Legacy of Hatred-Chapter 156: Future

Liam now knew that matters about his core and cultivation had to remain secret, so he refrained from saying it openly.

However, it didn’t take a genius to understand the meaning behind Liam’s last request. He wanted rank 2 items, and everyone could guess how advanced his foundation was.

Chances were, Liam was ready to face the breakthrough.

Liam’s veiled request gained even more value now that his Master’s identity was public. If he thought he could do it, it meant the Alchemy Elder had sanctioned the matter.

The news couldn’t be taken lightly, now more than ever. Liam had killed a rooting expert as a mere foundation expert. His potential had surpassed everyone’s wildest expectations, so no one could predict what he would be able to achieve once he overcame the bottleneck.

However, the immense potential didn’t make Liam’s request any less outrageous. It was so beyond reason and decorum that even Joel couldn’t see it as entertaining anymore.

In terms of contributions, Liam might have accumulated enough merits to deserve such a long list of rewards.

Even after the Church’s cut, the team came back with one level three magical beast’s core. There were countless more from level two creatures thanks to Liam, and he had also killed two foundation experts and a rooting expert while retrieving those.

Yet, Liam’s achievements hadn’t happened in a vacuum. The Sect had invested in his survival by sending Maxwell with him, even arming him with multiple disposable magical items.

That investment also included the repercussions Maxwell’s presence would cause in the following missions. That was an expensive debt, which almost compensated for Liam’s feats.

Moreover, what Liam had requested was far more than most rooting experts in the Sect owned. Even in Joel’s case, the only rank 2 item in his arsenal was the Iron Flesh.

Still, the Sect Leader remained composed in front of the outrageous request, instead letting Maxwell comment on it.

"Disciple, what’s your opinion on Disciple Liam’s wishes?" The Sect Leader questioned.

"Master!" Maxwell called, cupping his fist. "Magical items are situational and shouldn’t be awarded casually. I also believe Brother Liam has no need for a perception technique."

Liam glanced at Maxwell, only for him to continue without needing additional orders.

"Brother Liam’s senses are stunningly sharp," Maxwell explained. "Once he becomes a rooting expert, his Qi will enhance his perception into a proper martial art."

’Can rooting experts use their Qi like that, too?’ Liam wondered.

"Disciple Liam, is that all?" The Sect Leader asked.

"Sect Leader, I can trade items," Liam revealed, vaguely understanding something from the familiar looks that had landed on him.

"Show me," The Sect Leader ordered, and Liam didn’t hesitate to empty his pouch on the snow.

The five rank 2 Qi Recovery elixirs, the rank 2 Boiling Blood pill, and the rank 1 tuning fork appeared in the open, this time almost triggering Joel’s chuckle. All that was obviously stolen, and Joel had seen Liam in the act, too.

Truth be told, Liam had been conflicted about the rank 2 elixirs. He would eventually need them, and they could work even with foundation experts.

Yet, Liam had ultimately decided to trade those items, too, prioritizing immediate benefits. If he played his cards right, he would soon be able to concoct those elixirs anyway, more than recouping for eventual losses.

"You can leave them here," The Sect Leader announced. "I’ll ponder over the matter a bit longer. In the meantime, Disciple Joel and Disciple Liam should return to their caves and enjoy their deserved rest."

Joel and Liam’s conditions had improved during the trip, but they still carried evident traces of their struggles. Liam, especially, was basically half-naked, having more bandaged fingers than functioning ones.

The Sect Leader had made it sound like a suggestion, but his words’ politeness couldn’t hide the order they carried. Joel was the first to bow, and Liam imitated him before both departed from the snowy area.

After a few seconds, the Sect Leader turned, gazing at the landscape beyond the mountain peak, uttering a simple order. "Sit, disciple."

Maxwell didn’t hesitate to go on his knees, keeping his back as straight as possible, showing utmost respect and solemnity for the magnificent powerhouse he had the privilege of addressing as Master.

"He surely is peculiar," The Sect Leader commented. "More than a formerly lone cultivator, he looks like someone who grew up in poverty, used to scavenge whatever he can."

"Master, his social shortcomings are quite profound," Maxwell pointed out. "Using him as the face of the Sect would be unwise."

"All geniuses are eccentric," The Sect Leader dismissed, "And Disciple Liam is a genius. I struggle to believe I’ve lived long enough to see a foundation expert kill a rooting expert."

"Brother Liam is definitely capable," Maxwell agreed. "I was surprised myself, but his murderous inclinations can be problematic." 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

"As long as he keeps being this strong," The Sect Leader said, "He can kill whoever he wants. The Pale Moon Sect will cover for him."

Maxwell remained silent there. He obviously wouldn’t argue against the Sect Leader. His Master always knew better.

"I’ve decided on that mortal, too," The Sect Leader continued. "Don’t look into it. Bury whatever rumor tries to arise."

Despite the trust in the Sect Leader, Maxwell hesitated now, and his silence couldn’t hide his internal conflict.

"Disciple, do you disagree?" The Sect Leader questioned.

"If Brother Liam does have a secret," Maxwell mentioned, "It would be wise to uncover it and use it to our advantage."

"Geniuses tend to do poorly under coercion," The Sect Leader declared. "The entire cultivation world will be looking at Disciple Liam now, so investigations would raise suspicions that might lead the other Sects to that secret."

Maxwell understood that reasoning, as well as its hidden meaning. The Sect Leader was basically ready to stop at nothing to ensure Liam’s safety and willing allegiance to the Pale Moon Sect.

"Do you feel your position is being threatened, disciple?" The Sect Leader questioned.

Maxwell would be lying if he denied that statement. After all, someone with a far greater potential had appeared. Liam had all the right cards to earn the title of Head Disciple.

Actually, the very leadership of the Sect could easily be in Liam’s future.

Yet, Maxwell hadn’t obtained his status through strength alone. He possessed something that no training, study, or knowledge could provide.

"Master," Maxwell said, "I shall only pursue what benefits the Pale Moon Sect."

That genuine loyalty made the Sect Leader turn and approach his kneeling disciple, his boundless look brimming with pride.

"Which is why only you are worthy of being the next Sect Leader," The Sect Leader declared. "No other Disciple, not even the Elders, can succeed me."

"Master," Maxwell muttered, lowering his head. "I’m unworthy."

"Are you implying I have poor judgment?" The Sect Leader wondered.

"I wouldn’t dare!" Maxwell gasped, his head snapping up.

"Then, heed my words," The Sect Leader announced. "Horace’s alchemical expertise is peerless, but his future is forever stunted. Disciple Liam won’t have such a limit."

Maxwell obviously knew far more than the average disciple, allowing him to understand where his Master was getting at.

"And Disciple Liam will become great," The Sect Leader continued. "Horace is too stubborn to accept anyone unworthy. If we groom him properly, the Pale Moon Sect will obtain an alchemical powerhouse of even higher stature."

The Sect Leader turned again, looking in the distance, unable to suppress the ambition in his deep tone.

"Imagine it, disciple," The Sect Leader exclaimed. "With such a powerhouse’s support, my cultivation might finally bloom."

That idea was so far away that entire decades might not be enough to accomplish it. Yet, Maxwell saw its validity, as well as its potential repercussions.

"I’ll become the Sect’s Supreme Elder at that point," The Sect Leader stated. "Disciple, you shall obtain the title of Sect Leader instead, with Liam as your greatest asset."

The implication was obvious there. Maxwell had to befriend Liam, no matter how eccentric he was.

"With me as your mightiest sword," The Sect Leader declared, "You’ll take over the neighboring Sects and continue expanding until even the Inner Circles’ forces will have to respect our Pale Moon Sect."