CHAPTER 164: CHAPTER 164: HELP

Axel watched her pack her things, his gaze deep and searching.

As she walked out, he murmured under his breath:

"Where have I seen her before...?"

An inexplicable feeling rose in his heart... it was as if he had seen Lana somewhere before.

Lana returned to her mansion, the scent of polished wood and warm lamplight greeting her. She sat on the sofa, waiting for Axel to deliver the talisman.

He hadn’t promised a time, but she knew he would send it as soon as he found one.

Sure enough, evening arrived, and with it, a package at her door.

The small box was wrapped neatly, and the moment she opened it, she found a shape-maintaining talisman inside. It shimmered faintly with stabilizing energy.

Mr. Crow fluttered beside her.

"These talismans are usually given to ghosts to maintain their human form. Are you sure it’ll hold against Lucian’s cultivation and maintain your appearance?"

Lana bit her lip.

"I’ll stall for as long as I can. But consuming the herbs directly... I need this, no matter the risk."

"I just don’t understand why you are suddenly insisting on it," Mr. Crow murmured in worry. He had tried to talk Lana out of it, but she hadn’t budged an inch!

Night descended softly, shadows dancing on the walls.

When Lucian finally returned, the door opened with a soft click. His footsteps echoed across the marble floor. He was removing his gloves when he saw her sitting alone on the sofa, waiting.

He froze mid-step.

A memory flashed in his mind... the report he had read hours ago in his company. About how Lana had gone on a little date with Naina and even gave her a birthday gift.

He forced a calm smile and approached her.

"Miss Lana," he greeted softly, "were you waiting for me?"

Lana looked up as if struck by lightning.

Her breath stopped. Her heart lurched.

For a split second, she looked like someone who was looking at the 8th wonder of the world.

Lucian stood before her, looking charmingly effortless as he always does.

He wore a flawlessly tailored beige three-piece suit, the fabric smooth and subtly shimmering under the warm chandelier light.

A crisp white shirt hugged his frame, the champagne-colored tie knotted neatly at his throat, peeking out beneath a beige vest that fit him perfectly.

His coat draped over his shoulders like a mantle of nobility.

From the lapel of his coat, a delicate golden chain hung, extending toward his pocket. It glinted faintly, giving him a quietly luxurious aura.

With his calm posture and strikingly handsome face, he looked like a refined crown prince from an elite empire... elegant, distant, impossibly composed.

Lana stared far longer than she intended.

’This man is pure eye candy... anyone would fall for this kind of walking sculpture. Why is he built like this? Does the universe not care about fairness at all? ’

Mr. Crow clicked his beak dramatically, acting like she was about to throw herself at him.

Lana forced herself to look away, her expression transforming into elegant indifference... as if she hadn’t been blatantly admiring him seconds earlier.

Lucian caught everything.

He hid his amusement behind a polite smile as he took a seat across from her, crossing one leg over the other.

Lana straightened her posture. "I’m here because I need your help."

Lucian gestured gently. "Please continue."

She inhaled, steadying her voice.

"I plan to consume the breakthrough herbs directly... the entire set. When the process begins, I will become extremely weak... completely unguarded. I need you to protect me during that time. It might take two to three days. In exchange, I’ll owe you a favor. Whenever you need me, I’ll help you."

While speaking, she kept her tone exceptionally professional. As for offering her body to repay? Lana never considered it because first, Lucian will disdain it, and second... even if she wants Lucian to do anything to her... It will be only because of love and not lust.

Lucian froze.

Not visibly... But internally, something inside him sparked violently.

Her words meant everything in the cultivation world. A mystic cultivator’s favor was treasured, fought for, and lusted after. People would trade wealth, land, and influence just to secure it.

And she was offering it... to him.

’She chose me...? She trusts me this much? Not Naina. Not anyone else. Me.’

Though the expression on his face remained calm and the same, his stance had softened a lot.

He nodded, his voice calm... too calm for what he felt. "I accept."

Lana blinked in surprise.

He didn’t negotiate. He didn’t ask for conditions. He didn’t even pretend to weigh the benefits.

Lucian, the man known for being calculating and cautious, agreed instantly.

It felt unreal.

She studied him suspiciously. "You didn’t even bargain..."

Lucian only smiled slightly, unable to hide the soft warmth in his eyes. "There was no need."

Her heartbeat stumbled.

’One day I will tie him to the bed and do him...’ Before Lana could continue, though, Mr. Crow yelled, ’Don’t! Don’t think about indecent thoughts! ’

’Eh? Okay. I will pamper him in bed till he calls me mommy.’

Mr. Crow: (0_o?)

She shook her head quickly, pushing aside the strange flutter.

"In that case, I’ll begin the process immediately. The next two days are free... perfect for breaking through to true Yellow Rank."

Lucian nodded, rising to lead her.

They arrived in a massive, unused hall... large enough to hold a banquet. The polished marble floor reflected the soft yellow lights above. A faint scent of lavender cleaner lingered in the air.

Lana had barely explored this mansion; it was too grand, too overwhelming.

There was a lavish main kitchen, a small kitchen, 20 rooms, multiple living spaces, an enormous dining hall, an indoor gym, a private garden, and countless rooms she had never stepped into.

The world of the rich is terrifying... they live like emperors.

Lucian guided her to the center of the hall. "Wait here."

He called Hector.