In the eyes of the Hale family members, the Saint Lord's figure rose like a towering mountain.
Impartial. Decisive. Unmoved by affection or bias.
He treated all equally and enforced the clan's law without hesitation.
This was the bearing a true head of the Hale family should possess.
This was authority.
Ironically, among the dozens present, only one person showed sorrow and sympathy.
Iris.
She had no blood ties to Isolde, no friendship, no obligation.
Yet she alone felt pity.
While suppressing that sympathy, Iris quietly observed Knox at her side.
Knox never once looked at Isolde from beginning to end.
Not a glance.
His face was pale. His body stiff.
He looked terrified and uneasy.
But not for Isolde.
He feared for himself.
His mind churned desperately, searching for a way out of this disaster.
Iris's gaze turned icy.
He could be this heartless toward a woman who loved him so deeply and was willing to follow him to death.
If she truly imparted unparalleled cultivation to such a man…
What ruthless methods would he use in the future to shake the world?
A full incense stick's time passed.
Cedric stood expressionless as he withdrew the dagger from Isolde's chest.
Blood flowed freely.
A thick light mist gathered in his palm and slowly condensed into an ethereal heart.
Transparent. Spiritual energy circulating within.
This was the fully extracted heart.
"Reporting to the lord, the Seven Orifices Divine Heart has been completely extracted."
Cedric knelt and presented it with utmost respect.
Alex nodded calmly.
"Thanks for your hard work."
"Lock the Seven Orifices Divine Heart within the Spirit Nurturing Case to prevent its spiritual energy from dissipating."
"From now on, this exquisitely crafted heart with seven orifices will be kept in the family treasury."
"Which family member has demonstrated outstanding performance or made exceptional contributions?"
"Everyone has a chance to obtain the Seven Orifices Divine Heart!"
"Yes!"
The Hale family members shouted in unison.
Their faces were filled with excitement and delight.
Opportunity. Reward. Merit.
Only Isolde lay collapsed in a pool of blood.
Her face was white as paper.
Her breathing faint.
Alex's tone remained indifferent.
"Isolde, you have now returned the Seven Orifices Divine Heart."
"The resources your family has bestowed upon you in the past will not be detailed here."
"From this day forward, you are severed from my family."
"The Hale family has no connection to you."
Isolde's delicate body trembled violently.
Her eyes were hollow when she looked at the crowd.
Empty. Lifeless.
But when her gaze fell upon Knox, something changed.
Resentment.
Hatred.
Having lost the Seven Orifices Divine Heart, Isolde had experienced rebirth.
At this moment, her mind was clearer than ever.
She had failed the Saint Lord.
Failed her clan.
But the one she had truly revered was Knox.
And Knox had betrayed her sincerity.
Her devotion had become a joke before the entire family.
[Ding! The host has successfully made the female lead lose heart toward the chosen one. The chosen one's luck has decreased by 300. The host has gained 600 Providence Points!]
[Ding! The host has successfully disappointed the Master in the Chosen One, causing the Chosen One's luck to decrease by 300. The host has gained 600 Providence Points!]
A crisp system notification rang in Alex's ear.
His lips curled faintly.
Good.
It went smoother than expected.
Killing Knox now would indeed solve everything.
But it would also provoke Heavenly Dao backlash.
He would be devoured by fate and die without burial.
Alex did not have the courage to kill.
But he had the courage to strike at the heart.
And his courage was vast.
In the original novel, Knox's early growth depended almost entirely on three women.
Isolde, Iris and the Heavenly Flame Empress.
Now two had already turned away from him.
Knox had not yet met the Heavenly Flame Empress.
Even if he survived future accidents and ambushes described in the original storyline…
His growth speed would inevitably slow.
That much was certain.
"Saintess Iris, I have settled my family affairs."
Alex's tone was steady.
"What have you decided?"
Iris inhaled slowly.
Resolve flickered in her beautiful eyes.
"Your Majesty, I have made up my mind."
"I wish to present the Jade Sword and the Blood Purification Bottle to the Saint Lord."
"I only beg the Saint Lord to forgive my disciple's transgressions and settle this debt."
"Certainly."
Alex's heart stirred with satisfaction.
On the surface, he remained composed.
"I do not even consider your mere spiritual artifact worth anything."
"But your disciple has insulted me far too much."
"If I do not demand a price…"
"I fear that both I and the Hale family will become a laughingstock among all the sage families on the continent."
"I understand."
Iris smiled bitterly and nodded.
Alex rose slowly.
"In that case, Saintess Iris, please proceed to the secret chamber."
The virgin treasure required nourishment from yin energy.
Thus it could only be used by its owner.
The only way for it to change hands…
Was to take the female cultivator's virginity.
Therefore, Iris had resolved not only to offer the Jade Sword and Blood Purification Bottle.
She was prepared to sacrifice her chastity.
In exchange for Knox's life.
Alex turned and pressed his palm against the wall.
Mechanisms shifted.
A hidden door opened to both sides.
A dark chamber appeared, releasing a faint, alluring fragrance.
"Saintess Iris, please."
Alex extended his hand in invitation, posture refined and courteous.
Iris stepped forward slowly.
Calm. Silent.
Prepared to follow him into the secret chamber.
Suddenly, Knox rushed forward and dropped to his knees with a loud thud.
"Master, no!"
"You can't agree to him!"
"That old lecher isn't just after your jade sword and blood purification bottle!"
"He…he wants to take your innocence by force!"