My Children’s Gifts Give Me 1000x Returns!

The morning sun filtered through the spirit-vines covering the balcony of The Azure Crest Estate. Gabriel sat cross-legged on a polished jade cushion, his breath rhythmic and deep as gold-tinted Qi circled his Dantian.

After yesterday's confrontation at the Grand Central Exchange and the subsequent retreat of Guildmaster Raymond, Gabriel had gained a massive boost in local prestige. But prestige meant nothing without absolute, unshakeable infrastructure.

Gabriel opened his eyes, two golden dragon pupils flashing briefly before settling into deep blackness.

"System," Gabriel commanded silently. "Open the milestone reward panel."

[Ding!]

[Major Milestone Achieved: 'Reaching Martial Master Realm & Securing S-Rank Guild Prestige'!]

[Milestone Rewards Unlocked:]

1. 1x Sovereign Territory Token — 'Floating Cloud Island'(Creates an invisible, pocket-dimension sanctuary floating above the Host's estate. While inside the Floating Island, Host possesses absolute Invincibility and unlimited domain suppression over anyone below the Martial Sovereign Realm.)

2. 1x High-Grade System Loyal Summoning Card(Summons an absolute loyal subordinate forged by Fate and Karma).

3. 1x Ancient Body-Conditioning Technique — 'Nine-Bones Iron Dragon Method'(Designed for Offspring to forge invincible bone density, hyper-refined reflexes, and unmatched physical durability).

Gabriel stared at the golden text, a slow, satisfied grin spreading across his face.

The Floating Cloud Island meant his family had an absolute, impenetrable refuge. If a Martial King from House Aurelius or Valerius ever attacked, Gabriel could pull his children into the Floating Island where he held divine invincibility!

"System, integrate the 'Floating Cloud Island' right above the Azure Crest Estate," Gabriel commanded.

[Ding! Integrating 'Floating Cloud Island'...]

[Spatial Anchor Established above Azure Crest Estate. The Island is completely invisible to anyone below the Martial Sovereign Realm. Host can teleport family members freely.]

Gabriel felt a gentle spatial pulse settle over the estate. Above the clouds, an ancient, floating mountain filled with dense spirit waterfalls, jade pavilions, and rich natural Qi now belonged exclusively to him.

Next, Gabriel focused on the High-Grade Loyal Summoning Card.

As my strength grows and my children step into the public eye, I can't be everywhere at once, Gabriel thought, his eyes narrowing. I need loyal hands to manage intelligence, protect the estate, and build the foundation of my house.

"System, activate the Summoning Card!"

[Ding! Activating High-Grade Loyal Summoning Card...]

[Selecting Subordinate Profile based on Host's current needs...]

[Summon Successful!]

[Character Name:] Malakor

[Power Level:]Peak Martial Master(1 Step away from Martial Grandmaster)

[Background & Loyalty:] Ancient Shadow Guard Commander forged by System Karma. 100% absolute loyalty to Host. Specialized in covert intelligence, shadow assassination, and estate management.

BZ—T!

The space in front of Gabriel warped in a silent swirl of black shadow. A tall, lean man clad in dark dragon-scale leather armor stepped out from the void, kneeling on one knee before Gabriel with absolute reverence. His eyes burned with a dark crimson light, and two sleek shadow blades rested at his waist.

"Subordinate Malakor greets the Clan Master!" Malakor’s voice was low, resonant, and filled with unwavering devotion. "My life, my blade, and my shadow belong entirely to Master."

Gabriel looked at the Peak Martial Master kneeling before him. With Malakor handling the shadows, no noble branch in the Inner City could sneak up on his family.

"Rise, Malakor," Gabriel commanded, his voice cold and commanding. "From today on, you are the Chief Butler and Shadow Commander of House Sterling. Your primary task is to establish an intelligence network across the Inner and Core Cities, monitor House Valerius and House Zephyrus, and protect my children from afar when they attend college."

"By your command, Clan Master!" Malakor bowed deeply. "I shall form the 'Shadow Realm Network' immediately."

With a soft rustle of wind, Malakor dissolved back into the shadows, vanishing without leaving a single trace of Qi behind.

An hour later, Gabriel walked down to the private training field of the estate.

Ethan and Elena were currently cross-legged on stone mats, stabilizing their newly opened spirit veins.

"Stop," Gabriel’s voice echoed across the courtyard.

The twins opened their eyes, bowing respectfully. "Dad!"

"Your energy is sharp," Gabriel said, walking over and placing a hand on Ethan’s shoulder, feeling the surging power beneath his skin. "But true dominance requires more than just energy—it requires an indestructible vessel. If your bones and muscles are forged like divine steel, no noble heir’s technique will ever break your stance."

Gabriel drew the Nine-Bones Iron Dragon Method manual from his coat and handed it to them.

"For the remaining weeks before college starts, you will master this body-conditioning method," Gabriel instructed smoothly. "It will forge your skin, flesh, and gold-tempered bones until your raw physical strikes alone can shatter reinforced armor without spending a single drop of Qi."

Ethan looked at the ancient runes on the manual, his eyes burning with intense motivation. "An indestructible body... I understand, Dad! We'll master this!"

"Me too!" Elena added, her blade humming softly in her hand. "We'll temper our foundation until we can overpower any noble heir in the Inner City with absolute force!"

Gabriel smiled warmly, ruffling their hair. "Good. Today, we refine your physical body. Tomorrow... I register our new family banner with the city council: House Sterling."

Gabriel looked up at the pristine blue sky above the Inner City, feeling the invisible presence of the Floating Cloud Island looming high above.

The noble houses thought they ruled this city. They had no idea that a hidden dragon was slowly building an invincible fortress right under their noses.