The Hidden Monster of House Vale

Anne sat alone in her private chamber, the dim glow of astral lamps casting flickering shadows across the walls. Her eyes were closed, her consciousness focused inward on the shimmering interface that only she could see. The system's blue light danced before her vision, a constellation of skills, techniques, and cultivation paths waiting to be explored.

Pure Yin Physique, she mused, scrolling through the descriptions. The ability to accelerate cultivation through dual cultivation with a partner. The stronger the partner, the faster the growth.

It was a gift and a curse. The gift was obvious—she had risen through the ranks at a speed that would have taken others decades. The curse was the dependency. She needed a powerful partner, and she had found one in Prince Andrin. He was strong, handsome, and devoted to her. Their nightly sessions had pushed her cultivation to heights she never could have reached alone.

But now there was a variable she hadn't accounted for.

Lucien Vale.

Anne's eyes opened, her brow furrowing. She had defeated every opponent she had faced, not because she was necessarily stronger, but because she had information. Knowledge was power. She studied her enemies, learned their techniques, their weaknesses, their patterns. Then she prepared accordingly.

But Lucien Vale was an enigma.

The only information she had on him was his fight in the Astral Academy arena—and even that was limited. He had used only physical attacks and a halberd. Nothing else. No techniques. No special abilities.

Who is he? she thought, frustration creeping into her mind. Where did he come from?

She remembered the day she had awakened her system. It had been right after breaking through to the peak Body Tempering realm. The system had appeared in her mind like a gift from the heavens, and soon after, she had discovered her Pure Yin Physique.

She didn't dislike Princess Sylvie. In fact, she had genuine affection for her former friend. Sylvie had done so much for her—paid for her training, supported her cultivation, trusted her with everything. But when Anne had met Prince Andrin, everything changed. He was the strongest among the royal family, handsome, and he had fallen for her completely. With him, her cultivation could reach heights that Sylvie could never provide.

I love him, Anne thought, a soft smile touching her lips. He's wonderful. And everything was going perfectly until this Lucien Vale appeared.

Her smile faded.

Most of her victories had come from preparation. She knew her opponents, knew their capabilities. But Lucien was a blank slate. She had no idea what he was truly capable of, what techniques he possessed, what his limits were.

A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts.

"Enter," she called.

A servant entered, wearing a mask that obscured his features. He carried a scroll in his gloved hands, holding it out to her with a deep bow.

"Miss Anne, this is the information our spies have gathered on Lucien Vale," the servant said, his voice muffled by the mask.

Anne's eyes lit up. She snatched the scroll and unrolled it eagerly, her eyes devouring the words.

The intelligence was comprehensive. It detailed Lucien's early life—how his soul had been weak, how he had been stuck in the early Body Tempering realm for years while his brother Riven had soared ahead. Then, one day, after a period of seclusion, everything had changed. He had broken through, and not just a little—he had skyrocketed. His personality had shifted completely. The timid, weak boy was gone, replaced by someone confident, powerful, and dangerous.

His personality changed? Anne's mind raced. Could it be a soul transfer? Or did he unlock a system as well?

She considered the possibility. No, that's impossible. But what if it's true? What if he has a system like mine?

She read on, finding details about his physical capabilities, his apparent weapon preference—the halberd—and his combat style. It wasn't much, but it was something.

Even if he does have a system, it shouldn't be a problem, she reassured herself. I've been using my system for three years. He's only had his for two months, if he even has one. That gap is insurmountable.

She rolled the scroll back up, her confidence returning. In the Astral Academy arena, he only used physical attacks. Later, he used a halberd—that's probably his main weapon. I can plan around that.

She rose from her seat, a determined smile on her face. Let's see what I can do to counter his attacks. But for now...

She left her chamber and made her way toward Prince Andrin's quarters. It was time to cultivate.

The streets of Clafton City buzzed with life as Rena Vale's carriage rolled through the main thoroughfare. She peered through the curtain, her eyes widening in surprise at what she saw.

The city had changed.

Gone were the beggars that had once lined every corner, their hollow eyes watching the wealthy pass by. Gone was the stench of poverty and despair that had clung to the streets like a shroud. In their place was something new—energy. People walked with purpose, merchants called out their wares with genuine enthusiasm, and soldiers patrolled the streets with disciplined efficiency.

Lord Vale really did turn things around, Rena thought, impressed despite herself. And Lucien is managing most of it... I didn't expect him to be so capable.

Her lips curved into a satisfied smile. This is good. If the Vale family is in a strong position, they'll be more willing to help me. Coming here was the right decision.

The carriage arrived at the Vale mansion, a grand structure that had been renovated in recent months. Lord Vale stood at the entrance with his three wives, all of them dressed in their finest attire to welcome their guest.

Rena stepped out of the carriage, her white dress flowing around her as she bowed gracefully. "I'm happy to see you in good health, Lord Vale, Lady Vale."

Aria Vale, the youngest daughter of the main family, immediately rushed forward and embraced Rena. "I'm so glad to see you, big sister! How are you doing?"

Rena returned the hug warmly. "I'm good. And how is your cultivation?"

