Dark energy surged through my body like liquid fire. My meridians expanded painfully as they amodated the tremendous power flowing through the founder''s mark. Three days had passed since my encounter with the ancient spirit, and I hadn''t wasted a single moment.


    "More," I whispered to myself, drawing deeper from the wellspring of dark energy.


    The mark on my divine sense pulsed angrily, as if the founder suspected my true intentions. But it was toote. The connection was established, and I was draining his power like a leech.


    My body trembled as another wave of cultivation breakthrough washed over me. The Foundation Establishment Stage fifthyer—reached in just three days. The speed of my advancement was unprecedented, even for those with extraordinary talent.


    I opened my eyes, ending my meditation. Sweat drenched my robes, and my breathing came in ragged gasps. Yet beneath the exhaustion burned an intoxicating sense of power.


    "This is... incredible," I murmured, flexing my fingers and watching dark energy dance between them.


    Eamon entered my chamber with a respectful knock. "Young Master, you''ve been cultivating for seventy-two hours straight. You should rest."


    I shook my head. "No time for rest. Every moment counts."


    "Your progress is remarkable," Eamon said, cing a tray of food beside me. "But even the strongest cultivators require bnce. Pushing too hard could damage your foundation."


    I knew he was right, but the allure of power was difficult to resist. Eachyer of cultivation I gained brought me closer to my goal—closer to protecting Isabelle and destroying my enemies.


    "Just a short break then," I conceded, reaching for the steaming bowl of medicinal soup.


    As I ate, I contemted my next steps. The founder''s mark remained a double-edged sword. It provided ess to immense power but also maintained a connection I would eventually need to sever.


    "Has there been any word from the Thornton Family?" I asked.


    Eamon''s expression darkened. "Nothing since yesterday. Uncle Shane was supposed to deliver their monthly report this morning, but hasn''t arrived."


    A flicker of unease passed through me. The Thornton Family had pledged their loyalty after I''d saved them from destruction. Conrad Thornton wasn''t the type to neglect his obligations.


    "Something''s wrong," I said, standing abruptly. "We should—"


    A sharp painnced through my head, cutting off my words. The founder''s mark red with dark energy, as if responding to some distant stimulus.


    "Young Master!" Eamon rushed forward as I staggered.


    I raised a hand, keeping him at bay while I regained control. "I''m fine. Just the mark acting up."


    But it wasn''t fine. Something was happening—something connected to the dark energy I was manipting.


    "Prepare my transportation talisman," I ordered. "I need to visit the Thornton Familypound immediately."


    ---


    Conrad Thornton stood in his study, face lined with tension as he stared out at the courtyard below. Once, the sight of his family''s ancestral home had filled him with pride. Now, it only reminded him of how far they had fallen.


    "Father."


    Conrad turned to see his son, Miles, entering the room with hesitant steps. The young man''s face was drawn, his normally confident posture diminished.


    "What is it now?" Conrad asked wearily.


    "The elders are asking about our next move," Miles said. "Since our... alliance with Liam Knight, our standing in Eldoria has suffered. Several business partners have withdrawn their support." <kbd ss="in-imprint-a">Spot an error? Visit the original post on M&VLEMPY&R.</kbd>


    Conrad''s jaw tightened. "And whose fault is that? If you hadn''t been so reckless, challenging Knight without understanding his true strength, we wouldn''t be in this position."


    Miles flinched at the rebuke. "I thought—"


    "You didn''t think," Conrad snapped. "You acted on pride and arrogance, and now our entire family pays the price."


    The silence between them stretched ufortable seconds before Conrad sighed heavily.


    "What''s done is done. We made our choice to support Knight, and we will honor thatmitment."


    "Even if it means our ruin?" Miles asked quietly.


    Conrad fixed his son with a hard stare. "A Thornton''s word is his bond. Remember that if you ever hope to lead this family."


    Their conversation was interrupted by a servant''s urgent knock.


    "Master Thornton," the servant called through the door. "A visitor demands an audience. He... he wouldn''t take no for an answer."


    Conrad frowned. "Who is it?"


    The door swung open before the servant could respond. A tall figure strode in, his presence immediately dominating the room. He wore dark robes with subtle earth-toned embroidery—simple yet exuding authority. His face was angr, with sharp features and eyes that seemed to prate like physical weapons.


    "Adrian Bauer," the man introduced himself with a cold smile. "Representing Earth Fiend Valley."


    Conrad''s blood ran cold. Earth Fiend Valley—one of the most feared cultivation sects in the entire region, known for their ruthless methods and forbidden techniques.


