Time skip —
In the calm and serene night outside a vast mansion, the structure seemed to come alive, its grandeur reflecting the gentle moonlight and giving it an ethereal appearance.
The moon's soft glow danced on the walls, creating an enchanting play of light and shadows. It was as if the mansion had a soul that whispered tales of its storied past, enticing those who gazed upon it into a world of mystery and wonder.
TAP TAP TAP
Inside the hall room of that vast Mansion, the sound of footsteps echoed, each tap audible in the stillness of the night.
Light spilled from the mansion's windows, illuminating a man—the source of the echoing footsteps. Moonlight basked his Black Obsidian hair with an ethereal glow, and his eyes seemed to absorb light itself.
He made his way towards another robust, middle-aged man on his knees. Thirty people were lying on the ground; four of them were at the late stage of the Golden Core Realm, while others were in the middle or late stages of the Foundation Establishment realm.
Some of them were missing limbs, some were without any heads, and blood completely painted the white walls of the hall, as corpses lay with their eyes opened in fear.
In that blood pool, a black cat was simply licking its paws, sitting amidst the gathering of corpses. Its paws were painted red, showing the source of all this massacre. The air was thick with the scent of death and fear, and an eerie silence settled over the room as the man approached the one on his knees.
"P-please, forgive me," begged the middle-aged man, desperation etched in his expression.
"You crossed the line, Triswen," the man replied, his obsidian black eyes fixed on the one begging for mercy. The moonlight gave an ethereal glow to his hair, and the interplay of shadows made him appear like a grim reaper.
The man on his knees could hardly believe the depths he had fallen into. He replayed the events in his mind that had led to this moment.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In a sophisticated boardroom illuminated by the warm glow of chandeliers, ten of the most affluent business moguls sat around a massive round table.
Each of them was vying for a colossal government power project, a venture that promised immense wealth and influence. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation and a subtle undercurrent of competition.
At the head of the table sat the government officials, impeccably dressed and exuding an air of authority. Their expressions were a mix of discernment and calculation, as they carefully evaluated each business magnate.
The discussion revolved around the potential providers for the power project. Croceus Group, renowned for its innovative approach and proven track record, was a strong contender.
Triswen, on the other hand, had a history marred by controversies and suspicions of corruption that came into light after they started to face loss after one another by Croceus groups.
Mrs. Croceus, the charismatic and shrewd businesswoman leading the Croceus Group, presented their proposal eloquently.
Her words were like honey, sweetening the ears of the officials, painting a vivid picture of a future powered by sustainable and efficient energy. She showcased how their approach would benefit the nation, its economy, and its people.
"Our innovative technology ensures not just efficient energy production, but a sustainable future. We commit to delivering on time and within budget, providing uninterrupted power supply to every household," Mrs. Croceus stated confidently.
Contrastingly, Mr. Triswen, though skilled in the art of persuasion, struggled to shake off the lingering doubts from past endeavors. His presentation lacked the vigor and conviction of his counterpart. The officials watched attentively, catching every nuance and subtle gesture.
"We understand the concerns from past projects. Rest assured, we've learned from those experiences and have implemented stringent measures to ensure complete transparency and success," Mr. Triswen attempted to reassure.
As the discussions continued, the government officials exchanged knowing glances, leaning toward a consensus. It was evident that the Croceus Group had won them over.
"We appreciate both presentations, but it's clear that the Croceus Group's vision aligns better with our goals for sustainable energy and national development. Congratulations, Mrs. Croceus. We look forward to this partnership," one of the officials announced.
As everyone left the boardroom, leaving Triswen alone, his frustration boiled over. He shouted at his secretary, demanding immediate action.
"That Bitch!" he seethed, gritting his teeth at the thought of the losses he had endured, all linked to the Croceus Group.
"Hey, you! Come here!" he yelled at his secretary, whose battered form showed the toll of Triswen's regular outbursts. Bandages covered his head, evidence of the man's volatile temper.
"Hire cultivators, even if it means using every last asset we have. Deal with that woman!" he ordered, blinded by rage and ready to exhaust his remaining wealth to exact revenge on Mrs. Croceus. The secretary nodded as left without any questions as he always does.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Y-you, Bast... THUD."
Before another word left his mouth, a sickening thud resounded, a testament to the man's brutal fate. His bloodied gaze and red eyes reflected the cold indifference of the man who had orchestrated all the bloodshed and suffering.
In those reflective, blood-stained eyes, the man's face looked like death itself. He gazed at the eyes that had lost their light yet still reflected his actions. A shadow loomed in those reflections.
STOMP
'Did you get that'
The man inquired,his gaze piercing. In those moonlit reflections, a golden shine emanated from the cat's eyes, making its black fur appear like the abyss.
[Yes]
The cat acknowledging the completion of the man's orders.
...
In the heart of a sprawling garden, enveloped by the serenity of nature, a man named sat cross-legged on a perfectly manicured lawn, the grand mansion loomed in the backgroud.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a fiery hue upon the garden, Man closed his obsedian eyes and focused his mind.
His breathing slowed, and the world around him seemed to fade away. With a deep inhale, he envisioned a glowing ball of energy forming within his core, representing his current state of Body Cultivation.
He began the meticulous process of guiding his internal energy through meridians and channels within his body.Each movement was intentional, precise, as if conducting an intricate symphony.
Man visualized the energy ball expanding, gradually engulfing every part of his being. The Qi surged through his muscles, sinews, and bones, invigorating and fortifying them.
It felt like a gentle caress and an empowering surge simultaneously, a fusion of tranquility and strength.
