The vibrant bustling of the Imperial Capital's market district was a stark contrast to the grim silence of the Blackwood manor. Eric found himself swept along by the current of humanity, a peculiar sensation after weeks spent in the shadows. His mother, Elara, her eyes sparkling with excitement, led the charge, with Lena skipping happily beside her. Behind them, the four new Imperial Servants, dressed in plain but elegant uniforms, followed discreetly, their presence a constant reminder of Eric's newfound status.
"Now, Eric, we need to get you properly outfitted!" Elara declared, her voice ringing with newfound authority. "No more of those plain Academy robes. You are a wealthy young man now, and you need to look the part! Especially when we're going to see the Emperor again."
Eric sighed, trying to interject. "Mother, I just need a few simple, well-made clothes. Something comfortable for training and missions."
Elara fixed him with a stern look. "Nonsense! We are not just buying 'clothes,' Eric. We are building a wardrobe befitting a rising star of the Empire! You need to dress to impress. Every detail matters when dealing with the Emperor and the high nobility."
She dragged him from one luxurious tailor to another, dismissing bolts of fine silk and spiritual cotton with a critical eye. Finally, she settled on a renowned establishment, its storefront adorned with intricate embroidery. She conferred with the master tailor, a portly man with nimble fingers and an even nimbler tongue, giving him specific instructions for Eric's new attire.
"I want the finest Imperial silks, in deep blues and emeralds, perhaps with subtle silver stitching," Elara dictated, gesturing grandly. "Elegant, but not overly flashy. It must convey strength, dignity, and quiet power. And it must allow for ease of movement, for his... active lifestyle." She winked at Eric, who just sighed. The tailor, clearly accustomed to the whims of the wealthy, nodded sagely, taking Eric's measurements with practiced ease.
Upon returning home, Eric retreated to his study, eager to inspect the spiritual cultivation scrolls bestowed by the Emperor. He carefully unrolled the first one. Its ancient characters glowed faintly, revealing intricate diagrams and profound explanations of high-level spiritual techniques.
"These are indeed powerful," the Dragon Spirit confirmed, its voice resonating with quiet reverence. "Techniques rarely seen outside of the Imperial Family itself. They draw upon the deepest elemental essences."
Eric scanned through several of the scrolls, his eyes absorbing the complex diagrams. There were earth-shattering defensive techniques, wind-swift movement arts, and even illusionary spiritual spells.
"Begin with this one, Eric," the Dragon Spirit instructed, guiding his attention to a specific scroll. "The Scorching Dragon Breath technique. It harnesses the purest essence of fire Qi, transforming it into a concentrated, destructive force. It resonates with your inherent draconic Qi, promising the best and fastest results."
Eric nodded, excitement bubbling within him. He settled into a meditative stance, closing his eyes and following the detailed instructions. He began to circulate his Qi, guiding it through complex pathways, drawing upon the latent fire essence within his spiritual core. Hours passed. He meticulously practiced the intricate hand seals and mental visualizations required. The process was challenging, requiring immense focus and control, but with the Dragon Spirit's constant guidance and his own unique affinity for elemental manipulation, he felt a remarkable connection to the technique.
Within a few hours, a faint warmth spread from his dantian, growing steadily into a vibrant heat. He opened his eyes, a small, controlled flicker of intense flame dancing on his palm. He had mastered the basics. The Scorching Dragon Breath technique, one of the Imperial Family's most guarded secrets, was now within his grasp.
The next day, as the sun climbed high, Eric, dressed in a newly tailored, deep blue silk robe that felt surprisingly comfortable yet undeniably regal, accompanied his mother and Lena into a magnificent Imperial carriage. The carriage, adorned with golden dragons, was drawn by two majestic spiritual beasts, their powerful auras parting the crowds as they glided effortlessly towards the Imperial Palace.
When they arrived, the palace grounds were teeming with people. Not just guards and officials, but a veritable who's who of the Empire's elite: powerful cultivators, wealthy merchants, minor lords, and elegantly dressed ladies of high standing. The air hummed with anticipation. Many of them radiated powerful Qi, easily Core Formation and even a few nascent Soul stages, their gazes curious, expectant.
Eric scanned the crowd and spotted familiar faces. Master Varian stood stiffly among a group of Directorate officials, his impassive gaze sweeping over the scene. Princess Seraphina, radiant in an emerald gown, conversed with a small group of high-ranking nobles, occasionally glancing towards the main entrance. Lady Liandra, resplendent in a gown of deep crimson, held court with several prominent clan leaders, her presence commanding attention. Even Lord Chen, from the Imperial Academy, was present, his usually stern face softened by a hint of excitement. And, to Eric's delight, he saw his friends – Mei, Faelan, and the twins – standing near the edge of the crowd, looking overwhelmed but excited.
"What exactly is going on?" Eric whispered to his mother, his brow furrowed in confusion. He had expected a private audience, not a grand public assembly.
Before Elara could answer, a hush fell over the crowd. The massive doors to the main palace hall swung open, and the Emperor emerged, his presence radiating an aura of absolute power and regal majesty. Everyone present, from the lowest attendant to the highest-ranking lord, bowed deeply.
"Rise, my loyal subjects!" the Emperor's voice boomed, clear and strong, carrying across the vast courtyard.
He then called out, "Young Master Eric, and your esteemed family! Approach!"
Eric felt a surge of surprise, but he quickly composed himself. He walked forward, his mother holding Lena's hand tightly, their faces a mixture of awe and apprehension. They stopped before the Emperor and bowed deeply.
