Strongest Family System

Robert left his father's chamber, determination settling in his core. The corridors felt quieter now, the estate dark except for the faint light of a few lanterns. Instead of returning straight to sleep, he made his way to the cultivation room.

The air inside was refreshingly cool and still. Robert settled down cross-legged, reaching into his storage to grab the last two body tempering pills. He swallowed them both, and a comforting surge of warmth and vitality spread through him.

With practiced focus, he began circulating his energy, running the Scaled Body Core technique with careful intent. Qi flowed, and mana spun; each breath drew power deeper and deeper. Time slipped away as he focused, his heart beating steadily in the hush.

Just before sunrise, a sharp crackling sensation passed through him—followed by a wave of raw strength. He knew what it meant: he had achieved Body Tempering Level 10. In all the clan's history, no one else had ever come this far.

He lingered there for a full two hours, eyes shut, as he let the inner storm quiet down. Gradually, his breath slowed, and the new energy he discovered began to harmonize perfectly with his cultivation practice.

When Robert rose, he was overwhelmed by a distinct feeling of purpose.

He recognized that this was not the time to seek attention or showcase his skills.

If word got out about his sudden rise—if the world stumbled upon his secret—trouble would definitely come knocking. He remembered too many stories from his past life, where being different only led to chaos.

With care, he masked his true strength, keeping his external level appearing as Body Tempering 9.

Few would guess the incredible things he had accomplished in the stillness before the sun rose.

As the dawn approached, Robert found himself smiling quietly.

The path was his to walk—quietly and on his terms.

In the gentle hush of morning, Robert tidied himself and made his way toward his father's study. Upon entering, he found John already reviewing a thick stack of training rosters.

John looked up and spoke matter-of-factly, "I have assembled a group of twenty disciples who have all reached Body Tempering Level 5.

Elder Alex is now in charge of leading them into the next part of their training journey.

The two-line pills will be distributed to them starting today."

Robert nodded, absorbing the plan. Before he could turn to leave, his father asked, "Was there something else you needed?"

"Yes, actually," Robert replied, "I need some funds to buy herbs required for pill-making.

The availability of medicine is becoming increasingly limited.

I am planning to purchase additional stock from Grey Shadow Hall—they've provided me with a special token that gives us a fifteen percent discount."

John considered this, then nodded in approval. "Very well. You handle the negotiations. The alchemy hall will manage our usual inventory, but for this, you will need extra funds."

John gave a swift signal, and moments later, a discreet knock sounded at the door. The Osborn clan's chief accountant, Mr Devon, entered, bowing respectfully to both.

"Devon, provide Robert with the funds he will need for herb procurement at Grey Shadow Hall," John instructed.

"Of course, clan leader," Devon replied without hesitation.

Moments later, Robert walked out beside the Devon, the day already brightening with the pace of new undertakings and the steady promise of growth.

After a brief walk through the estate, Robert arrived at Elder Devon's office. Devon, always precise in his duties, handed Robert a weighty pouch filled with gold and spirit stones. "This should cover your needs at Grey Shadow Hall," the accountant said, giving a brisk nod before returning to his ledger.

Thanking him, Robert left the chamber and headed for the main gate. Cloaked in his travel robe, he slipped into the city using Shadow Step, his form darting swiftly through backstreets and alleys. Half an hour later, he emerged from the heart of the city—directly outside the imposing gates of Grey Shadow Hall.

Inside, the hall's familiar hush greeted him. Alima, the attentive attendant, noticed Robert immediately and offered a respectful bow. "Elder Delvin instructed that if you came, I was to take you straight to his chamber."

Without delay, she guided him down the polished corridor and opened the heavy door to the private meeting room.

Elder Delvin and Sarah were both waiting, their manner poised and warm.

As Robert entered, Delvin rose. "Congratulations, Robert—you accomplished what many thought impossible."

With a composed smile and pride lighting up her eyes, Sarah said, "You have completely changed the power dynamics in this city."

Delvin's eyes brightened at the sight. "That is excellent. There are still four days before the marketplace officially transfers to your clan," he remarked, "but your reliability impresses me."

Robert gave a firm nod, locking eyes with Delvin. "I stand by my promises—and I believe this is just the start."

A sense of mutual respect filled the room as the alliance between them began to strengthen, step by step, just as the fate of the city shifted outside.

Robert handed over the Soul Flare pills to Elder Delvin, his eyes narrowing as he examined the bottle. To his satisfaction, they were indeed rare five-line pills—far more valuable than most expected. A satisfied grin broke out on Delvin's face as he gently took the vial into his hands.

Then Robert reached into his pack and produced another bottle, this one containing twenty-three-line pills. Elder Delvin took it gratefully. "Once we begin distributing these in the Grey Shadow Hall, the cultivators will feel the difference immediately," he said thoughtfully.

"You do not need to pay me in gold coins," Robert replied firmly. "Instead, I ask for 250 sets of body tempering herbs and ten sets of spirit awakening herbs."

Delvin's eyebrows lifted in surprise, but he nodded. "One set of Spirit Awakening herbs costs 2,500 gold coins, so ten sets will be 25,000 gold coins. For the body tempering pills, each set costs 4,000 gold coins.

Deducting a 10% commission, you will receive 3,600 gold coins per set, making a total of 720,000 gold coins.

The herbs total 625,000 gold coins after discounts.

Robert nodded in approval.

"I will add 9,500 gold coins as additional payment," Delvin said decisively.

He then called out for Alima. "Gather 250 body tempering herb sets and the 10 spirit awakening herbs. "Please prepare the remaining 9,500 gold coins for Robert."

Alima bowed and hurried off to collect the resources.

After about thirty minutes, Alima came back with a storage ring filled with the necessary items and a pouch full of leftover gold coins.

Robert carefully transferred the contents into his ring and handed the storage ring back to her.

After securing the supplies, Robert said quietly, "If the James clan refuses to honor the market handover in four days, I will need your help."

Delvin smiled and nodded. "You have it. It will be my pleasure to assist—and to do business with you again."

Robert returned the smile, bowed respectfully, and said his goodbyes before departing the chamber.

As he made his way out of Grey Shadow Hall and began his journey back, a subtle shift in the air caught his senses.

He had a strange feeling that someone was right behind him.

Instead of rushing, he took a deep breath and let his senses sharpen, keeping his pace steady.

He knew better than to give his pursuers reason to strike openly in the daylight hours.

Among those trailing, he detected the unmistakable presence of a cultivator at the Spirit Root Realm. A faint smile curled his lips. He was eager to put his newly attained Level 10 power to the test—but Robert knew patience was key.

It just was not the right time yet.

After thirty minutes of steady travel, the familiar sight of the Osborn clan estate rose before him.

He did not hesitate for a second; he marched straight to the alchemy hall, determined to keep working on strengthening his clan.

Upon reaching the alchemy hall, Robert paused briefly at the entrance, activating his system's interface. With a quiet command, he instructed, "Scan the alchemy hall. Identify cultivators with the highest level of talent.

I want to know who can assist in improving pills."

The faint hum of his system's response filled his mind as the data streamed in. Moments later, a clear list popped up in front of him, showcasing the names of ten individuals renowned for their skills in the hall. Each name came with detailed insights into their ability to manage flame temperatures and their extensive knowledge of plants.

Robert studied the profiles carefully. He recognized some names from past visits, along with a few newcomers whose skills had grown.

This was an important insight. If the Osborn clan were to scale up its pill production effectively, these cultivators would be the backbone of that effort.

Content with his preparations, Robert looked forward to meeting them and starting a new phase of excellence.