Kairo's eyes fluttered open.
The cavern was silent, shadows pressing in from all sides, yet the red haze in his vision made it feel alive, almost breathing.
He groaned, forcing himself up from the jagged floor.
Pain clawed through his body, each movement a reminder of the storm inside him, yet he stretched his neck, then his arms, letting the tension ripple through him.
His muscles screamed, but beneath it all, he could feel it—a strange, alien energy humming in his veins.
Impressive…
he muttered, voice low, rough from strain.
There's a different energy in my body… My level has changed.
His hands flexed.
The core formation inside him pulsed faintly, responding to his thoughts.
He paused, testing it. A strange warmth, a resonance, like a lock had turned somewhere deep inside.
At fifteen, and I'm already mid-level core formation… Not bad. But the time… it's changing fast.
Kairo's gaze drifted upward, surveying the cave's jagged ceiling.
I'll have to stay hidden… Evil cultivation isn't accepted.
People will turn against me if they realize.
He clenched his fists, crimson light flickering in his newly awakened eyes.
How do you explain an evil cultivator isn't evil? No matter… I'll just have to move carefully.
He shook off the last traces of pain, readying himself to leave.
Home…
But damn it, I still can't fly.
Nascent Soul is the next step. I'm only in core formation. Still…
He paused, running a hand over his face.
Among my siblings, I'm fourth. My eldest brother is at Nascent Soul peak. Sofia and Krothe are mid-level Nascent Soul.
My three sisters… impressive, mid to peak foundation establishment.
Meridian Opening level… the family's weakest. The so-called idiot… ketlos.
A faint smile curved his lips.
No matter. Let them underestimate me.
He stepped out of the cave, each stride measured, careful.
The forest seemed unchanged, the air heavy with silence.
Kairo's thoughts churned, not on the family, not the hierarchy—but on the hidden technique still pulsing inside him.
Back at the Kelric estate, preparations were already underway.
Supplies stacked, banners raised, tables adorned with gold and silver, the estate alive with activity.
Guests had yet to arrive, yet the grandeur was undeniable.
Kairo, however, barely noticed.
He slipped quietly into his room, closing the door behind him.
The Evil Cultivation technique's secrets whispered to him.
No one could sense it—not even the absolute strongest cultivators.
Alchemy, formations… all of it was within reach.
His eyes flickered red as he focused.
Core formation stabilized, three-grade formations and alchemy pills already forming in his mind, ready to be perfected.
Outside, the estate buzzed.
Guests from the Korvik family, Sorvain family, and Orevain family had arrived, grand banners flapping in the wind.
Even three of the largest families—Thalen, Doreth, and the Nerkosi royals—had come.
Music, laughter, and the scent of spiced dishes filled the halls. The party was alive, extravagant, and brimming with anticipation.
And then… the moment came.
The air shifted.
A hush fell over the gathered nobles.
The doors opened, and the King entered.