Rise of The Abandoned Husband

Guy Noble's angry outburst hung in the air as he surveyed the damaged villa. His face was flushed red, eyes narrowing as he took in the cracked wall and scorched floorboards.

I stepped forward quickly. "Mr. Noble, I sincerely apologize for the state of your property."

Guy's eyes snapped to mine. "Explain yourself, Knight. I generously lend you my villa, and this is how you repay my hospitality?"

"We had some unwelcome visitors," I said, keeping my voice calm and respectful. "Representatives from the Umbral Covenant who became... insistent when I declined their offer of assistance."

Guy's eyebrows shot up. "The Covenant? Here in Downton City?" He ran a hand through his perfectly styled hair, his anger momentarily forgotten. "What did they want?"

I hesitated, weighing how much to reveal. The Nobles were powerful in their own right, and antagonizing them would be foolish. But I also needed their help.

"They wanted to... supervise my activities here," I admitted. "Particularly regarding something I've been hoping to discuss with you."

Guy crossed his arms, impatience returning to his features. "And what might that be?"

"I'll cover all damages to your property, of course," I assured him first. "Whatever the cost."

He waved his hand dismissively. "Money isn't the issue. What I want to know is what could possibly be important enough to bring Covenant enforcers to my doorstep."

I took a deep breath. This was the moment to lay my cards on the table.

"I've come to Downton City because I'm very interested in a particular item that will soon be revealed to the public," I said carefully. "The Ten-Thousand-Year-Old Medicinal Herb."

Guy's expression shifted from irritation to surprise, then calculation. "And why would that concern me?"

"Because your family controls access to it," I replied simply. "And I was hoping to discuss the possibility of acquiring it."

Guy barked out a laugh. "You have some nerve, Knight! Half the cultivation world is scrambling for that herb, and you think you can just waltz in and ask for it?"

"Not ask," I corrected gently. "Negotiate. I understand the value of what I'm requesting."

Guy studied me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then he walked to one of the undamaged chairs and sat down, gesturing for me to do the same.

"You know," he said, his voice lighter, "most people would approach my family with elaborate gifts, months of building connections, and an army of intermediaries. Yet here you are, direct as an arrow."

I smiled modestly. "I prefer straightforward communication when possible. Especially with someone as perceptive as yourself."

Guy's lips quirked at my compliment. "And what makes you think the Noble family would even consider parting with such a treasure?"

"The Noble family's wealth and influence are legendary," I said, my tone respectful but not fawning. "Such a herb, while valuable, would be just one among countless treasures in your family's collection. For me, however, it represents something irreplaceable."

I could see Guy's ego inflating with each carefully chosen word. The Nobles, like most ancient families, thrived on acknowledgment of their superiority.

"Irreplaceable, you say?" Guy leaned back, clearly enjoying his position of power. "And what would you offer for something so... precious to you?"

"Whatever would be deemed appropriate compensation," I answered. "I'm certain a man of your business acumen would know better than I what would constitute a fair exchange."

Guy chuckled, running a finger along the arm of his chair. "You're quite the smooth talker, Knight. I can see why you've risen so quickly in Veridia City."

He stood suddenly, straightening his designer suit. "My father handles all significant family acquisitions and disposals. I'll speak with him about your... interest."

I rose as well, inclining my head respectfully. "I would be deeply grateful for that opportunity."

"Don't get your hopes up," Guy warned, though his tone had lost its earlier hostility. "The herb has already attracted attention from several major families and organizations."

"I understand," I said. "But sometimes the most valuable currency isn't money or power, but understanding what the other party truly desires."

Guy's eyes narrowed slightly, reassessing me. After a moment, he nodded. "I'll be in touch."

He turned to leave, then paused at the door. "And Knight? Have someone fix my villa. I expect it pristine when you depart."

"Of course," I agreed immediately. "Thank you for your consideration."

After Guy left, Clara emerged from her room where she'd been hiding during our conversation.

"You were laying it on pretty thick," she observed with a smirk.

I shrugged. "People like the Nobles respond to deference and flattery. It costs me nothing to stroke his ego if it gets me closer to what I need."

"Do you think he'll really talk to his father?" The Man with the Mustache asked, emerging from the kitchen with a half-eaten sandwich.

"He will," I confirmed. "If only to show off his connection to me. Guy Noble is the type who collects interesting people like trophies."

Three days passed with no word from Guy. I spent the time researching the Noble family's history and business dealings, seeking any leverage I might use. On the fourth morning, my communication device chimed with a message.

