The Rise of a Master: It Starts With Rejection

Nerissa could clearly sense how deeply Deborah cared for Felix. Even though most people in Martial City would let things go for the sake of political alliances and self-interest, Deborah was not one of them.

"Madam Goddard, please try to stay calm," Nerissa urged gently. "Before you returned, I kept an eye on the Maximus family. They're already gone-Dean lost control and killed several people before fleeing. No one knows where they are now."

Deborah clenched her teeth in rage. Of course, Dean would plan ahead, knowing full well that after driving Felix to his death, both she and Harmony Clinic would retaliate.

Deborah replied, "Thank you for the information. I'll handle the rest from here."

...

Two days later, Deborah sat cross-legged outside Echo Cavern. Dickson and Shepherd stood silently beside her, keeping her company as she stared into the cavern's dark entrance.

Ezra, the head of one of Harmony Clinic's branches, approached. He asked, "She's still not leaving, huh?"

"Yeah," Dickson answered. "Madam Goddard only ever took on one apprentice. Even though they've only known each other, I think you, of all people, understand how much he meant to her."

Shepherd, unusually solemn, comforted Ezra with a pat on the shoulder. "You have our condolences. Felix was remarkable—practically a prodigy. It's a huge loss for everyone, not just her."

Ezra sighed. Losing Felix had been a devastating blow to Deborah and the entire Harmony Clinic.

"Madam Goddard, please get up," Ezra urged softly. "The Maximus family may be in hiding, but they can't stay hidden forever. We've already held a meeting and decided that Harmony Clinic will issue a bounty with a reward of three Ascension Pills."

Deborah stood and bowed respectfully to Ezra. "Thank you, but I still have two Ascension Pills of my own. I refuse to believe that the Maximus family can keep hiding when such a massive reward is out there."

Within hours, hews of Harmony Clinic's bounty spread like wildfire across Martial City. The offer of five Ascension Pills caught the attention of powerful martial artists and even masters in the Transcendent Realm.

Many martial artists, especially those on the verge of a

breakthrough, could not resist the lure of the pills. Even those who did not need them personally saw the value in securing them for thei

descendants. All they had to do was eliminate Dean of the Maximus family-a task they deemed

manageable with so much on the

line.

The Maximus family was now hunted-despised and pursued by nearly everyone.

Deborah's extensive network only amplified the situation.

Harmony Clinic went all-out for the

first time in years, making it clear just how important the matter was Even though no one knew about the reason behind the bounty, none

cared much, focusing solee

on thenoveldrama

prize.

...

Meanwhile, in Westville's Xavier Residence.

"Five Ascension Pills? That's insane," Janet muttered in disbelief, her mouth

hanging open as she read the bounty announcement.

"Insane or not, it's enough to get our family's elders moving. They've already organized search parties to track down the Maximus family."

Ascension Pills were incredibly rare. Only a handful of alchemists in Martial City had the skill to craft them, and even then, the success rate was extremely low.

A single pill was already worth a fortune-five of them could change the fate of a martial artist in the late Transcendent Realm, potentially pushing them to major mastery. No one could resist such temptation.

Janet glanced at Nerissa and sighed softly. "Are you still holding out hope for Felix?"

Nerissa did not answer. Her gaze remained fixed on the direction of Echo Cavern, and her thoughts were hidden deep within her heart. Whatever she was thinking, she kept to herself.