SUPREME ARCH-MAGUS

The early morning sun bathed the King family estate in warm golden light, but the real brilliance wasn't from the heavens—it was from Kent King.

As Kent descended the steps of his cultivation chamber, an intense aura surrounded him, his every step resonating with sheer power. His aura pulsed like waves crashing against the shore, causing even the senior cultivators of the King family to stop in their tracks.

"Mid-stage Earth Immortal…?" One elder blinked in disbelief. "It hasn't even been a year since he arrived in the Immortal World!"

"Impossible! For an average cultivator, it takes at least a hundred years to cross even a minor realm in the Earth Immortal stage!" another muttered.

The murmurs spread quickly through the halls. Servants paused their duties; family members watched in awe and confusion. The entire King family estate buzzed with whispers of admiration, envy, and—most of all—fear.

At the heart of the estate, Patriarch Daku King received the news personally. His usually stern face broke into a rare, gleeful smile.

"My son…" Daku King's voice boomed with pride. "A prodigy worthy of the King family name. This calls for a celebration!"

Without hesitation, he announced a grand banquet for all the servants and family members—a token of his joy at Kent's unprecedented achievement.

While the King family drowned in celebrations, Kent remained detached from the fanfare. Ignoring the hollow congratulations and envious stares, he made his way toward the grand entrance of the estate.

Before leaving, Kent took a detour to the family's outer Pavilion. There, under the wooden halls, stood the chariot of 7 horses used by Kaban King in his previous life.

Stopping the servants, Kent assembled the chariot and tired the horses personally.

Drawing the blade received from his grandfather, in a single fluid motion, Kent channeled his energy into a rhythmic spell, the sharp hum of the sword echoing in the air. Each slash carved daring letters into the stone archway above the chariot.

"No. 1 Genius of the Immortal World."

The bold statement glowed with metal burnt marks. It was a declaration to the entire city.

"They'll think I'm arrogant. Let them," Kent thought with a smirk. "If I want my rapid growth to be unquestioned, they need to believe I'm a once-in-a-millennium genius."

Kent stood on the chariot and moved through bustling streets of Red Silk City.

In a few moments, the news of Kent's claim spread like wildfire.

As he rode through the bustling streets of Red Silk City, atop the legendary Seven-Horse Chariot once used by Kaban King himself, murmurs followed him like shadows.

"Did you hear what he wrote? 'No. 1 Genius of the Immortal World'? What arrogance!"

"The reincarnation of Kaban King… Does he think one breakthrough makes him invincible?"

"Maybe he's just trying to cover up his disgraceful past."

The insults, curses, and laughter followed Kent's every move, but he remained unfazed. The bold declaration had served its purpose—it made everyone watch.

After spending enough time in the streets… Kent rushed towards destination.

His destination loomed ahead: the grand estate of the Link Family, Red Silk City's foremost alchemical dynasty and prominent branch of the Purple Cloud Alchemy Association—the supreme authority in alchemy across the Immortal World.

Kent presented himself at the estate gates, invoking his grandfather's name.

"I'm here to meet Patriarch Don Link," Kent announced confidently to the guards. "Tell him Kent King seeks his guidance in the art of alchemy."

The guards hesitated—clearly aware of Kent's infamous past—but the mention of Kumar King left no room for refusal.

Minutes later, Kent stood in the grand hall, face-to-face with Don Link, the Link family's patriarch. A man of great stature, Don's every movement exuded authority and calculation.

"So, the infamous Kaban King seeks the noble art of alchemy?" Don Link's tone was laced with sarcasm.

Kent's lips curved into a sharp smile. "I seek only knowledge, Patriarch Don. I have no intention of staining your family's reputation."

This brat… Don Link thought bitterly. I can't openly refuse him—Kumar King's name carries too much weight. But perhaps…

Suppressing his frustration, Don Link forced a smile. "Very well. My daughter will teach you the basics. I'm sure she'll… guide you appropriately."

Behind him, a slender woman with sharp features and cold eyes appeared—Lina Link, known for her alchemical prowess and her disdain for all things related to the Kaban King.

"Follow me," Lina said coldly, leading Kent to an open chamber filled with shelves of ancient books and ingredients.

Kent observed the space thoughtfully. A true alchemist's domain.

Without a word, Lina began stacking towering piles of thick, ancient alchemical manuals around him—each one more complex than the last.

"If you truly wish to learn," Lina sneered, "start with these. They should be enough to humble your arrogance."

Kent, unfazed, casually selected a few books—titles even she had struggled to comprehend fully:

"The Eternal Furnace: Advanced Theories of Celestial Concoctions""The Ninth Flame Method: Techniques for Controlling Divine Fires""Essence Fusion: A Study of Rare Elemental Reactions"

Lina's confidence faltered as she watched him flip through the pages with laser-like focus.

He's reading those texts as if they're basic instructions… This has to be an act, she reasoned, though doubt crept into her mind.

For the next half-hour, Kent's eyes never left the pages. His movements were calm, methodical—absorbing every word like a sponge. His hands occasionally made subtle gestures, simulating the mixing of imaginary ingredients.

He's not just reading… He understands. Lina's brow furrowed. Is this really the same disgraceful fool from before?

Frustrated by his lack of reaction, she finally broke the silence.

"Give up yet, Kent King?" she asked, trying to inject venom into her voice.

Without looking up, Kent smirked. "Give up? I've barely begun."

Hours passed, and Lina eventually left, convinced Kent would soon grow bored or frustrated and leave in shame.

But Kent remained, his mind sharp and unwavering. Every formula, every ingredient, every elemental reaction was pieced together in his thoughts like an elaborate puzzle.

Alchemy here follows different patterns, but the fundamental truths remain the same, Kent mused. If I create something new—something the Immortal World has never seen—it will bring me wealth, resources, and respect faster than any Genius List could.

-

Thank you ;-)