I leaned back in my chair, watching William Vance's expression carefully. The official had laid out a detailed itinerary for our journey to Shiglance City, which would begin in three days.
"So we're agreed then?" William asked, his authoritative voice filling my modest quarters.
I nodded. "Three days. That should give enough ti to prepare."
"Excellent." He rose from his seat, smoothing his official robes. "I'll arrange for the necessary docunts. The battle zone's command will be pleased."
After seeing him to the door, I returned to my study and pulled out the jade box containing the Divine dicine. The Thousand-Year Ginseng glowed with an ethereal light, pulsing with ancient energy. Such a rare treasure deserved careful consideration.
I had several options for its use. I could save it for a critical mont, perhaps when facing a powerful enemy. Or I could use it to help Conrad break through his cultivation bottleneck, centing his loyalty. But my instincts told there was a more imdiate benefit to be gained.
My cultivation had been advancing rapidly, but each level required exponentially more resources. This Divine dicine could push to the next threshold.
Decision made, I closed the door and sat cross-legged on the floor. I removed the ginseng from its box, feeling its energy vibrating against my palm. The distinct aroma filled my nostrils as I carefully placed it in my mouth.
The taste was indescribable—bitter yet sweet, like tasting ti itself. As I chewed and swallowed, warmth spread throughout my body. The sensation intensified until it felt like my blood was boiling.
I gritted my teeth against the pain. My ridians expanded as torrents of energy surged through them. My muscles spasd and bones creaked under the pressure. This was the price of rapid advancent—the body fighting against unnatural growth.
Hours passed as I wrestled with the transformation. Finally, when the first light of dawn filtered through my window, the pain subsided. I opened my eyes and flexed my fingers, feeling the new power coursing through them.
"Success," I whispered, standing up.
My physical body had strengthened considerably. Objects felt lighter to my touch, and my senses had sharpened again. I could hear conversations from three buildings away and sll the morning dew on plants outside my window. Thischapterwasmadepossiblebythe*community.
Yet I also noted a concerning trend. Each breakthrough now required significantly more qi than the last. My advancent was becoming more resource-intensive—a problem I would need to address soon.
But for now, I allowed myself a brief smile of satisfaction.
---
In Veridia City, Dashiell Blackthorne stared coldly at the ssenger kneeling before him.
"Are you certain of this information?" he asked, his voice dangerously calm.
The ssenger kept his head bowed. "Yes, Young Master Blackthorne. Multiple sources confirm that Liam Knight was responsible for lvin Blackthorne's death in White City."
Dashiell's fingers tapped thodically against the armrest of his chair. The lavish study of the Blackthorne family estate reflected his status as heir to one of Veridia's most powerful families.
"lvin was a fool," he said after a long pause. "Always causing problems with his reckless behavior."
"Then... you're not angered by his death?" the ssenger ventured cautiously.
Dashiell's eyes flashed. "Don't mistake my assessnt for indifference. lvin may have been worthless, but he was still a Blackthorne. No one kills a mber of our family without consequences."
He rose from his seat and walked to the window overlooking the family's private gardens. Perfectly manicured trees and exotic flowers displayed the wealth and influence of the Blackthorne na.
"This Liam Knight... what do we know of him?"
"He appeared in Havenwood City several months ago. Initially, he seed unremarkable, but he's gained significant power very quickly. And..." the ssenger hesitated.
"Speak," Dashiell commanded.
"He has connections to the Ashworth family. Specifically, to Miss Isabelle Ashworth."
Dashiell's expression darkened. His pending arrangent with Isabelle was a cornerstone of his family's strategic plans. Any threat to that arrangent was unacceptable.
"I see," he said softly. "That complicates matters."
He returned to his seat, decision made. "Find and eliminate any witnesses to lvin's death. We can't have public knowledge that a Blackthorne was killed without retribution."
"And Liam Knight?"
"For now, we watch. A direct move against soone connected to Isabelle Ashworth requires... delicacy." Dashiell's eyes narrowed. "But make no mistake—I'll kill him myself when the ti is right."
The ssenger nodded and quickly departed, leaving Dashiell alone with his thoughts. He poured himself a glass of rare spirits and contemplated the situation.
"Liam Knight," he murmured, swirling the amber liquid. "Who are you to challenge the natural order of things?"
---
Three days later, I arrived at William Vance's residence in Shiglance City. The journey had been uneventful, giving ti to process my recent advancent and plan my next moves.
William's ho was impressive—a sprawling estate that reflected his status in the city. A servant led through ornate corridors to a receiving room where William was reviewing docunts.
"Liam, welco," he said, setting aside his work. "How was your journey?"
"Peaceful," I replied. "A welco change."
A commotion from another room interrupted our conversation. The door burst open, and a young woman stord in, her face flushed with frustration. She stopped abruptly when she saw .
"Clara, this is inappropriate," William chided. "I'm in a eting."
"Sorry, Father," she said, not sounding sorry at all. Her eyes remained fixed on . "Is this him? The famous Liam Knight?"
I studied her curiously. Clara Vance was perhaps eighteen, with intelligent eyes and a determined set to her jaw that reminded of her father.
"I am," I confird. "And you must be Clara."
She nodded eagerly. "I've heard about what happened in White City. They say you defeated a Grandmaster single-handedly!"
William cleared his throat. "Clara, this isn't the ti—"
"Actually," I interrupted, "I don't mind. It's refreshing to et soone who speaks their mind."
Clara bead at before her expression fell again. "Father, I've tried everywhere. All the tickets are sold out."
William sighed, clearly familiar with this conversation. "I told you, Clara. If you had asked earlier—"
"But it's Kathleen Hansen!" she protested. "Her only concert in Shiglance City! Everyone will be there except ."
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by this sudden glimpse into normal, everyday concerns. It seed almost trivial compared to matters of life and death, cultivation, and family vendettas.
"Who is Kathleen Hansen?" I asked.
Clara looked at as if I'd grown a second head. "Only the most famous singer in the northern provinces! She's incredible—her voice can make you cry or laugh or feel like you can conquer the world."
Her passion was evident, her eyes shining with genuine admiration.
"And you can't get tickets?" I inquired.
"They sold out in minutes," she lanted. "I've tried everything. Dealers are charging ten tis the original price, and even then, they're impossible to find."
William gave an apologetic look. "My daughter is quite determined when she sets her mind to sothing."
An idea ford in my mind. In my previous life, I had no connections, no influence. Now, things were different. This small problem might be an opportunity to test the extent of my new influence.
"Perhaps I can help," I offered.
Clara's eyes widened. "You can get tickets to Kathleen Hansen's concert?"
"I have so connections that might be useful," I said with careful confidence. The truth was I didn't know if I could deliver, but I was curious to find out. "When is the concert?"
"Tomorrow night," Clara replied, her voice rising with hope.
I nodded thoughtfully. "I'll see what I can do."
"You would do that for ?" she asked, incredulous.
"Of course, I would have a condition," I said, watching her reaction carefully.
Her expression imdiately beca cautious, but desperation quickly won out. "Anything! I'll do anything for those tickets!"
I smiled, seeing the opportunity. "Really?"
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