Way of The Demon_2

Liam in all his youth had wisdom beyond his years, so hearing Edwards words he shrunk. Not aware fully of what his young master meant he was certain his immediate response would shape the remainder of his life. Knowing his talent and that he was far from his prime cultivation, Liam knew he wouldn't reach higher with his current means. 

[I am willing, willing to risk my life. Willing to destroy myself if he picks up what is left. Show me the world you see, Master]

Grabbing Edwards glass placing it on the ground while falling to his knees, paralleling his skull with floor this time of complete free will.

"Please accept me master!"

An amused look on his face "Hand me the glass" 

Liam raises his head from the ground, still bowing and looking at the floor as he hoists the cup towards Edward, taking a sip, they have completed a ritual two would do if someone is being adopted or taken in as a disciple.

With no intentions to take in a disciple as he had only done once and vowed to never again "Hmm you are now mine. Not a son or disciple, but I will treat you well."

The words did not make Liam sad but filled him with motivation, he thought even though he would resign from his duties, Edward would still treat him the same and eventually confide in him. 

[If I gather glory for Master, he will surely see me as more]

"I am out of jade slips, do you have any?" Edward walking towards the window knowing the Head Guard carries many

"Yes Master" Liam following

"Give me one, I will send word that you are now solely under my command to the keep for the procedure to begin." taking the slip and imprinting the message with his Chi, Edward lets his order fly

ZIP

Seven figures step through the Albert throne room, known as Lions Hall. Ages and strength varying, the seven sit in chairs amounted perfect for the group, just below the platform that holds the patriarch's sway. Air cold yet heavy the atmosphere gradually becoming eerie, a man with the eyes of a serpent opens "Thank you for gathering everyone. I'm sure we are all aware of the news."

"Elder Sham. You are aware this matter is not our prerogative. Drop your pretense of false flattery and get on with it." Elder Kai the branch family head of the Alberts retorts with impatience 

"Elder Kai, my apologies. I know its late and we all wish to rest but this matter may not be so simple." the tall green haired Elder Sham with a smile 

"The boy slew a guard who lost his mind and threatened an Alberts life. The matter is indeed simple." Elder Kai now leaning forward in his chair glaring at Elder Sham

"Yes of course, such is the young master's duty, if that was all. The guard, uh Aaron I believe, was young lady Rheas personnel, personnel assigned by the patriarch. People assigned by the patriarch are of great loyalty, would they really act out so boldly? I believe the young lady had ordered his actions." Elder Sham stating a truth all the elders are privy to glances the hall observing and noting his peers reactions

[hm as I thought they all know]

Continuing "If the guard had acted under orders, then was his family treated justly? Carrying out his masters orders and dying for them, he should have died with honor and certainty his family would be looked after. However, they were banished like ghosts." 

The words causing anger to some and humor to others, all elders turn to glare at Elder Sham and argue

BWHAHAH echoing through out Lions Hall, more of a Chi filled sound attack to calm the elders than a laugh

The Grand Elder of the Albert family, Master Hao "Enough children"

The seven elders after freezing from the sound waves look up and bow to the veil Infront of the Grand Elder who had been in the hall before their arrival

"Seventh Elder you are speaking dangerously. Weather under directive or not changes nothing. The guard should have got it done if he wanted to die honorably for his master."

"Yes, but what of the family Grand Elder?" Elder Sham now desperate to have Edward summoned for punishment 

"What of them? This is the best outcome for them. Had the young master died the lot would have followed. The young master knew the guard had orders and spared them, showing the aura of a king!" The Grand Elder who had never gotten involved in the affairs of the younger generation despite holding great influence, shocked the elders with his praise 

"Seventh Elder you show much interest in finding fault with the young master, when it is the young lady who deserves reproach."

Elder Sham who had pretty much admitted Rhea Albert wanted to slay Edward, confident he could spin the narrative to paint Edward negatively was greatly mistaken, not planning for the Grand Elder to speak up

"No, No. That was not my intention Grand Elder, I'm simply trying to bring the matter of the siblings to everyones attention." now sweating Elder Sham bows to Master Hao

"The young master fully aware of the complexity handled this matter on his own, its settled and we need not discuss further. If there is nothing else, council dismissed."

The elders glad the serpent Sham being subtly warned, bow before walking out Lions Hall, while Sham himself bites his lips in frustration 

"Liam, now without post nobody will call you sir anymore. Your former subordinates and even the servants may snicker at you. You will live life differently than you've grown accustomed to, but not for long." Edward carving martial arts into another jade slip says 

"That matters not Master, you said yourself I must fully commit to my path so I will."

"Fully committing to martial arts is easier than committing to the life I plan for you. The things I will teach you, and hard work I will demand from you will not be easy."

"Master trust me I am ready to walk behind you!" Liam bowing

"I do not trust you. You have not earned that respect." 

stiff Liam does not mutter a sound

"But that does not mean I dislike you, it is simply too soon for all that." Edward thinking back upon the people who had earned his trust before with a serious expression

"Anyways like I said your body is in good condition, but your physique can still be improved." Tossing the jade slip towards Liam which contains the first part of the Roaring Dragons Fang

"This technique may confuse you after reading it. You might think it a Chi method at first but its actually for spirit vein improvement."

Liam thinking his master could see through him completely "Master I have never heard of martial arts that improve spirit veins, only tendons and bone."

"Then it is your great fortune to serve me. This technique rotates the Chi in your cores, not all of it will spin in the same direction, counter and clockwise, left and right like a vortex, it will be uncomfortable. After rotating. all of your Chi will burst from your cores, this may kill you, but should you survive your spirit veins will become wider and much firmer. You having two cores will not gain twice the benefit only twice the pain." 

Liam amazed and threatened grips the jade slip with determination "When can I begin Master?"

"Soon. Give me your ring. I promised to provide your resources so you will only take what I give and will use only the tools I provide."

Nodding Liam tosses his ring to Edward who is happy to have gotten more resources 

"I will return your personal affects minus the resources to you later, and return the Head Guard equipments myself."

"I understand. Thank you master."

"Good, return for now. Do not practice that technique, read it, try to understand it. Soon I will summon you to cultivate in my presence that way should you croak, I might be able to save you."

Liam stepping out of the chambers opens the door to maid carrying clean bed clothes, stepping past her he walks down the hall in immense thought.

Edward looking through the fourth ring he has gotten is surprised to see the quality of Chi flowing pills Liam had, as well as the amount of spirit stones

"While its smart to fix my body with these good things, I may be too smart for my own good."

Edward who had been thinking about why and how his body had gotten stronger after mending, is about to conduct experiments on himself

[My soul breaking this body could be what allows me to step beyond what I could achieve in the Immortal Yiqi]