## Liam''s Perspective


    I sensed the peculiar qi before I even entered Verdant City. It pulled at me like an invisible thread, drawing me toward ake rumored to be hidden within the heart of the city. This wasn''t just any energy—it resonated with something deep inside me.


    Two men blocked my path as I approached thepound where the qi was strongest. Both wore the gray robes of Grandmasters, their postures alert and eyes suspicious.


    "Halt," the taller onemanded. His eyes widened as he studied my face. "Wait... are you Liam Knight?"


    "I am," I confirmed, preparing myself for trouble.


    Instead of attacking, the man''s expression shifted to one of respect. "The one who injured Dashiell ckthorne in singlebat?"


    "The same," I replied cautiously.


    The two guards exchanged meaningful nces. The shorter one stepped forward with a slight bow.


    "Our Sect Master would be interested in meeting you. We''ve heard tales of your abilities."


    I hesitated. This wasn''t part of my n, but the source of that strange qi was definitely inside theirpound. "Lead the way."


    They escorted me through an ornate gate into a courtyard filled with disciples practicing cultivation techniques. I noticed the qi growing stronger with each step. We approached a pagoda-style building at the center, its architecture elegant but understated.


    "Wait here," the taller guard instructed before disappearing inside.


    He returned momentster. "Sect Master Reeves will see you now."


    Inside, seated behind a low table, was a woman with piercing eyes and hair pulled into a tight bun. Phoebe Reeves, I presumed. Her aura marked her as at least a Peak Form Grandmaster, possibly higher.


    "So," she began, her voice cool and assessing, "you im to be Liam Knight."


    Her choice of words caught me off guard. "I don''t im anything. I am Liam Knight."


    Her lips curved into a slight, disbelieving smile. "Forgive my skepticism. You''re the seventh ''Liam Knight'' to arrive at my doorstep this month."


    That was unexpected. "You''ve had imposters?"


    "Ever since word spread about your victory over Dashiell ckthorne, opportunists have been quick to adopt your identity." She studied me closely. "Many seeking rewards, favors, or simply glory by association."


    "I''m not here for any of that," I stated tly. "I sensed a unique qi signature emanating from somewhere in yourpound. I came to investigate."


    Her eyes narrowed. "Convenient. The real Liam Knight is known for his exceptional qi sense."


    This was bing frustrating. I was about to demonstrate my abilities when a disciple burst through the door.


    "Sect Master! Liam Knight has arrived!"


    Phoebe''s eyebrows shot up as she looked from the disciple to me.


    "Show him in," shemanded, her eyes never leaving my face.


    The doors swung open again. A young man strode in with the confidence of royalty. He was handsome, with perfectly styled hair and expensive robes that screamed wealth and privilege.


    "Sect Master Reeves," he announced with a practiced bow. "I am Liam Knight. I''ve heard of your sect''s troubles and havee to offer my assistance."


    I stared at him, momentarily speechless at his audacity. <em ss="ref-639747">Catch the formatted version at *.</em>


    Phoebe rose from her seat. "You im to be Liam Knight as well?"


    The imposter shed a charming smile. "There is only one Liam Knight, Sect Master. I''vee partly because of your reputation—and partly because of the rumored reward for solving your sect''s water contamination issue."


    At least now I understood the source of the strange qi. Their water supply must be affected.


    "Can you prove your identity?" Phoebe asked him, her tone more respectful than it had been with me.


    "Of course." The fake Liam smiled confidently.


    He extended his hand, and to my astonishment, golden qi began to flow around his fingers. It was a cheap imitation of my own technique, but convincing to someone who''d never seen the real thing.


    Murmurs of awe filled the room. Even Phoebe looked impressed.


    "The golden light of the Chaotic Body," she whispered. "Just as the stories describe."


    The imposter bowed again. "I would be honored to examine your water supply and determine the cause of contamination."


    Phoebe nodded, then turned to me with cold dismissal. "You may leave now. Attempting to impersonate a cultivator of Liam Knight''s stature is a serious offense, but I''ll overlook it this once."


    My patience snapped. "He''s the imposter."


    The fake Liam turned, feigning offense. "How dare you? Sect Master, this man is clearly deranged."


    I stepped forward, addressing Phoebe directly. "This con artist has learned to imitate the surface appearance of my golden qi, but there''s no substance behind it."


    "Bold usations," the imposter scoffed. "Perhaps you''d like to test your skills against mine?"


    "dly," I replied. "But first—" I turned to Phoebe. "Ask him to demonstrate his medical knowledge. The real Liam Knight is known as much for his healing abilities as hisbat skills."


    A flicker of uncertainty crossed the imposter''s face.


    Phoebe considered this, then nodded. "A fair suggestion. Sir," she addressed the fake Liam, "one of my disciples suffers from meridian blockage in his dantian. How would you treat this condition?"


    The imposter hesitated just a fraction too long. "I would... naturally use the Golden Needle technique to clear the blockage."


    I couldn''t help butugh. "The Golden Needle technique would shatter a blocked dantian. You''d kill the patient instantly."


    Phoebe''s eyes widened as she looked between us.


    I continued, "For meridian blockage in the dantian, you''d use acupressure at the twelve peripheral points while administering a diluted solution of spirit grass extract. Basic medicine, really."


    The imposter''s charm evaporated, reced by cold fury. "You think you''re clever, don''t you?"


    "Not particrly," I replied. "I''m just not a fraud."


    His handsome face contorted with rage. "You dare call me a con artist?"


    The golden light around his hands intensified, no longer a mere disy but gathering for an attack. His body began to glow with the same golden radiance.


    "I''ll show you what happens to those who insult me!" he snarled, his voice dropping an octave as killing intent filled the room.


    The guards tensed, hands moving to their weapons as the imposter''s power surged. Despite knowing he was a fake, the disy was impressive. This would be interesting.