After returning to the marketplace, the entire camp was immersed in post-survival relief and anxiety about the future.
Those who passed the Heart-Questioning Stairs from Margaret's side totaled eleven: Margaret, Scarlet, Adam, Bai Qingxue, Bai Wuhen, Dustin, and five Dragon Guards with firm willpower. From the Bai family, Bai Wei also made it, but three other clan members remained forever on the Heart-Questioning Stairs.
Other forces suffered even heavier losses. Though the Qin siblings passed easily, of the dozen-plus guards they brought, only three kept up. Of the Yu family's seven or eight elites, only the mid Golden Core middle-aged man and two others passed. Montgomary Palace also suffered devastating losses—though Mark Montgomary made it, only four of his people remained.
"The Spirit Transformation Pill..." Margaret murmured. "That's the Qin family's true objective."
Dustin nodded: "For a hidden clan like the Qin family, ordinary treasures no longer interest them. But the Spirit Transformation Pill is different—it can create a Spirit Transformation stage powerhouse. Whoever obtains it could hold absolute advantage in the coming game."
"What about us?" Scarlet asked. "Are we competing for it too?"
Dustin was silent for a moment, then said: "We'll compete, of course. But our goal may not be the Spirit Transformation Pill itself."
Margaret's eyes lit up: "You mean..."
"There's only one Spirit Transformation Pill, but there's more than one treasure in the Bronze Hall." Dustin said. "With our current strength, even adding the Bai family, our odds of directly confronting the Qin and Yu families aren't good. But we can settle for second best and compete for other treasures. Meanwhile..." A meaningful gleam flashed in his eyes. "Observe the situation and wait for variables."
Meanwhile, in Mark Montgomary's tent, the atmosphere was equally heavy.
Mark sat alone, brow furrowed. Before him lay a jade slip—just sent by Qin Hao. The contents were simple: when the Bronze Hall opens, Montgomary Palace must fully support the Qin family in seizing the Spirit Transformation Pill. Afterward, the Qin family would fully support Eugene Montgomary's ascension to the throne.
Mark looked at the jade slip, his face showing no joy.
Full support? That meant using them as cannon fodder to wear down the Yu family and other forces. Afterward? Would the Qin family honor their promise? Even if they did, it was a promise to Duke Montgomary—what benefit was there for him, Mark Montgomary?
He thought of the Qin siblings' attitude toward him these past days—summoned when needed, dismissed when not, treated like a servant. In Qin Hao's eyes, he, Mark Montgomary, was nothing but a useful dog.
"I won't accept this." He said quietly.
All these years, he had risked his life for Montgomary Palace, served his foster father Eugene Montgomary faithfully. But in his foster father's eyes, he would forever be just an adopted son, never equal to a biological child. In the Qin family's eyes, he was merely a chess piece. Was Mark Montgomary destined to spend his whole life working for others' benefit?
He thought of Margaret. That woman, though she also used people, at least didn't view them as worthless like the Qin family did. Her subordinates were devoted because she treated them with genuine care.
He thought of Dustin. That seemingly ordinary man had survived in such circumstances and had people willing to risk their lives for him. What did he rely on? Sincerity—that charisma that made people willing to follow.
"What if... what if I defected to Margaret?" The moment this thought appeared, even Mark was startled.
He immediately shook his head. No—he and Margaret had no connection. Why would she trust him? Besides, he had Montgomary Palace's power and the Qin family's secrets. These things could perhaps serve as proof of loyalty.
But how to contact Margaret without alerting the Qin family?
Mark pondered for a long time, then suddenly had an idea.
The next evening, at a pill-selling old man's stall in the marketplace, Mark casually passed by, exchanged a few quiet words with the old man, then left as if nothing had happened.
That night, Dustin received the message—Mark wanted to meet him, alone.
"A trap?" Scarlet said warily.
"Possibly." Dustin said. "But it's also possible he genuinely wants to talk."
Margaret frowned: "Too dangerous. Your cultivation is sealed. If he attacks..."
"He won't." Dustin said. "At least not now. Besides, the location he chose is within the marketplace, where the Cease-Hostility Formation is active. No one dares fight."
Margaret wanted to argue further, but Dustin had already decided: "I'll go meet him. Margaret, have people standing by nearby. If anything happens, rush in immediately."