His senses heightened, attuned to the rustling leaves, the soft whispers of the wind, and the fragrance of blooming flowers.
His body, which had already been well-built, underwent discernible changes. His skin became more lively and radiant, invigorated by the infusion of Qi. Muscles once firm now felt as hard as steel wires, exemplifying the intensified energy coursing through them. The density of his bones had significantly increased, reaching a level that added to his overall strength and durability.
His veins flowed with internal energy, utilizing two Dantian as energy storage—the Jin Dantian (Energy Essence) located in the lower spine, typically used by Body Cultivators, and the Qi Dantian (Energy Centre) situated at the lower abdomen, favored by Qi Cultivators.
The man was brimming with Internal Energy, having chosen a path that was deemed impossible by many. It was a path that consumed a subtle amount of time, a luxury not many Cultivators had.
Cultivating just one path was already a considerable challenge, consuming a significant amount of internal energy and time, often leaving practitioners stagnant due to insufficient internal energy to break through. However, he had chosen to cultivate both paths—Qi Cultivation and Body Cultivation.
'I have reached the middle stage of the Bronze realm and the late stage of the Foundation Establishment realm. I guess the amount of energy needed increases with each stage and realm, Now should I meet my Dear wife' he thought as he looked towards his hands clenching his fist understanding the amount of Elixirs and pills needed has increased as his daily expenses are about 10 million GC, if not for his wife handling the business and increasing their assets , even if with his money like ocean, the prices of Elixirs and Pills would have exhausted all of it within a decade.
He made his way towards the mansion to take a bath. Breaking through to the Bronze realm had caused impurities to seep out of his body through his pores. Although there weren't many impurities due to his body being already upgraded by divine energy, some had formed in the upcoming days and were now being expelled as he bathed.
He made his way towards his wife's room that had become her office since she got pregnant, not wanting any burden on her child while still handling her work that her husband had given her. She was managing both with incredible determination and grace.
As the door opened to the room, the man saw his wife seated on the bed, attended by two maids serving her dry fruits and juices. Her secretary was by her side, offering support with documentations.
The vast room had transformed into a makeshift hospital operation theater, bustling with seven to eight doctors who were present around the clock.
The doctors seemed far from exhausted, despite the long hours, because the compensation they received for their services here was generous enough to cover their monthly salaries.
These doctors were among the best in their field and the fees they charged were substantial. However, they had become tools for Croceus, serving the growing business empire.
The rapid increase in profits and financial success within a year was a testament to this. Even if it was just 1% increment but that was enough to sustain a country like Country E for an entire day, with its population of 1.2 billion. This showcased the immense profits the entire Croceus group was making.
Lisia Croceus had moved from being a Business Tycoon to a financial visionary, thanks to the incredible endeavors she showed. Within just seven months, she had handled major issues within the corporation.
"Wife, isn't this quite a scene?"
The man, accustomed to witnessing such grandeur, casually remarked, accompanied by a faint smile.
His words hung in the air, making everyone in the room hold their breath. It wasn't just because he was Avendial Croceus, the Business God, but also because of his recent activities that had shaken the world.
Even someone oblivious could decipher the reason behind the recent Triswens Massacre that had occurred just a few days ago. The intense rivalry between the two prominent business groups was no secret, and the recent rumors about Triswens losing the tender for the Power Project only fueled their anger.
It was evident that Triswens had made a critical mistake that led to the gruesome event. The man standing before them was undeniably the mastermind behind it all.
"You all can leave,"
Lisia said, addressing the remaining people in the room. As they left, the couple was left alone to converse.
"How are you, wife? If it's difficult, you can take a break,"
Avendial inquired, his voice soft and gentle. Lisia was eight months pregnant, and he was concerned about her well-being.
"You don't have to worry, husband. I've already taken my leave,"
Lisia assured him, to which he chuckled. She was gradually beginning to grasp his unspoken thoughts, and it pleased him. Perhaps, she would be of some assistance.
However, amidst his immense hatred and pursuit of vengeance, a miniscule yet negligible space in his heart began to form for this woman.
"Guess you really are something else, wife," he remarked, as he tenderly caressed her belly, a reminder of the impending arrival.
Listening to her husband's words and sensing the underlying meaning, Lisia leaned against his shoulder.
She had come to understand many aspects of her husband, despite her inability to cultivate. Her short lifespan was a cause for fear, but seeing her husband's urgency in gathering strength, she concluded that he would likely leave her one day.
Nonetheless, she was determined to create an opportunity to be with him. He was amassing resources and strength, seemingly preparing for something. She hoped he would continue to care for her.
Avendial, too, gradually comprehending his wife's thoughts, kissed her head and leaned towards her belly, asking about their child with playful excitement.
"How is my champ? Are you eager to meet your father?" he inquired, eagerly awaiting a response,yet get nothing as always.
"Are you not going to listen to your father?"
The child within the womb, however, seemed to respond more to the soothing voice of its mother as it slightly moved.
"Guess he's more loyal towards his mother,"Avendial mused, seeing the child's reaction. He smiled at the antics of the child in his wife's belly, who appeared to follow its mother's instructions.
"Guess we'll have to make a new one, Lisia, as he's not listening," he teased, making his wife blush. As she felt a slight movement in her belly, she had a revelation, and both of them looked towards each other.
"I will be happy," Lisia confessed, and this surprised Avendial. The mother and child duo seemed to be planning together, and he chuckled before looking towards the cat.
[What? Don't look at me; it's all your fault for making both mother and child so smart]
The cat chimed in, prompting Avendial to laugh,
In the end, Lisia belonged to him, and it didn't matter whether the child followed his or her mother's voice. After all, they both belonged to him.