Liam''s Perspective


    The early morning air filled my lungs as I stood on the balcony overlooking the training grounds. Three days had passed since my victory over Dudley Lowell. Three days of nning, recruiting, and preparing for the inevitable storm ahead.


    "Sir, the new arrivals are waiting below."


    I turned to see Sofia Carrera, her expression serious but eyes bright with determination. Since joining me, she''d proven herself invaluable—intelligent, loyal, and fiercely efficient.


    "How many this time?" I asked.


    "Seventeen. Mostly Martial Masters, but three Grandmasters from smaller sects."


    I nodded, allowing myself a small smile. "And Evelyn?"


    "Still unconscious, but stable. Eamon hasn''t left her side."


    I followed Sofia down the winding staircase to where Eamon Greene sat beside Evelyn Norton''s bed. His usually cheerful face was drawn with concern.


    "Any change?" I asked.


    Eamon shook his head. "Her meridians were severely damaged. Whatever that bastard Dudley did to her..."


    I ced a hand on his shoulder. "I''ve arranged for specialized medicine. It should arrive by nightfall."


    Eamon''s eyes met mine, gratitude evident even through his exhaustion. "Thank you."


    I knelt beside Evelyn''s still form. Her breathing was shallow, her once vibrant face pale and drawn. Another debt to collect from the Lowell family.


    "Watch over her," I told Eamon. "I''ll return after meeting the new recruits."


    ---


    In the main hall, seventeen faces turned toward me as I entered. Some eager, some cautious, all curious about the man who''d forced Dudley Lowell to flee.


    I didn''t waste time with pleasantries. "You know why you''re here. You''ve heard what I offer. Resources, advancement, protection. But understand this—joining Jade Moon Vi means making powerful enemies."


    A tall woman stepped forward, her cultivation atte-stage Grandmaster. "The established sects have growncent. They hoard knowledge while forcing loyalty through tradition rather than merit."


    "Your name?" I asked.


    "Lin Wei. Former Elder of the Azure Sword Sect."


    I nodded. "And why leave an established position for an uncertain future?"


    Lin Wei''s eyes hardened. "Because I watched your battle. You didn''t just defeat Dudley Lowell—you showed innovation. The ability to adapt and grow. That''s worth more than empty promises from aging patriarchs."


    Her words resonated with the others. One by one, they introduced themselves and their reasons for joining. Some sought power, others knowledge, a few simply wanted change.


    I pointed to a stack of jade tablets on a nearby table. "Those contain the basic cultivation techniques of Jade Moon Vi. Study them. Tomorrow, we begin testing to determine your potential."


    As they filed out, Sofia approached. "What now?"


    I turned toward my private chambers. "Now I prepare for September 9th."


    ---


    In avish study across Veridia City, Corbin Ashworth gazed at the holographic image floating above his desk.


    "And you''re certain of this?" he asked his military advisor.


    General Hayes nodded, his scarred face grim. "The reports are verified. Knight defeated a half-step Martial Marquis. Even managed to learn and adapt Lowell''s signature technique mid-battle."


    Corbin''s fingers tapped a rhythm on his ornate desk. "How is this possible? Less than a year ago, he was nothing—a mere mortal without even basic cultivation." <var ss="in-imprint-a">Love this story? Show support at *.</var>


    "That''s what troubles me, sir," Hayes replied. "His rate of advancement defies all known principles. Some are suggesting... outside assistance."


    "The Celestial Apothecary Guild?"


    "Possibly. Or something more concerning."


    Corbin''s eyes narrowed. "Exin."


    Hayes activated another hologram, showing various cultivation metrics. "These progressions aren''t just rapid—they''re unnatural. There are rumors of ancient techniques that allow such advancement, but they''re typically forbidden due to their dangerous nature."


    "You think he''s using forbidden techniques?"


    "Or he has ess to resources we can''t even imagine."


    Corbin stood, walking to the window overlooking the sprawling metropolis. "And now he forms his own sect, challenging the established order directly."


    "It gets worse," Hayes said quietly. "Intelligence suggests he may have official backing."


    Corbin turned sharply. "From whom?"