"My father has agreed to meet you. A car will collect you at noon. Come alone."

I dressed in my finest clothes – expensive but not ostentatious – and waited on the dock. Precisely at noon, a gleaming Rolls-Royce boat arrived, piloted by a stone-faced driver in the Noble family livery.

The journey to the Noble family compound took twenty minutes, crossing increasingly exclusive waterways. Finally, we approached a private island dominated by an enormous mansion that made Guy's villa look modest by comparison.

The driver escorted me through gardens filled with rare spirit plants and sculptures carved from precious materials. Guards with powerful cultivation auras stood at strategic points, their eyes tracking my every move.

Guy was waiting in an antechamber decorated with ancient artifacts that would have been centerpiece collections in most museums.

"Knight," he greeted me with a nod. "My father will see you shortly. Remember your place here."

"Of course," I replied humbly. "I'm grateful for this opportunity."

A servant appeared and bowed deeply to Guy. "The Master will see his guest now."

Guy led me deeper into the mansion, through corridors lined with priceless art and protected by formations I could sense but not fully comprehend. Finally, we reached an ornate door carved from what appeared to be thousand-year-old spirit wood.

"Enter alone," Guy instructed. "And Knight? Don't waste his time."

I nodded and stepped through the doorway into a tea room that redefined luxury. The ceiling soared overhead, painted with scenes of celestial battles. The furniture was crafted from materials I'd only read about in ancient texts. Sitting at the center was Patrick Noble, patriarch of the Noble family.

He was older than I expected, with silver hair and sharp eyes that held centuries of calculation. His cultivation was masterfully concealed, but I could sense the immense power lurking beneath his composed exterior.

"Father, this is Liam Knight," Guy said, bowing slightly.

Patrick Noble nodded once. "Leave us."

Guy hesitated for just a moment before complying, closing the door behind him.

Patrick gestured to the chair across from him. "Sit."

I did as instructed, keeping my posture respectful but not subservient.

"Tea?" he offered, pouring from a jade teapot that radiated subtle energy.

"Thank you," I accepted the delicate cup, careful not to appear too eager.

Patrick took a slow sip of his tea, studying me over the rim of his cup. "So you're the young man who's causing such a stir in Veridia City."

It wasn't a question, but I nodded anyway. "I've had some modest successes."

"Modest," he repeated, a hint of amusement in his voice. "You humiliated the Sterling family, outmaneuvered the Ashworths, and if rumors are to be believed, you've earned the personal enmity of Veridia City's Martial Guild."

I didn't confirm or deny his assessment. "News travels quickly."

"Information is currency," Patrick said dismissively. "What interests me more is your audacity. You've been in Downton City less than a week, and already you're pursuing one of our most valuable treasures."

His tone sharpened as he continued, "The Ten-Thousand-Year-Old Celestial Grass isn't some common herb to be bartered for. It's a treasure that appears once in generations. Yet you think yourself worthy of it?"

Here was my moment. I set down my teacup with careful precision.

"Worthy? No," I said, surprising him. "The Noble family's position is beyond question. Your history, your influence, your power – all are legendary throughout the cultivation world."

I leaned forward slightly, my voice earnest. "What would such an incomparable family need with a single herb, no matter how rare? For the Noble family, it would be one treasure among thousands. For me, it represents something far more significant."

Patrick's expression remained impassive, but I could see a flicker of interest in his eyes. "And what would that be?"

"Potential," I answered. "The opportunity to create something that could benefit not just myself, but perhaps forge connections that would serve the Noble family's interests in the future."

"Bold words," Patrick commented. "Many have sought to curry favor with our family. Few have succeeded."

"I don't offer empty promises or fleeting allegiance," I said. "But rather recognition of the natural order. The Noble family has stood at the pinnacle of Downton City for generations. That kind of enduring power commands respect."

I could see my words landing effectively. Patrick Noble might be powerful beyond measure, but like his son, he wasn't immune to flattery – especially when delivered with apparent sincerity.

"And what would you do with the herb, should you acquire it?" he asked, his tone slightly less frigid.

"Create something worthy of its potential," I replied carefully. "Something that would honor the source from which it came."

Patrick's lips twitched, almost forming a smile. Despite his efforts to maintain his stern demeanor, I could see my strategy was working. The pride of ancient families like the Nobles was their greatest weakness – and my best opportunity.

"Interesting," he murmured, reaching for the teapot. "Very interesting indeed."