My grip tightened around my phone as Dashiell''s venomous words slithered through the speaker.


    "I''m going to make her scream my name on our wedding night," he drawled. "And when I''m done teaching her body what a real man feels like, I''ll send you the recording."


    Something dark and primal surged within me. My vision blurred with rage.


    "You''ll never touch her," I growled.


    Dashiell''sughter crackled through the phone. "The ceremony is in three weeks. What exactly do you n to do about it, Knight? Challenge me to a duel with your pathetic cultivation level?"


    I said nothing, which only encouraged him.


    "Maybe I''ll keep you alive just long enough to attend the wedding. Front row seat for Havenwood''s greatest loser."


    The call ended with his mockingughter ringing in my ears.


    I mmed my fist against the wall, cracking the solid stone. Pain shot through my knuckles, but I weed it—anything to distract from the helpless fury consuming me.


    "He''s trying to provoke you," Mariana said softly behind me. "Don''t let him seed."


    "Three weeks," I muttered. "I don''t have enough time."


    I turned to face her, desperation wing at my chest. "I need power. Now. Not in months or years."


    Mariana studied me with calcting eyes. "There may be a way, but the risk—"


    "I don''t care about the risk," I cut her off. "Whatever it is, I''ll do it."


    She frowned. "Let''s discuss this tomorrow when you''re thinking clearly."


    "I am thinking clearly," I insisted. "Every second wasted is another second Isabelle remains in danger."


    She sighed, recognizing the determination in my eyes. "Very well. Meet me at dawn tomorrow. We have preparations to make."


    ---


    Content first released on *.


    The bank card felt heavy in my hand as I sat across from Michael Ashworth in a quiet teahouse the next morning. His weathered face showed surprise when I pushed it across the table toward him.


    "What''s this?" he asked.


    "The card Isabelle gave me," I exined. "Ten million yuan."


    His bushy eyebrows rose. "You''re returning it? After everything my family has done to you?"


    I shook my head. "Not returning. Investing."


    Interest flickered in his eyes. "Investing in what exactly?"


    "In you," I said simply. "And in your connections."


    Michael leaned forward. "Exin."


    "You were once a respected businessman before Corbin pushed you aside," I said. "You still have contacts, knowledge, and experience."


    I tapped the card. "Use this as startup capital. Build something new. Create a business empire that can challenge both the Ashworths and the ckthornes on their own turf."


    Michael''s eyes widened slightly. "That''s... ambitious."


    "It''s necessary," I countered. "I can fight with martial prowess, but this war needs to be fought on multiple fronts."


    He studied me carefully. "And what do you get from this arrangement?"


    "An ally with business acumen and connections I don''t have," I replied honestly. "Someone who loves Isabelle as much as I do and wants to free her from Corbin''s control."


    Michael''s gaze dropped to the card, then back to my face. "This isn''t just about saving my granddaughter, is it? You''re nning something bigger."


    I smiled thinly. "One battle at a time, Michael."


    After a thoughtful pause, he picked up the card. "I ept your proposal. But know this—I won''t be your puppet."


    "I don''t need a puppet," I said, rising from my seat. "I need a partner."


    As I turned to leave, he called after me. "Knight."


    I paused.


    "What are you nning to do now? You don''t strike me as a man who waits patiently."


    I nced over my shoulder. "I''m going to acquire power that Dashiell ckthorne can''t evenprehend."


    ---


    Dawn light filtered through the windows of the Celestial Apothecary Guild as I waited for Mariana. My mind was clear, my resolve absolute.


    Sofia Carrera entered the room, her normally cheerful demeanor reced with obvious concern.


    "Young Master Liam," she said, hands fidgeting nervously. "Is it true? Are you really going to attempt the Meridian Cirction Mind Skill?"


    I nodded. "The Pavilion Master agreed to take me to its location today."


    Sofia''s face paled. "That technique... it''s not worth the risk."


    "What risk?" I asked, though I already suspected the answer.


    "Death," came Eamon Greene''s voice from the doorway. The elderly alchemist entered, leaning heavily on his cane. "Or worse."


    "Worse?" I asked.


    "Dispersal of consciousness," Sofia exined, her voice trembling slightly. "Your mind shattered into fragments across the void, never to reform."


    Eamon nodded grimly. "Thest person to attempt it was a Grandmaster alchemist two centuries ago. Witnesses said he simply... dispersed into nothingness. Not even a corpse remained."


    Sofia stepped closer, her eyes pleading. "Even a Marquis once tried and perished. What chance would you have?"


    "Whatever chance I make for myself," I replied calmly.


    More alchemists began filtering into the room, each bearing the same concerned expression.


    "Is it true?" a young woman asked.


    "He''s really going to attempt it," another whispered.


    The door swung open, and Mariana entered with the Fifth Elder close behind.


    "Pavilion Master," the Fifth Elder spoke urgently. "I must object to this course of action. Young Master Liam''s talent is extraordinary, but the Meridian Cirction Mind Skill—"


    "Has risks I''ve made him fully aware of," Mariana finished firmly.


    The Fifth Elder persisted. "Even with his exceptional Chaotic Body and remarkable progress, the odds of survival are minimal at best."


    "I understand the risks," I interjected. "But I don''t have the luxury of time."


    "Time for what?" Sofia asked. "What could possibly be worth such a gamble?"


    I thought of Isabelle in Dashiell''s clutches, of his vile threats, of her suffering at Corbin''s hands.


    "Someone I love is in danger," I said simply. "Every day I dy puts her at greater risk."


    A heavy silence fell over the room.


    The Fifth Elder sighed deeply. "There must be another way."


    "If you know one, I''m listening," I replied.


    When no alternatives were offered, I turned to Mariana. "Are we ready?"


    She nodded. "The preparations areplete."


    The Fifth Elder stepped forward suddenly. "Pavilion Master, if he''s determined to attempt this, then I request permission to apany you both."


    Other alchemists quickly chimed in.


    "I''d like toe as well," Sofia said firmly.


    "And I," added Eamon.


    Soon, a chorus of voices filled the room—dozens of alchemists requesting to witness what might be my final moments.


    "This isn''t a spectacle," Mariana said sternly.


    "No," the Fifth Elder agreed. "But if he seeds... it would be historic. And if he fails—" his voice softened, "—someone should bear witness to his courage."


    I met Mariana''s questioning gaze and nodded my consent.


    She looked around at the gathered alchemists, then back at me. "Very well. Those who wish toe may do so."


    As the crowd buzzed with nervous energy, Mariana pulled me aside.


    "Last chance to reconsider," she whispered. "Once we begin, there''s no turning back."


    I thought of Dashiell''s threats, of Isabelle''s suffering, of the three weeks remaining before she would be forced to marry a man she despised.


    "I''m ready," I replied, my voice steady with resolve.


    For Isabelle, I would risk everything.