Rise of The Abandoned Husband

The water taxi cut through the dark water like a knife, sending ripples across the canal's surface. Behind us, the sleek black boat was gaining ground, its powerful engine humming with menace.

"Can't this thing go any faster?" I urged the driver, my eyes fixed on the pursuing vessel.

"I'm giving it everything, sir!" The driver's knuckles were white on the wheel. "But that's a premium model they've got. We're outmatched."

I glanced over my shoulder again. Ms. Hayward stood at the bow of the black boat, her silhouette sharp against the city lights. Even from this distance, I could feel her cold, calculating stare boring into me.

The canal widened as we approached the heart of Downton City's waterways. Ahead, I could see the exclusive district where the wealthy and powerful congregated. Ornate buildings rose from the water's edge, their lights reflecting like jewels on the dark surface.

"Take that narrow passage to the right," I instructed the driver, pointing to a small channel between two towering structures.

"That's not the way to the Island Gala, sir."

"Just do it!"

The driver yanked the wheel, and our taxi lurched into the narrow waterway, barely wide enough for a single vessel. Behind us, I heard shouting as Ms. Hayward's boat was forced to slow down.

"Now what?" the driver asked, perspiration beading on his forehead.

I pulled out my communication device and checked the location Guy had sent me. "Take the next left, then straight to the underwater entrance of the Noble Family's private clubhouse."

The driver's eyes widened. "The Sapphire Depths? Sir, that's extremely exclusive. They don't let just anyone—"

"I have an invitation," I cut him off, showing him Guy's message. "Just get me there."

We emerged from the narrow channel into a wider waterway lined with even more luxurious establishments. The black boat was nowhere in sight, but I knew Ms. Hayward wouldn't give up so easily.

After a few more turns, the driver pointed ahead. "There it is. Sapphire Depths."

Unlike the ostentatious buildings surrounding it, the entrance to the Noble family's clubhouse was surprisingly subtle – just a small, elegant dock with a blue-tinted glass elevator descending below the water's surface.

"Pull up to the dock," I instructed, already pulling out payment for the fare.

As we approached, I spotted two security guards standing at attention beside the elevator. Their postures stiffened as they noticed our approach.

"Good luck, sir," the driver said as I stepped onto the dock. "You'll need it."

The security guards moved to intercept me as I approached. Both were clearly cultivators, their auras tightly controlled but unmistakably powerful.

"This is a private establishment," the taller one stated, blocking my path. "Members only."

I held up my communication device, showing Guy's message. "I'm meeting Guy Noble. He's expecting me."

The guards exchanged glances. The shorter one took my device, examining the message carefully.

"Wait here," he said, stepping aside to make a call.

While we waited, I kept my eyes on the waterway behind us. No sign of Ms. Hayward's boat yet, but the feeling of being hunted wouldn't leave me.

The guard returned, his expression changed from suspicion to something like... excitement?

"You're Liam Knight? The alchemist who created the Heavenly Restoration Pill?" His voice had lost its professional edge.

I nodded cautiously. "That's correct."

To my surprise, the guard's face lit up. "I can't believe it! I've read all about your achievements! My cousin's cultivation was stuck at the eighth level for years until he took one of your pills!"

The taller guard rolled his eyes. "Focus, Jensen."

"Sorry, sorry." Jensen composed himself, though he was still smiling. "Mr. Noble confirmed your appointment. Please, follow me."

He led me to the glass elevator. As the doors closed, I watched the waterway for any sign of pursuit. The elevator began its descent, and the dark water closed over us, momentarily obscuring my view of the surface.

"It's an honor to meet you, sir," Jensen said as we descended deeper. "I've been trying to advance my own cultivation for years."

I studied him more carefully. Despite his professional appearance, he was young – probably early twenties – and his cultivation was indeed plateaued at an awkward transition point.

"Your meridians are blocked in your shoulder region," I said matter-of-factly. "Likely from improper technique during advancement."

His mouth fell open. "How did you—"

"I can see energy patterns," I explained. "Try focusing your circulation through your lower dantian first, then up through your spine rather than your chest."

Before he could respond, the elevator stopped, and the doors opened to reveal a breathtaking sight. The Noble Family's underwater clubhouse was a marvel of engineering and luxury – a massive glass dome beneath the water, filled with elegant furnishings, exotic plants, and the city's elite.

"Jensen, what's taking so long?" A familiar voice called out.

Guy Noble approached us, dressed impeccably in formal attire. His easy smile didn't reach his eyes, which were sharp with calculation.

"Apologies, sir," Jensen bowed slightly. "I was just escorting Mr. Knight as requested."

"You can go now," Guy dismissed him, then turned to me. "You made it. Any trouble along the way?"

"Lost them for now," I replied, following Guy deeper into the clubhouse. "But Ms. Hayward isn't one to give up easily."

"No, she isn't," Guy agreed, leading me to a private booth overlooking an underwater garden. Schools of exotic fish swam past the glass walls, their colors vibrant against the dark water. "Which is why we need to talk quickly."

