Kent King wandered through the grand halls of the Immortal Treasure Store, his sharp eyes scanning the rows upon rows of shining artifacts, rare elixirs, and radiant spiritual herbs that lined the immaculate shelves. Yet, instead of excitement, his heart sank with every passing moment.
“This can’t be everything,” Kent muttered under his breath, disappointment seeping into his tone as he noticed the highest quality lotus leaf available was only a hundred-thousand-year-old one. His fists clenched involuntarily.
The realization struck him hard. “The million-year-old lotus leaf gifted to me by Father… it wasn’t just rare—it was priceless beyond imagination. Compared to that treasure, this entire store is worthless.”
His frustration built with every passing second. “So this is the best the Immortal Treasure Store can offer? I thought I could find treasures to accelerate my cultivation, but it seems this was wishful thinking.”
Still, Kent’s analytical mind wouldn’t let him give up without testing a theory. “What if I try to accumulate divine essence through quantity?” His gaze shifted toward the lower-grade lotus leaves.
“Even a small accumulation can lead to something greater if I consume enough,”
he thought.
Determined to verify his theory, Kent approached the nearest shopkeeper, his voice low but authoritative. “Prepare one hundred units of ten-thousand-year-old lotus leaves—any variety will do.”
The shopkeeper blinked in shock. “One hundred units, sir? That’s quite a large quantity…”
“Did I stutter?” Kent’s tone left no room for negotiation.
The shopkeeper swallowed hard. “Right away, esteemed young master.” He rushed to fulfill the request.
Minutes later, Kent collected the large pouch containing the faintly glowing lotus leaves. Without hesitation, he paid and left the store, determined to prove his theory.
Back in his private cultivation chamber at the King residence, Kent wasted no time. Sitting cross-legged on his meditation cushion, he placed ten of the lotus leaves before him.
“Let’s see if quantity can truly overcome quality.”
One by one, Kent consumed the lotus leaves, feeling the faint surge of energy rush through his veins. But the difference was undeniable—compared to the overwhelming divine essence of the million-year-old lotus, this energy felt diluted, almost trivial.
After finishing all ten leaves, he focused inward, observing his divine essence reserves.
His eyes narrowed. No change.
A thin mist of divine liquid formed in his soul space—so faint it was almost unnoticeable.
“Damn it.” His voice echoed through the silent chamber.
The divine essence barely moved… It would take at least ten thousand of these to increase my reserves by even a single point.
Kent let out a growl of frustration. Without hesitation, he ignited the remaining lotus leaves with a flick of his wrist, burning them into ash in an instant.
“What a waste of time, energy, and resources,” Kent muttered angrily. I need higher-grade immortal treasures… but those won’t be easy to come by.
Hoping to clear his mind, Kent decided to visit his companions… who were cultivating diligently in the secluded courtyard he had purchased for them months ago.
“Amelia! Lucy! Fatty! Sophia!” Kent’s voice echoed across the peaceful garden.
Fatty Ben was the first to respond, his familiar grin lighting up his face as he rushed out of his meditation room. “Brother Kent! Finally decided to check up on us?”
Kent allowed a rare smile to cross his lips. “I just came to see how you all are doing. How’s cultivation progressing?”
Fatty’s grin grew even wider. “We’re advancing quickly! The mana here is thick, and we’ve even caught glimpses of immortal energy now and then. Honestly, if you hadn’t arrived, we planned to shut ourselves away until we broke through to the Earth Immortal stage.”
Kent nodded in approval. “That’s good. Stay focused. The faster you grow stronger, the better we can face the challenges ahead.”
Soon, Amelia, Lucy, and Sophia emerged from their meditation, their auras steady and serene.
“Is something wrong, Kent?” Amelia asked softly, noticing the tension in his gaze.
“Nothing serious,” Kent replied, brushing off her concern. “I just wanted to check on your progress.”
Amelia placed a reassuring hand on his arm. “You don’t have to carry everything alone, Kent.”
Kent forced a tight smile. “You should all focus on your cultivation. I’ll handle everything else.”
Without another word, Kent turned and left.
Returning to the King residence, Kent prepared to immerse himself in the family library, seeking any knowledge about rare immortal medicines that could assist his cultivation.
Just as he reached the library’s entrance, his father, Daku King, appeared from the shadows.
“My son,” Daku King greeted, his voice heavy with concern.
Kent turned slowly, raising an eyebrow. “Father? What brings you here?”
Daku’s expression darkened. “I heard about your clash with Prince Min Kai.”
Kent scoffed. “He tried to humiliate me. I responded in kind.”
Daku’s gaze sharpened. “You humiliated a prince of the royal family, Kent. That’s not a matter that will simply fade away.”
Kent folded his arms. “Father, I’m not reckless. The prince forced my hand. So what happens now? Endless challenges until one of them manages to defeat me?”
Daku nodded grimly. “Yes. You’ve humiliated the royal family, and they will not forgive you easily.”
Kent’s eyes narrowed. “Then how do I stop this foolish game?”
Daku thought for a long time. He came here to curse Kent and teach him caution. But Kent spoke more maturely than he anticipated. Inside his heart, Daku was also happy that his son had beaten a Prince.
“There’s only one solution,” Daku replied. “You must prove your absolute superiority to them—make it clear that none of the princes are your equal.”
“And how do I do that?”
Daku took a deep breath. “The only way is to enter the Genius List rankings. Once you’re recognized as one of the strongest cultivators in the Red Silk Immortal Country, even the royal family will hesitate to challenge you again.”
Kent’s eyes gleamed with interest. “The Genius List?”
“It ranks the most talented cultivators in the empire,” Daku explained. “If you make it to the top three, the Emperor himself will support you with powerful resources.”
Kent’s lips curled into a dangerous smile. “Sounds like the perfect way to crush their arrogance.”
Daku hesitated, placing a firm hand on Kent’s shoulder. “Be careful, son. Power attracts envy, and envy breeds danger.”
Kent’s voice was low and determined. “Let them come. The more I fight, the more power I get.”