Earth's Greatest Magus

Emery couldn’t believe what he had just heard. The opportunity to learn the Heaven and Earth Reversal technique was an unexpected gift. From what little he had heard, it was an ancient and powerful method, one he believed could further enhance his comprehension of the Dao of Heaven and Earth, pushing him closer to breaking through to the Grand Magus realm.

However, such a sacred technique wouldn’t be offered freely. There had to be conditions.

As expected, one of the Skyroot elders leaned forward, his aged yet sharp gaze locking onto Emery.

“We acknowledge your commitment to supporting the Pardera calling… However, this ancestral technique is not something we can simply pass on.” The elder paused briefly before continuing, “For that, we require you to formally join our faction as a senior member.”

A moment of silence filled the chamber.

Becoming an official member of the Skyroot faction, a senior one at that, would be a tremendous honor, a prestigious opportunity for any alchemist.

But Emery knew better.

This was not just a title. It was a commitment. A responsibility that came with expectations and potential shackles.

Sensing his hesitation, another elder spoke up. “Perhaps you are unfamiliar with what it truly means to be one of us.”

The elder then laid out the terms in detail.

First, the benefits. As a Skyroot member, Emery would gain full access to over a dozen exclusive alchemy facilities spread across the realm, each stocked with rare ingredients and advanced tools that most alchemists could only dream of. He would also be given priority access to precious materials and the assistance of Skyroot’s expert alchemists.

Then came the responsibilities.

The most significant among them was the faction’s right to any new alchemical recipes he developed and to take a share of the profits if they were used commercially. Furthermore, he would be required to contribute a portion of the materials he obtained from missions.

It finally occurred to Emery why they had accepted him so readily. While Grandmaster Caliborne may have been searching for a successor to the Heaven and Earth Reversal technique, the other elders had their own interests.

Their eyes had been drawn to his new body refinement formula, which he was developing for the Pardera Warmaster. They also likely hoped that by bringing him into the faction, he would share some of the rare materials he would acquire from the other realm.

Seeing Emery’s momentary hesitation, Patriarch Caliborne reassured him.

“This is standard practice for any alchemy faction. If you truly wish to develop as an alchemist, being part of a larger organization will benefit you. The only question is whether your affiliation with the Fey Clan will allow it.”

At those words, Emery realized that the patriarch still misunderstood his position. He was not just unaffiliated with the Fey Clan—he was not even from this realm.

In truth, none of these responsibilities would bind him in the long term. As far as Emery was concerned, once he found his way back home, there was a chance he might never return to this realm.

Despite feeling hesitant for being dishonest, Emery desperately needed every advantage he could get.

Gaining the title of a Pardera senior member would open even more doors for him, providing greater access to resources and connections. More importantly, the Heaven and Earth Reversal technique could become a valuable treasure to bring back home.

For these two benefits alone, Emery was even willing to let Skyroot take all the profits from his deal with the Warmaster. It was a worthy trade.

Thus, with conviction, he gave his answer.

“I, Emery Ambrose, accept the offer and am honored to become a member of the Skyroot faction.”

The elders exchanged glances, some with silent approval, others with mild intrigue. A few nodded in acknowledgment.

The formalities that followed were surprisingly simple. A ceremony was held within the faction’s grand hall, an ancient chamber carved from the heart of the Skyroot mountain. The gathered elders, robed in deep green and gold, stood in a semi-circle around a central altar of white stone, where Emery was guided to stand before the Patriarch.

A ceremonial tome, its pages inscribed with golden runes, floated above the altar, held in place by an invisible force. The patriarch motioned toward it, and the runes shimmered, shifting as if alive.

“This oath is not one of blind servitude,” the patriarch began, his voice calm but firm. “Skyroot does not bind its members with chains of control, but with the duty of knowledge. Our legacy is not one of conquest, but of preservation. An alchemist’s hands are meant to create, to heal, and to push the limits of understanding.”

Emery’s gaze swept over the gathered elders, noting their serious expressions. He had expected words of allegiance to the faction, but instead, the vow was a declaration of an alchemist’s responsibility—to master the craft, to seek wisdom, and to assist those in need.

The tome flared, and a single tendril of golden energy reached out, wrapping around Emery’s wrist like a living thread of light. He could feel the warmth of it, not a binding force but a reminder of the oath he was about to take.

With confidence, he spoke the words as they appeared in his mind, the ancient language flowing naturally from his lips.

“I swear to honor the pursuit of knowledge, to wield my craft with wisdom, and to aid those in need. By the roots that touch the heavens and the earth, I solemly swear”

As soon as the final syllable left his mouth, the golden tendril pulsed before vanishing into his skin, leaving behind only a faint warmth.

The patriarch nodded in approval. “Congratulations,” he said, his voice carrying through the chamber. “From this moment forth, you are a senior member of the Skyroot faction.”

A murmur of acknowledgment passed through the elders, some exchanging approving glances while others observed him with silent contemplation.

His new identity within the faction was now official.