165 Chapter 165 The Elder’s Burden and the Alchemist’s
Dawn
I stood at the window of Alistair’s study, watching darkness settle over the city while the weight of his warning hung in the air between us. The Thornton family–one of the Three Great Families of Eldoria. A power beyond what I’d faced before.
“Perhaps we should contact Anthony Harding again,” Alistair suggested, breaking the silence. “He might know more details about this theft.”
I nodded, though my mind was already churning through potential responses to Miles Thornton’s arrogance. No family, no matter how powerful, could take what was mine without consequences.
Later that evening, Alistair met with Anthony Harding privately. I hadn’t been invited, but I wasn’t bothered–sometimes information flowed more freely without my
presence.
“You can’t tell him,” Alistair warned Anthony, unaware I was passing by the partially
door.
open “If Liam Knight learns that the Thornton Family has already used the
Curing Pill, he’ll confront them directly.”
“But Master Knight deserves to know,” Anthony argued, his voice strained with loyalty.
“And what good would that do?” Alistair’s tone was sharp. “The pill is gone. Used. If Liam challenges Ryker Thornton now, it will only lead to his demise. The Thorntons have Martial Saints at their beck and call!”
I withdrew silently, letting their conversation continue without my interference. So the pill had already been used to cure Ryker Thornton. Interesting. I returned to my temporary quarters to meditate, deciding to let things unfold naturally for now.
Two days later, I finally awoke fully refreshed. My body hummed with restored energy after a full week of deep sleep. The sunlight streaming through the windows felt particularly bright as I stretched, feeling the power coursing through my veins once
more.
I dressed unhurriedly, my mind clear and focused. The Thornton situation would need
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addressing, but my immediate priority was continuing my cultivation. Without power, all my knowledge and talent meant nothing against families like the Thorntons.
A knock at my door interrupted my thoughts.
“Enter, I called.
Anthony Harding stepped in, his face lighting up when he saw me standing at full strength. “Master Knight! You’re looking much better!”
“I feel better,” I confirmed with a slight smile. “Has anything urgent happened while I was recovering?
Anthony hesitated almost imperceptibly. “Nothing that can’t wait until after you’ve eaten. I’ve arranged breakfast downstairs.
The meal was excellent–rich congee, steamed buns, and perfectly prepared tea. As I ate, I observed Anthony fidgeting across the table, clearly struggling with something.
“So,” I said finally, setting down my teacup, “what happened to the Curing Pill?”
Anthony nearly choked on his tea. “The–the pill, sir?”
“Yes,” I said evenly. “The one Miles Thornton stole. I assume you’ve heard something since our last conversation.”
His eyes darted away from mine. “I… well, that is…”
*Anthony,” I said gently, “just tell me.”
He swallowed hard, then looked up. “I took it, Master Knight.”
I raised an eyebrow. That wasn’t what I’d expected.
“You took it?”
“Yes,” he said, voice strengthening as he committed to the lie. “I’ve been struggling with a recurring illness since childhood. When the pill was stolen, I tracked down. Miles Thornton myself and convinced him to sell it to me instead. I used all savings.”
my
eyes couldn’t quite
I studied his face, noting the slight tremor in his hands, the way
his eyes meet mine. An admirable attempt at deception, but a poor execution.
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“I see,” I said finally, “And did it work? Are you cured?”
Relief washed over his features. “Yes! Completely! Your medicine is miraculous, Master Knight.”
I nodded slowly, deciding to accept his story for now. “I’m glad to hear it.”
Anthony’s shoulders sagged with relief. “I–I should have asked permission first. I’m prepared to work off my debt to you.”
I waved a hand dismissively. “Keep it. Consider it a gift for your
His eyes widened. “But Master Knight, that pill was priceless!”
cervice.”
“I can make more,” I said with deliberate casualness, enjoying the shock that crossed his face. “Though I’ll need to source more rare ingredients first.”
Anthony stared at me in disbelief. “You can… make more?”
“Of course,” I replied, rising from the table. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have work to
do.”
Back in my room, I closed the door behind me and pulled out the two strains of hundred–year Ganoderma I’d acquired. One from Killian Moreau and another from a grateful merchant whose daughter I’d treated. Both glowed with a soft inner light that spoke of their potency.
I needed to advance my cultivation urgently. The confrontation with Miles Th had made one thing clear–I was still too weak to stand against the truly powerful families of this world.
Setting up my portable alchemy equipment, I prepared to refine Foundation Establishment Pills. These would help me break through to the second level of the Foundation Establishment Stage–a small step, but necessary.
As night fell, I focused my concentration entirely on the pill refinement process. My control over the Blue Spirit Fire had improved significantly since my last attempt. The flame danced between my fingers, controlled and precise as I heated the medicinal materials to exact temperatures.
Hours passed. I lost myself in the rhythm of alchemy–grinding, mixing, refining,
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condensing. By the time dawn’s first light crept through my window, eight perfectly formed Foundation Establishment Pills sat before me, each radiating a subtle energy.
I examined them with satisfaction. Eight pills from two Ganoderma–an excellent yield. My efficiency was improving.
Without hesitation, I collected all eight pills and consumed them at once. Most alchemists would take them one at a time, but I needed rapid advancement. The pills dissolved on my tongue, releasing waves of pure medicinal energy that rushed through my meridians.
was
I immediately settled into a cross–legged position on my bed, cycling my energy techniques to distribute and absorb the medicinal power efficiently. The energy intense–almost overwhelming–but my Chaotic Body seemed to relish the challenge, converting the flood of power into reinforcement for my foundations.
A full day passed as I digested the pills‘ energy. When I finally opened my eyes, disappointment washed through me. Despite consuming eight high–quality Foundation Establishment Pills, I only felt the faintest signs of breakthrough approaching.
“Not enough,” I muttered to myself. My Chaotic Body required far more energy than ordinary cultivators to advance.
Still, I was close. I could feel it–a tension in my energy channels, a pressure building at the threshold of breakthrough. Closing my eyes again, I pushed my concentration deeper, driving my will against the barrier holding me back from the second level of Foundation Establishment.
The resistance was tremendous. I gritted my teeth, pushing harder, forcing every scrap of energy through my meridians in powerful cycles. Sweat beaded on my forehead as I strained against my limits.
“Break…” I commanded under my breath. “Break through!”
For a moment, nothing happened. Then, like a hairline crack in a dam, I felt something give. Energy rushed through the opening, expanding the breach further. My breathing quickened as power surged, through my body, seeking new pathways, expanding my capacity.
And then, something unexpected happened.
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A faint golden light began to emanate from my skin. It started as barely visible wisps but quickly intensified, casting golden patterns across the walls of my room. The light seemed to pulse with my heartbeat, growing brighter with each throb.
I stared at my glowing hands in wonder and confusion. This wasn’t a normal sign of breakthrough–this was something else entirely. The golden light continued to strengthen, illuminating the entire room with its mysterious radiance.
What was happening to my body?
The golden light pulsed once more, growing suddenly brighter, and with it came a sensation I’d never experienced before–as if something ancient and powerful was awakening within me, answering my call for strength..
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