My Xianxia Harem Life

Chapter 128 128 Timid

"It's fine," she finally said. "That fool has chosen his own path. Whether he grows stronger or perishes… only time will tell."

The guards exchanged uneasy glances. None of them dared to challenge her words, though the weight of their missing brother lingered heavily between them.

Then, as if shaking off the lingering thoughts, Katherine turned back to them, her expression composed. "Come. I'll introduce you to my man."

With that, she led them deeper into the estate. The halls were bathed in warm golden light, the polished wooden floors reflecting the glow of lanterns as they walked in silence.

Finally, they entered a spacious chamber where Riley awaited them. He stood near a table, his posture relaxed yet confident, his piercing gaze meeting theirs without hesitation.

The moment they saw him, the four remaining Lotus Guards fell into complete silence.

Their eyes, trained to observe every minute detail, flickered across his figure—his stance, his presence, the subtle yet undeniable shift in his demeanor since the last time they had seen him.

They were not just looking at him. They were dissecting him.

Riley, to his credit, remained composed under their scrutiny. He offered a polite nod, but he could feel the weight of their unspoken judgment pressing down on him.

It was clear they were evaluating him—not just as their master's chosen partner, but as a man who would stand beside her.

Sebastian's expression was neutral, but his gaze was calculating, as if weighing Riley's worth. Kardel, the tallest of the four, crossed his arms, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly.

Olivia, with her ever-present air of quiet wisdom, studied him with an unreadable look, while Mira—youngest among them—seemed almost reluctant, her lips pressing into a thin line.

It was obvious.

Much had changed since they first met Riley. And now, whether they approved or not remained to be seen.

"Is this really Elder Riley Mason? Rumor has it he's already in the Void Tribulation Realm."

"But that's impossible! He was only in the Golden Core Realm when we first met him."

"Are you blind? The spiritual signature he's releasing is still only at the Golden Core Realm, even now."

"He's clearly concealing his true cultivation base. He must think we're fools. This is probably how he won over Master in the first place—he tricked her too."

The four guards stood rigid, their expressions unreadable as they conversed through their spiritual senses.

Their silent communication was a skill honed through years of training, an invaluable technique for warriors who operated in secrecy.

With just a flicker of thought, entire conversations could unfold, hidden from prying ears.

Or so they believed.

Riley, of course, caught every word. His divine sense was far superior to theirs, allowing him to perceive not just their spoken thoughts, but the subtle shifts in their emotions—Sebastian's calculating scrutiny, Kardel's simmering distrust, Olivia's quiet contemplation, and Mira's growing unease.

He could have exposed them, could have crushed their doubts with a mere display of his true power. But what fun would that be?

Instead, he chose a different approach.

With a practiced ease, Riley stepped forward, his presence neither overbearing nor meek. His lips curled into a warm, welcoming smile, his demeanor radiating confidence without arrogance.

"Welcome, friends," he said, his voice smooth, composed. "Please, make yourselves at home in my humble abode."

The air in the room seemed to shift.

The four guards stiffened slightly. His words were polite, his expression friendly—but there was something beneath the surface.

A quiet certainty, an unshakable confidence that made their suspicions waver, if only slightly.

Sebastian's eyes narrowed, scanning Riley as if

"Is this… what I think it is?" Riley asked, his voice slightly unsteady, though not from fear—far from it.