Chapter 105: A New Order for the Salvatore Family
A New Order for the Salvatore Family
"Austin Salvatore."
"Step forward."
The moment Victor’s calm voice echoed across Sovereign Peak, Austin immediately stepped out from the crowd.
"Present, Patriarch!"
He cupped his fists respectfully before bowing deeply.
The vast gathering instinctively turned toward him.
Many of the younger disciples from the branch families immediately recognized him.
"The former genius..."
"Brother Austin..."
"I heard he recovered from his crippled state in just a few months."
"And now he’s already this powerful..."
Their eyes were filled with admiration.
Austin stood straight, his black hair fluttering gently in the mountain breeze. His expression remained humble despite the countless gazes fixed upon him.
Victor looked at him with quiet approval before announcing,
"Austin Salvatore."
"Bone age—nineteen."
"Astral Manifestation Realm, First Level."
Although everyone already knew Austin was talented, hearing Victor personally confirm his cultivation still caused quite a stir.
Only a year ago...
Austin had been known as the fallen genius.
Now...
He had climbed all the way into the Astral Manifestation Realm.
His rise could only be described as miraculous.
Victor’s voice continued, carrying clearly across the entire gathering.
"From this day onward..."
"You shall temporarily hold the Fourth Rank of the Salvatore Family."
"I bestow upon you the title..."
"Fire King."
The title echoed throughout the mountain valley.
Fire King.
Simple.
Yet overflowing with authority.
Austin slowly raised his head, his heart pounding.
This title wasn’t merely recognition of his strength.
It represented Victor’s expectations for him.
Victor continued calmly,
"Fire King Peak shall become your residence."
"You may enter Sovereign Peak at any time to seek my guidance."
"You are granted permission to freely select three treasures from the Contribution Pavilion."
"And..."
"I bestow upon you an Astral Manifestation Realm mount."
"The Divine White Pegasus."
The instant Victor finished speaking—
A brilliant ray of white light descended from the heavens.
A graceful cry resounded across the blessed land.
A majestic Divine White Pegasus slowly descended from the sky.
Its snow-white coat glistened beneath the sunlight without the slightest blemish.
Its enormous wings stretched wide, stirring powerful gusts of wind as feathers shimmering with faint silver light drifted gently through the air.
The divine beast landed before Austin with remarkable elegance.
Its intelligent sapphire-blue eyes quietly observed him for a moment.
Then...
To everyone’s astonishment...
The Divine White Pegasus slowly lowered its proud head.
It acknowledged him.
Gasps immediately spread through the crowd.
"What a magnificent spiritual beast..."
"It actually accepted Brother Austin immediately."
"As expected of someone personally recognized by the Patriarch."
Austin looked at the Pegasus in disbelief before a grateful smile slowly appeared on his face.
He gently placed a hand against its neck.
The Pegasus let out a soft, cheerful neigh and rubbed its head affectionately against his shoulder, as if it had already accepted him as its lifelong master.
Austin’s eyes became slightly moist.
Everything he possessed today...
His restored cultivation.
His future.
His honor.
Even this priceless companion.
All of it...
Had been given by one person.
He turned toward Victor once more and respectfully knelt on one knee.
"Thank you, Patriarch!"
"I, Austin Salvatore..."
"...will never betray the trust you’ve placed in me."
His voice carried unwavering sincerity.
Victor simply gave a faint nod.
"I know."
Those two simple words carried complete confidence.
Austin slowly stood, his heart filled with renewed determination.
He silently made another vow.
No matter what happened in the future...
He would never bring shame to the title Victor had personally bestowed upon him.
Fire King.
"Thank you, Patriarch!"
Austin Salvatore bowed deeply, his expression calm and unwavering.
There wasn’t a trace of arrogance on his face despite receiving such an extraordinary honor. Instead, his eyes held nothing but gratitude and determination.
Standing among the elders, however, Magnus Salvatore looked as though he might burst from excitement.
His chest puffed out proudly as he slapped the shoulders of the branch patriarchs beside him.
"That’s my son!"
"MY SON!!"
His booming laughter echoed across the plaza.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk... Flame King! Epic! Absolutely EPIC!"
"He commands flames worthy of a king! Just hearing that title gives me goosebumps!"
"Hahaha! Tell me—isn’t that the coolest title you’ve ever heard?"
The surrounding patriarchs burst into laughter.
"It certainly suits him."
"Brother Magnus, you’ve raised an outstanding son."
"Congratulations."
Their words carried genuine admiration rather than jealousy.
Unlike Nux, Austin had been born into one of the branch families.
Yet today...
He had still entered the Family Rank.
That single fact proved Victor’s declaration wasn’t merely empty words.
From this day onward...
Within the Salvatore Family, there would no longer be distinctions between the main bloodline, branch families, or collateral relatives.
Only strength.
Only talent.
Only contribution.
Those three things alone would determine one’s future.
The realization struck every branch disciple like a bolt of lightning.
Many clenched their fists.
Others stared at Victor with blazing eyes.
Hope...
Real hope...
Had finally appeared before them.
As long as they cultivated diligently...
As long as they possessed enough talent...
Every treasure within the family could become theirs.
Every cultivation scripture.
Every heavenly resource.
Every opportunity.
Even their own mountain peak.
Their own title.
Their own glory.
Victor had effortlessly transformed cultivation itself into the greatest source of motivation.
Inside Victor’s mind, familiar mechanical notifications echoed one after another.
[Ding! Family morale has surged. Family unity and healthy competition have increased.]
[Family Luck +500.]
[Ding! Under the blessing of the Three-Eyed Auspicious Destiny Dragon.]
[Additional Family Luck +1,000.]
[Ding! Family Luck has reached 30,000.]
[Reward unlocked: Family Resource Pack.]
[The next reward milestone will activate when Family Luck reaches 100,000.]
Victor simply glanced at the notifications before dismissing them.
There would be plenty of time to inspect the rewards later.
For now...
The ceremony came first.
His golden eyes swept calmly across the immense gathering.
"Next..."
His voice carried effortlessly throughout Sovereign Peak.
"Damien Salvatore."
A slim young boy stepped forward from the crowd.
Although only fourteen years old, Damien carried himself with remarkable composure.
The sword hanging from his waist was noticeably taller than he was, creating a rather amusing sight.
Yet...
Not a single person laughed.
No one dared.
Victor’s calm voice resounded once more.
"Bone age—fourteen."
"Astral Manifestation Realm, Sixth Level."
A brief pause followed.
Then...
"He has comprehended Sword Intent."
Silence.
Utter silence.
Then the entire gathering exploded.
"FOURTEEN YEARS OLD?!"
"Impossible!"
"There’s no way!"
"What kind of monster cultivates that quickly?"
"I know him!"
"Damien Salvatore!"
"He’s the young sword genius!"
"The one who comprehended Sword Intent!"
Another elder suddenly slapped his forehead.
"I remember now!"
"The Celestial Fate Pavilion... the Azure River Sword Sect... and the Boundless Sword Palace all tried recruiting him!"
"But he rejected every single invitation!"