"To think this vast world could once be shattered by sheer force…"
Standing alone atop the highest balcony in the Leonhart Clan estate, Leo gazed into the clouds over Blazecity, lost in thought.
"The Great World is deeper than I ever imagined."
The more he learned, the smaller he felt. But that wasn't a bad thing. In truth, it gave him a rare sense of clarity.
"It proves I was right to take a step back."
There was a time when he would've tried to do everything himself—every battle fought by his own hand, every decision made by his will alone. But now, things were different.
"If the Legacy System intends for me to build a lasting clan, then I can't play the hero forever."
Letting the younger generation take the lead wasn't just delegation—it was survival.
He would remain the clan's pillar in the shadows, intervening only when their very foundation was at risk.
Everything else… would be a test.
Just as he came to this resolution, the familiar chill of a system message spread across his consciousness.
Ding!Legacy System Notification Clan Member Under Fate's Blessing Detected
Main Mission Unlocked:[Rise of a Prodigy]Objective: Cultivate Lyra Leonhart to secure a place on the Heavenly Talent List of the Dusk Empire.Rewards: Will be given according to the targets ranking.
Side Mission Unlocked:[Ember of the Cauldron]Objective: Train Lyra Leonhart to become a certified Alchemist.Details: This mission has multiple sub-stages. Rewards issued at each rank milestone.
⚠ No penalties for failure.
"Oh?"
Leo's brows lifted slightly as he skimmed through the system's prompt. Then a quiet smile tugged at the corners of his lips.
"So it begins."
He had already considered Lyra a promising piece in his long-term plans. The system merely confirmed it and sweetened the deal with rewards.
"She has potential. And now, she has fate on her side."
"The Heavenly Talent List…"
That wasn't a simple achievement.
Each of the twelve provinces under the Dusk Empire's banner hosted one such ranking, listing the strongest and most promising cultivators under twenty-five.
To even qualify required either a rare bloodline, an extraordinary feat in combat, or a cultivation realm above the Core Break Stage before adulthood.
For an alchemist to make the list?
Almost unheard of.
But Leo wasn't aiming low.
"First, her soul power…"
Leo activated the Eye of Fate and looked down into the training grounds where Lyra was quietly observing a senior alchemist at work.
She had good fire affinity and a high-level foundation, but her soul strength was only about twice that of an average cultivator.
To even qualify as a First-Grade Alchemist, she needed at least threefold soul strength.
"We'll fix that."
He opened the Legacy System Store and scrolled quickly through the refined pill section.
"There."
[Soul Nurturing Pill – Grade 4]Description: Cultivates and expands soul awareness. Required for alchemical refinement.Cost: 9,999 Fate Points
Leo winced slightly.
"Tch. These pills are bleeding me dry."
He had only a little over 10,000 Fate Points left after recent upgrades to the clan's training halls, techniques, and resources.
Still, he didn't hesitate.
He made the purchase, pocketed the pill, and vanished from the balcony in a ripple of light.
Down in the pill courtyard, Lyra continued watching in silence. Her gaze was sharp, focused.
She didn't even flinch when Leo reappeared behind her until he spoke.
"You want to be an alchemist?"
She nearly jumped.
"A-Ancestor?!"
The alchemist next to her instantly dropped to one knee, eyes wide in reverence.
"Alchemist Leo Wu greets Ancestor Leo!"
Leo waved him off. "You're dismissed. And Leo Wu keep today's meeting to yourself. No one else needs to know."
The old man bowed low, then backed out of the courtyard without another word.
Lyra stared, still frozen in place.
Leo turned to her with a faint smile.
"You're wondering how I look so young."
She nodded awkwardly.
"I've heard stories of the Ancestor since I was a child but… you looked different back then."
Leo chuckled.
"I'm not that old. And I've been busy."
He held up the pill bottle between two fingers.
"Do you want to fulfill your dream?"
Lyra's eyes widened as she took the glowing pill.
"Is this…?"
"A Grade-4 Soul Nurturing Pill. It'll strengthen your spirit. From there, we'll begin."
Without hesitation, she sat down on the ground and crossed her legs.
"Yes, I'm ready."
"Alright open your mouth."
She did as instructed.
Leo flicked the pill into her mouth with a snap of his finger and it melted instantly.
The effect was immediate.
Her back arched and her eyes squeezed shut.
A wave of searing heat flooded her temples. Her vision blurred. Her breath caught in her throat.
Still… she didn't scream.
Leo's eyes narrowed in quiet satisfaction.
"Good. She has some endurance"
Five breaths passed.
Her skin grew pale. Her body trembled and beads of sweat slid down her neck.
"That's enough."
Leo placed two fingers to her forehead and began channeling a stream of his refined soul energy into her core.
"Let go of yourself and let me guide the rest."
Her pulse slowed as a wave of cooling energy spread across her consciousness as Leo took control of the refinement.
Lyra felt her mind open like a blooming flower.
What is this feeling…? I can feel... my whole body being filled with something soothing.
A hundred sparks swirled behind her closed eyes.
And with every spark, her spiritual perception grew sharper. Deeper. Stronger.
An hour passed.
Finally, the pill was fully refined. Leo exhaled and opened his eyes.
"Sixfold soul strength," he said with a nod. "You've exceeded the minimum."
He activated the Eye of Fate once more and confirmed it: golden threads twisted around Lyra's aura like burning ribbons.
"With that much soul power, you could become a Third-Grade Alchemist with hard work."
"If luck holds… maybe even Fourth."
Lyra's eyes fluttered open. She looked stunned for a moment.
Then she dropped to her knees.
"Thank you, Ancestor!"
"I won't let this gift go to waste—I swear it on my name."
Leo placed a hand gently on her shoulder.
"Make good use of it. That's all I ask."
As he turned to leave, he paused at the threshold and glanced back.
"And Lyra…"
She looked up.
"Don't just aim to cure your mother. Aim higher. The world is vast. Be worthy of it."