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Theo glanced at the purple-robed elder. He cupped his hands slightly.

"This junior greets Patriarch Valerius."

Valerius stroked his beard with a smile. "Please, take a seat."

"I presume this must be the Crimson Edge."

The Governor chuckled. He showed no airs of his status as the provincial ruler.

"The Silent Thunder Sect will likely produce two combat sovereigns in the future."

The Central Dynasty was, of course, the sovereign ruler of the realm.

However, outside the central domains, the provinces were governed by sects.

It somewhat resembled a feudal system.

The Dynasty was the monarch. The sects were the regional lords, dividing territories among themselves.

Theo had read historical records.

The previous dynasty was not like this. It truly embodied the concept that all land belonged to the crown.

Later, the current Emperor rose in rebellion. He promised to share governance with the sects upon victory. This won him overwhelming support, allowing him to overturn the old order.

Still, nominally, the Provincial Governor held equal status with the Sect Master.

Theo did not neglect courtesy.

After some pleasantries, it was already afternoon.

A banquet was prepared in the manor.

The feast included delicacies from the sky, land, and water.

"Kaelen, without me watching over you in the sect, have you been slacking?"

Valerius took his grandson’s hand, silently sensing his internal energy before suddenly exclaiming in surprise.

"This doesn’t seem to be the physical art of the Armory Peak lineage."

"You noticed!"

Kaelen gave an awkward laugh. "Theo gave it to me, but I haven’t even grasped the basics yet."

The gazes of grandfather and grandson turned toward Theo. The former was hesitant, the latter seeking approval with slight embarrassment.

Theo smiled, unfazed.

"Feel free to show it to your grandfather. It wasn’t borrowed from the library, so there’s no issue with sharing it."

Only then did Kaelen confidently produce the manual.

"Adamantine Zen Body."

Valerius narrowed his aged eyes. The light in them grew brighter the more he read.

As a martial artist of the Inner Scenery realm, he immediately recognized this physical art. It had ascetic influences.

Not only did it temper the body, but it also purged distractions and cleansed the mind.

For Kaelen’s dormant Berserker bloodline, it was practically tailor-made.

In truth, he had searched for such an art for years, but to no avail.

This Adamantine Zen Body was likely an exceptionally rare treasure even among high-tier techniques.

"Theo, this technique is precious. Martial arts should not be lightly imparted."

Theo understood Valerius’s hesitation.

Whether major sects or minor schools, all guarded their martial techniques fiercely, forbidding unauthorized transmission.

If caught stealing techniques, the rightful owners could justly kill or cripple the offender.

The old man was concerned about the origins of this technique.

"Kaelen and I are close, and the art suits him perfectly."

"It’s also a way to preserve this legacy. Otherwise, it might have been lost to time."

Hearing Theo’s explanation, Valerius’s brows finally relaxed.

Indeed, he had never heard of any major sect renowned for this specific high-tier art.

But one thing was certain.

This top scorer must have an extraordinary understanding of Kaelen, including his volatile bloodline.

"Theo, your fortune is remarkable. Did you perhaps inherit this from a hidden master?"

The Governor, silent until now, suddenly spoke up.

"In a way, yes."

Theo nodded lightly.

"The kindness of imparting such a technique will be remembered by House Valerius."

Valerius’s smile grew warmer as comprehension dawned. "Since you’ve come to the capital, Theo, stay a few more days and allow us to fulfill our duties as hosts."

Then, he turned to his grandson.

"Kaelen, from now on, treat Theo as an elder brother, understood?"

He didn’t know which of the two was older, but it didn’t matter.

This disciple was not only gifted but also impeccably mannered. Undoubtedly destined for greatness.

Barring unforeseen circumstances, he would surely rise to the sect’s upper echelons.

Perhaps even become Sect Master.

Even without the matter of the technique, fostering goodwill was essential.

Kaelen nodded eagerly.

As if he needed the reminder.

"You and Kaelen came down the mountain to complete a sect mission, correct?"

"That’s right, Grandfather. I need to gather rare herbs, while Theo is hunting the fugitive Vargas."

"Vargas..."

Valerius stroked his beard, deep in thought.

The Governor seemed to recall the man. "He was once a disciple of the Golden Blade Sect but later defected, becoming a notorious river pirate."

"After fleeing to this province, he killed several constables, which is why the matter was escalated to the Silent Thunder Sect."

As Governor, his jurisdiction covered only commoners.

Matters involving rogue cultivators fell under the sect’s authority.

"I will have my people inquire about his whereabouts."

"If you require any further assistance, do not hesitate to ask."

Valerius spoke casually.

To him, tracking down a rogue Inner Scenery bandit was no great matter.

Theo didn’t stand on ceremony. "There is one more thing, though it’s a personal request."

"Speak freely."

"My family has a tradition. Each year, we must perform at least one act of charity. So, I’d like to borrow some of your people to set up a relief kitchen in the slums. Distributing porridge and rice."

Of course, Theo’s real plan was to help Liana find someone.

Since the target was a young street urchin, the best approach was to give out free food.

According to Liana, the person she sought was likely living in hardship.

Upon hearing the news of free meals, they would probably come.

Then, with his system overlay activated, he could simply sit back and wait for the prey to walk into the trap.

Plus, it was another opportunity to rack up goodwill investments.

Though the gains might be minor.

Still, as the saying goes, every little bit counts.

"Theo, such compassion is rare indeed."

"Bring more wine! I wish to share a hearty drink with Theo!"

Valerius slapped the table as if meeting a kindred spirit.

The banquet grew even livelier.

"Theo, I toast you!"

"Bottoms up!"

"Nephew Theo, another round!"

"Gladly, Brother Valerius!"

"Your capacity is impressive."

"You flatter me, Elder Brother."

Watching the old and young pair drink and converse merrily, Kaelen was baffled.

Wait. This doesn’t seem right.

"The Governor shall take his leave now."

The purple-robed elder stood, offering a brief farewell before exiting. As he stepped outside, his peripheral gaze lingered on the manor, narrowing slightly.

The inheritance that had caused the radiant phenomenon across the sky that day. It was not on Theo’s person...

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