Falling Star Empire, Qingshan City.

On a lone mountain peak behind the Long family estate, a boy dressed in black stood silently, staring at the golden orb in his hand. He looked about fifteen or sixteen, his face shadowed with frustration as he let out a heavy sigh.

"If it weren’t for you draining away ninety percent of my spiritual energy that day, how could I have only awakened a Grade-One Spirit Mark? How did it come to this?"

"With my talent... I could’ve at least awakened a Grade-Five Spirit Mark, maybe even higher."

The boy’s name was Alexander Drake. At fifteen years old, he had been a prodigy since childhood. By the age of four, he started training; by six, he could sense energy flow, and by eight, he successfully drew it into his body, officially stepping onto the path of martial cultivation. By nine, he had already crossed the first-star Refinement Stage, earning the title of Qingshan City’s brightest genius.

For six years after, his strength only grew, and by fifteen, he’d reached the peak—Nine-Star Refinement Stage—his name echoed throughout the city like thunder.

But half a month ago, during the family’s Spirit Mark Awakening Ceremony, everything shattered. A prodigy as he was, Alexander had only awakened a pitiful Grade-One Spirit Mark, leaving everyone dumbfounded.

From that day, he became infamous. His name spread, but this time it was accompanied only by ridicule, scorn, and endless mocking voices that seemed to drown him in a flood of humiliation.For half a month, Alexander Drake had been enduring cold stares and endless mockery from the House of Drake. Those who once flocked around him with flattering smiles now turned to sneer at him.

The mountain breeze swept sluggishly, the morning sun just rising beyond the hills. Clenching his jaw, Alexander took a deep breath and tucked the golden orb away, readying himself for training.

"Alexander, big brother!"

The voice drew his attention—a girl with flowing locks and a brightly colored dress appeared, her steps light and carefree.

Sophia Drake had an ethereal beauty that seemed untouchable. Her raven hair fluttered like whispers of the wind; her bright eyes gleamed with traces of mirth. “Alexander, big brother, I’ve been looking all around for you!” Her words came with a teasing smile.

Alexander glanced at her, his lips curling into a bitter smirk. "Do I deserve to be called your big brother anymore?"

Her tiny nose scrunched slightly at his somber tone, her lively voice doing its best to sound reassuring. "Sophia believes Alexander will surely rise again, reclaim everything that was stolen!"Alexander Drake glanced at her, feeling a touch of warmth in his heart. He took a deep breath, instinctively ruffling Sophia Drake's hair as he said softly, "Don't worry, Sophia. Soon, I'll reclaim the honor that's rightfully mine. When that day comes, I'll propose to your father."

Alexander's gaze grew distant, a confident smile tugging at his lips.

"Alright," Sophia responded gently, though a fleeting, unreadable expression flashed in her eyes. Her voice turned sugary, "Alexander, there's something I want to ask you."

"Oh?" Alexander's brows raised slightly. Without hesitation, he answered, "If it's within my power, I'll help you."

"I'm about to break through to the first-star Qi Gathering Realm. Could I borrow your gold bead for it?" Her words came quickly, her tone eager as she continued hurriedly, "I know it's precious to you, but this breakthrough means so much to me. It could determine whether I enter the Xuantian Sect. Please, Alexander, help me."

"This..."

Alexander's brows furrowed slightly in thought. The gold bead was his companion object—his life's core. It gathered spiritual energy, accelerating his cultivation. For years, it had never left his side. Besides, the bead only worked through his control. In anyone else's possession, it was as useless as a stone. Many in the Drake family had tried to take it before but failed to unravel its mysteries. In the end, it always came back to him."Sophia, the Gold Pearl is useless for you. How about this: you train by my side, and it'll have the same effect!"

Alexander tried to come up with a solution that benefited them both, not wanting to let Sophia down. But her face turned sour the moment she heard him. Without hesitation, she slapped his hand away and snapped, "You won't even lend me a broken pearl, and you say you like me? You're just lying!"

"Sophia, I—"

"Enough, stop talking!" Sophia's expression shifted completely. She backed away three steps, annoyance spreading over her delicate face. "With your talent, keeping that pearl is a complete waste. Why not give it to me?"

"What are you saying?" Alexander froze, staring at Sophia's sudden coldness.

"Don’t call me Sophia anymore—you aren't worthy. If you're smart, hand over the pearl. Otherwise... don’t blame me for turning ruthless!" Her voice carried a sharp chill, her eyes flickering with cruel intent.

