The morning began peacefully. Alexander Blackwood sat beneath a tree in his courtyard, holding a wooden sword. Across from him, Ethan Valerian was sweating profusely.“Again,” Alexander ordered.Ethan raised his sword and repeated the movement.Alexander shook his head. “Terrible.”Ethan nearly dropped his weapon. “I’ve practiced this for three hours!”“And you’ve wasted three hours.”“Can you give me one compliment?”“Your ability to waste spirit stones is impressive.”Ethan clutched his chest. He had once considered himself a talented young cultivator. After several days of training under Alexander, however, he had discovered that his swordsmanship was nowhere near as good as he thought.“Fine! What’s my next lesson?”“Five hundred spirit stones.”“WHAT? I already paid you three thousand!”“That was for the previous lessons.”“You taught me for three hours!”“Exactly. I’m very generous.”Ethan stared at his teacher, wondering whether he should find another sword instructor. Unfortun

Teacher, someone stole my spirit stones!”Alexander paused with a piece of meat halfway to his mouth. Across the table, Ethan Valerian looked furious.“How many?” Alexander asked.“Two thousand!”Alexander slowly put the meat down. “That’s unfortunate.”“That’s all you have to say?”“What do you want me to do? Cry?”Ethan nearly slammed his fist onto the table. “I know who did it! Marcus Hale from the inner sect took my storage pouch yesterday. When I confronted him, he said someone like me should be grateful he didn’t take everything!”Alexander picked up his chopsticks again. “Did you challenge him?”“Of course! He defeated me in three moves.”“Then why are you complaining to me?”“Because you’re my teacher!”Alexander nodded thoughtfully. “Excellent. You’ve finally remembered our relationship.”Ethan brightened. “So you’ll help me?”“No. I’ll charge you for a private lesson.”“YOU—”Alexander raised one finger. “However, I can offer you some free advice.”Ethan immediately quieted

Three days later, Alexander returned to the Blackwood Family residence for the gathering. The main hall had been decorated with red lanterns, and servants hurried between tables carrying food and wine. Several allied families had arrived, bringing gifts and their most promising young cultivators.Alexander entered wearing simple black robes, with Blackstar secured at his waist. Emily spotted him immediately.“Brother!” She hurried over, smiling. “You actually came early!”“I was afraid Father would send someone to drag me here.”Emily giggled. “He considered it.”Alexander sighed. “Betrayal. In my own family.”Before she could respond, William approached. “Alexander, come with me. I’ll introduce you to our guests.”Alexander followed his father into the main hall. Several family heads greeted William politely. Some were sincere, while others looked at Alexander with undisguised curiosity. Word of his recent achievements had spread throughout the region. A young man with the Supreme Sw