Rise of The Abandoned Husband (Liam Knight) novel Chapter 117

117 Chapter 117 – The Water Dragon Cave Wager

The silence in the Water Dragon Cave was deafening. My challenge hung in the air, at spark waiting to ignite an inferno. Alistair Northwood’s face contorted with rage, while Asher Lane’s expression shifted to cold calculation.

“You dare mock us?” Alistair snarled, his spiritual energy flaring visibly around him. Golden tendrils of power swirled like angry serpents, causing nearby onlookers to step

back.

I stood my ground, unmoved. “It’s not mockery if I mean it.”

With a roar, Alistair thrust his palm forward. A wave of concentrated spiritual energy shot toward me – enough power to shatter stone.

I didn’t even raise my hand to block it. Instead, I let my own spiritual energy form an invisible shield. The golden wave hit my barrier and dissipated like water striking a hot

pan.

Gasps echoed through the cavern. Alistair’s eyes widened in disbelief.

“Impossible,” he muttered. “That was my Golden Dragon Palm…”

I brushed an imaginary speck of dust from my shoulder. “Is that all? I expected more from Julian’s ‘brother.”

Asher Lane’s eyes narrowed dangerously as he observed our exchange. Unlike Alistair, he made no move to attack. Smart mah.

“Liam,” Eamon hissed beside me, his voice tight with worry. “What are you doing? These are Inner Strength Masters. Don’t provoke them further

I glanced at my old friend, seeing the genuine concern in his eyes. Poor Eamon – he still thought of me as the helpless live–in son–in–law he’d once known. He couldn’t feel what I felt, couldn’t sense the vast ocean of power flowing through my meridians.

“I know exactly who they are, I replied loudly enough for others to hear. “And they need to know exactly who I am.”

Turning back to Alistair and Asher, I continued, “If either of you wants revenge Julian Hawthorne, I’m right here. No need to plot and scheme. Face me directly.”

for

117 Chapter 117- The Water Dragon Cave Wagor

Alistair took a step forward, but Asher placed a restraining hand on his arm.

“Not here,” Asher said quietly. “This is a public gathering. We have guests to attend to He looked at me with cold eyes. “Knight, your reckless behavior dishonors this sacred place.”

Haughed. “Says the man who just watched his friend attack me unprovoked.”

Asher’s jaw tightened. “Alistair acted from grief. You speak from arrogance.”

“I speak from strength,” I corrected. “Something Julian Hawthorne learned too late.”

Alistair struggled against Asher’s grip. “Let me kill him! Here and now!”

“Control yourself,” Asher commanded. “Remember your position.”

Their interaction was revealing. Alistair was powerful but impulsive. Asher, on the other hand, was calculating and cautious. Of the two, Asher was by far the more dangerous.

I looked around the cavern, taking in its majesty. Crystal formations captured the light, creating rainbow patterns across the stone walls. The pools of steaming water bubbled with spiritual energy so dense it was almost visible. This place was indeed a treasure.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” I said, changing the subject abruptly. “The Water Dragon Cave. I can see why it’s so prized.”

Asher’s eyes narrowed with suspicion. “What are you playing at, Knight?”

“I’m not playing at anything. I’m simply admiring what will soon be mine.”

The bold claim sent whispers racing through the crowd. Asher’s face darkened.

“The Water Dragon Cave belongs to the Lane Family,” he stated flatly. “It has for generations.”

I nodded thoughtfully. “For now.”

Before Asher could respond, Selina Burton stepped forward, her curiosity apparently overcoming her usual disdain for me.

“Why are you interested in the cave?” she asked. “It’s valuable for cultivation, certainly, but you have access to the Celestial Apothecary Guild’s resources. Why covet this place?”

117 Chapter 117–The Water Dragon Cave Wager

An excellent question. I’d been wondering the same thing myself since arriving. There was something about this cave that called to me, something beyond its obvious value.

“Does the Lane Family own it outright?” I asked instead of answering

Selina glanced at Asher before responding. “They do. It was granted to them by imperial decree three hundred years ago for services to the crown.”