The Emperor looked out at the assembled crowd, his voice rising in a powerful address. "Today, we gather to celebrate the indomitable spirit of our Empire, and to recognize exceptional service and unwavering courage. In recent times, our Empire has faced unseen threats, insidious forces that seek to sow chaos and despair. But in these challenging times, true heroes emerge."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over Eric. "We have witnessed the extraordinary deeds of Young Master Eric. From his unparalleled talent at the Imperial Academy, his selfless courage in defending Ironclad Village against an S-rank beast, to his miraculous healing of my beloved daughter, Princess Elara. And most recently, his daring infiltration and exposure of the Crimson Veil cult within the Blackwood territories, where he faced down a Nascent Soul cultivator and averted a far greater catastrophe. Young Master Eric has proven himself to be a pillar of righteousness, a beacon of hope, and a formidable protector of the Empire!"
A ripple of murmurs went through the crowd, a mix of admiration and awe. Lady Liandra's eyes narrowed, a flicker of something akin to competitive interest in their depths. Master Varian remained impassive, but a subtle nod of approval could be discerned. Princess Seraphina beamed, her gaze fixed on Eric.
The Emperor's voice boomed again, delivering the shocking announcement. "Therefore, to honor his unparalleled service, and to ensure the prosperity and security of our future, I, by the divine decree of my ancestors, hereby bestow upon Young Master Eric the noble title of LORD!"
A collective gasp swept through the assembled nobility. Granting a direct Imperial title to someone so young, and not of established noble lineage, was an unprecedented move.
"Furthermore," the Emperor continued, his voice ringing with authority, "Lord Eric shall be granted dominion over a small but strategic region to the east, rich in spiritual resources, which shall henceforth be known as the Dragon's Roost Domain!"
More gasps, followed by whispers and murmurs of shock and intrigue. A domain! This was a monumental leap, making Eric a direct vassal of the Emperor, with control over land and people.
"And to his esteemed mother, Lady Elara, and his beloved sister, Lady Lena, I bestow the titles of Viscountess and Baroness respectively, elevating their status within the Imperial nobility!"
Elara clutched Lena's hand, tears welling in her eyes, a look of profound disbelief and overwhelming joy on her face. Lena, too, looked utterly stunned.
"Long live Lord Eric! Long live the Emperor!" A roar of applause erupted, echoing through the palace grounds, as the crowd, sensing the Emperor's unwavering resolve, bowed in affirmation.
The subsequent banquet was a lavish affair, a whirlwind of celebratory feasting and polite, yet intensely curious, conversations. Eric found himself at the center of attention, constantly bombarded with congratulations and thinly veiled attempts to curry favor.
His friends, Mei, Faelan, and the twins, pushed through the crowd, their faces beaming with pride. "Eric! Congratulations, Lord Eric!" Mei exclaimed, her eyes sparkling.
"A Lord! Unbelievable!" Faelan clapped him on the back, a wide grin on his face.
"We knew you'd do great things, big brother!" the twins chirped.
Many other prominent figures approached him: Lord Chen offered his sincere congratulations, his usually stern face alight with pride at his former student's achievements. Even Princess Seraphina sought him out, her smile radiant, congratulating him on his new title and expressing her happiness for his family.
Master Varian approached him, his expression as stoic as ever, but a subtle nod of approval confirmed his satisfaction. "Well done, Lord Eric," Varian stated, his voice low. "Your adaptation has been swift. Be wary, the higher you rise, the more eyes will be upon you. You are now a public figure. Remain vigilant." With that cryptic warning, Varian departed, melting back into the shadows.
Feeling overwhelmed by the constant attention, Eric eventually slipped away to a quiet, moonlit courtyard for a moment of respite. He leaned against a carved stone pillar, inhaling the cool night air.
"Congratulations, Lord Eric," a smooth, familiar voice purred from the shadows. Lady Liandra emerged, her crimson gown shimmering in the moonlight. "Of all the maneuvers I expected the Emperor to pull, granting you a direct Imperial title was the last thing. He moves decisively when he feels threatened."
Eric turned to her. "Lady Liandra."
She chuckled softly. "This changes things. Dramatically. My previous offers now seem almost... quaint." Her eyes, sharp and calculating, fixed on him. "It seems I have to up my game, Lord Eric. The Emperor has made his intentions abundantly clear. He means to bind you fully to his side."
She didn't press him further on her own offers, merely giving him a knowing look before gracefully excusing herself, leaving Eric alone with his thoughts.
When they finally returned to their mansion, late into the night, Elara barely managed a coherent word. As she stepped through the door, clutching Lena's hand, she simply began to emit a series of high-pitched, ecstatic squeals, dancing a little jig in the opulent hall.
"A Lord! My son is a Lord! A domain! We are nobility! Oh, Eric! This is incredible!" she shrieked, her face flushed with unbridled joy. Lena, though tired, giggled, caught up in her mother's infectious excitement.
Eric watched her, a warm smile on his face. Seeing his mother so genuinely happy, so utterly thrilled by the prospect of their new status, warmed his heart. It was a stark reminder of why he fought, why he pushed himself. But beneath the joy, a gnawing anxiety persisted.
He excused himself and retreated to his study. The gifts, the titles, the Emperor's direct patronage – it was all a double-edged sword. He had gained immense power and prestige, but at what cost? He was no longer just an Academy prodigy or a Directorate agent. He was a Lord, a direct vassal of the Emperor, and a prominent figure on the Empire's political stage. Every move he made would be watched, every decision scrutinized.
He sat at his desk, pulling out the Scorching Dragon Breath scroll. The night was still young. He needed to train. He needed to become even stronger. Strong enough to protect his family, strong enough to navigate this treacherous new world, and strong enough to fight the growing darkness of the Crimson Veil.
As the first hints of dawn began to paint the sky, a new spiritual beacon shimmered into existence on his desk. A summons. From the Directorate. His respite was over. The shadows called again.