As the golden hues of the setting sun gave way to the deep purples of dusk, Kael Ardent and his companions found themselves heading toward their next destination—an exclusive meeting with the influential merchant family that held power second only to the royal family. The meeting would take place in a private suite within the Silver Serpent Inn, reserved for only the wealthiest and most powerful figures of the Veridian Empire.
Beside Kael, Isabella Varen remained as composed as ever, her sharp mind clearly working in tandem with his. Aria Valecourt had excused herself moments earlier, making her departure with a cryptic smile and a promise to speak more at the Royal Banquet. It was a promise Kael intended to use to his advantage.
But for now, his attention was focused on the approaching conversation with the merchant prince. An important piece on the chessboard, this meeting would determine Kael's next strategic move.
As they entered the lavish suite, Kael was greeted by a young man seated at the head of the table. The merchant prince, Roderick Blackthorn, regarded them with a confident smile. He was dressed in the finest silks, with a thin gold circlet on his brow that marked him as the heir to the Blackthorn Trading Consortium—the wealthiest family in the empire after the royal line.
Roderick's striking blue eyes held a sharp intelligence, and his dark hair was slicked back in an almost meticulous manner. He was known as a rising star in both business and politics, but what truly made him stand out was his cultivation. Though only at the Nascent Soul stage—one level below Kael and Isabella—Roderick had earned respect throughout the empire for his strategic mind and his ability to manipulate wealth like no other.
"Lord Ardent, Lady Varen," Roderick greeted them with a smile that held both charm and calculation. "It is a pleasure to finally meet the man of the hour. Your rise through the ranks of power has been... nothing short of impressive."
Kael gave a polite nod, his expression calm as he took his seat across from Roderick. Isabella followed suit, maintaining her poised demeanor. As they settled in, Roderick gestured for the attendants to bring wine, a gesture meant to symbolize a peaceful conversation. But Kael knew better—this was no simple social meeting.
"It seems word travels fast," Kael remarked, his tone neutral. "I have heard much of your family's success as well, Roderick Blackthorn. The Blackthorn Trading Consortium has built quite the empire."
Roderick chuckled, his eyes gleaming with pride. "We do what we must to stay ahead. In a world where power shifts with the wind, wealth is often the most stable currency."
Kael smiled faintly, his gaze steady. "Wealth is indeed valuable. But power, true power, cannot be bought."
Roderick's smile wavered for a brief moment, a flicker of something darker passing through his eyes. "Perhaps. But with the right amount of spirit stones and heavenly treasures, one can certainly influence those who wield power."
Kael leaned forward slightly, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp. "Influence is a tool. Power is an inherent force. Those who confuse the two often find themselves at the mercy of forces they cannot control."
Roderick's expression shifted, and the tension in the room grew palpable. It was clear that Kael's words had struck a nerve. The merchant prince prided himself on his wealth and influence, but in the presence of someone like Kael, who had reached the Peak of Soul Transformation, the limitations of mere treasures and artifacts were laid bare.
Isabella, ever the silent observer, took a sip of her wine, her eyes flicking between the two men. She knew this conversation was about far more than wealth or power—it was about establishing dominance.
"Tell me," Kael continued, his tone casual, "what are your ambitions, Roderick? The Blackthorn family is already the wealthiest in the empire. What more could you possibly want?"
Roderick's smile returned, though it lacked the confidence it once held. "What every man desires, Lord Ardent. To secure my family's legacy, to ensure that the Blackthorn name is remembered for generations to come. Wealth may not be as grand as cultivation, but it can protect and build legacies."
Kael's eyes gleamed with amusement. "Legacies are not built on wealth or influence. They are built on power, strength, and the ability to dominate those around you."
Roderick's fingers tightened around his wine goblet, but he kept his voice even. "And yet, those with strength still come to me for alliances, for resources, for the very things that allow them to continue their rise. The Crown Prince himself does not move without considering the Blackthorn family's influence."
Kael's smile widened, though it did not reach his eyes. "Influence, as I said before, is a tool. But tools are only as useful as the hand that wields them. You may be a merchant prince, Roderick, but do not mistake wealth for control. In the end, it is those who possess true power who dictate the course of history."
Roderick's eyes narrowed, and for a brief moment, the room was filled with a tense silence. Isabella glanced at Kael, a faint smile playing at her lips. She knew Kael was deliberately provoking Roderick, testing the merchant's resolve and patience.
Finally, Roderick spoke, his voice measured. "I do not deny the power of cultivation, Lord Ardent. But I have seen many powerful cultivators brought to their knees by the simple lack of resources. Even the greatest warriors need artifacts, spirit stones and medicine potion or pills to sustain their empires."
Kael nodded slowly, acknowledging Roderick's point. "True. But resources can be taken. Power must be earned."
Roderick's expression faltered for just a moment, a flicker of frustration crossing his features. He was not used to being challenged so openly, especially by someone younger than him. But Kael's cultivation and his reputation made him a force to be reckoned with, and Roderick knew better than to push too hard.
"Perhaps we can find common ground," Roderick said after a moment, his tone more conciliatory. "The Blackthorn family has much to offer, and I believe we could be of great benefit to each other."
Kael leaned back in his chair, his gaze never leaving Roderick's. "I do not seek alliances based on need. I seek alliances based on mutual respect and understanding. If you wish to be a part of the future I intend to shape, then prove your worth, Roderick. Show me that you are more than just a merchant with deep pockets."
Roderick's jaw tightened, but he forced a smile. "I assure you, Lord Ardent, the Blackthorn family is more than capable of proving our worth."
Kael's expression remained unreadable, but inwardly, he knew that he had already won this battle of words. Roderick Blackthorn, for all his wealth and influence, had been outmaneuvered. The merchant prince had come to this meeting with the intention of asserting his power, but instead, he found himself on the defensive, struggling to keep up with Kael's sharp mind and overwhelming presence.
Isabella watched the exchange with quiet satisfaction, knowing that Kael had once again demonstrated his dominance. Even without raising his voice or resorting to threats, he had established himself as the superior force in the room.
Kieran Voidstrider, standing silently behind Kael, observed the entire conversation with a stoic expression. He, too, knew that this meeting had shifted the balance of power in Kael's favor.
As the conversation drew to a close, Kael rose from his seat, his movements slow and deliberate. "I appreciate your time, Roderick. I look forward to seeing how our paths intersect in the future."
Roderick stood as well, though his posture was more rigid. "As do I, Lord Ardent."
With that, Kael and Isabella made their way out of the suite, leaving Roderick Blackthorn behind. As they stepped into the cool evening air, Kael glanced at Isabella, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
"The merchant prince," he said quietly, "is no match for someone with true power."
Isabella nodded, her expression serene. "Indeed. But he may still prove useful in the future."
Kael's eyes gleamed with cold determination. "Perhaps. But only if he knows his place."