–

Interesting. So this wasn’t just any property it was an imperial gift. That made it all the more valuable… and all the more satisfying to claim.

“Thank you for the information,” I said to Selina, who looked startled at my politeness.

Turning back to Asher, I smiled. “I believe we have unfinished business from earlier. Your man Darwin challenged me to a duel, which he then fled. Perhaps you’d like to honor that challenge in his place?”

Asher’s eyes flashed with anger, but he composed himself quickly. “Darwin acted without authorization. However…” He paused, studying me. “I’m curious to test your supposed abilities myself.”

“Wonderful,” I replied. “Shall we step outside? I wouldn’t want to damage your family’s precious cave.”

The crowd parted as we made our way back toward the entrance, the tension palpable in the air. Alistair followed silently, his rage seemingly under control for now, but his eyes never left my back.

Eamon limped alongside me, his face tight with worry. “Liam, this is madness,” he whispered urgently. “Asher Lane isn’t just any cultivator. He’s mastered techniques that have been in his family for generations.”

“I appreciate your concern,” I said sincerely. “But trust me, Eamon. I know what I’m doing.”

Outside the cave, the afternoon sun cast long shadows across the gathering area. Word of the imminent duel had spread quickly, and a much larger crowd had formed – merchants, cultivators, and curious onlookers all eager to witness the confrontation.

–

Asher and I took positions opposite each other, about twenty paces apart. He removed his outer robe, revealing a form–fitting training outfit that showcased his powerful physique. I remained in my simple attire, making no special preparations.

117 Chapter 117 The Water Dragon Cave Wagor

“The terms?” Asher inquired formally.

“Simple,” I replied. “When I win, you will supply me with three stalks of the fifty–year Medicine King herb.”

Asher raised an eyebrow. “Confident, aren’t you? And when I win?”

“You may name your prize.”

He thought for a moment. “Your entire inventory of medicinal herbs from the Apothecary Guild.”

I nodded. “Agreed.”

Asher took a stance, his body flowing into a traditional opening position of the Lane Family’s famous Water Dragon Style. I felt a strange sense of superiority wash over me as I watched him. It wasn’t arrogance – it was clarity. I could see the flaws in his stance, the limitations of his technique.

To the observers, Asher looked formidable. His aura expanded visibly, causing the air around him to shimmer with power. Water droplets formed from the moisture in the air, dancing around his fingertips – a signature effect of his family’s cultivation method.

“Impressive,” I acknowledged.

Asher didn’t respond with words. Instead, his aura intensified, pressing outward like an invisible wave. Lesser cultivators in the crowd stepped back involuntarily, overwhelmed by the pressure.

I stood unmoving, completely unfazed.

“Is that all?” I asked quietly.

Asher’s eyes narrowed. “You haven’t even taken a stance.”

“I don’t need one.”

His jaw tightened at the perceived insult. But instead of attacking in anger, he studied me more carefully. For the first time, I saw a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes.

I decided to press my advantage. “Before we begin, perhaps we should raise the stakes.

117 Chapter 117 The Water Dragon Cave Wager

“What do you mean?” he asked cautiously,

“Three stalks of Medicine King seems inadequate for such an event,” I explained. “Let’s make this interesting.”

The crowd leaned in, eager to hear my proposal.

“If I win, I stated clearly, “you will kneel and apologize to Eamon Greene for your family’s mistreatment of him. You will provide not just three stalks of fifty–year Medicine King, but one stalk of hundred–year Medicine King”

Gasps rippled through the audience. Hundred–year Medicine King was incredibly rare. and valuable worth a

–

small fortune.

“And,” I continued before Asher could object, “you will sign over ownership of the Water Dragon Cave to me.”

The crowd erupted in shocked exclamations. Even Eamon looked stunned by my audacity.

Asher’s face flushed with anger. “You’ve lost your mind. The Water Dragon Cave is my family’s ancestral property!”

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