Strongest Family System

After handing the cultivation pills to Emer and Ronan, Robert reached once more into the jade bottle and produced two more. He placed them in Ronan's hand.

"These are for Sarah and Taylen," Robert said. "Make sure they get them."

Ronan nodded firmly. "I will deliver them."

After a few more words of encouragement, Robert took his leave. As he walked across the courtyard, he silently counted what remained in his possession: sixteen pills—some one-star, some two-star. Enough to distribute for now, but not nearly enough for the scale of growth he envisioned.

I will need to visit Grey Shadow Hall soon, he thought. Purchase more herbs, sell off some of these pills, and reinvest the gains. The clan will need a steady supply if we are to keep advancing.

With that decision settled in his mind, Robert shifted his focus back to the task before him. He made his way through the estate corridors while dusk crept in through the tall windows.

Servants bowed when he passed, but he barely noticed—his mind was on the jade bottle tucked away in his storage ring.

Soon, he reached the familiar door of his father's study. He knocked once, and John's voice, calm yet commanding, answered from inside.

"Enter."

Robert stepped in. His father sat at the desk, reviewing scrolls and documents detailing the market acquisition. The faint glow of lamplight highlighted the hard lines of experience on John's face, but his eyes softened slightly as they lifted to meet Robert's.

You have been busy, John remarked. First the alchemists, then the martial hall—I hear of your movements even without looking for you. Robert gave a small smile. All part of preparing the clan for what comes next. He moved closer, then paused. Father, I have something for you.

At that, John's brows rose slightly. Robert extended his hand and, with a thought, summoned the small jade bottle from his ring. "He set it down gently on the desk between the John regarded it for a long moment, then asked, "What is this?"

"The Soul Lotus Pill," Robert replied evenly. "This will help you break through from Soul Manifestation Level One to Level Two." With your foundation stabilized, the clan's position will be unshakable.

For the first time in many years, John's composure faltered. His hand hovered over the bottle, as though wary it might vanish if he moved too quickly.

"Robert..." he said, speaking slowly in a low voice that carried serious weight.

"Do you understand what this means?"

Robert met his gaze firmly. "I do. And I believe it is time."

John looked up at Robert, his steady composure breaking just slightly.

"You have already done more for the clan than I ever expected." Even this market acquisition—it was your foresight, not mine, that made it possible. And now, this pill…

Robert shook his head. "You built this clan, Father. I am only giving you the strength to continue leading it. We are in this together."

They stood quietly for a moment, both understanding what didn't need to be said. John felt a surge of pride mixed with something deeper—the recognition that Robert was not just his son anymore but the foundation their clan would depend on.

Finally, John exhaled slowly. "Very well. I will take it when the time is right. And Robert…" His eyes shone with quiet resolve. "With you at my side, I believe the Osborn clan truly can rise to power."

Robert bowed slightly. "That is the plan."

Morning light came through the estate windows, casting a golden glow over Robert's chamber. He rose early, refreshed from the night's cultivation, and dressed in clean robes.

As he fastened his belt, his thoughts turned practical. He had sixteen pills remaining, which would barely cover his immediate requirements.

The clan's growth will not wait. I will need more herbs than what our stores can provide. Grey Shadow Hall will be the first stop. He stepped into the corridor, mind already mapping the tasks ahead. Grey Shadow Hall was one of the largest trading guilds in the region, known not only for their supply of rare herbs.

Robert also considered the other side of his plan. He had refined a batch of Spirit Awakening Pills the day before, and though some would stay with the clan, several could be sold.

The right buyers will pay a high price. "With that gold, I can buy better quality herbs and help our alchemists improve their skills."

He passed through the main courtyard, where disciples were already beginning their morning drills. Many greeted him with respectful bows, their eyes reflecting both admiration and expectation. Robert returned their nods briefly but kept walking—he had no time to linger.

"When he reached the estate gates, his plan was crystal clear."

Grey Shadow Hall was waiting, and with it, his chance to get the resources the Osborn clan needed for their next step forward."

