I scrolled through thetest update on my phone, my jaw clenching at the headline: "Liam Knight Tops The Warrior''s Scroll After Breaking Martial Saint Weapon." In any other circumstance, I might have felt satisfaction. Instead, all I could think about was Isabelle trapped in that Mystic Realm.


    The fame I''d never sought was now making me a prime target. Dominic Ashworth would be furious. My finger hovered over the screen before I switched to my contacts, worried more about the power fluctuations I''d been experiencing since myst battle.


    My strength was fading. I could feel it—like amp running low on oil.


    My phone rang, disrupting my thoughts. Ms. Hayward''s name shed on the screen.


    "Knight," her voice sounded strained when I answered. "I''ve considered your terms."


    "And?" I kept my tone neutral despite the surge of hope.


    "I agree to your conditions regarding Broderick. Meet me at the eastern slope of Mount Qinvor in two hours. Come alone."


    The call ended before I could respond. I grabbed my jacket and headed out, making sure I wasn''t followed. If this was a trap, I was walking straight into it, but I had no choice—not with Isabelle''s life on the line.


    Mount Qinvor loomed dark against the twilight sky when I arrived. I spotted Ms. Hayward''s silhouette waiting near a copse of trees.


    "You''re early," she remarked as I approached.


    The change in her appearance shocked me. Dark circles shadowed her eyes, and her usually immacte appearance had given way to something haggard and worn. This woman had always projected invincibility. Now she looked like someone bearing the weight of an impossible choice.


    "Where''s Broderick?" she demanded.


    "Safe," I replied. "You''ll see him once you''ve fulfilled your end of the bargain."


    She let out a bitterugh. "You realize what I''m doing amounts to treason? Twenty years of loyalty to the Guild, thrown away in a single night."


    "For someone you care about," I said. "I understand that better than most."


    Her eyes met mine, sharp with assessment. "Yes, I suppose you do." She handed me a small bundle. "Put these on. Guild members are the only ones allowed inside most areas. You''ll need to look the part."


    I unfolded what appeared to be standard Heaven Gate attire—dark robes with subtle insignia. "Will this really fool anyone?"


    "Combined with my presence, yes. Lower-ranking members wouldn''t dare question a Heaven Gate Commander."


    "Unless they''ve been warned to watch for you bringing in outsiders," I countered.


    "A risk we''ll have to take," she said grimly. "Once more, I want to see Broderick before we proceed further."


    I shook my head. "Not yet. After you''ve shown me the entrance to the Mystic Realm."


    Anger shed across her face. "I''ve already agreed to betray everything I stand for. Don''t push me, Knight."


    "You care about Broderick," I said. "I care about Isabelle. Neither of us is in a position to trust the other."


    A tense silence stretched between us before she nodded curtly. "Let''s go. The shift change happens soon, which gives us our best window."


    We traveled in silence through the city''s outskirts, taking back roads and avoiding main streets. The looming structure of the Veridia City Martial Guild headquarters came into view—a massiveplex of interconnected buildings surrounded by high walls.


    "The public only sees the outer courtyards," Ms. Hayward exined quietly as we approached from a rarely used side entrance. "The Guild''s true power lies within the inner sanctum."


    I studied theyout carefully,mitting every detail to memory. "How many guards?"


    "Over two hundred on active duty at any time, with another three hundred members in residence. Twenty Martial Lords minimum, and at least five Martial Kings." She nced at me. "Memorizing theyout won''t help if you''re nning something foolish."


    "Just gathering information," I replied, adjusting my disguise. "Knowledge is power."


    She gave me a measuring look. "Remember that the consequences of being discovered extend beyond yourself. Broderick''s life depends on this going smoothly."


    The reminder was unnecessary but effective. We slipped through the side entrance, Ms. Hayward nodding to the solitary guard who snapped to attention at her approach. I kept my head slightly lowered, projecting the deference expected of a lower-ranked member.


    Inside, the Guild''s grandeur was immediately apparent. Soaring ceilings, marble floors, and ancient artifacts disyed in ss cases—all designed to impress and intimidate. Disciples and Guild members moved purposefully through the halls, none sparing us a second nce.


    "The Guild was established over five centuries ago," Ms. Hayward murmured as we walked. "What began as a small coalition of martial artists eventually grew into the most powerful organization in the Eastern Regions." Sourced directly from *.


    "Power corrupts," I observed quietly.


    Her mouth tightened. "It''s moreplicated than that. The Guild maintains order in a world where power can destroy cities. Without structure, without rules—"


    "Rules that allow them to kidnap and drain Isabelle of her blood?" I cut in, keeping my voice low but sharp.


    She didn''t answer immediately. "The inner chambers are this way," she said instead, leading me down a less popted corridor.


    We descended several flights of stairs, the decor bing progressively more austere. The air grew cooler, carrying a faint mineral scent that reminded me of deep caves.


    "The Guild was built on top of natural formations rich in spiritual energy," Ms. Hayward exined. "The deeper we go, the more concentrated the energy bes."


    I could feel it—a subtle pressure against my skin, like standing in shallow water with a current pulling at your legs. My diminished powers seemed to respond to it, stirring slightly.


    "How many know about the Mystic Realm?" I asked.


    "Only the highest echelons. Guild Master Radford, the Council of Five, and a select few others." Her pace slowed. "Beyond this point, security tightens considerably."


    We approached a checkpoint manned by two stern-faced guards. Both straightened as we neared, their eyes fixed on Ms. Hayward.


    "Commander Hayward," one acknowledged with a respectful nod before his gaze shifted to me. "And who''s this? I don''t recognize him."


    I kept my expression neutral despite the spike of tension. Ms. Hayward''s posture didn''t change, but I sensed her readiness to act if necessary.


    "A new recruit under specialized training," she replied smoothly. "I''m giving him a tour of the restricted areas as part of his orientation."


    The guard frowned. "I wasn''t informed of any new personnel clearances."


    "Do I need your permission to train my recruits, Zhao?" Ms. Hayward''s voice turned cial. "Or should I discuss your questioning of a Heaven Gate Commander with Guild Master Radford?"


    The guard''s partner shifted ufortably. "It''s just unusual, Commander. The protocols require—"


    "So, do I need to report to you?" Ms. Hayward cut him off, her eyes narrowing dangerously. "Or are you questioning me?"


    The tension in the air crystallized as both guards exchanged uneasy nces, clearly weighing their duty against the risk of antagonizing a superior.