Rise of The Abandoned Husband

Chapter 600 - 600 - Echoes of a Massacre, Depths of Deceit

## Liam's Perspective

My hands trembled as I approached the skeleton again. The vision had left me shaken to my core. One figure—a single person—had annihilated an entire sect of Divine Annihilators. The power required was beyond comprehension.

"I need to know who you were," I whispered to the long-dead Sect Lord.

This time, I steeled myself before touching the skeletal hand. Nothing happened. I tried again, pressing my palm firmly against the bone.

The remains suddenly crumbled, dissolving into fine ash that floated away in the underwater current.

"What the—" I jerked back, watching as centuries of preservation ended in an instant.

The ash swirled before me, forming a momentary pattern that resembled a face—a face hidden behind a mask. The same mask I'd seen in my vision. The same mask Clara now possessed.

The realization hit me like a physical blow.

"Clara's mask... it belonged to the one who did this."

The implications staggered me. That innocent girl carried an artifact of unimaginable power—a relic from someone capable of single-handedly erasing the most powerful cultivation sect in history.

The ash dispersed completely, leaving no evidence the Sect Lord had ever existed.

I stood alone in the silent hall, surrounded by the remains of once-mighty cultivators. Their deaths hadn't been random. The crumbling of the remains at my touch couldn't be coincidence. Rеаd аhеаd аnd gеt updаtеs by visiting

"I was meant to see this," I muttered, looking around with new understanding. "Someone wanted me to witness what happened here."

But why? What connection did I have to this ancient massacre? And more importantly, what was Clara's role in all this?

My mind raced with possibilities. Could Clara be the reincarnation of that masked figure? The timing of our meeting, the way the mask accepted her when it rejected me... it couldn't be mere chance.

"I need to bring her here," I decided. "Clara needs to see this place for herself."

The power that young girl might one day wield... the thought both thrilled and terrified me. If the masked woman's strength lived within Clara, her potential was limitless.

I took one last look at the hall of the dead, committing every detail to memory. Whatever secrets this place held, they were connected to Clara—and potentially to my own destiny.

As I turned to leave, a chill ran down my spine. For a brief second, I could have sworn the remaining skeletons turned their empty gazes toward me, as if warning me about the path I was choosing.

---

Meanwhile, miles above the seabed, Julian Radford gathered the remaining martial artists aboard the largest intact vessel. His face betrayed no emotion as he addressed them.

"Fellow cultivators, our expedition has faced unexpected challenges," he announced, his voice carrying across the deck. "The loss of our comrades is regrettable, but we must press forward. The real treasure awaits us below."

Murmurs rippled through the crowd. Some looked skeptical, others excited at the prospect of greater wealth.

Dominic Ashworth stepped forward, his bearing confident despite his recent injuries. "Master Radford speaks the truth. According to records I've accessed in the Veridia City Martial Guild's library, this area contains one of the legendary Mystic Realms."

The mention of a Mystic Realm silenced all doubts. Such places were the stuff of legends—pocket dimensions containing treasures beyond imagination.

"Impressive knowledge, young Ashworth," Julian nodded approvingly. "I see why you've been nominated as a candidate for chairman of our Guild's youth division."

Dominic's chest swelled with pride. "I'm honored to serve the Guild in any capacity."

From the side, Daphne Grenville laughed softly. "Such confidence from our young prodigy. Tell me, Dominic, do you also believe Knight perished in the attack?"

Dominic's expression darkened. "Knight was a fraud who got lucky. His luck finally ran out."

"Care to make a wager on that?" Blaise Rostova interjected, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "A thousand spirit stones says he's still alive."

Daphne's lips curved into a smile. "Make it ten thousand, and I'll take that bet. The bastard's survived worse."

"Ladies, please," Julian interrupted smoothly. "Let's focus on the task at hand. We'll divide into teams to explore the seabed systematically. Dudley, you'll take command of the second team."

Dudley Lowell nodded, his scarred face impassive.

The martial artists dispersed, preparing their equipment for the deep-sea exploration. Julian motioned for Dudley to follow him to the ship's bow, where they couldn't be overheard.

"The Guild's reputation has suffered because of Knight," Julian said quietly, gazing out at the churning waves. "This expedition must yield results that restore our standing."

"I understand, Master Radford," Dudley replied. "We won't fail you."

Julian's eyes narrowed. "There's something else. Once we're at the bottom of the sea, I want you to kill all the low-level martial artists."

Dudley's expression didn't change. "All of them, sir?"

"Every last one," Julian confirmed. "The public needs villains to fear and heroes to admire. If there are no villains..." he smiled coldly, "...we have to create them."

"You intend to blame the deaths on Knight," Dudley realized.

Julian nodded. "Precisely. A massacre committed by the rogue cultivator Liam Knight, thwarted by the valiant Veridia City Martial Guild. In this way, we can highlight the value of our organization. Understand?"

Dudley bowed slightly. "It will be done, Master Radford."

"Good. Begin selecting which men will assist you. Choose only those whose loyalty is absolute."

As Dudley walked away, Julian stared out at the sea, satisfaction evident on his face. Soon, the Veridia City Martial Guild would reclaim its unquestioned authority. And Liam Knight—whether dead or alive—would serve as the perfect scapegoat for his ambitions.

Behind a nearby crate, a shadow shifted slightly, then disappeared below deck, having heard every word of Julian's monstrous plan.