## Liam's Perspective
I stared at Erson Hols, trying to mask my frustration. Of course the Guild would be here. Their network of spies was unmatched.
"You're a long way from Veridia City," I said, my hand drifting closer to my weapon.
Erson smiled thinly. "The Guild's authority extends everywhere, Knight. Sothing you've yet to fully comprehend."
The six half-step Martial Marquises flanking him radiated deadly intent. Each wore the silver insignia of the Guild's elite force. I recognized their formation—the Six Direction Entrapnt. One wrong move and I'd be fighting on six fronts.
"Squad Seven, secure the periter," Erson ordered without taking his eyes off .
The n moved with practiced precision, surrounding the plateau. My escape routes vanished one by one.
"You're not just here for ," I said, noticing how their gazes kept shifting to the pool behind .
"Perceptive." Erson stepped forward. "The Dragon Vein is our priority. Your presence is rely... an opportunity."
I felt another presence approaching before I saw him. A young man erged from the path I'd used earlier. His bearing was aristocratic, his robes emblazoned with the Ashworth family crest.
"Vice President Hols, the supply caravan is set up at base camp," the newcor announced.
My jaw tightened. Soren Ashworth. Isabelle's cousin and Corbin's most ambitious protégé. His sudden appearance complicated things.
"Excellent, Young Master Ashworth." Erson nodded appreciatively. "Your family's support in this expedition is invaluable."
Soren finally noticed , his expression shifting from surprise to contempt. "Knight? What's this commoner doing here?"
"About to leave," Erson said coldly. "Unless he wishes to challenge Guild authority."
I needed ti to think. The herbs were right behind . If I could sohow grab them and escape...
"I was exploring," I lied smoothly. "I had no idea this area was claid."
"Well, now you know." Erson gestured dismissively. "This entire region is under Guild jurisdiction. All resources are to be cataloged and transported to Veridia City."
The unfairness of it burned in my chest. The Dragon Vein belonged to no one. Its resources should benefit all practitioners, not just the Guild's elite. F@ind the s$ou%r^ce of t his@ cha.p ter at M&|V|L&-EM!PY.R!.
Before I could respond, movent caught my eye. Two figures climbed onto the plateau from the eastern path—a young man and woman, both wearing simple cultivator robes. They stopped short when they saw the Guild's presence.
"More trespassers?" Soren sneered.
Erson Hols turned to face the newcors. "This area is now under Veridia City Martial Guild control. State your business."
The young woman stepped forward. She couldn't be more than twenty, but her eyes held a determined gleam.
"We're independent cultivators," she said. "We heard rumors about a Dragon Vein and ca to seek cultivation resources."
"Independent cultivators?" Erson's tone dripped with disdain. "There's no such thing anymore. All practitioners must register with a recognized organization."
The young man beside her frowned. "There's no law requiring that."
"There is now." Erson straightened, his voice carrying across the plateau. "By decree of the Guild Master himself, all martial resources—particularly Dragon Veins—fall under Guild authority. Independent harvesting is prohibited."
I watched the young woman's face. The sa outrage I felt was mirrored in her expression.
"That's absurd," she protested. "Dragon Veins are natural formations. They belong to whoever discovers them."
Erson's expression hardened. "Your ignorance is showing, girl. The Guild maintains order in the martial world. Without our oversight, practitioners would slaughter each other over these resources."
"So instead, you slaughter anyone who doesn't bow to your authority?" I couldn't help interjecting.
All eyes turned to . Soren looked apoplectic. The Guild mbers reached for their weapons.
Erson rely smiled. "Careful, Knight. You're already walking a thin line."
He turned back to the young couple. "You have two choices. Register with the Guild and swear loyalty, or leave imdiately. Any attempt to harvest resources will be treated as theft, punishable by imprisonnt."
The young woman's fists clenched. "You can't just claim everything for yourselves! What gives the Guild the right?"
"Power gives us the right," Erson declared, all pretense of civility gone. "The Veridia City Martial Guild holds supre authority over all martial matters. Our word is law."
The air grew thick with tension. I felt my anger rising, but I forced myself to stay calm. This wasn't the ti for a confrontation—not while outnumbered and with the Primordial Essence Herbs still unclaid.
The young woman opened her mouth to argue further, but Erson cut her off.
"Enough! This Dragon Vein and its resources belong exclusively to the Guild. Anyone who challenges this will face severe consequences."
"Bullshit!"
The single word sliced through the tense atmosphere. Everyone froze, heads turning to locate the source.
It wasn't the young couple. It wasn't , though I wished it had been.
A scruffy man erged from behind a boulder, his clothes dusty and worn. I recognized him instantly—the self-proclaid treasure hunter I'd encountered on my way here.
"How could the Veridia City Martial Guild be so domineering?" he continued, striding forward with surprising confidence. "Dragon Veins belong to no one!"
Erson's face darkened. "And who might you be?"
"Just a wanderer," the man replied, winking at . "But even I know tyranny when I see it."
The Guild mbers shifted into attack positions. Soren stepped back, clearly expecting violence.
I watched the strange newcor carefully. There was sothing off about him—sothing beneath his disheveled appearance that didn't add up. Who was this man, and why would he risk confronting the Guild so boldly?
Erson raised his hand, signaling his n to hold. "You're either very brave or very stupid."
"I've been called both," the scruffy man shrugged. "But I'm not the one trying to monopolize nature's gifts."
The standoff was perfect—all attention had shifted away from and the pool. This might be my only chance. While everyone focused on the confrontation, I slowly edged backward toward the Primordial Essence Herbs.
Erson's voice grew dangerously soft. "You dare challenge Guild authority?"
"Soone has to," the stranger replied, his casual deanor unchanged.
The young couple exchanged glances, clearly surprised by this unexpected ally.
I couldn't help but admire the man's courage, foolish as it might be. But his distraction was exactly what I needed.
My hand hovered near the water's edge, inches from claiming the herbs that could save Isabelle. All I needed was one more mont of chaos.
"The Guild's authority ends where natural justice begins," the scruffy man declared loudly.
Erson's patience snapped. "Arrest this fool!"
And with that command, the plateau erupted into chaos.
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