The news of his Foundation Establishment spread through the Reliance Sect faster than a rumor about free spirit stones. By lunchtime, half the sect was talking about it, and by evening, the other half had already embellished the story beyond recognition.

'I heard he fought a dragon in the Black Sieve.'

'No, it was three dragons, and one of them was a phoenix.'

'My roommate says he saw Meng Hao breathing fire.'

Meng Hao did not correct any of these rumors. He had learned that cultivation society operated on a currency of reputation, and a reputation for fighting dragons — even imaginary ones — was worth more than spirit stones.

Patriarch Reliance summoned him to the main hall, which was both an honor and a threat. The Patriarch's office was a cluttered space filled with half-finished projects and ancient scrolls that smelled of mold and forgotten knowledge.

'Foundation Establishment,' the Patriarch said, studying Meng Hao with unsettling interest. 'That was fast. Some would say too fast. Some might wonder what kind of secret techniques you're hiding.'

'Some might be wrong,' Meng Hao said.

'Yes. Some might.' The Patriarch smiled. 'Tell me about the mirror.'

Meng Hao's blood went cold. He had never shown the mirror to anyone. He had never mentioned it aloud. The only times he used it were alone in his chamber, deep in the night, with the door bolted.

'I don't know what you mean, Patriarch.'

The Patriarch's smile didn't waver. 'Of course you don't.' He reached into his sleeve and withdrew something wrapped in silk. 'I have a gift for you. A technique. It's called the Blood Immortal Legacy, and it's killed every cultivator who has ever tried to learn it. I think you might be the first to survive.'

Meng Hao stared at the wrapped package like it was a venomous snake. 'Why do you think that?'

'Because,' the Patriarch said, 'you're already dying faster than anyone I've ever met. You might as well have a technique that matches.'