The Rise of a Master: It Starts With Rejection

The old man burst into uncontrollable laughter after confirming the truth.

"Cured? Someone has actually managed to cure our family's Fish Man Disease? Oh, thank the heavens!"

What the heck? Did that mean he didn't want to be a Fish Man?

"I am Kayden Lannerby," the old man said. "And what's your name?"

""Felix Zeller."noveldrama

Kayden nodded and continued, "You may not know this, but the Fish Man Disease is a hereditary curse in my family, Felix. We've sought out countless famous doctors over the generations, but no one could treat it.

"Truthfully, curing it is quite simple-when the silver scales begin to show, removing just one from the hand would return the person to normal. But the challenge lies in the fact that the scales can't be removed." Felix silently agreed. Even with his extraordinary medical skills, it had been an incredibly difficult task.

"From this moment onward," Kayden said with a trace of hope, "if Pierre builds a family of his own, perhaps the Fish Men lineage will finally come to an end. But who can say for sure? At least it's something to look forward to."

After a brief pause, Kayden turned to Felix. "You didn't just follow me for no reason. Speak your purpose.

11

Felix hesitated before deciding to come clean. "Do you happen to have a peculiar bone in your possession, sir?"

To his surprise, Kayden waved his right hand casually producing the item. "Are you referring to the Dragonspine?"

"Yes, exactly. The Dragonspine," Felix confirmed.

Kayden chuckled. "Interesting. You're the first person I've met who can sense its presence."

Felix had thought things would progress smoothly from here, but Kayden suddenly shifted the conversation. "In the past, I might have handed it over to you without hesitation. But now, with your remarkable medical skills and formidable strength, I hope you can do something for me in return.

"If you agree, I will gladly give you the Dragonspine."

Though this wasn't what Felix had envisioned, it was still better than a life-and-death battle for the Dragonspine.

"Please, tell me what you need, sir."

“There's a treasure cauldron in

Skyward Guild's possession,"

l.ne

Kayden began. "Within a five-mile radius of that cauldron, my hands lose their power entirely. That cauldron is an artifact lost by my family long ago. If Fish Men place their hands inside, the cauldron

nourishes them and enhances their

abilities."

He let out a bitter laugh. "To be honest, even if my hands worked near it, I wouldn't dare set foot inside Skyward Guild. It's the strongest sect, after all."

Felix was stumped. How was he supposed to go there when even Kayden didn't dare to?

"I understand, sir. Rest assured. Once I've secured the treasure cauldron, I will contact you immediately.

11

Since this involved the Dragonspine Bone and Felix had already clashed with Skyward Guild, he had no intention of refusing. Nonetheless, this matter would require careful planning.

If he could claim victory in the Dragonia Martial Arts Competition and learn Lone Paragon, then he would be prepared to pay Skyward Guild a visit.

"Good," Kayden said with a satisfied smile. "I'll await your good news."

As Felix pondered his next steps, he mused over something Kendrick had mentioned. He hadn't lied. However, the person Kendrick had met wasn't Pierre's third uncle. Instead, it was his great-grandfather.

Although the Dragonspine wasn't in

his hands yet, Felix felt confident

that Kayden wouldn't go back on his word. With this piece secured, only one bone remained. However, where was the final piece of Dragonspine?

For reasons he couldn't explain, Felix felt a growing sense of urgency, as if some great calamity were on

the horizon.

Emerging from the forest, he noticed someone pacing around his Cullinan, inspecting it curiously.

He didn't think much of it at first.

After all, they were deep in the mountains, and not many people had seen such a luxurious car. This kind of behavior was perfectly normal. The man wore oversized shorts and a tank top, typical attire for the area.

Just as Felix was about to speak, something completely unexpected happened that left him utterly dumbfounded.