With the entire outer villa completely pacified and guarded by Second Prince Huang Xuan's and the Consorts' own Half-Step Martial Emperor protectors—who faithfully believed they were guarding a sacred three-month cultivation retreat—the Sacred Nine-Dragon Bathhouse became Alaric's private training ground.
During the first two weeks of the seclusion, Imperial Consort De, Yan Ruyu, clung stubbornly to the tatters of her palace dignity, while Virtuous Consort Ning Wan'er alternated between weeping pleas and helpless, trembling terror whenever Alaric approached their cushions.
Alaric showed neither of them an ounce of softness.
He knew that women of their status—seasoned Martial Kings who had spent years navigating the ruthless hierarchy of Emperor Huang Long's Inner Court—respected only absolute, overwhelming dominance. Giving them gentle words or room to breathe would only allow their loyalty to the Emperor to recover.
