The Rise of a Master: It Starts With Rejection

In truth, Zayn was lying. The wooden craving indeed blocked sound, but if someone held its paired counterpart, they could eavesdrop on the conversation. And that counterpart was in the hands of Josiah, the elderly man accompanying him.

"The fact that His Majesty values my talents is a great honor," Felix said with a polite smile. "However, I've always lived freely, and it was Harmony Clinic that nurtured me. I'm afraid I cannot accept the offer."

Zayn was inwardly pleased this wasn't even something he had to lead Felix into saying.

"You don't have to worry about Harmony Clinic," Zayn continued smoothly. "We can persuade Mr. Whitwell. As long as you're willing, it's not an obstacle.

"Felix, let me be honest with you-no matter how much you've seen or heard about the power of the royal family, it's just the tip of the iceberg. If you join us, you'll receive the highest level of treatment-even above us princes.

"And surely, you've heard of the Empress? The strongest force in Martial City- her power isn't something to joke about. You know Andre the Bear? Ask him what happened when he once offended her. He survived only because she was in a good mood that day."

A tempting offer, followed by a veiled threat-Zayn was certainly skilled in negotiation.

Felix pretended to think deeply before responding.

"I appreciate the royal family's generosity, but I need to discuss this with my mentor. This isn't a decision I can make lightly."

Zayn knew that was just an excuse. Deborah's reputation was well known-the royal family had tried to recruit her multiple times in the past, all ending in failure.

"Very well. I will relay your exact words. Farewell."

As Zayn left, Felix understood that his so-called consideration wouldn't fool them. The royal family would soon reveal its true colors, and he had to prepare for what was coming.

Would they really dare to kill him in broad daylight, in front of so many people in Martial City? Wouldn't that damage the royal family's reputation?

Shaking off his thoughts, Felix went inside and focused on pill refinement.

In truth, he could now produce a batch of Ascension Pills in just half a day. However, he still publicly claimed it took a full day-such

speed was already remarkable

enough. He spent the remaining half of the day consuming pills to strengthen himself, progressing on both fronts simultaneously.

No matter what, before the royal family took action, he had to reach the late-stage Transcendent Realm.

Meanwhile, in Imperial City, Zayn rushed back at full speed. The Emperor, the Princes, and the other key figures were already waiting in the grand hall.

After relaying Felix's exact words, Zayn added, "Your Majesty, I believe Felix is merely stalling for time."noveldrama

A cold glint flickered in Gordon's eyes. "He refuses to appreciate kindness. In that case, what use is keeping him alive?"

The Emperor's expression darkened with fury, and he turned to the Empress.

"Empress, Felix cannot be allowed to live. If he does, he will become a great threat to our royal family. In the future, Martial City could descend into chaos!

"Given that there are 18 late-stage Transcendent Realm experts

guarding him at Trirockhe

along with numerous other witnesses, we ask that you personally eliminate him with

overwhelming force-to serve as a

warning to others."

Such was the way of the royal

family. No matter their relations, all

matters were determined by

hierarchy and power. Even the

Emperor and Princes adhered to this unyielding principle.

The Empress slowly stood up, leaving behind a single sentence before vanishing.

"In that case, Felix has no reason to remain alive."

As she disappeared, smiles spread across the faces of those in the hall.

With the Empress taking action, how could Felix possibly survive?