He thought about how they had built strength gradually, one piece at a time. Soon enough, everyone in this area will be too scared to oppose us.

"Having decided what to do, Robert walked away from the estate as the city came alive with morning activity."

The impressive gates of Grey Shadow Hall rose in front of him, with guards in silver-trimmed uniforms standing watch. Merchants and cultivators came and went, getting polite greetings from the guards, though most just got a quick nod. Robert came forward, and his confident way of moving made people look up. Right away, an attendant he recognized came over and bowed politely.

"Young master Robert", she greeted warmly. "It is good to see you again."

Robert inclined his head slightly. "I need to speak with Elder Delvin."

"Of course. Please, follow me."

"She walked him through the broad corridors, moving past shelves stocked with carefully preserved rare herbs and alcoves where animated discussions were taking place. The place had a soft medicinal smell, and you could feel spiritual energy flowing quietly through the air."

At last, they stopped before a lacquered wooden door. The attendant knocked softly. From within the room, a measured voice said, "Come in."

"The door opened, and there sat Elder Delvin at his carved desk, his silver beard perfectly groomed, his keen eyes showing both intelligence and shrewd calculation. Beside him stood Lady Sarah, poised and elegant, her presence no less commanding than the elder's.

Robert stepped forward and gave a respectful greeting. "Elder Delvin, Lady Sarah."

"Please, sit," Delvin said, gesturing toward a cushioned chair.

Robert did not waste time.

"I require Spirit Root Nourishing Pills herbs."

Lady Sarah's brows rose slightly. "you have broken through already?"

"Not yet," Robert replied evenly. "But the time is approaching."

Sarah nodded slightly, showing that she understood.

Delvin folded his hands on the desk. "How many sets do you need?"

"Twenty", Robert answered without hesitation.

Delvin considered him for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Very well."

"Delvin lightly tapped two fingers against the desk while his eyes narrowed in concentration."

"Twenty sets of Spirit Root Nourishing Pills herbs… A considerable request. The hall can be provided, but the price will not be light."

Robert leaned back slightly, his gaze steady. "Price is not the issue. Value is."

Lady Sarah's lips curved faintly at his words, though she said nothing. Elder Delvin stroked his beard thoughtfully.

"Each set runs fifty thousand gold coins," Elder Delvin said, then stopped for a moment. "But since you have a Grey Shadow Hall token, you get forty percent off."

Robert nodded, his mind racing through the calculations. Twenty sets at fifty thousand each would normally cost one million gold coins, Elder Delvin continued. With your token discount, the total comes to sixty hundred thousand gold coins.

Without hesitation, Robert reached into his storage ring and withdrew several heavy pouches of gold coins. The weight of them clinked softly as he placed them on Elder Delvin's desk.

"The full amount", Robert said simply.

"Elder Delvin gave the gold a brief once-over, then nodded with approval."

He rang a small bell on his desk, and the same attendant who had escorted Robert appeared promptly. Go get twenty full sets of Spirit Root Nourishing Pills herbs from our best inventory," Elder Delvin ordered.

Yes, Elder," the attendant said, offering a swift bow before heading out. Shortly after, she returned with a large wooden case.

Opening it carefully, she revealed twenty perfectly organized herb sets, each sealed in protective silk wrappings. She returned in just a few minutes, holding a large wooden case.

Lady Sarah smiled. "Only the finest for our valued partners."

"Robert put the herbs into his storage ring as Elder Delvin leaned forward. "We are still amazed by how quickly you are progressing, Young Master Robert. Very few cultivators advance at your pace."

Steady progress requires quality resources, Robert replied. "Grey Shadow Hall provides exactly that."

They conversed for another twenty minutes about cultivation techniques and market developments before Robert took his leave.

Meanwhile, across the city at the James clan compound, Matthew James sat in his private chamber with his remaining elders. "The failures had left them desperate enough to start considering dangerous new strategies."

"We need a different approach," Matthew said grimly. "Confrontation has proven... costly."

The elders around the table nodded seriously, understanding that their clan's survival now hung on more and more desperate actions.