News spread through Eldoria like wildfire. Conrad Thornton had emerged from seclusion, not merely as the patriarch of the city''s most powerful family, but as a Grandmaster—a level of power that few in the country could im.


    I watched from the shadows as nobles and merchants alike scrambled to send gifts and congrattions to the Thornton estate. The rainbow that had stretched across the sky yesterday had faded, but the tension in the air remained palpable. People spoke in hushed tones, ncing nervously over their shoulders as if the mere mention of Conrad Thornton might summon his wrath.


    "They''re like mice scurrying before a hawk," Uncle Armando remarked beside me, his usually jovial face uncharacteristically serious. "Three years ago, some of these same people wereughing behind Conrad''s back. Now look at them."


    "Power changes everything," I replied, watching a particrly wealthy merchant directing his servants to carry an enormous gift toward the Thorntonpound. "Especially in Eldoria."


    As Conrad Thornton''s right-hand man, I had been summoned immediately after his emergence. What I had seen in his eyes had chilled me to the bone. The man I had served for decades had always been calcting and sometimes cruel, but never had I seen such cold, imcable hatred.


    Amotion at the entrance of the Thorntonpound drew my attention. The gates swung open, and Conrad himself strode out, his presence causing pedestrians to press themselves against walls or hurry across the street. With his breakthrough, his aura had transformedpletely. Each step he took seemed to resonate with power, the very air shimmering around him.


    "It begins," Uncle Armando murmured.


    Conrad Thornton raised his hand, and a wave of energy pulsed outward across the city. His voice, amplified by some technique unknown to me, thundered across Eldoria.


    "Citizens of Eldoria, I, Conrad Thornton, have returned and ascended to the Grandmaster Realm."


    Windows opened throughout the city as people leaned out to listen. Some of the more powerful cultivators actually took to their rooftops, showing deference by standing to receive the Grandmaster''s announcement.


    "I grant a general amnesty to all who have opposed the Thornton family in my absence," Conrad continued, his voice echoing between buildings. "Past grievances are forgiven... with one exception."


    I felt a chill run down my spine.


    "Liam Knight and all who aided him in the crippling of my son shall know no mercy. Their crimes will be answered with blood."


    The silence that followed was absolute. Even the birds seemed to have stopped singing.


    "Let this serve as both warning and promise," Conrad''s voice resonated with terrible purpose. "Those who harbor Knight or his allies will share their fate. Those who bring me information leading to his capture will be rewarded beyond measure."


    With that, he turned and walked back into thepound, the gates mming shut behind him.


    "Uncle," I said quietly, "I think our position just became considerably more dangerous."


    Uncle Armando nodded grimly. "Come. We have preparations to make." <em ss="in-imprint-a">Spot an error? Visit the original post on M&VLEMPY&R.</em>


    ---


    The Northwood estate was in turmoil when Conrad Thornton arrived unannounced. Servants scattered like leaves in the wind, and guards froze in ce, knowing better than to impede a Grandmaster.


    "Where is Ss Northwood?" Conrad demanded of a trembling steward.


    "M-master Northwood is in the eastern pavilion with young master Alistair," the man stammered.


    Without waiting for directions, Conrad strode through the estate grounds. Ss Northwood, once one of the most respected elders in Eldoria, hadmitted the grave error of aligning with Liam Knight''s faction during Conrad''s absence.


    Conrad found him sharing tea with his son in a beautifully appointed pavilion overlooking a koi pond. Both men rose hastily at his approach, their faces draining of color.


    "Grandmaster Thornton," Ss managed to say, offering a deep bow. "This is an unexpected honor."


    "Is it?" Conrad''s voice was soft, almost conversational. "I would think my visit entirely predictable, given your recent... political choices."


    Alistair Northwood, barely in his twenties and having inherited his father''s arrogance but not his wisdom, stepped forward. "Grandmaster, our family merely sought stability during uncertain times. We meant no disrespect to—"


    Conrad moved with blinding speed. One moment he stood at the pavilion entrance; the next, his hand mped around Alistair''s throat, lifting the young man off the ground.


    "Your family provided financial backing to Liam Knight," Conrad said, still in that terrifyingly calm voice. "You attended functions where my family was openly mocked. And now you speak to me of respect?"


    "Please," Ss begged, falling to his knees. "My son is young and thoughtless. If there is to be punishment, let it fall on me alone."


    Conrad''s gaze shifted to the elder Northwood. "Oh, you will be punished as well, Ss. But first, your son will tell me everything he knows about Liam Knight."


    Alistair wed desperately at Conrad''s grip. "I don''t... know anything... important," he gasped.


    "That''s unfortunate for you." Conrad''s free hand suddenly glowed with a sickly green energy. "Because I believe pain is an excellent motivator for memory."


    The sound of Alistair''s screams echoed throughout the Northwood estate for hours.


