“Every major family possesses secret techniques passed down through generations,” Queen said softly. “If an outsider learns them without permission, the elders will send hunters. No clan tolerates the theft of techniques.”Javon Forger nodded faintly. He understood now why secret techniques were guarded more fiercely than any treasure. Still, disgust stirred in his chest. He had no interest whatsoever in learning the Lincoln family’s techniques. The side effects were revolting, and their path ran completely counter to his Dragon Meridian.“In that case,” Javon stopped walking, “What if we auction their techniques instead?”Queen turned sharply, her brows lifting. “You’re serious?”“Aetherstone is still Aetherstone,” Javon replied calmly. “And they deserve to pay dearly.”Queen fell silent for a moment, then smiled crookedly. “It’s possible. But be prepared, the entire Lincoln family will hunt you to the ends of Telavip.”Javon shrugged. “They’ve been doing that from the beginning.”Th

Moments later, beyond the boundary of Sanctum Alchemica.Javon stopped beneath the trees. Footsteps approached from behind.A cold voice cut through the air. “Bastard!” Regulus Lincoln said. “This time, there are no city rules to protect you, Javon Forger!”“I’ve been waiting for you,” Javon replied casually.Regulus Lincoln stepped out from the shadows of the trees. His face was stiff, his eyes cold. Behind him, Malrick wore a crooked smile. Another elder stood slightly apart, his aura thick, also at the Nascent Soul Stage.“So you understand that leaving the city means walking into a trap,” Regulus said. “Answer me. Those two secret techniques that were auctioned, were they yours?”“So what if they were?” Javon shrugged. “I’m actually grateful. Eight thousand Aetherstone tasted pretty sweet.”A vein throbbed at Regulus’s temple. His killing intent spread, pressing down on the ground around them.Malrick sneered. “Stealing secret techniques is already a grave sin. You stole them and

The room froze.Alderon let out a soft breath, then stood up. “Enough. The competition is about to begin. All of you, go to the arena. Now.”The elders rose one by one and left in silence.***Nearly an hour later, Javon opened his eyes.“Ngh…”His breath broke unevenly. His entire body felt as if it had been crushed and forcibly released. His meridians burned hot, his bones felt as though they were being stretched from the inside.Queen immediately leaned forward. “Don’t move.”Elmer smiled in relief. “You’re finally awake.”Javon slowly rubbed his face. “Side effects of forcing Celestial too quickly.”With difficulty, he sat up and took out two storage rings, placing them on the table.“At least the outcome was worth it.”Queen looked into the rings and fell silent. “More than thirty thousand Aetherstone.”Elmer drew a breath. “You robbed Regulus Lincoln and Cassian. This is far beyond their tolerance.”Javon curved his lips faintly. “Unless the Lincoln family head steps in personal

The moment Javon spoke those words, hundreds of pairs of eyes in the arena turned toward him.Looks of confusion, doubt, and barely concealed mockery collided in midair.In the midst of the crowd, Magnus narrowed his eyes. When he saw that it was merely a young man standing there, the crease in his brow deepened.Before Magnus could speak, however, another voice cut in first.“Boy, have you no manners?” The tone was sharp and openly scornful. “This is the Grand Alchemy Conclave, not a child’s game. Do you think you can request an extra round whenever you please?”Soft laughter rippled through the arena.From the Edelweis side, someone chimed in mockingly. “What kind of move is this? The Aljair family loses in the first round and then asks for a penalty shootout?” He shook his head. “A loss is a loss. Relying on an outsider won’t change anything.”“That’s right!”“Nonsense!”“Shameless!”Jeers rained down in waves.Within the Aljair ranks, many heads lowered. Not a single person dared

Alderon stiffened. “Javon…” His voice was low, filled with concern.“There’s no salary,” Javon replied before anyone else could speak.“What?” Curtois was taken aback, then broke into a wide grin. “A healer like you isn’t paid? The Aljair family is really stingy. Fine, 1,500 Aetherstone.”Whispers exploded around them.Branton growled, “Say one more word, and we’ll go to war!”“I’m not afraid,” Curtois replied coldly.The tension reached its peak.Javon stepped half a pace forward. His gaze sharpened, his voice icy. “I already refused. Do you not understand human language?”He paused, then added softly, yet with crushing force, “Go!”That cold rebuke struck harder than a slap.Curtois froze. He hadn’t expected Javon to be so ruthless in public.His expression hardened. “Young man, if you don’t want to join the Edelweis family, fine. But your tone, far too arrogant.”Javon tilted his head slightly, eyes flat. “And?”The moment the word fell, the air around them collapsed. Pressure from