Chapter 26: Announcement In City
The Next Morning…
As the first rays of morning sunlight struck the tall walls of the city, thirty-seven severed heads hanging from the gates sent a jolt through the entire city.
Each head bore a name tag—Bandit, Traitor, Betrayer.
Crowds had gathered. Children hid in their mothers' arms in fear, merchants dropped their scales in shock, and cultivators stood still in grim silence.
Suddenly, soldiers appeared at every street intersection, beating drums, their voices echoing through the city:
"Hear ye! Hear ye! A crucial announcement is to be made!""Under the leadership and planning of Young Master Adrien, all bandits and traitors have been captured. The Young Master has personally executed them!""Their heads have been displayed on the city walls to send one clear message—Treason in the Thorne Clan shall be punished by death!"
"Furthermore, Young Master Adrien has officially established a new organization—The Merchant Guild!"
"From this day forth, any individual—be it a commoner or a cultivator—can receive work through the Merchant Guild according to their abilities and interests."
"Those seeking guards, assistants, or specialists for particular tasks may find reliable help via the Merchant Guild!"
"The Merchant Guild shall stand as a symbol of opportunity and service!"
The proclamations rippled through the city like thunder.
While the heads on the walls instilled fear, the announcement of the Merchant Guild sent tremors of anticipation—like a quake shaking the city to its roots.
People glanced at one another. Some trembled in fear, others smiled with hope, and some began imagining new possibilities for their future.
From a nearby inn, a stunning young woman stepped out. Her eyes sparkled with depth, and her beauty was almost indescribable. Her milky-white skin looked like soft butter, her youthful figure radiated vitality, and her slender waist added to her allure.
With a light smirk, she whispered to herself, "Hmm... Adrien... Perhaps it's time I pay a visit to the Thorne Estate. What I came to Green Mountain seeking… maybe I'll find help there."With that thought, she began walking toward the estate with calm, confident steps.
—
Meanwhile, completely unaware of the ripples he had caused across the city, Adrien was sitting with his family. Chen, Mia, and Han Fi were also present.
Selena smiled gently.
"Adrien, your plan for the Merchant Guild is truly brilliant."
In fact, last night, Adrien had shared the full blueprint with the family. As expected, the Merchant Guild could become a powerful institution for the realm—one that would benefit the Thorne Clan tremendously.
Adrien turned to his mother and replied with a faint smile,
"Well, sitting idle was getting boring. I decided to channel that into something useful… and the guild took shape."
Victor lifted the thick book Adrien had given him and said,
"But son, if building a Merchant Guild were so easy, many would've done it by now. What you've created isn't just a proposal—it's a complete structure.Every aspect is meticulously detailed: its operations, task management, handling members and merchants... It's all so thorough—I'm impressed."
Evelen, too, had reviewed the draft and nodded in agreement.
Adrien added,
"Actually, Father, have you considered who should be the guild's head until it's fully functional?"
Victor replied,
"Not yet. But if you have someone in mind, tell me."
Adrien gestured toward Mia and said,
"Until Mia breaks through to the King Realm, Mother will oversee the guild. Once Mia advances, the full leadership of the Merchant Guild will be passed on to her."
Startled by the mention of her name, Mia immediately stood up and said humbly,
"Young Master, I'm not worthy of such a role…"
Adrien responded calmly,
"I know what you're thinking, Mia. But don't worry. All I expect is that you learn and train under Mother's guidance. In a few years, I'm certain you'll reach the King Realm—by then, you'll be more than capable of managing the guild."
His words left everyone momentarily surprised.Victor let out a long breath and said,
"Son, reaching the King Realm isn't as simple as you make it sound."
Adrien replied with resolve,
"Don't worry, Father. Your cultivation is already at a high level. What you need now is to begin your breakthrough to the True King Realm.For that, you must enter secluded cultivation."
With that, Adrien pulled out a finely carved wooden box and offered it to his father.
Everyone watched in surprise and growing curiosity.
Victor examined the box—it looked exquisite and crafted with masterful precision. As he opened it, a divine fragrance wafted out, filling the hall with a calm, sacred atmosphere.
Inside the box were three pills:
Bone Marrow Pill
Body Refining Pill
And the special one Adrien had purchased from the system the night before:Royal Spirit Pill
Royal Spirit PillDescription: Made from the highest quality Royal Lotus, Dragon Horn Ginseng, and King Beast Essence.Effect: Stabilizes spiritual energy and protects the cultivator from backlash during a breakthrough to the True King Realm.Special Note: Only effective at the Peak King Stage.
This pill had cost Adrien 100 system points—equivalent to 1,000 high-grade spirit stones. According to the system, Victor's spiritual scope was too narrow to advance on its own. This pill would expand that scope and aid his transition to the True King Realm.
Victor looked at the pills and whispered with a trembling voice,
"Two Saint-grade pills… and one for the True King Stage…"
Hearing his words, everyone present fell completely silent in astonishment. Victor did not delay—he closed the box carefully and placed it inside his storage ring with utmost caution.
Adrien continued,
"The first pill you must take is the Body Refining Pill. After that, you will consume the Bone Marrow Pill, and finally, you'll use the Royal Spirit Pill to advance to the True King Realm.The sequence is absolutely critical."
Victor nodded gravely.
After this, Adrien turned to both his mothers and respectfully handed each of them a Body Refining Pill and a Bone Marrow Pill and King Breakthrough Pill.
Seeing this, Victor looked visibly surprised. He asked,
"Son… where did you get all of these?"
Adrien replied with a faint smile,
"First, focus on your cultivation and reaching the True King Realm… When the time comes, I will tell you everything."
Then he turned toward Mia and Han Fi.
"Mia, Chen—these are for you. These are Mortal-rank Body Refining Pills.Your cultivation levels are still low, so Saint-rank pills could be harmful for you."
He handed them each a small wooden box. They accepted the pills respectfully.
But… Han Fi lowered her gaze, her expression a little downcast, as she had received nothing.
Seeing this, Adrien looked at her gently and said in a soft voice,
"Han Fi, don't feel disheartened. I know you're unable to cultivate right now… but I promise you, I will soon find a suitable cultivation method for your body.Just give me a little time. As soon as matters here are settled, you will come with me."
Han Fi nodded quietly.
Adrien then instructed Mia and Chen to go and focus on their training and cultivation.
After they left, Adrien turned back to his father and said,
"Father, Mother… You three should enter secluded cultivation starting today.Please leave all the clan's matters to me.When my mothers consume the Bone Marrow Pill, Father, you can be there to assist them."
Victor replied firmly,
"I have complete faith in you, my son. My heart is at ease."
"Then it's settled," Adrien said.
"Finish what you need to prepare, and go into seclusion.I will handle everything else."
He was just about to stand when suddenly, a soldier entered the hall, bowing quickly as he announced:
"Master! Disciple of the Alchemy Sect—Ji Fan—has come to request an audience with Young Master."
Hearing the name, Adrien paused mid-step and glanced at his father, who looked just as puzzled.
He turned to the soldier and said,
"Very well, bring her in."
The soldier departed swiftly.
Adrien then looked back at Victor and asked,
"Father, do you know this girl? And how does she know me?"
Victor slowly shook his head,
"No… I have no idea."