We sat, and Guy waved over a server who brought us drinks without being asked. I left mine untouched.

"The herb will be transported to the Island Gala tomorrow at sunset," Guy said without preamble. "Before then, it's being kept in a secure location known only to my father and the event organizers."

"And you're telling me this because...?"

Guy smiled. "Because I find you interesting, Knight. Most alchemists are old, cautious men who've never seen real combat. You're... different."

"I still don't understand what you get out of helping me," I pressed.

He leaned back, swirling his drink. "Let's just say I'm investing in potential. The Noble family plays the long game, and you're a piece worth positioning on the board."

I didn't like being called a "piece," but I needed his information. "What about Ms. Hayward? What's her stake in this?"

"She works for Broderick, as you know," Guy replied. "But there's more to it. Word is, she's made a personal wager with someone powerful about whether she can stop you without killing you."

That was unexpected. "Stop me without killing me?"

"Apparently, she's been instructed to cripple rather than kill. Something about Broderick wanting you to live long enough to witness his triumph." Guy's tone was casual, but his eyes were watching me closely for my reaction.

I kept my expression neutral, though inside I was seething. Typical Broderick – his ego demanded not just victory but an audience for it.

"So what's your advice?" I asked, redirecting the conversation.

Guy leaned forward. "Be smart. Don't fight battles you can't win. Wait for the right opportunity at the gala itself."

"And in the meantime?"

"In the meantime," Guy raised his glass, "we drink and pretend we're just two associates having a casual meeting."

I reluctantly picked up my glass and took a small sip. The liquid was expensive and smooth, but I barely tasted it. My mind was too busy processing the new information.

"How many guards will be at the gala?" I asked.

"Fifty visible ones. Probably another thirty concealed." Guy sipped his drink. "Plus at least fifteen cultivation masters in attendance as guests."

I did the mental calculation. The odds were even worse than I'd feared.

"Don't look so grim," Guy chuckled. "You're not planning a frontal assault, are you?"

"I'm considering all options," I replied evasively.

Guy shook his head. "Amateur thinking. Direct confrontation is rarely the answer when you're outmatched."

"Then what would you suggest?" I couldn't keep the edge from my voice.

"Patience. Observation. Timing." He counted off on his fingers. "The herb will change hands multiple times tomorrow night. Your best chance isn't being the first to grab it, but the last."

There was wisdom in his words, though I didn't fully trust his motives. Still, without better options, his advice might be my best chance.

Our conversation continued, with Guy sharing details about the gala's layout, security rotations, and potential weaknesses in their system. Whether this information was genuine or meant to mislead me, I couldn't be certain, but I memorized everything regardless.

An hour passed, and I was beginning to think I might have escaped Ms. Hayward's pursuit, at least temporarily. Then Guy's communication device buzzed.

He glanced at it, his expression darkening. "We have a problem."

"Ms. Hayward?"

He nodded. "She's at the surface entrance, demanding to be let in. Claims she has urgent business with the Noble family."

My muscles tensed, ready for action. "Can she be refused?"

"Not easily. Her cultivation level alone would earn her entry, and she has connections to several elder Noble members." Guy's eyes narrowed in calculation. "There's another exit through the service area. If you move quickly—"

"No," I cut him off. "I'm tired of running."

Guy raised an eyebrow. "Bold, but foolish. You can't defeat her here."

"I don't need to defeat her," I replied. "I just need to survive until tomorrow's gala. And I need to understand what I'm up against."

Guy studied me for a moment, then shrugged. "Your funeral. But don't expect the Noble family to intervene if things get ugly. Our agreement was non-interference, remember?"

"I remember," I said grimly.

We fell silent as we waited. Minutes ticked by, the underwater ambiance suddenly feeling oppressive rather than luxurious. Finally, Guy's device buzzed again.

"She's on her way down," he reported. "With six of her men."

I took a deep breath, centering my energy. "When she arrives, act natural. Like we're just having a casual business discussion."

Guy nodded, his posture relaxing into a convincing display of nonchalance. I tried to do the same, though I could feel my core energy humming with readiness.

The elevator doors slid open, and I watched through the reflection in the glass as Jensen stepped out, followed by Ms. Hayward. Even from this distance, I could see the young security guard was nervous, his previous enthusiasm replaced by uncertainty.

"This way, ma'am," I heard him say, his voice carrying in the acoustic space of the dome.

Ms. Hayward followed, her movements graceful and predatory. Behind her came six robed figures, their faces partially obscured but their auras unmistakably powerful.

"Sir," Jensen approached our table, visibly uncomfortable. "This lady insists on speaking with you and your guest."

Guy affected surprise. "Ms. Hayward, what an unexpected pleasure. What brings you to our humble establishment?"

Ms. Hayward's cold eyes fixed on me. "I believe you know exactly why I'm here, Mr. Noble."

"I'm afraid I don't," Guy replied smoothly. "I'm simply having drinks with an associate."

