After making his decision, Alaric's mind raced. That red-robed cultivator was probably a minor disciple. Should I go back and silence him before he brings stronger Blaze Sword Sect experts?
He quickly dismissed the idea. He had no idea if the man was alone or had backup nearby. It wasn't worth the risk. He tapped Thor lightly on the head. "Don't wander off again, understand?" Thor just grinned.
They soon reached Silvermoon City, leaving the mountains behind for open plains. The bustling streets felt unfamiliar yet refreshing—Alaric had spent almost three months in the wilderness. A quarter of my time is gone, and I've only recruited one disciple. There's still a long way to go.
He inquired about Soren's family. Silvermoon was a major trade hub in southeastern Oran, dealing in rare herbs and furs from the Misty Mountains. The Soren family controlled over a third of the herb trade—a significant local power, though nothing compared to major sects like Holy Sword Mountains or Blaze Sword Sect.
No wonder Elara felt confident coming to break the engagement with her sect's backing.
Alaric asked carefully if any outsiders had recently visited Soren's family or if any major events had occurred. Relieved, he learned that Elara's group hadn't arrived yet. Eldar's injuries from the willow were clearly severe—it seemed they were delayed.
But what if Eldar needed half a year or more to recover? Could Alaric afford to wait that long?
First, I need to see Soren and scan his potential with the system.
In Silvermoon, Soren was well-known. He began cultivating at eight, reached Mid Qi Refining within a year, and achieved Peak Qi Refining by twelve—an astonishing pace even by continental standards. His family only practiced mediocre thunder techniques, making his progress even more impressive.
Rumors said even the sacred Daoist Sanctum, one of Oran's three great holy lands, had taken notice and considered recruiting him. Soren was confident, poised to break through to Spirit-Forging before thirteen and become a disciple of a holy land.
But everything changed when he was twelve. Overnight, his cultivation vanished—his unlocked lightning nodes sealed one by one, his power regressing to Early Qi Refining. The Daoist Sanctum lost interest. Praise turned to pity, then ridicule.
Thor looked somber hearing the story. "He's had it rough."
"Yeah," Alaric agreed casually, but inwardly he was excited. This is exactly the template of a chosen one! Soren's fall from grace had to be a setup for a dramatic comeback. Elara's visit would be the trigger.
The reason for his "failure" is probably his golden opportunity—and my competition.
Since Elara hadn't arrived yet, Alaric had time to plan. He found lodging, settled Thor, and began observing Soren's residence. Days passed without sight of Soren or Elara, and he grew impatient.
He considered posing as a master and recruiting Soren early but quickly dismissed the idea. Without the emotional impact of the broken engagement, Soren might not be receptive. At fifteen, he was old enough to be cautious—unlike Thor, who was young and easily guided.
Just as Alaric resolved to wait, the system chime echoed in his mind:
"Target identified. Suitable as personal disciple."
Alaric looked up. A black-robed youth strode out from the Soren family mansion.
The street fell silent. All eyes turned to him, whispers spreading. The boy had delicate features and an expressionless face. Noticing the attention, he smiled faintly—a bitter, self-mocking twist of the lips—and kept walking.
Alaric's gaze locked onto him as system prompts followed:
"Talent assessment complete. Target #2 data如下:
Name: Soren
Age: 15
Cultivation: Early Qi Refining
Talent: Spiritual Root—8; Comprehension—9; Willpower—9; Luck—8
Verdict: Extremely high potential. Recommend recruitment and dedicated training. Will become pillar of the faction."**
Alaric took a deep breath, smiling. Number two. He scanned Soren for any sign of a golden opportunity—usually a portable item like a ring, bracelet, or pendant.
Soren wore nothing on his hands, but a cord around his neck held two dull, blackish rings. They looked utterly ordinary.
Alaric's smile widened. Rings. Of course. There's probably someone living inside—
He froze.
Two rings?
That wasn't what he expected. He stared, mesmerized, as the two rings swayed against Soren's chest, occasionally clinking together with a soft, clear sound.
✅ SYSTEM:
Faction Points: 750
New Objective: Recruit [Soren] as second personal disciple.
Note: Target carries unusual energy signatures—further investigation advised. Proceed with caution.