    ---


    I prepared the thirty-first Marrow Generating Pill with careful precision, monitoring the medicinal reaction in the jade cauldron before me. The workshop inside Kathleen Harding''s residence had been arranged perfectly for my needs, allowing me to focus entirely on the delicate process of pill refinement.


    "That''s thest one?" Kathleen asked from where she sat nearby, her expression hopeful.


    I nodded, not taking my eyes off the cauldron. "Your father should make aplete recovery with these. The damage to his bone marrow was severe, but not irreversible."


    "You have no idea what this means to me," she said softly.


    I allowed myself a small smile. "I think I do. Family is everything."


    As the pill formationpleted, I carefully extracted the glowing medicinal sphere and inspected it before adding it to the jade bottle with the others. Thirty-one pills in total, each one representing hours of painstaking work. But worth every moment.


    "I''ll take them to him immediately," Kathleen said, epting the bottle reverently.


    "Remember my instructions," I cautioned. "One pill every twelve hours, dissolved in warm spring water. No alcohol, no spicy foods, and minimum physical exertion for at least a month."


    "I''ll make sure he follows every detail." She hesitated, then asked, "Are you sure you won''t meet him? He wants to thank you personally."


    I shook my head. "The less people who know of my involvement, the better. For everyone''s safety."


    Little did I know how prophetic those words would prove to be.


    ---


    Leopold Shepherd cursed his misfortune as he was dragged into the Thornton family''s main hall. His clothes were torn and bloodied from the "apprehension" by Thornton guards who had found him attempting to leave the city.


    Conrad Thornton sat on an ornate chair that resembled a throne, his eyes cold as he regarded the captured merchant.


    "Leopold Shepherd," Conrad said, his voice carrying effortlessly across the vast chamber. "You''ve been quite busy in my absence, haven''t you?"


    Leopold tried to maintain his dignity despite his circumstances. "I''ve merely been conducting my business affairs as always, Grandmaster."


    "Your ''business affairs'' included supplying rare materials to Liam Knight," Conrad replied. "Materials that were subsequently used in medicines that enhanced his abilities prior to his attack on my son."


    "I sell to many clients," Leopold protested. "I can''t be held responsible for how they use—"


    "You will tell me everything," Conrad cut him off. "Where Knight obtained his techniques. Who taught him medicine. Who his backers are beyond the Ashworths. And most importantly, where he is now."


    Leopold swallowed hard. "I truly don''t know where he is. Thest I heard, he had left the country entirely."


    Conrad''s eyes narrowed dangerously. "Left the country? An interesting im."


    "It''s what everyone says," Leopold insisted. "After the incident with your son, he supposedly fled abroad to escape repercussions."


    Conrad rose from his seat and approached Leopold slowly. "And if I believe you''re lying to me?"


    "I swear on my family name—"


    "Your family name will be erased from history if you deceive me," Conrad said softly. "Now, tell me about his supporters in Havenwood City."


    Leopold''s face paled. "How did you know about—"


    "I know far more than you think," Conrad interrupted. "But I want to hear it from you."


    For the next hour, Leopold spilled everything he knew about Liam Knight''s connections, allies, and business interests. By the time he finished, he was drenched in sweat, his voice hoarse from talking.


    Conrad nodded thoughtfully. "This confirms what my other sources have told me. Knight has indeed cultivated a significantwork of support."


    "Then... you''ll let me go?" Leopold asked hopefully.


    Conrad''s smile was terrible to behold. "Oh, I''m afraid not. You see, I promised retribution against all who aided Liam Knight. And I always keep my promises."


    Leopold barely had time to scream before Conrad''s hand descended toward him.


    ---


    Later that evening, Conrad Thornton stood in his private study, staring at a map of the country. Red marks indicated confirmed locations where Liam Knight had been sighted or had established connections.


    Uncle Armando entered after a respectful knock. "The notifications have been sent to all major families in Eldoria. None will dare assist Knight now."


    "And our search?"


    "We''ve found no trace of him in the city or surrounding areas," Uncle Armando reported. "The information about him leaving the country appears credible. Multiple sources confirm it independently."


    Conrad''s fist smashed down on the desk, cracking the solid wood. "He escapes justice while my son lies broken! This is uneptable."


    "We will find him, Grandmaster," Uncle Armando assured him. "It''s only a matter of time."


    Conrad was silent for a long moment, his eyes fixed on the map. Then, with deliberate slowness, he ced his finger on a city marker. "Havenwood City. That''s where his story began, isn''t it?"


    "Yes. Before he came to Veridia and then here to Eldoria."


    "And he still has connections there. Friends, former family..." Conrad''s voice had taken on a calcting tone. "People he cares about."


    Uncle Armando remained silent, recognizing the dangerous path his master''s thoughts were taking.


    "If we cannot reach Knight directly," Conrad continued, "then we''ll draw him out of hiding."


    "How do you propose to do that?"


    Conrad''s eyes gleamed with cruel purpose. "Follow me to Havenwood City. As long as he avoids appearing, I''ll kill one person every day. Let''s see how long he can hide!"