"An associate who has something that belongs to my employer," she stated flatly.

I turned to face her directly. "I have nothing of Broderick's."

"Not yet," her lips curved in a thin smile. "But you intend to take what he has claimed."

The tension in the room was palpable. Other patrons were beginning to notice the confrontation, their conversations quieting.

"Ms. Hayward," Guy interjected, "while you're certainly welcome at Sapphire Depths, I must ask that you maintain proper decorum. Any personal disputes should be settled elsewhere."

Her eyes flicked to him briefly. "Of course, Mr. Noble. I wouldn't dream of causing a scene in such an esteemed establishment." Her gaze returned to me, sharp as a blade. "Perhaps Mr. Knight would be willing to step outside for a private conversation?"

"I'm comfortable right here," I replied evenly.

Something shifted in her expression – a flash of irritation quickly masked. "Very well. Then allow me to join you."

Without waiting for an invitation, she slid into the booth beside Guy, forcing him to move over. Her six attendants remained standing, positioned to block any escape route.

That's when I noticed something disturbing. Jensen, who had been standing awkwardly to the side, was gone. In his place was a small puddle of water on the floor – too dark to be just water.

Blood.

I met Ms. Hayward's eyes, and the cold realization hit me. She had eliminated a witness – an innocent young man whose only crime was admiring my work.

"What did you do?" I asked, my voice low and dangerous.

"Do?" She feigned innocence. "I merely accepted your invitation to join you."

"The guard," I clarified, my energy beginning to pulse with anger. "Jensen."

"Oh, him." She waved dismissively. "He was being indiscreet. Overly excited about meeting his idol."

Guy had noticed the puddle as well. His casual demeanor slipped, revealing genuine alarm. "You killed a Noble family employee? In our establishment?"

"He attempted to prevent me from conducting important business," she replied coldly. "He made his choice."

I fought to control my rage. Jensen was young, enthusiastic, with his whole life ahead of him. And she had snuffed him out without hesitation, like extinguishing a candle.

"This has gone too far," I said, my voice steady despite my inner turmoil.

Ms. Hayward leaned forward, her eyes gleaming with malice. "It hasn't gone nearly far enough, Mr. Knight. You seem to be enjoying yourself here, drinking fine spirits while others scurry about doing your work."

Her attendants moved closer, their robes shifting to reveal glimpses of weapons.

Guy cleared his throat. "Ms. Hayward, I must insist—"

"Be quiet," she snapped, not even looking at him. "This is between me and him."

I surveyed the room quickly. We were surrounded, the exits blocked. Other patrons had noticed the tension and were discreetly moving away from our area. No help would come from them.

"What do you want, Ms. Hayward?" I asked directly.

Her smile was like ice. "I want you to understand your position. Master Broderick has claimed the Ten-Thousand-Year-Old Celestial Grass. Anyone who interferes will suffer... consequences."

"Like Jensen did?" I couldn't keep the disgust from my voice.

"Precisely." She nodded, as if glad I understood. "Though your consequences would be more... elaborate. Master Broderick has specific instructions regarding your fate."

"To cripple me without killing me," I stated flatly, watching her reaction.

Surprise flickered across her face before she could hide it. "You're well-informed. Though not well enough to save yourself."

The underwater lights suddenly seemed dimmer, the beautiful surroundings transformed into something oppressive. I was trapped, with a deadly enemy before me and uncertain allies beside me.

"You won't touch him here," Guy said, his voice firmer now. "Whatever your quarrel, this is Noble family territory."

Ms. Hayward turned to him, her expression contemptuous. "Your family's agreement was non-interference, was it not? That works both ways, young Noble."

Guy's jaw tightened. He knew she was right – the Noble family had positioned themselves as neutral parties. They couldn't intervene without breaking their own terms.

I needed to think quickly. Direct confrontation would be suicide – not just against Ms. Hayward, but her six attendants as well. Running wasn't an option with the exits blocked.

Then I noticed something through the glass dome above us – a dark shape moving through the water, larger than the decorative fish swimming around it.

"It seems we're at an impasse," I said, stalling for time.

"No impasse," Ms. Hayward replied. "Merely a delay of the inevitable. You will not leave here intact, Mr. Knight."

The shape above grew larger, clearer – a small submersible, bearing the insignia of the Noble family. Someone was coming.

"Perhaps we should take this discussion somewhere more private," Ms. Hayward suggested, gesturing toward one of the side chambers. "Somewhere we won't be... interrupted."

"I'm comfortable right here," I repeated, my eyes flicking briefly upward.

She noticed my glance and followed it, spotting the approaching submersible. Her expression hardened.

"It seems you're expecting reinforcements," she observed coldly. "How disappointingly predictable."

"I wasn't expecting anyone," I replied honestly.

The submersible docked at the top of the dome, and a figure emerged through a specialized airlock. Even from this distance, I recognized Patrick Noble, Guy's father and the head of the Noble family.

Ms. Hayward saw him too. Her calculations visibly shifted behin