"Some journeys begin with a farewell," Mariana said, motioning for me to enter her chamber fully.


    I stepped inside, noticing how the morning light caught the steam rising from her teacup. The scent of rare herbs filled the air—different from yesterday''s blend but equally potent.


    "I''m ready," I said, standing tall before her.


    Mariana''s lips curved into a slight smile. "Are you? I wonder." She gestured to the cushion across from her. "Sit. We haven''t much time."


    I lowered myself onto the cushion, my muscles tense with anticipation.


    "Michael Ashworth was more than just an acquaintance of your father''s," she began, her voice uncharacteristically soft. "They saved each other''s lives multiple times. A blood debt that can never truly be repaid."


    "Is there anything I can do for him?" I asked. "My healing abilities—"


    "No," she cut me off firmly. "Some cycles mustplete themselves. Michael has lived longer than most—and his time approaches its natural end."


    I frowned. "Then why send me? Just to witness his passing?"


    "Because what follows will determine Isabelle''s fate—and perhaps yours." Mariana''s eyes shed. "The moment Michael passes, the wolves will descend. Corbin has waited decades for this opportunity."


    The mention of Isabelle''s uncle made my hands clench involuntarily. I''d heard enough about the man to know he embodied everything wrong with Veridia City''s powerful families.


    "Corbin Ashworth ns to take control of the family," I said, piecing together the implications.


    "And Isabelle stands directly in his path." Mariana took a slow sip of her tea. "Your presence alone could alter the course of events."


    I nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I''ll leave immediately."


    As I rose to my feet, Mariana surprised me by extending her hand, revealing a small wooden token carved with the Guild''s symbol.


    "Take this. It officially marks you as Master of our Havenwood Branch."


    My eyes widened. "But I thought as Third Elder—"


    "This is different," she interrupted. "This title carries weight beyond our walls. It announces our official support of you to the outside world."


    I epted the token, feeling its weight in my palm—both physical and symbolic.


    "The Guild stands with you, Liam Knight. Remember that when the shadows of Veridia City close around you."


    Something in her tone made me pause. "You speak as if you don''t expect to see me again."


    Mariana''s expression remained impassive. "All partings hold the possibility of permanence. But something tells me you''ll return—changed, perhaps, but alive."


    I bowed deeply. "Thank you, Pavilion Master."


    As I turned to leave, her voice followed me. "Onest thing, Knight."


    I paused at the doorway.


    "Trust your instincts—especially when they contradict your reason. Your father''s blood runs strong in you. Stronger than even you realize."


    ---


    The flight to Veridia City stretched for hours, giving me ample time to contemte Mariana''s warnings. The sprawling metropolis below emerged from between wispy clouds as we began our descent—a vast, glitteringndscape of towering skyscrapers and ancient temples standing side by side.


    I''d visited before, but now I viewed the city with new eyes. Somewhere in this maze of power and ambition, Isabelle was waiting—unaware of my arrival or the changes in my status.


    As the ne touched down, I steeled myself. The Ashworth family controlled half of Veridia City''s economy. Walking into their territory without invitation was risky. But for Isabelle, I''d face whatever came.


    The terminal bustled with activity. Business travelers rushed past, many disying subtle signs of cultivation that ordinary people wouldn''t notice—the slightly too-perfect posture, the controlled breathing, the awareness that extended beyond normal human senses.


    I kept my own aura subdued, slipping through the crowd with practiced anonymity. Old habits die hard, even for a newly appointed Guild Master.


    "Liam Knight?"


    The feminine voice caught me by surprise. I turned to find a familiar face—Evelyn Norton, the ambitious young business mogul who''d once sought my assistance.


    "Ms. Norton," I acknowledged with a nod. "This is unexpected."


    Her perfectly styled hair and immacte business suit stood in contrast to my simple attire, but her smile seemed genuine.


    "I heard you were arriving today," she said, extending her hand. "Veridia City''s informationwork is quite efficient."


    I shook her hand, inwardly reassessing my approach. If Evelyn knew of my arrival, others might too.


    "You''ve been monitoring my movements?" I kept my tone light, but my meaning was clear.


    Evelynughed softly. "Consider it professional interest. After witnessing your abilities firsthand, I make it a point to stay informed of your whereabouts." <dfn ss="in-imprint-b">For a smoother reading experience, visit MV&LEMPYR.</dfn>


    Before I could respond, a tall man in an expensive suit approached us. His cultivation was evident to my senses—mid-level at best, but well-trained.


    "Evelyn, is this the guest you mentioned?" he asked, his appraising gaze sweeping over me.


