the adepti await

The boat ride up the river toward Mt. Aocang was surprisingly peaceful.

Ganyu sat elegantly between them, reviewing documents. Rosaria lounged against Aether’s side, occasionally stealing lazy kisses. The only real disruption was Ganyu politely asking if Aether wanted to use her mouth midway through the journey, which he gladly accepted while Rosaria watched with a smirk.

Other than that… mostly uneventful.

They arrived at a quiet, scenic riverside at the foot of the mountain. The water was crystal clear, surrounded by lush greenery and towering peaks.

And right there, standing in the shallow part of the river, was Shenhe.

Completely naked.

[](https://im.ge/i/QMR2AfK)
(artist: mrservus)

The tall, beautiful disciple of Cloud Retainer wore nothing but her signature red restraining ropes — wrapped around her body in intricate, almost bondage-like patterns that framed her large breasts, cinched around her waist, and ran between her thighs. The ropes were slightly wet and clung to her pale skin as she calmly washed herself, water cascading down her toned, curvaceous figure.

Her long silver hair clung to her back and shoulders. She showed no shame whatsoever as she turned toward the boat, red eyes calm and detached.

“You have arrived,” she said simply, voice cool and even. “Master sent me to receive you.”

She stepped out of the river without bothering to cover herself. The red ropes shifted with her movement, accentuating her breasts and the smooth mound between her legs. Water dripped from her body as she approached them directly.

Ganyu bowed politely. “Shenhe. It has been a while.”

Rosaria let out a low whistle, clearly appreciating the view. “Well. That’s one way to greet guests.”

Shenhe tilted her head slightly, looking at Aether with those piercing, almost emotionless eyes.

“Master Cloud Retainer wishes to test your character before granting an audience. I have been instructed to… accompany you until she decides.”

She said it so matter-of-factly, standing there completely nude except for the red ropes that looked more like erotic bondage than anything else.

Her body was stunning — tall, strong, yet softly feminine, with full breasts and wide hips. The ropes dug into her skin in a way that made her look like a beautifully wrapped gift.

Shenhe looked at Aether directly.

“Do you require use of my body before we begin the ascent? Master said I should offer if it would put you in a favorable mood.”

She asked it with the same tone someone might use to offer tea.

Ganyu blushed faintly but said nothing. Rosaria smirked, clearly entertained by the stoic, rope-bound beauty standing naked in front of them.

Shenhe waited patiently for his answer, water still glistening on her skin, red ropes glistening, looking every bit like the isolated, powerful, and strangely innocent adepti disciple she was.

Aether’s eyes traced Shenhe’s stunning, rope-bound body as she stood there completely naked in front of them.

Rosaria and Ganyu both clearly expected him to pounce immediately. Rosaria had a smirk ready. Ganyu was already politely looking away, cheeks slightly pink.

But Aether didn’t move.

Something deep in his instincts screamed at him.

It wasn’t the same feeling he had with Rosaria — that thrilling “worthy opponent” warning. This was different. Stronger. Sharper.

Monster.

His cock was hard, yes. His body wanted her. But every survival instinct he had was blaring red alarms in the back of his mind.

He forced a calm smile.

“Let’s save it for when we reach the house,” he said smoothly. “It’s been a long boat ride. I’d rather be somewhere more comfortable.”

Shenhe tilted her head slightly, red eyes studying him with quiet curiosity. She didn’t seem offended in the slightest.

“Understood.”

She bent down, picked up her neatly folded clothes, and started walking up the long, winding stone stairway carved into the cliffside — completely nude except for the red ropes, her clothes held casually in one hand.

Her ass — full, firm, and perfectly shaped — bounced with every step as she led the way. The red ropes framed it beautifully, digging into her soft flesh. Water still glistened on her skin from the river.

The climb was long. Very long.

For nearly an hour, they followed her up the endless stairs. Shenhe’s bare ass and long legs were constantly on display right in front of them, swaying hypnotically with each step. She never once tried to cover herself.

Rosaria leaned toward Aether at one point and muttered under her breath, “You’re sweating. What’s wrong?”

Aether wiped his forehead, trying to play it cool.

“…Just instincts. She’s dangerous.”

Ganyu, walking beside them, spoke softly, “Shenhe is very strong. Even among adepti, she is… unique. Master Cloud Retainer keeps her restrained for a reason.”

Shenhe continued leading them without comment, her appetizing body on full display the entire climb. She occasionally glanced back at them with those calm, piercing eyes, completely unbothered by her nudity or the way her breasts and ass moved as she climbed.

Aether’s instincts kept screaming at him the whole way up.

This woman wasn’t just powerful.

She was something else entirely.

They finally reached the top of the stairs, where Cloud Retainer’s abode awaited.

Shenhe turned to face them, still completely naked, red ropes glistening with a light sheen of sweat from the long climb.

“We have arrived.”

She looked at Aether directly.

“Will you require my body now?”

The tension was thick.

Aether was still sweating bullets, instincts on high alert.