The grand hall of the Kelric Mansion was filled with nobles and powerful cultivators.
Golden lights illuminated the enormous chamber.
Servants moved quietly between tables.
Wine flowed.
Music played softly in the background.
Then—
The doors of the hall suddenly opened.
All conversations stopped.
The Head of the Kelric Family entered.
Behind him walked his two sons.
Their presence alone carried heavy authority.
Some nobles whispered among themselves.
That family head… his third son died years ago, right?.
Yes… I heard it was a terrible incident.
What a tragedy for their family.
They were talking about Kairo's father.
Many guests showed expressions of sympathy.
But the Kelric family head simply walked forward calmly.
Soon he stepped onto the stage.
He looked across the hall and raised his hand.
The hall slowly became quiet.
First, he began with a dignified voice,
I want to sincerely thank all of our honored guests for attending my birthday celebration tonight.
Polite applause filled the hall.
But then he continued.
And most importantly…
I want to express my gratitude to His Majesty the King.
The Kelric head slightly bowed.
Despite your many responsibilities, you personally came to attend this celebration.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
The king nodded calmly from his seat.
Meanwhile some nobles whispered again.
Look at him flattering the king again…
Typical noble politics.
The murmurs slowly faded as the gift ceremony began.
The Sorvain Family stepped forward first.
Their representative presented a beautifully sealed bottle.
This wine has been preserved for one thousand years, he announced proudly.
Gasps spread through the hall.
Even many powerful cultivators looked impressed.
Next—
The Orevain Family approached.
They revealed a magnificent painting.
This artwork was created by a legendary master artist from ancient times.
The brush strokes radiated a mysterious aura.
Then—
The Korvik Family came forward.
They placed a glowing artifact on the table.
This is a Supreme-grade defensive artifact.
It can block even high-level cultivation attacks.
Many nobles nodded in approval.
But the atmosphere changed when the final family stepped forward.
The Solvar Family.
The Royal Family.
The entire hall instantly became silent.
The king's attendants carried forward a long case.
When it opened—
A powerful aura burst into the room.
Inside lay a weapon.
An Immortal-grade weapon.
Even the strongest cultivators in the hall felt their hearts shake.
Such a treasure was extremely rare.
The Kelric family head's eyes flashed with surprise.
But he quickly composed himself.
Your Majesty… this gift is too generous.
The king simply smiled.
Then—
He slowly stood up.
And looked directly at the Kelric family head.
I do have a question.
The entire hall became silent again.
Everyone could feel the tension rising.
The king's voice was calm.
But the meaning behind it felt sharp like a blade.
Tell me…
Why did you hide such an extraordinary talent in your family?
The Kelric head frowned slightly.
What do you mean, Your Majesty?
The king's gaze turned colder.
I'm talking about…
Kairo.
The moment that name echoed in the hall—
Several nobles looked shocked.
And the Kelric family head's expression changed slightly.
The calm atmosphere of the birthday banquet…
Had suddenly turned dangerous.
To Be Continued…