The Rise of a Master: It Starts With Rejection

If Felix had continued with his previous approach, the royal family would have only resorted to assassination—such matters were best handled discreetly.

But now, things were different. Felix had openly begun pill cultivation, and soon, all of Martial City would know about it. Once people experienced it, they wouldn't be able to resist. If that happened, the royal family would lose control over the Ascension Pill-something they would never allow.

That was why the Empress, Cordelia Palmer, called it an open provocation against the royal family's authority.

She hadn't mentioned it before because she never believed Felix would dare go this far.

All the princes had gathered inside the grand hall. The Emperor sat at the head, and when the Empress arrived, everyone-including the Emperor-rose to greet her. Her seat was beside his.

"Speak your minds."

At the Emperor's command, Zayn immediately stood up. He already had personal grudges against Felix, and he wasn't willing to wait another second.

"Your Majesty, Felix is far too brazen he has no regard for the royal family! He dares to publicly refine pills! If we don't put a stop to this immediately, it's only a matter of time before Transcendent Realm experts start running rampant outside.

"Thus, my proposal is to execute him without mercy!"

Several princes quickly echoed their support.

"Seconded."

"Seconded."

"Seconded."

The Emperor frowned. "Any other proposals?"

At that moment, the First Prince, Gordon Palmer, spoke. As the strongest among the princes, he had already reached the peak of the Transcendent Realm years ago. He was also the undisputed heir to the throne, so his words carried great weight.

"There's no need to be hasty. He has already dared to refine pills openly, and according to the information we've received, each batch produces at least two pills, so his success rate already surpasses that of ouDown royal family's alchemists. So, why not try to bring him into the fold?" swnovel

As the future emperor, he was naturally considering his own position. In three years, he would ascend to the throne. If he had Felix, a master alchemist, at his side, the royal family would reach an unprecedented peak. His name would be immortalized inhistory, forever recorded in Martial City's annals. swnovel

Zayn was irritated, but how could he openly contradict Gordon? Even causing trouble in secret would be difficult enough.

The other princes also held their tongues. No one wanted to offend the most powerful among them, let alone someone who would soon rule the empire.

"Gordon's suggestion is reasonable. Send someone to negotiate with Felix first. Give him a deadline of one week. Gordon, who do you think is best suited for this task?"

After a brief pause, Gordon replied, "Let Zayn handle it. He already has personal grievances with Felix, so if he goes over and expresses his apologies first, Felix will immediately understand how sincere we are. Let him name his conditions freely." swnovel

Zayn nearly choked on his own breath. A prince of the empire, lowering himself to

apologize to a commoner? How could Gordon even suggest something so outrageous?

"Good. That's settled then."

With the Emperor's order, Zayn immediately stood up with a smile.

"It's my honor to serve His Majesty and resolve his concerns. I will ensure the task is completed."noveldrama

Gordon then added, "This mission must be kept low-key. So, Zayn, I will have Josiah accompany you. With him there, you won't need to worry about security." Damn it! Josiah O'Conner was Gordon's man-this wasn't protection, it was surveillance! He was afraid I would deliberately sabotage the negotiations! "Many thanks, Gordon."

Two days later, at the foot of the Trirock Mountain, a small courtyard was erected.

Andre the Bear had personally carried it over as a gift to celebrate Felix's successful return from Corpse Town. He had already received his promised reward, though when it came to Ascension Pills, no one ever thought they had enough.