    "What business does Earth Fiend Valley have with the Thornton Family?" Conrad asked, keeping his voice steady despite his internal rm.


    Adrian Bauer circled the study slowly, examining artifacts and paintings as if assessing their value.


    "I''vee with a proposition," he said casually. "One that could restore your family to its former glory—and beyond."


    Miles stepped forward eagerly, but Conrad raised a hand to silence him.


    "We''re not interested in any propositions," Conrad stated firmly.


    Adrian''s smile didn''t waver. "You haven''t heard what I''m offering."


    "I don''t need to," Conrad replied. "Earth Fiend Valley''s reputation precedes it. Whatever you''re offeringes with a price too steep for any honorable family to pay."


    Adrian''s eyes narrowed slightly. With a flick of his wrist, he sent a wave of spiritual energy across the room. Books flew from shelves, furniture creaked, and the very air seemed topress.


    Miles gasped, dropping to one knee under the pressure. Even Conrad found himself struggling to remain upright.


    "Honor," Adrian said, his voice dangerously soft, "is a luxury for the powerful. Right now, you are not powerful, Conrad Thornton."


    He released the pressure, allowing both men to breathe normally again.


    "Here''s my proposition," Adrian continued. "Earth Fiend Valley seeks to establish a stronger presence in Eldoria. We require local allies—families with deep connections and influence."


    "We already have an alliance," Conrad stated, his resolve hardening. "With Liam Knight."


    Adrian''sugh was sharp and unpleasant. "Ah yes, the upstart alchemist who''s been causing such a stir. That''s precisely why I''m here."


    He leaned closer to Conrad. "Help us eliminate Knight, and Earth Fiend Valley will ensure the Thornton Family rises to be the preeminent power in this province. Refuse, and..."


    He left the threat unspoken, but his meaning was clear.


    Conrad drew himself up to his full height. "The Thornton Family honors itsmitments, Mr. Bauer. Liam Knight has my loyalty."


    Adrian''s expression darkened. "Loyalty? To a man who humiliated your son and forced your submission? I expected better judgment from the head of such an esteemed family."


    "That man saved my son''s life when he could have taken it," Conrad replied firmly. "He showed mercy when others would have shown none. That earns my respect."


    Adrian studied Conrad for a long moment, his eyes calcting.


    "I see," he said finally. "A pity. I had hoped we could resolve this amicably."


    He turned to leave, then paused at the door. "Consider my offer carefully, Conrad Thornton. Earth Fiend Valley doesn''t extend second chances."


    After Adrian departed, Miles turned to his father. "Father, perhaps we should—"


    "Not another word," Conrad cut him off sharply. "We will not betray Knight."


    He strode to his desk and penned a quick note. "Find Uncle Shane. Tell him to deliver this message to Liam Knight immediately. He must be warned about Earth Fiend Valley''s interest in him."


    Miles hesitated. "What if Bauer returns?"


    Conrad''s expression was grim. "Then we stand our ground. A Thornton doesn''t bow to threats—not even from Earth Fiend Valley."


    ---


    Uncle Shane hurried through the Thorntonpound, Conrad''s urgent message tucked securely inside his robe. His old legs protested the pace, but the gravity of the situation demanded haste.


    Liam Knight needed to be warned. Earth Fiend Valley wasn''t an ordinary adversary—they were notorious for their cruel, underhanded tactics and forbidden cultivation methods.


    He reached thepound gates and nodded to the guards. "Open up. I have an urgent errand from Master Thornton."


    The gates swung open, and Uncle Shane stepped outside. He''d barely taken three steps when a figure materialized before him, blocking his path.


    "Where are you going?" Adrian Bauer asked, his voice deceptively pleasant.


    Uncle Shane''s heart hammered in his chest. He''d served the Thornton Family for forty years and faced many dangers, but something about this man chilled him to the core.


    "Family business," Shane replied, trying to keep his voice steady. "Nothing that concerns you, sir."


    Adrian''s smile never reached his eyes. "Oh, but I think it does concern me. Especially if you''re carrying a message for Liam Knight."


    Uncle Shane took an instinctive step backward. "I don''t know what you''re talking about."


    "No?" Adrian''s hand shot out, faster than the eye could track.


    Before Uncle Shane could react, Adrian''s fingers were wrapped around his throat, lifting him clear off the ground.


    "Let''s try this again," Adrian said calmly, as if discussing the weather while choking a man. "Where were you going?"