The weight of the Knotweed in my pocket felt heavier than its physical mass as we pulled away from the auction house. Ten billion. The number still made my head spin. I glanced at Isabelle beside in the passenger seat, her profile serene as she gazed out the window at South City's fading skyline.
"I still can't believe your father transferred the funds so quickly," I said, breaking the comfortable silence between us.
Isabelle turned to with a small smile. "When I told my father it was important for you, he didn't hesitate. He respects what you've accomplished, Liam."
I nodded, feeling a strange mix of gratitude and discomfort. Having access to the Ashworth family's wealth was still sothing I was adjusting to. Just months ago, I'd been scraping by, and now ten billion changed hands for without a second thought.
"I'll pay it back," I promised. "Once I reach Foundation Establishnt with this Knotweed, my abilities will increase exponentially. The inco from my alchemy alone will—"
"Stop," Isabelle placed her hand gently on mine. "This isn't a loan. It's a gift."
I reluctantly accepted her generosity with a nod, turning my attention back to the winding road. We were leaving the city limits now, heading into the more remote areas that would lead us back to the main highway. South City's outskirts were beautiful – rolling hills dotted with ancient trees and the occasional estate of wealthy families who preferred privacy.
"You know, despite everything, I've always liked South City," I mused, trying to lighten the mood. "There's sothing about it that feels... authentic."
Isabelle laughed softly. "Authentic? Is that what we're calling the barely concealed power struggles and centuries-old family feuds?"
I grinned. "Exactly. No pretenses. At least here, the dangers announce themselves."
My words died in my throat as I rounded a bend and saw vehicles blocking the narrow road ahead. Three black SUVs ford a barrier, and several n stood waiting. I recognized the central figure imdiately – Asher Lane, his face set in smug satisfaction.
"Shit," I muttered, slowing the car.
Isabelle tensed beside . "I knew he wouldn't let this go."
I assessed our options quickly. The road was too narrow to turn around, and the embanknts on either side were too steep to drive over. We were effectively cornered.
"Isabelle," I said, my voice calm despite the adrenaline now coursing through my veins, "stay in the car no matter what happens. Lock the doors."
Her eyes flashed defiantly. "I'm not letting you face them alone."
"Please," I insisted. "If this gets ugly, I need to know you're safe."
Sothing in my expression must have convinced her. She nodded reluctantly as I brought the car to a stop about twenty feet from the blockade.
I squeezed her hand once before stepping out, closing the door firmly behind . I heard the satisfying click of the automatic locks engaging as I walked forward to et Asher Lane and his entourage.
Asher stood with casual arrogance, flanked by six n including the elderly servant who'd been with him at the auction. The old man's eyes watched with calculating intensity that sent a chill down my spine.
"Knight," Asher called out as I approached. "I'm impressed you had the courage to stop. Most would have tried sothing desperate."
I stopped about ten feet from them, keeping my hands visible but ready to move at a mont's notice. "What do you want, Lane?"
"What do I want?" Asher repeated with exaggerated incredulity. "I want what's rightfully mine. The Knotweed you stole from today."
"I didn't steal anything," I replied evenly. "I won it fairly at auction."
Asher's face darkened. "Nothing is fair when it cos to the needs of the Lane family. That herb was promised to by the auction house. They knew I'd be bidding. Your interference was... unexpected and unwelco."
I noticed the elderly servant shift his weight slightly, his eyes never leaving . There was sothing dangerous about him that set my nerves on edge far more than Asher's blustering.
"I'm sorry you feel that way," I said carefully. "But the transaction is complete. The Knotweed is mine."
"Here's what's going to happen," Asher said, his tone suddenly businesslike. "You're going to hand over the Knotweed. Then, you're going to cut off your own hand as paynt for wasting my ti." Lovethisstory?Showyoursupporton*.
I couldn't help the short laugh that escaped . "You can't be serious."
"Deadly serious," Asher replied without a hint of humor. "The Lane family doesn't tolerate disrespect. Consider yourself fortunate I'm not asking for your head."
I felt my cultivation energy stirring within , responding to the threat. "I'm afraid I'll have to decline both offers."
Asher sighed dramatically. "I expected as much. You cultivators from Havenwood City never understand how things work in the south." He nodded to the elderly servant. "Elder Wei, please educate our friend."
The old man – Elder Wei – stepped forward with surprising grace for soone his age. "Young master," he addressed , his voice surprisingly gentle, "why make this difficult? You're clearly talented, but you're facing forces beyond your comprehension."
I settled into a subtle defensive stance. "I understand perfectly well what I'm facing."
Elder Wei's lips curved in a patronizing smile. "Do you? I've killed n three tis your strength without breaking a sweat." He flexed his fingers, and I felt a surge of power emanating from him – the unmistakable aura of a late-stage Energy Gathering cultivator.
"I have no wish to fight you," I said truthfully. "But I won't hand over what's mine, and I certainly won't mutilate myself to satisfy Lane's ego."
Asher's face contorted with rage. "You dare speak to this way? Elder Wei, break his arms and legs. Make him watch while we take the Knotweed and then finish him."
Elder Wei nodded solemnly and took another step toward . "Last chance, young master. Submit now, and your death will be quick."
I inhaled deeply, centering myself. I'd been growing stronger daily, but I hadn't yet tested myself against soone of Elder Wei's caliber. Still, I couldn't back down – not with Isabelle watching, not with everything I'd worked for at stake.
"I decline," I said simply.
Elder Wei shook his head in apparent disappointnt. "Ignorance knows no fear. Fine... I'll show you what true power is!"
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