    "Yes, Jordan," she replied smoothly. "Allow me to introduce Liam Knight, newly appointed Master of the Celestial Apothecary Guild''s Havenwood Branch."


    Jordan''s eyes widened. "The Guild announced your appointment just this morning! It''s an honor, Master Knight." He bowed slightly—a gesture of respect I was still getting ustomed to.


    "Jordan Lancaster," he continued, straightening. "My family handles various business interests in Veridia City."


    The Lancaster family. I recalled hearing the name—mid-tier but rising, with connections to nearly every major family in the city.


    "A pleasure," I responded diplomatically.


    "May I ask what brings such an esteemed alchemist to our city?" Jordan inquired, his tone carefully bnced between curiosity and respect.


    I considered my response. "Personal matters."


    "Of course," he said smoothly. "But please, allow me to host you for dinner tonight. Veridia City has changed since yourst visit."


    The invitation seemed innocuous enough, but in this city, even dinner invitations carriedyers of meaning.


    "I appreciate the offer," I said, "but my schedule is rather uncertain."


    "I insist," Jordan pressed, his smile never wavering. "Eight o''clock at The Crystal Pavilion? It''s the least I can do to wee a Guild Master to our city."


    Evelynid a hand on my arm. "It would be wise to ept, Liam. Jordan knows everyone worth knowing in Veridia."


    I recognized the subtle politics at y. Refusing could create an unnecessary adversary. epting might provide valuable information.


    "Very well," I conceded. "Eight o''clock."


    Jordan beamed. "Excellent! Now, if you''ll excuse me, I need to make a few calls." He bowed again before departing, already reaching for his phone.


    Once he was out of earshot, I turned to Evelyn. "That was neatly orchestrated."


    She smiled enigmatically. "Information is currency in Veridia City. Your new title has significantly increased your value."


    "And what do you gain from this introduction?" I asked bluntly.


    "An ally," she replied without hesitation. "And perhaps a favor."


    I raised an eyebrow. "Such as?"


    "Let''s discuss it over coffee," she suggested, gesturing toward a nearby café. "Jordan won''t return for at least half an hour."


    The café provided rtive privacy despite the crowds. Evelyn ordered for both of us—strong ck coffee that reminded me of my days at the Sterling household.


    "I''ll be direct," Evelyn said once we were seated. "I need ess to a specific medicinal pill that''s restricted to Guild members."


    "There are channels for external requisitions," I replied cautiously.


    "Which take months of paperwork and scrutiny." She leaned forward. "I need it within the week."


    I studied her face, searching for signs of deception. "What pill?"


    "Eclipse Heart," she answered softly.


    I nearly spilled my coffee. Eclipse Heart was indeed restricted—a powerful pill used to heal severe spiritual damage, but with potentially dangerous side effects if misused.


    "That''s not something I can authorize without knowing its purpose," I said firmly.


    Evelyn''s expression remained calm. "I''m not asking you to break Guild rules. Just to expedite my request through proper channels."


    "For who?" I pressed.


    "A close associate," she replied vaguely. "Someone important to my future ns."


    I leaned back, considering. "Our alliance has been beneficial so far," I acknowledged. "But this request requires transparency."


    Evelyn''s phone buzzed. She checked it briefly before standing. "I need to take this call. Think about my request, Liam. We can discuss details tonight."


    As she walked away, I sighed. Veridia City''s politics were already entangling me, and I hadn''t even reached the Ashworthpound yet.


    Out of habit, I pulled out my phone to check The Warrior''s Scroll—the martial artsmunity''s primary source for news and updates. The top article confirmed Mariana''s announcement:


    "CELESTIAL APOTHECARY GUILD NAMES NEW MASTER FOR HAVENWOOD BRANCH"


    The article detailed my appointment, emphasizing the Guild''s unprecedented speed in elevating me to the position. The implications were clear to anyone familiar with cultivation politics: the Guild was publicly dering its support for me.


    I scrolled further, finding other reactions to the news. Most were positive, though some questioned my experience and background. Typical skepticism from established powers.


    As I reached the end of the article, another headline caught my eye:


    "PYRO''S MARTIAL ARTISTS RANKING BOARD UPDATES"


    My finger hovered over the link, curiosity piqued. I''d heard whispers of this exclusive ranking system—a controversial list that evaluated the strongest martial artists across the nation. To be included meant recognition at the highest levels.


    I tapped the link, my heart rate quickening slightly. Whatever challenges awaited me in Veridia City, understanding where I stood in the wider martial world could prove crucial.


    The page loaded, revealing a detailed list that would forever change my understanding of the powers at y in this dangerous city.