SUPREME ARCH-MAGUS

The cold night wind swept through the vast halls of the King family residence as Kent moved silently through the dimly lit corridors.

His destination was clear—his grandfather, the great Old Patriarch Kumar King, a legend whose name commanded both fear and respect throughout the Red Silk Immortal Country.

Kent’s thoughts were clear and he knew what he want and where to find it. There was no time to waste on arrogance or pride—if he wanted to grow stronger, he needed resources. And who better to seek guidance from than the very pillar of his family?

At the end of a long corridor, Kent reached a grand, ancient wooden door adorned with carvings of dragons and phoenixes. He took a deep breath and knocked firmly.

“Come in,” a deep, aged voice echoed from inside.

Kent entered, finding his grandfather seated cross-legged on a meditation platform, his long white hair flowing freely down his back like a river of silver silk. The old patriarch’s aura was immense—calm yet overwhelmingly powerful, like a dormant volcano.

“Kent,” Kumar King’s sharp gaze fell upon him. “What brings you here so late? I heard you kicked the 7th prince Min Kai? Do you feel any trouble with the royal family?”

Kent bowed respectfully. “No, Grandfather. I’ve come seeking other needed things.”

Kumar King’s eyes twinkled with intrigue. “Ah, so the boy finally understands the value of knowledge over brute force. Sit.”

Kent obeyed and sat across from the old man.

“I won’t waste your time with pleasantries,” Kent began directly. “I need resources—powerful treasures and cultivation materials to continue my path forward.”

The old patriarch’s expression remained neutral. “You expect me to hand over the family’s reserve treasures, then?”

Kent shook his head. “No, Grandfather. I’m not asking for charity. The treasures you’ve accumulated are meant for the family’s future. I want to earn my own rewards. I only ask you to show me the paths where I can fight for them myself.”

For a long moment, there was silence.

Then, to Kent’s surprise, Kumar King smiled—a genuine, approving smile that transformed his otherwise stern features. “Now, that’s a request worthy of a true cultivator.”

The old patriarch leaned forward slightly, his voice lowering to a thoughtful hum. “There are four main paths to obtaining the resources you seek. Each comes with its own trials and rewards.”

Kent’s eyes narrowed with focus. “I’m listening.”

“The first path, and arguably the most rewarding, is Alchemy,” Kumar King began. “The Immortal Purple Cloud Association holds alchemy competitions across the Red Silk Immortal Country. Winning one of these competitions will bring great fame and wealth—powerful families will seek to buy your concoctions, and treasures will flow to your feet like rivers to the sea.”

Kent considered the idea. “Alchemy… creating potions, refining pills… Is it a difficult art to practice.”

“It is,” the old man nodded. “But for someone of your background, I believe you could master it faster with our family backing. If you’re serious about pursuing alchemy, seek out the Link Family—they are the major business dealers for alchemical materials in Red Silk City. Mention my name, and they will offer you training or at least guidance.”

“Also, if you can brew your own unique potion, resources will fly to your feet.”

Kent absorbed the information silently before asking, “What’s the second path?”

“The second path involves crafting weapons and treasures,” Kumar King continued. “Forging powerful artifacts requires immense skill and cultivation strength. Only those who’ve mastered their inner energy can create items worthy of legends.”

Kent’s brow furrowed slightly. “Wouldn’t that take too long at my current cultivation stage?”

“Yes,” Kumar King agreed. “It’s a path better suited for someone further reached in their cultivation journey. But if you insist on learning the craft, visit the Fan Family. Tell them you come on behalf of Kumar King—they will offer you basic training, though whether you succeed will depend on your own perseverance.”

Kent leaned forward. “And the third path?”

Kumar King’s voice dropped to a darker tone. “The third path is through adventure and conquest—exploring dangerous regions of the Immortal world filled with ancient ruins, lost dungeons, and forbidden realms. These places hold treasures untold but are riddled with death traps and deadly beasts.”

Kent’s expression remained composed. “How long would it take to gather enough resources through exploration?”

The old patriarch let out a long sigh. “Years, maybe decades. You would waste too much time—a man like you cannot afford that luxury.”

Kent nodded slowly. “And the final path?”

Kumar King’s lips curled into a knowing smile. “The fourth path is the most direct—and the most dangerous: climbing the ranks of the Genius List.”

Kent’s eyes sharpened. “I’ve heard about this list from father.”

“The Genius List exists in every country of the immortal world and the entire immortal world has one single list of stars.” Kumar King explained. “Those who rank among the top are recognized as living legends. Many powerful clans offer their wealth, their treasures—and sometimes even their daughters—for the chance to form alliances through marriage.”

Kent’s expression didn’t waver, though a spark of interest gleamed in his eyes. “Even emperors respect those geniuses, don’t they?”

“Indeed,” Kumar King confirmed. “The top ten cultivators on the Genius List are considered equals to emperors, for they carry the potential to ascend to the Heavenly Immortal World—a realm even higher than ours.”

Kent crossed his arms, his voice low and thoughtful. “So, if I reach the top, no one will dare challenge me again.”

The old patriarch chuckled. “Exactly. But it won’t be easy—every genius on that list is a monster in their own right.”

After a moment of silence, Kent looked up and asked, “Is there any place where I can learn the basics of alchemy or weapon forging before diving into these paths?”

Kumar King’s smile widened, the approval clear in his eyes. “You’re thinking ahead—good. If that’s the case, visit our Family Library. It holds my collection of ancient scrolls and foundational texts on alchemy, artifact creation, and battle techniques.”

Kent bowed respectfully. “Thank you, Grandfather. Your guidance means more than I can express.”

Kumar King’s voice softened, rare warmth seeping into his tone. “You remind me of myself when I was young—determined and hungry for strength. Hope you bring glory to the-King-family.”