Rishi knew the real reason behind the original owner's collapse.
It wasn't the pain.
It wasn't cultivation.
It was her.
His fiance.
Two days ago
Just like any other day, Rishi sat alone in his room, reading novels from the technological world. Stories where there was no spiritual energy, no cultivation, no killing over strength. A world ruled by rules, science, and effort.
In that world, talent meant intelligence, art, or skill not bloodlines.
Unlike here.
Suddenly, a servant arrived with a message.
"Young Master, the Clan Leader requests your presence in the meeting hall."
Rishi frowned. He rarely left his room. If it were anyone else, he would have refused but this was his father.
He had no choice.
---
The Pradhab Clan's meeting hall was vast and solemn.
Elders sat neatly on both sides, their auras restrained yet heavy. At the center, upon the elevated throne, sat a man in his late twenties handsome, dignified, and sharp-eyed.
Jogendhra Pradhab.
Clan Leader of the Pradhab Family.
Rishi's father.
Rishi entered, bowed lightly, and took his seat.
Something felt wrong.
The atmosphere was tense.
Then he felt it.
A gaze.
He looked up and froze.
A young woman sat on the guest seat closest to the throne.
She wore a flowing blue dress. Her black hair fell like silk, her lips were cherry-red, and her skin flawless.
But what shocked Rishi wasn't her beauty
It was where she sat.
That seat was reserved only for extremely important guests.
But from Rishi memory he don't see in royal capital. It seems like she came from outside the capital.
Behind her stood two people.
A woman in her thirties, her aura sharp and dangerous clearly a protector.
And an old man in a black robe.
Ordinary at first glance.
Too ordinary.
Rishi's instincts screamed danger.
That old man was terrifyingly strong.
Before Rishi could think further, the female guardian spoke, impatience clear in her tone.
"Since the young master has arrived, let us begin."
She turned slightly.
Let us introduced our to all.
"Young Miss Thara Dhevara Crown Princess of the Gandhara Dynasty, and a Direct disciple of Inner Sect Elder in Maaya Academy."
A murmur spread through the hall.
Maaya Academy.
One of the greatest academies among the Seven Great Dynasties
The guardian continued, opening a jade box.
Inside lay a pill glowing with nine different colors.
"A Ninth-Turn Returns Pill."
The moment its medicinal scent spread, Rishi's body trembled violently.
His bottleneck loosened.
Pain exploded inside him.
"haa!"
Rishi clenched his fists, nails digging into his palms as blood seeped out. His breathing grew ragged.
The guardian's expression changed. She hurriedly closed the box, suppressing the pill's aura.
At the same time
A killing intent descended from the throne.
Cold. Absolute.
She stiffened.
One second slower and she would have been seriously injured.
Thara watched the scene with clear disgust.
So this was him?
Pathetic.
Rishi slowly regained control, his face pale.
His gaze flicked to Thara.
Confusion filled his mind.
Why bring such a pill?
What did they want?
Finally, Jogendhra Pradhab spoke, his voice heavy with suppressed fury.
"So," he said coldly,
"why have you come?"
The guardian chose her words carefully.
"The Clan Leader remembers the engagement between our families, correct?"
Her eyes sharpened.
"Our Young Miss has been accepted as an inner disciple of Maaya Academy. Her master values her greatly. Even he treat his her own daughter and believes she should focus solely on cultivation."
She paused.
"Therefore he wishes to cancel the engagement."
Silence.
Then
Boom.
Auras erupted throughout the hall.
Breaking an engagement was a great humiliation, especially for the man's family.
Jogendhra raised his hand, stopping the elders.
His eyes burned.
"Your Gandhara Dynasty was on the brink of destruction during war," he said slowly.
"I was the one who saved your king."
The guardian's face paled.
"To repay that debt, you proposed an engagement with my three-year-old son."
His voice sharpened.
"Now you come here with a pill and call it compensation?"
He laughed coldly.
"If you want to break the engagement fine."
The guardian's eyes lit up.
"But," Jogendhra continued,
"return what I gave you."
"The lives I saved."
"The land I protected."
"Especially your useless king."
The elders nodded in unison.
Their stance was clear.
Even the Mahilmadhi Imperial Family would give the Pradhab Clan face.
Who was a mere middle-tier dynasty to threaten them?
At that moment
Thara stood up.
She bowed stiffly.
"Respected Clan Leader and Elders," she said calmly, hiding her fear.
"This decision was not out of ingratitude."
She lifted her chin.
"I will soon surpass ordinary geniuses. While your son has already stopped cultivating."
Gasps echoed.
"There is no affection between us. We are not a perfect match."
She finished with pride.
Then
Laughter.
Wild. Sharp. Unrestrained.
Rishi stood up slowly, laughing like a madman.
"Hahaha"
Thara's face darkened.
Rishi looked at her and spoke, his voice cold and mocking.
"I have never seen such a shameless woman."
"How dare you!" Thara shouted.
Her guardian stopped her.
Rishi continued calmly.
"You talk about perfection as if you were wronged."
"Then tell me who proposed this engagement?"
Her silence was answer enough.
"You used my family's name, resources, and protection," Rishi said softly,
"And now you cling to a new backing and discard us like trash."
His smile was icy.
Thara couldn't ensure anymore" How dare you speak to me like this bastard. Yes, we are the one who proposed the marriage. So what?"
"I always want break the engagement. It was my father who always greedy don't accept it. Now i have my master who will back me. So, I came here break the engagement. "
Rishi laughed like mad man his aura rose he ran towards Thara like a mad man. He yelled "You bitch i am going to kill you".
In response Thara just realize her aura Rishi fell down on the ground he want stand up but he couldn't how much he try.
When jogendhrar see it all he want to move. But, when he saw the old man in black robe he ensuring it. Finally with gritting teeth he say"Stop, We accept it".