Rise of The Abandoned Husband

The moment I stepped through the portal, reality itself seemed to bend around me. For a heartbeat, I felt suspended between worlds—weightless and formless. Then gravity reasserted itself, and my feet touched solid ground.

I blinked, taking in my surroundings with quiet awe. The Umbral Covenant's Mystic Realm unfolded before me like something from ancient legends. Towering stone structures rose against a lavender sky where two pale moons hung impossibly close. The air felt thick with qi—so dense I could almost taste it with each breath.

"Impressive, isn't it?" Rex Osborne appeared beside me, his voice cutting through my wonder.

I masked my surprise at his presence. "I thought only one could enter."

Rex smiled thinly. "A necessary precaution. We couldn't risk you declining once you learned I would accompany you."

That explained the deception, but it didn't ease my wariness. I kept my senses alert as we moved forward along a winding stone path. Ancient trees with luminous blue leaves lined our way, their roots breaking through the cobblestones.

"How old is this place?" I asked, noting inscriptions carved into nearby pillars.

"Older than recorded history," Rex replied. "The Covenant has maintained this realm for fifteen generations, but it existed long before us."

I absorbed this information silently. The qi density here was extraordinary—each breath felt like drinking pure energy. No wonder the Covenant guarded this place so jealously.

"The concentration of natural qi here is at least ten times greater than the outside world," I observed.

Rex nodded approvingly. "Your perception is sharp. This makes cultivation here extremely efficient—one day of meditation here equals weeks elsewhere."

We passed through a narrow valley where strange flowers emitted soft pulses of light. The path widened as we approached what appeared to be the main settlement—a collection of stone buildings arranged in concentric circles around a massive central structure.

"The Great Hall," Rex explained, gesturing toward the imposing edifice. "Our destination."

As we approached, I noticed carved sigils similar to those in the jade pendant my father left me. The coincidence seemed too perfect to be accidental.

"Your leaders are waiting inside?" I asked, keeping my tone casual.

"Among others." Rex's response was deliberately vague. "They're eager to meet the alchemist who's caused such a stir."

The massive doors of the Great Hall swung open as we approached. Inside, torch-lit shadows danced across ancient stone walls. The ceiling soared overhead, supported by columns engraved with scenes of battle and cultivation.

But I barely registered these details. My attention was immediately seized by the group waiting inside—over ten figures arranged in a loose semicircle, their expressions uniformly hostile.

I stopped just inside the entrance, every instinct screaming danger. These weren't welcoming hosts—this was an ambush.

"Rex," I said quietly, "what's the meaning of this?"

Before he could respond, a lean man stepped forward from the group. His face was angular, with deep-set eyes that burned with open hatred.

"So this is the infamous Liam Knight," he spat. "You look much less impressive in person."

I sized him up quickly—Martial Count cultivation, maybe early-stage Military Count. Dangerous, but not insurmountable.

"And you are?" I kept my voice level, already channeling qi through my meridians.

"Preston Elliott," he replied, his hand moving to the hilt of his sword. "Though you may know me by reputation, since you've been using my name."

Confusion flickered across my face. "Using your name? I've never—"

"Don't insult me with denials!" Preston snarled. "Two months ago in Havenwood City. You identified yourself as Preston Elliott to infiltrate the Blackthorne compound. My name, my reputation—you stole them for your schemes!"

Memory clicked into place. During my desperate mission to rescue Isabelle from her forced marriage, I had indeed used a false identity—but I'd randomly chosen the name from a book I'd read.

"An unfortunate coincidence," I said calmly. "I assure you—"

His sword flashed from its scabbard with blinding speed, the blade slicing toward my throat. "Your assurances mean nothing!"

I pivoted, the lethal edge missing my neck by millimeters. The attack was precise, professional—a killing strike from the outset.

The room erupted into motion. The other Covenant members spread out, blocking potential escape routes. I backed up, creating distance while assessing my options.

"Preston, stand down!" Rex's command cut through the tension. "This isn't how we agreed to handle this."

Preston reluctantly lowered his weapon, though hatred still radiated from him like heat. "He should answer for his crimes."

Rex turned to me, his expression unreadable. "Mr. Knight, please forgive the... emotional welcome. You've caused the Covenant significant problems, intentionally or not."

"By using a name I had no idea belonged to someone in your organization?" I kept my guard up, eyes tracking every movement in the room.

"That's merely one grievance," Rex replied. "Your activities have cost us several valuable resources and opportunities. The failed operation at the Sterling estate. The compromise of our Havenwood City cell. The destruction of artifacts we spent decades tracking."

I remained silent. So this was why they'd brought me here—not to offer knowledge, but to settle scores.

