I entered Julian Hawthorne's mansion, imdiately scanning the crowded room while appearing casual. The villa was a showcase of excess—crystal chandeliers, marble floors, priceless art—but I was far more interested in what couldn't be seen. The spiritual energy here was astonishing, almost pulsing through the air, invisible to most but practically tangible to .
While guests mingled in their designer clothes clutching champagne flutes, I discreetly moved toward a less populated corner of the grand ballroom. The richest qi seed to flow from beneath the house, like an underground spring of spiritual energy. This was no accident; soone had deliberately built here.
"This location was chosen for a reason," I murmured to myself, leaning against a pillar. I closed my eyes briefly, drawing in the energy through controlled breaths. Even just standing here, I could feel my cultivation strengthening.
Across the room, two familiar figures huddled in conspiratorial conversation. Seraphina Sterling, my ex-wife, looking stunning in a fitted red dress that matched her venomous personality, stood beside Gideon Blackwood. Their eyes kept darting in my direction.
"I still can't believe Hawthorne invited that nobody," Seraphina said, loud enough for nearby guests to hear.
Gideon smirked. "He didn't. Your ex-husband is crashing the party."
"Julian will be furious," Seraphina replied, not bothering to hide her delight. "Tell about the Hawthornes again. They're from Eldoria, right?"
"One of the oldest families there," Gideon confird, swirling amber liquid in his glass. "Julian's grandfather built the Hawthorne Trade Conglorate from nothing. Now they control half the shipping routes between continents. Julian himself is a rising star in the cultivation world—already at the tenth level of Energy Gathering at only twenty-eight."
Seraphina's eyes widened. "That's impressive."
"More than impressive. It's almost unheard of without a profound bloodline inheritance." Gideon leaned closer to her. "And he's had his eye on Isabelle Ashworth for years."
"So Knight isn't just a party crasher—he's a rival." Seraphina's laugh was brittle and sharp. "Julian will destroy him."
"I suspect that's exactly what tonight is about," Gideon replied. "Julian isn't one to confront problems directly when he can orchestrate their demise instead. When he heard Liam was representing Isabelle tonight, he was... pleased. Too pleased." Chесk fоr thе lаtеst updаtеs оn Мy Virtuаl Librаry Еmpirе (
"You think he has sothing planned?"
Gideon nodded. "I know he brought in an expert from Eldoria specifically for tonight. He ntioned an 'impromptu show' that would entertain his guests."
I kept my expression neutral, though I'd heard every word thanks to my enhanced senses. So this was a trap. Julian had sohow learned I'd be here and prepared a public humiliation. I should have expected as much after our last encounter.
I continued my subtle cultivation, drawing in the mansion's rich spiritual energy while looking like just another bored guest. If Julian wanted to make a spectacle of , I'd need every advantage.
"Mr. Knight?"
I turned to find a young man approaching . He was perhaps my age but dressed in clothes that probably cost more than everything I owned. His expression, however, lacked the usual contempt I received from Havenwood's elite.
"I'm Damian Prescott," he introduced himself, extending his hand.
I shook it, recognizing the na imdiately. "Of the Prescott Enterprises?"
"The sa, though I try not to lead with that." He offered a small, self-deprecating smile. "My father would have my head if he knew I was warning you."
My guard went up instantly. "Warning about what?"
Damian glanced around before speaking in a lowered voice. "Julian Hawthorne. He knows you weren't invited, and he's... not pleased about your relationship with Isabelle Ashworth."
"I wouldn't call it a relationship," I replied carefully.
"Julian would. He's had designs on her for years." Damian's expression grew serious. "Look, we've never t, but I thought you should know—Julian brought soone with him from Eldoria. So kind of expert in spiritual analysis and public 'revelation' ceremonies. He's planning sothing for you, and it won't be pleasant."
I studied Damian's face, trying to detect any deception. "Why tell this? We're strangers."
"Let's just say Julian and I have history." Sothing dark flickered across Damian's features. "Last year, he publicly humiliated my younger sister at a similar gathering—called her cultivation 'common' and her technique 'flawed beyond repair.' She hasn't practiced since."
I nodded slowly, understanding. "I appreciate the warning."
"If I were you, I'd leave now." Damian glanced toward the entrance where Julian stood greeting late arrivals. "Whatever he's planned, it's ant to destroy your reputation in front of everyone who matters in this city."
"Is that what everyone's expecting? For to run?"
Damian shrugged. "It's what most would do when faced with Julian Hawthorne's resources and connections."
I considered my options. Running would avoid whatever spectacle Julian had planned, but it would also confirm what everyone already believed—that I was a coward unworthy of standing among them. More importantly, it would disappoint Isabelle, who had specifically called this a test.
"Thank you, Mr. Prescott, for the warning," I said with quiet determination, "but I'm not afraid of him."
Damian looked surprised, then impressed. "Bold stance. I hope you can back it up." He glanced over my shoulder and stiffened. "He's seen us talking. I should go."
As Damian walked away, I felt Julian's gaze lock onto from across the room. He was classically handso in that aristocratic way—tall, with perfectly styled dark hair and a tailored suit that scread old money. The smirk on his face spoke volus.
I straightened my shoulders and t his stare directly. Whatever trap he'd set, I wasn't walking into it blindly now.
Julian raised his glass in a mock toast, his eyes never leaving mine as he whispered sothing to a severe-looking older man beside him. The man nodded once and disappeared through a side door.
The spiritual energy around seed to pulse more intensely, as if responding to the rising tension. I drew it in with each breath, filling my ridians, preparing for whatever ca next.
The mansion's lights dimd suddenly, and conversations hushed as Julian stepped onto a raised platform at the center of the room.
"Friends and esteed guests," he announced, his voice carrying effortlessly through the space, "I promised you all an evening of entertainnt and enlightennt. It seems we have an unexpected visitor tonight who presents the perfect opportunity for both."
All eyes turned toward . I remained still, face impassive despite the rage building inside.
"Mr. Liam Knight," Julian continued, his tone mockingly formal, "would you be so kind as to join here? I believe my associate, Master Wei from the Eldoria Academy of Spiritual Sciences, has sothing quite... illuminating to share about you."
The severe man I'd seen earlier returned, now carrying an ornate box. The guests murmured with anticipation, forming a wide circle around the platform.
I clenched my fists, knowing that whatever ca next would determine my standing in this world of power and privilege. But more than that—it would determine whether I passed Isabelle's test.
With calculated calm, I stepped forward toward Julian's waiting smile, a predator's grin that promised blood.
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