Alexander stared at Sophia, unable to believe the transformation. A deep sadness pricked his heart. "Sophia, have you forgotten? You promised we'd share a lifetime together, never parting." "Hah, you're truly naive. I've awakened a fourth-grade spirit mark and am destined to leave Qing Shan City behind. And you? You're nothing more than an ant. Did you really think I'd lower myself for you? A toad dreaming of swan meat!" Sophia Drake's patience had run dry. With a cold glance, she turned and called out, "Jason Blake, come out!"

"Jason Blake?" Alexander Drake's gut twisted as a bad premonition crept over him.

From behind the tree, footsteps grew louder, and a young man in a fitted purple suit emerged, his gaze smug as it roved over Alexander. A sly grin tugged at his lips. "So, Sophia tells me that gold orb of yours is some sort of spirit condensation treasure?"

Jason moved closer to Sophia's side, draping a casual arm around her waist. Sophia, a faint smile playing on her lips, met Alexander Drake's eyes. "Alexander, perhaps you didn't know—Jason here is already an outer disciple of the Xuantian Sect. He's back this time to finalize our engagement, and with Jason's influence, I'll be admitted to the sect without trial."

"What?"

Alexander's blood boiled at her words, an uncontrollable anger surging through his veins. His body trembled, and his fists tightened with audible cracks.

"Sophia Drake!" His voice was a growl, his eyes blazing crimson with fury, tears threatening to blur his vision.

His lips twisted with rage, his glare locking onto hers. For a moment, Sophia flinched at the sheer intensity of his gaze, involuntarily retreating a step back."Leave it to me," Jason Blake said, patting Sophia Drake's delicate shoulder. He cast a disdainful glance at Alexander Drake, who stood fuming with rage. With a faint smirk, he added, "Using something dear to her as an engagement gift seems fitting. So, kid, hand over the gold orb."

"Get lost!" Alexander snapped, his fists clenched tightly. He slammed his right foot hard against the ground with a loud bang, sending up a cloud of dust. Charging forward, his fist swung with fury, and behind him, a spectral image of a colossal ape took shape in the air.

"The so-called prodigy of Qingshan City? Pathetic," Jason sneered, shaking his head with indifference. A surge of powerful energy burst from him, colliding with Alexander. With a deafening crash, Alexander was sent flying, blood spraying from his mouth.

"Energy projection, six-star Qi Condensation stage?" Alexander gasped, feeling the crushing pressure radiating from Jason. He struggled to believe it. Jason, only four years his senior, had passed the Xuantian Sect's entry test two years ago while at the peak of nine-star Qi Gathering. In just two years, he had stepped into another realm entirely. Such speed was terrifying.

"I'll say it one more time. Hand it over!" Jason's voice was cold and unyielding.With one swift strike, Jason Blake severely injured Alexander Drake. His gaze remained indifferent, as though what he'd just done was trivial. Nonchalantly, he flicked his sleeve and spoke.

"Dream on!" Alexander gritted his teeth, coughing blood as he struggled to rise from the ground.

"Hmph!"

Jason's eyes narrowed. In a flash, his palm struck out, unleashing a torrent of force. The surge slammed mercilessly into Alexander’s chest.

"Argh!"

Alexander’s body was flung backward uncontrollably, blood spraying from his mouth, staining his clothes. His condition looked grim, but his eyes locked onto Jason with intense, unwavering hatred.

"I don't like the way you're looking at me!"

Jason spoke coldly at the killing glare Alexander cast his way. Brimming with fury, he summoned an even greater surge of power to his palm and slammed downward, intending to crush him completely. That strike could reduce even a boulder to rubble if it landed.

"Don’t kill him! His grandfather is the elder!"

At the last moment, Sophia Drake intervened with urgency in her voice.

Jason paused, a faint smile playing at his lips, unmoved by her words. Yet, his hand didn’t follow through.

Sophia stepped forward, looking down at Alexander. Her voice turned icy.

"The Gold Pearl—I want it. You have one day. This time tomorrow, I expect to see it." "Remember this... my sparing you doesn't mean I can't kill you."

Watching Alexander Drake bleed profusely, barely holding on, Sophia Drake let out a cold snort and left with Jason Blake.

"Jason Blake, Sophia Drake, I swear on my life—this debt will be paid in blood!" Staring at their fading figures, Alexander Drake clenched his fists, teeth grinding as he swore vengeance.

The mountain wind howled, carrying the chill of death. His lifeblood drained away swiftly, and his vision blurred more with each passing second. Finally, his body gave in, collapsing into unconsciousness. In the haze before darkness swallowed him, he thought he glimpsed a golden light surging from his chest...