    "Unknown. But the speed with which he secured property rights for his ''Jade Moon Vi''... Someone powerful is clearing bureaucratic obstacles."


    Silence filled the room as Corbin processed this information.


    "September 9th," he finally said. "If he attends the wedding, have Dashiell ready. But also reach out to Roderick ckthorne. If Knight truly has be this dangerous, we may need his son''s intervention."


    Hayes bowed slightly. "And if Knight doesn''t appear?"


    Corbin''s lips curved into a cold smile. "Then we''ll find him wherever he hides. One way or another, Liam Knight must be eliminated before he bes a true threat."


    ---


    Back at my temporary headquarters, I sat cross-legged in meditation. The jade pendant—my inheritance—floated before me, pulsing with ancient energy.


    Three scrollsy open on the floor around me: cultivation techniques I''d acquired through various means. Each represented a different path to power, and time was running short.


    "September 9th," I whispered to myself.


    The date loomed like a storm cloud on the horizon. The wedding of Veridia City''s two most prominent families—a political alliance that would consolidate power against me. I knew they expected me to interrupt, to challenge their union publicly.


    And perhaps I would. But not before I was ready.


    I rose, breaking my meditation. Sofia was waiting outside my door.


    "We need to move," I told her. "Tomorrow at dawn."


    She nodded without question. "Where to?"


    "Somewhere secluded. I need to reach half-step Martial Marquis before September 9th."


    Sofia''s eyebrows rose slightly. "That''s barely a month away."


    "I know."


    She studied my face. "The Umbral Covenant is active again, isn''t it?"


    I nodded grimly. "Their agents have been spotted near the city borders. They''re watching, waiting for an opportunity."


    "And you think they''ll strike during the wedding chaos?"


    "It would be the perfect moment," I admitted. "Everyone distracted by spectacle while assassins move in shadow."


    Sofia''s expression hardened with resolve. "I''ll make the arrangements. How many should apany you?"


    "Just you and Eamon. The rest should continue establishing the Vi."


    As Sofia left to prepare, I turned to an ancient map spread across my desk. My finger traced a path to a forgotten location—Dn''s Hydrating Tower.


    "Time to uncover your secrets," I murmured.


    ---


    In Cinderfall City, hundreds of miles away, Dudley Lowell limped through the imposing gates of the Ascendant Saints Order. His normally immacte appearance was gone, reced by the simple robes of a supplicant. His face, though healed, still bore the subtle marks of defeat.


    "I seek audience with Elder Foster," he announced to the gate guards.


    The guards exchanged skeptical nces.


    "Elder Foster doesn''t receive visitors without appointment," one said condescendingly.


    Dudley reached into his robe, withdrawing a jade token emzoned with the Lowell family crest. "Tell him Dudley Lowell brings information about a mutual concern."


    The guard''s attitude shifted instantly upon seeing the token. "Wait here."


    Twenty minutester, Dudley found himself in a sparse meditation chamber. Across from him sat Elder Foster—a thin, ancient man whose eyes held the cold calction of a predator.


    "Dudley Lowell," Foster''s voice rasped. "I heard you suffered a... setback... recently."


    Dudley flushed but maintained hisposure. "News travels fast."


    "Humiliation always does." Foster smiled thinly. "Why seek the Ascendant Saints? Your family has its own resources."


    "Because my defeat wasn''t ordinary," Dudley leaned forward. "The man who defeated me—Liam Knight—shouldn''t exist. His power defies natural progression."


    Foster''s expression remained unmoved. "Many prodigies rise quickly. Few maintain their trajectory."


    "This is different," Dudley insisted. "I''ve cultivated since childhood. Knight began less than a year ago. Such advancement is impossible without... assistance."


    Foster waved dismissively. "And you came all this way to share gossip? I expected better from a Lowell."


    Dudley''s eyes narrowed. "I came to offer something of value. Information and an opportunity."


    "I''m listening."


    Dudley took a deep breath. "I have a Dharma Treasure that allows one to increase their cultivation in a short period of time."


    Foster''s expression didn''t change, but something flickered in his ancient eyes.


    "Both Liam Knight and I have relied on this Dharma Treasure to reach this realm within such a short time," Dudley continued. "And I''m willing to share it—for a price."