Chapter 76 - The Underbelly's Call: Fists and Fury

Shiglance City was a double-edged sword.

I leaned against the balcony of my temporary residence, watching the city lights flicker in the distance. The dense population made qi cultivation nearly impossible – the energy here felt stagnant, polluted by the concentrated mass of humanity. Each morning's meditation yielded less than half what I could achieve in quieter spaces.

Yet the resources here were undeniable. Yesterday alone, I'd acquired three herbs that were virtually extinct in Havenwood. My fingers traced the outline of the jade pendant beneath my shirt, warm against my skin. With these ingredients, I could advance my alchemical knowledge significantly.

A sharp knock interrupted my thoughts. "Liam? You ready?" Eamon's voice called through the door.

I sighed, mentally shifting gears from cultivation to social obligations. Tonight was the dinner Jaxon had insisted on – a transparent attempt to ingratiate himself with me now that my fortunes had changed.