Chapter 213 Ace
Riley remained within the Austere clan for now—and truth be told, he could afford to.
The wealth of resources he had obtained from the Black Gate Sect was not just impressive, it was enough to shake the foundations of any mid-tier power on the continent.
With such wealth, he could have easily established his own sect, gathered loyal followers, and carved out an independent force that would rise to prominence in no time.
Many had expected him to do just that. After all, wasn't that the path most ambitious cultivators took once they acquired sufficient power?
But Riley wasn't like most. He had no desire to be bound by the obligations and politics that came with power.
Building a sect, while seemingly glorious, would only serve to tether him—to create expectations, alliances, enemies, and responsibilities that would weigh him down.
And when the time came for him to ascend, those same things would act as shackles. He would be chained to this world, unable to rise freely.
Freedom was more precious to him than influence. And besides, he already had enough people to care for. His loved ones, his friends and family, and most importantly—Veronica and the rest of his harem.
That alone was more than enough to anchor him to this world. He didn't need a sect or an empire. He had a home, and for now, he was content.
At this moment, he was seated in a quiet courtyard, sharing a pot of fragrant tea with Veronica's father. The sun was beginning to dip below the distant mountains, casting golden light across the rooftops.
A soft breeze rustled the leaves of the nearby trees, adding a gentle whisper to the stillness.
Veronica's father, a man of few words but deep thoughts, studied the young man before him. After a long pause, he finally spoke.