"However," Rex continued, "we're practical people. What's done is done. Now we must discuss terms."

"Terms?" I echoed, skepticism heavy in my voice.

Rex gestured to a long table set against one wall. "Please, sit. Despite Preston's enthusiasm, we didn't bring you here to kill you."

"Though some of us would prefer that option," Preston muttered.

I didn't move toward the table. "I'm fine standing."

Rex shrugged. "As you wish." He paced slowly, hands clasped behind his back. "I'll be direct. The Umbral Covenant would like to offer you membership."

That wasn't what I'd expected. "Membership?"

"Yes. Full access to our resources, knowledge, and protection. In exchange for your talents as an alchemist and warrior."

I almost laughed. "Your organization is blacklisted by every major power in the region. The Celestial Apothecary Guild would revoke my status immediately."

"The Guild's influence is waning," Rex countered. "And their knowledge is limited. We offer ancient secrets they can only dream of."

"The answer is no," I said flatly. "I didn't come here to join your ranks."

Rex didn't seem surprised by my refusal. "I anticipated that response. So let me propose an alternative arrangement—one I believe will interest you greatly."

Something in his tone made me pause. "I'm listening."

"We know what you seek, Liam Knight." Rex's voice dropped lower. "Or rather, who you seek."

My heart stuttered. "What are you talking about?"

"Isabelle Ashworth." Rex watched my face carefully. "Abducted by the Veridia City Martial Guild. Imprisoned in their Mystic Realm. Beyond your reach."

Hearing her name from his lips sent cold fury through my veins. "How do you know about that?"

"The Covenant has eyes everywhere. We know the Guild is using her blood for experiments. We know every rescue attempt you've planned has failed before it began."

Each word was like a knife twisting in my chest. He was right—despite all my power, all my resources, I hadn't been able to find a way into the Guild's Mystic Realm.

"What's your point?" I demanded.

"We can help you rescue her," Rex stated simply.

The offer hung in the air between us. I wanted to dismiss it immediately as manipulation, but desperation made me hesitate.

"How?" I finally asked.

"The Covenant has been mapping Mystic Realm connections for centuries," Rex explained. "We know more about their nature than any other organization. What we don't know is the exact location of the Guild's entrance."

"And you think I do?"

"Not yet. But you have access to Guild resources through your position with the Celestial Apothecary Guild. You move in circles we cannot infiltrate."

I crossed my arms. "So you want me to spy for you."

"I want us to help each other," Rex corrected. "Find the location of the Guild's Mystic Realm entrance. Share that information with us. And we will extract Isabelle Ashworth."

The offer was tempting—painfully so. For months, I'd been hitting walls in my search for Isabelle. If the Covenant could actually reach her...

"Why would you risk conflict with the Guild for someone who means nothing to you?" I challenged.

"The Guild possesses artifacts we seek," Rex admitted frankly. "Your Isabelle is merely in the same location. Rescuing her costs us nothing extra and secures your cooperation."

At least he was honest about his motives. Still, trusting the Covenant felt like making a deal with demons.

"If I were to consider this," I said carefully, "I'd need guarantees."

"What sort of guarantees?"

"That Isabelle would be delivered safely to me. That no harm would come to her during the extraction. That this isn't just another trap."

Rex spread his hands. "We can draft a blood oath if that would satisfy you. But consider this, Mr. Knight—what other options do you have? Every day that passes, the Guild drains more of her blood, pushes her body closer to collapse."

His words struck a raw nerve. I'd been tormented by the same thoughts every night since her abduction.

"Even if I agreed," I said, fighting to keep my voice steady, "finding the Guild's Mystic Realm entrance won't be easy. They guard that secret jealously."

"We have faith in your resourcefulness," Rex replied. "You've accomplished the impossible before."

I paced the stone floor, weighing the risks against the potential reward. Working with the Covenant was dangerous. They were notorious for betrayal. But for Isabelle...

"If I do this," I finally said, "I work alone. I find the location my way. No Covenant involvement that could compromise my position."

Rex nodded. "Acceptable. We only require the final coordinates."

"And you're certain you can extract her once I provide the location?"

"Absolutely," Rex assured me, confidence radiating from him. "As long as you find the location of the Mystic Realm, we can bring her back."

The conviction in his voice was either masterful deception or genuine capability. Either way, I was running out of options. Every attempt I'd made to rescue Isabelle had failed before it began. The Guild's defenses were impenetrable by conventional means.

But a backdoor through the Mystic Realm...that might actually work.

I looked around at the hostile faces surrounding me. These people weren't allies—they were opportunists using my desperation. But if they could deliver on their promise, did their motives really matter?

For Isabelle, I would deal with devils if necessary.