## Liam''s Perspective


    I sat cross-legged in what was once Josiah Hale''s private meditation chamber. The golden core I''d extracted from him floated before me, pulsing with umted decades of energy.


    My decision was made. I would consume it.


    Carefully, I guided the core toward me. As it touched my lips, warmth spread through my body. I''d read about this forbidden technique in the ancient texts my father left me. Consuming another cultivator''s core was taboo for good reason—it could drive the unprepared mind insane.


    But I wasn''t unprepared.


    The core dissolved on my tongue like honey. Power surged through me instantly—raw, overwhelming energy rushing through my meridians. My muscles tensed as golden light erupted from my skin.


    "Control," I whispered to myself, forcing my breathing to steady.


    Josiah''s consciousness tried to assert itself—fragments of memories, rage, desperation. I crushed these intrusions without mercy, my will dominating his remnant spirit.


    Hours passed as I integrated the core''s energy into my own system. When I finally opened my eyes, I felt reborn.


    "This," I said to the empty room, flexing my fingers as golden energy danced between them, "this changes everything."


    I stood and walked to the window. Dawn was breaking over the mountainpound. The Ascendant Saints Order would rise today under a new name. My name.


    ---


    "Jade Moon Vi," I announced to the gathered disciples. "From this day forward, that is who we are."


    Hundreds of cultivators knelt before me in the grand courtyard, their expressions ranging from awe to thinly veiled resentment. I''d given them a simple choice: swear loyalty to me or leave with their belongings. Most had chosen to stay.


    "Your former master betrayed the principles upon which this sect was founded," I continued. "Under my leadership, the Jade Moon Vi will be a force that upholds justice, not one that bends to corrupt aristocrats."


    Murmurs rippled through the crowd. I raised my hand for silence.


    "Those who doubt my capability can challenge me now." I scanned the faces, letting golden energy shimmer across my skin. "No? Then rise as members of the Jade Moon Vi."


    As they stood, I spotted Tobias Bhus at the front, his expression carefully neutral. He''d been Josiah''s right hand, yet had sworn loyalty faster than most. Too fast, perhaps.


    After dismissing the gathering, I retreated to what was now my office—a cavernous room lined with ancient texts and artifacts. A young disciple had spent the morning cataloging the sect''s assets for my review.


    "Master Knight," she said nervously, "the final inventory."


    I scanned the documents she presented. The Ascendant Saints Order—now my Jade Moon Vi—was far wealthier than I''d anticipated. Vast herb gardens, multiple mining operations in the surrounding mountains, trade agreements with fifteen cities, and a small fleet of merchant vessels. Not to mention the considerable stockpile of cultivation resources.


    "Josiah hoarded wealth like a dragon," I muttered.


    "Yes, Master," the disciple agreed cautiously. "Many of us rarely saw these resources distributed."


    I nodded. "That will change. Thank you. Send in Elder Bhus."


    She bowed and hurried away. Momentster, Tobias entered, his bearing proud despite the circumstances.


    "You summoned me, Sect Master?" His voice was smooth, respectful.


    "Yes." I gestured for him to sit. "I''ve reviewed your service record. Impressivebat achievements. Excellent administrative skills."


    Hope flickered in his eyes. "I''ve dedicated my life to the sect."


    "And to Josiah Hale," I added.


    His expression stiffened. "I served the sect master, as was my duty."


    "Indeed." I leaned forward. "Which is why I''m appointing you Elder of Internal Affairs. You''ll oversee discipline, training protocols, and resource distribution."


    Disappointment shed across his face before he masked it. He''d expected to be named my right hand, perhaps even hoped I''d make him sect master while I focused elsewhere.


    "A great honor," he said, inclining his head. "Though I had hoped to serve more... directly at your side."


    "Trust is earned, Elder Bhus. Not inherited from your previous position."


    His jaw tightened, but he nodded. "As you wish, Sect Master."


    "One more thing," I said as he rose to leave. "Contact Phoebe Reeves in Havenwood City. Tell her the position of Vi Mistress awaits her, as promised."


    Tobias couldn''t hide his shock. "You''re bringing an outsider to serve as—"


    "I''m honoring a pledge to someone who''s proven her loyalty," I cut him off sharply. "Is that a problem?"


    He bowed stiffly. "No, Sect Master."


