other noble families and explain to me why they are facing famine,"

I asked, and without hesitation, she proceeded to provide a detailed account of the situation.

I learned that there were four ruling noble families in the city, with the Quil family being the most prestigious.

The second and third noble families were the Mardan and the Vykroz, respectively.

However, the situation took a darker turn when she mentioned the fourth noble family, the Sarens.

The Sarens had formed an alliance with a sinister organization known as the Syndicate of Kaos.

In their pursuit of power and control, the Sarens had entered into a deal that involved handing over all of the Spiritual Veins in the city, resulting in a severe famine.

This revelation shed light on the dire situation the city faced, and I knew that decisive action would be required to address it.

I couldn't help but scoff at the Sarens' foolish decision to ally with the Syndicate of Kaos.

Their shortsightedness and greed had plunged the city into famine, but I also saw this situation as an opportunity.

"Master, if I may ask, how can the city return to a state where it won't be in famine any longer?"

Zena inquired, her eyes filled with curiosity and determination.

"It's quite simple,"

I began, and then I retrieved an Immortal Peach from my possession.

Zena's eyes widened in astonishment.

"An Immortal Peach! I never thought I would see it again," she exclaimed.

Despite her surprise, she seemed to understand that, with my capabilities, such extraordinary items were within my reach.

I continued, "Now, I want you to gather the heads of the noble families, Mardan and Vykroz. If they disagree with our plan, show them this."

The presence of an Immortal Peach could sway even the most stubborn of minds, and it would serve as a powerful bargaining chip in our mission to make the city under my rule.

Zena nodded in agreement, fully grasping my intentions as she replied, "With this, surely, they would be tempted."

"That's right,"

I affirmed, a confident smile on my face.

"I'm offering them a deal they won't ever be able to deny."

She respectfully bowed, pledging to carry out the task I had assigned.

"I will immediately call for them, Master. Wait here, and I'll come back shortly."

After about an hour, Zena returned with two distinguished guests in tow.

They were elderly men with long beards, breathing heavily from their journey.

The sight of the Immortal Peach left one of them stunned.

"This...this is an Immortal Peach," he uttered in awe.

The other noble, equally astounded, inquired, "Impossible...how did you acquire it?"

Zena introduced the two nobles.

"Master, these are the Noble Heads, Rizel Mardan and Ephraim Vykroz"

"Both have agreed to come after seeing the fruit."

"Greetings, Young Master"

"We have heard of your name, but didn't expect to meet such an amazing person like you,"

Ephraim praised upon meeting me, showing genuine respect.

"Thank you for your praise, and please, have a seat,"

I invited the two nobles to sit, and they did so promptly.

Without wasting any time, I got to the point, "I bet you must have realized why I had called you two."

Rizel and Ephraim exchanged glances, suspecting what the conversation would be about.

"It's not for the Immortal Fruit, is it?"

Ephraim ventured to guess.

Their faces suggested that the thought had crossed their minds.

I chuckled, revealing my intent as I took out ten more Immortal Peaches.

"Indeed, it's about the Immortal Fruit. I have called you two because the 4th House of Sarens has formed a deal with a mysterious organization and pushed the city into famine"

"As the heads of the Mardan and Vykroz Families, I want to strike a deal."

Rizel, who represented the Mardan Family, responded, "Indeed, Young Master Daniel, the 4th Family of the Sarens has made an alliance with an organization, seemingly to seize our positions and wealth."

"Exactly," I said with a smirk. "Let me explain why I've called both of you, as I want to strike a deal."