Clamped onto Gongsun Qian's shoulder with astonishing speed, a skeletal hand drained of blood pulsed with dark red energy.
This was what had become of the once mighty Murong Fu.
Corrupted Dark red Yang energy has now taken root as his primary source of internal energy.
Murong Fu's bloodshot eyes locked onto Gongsun Qian, a dangerous glint flashing within them.
"You say that Riveron Ashvale has ascended to the Innate Life Realm?" he asked, voice low and gravelly.
Facing him, Gongsun Qian felt a subtle chill in his heart. He frowned slightly but answered carefully,
"I can't confirm if it was him or someone else behind him. But last night, when someone broke through, the vision in the sky…. half of the Sundawn lands saw it."
Murong Fu's expression turned dark and twisted with suspicion.
"It must be him," he muttered under his breath.
He began pacing slowly, piecing together his thoughts aloud,
"He gave me the 'Evil-Repelling Sword Manual' in exchange for the 'Star-Shifting Technique.' Most likely because after reaching the Innate stage, he lacks a compatible external martial art."
He paused, a sharp smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
"What martial art could be more suited to the Innate stage than my Murong family's 'Star-Shifting Technique'?" he sneered.
"But the manual he gave me is incomplete. I can feel it."
His voice lowered into a snarl.
"I've heard Buddhist martial arts are like that, too. The deeper you go, the more you have to understand the teachings, or the energy turns against you. Hmph!"
He waved his sleeve sharply, dismissing his own irritation.
"This Riven Ashvale has some cunning... but if he thinks he can outsmart me, he's still far too green."
Outside the Repaying Water Pavilion, Murong Fu continued to ponder.
Gongsun Qian stood quietly beside him, waiting.
At length, Murong Fu spoke up.
"Brother Gongsun, prepare the 'Star-Shifting Technique' and deliver it to the Duke of Sundawn's Residence as a congratulatory gift."
Gongsun Qian blinked, startled. "Young Master, that's..."
Murong Fu chuckled darkly.
"Let him have it. Let him try to cultivate it.
Our family's 'Star-Shifting Technique' isn't so easily mastered. One missing mantra… just one, and it'll seem correct, but he'll suffer defects in his inner qi."
Understanding flashed across Gongsun Qian's face.
He bowed and said with admiration, "Young Master's foresight is unparalleled."
Murong Fu permitted himself a brief, satisfied smirk.
But then, Gongsun Qian hesitated.
"However, Young Master," he said carefully.
"Even if we give him this incomplete 'Star-Shifting Technique,' we still won't get the missing method for the 'Evil-Repelling Sword Manual.'"
Murong Fu's eyes narrowed.
That was true.
When he left the Duke's Residence, he had already planned to use a fake 'Star-Shifting Technique' to cheat out the missing fragments of the 'Evil-Repelling Sword Manual.'
But after knowing that Riven broke through last night, Murong Fu, already outmatched in status and reputation, although he was equal in martial prowess, knew his bargaining position was far weaker now.
He knew that an Innate Human is not someone a mortal like him can bargain with.
Even though their family had people like Gongsun Qian and other hidden agents with Innate prowess, Riveron was barely 18 years old.
Murong Fu knew better than to use veterans against him. After all, he probably had people behind him.
If he stood in front of Riven again, he would feel a life form suppression from him akin to the suppression from a Pure Blood Dragon to a Mixed Blood Wyvern.
Unless Riveron intentionally absorbed his aura, like Gongsun Qian is now doing, his body would naturally bow, as if he were a subject to his king.
If before the difference in hierarchy was simply secular, now Heaven and Earth had accepted that he is above Mortals.
Would Riven even care to give him anything more?
He clenched his fist behind his back.
"Brother Gongsun," he said after a while, "any ideas?"
Gongsun Qian smiled thinly.
"Young Master, whether you wish to retrieve the missing method or restore our kingdom, the Duke of Sundawn's Residence is a growing threat. It must be dealt with early."
Murong Fu nodded grimly. "Of course. Otherwise, why would I have risked revealing myself?"
Gongsun Qian leaned in slightly, lowering his voice.
They've just built a new mansion, and they're low on trustworthy people. This gives us an opening to slowly, quietly infiltrate and plant our own people.
Murong Fu frowned.
"Too slow."
He needed results now, not years later.
Gongsun Qian smiled again.
"If you want it fast," he said smoothly, "you must be willing to sacrifice."
Murong Fu's brow lifted slightly. "Speak."
"Send the 'Star-Shifting Technique'... along with Azhula and Azira."
At those words, Murong Fu froze. For a couple of seconds, he couldn't help but think about those two girls.
Azhula and Azira.
His two most trusted attendants.
Loyal, clever, skilled in all refined arts, educated like noble daughters.
Gongsun Qian pressed on.
"Throughout history, beauty has toppled kingdoms. Let's offer him a blade in a silk wrapping."
"Azhula and Azira are young, beautiful, refined. If Riven Ashvale accepts them, and of course, given the nature of men, especially young men, he surely will, they will become our eyes and ears inside his most private chambers."
Murong Fu was silent for a long while.
Finally, he let out a heavy breath. This was a difficult decision.
"Very well," he said, voice hard and heavy. "Explain it to them."
Gongsun Qian bowed deeply.
"They will not fail you, Young Master."
Murong Fu looked up at the sky, his heart a storm of bitterness.
"For the restoration of our Kingdom... everything must be sacrificed."
-------------------------------
At the Duke Manor.
This morning was a special event for him.
His grandmother, Rosalind Ashvale, called him, and together with his grandma, Lavinia, they conducted a meeting.
From her perspective, now that Riven had entered the political scene in Ashenvale, it was important for him to build credibility.
Just having the last name Ashvale wasn't enough. Her backing wasn't enough either.
Naturally, Riven took the time to share with her that he would carve out his own path, and that brought a bright smile to Rosalind's face, even from so far away in the divine capital.
Even the five Hands in the manor found themselves included in the meeting, sharing their own perspectives on the matter.
Finally, everyone agreed to let Riven embark on a martial journey - a journey of self-discovery, if you will.
However, this journey was more than just an opportunity for Riven to make a name for himself in the martial world and burst onto the political scene with a bang.
There was also something else that was very important.
Magnar had reached out to Rosalind to let her know that he had discovered an imperial court member-one of the highest-ranking officials, was getting involved in the affairs of Sundawn.
Even with all his connections, he couldn't quite figure out who it was.
The goal was to create enough commotion to cloud the waters, forcing anyone trying to take advantage of the situation to reveal themselves.
After everyone enjoyed the various pleasures of the gathering, the atmosphere became relaxed.
Conversations flowed easily, laughter filled the room, and they took their time savoring the moment. And so, the meeting was adjourned.
Right now, Riven was meeting someone from the Swallow Nest manor.
Riven lounged casually in the main hall in Loose Robes, sipping tea as he watched Gongsun Qian respectfully present a scroll.
"The Murong family's 'Star-Shifting Technique," Gongsun Qian said solemnly.