    After he left, I sighed. Managing these disciples who had served Josiah would be challenging. But I needed their strength and knowledge to build my power base.


    The pendant Isabe had given me felt warm against my chest. "I''ming for you," I whispered. "Just hold on."


    ---


    In Veridia City, Dashiell ckthorne hurled a priceless vase against the wall of his father''s study.


    "A MARQUIS?" he roared. "That gutter rat is now a MARQUIS?"


    Roderick ckthorne watched his son''s tantrum with cold disappointment. "Lower your voice. The servants will hear."


    "I don''t care who hears!" Dashiell''s face was flushed with rage. "He humiliated me at the wedding! Stole my bride! And now he''s killed Josiah Hale? Taken control of the Ascendant Saints Order?"


    "Calm yourself," his fathermanded. "This development is... unexpected, but not catastrophic."


    "Not catastrophic?" Dashiellughed bitterly. "Father, he''s gaining power too quickly! At this rate—"


    "At this rate, he''ll make a critical mistake," Roderick interrupted. "Upstarts always do. Theyck patience."


    Dashiell copsed into a chair, his breathing ragged. "What''s our n?"


    "Jim Cobb is already en route," his father replied calmly. "The most expensive assassin in our territory. Knight won''t expect an attack so soon after his victory."


    "And if Cobb fails?"


    Roderick''s eyes hardened. "Then we''ll remind Knight why the old families have ruled for generations. Our roots run deeper than his borrowed power."


    ---


    Mymunication crystal lit up just as I finished reviewing the vi''s defensive formations. I recognized the caller immediately: Spencer Holt.


    I activated the crystal. "Spencer. I was wondering when you''d call."


    His normally jovial face appeared, but his expression was unnaturally stiff. "Congrattions are in order, it seems. Defeating a Marquis! Seizing an entire sect! Rather impressive for someone who was practically unknown three months ago."


    "Thank you," I replied, sensing the undercurrent in his tone. "Your information about Josiah''s weaknesses proved useful."


    "I''m d." He cleared his throat. "Now, about our arrangement moving forward. With your new position as head of the... what are you calling it? Jade Moon Vi? I assume you''ll want to formalize our alliance."


    "Of course," I agreed. "Our partnership has been mutually beneficial."


    Something shifted in Spencer''s expression. "Partnership implies equality, Liam. But let''s be realistic—the Holt family has stood for generations. Our connections run throughout the continent. It would make more sense for your vi to operate under our banner, as an affiliated sect."


    I frowned. "That wasn''t our agreement, Spencer."


    "Circumstances change," he replied smoothly. "I''ve invested considerable resources in your rise. The Holt name would provide protection as you establish yourself."


    "Protection I increasingly don''t need," I pointed out. "And my vi will stand independently."


    Spencer''s artificial smile disappeared. "Don''t be foolish. You''ve made powerful enemies. Without proper backing—"


    "I''ve defeated those enemies so far," I interrupted. "And I value our alliance, Spencer. But not at the cost of my autonomy."


    His face darkened. "Pride before wisdom, I see. Very well. Let me be direct: my father expects your submission. The Holt family doesn''t form ''partnerships'' with upstart sects." <strong ss="story-note-vis">Мy Virtuаl Librаry Еmpirе (М|V|LЕ1МРYR) thаnks yоu fоr rеаding аt thе sоurсе.</strong>


    "Then perhaps we should reconsider our rtionship entirely."


    Spencerughed, but there was no humor in it. "You truly don''t understand how this world works, do you? One victory doesn''t change the game. The established families will crush you without proper alliances."


    "Or proper fear," I countered. "Josiah learned that lesson."


    "Is that a threat?" Spencer''s voice turned cold.


    "An observation. I respect what the Holt family has done for me, Spencer. But I won''t subordinate myself or my vi to anyone."


    Silence hung between us for several seconds. When Spencer spoke again, his voice had dropped to a dangerous whisper.


    "I''d like to see how far you can go without any capital to support you! And, Liam Knight, let me tell you, you have offended me!"


    The crystal went dark.


    I stared at it for a long moment. Another enemy. Another challenge. But I wouldn''tpromise—not when I was finally building real power.


    The path to Isabelle was bing clearer, even as new obstacles appeared.


    "Let theme," I whispered to the empty room. "I''ll defeat them all."