Late night, in a secluded corner of the marketplace's northwest.
Mark was already waiting there. Seeing Dustin come alone, surprise flickered in his eyes before returning to normal.
"Mr. Dustin is indeed bold." He said softly.
Dustin stood facing him, speaking flatly: "Young Master Mark invited me late at night. May I ask what for?"
Mark was silent for a moment, then suddenly knelt on one knee, fists clasped: "Mr. Dustin, I wish to lead Montgomary Palace's remnants and defect to Princess Margaret!"
Dustin showed no surprise, simply watching him quietly: "Why?"
Mark raised his head, his eyes full of complex emotions: "Because I no longer want to be a chess piece."
He explained the Qin family's plans, their exploitation of Montgomary Palace, his own situation—everything laid bare. Finally: "Mr. Dustin, I know you may not trust me. But please give me a chance. I can provide intelligence on the Qin family, can turn against them at the critical moment. All I ask is... a way out afterward."
Dustin watched him, silent for a long time.
He could sense that Mark was speaking from the heart. This man's ambition, his unwillingness, his struggle—all genuine. But speaking from the heart didn't mean being a good person. Someone like Mark could turn again at any moment for his own benefit.
"Young Master Mark," Dustin finally spoke, "I can relay your message. But there's something I must tell you first."
Mark looked up: "Please speak."
"You want to change from a chess piece to a player—there's nothing wrong with that idea." Dustin said. "But understand this: true players don't reach that position through betrayal and scheming. It's through strength and winning hearts. Margaret can give you a chance, but whether you can seize it depends on your own choices."
Mark was stunned. He had expected Dustin to set conditions, to demand proof of loyalty, to require him to do this or that. But what Dustin said was this.
"I... I'll remember that." He said quietly.
Dustin nodded and turned to leave. After a few steps, he suddenly stopped and looked back: "By the way, tomorrow Margaret will send people to the marketplace's east side to purchase healing pills. If Young Master Mark has any 'intelligence' to pass along, you can have someone deliver a message at the same time."
With that, he disappeared into the night.
Mark watched his departing figure, standing motionless for a long time.
This man was no ordinary person.
Three days later, the day before the Bronze Hall opened.
Margaret received the first piece of intelligence from Mark: the Yu family had secretly reached an agreement with several independent cultivator alliance leaders, planning to jointly attack the Qin family and Margaret in the Bronze Hall. The Qin family, meanwhile, seemed to have anticipated this and arranged countermeasures.
"Looks like the Mark connection was the right move." Margaret said.
But Dustin shook his head slightly: "It's too early to say it was right. The key is seeing what he does in the Bronze Hall."
Everyone exchanged glances, understanding Dustin's meaning—proof of loyalty couldn't just be words. Mark needed to prove with actions that he was worth trusting.
And the opportunity for action came quickly.
The next day, the Bronze Hall opened.
At the end of the ninety-nine-step Heart-Questioning Stairs, that flickering ancient bronze palace finally materialized. The hall doors stood open wide, and an ancient, majestic aura washed over them.
"Go!" Qin Hao led the way, stepping into the hall. Qin Xue and three guards followed closely.
The Yu family's mid Golden Core middle-aged man sneered and also charged in with his people.
Margaret looked at Dustin. Dustin nodded slightly.
"Once inside, don't rush to compete. Observe first, then act." Margaret told everyone. "Remember, our goal isn't just treasures—it's also getting out alive."
Everyone nodded and entered the Bronze Hall together.
Inside the hall was another world.
An enormous space, its ceiling invisible above, its edges invisible in the distance. Countless stone pillars stood in rows, each with a treasure floating atop—artifacts, pills, jade slips, spirit stones... dazzling displays with treasure light flowing.
At the very center, atop the largest stone pillar, floated a pill wreathed in purple light—the Spirit Transformation Pill!
Everyone's gaze focused on that pill.
"The Spirit Transformation Pill is mine!" The Yu family middle-aged man shouted, charging first toward the central pillar.
Qin Hao sneered, waving his hand as a golden light shot out, blocking his path.
"Someone like you thinks they're worthy?"
Battle erupted instantly!
– Marinien
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