Aria beamed with pride. "I'm in the late Body Tempering realm! I worked so hard—praise me!"

Rena laughed, genuine affection in her eyes. "You did very well."

Her gaze swept the crowd, searching for a familiar face. She saw the household staff, the retainers, the family members—but there was one person conspicuously absent.

Where is Lucien?

She kept the question to herself as she exchanged pleasantries with the family. Finally, after the formalities were complete, she asked, "When I arrived, I noticed the city has changed a great deal. It's much better than before."

Lord Vale nodded, his chest puffing with pride. "Yes, things have changed. The Vale family is no longer a fallen viscount noble house—we are now a count noble family. Thanks to Lucien, everything is going well."

Rena's eyebrows rose in surprise. Thanks to Lucien? I thought he was just managing things. But from Lord Vale's reaction, he must have contributed far more than I expected.

She smiled smoothly. "By the way, where is Lucien? I didn't see him."

Lucien's mother, Elora, stepped forward. "He might be at the Royal Palace right now. He has something to discuss with Princess Sylvie."

Rena's composure cracked. "What?"

Lucien sat across from Princess Sylvie in a private chamber of the Royal Palace, a cup of steaming tea in his hands. The room was elegantly furnished, with ornate tapestries depicting the history of Valtheria adorning the walls. Celbeth stood behind him, her presence a silent reminder of the power he commanded.

Sylvie sat opposite him, her fingers wrapped around her own teacup. A plate of delicate biscuits sat between them, untouched.

"So," Lucien said, his voice calm and measured, "what are your plans for using the one hundred thousand gold coins?"

Sylvie's hands trembled slightly. The victory over Prince Falber had been monumental, but now the weight of what came next pressed down on her. Prince Andrin's gold, Prince Falber's gold—it was all hers now, but she had to make it grow.

"I... I haven't thought about it much," she admitted. "Brother Andrin is using his money to buy artifacts and selling them for higher prices."

"Quite risky," Lucien observed. "What about you? You must have thought of something."

Sylvie bit her lip. "I was thinking of opening some shops... but I haven't decided what kind yet."

Lucien set down his teacup, his eyes glinting with something that looked almost like amusement. "Shops will be slow. Tell me—what is the maximum gold coins this kingdom's heir has ever earned after defeating everyone?"

Sylvie thought for a moment. "That would be seven hundred thousand gold coins. My grandfather achieved that." She paused, her expression turning troubled. "Even though we take the gold coins of our opponents, we can only use our own hundred thousand gold from the start for investments. The coins I won from Prince Falber... I can use them for investment, but after the trial, I'll have to settle all accounts."

Lucien leaned back, a slow smile spreading across his face. "That's interesting. So our goal is to defeat your grandfather's record."

Sylvie blinked. "Defeat it? How?"

"Buy a few shops around the West Mountains," Lucien said, his tone conversational. "And buy every single potion from the vendors there."

Sylvie's brow furrowed. "Potions? But there's no war or fighting going on. The Astral Academy is closed. Realm masters don't need potions right now—you'll find them very cheap."

"Exactly." Lucien's smile widened. "Buy as many as you can. Especially poison-resistant and poison antidote potions."

Sylvie stared at him, confusion written across her face. "Are we going to open a potion shop?"

"Yeah." Lucien took a sip of his tea. "And I know you have a lot of questions. But trust me—buy those potions. We're going to break your grandfather's record."

There was something in his voice—a dark certainty—that made Sylvie's blood run cold. She didn't know what he was planning, but she trusted him.

"Alright," she said softly. "I'll do it."

Later that evening, Lucien sat in his chamber at the Vale mansion, the window open to let in the cool night breeze. Celbeth stood by the door, her arms crossed, her sharp eyes watching him with curiosity.

She closed the door and let out a long sigh. "What are your plans? Selling potions and antidotes when the whole country is already peaceful? We should have sold cultivation resources."

Lucien didn't turn from the window. "Celbeth, let's say you're on the verge of death. Someone has an antidote, and they ask for a hefty price. Would you pay it?"

Celbeth considered this. "Of course. If it saves my life."

"Don't worry." Lucien's voice was soft, almost gentle. "Our potions will save lives too."

Celbeth's lips twitched. "And asking for only ten percent? Don't you think it's too low? You're already fighting as her champion. Ten percent doesn't really sound great."

Lucien finally turned, his golden hair catching the moonlight. "Money comes and goes. Money isn't an issue for me. I could have done this for free." He paused, his expression thoughtful. "The reason I asked for a percentage is simple—it builds trust. If there are benefits for me, it'll be easier for her to trust me. And if I manage to control her..."

He smiled, a dark, predatory expression that made Celbeth's pulse quicken.

"...I'll be able to control the whole country."

Celbeth's eyes gleamed with approval. She walked toward him, her steps silent, her presence magnetic. "Seems like you already have everything figured out." She stopped inches from him, tilting her head. "So do you need my help with anything?"

Lucien's hand reached out, his fingers brushing a strand of her red hair. "I want you to poison the water supply."

Author Note:

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