Arthur joined his parents at lunch, the warm fragrance of spirit grain and beast broth filling the room. His mother's face was cold the moment he entered.
"You didn't come yesterday," she said sharply. "Even if you were studying, could you not have eaten first? You'll collapse before you even make a pill if you go on like this."
Arthur bowed his head slightly. "Mother, forgive me. I was so indulged, I felt that the insight would scatter if I let go for even a breath. I thought it was better to persist."
His mother opened her mouth again, but his father raised a hand to silence her.
"Let him be, Mei'er. He does not have my cultivation. If he wishes to pour himself into alchemy, let him. It is also a path."
She frowned but quieted, though her eyes remained stern.
After the meal, when Arthur rose to return to his chambers, his father stopped him in the courtyard.
"What were you doing yesterday, Tian'er?"
Arthur smiled faintly. "Studying a pill."
His father's gaze sharpened. "You are not using the elixir, are you?"
Arthur shook his head. "No. Since father forbade me, I have not touched it."
His father took a long breath, then gave a small, wry smile. "Forgive me for those words I spoke at the table. About your cultivation."
Arthur shook his head. "It's fine, Father. I know you have your methods. I am not worried since you promised to teach me after three moons. As for such comments… I know they are spoken to avoid suspicion."
This time, his father chuckled softly. "Sharp tongue. But you are right. There are secrets I cannot even tell your mother. Truthfully, I do not even wish to tell you. Yet it pains me to see the sect look at you like a candle, shining bright only before it burns out."
His father's eyes narrowed slightly. "What is going on between you and your uncle?
Arthur stood silent; he didn't know how to reply.
"Did you think I would not know? I, too, have eyes and ears in this sect. I didn't mind before. But now, with the Great Succession Ceremony so close, you must not do anything rash."
Arthur bowed lightly. "Just as father asks me to wait, I will also ask father to be at ease. It is nothing serious."
"Is that so?" His father's gaze lingered, but he did not press further.
After a pause, Arthur spoke. "Father, may I request something?"
"What is it?"
"I require one hundred Whiteflare Spirit Stones."
His father studied him for a long moment without saying a word. Then, slowly, he drew out a pouch heavy with Qi from his sleeve and handed it over.
Arthur blinked. He had other means to earn such an amount; to receive them so easily left him unsettled.
"Be at ease," his father said with a shrug, dismissing the matter. "I came across an opportunity. If I can't even spare this much for you, I would be a miser indeed."
Arthur bowed slightly. "Thank you, Father."
His father's expression shifted, solemn now. "From this day forth, whatever you ask, I will grant. But you must promise me one thing, Qing Tian."
Arthur's eyes lifted in surprise.
"Do not be like Ming Hao. Be humble. Even if I were to sit as Sect Master.
Arthur was left stunned with such words spoken so suddenly to him.
"The world outside is cruel beyond words. What I wish to leave behind is not only strength, but goodwill. Only when the time demands it… only then, reveal your might."
Arthur lowered his gaze. His father's words clashed against the blood-soaked memories of his past life — cruelty, schemes, betrayal. Goodwill? In that world? The very thought grated against everything he had endured.
Yet, he drew in a deep breath and steadied his heart.
Looking straight into his father's eyes, Arthur answered with unwavering clarity.
"I promise, Father."
For a long moment, his father studied him, then finally exhaled. "That is enough."
Arthur left the courtyard. His father's figure faded in the opposite direction. For a moment, he watched until the man's back vanished into the long shadows of the corridor. Then he turned, returning to his own quarters.
Inside, he settled into his chamber, letting the pouch of Whiteflare Spirit Stones rest beside him. The weight of his father's words pressed on his chest, but he shook the thoughts aside. For now, there was work to be done.
"Zi Yan," he called softly.
Almost immediately, the servant girl appeared, bowing lightly. "Young Master."
"Summon Liu Fen," Arthur instructed.
Zi Yan dipped her head and left. A short while later, Liu Fen entered with a respectful gaze.
Arthur looked at him briefly, then drew out another pouch. This one was different, not the Whiteflare Bloom Stones his father had entrusted to him, but the Solar Ascendance Realm spirit stones he had left from various acquisitions.
He handed the pouch to Liu Fen. "Take these. You are to bring me as many inscription scrolls as you can procure. Blank ones. The kind forged from Moonsteel."
He lowered his head and spoke. "Yes, Young Master."
Arthur's gaze sharpened. "Do not be careless like I was. I want it to be done without any problems this time. Remember, Moonsteel scrolls only. If you cannot find them, do not return with lesser substitutes. Understood?"
"Yes," he answered.
He watched him tie the pouches securely.
"Good. I will not remind you of what silence is worth. Do not speak of who has asked you this task."
He clasped his fists and bowed deeply. "Understood, Young Master."
"Go."
He left without another word. Zi Yan quietly closed the door behind him,
He stood silent for a moment, then turned back inside.
If his father truly intended to take the seat of Sect Master, then the tides within the sect would inevitably shift. Eyes, favors, and enmities would all sharpen. Arthur's lips curved faintly.
With that thought, he slipped into his chamber and shut the door behind him.
The Spirit Blood Convergence Array lay etched across his chambers.
He lowered himself to the center of the array, the Core Seat, where he was meant to sit.
His eyes narrowed. "Before his ascension, my preparation should be completed."