Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Andrew nodded and said, "Go ahead, Mrs. Rhodes. I'm listening."

Tiana said seriously, "When you treated me before, I'm sure you noticed how agitated my inner energy was, right? That's actually because of the martial arts method I practice.

"I've been stuck at the semi-martial king level for almost five years, and I haven't found a way or opportunity to break through. So, I wanted to ask for your help."

Andrew frowned and replied, "Mrs. Rhodes, breaking into the martial king level isn't something to take lightly. If your foundation isn't solid or the timing isn't right, forcing a breakthrough could cause serious problems."

Tiana snorted proudly and said, "I'm well aware of the risks, but if I'm asking, it's because I have a level of certainty you don't know about. To be honest, my martial lineage isn't ordinary.

"Before I left my sect, my mentor taught me a secret method that could open a shortcut to the martial king level. However, the technique requires external forces and help from outside.

"And looking around the entire Rhodes family, not one person has the strength to meet my requirements. So, in the end, I had no choice but to turn to you."

Andrew raised an eyebrow and said, "I'm curious-what kind of method could actually make that happen?"

After all, reaching the martial king level meant stepping into the ranks of true powerhouses. It was rare to see even one martial king, and based on Tiana's natural talent, Andrew had estimated she would not make that leap until she was at least 60.

Yet now, she was saying she had a shortcut, and even Andrew, with all his experience, could not help but be intrigued.

Tiana's expression shifted slightly, a faint hint of awkwardness crossing her face.

She shook her head and said, "Don't ask about the method right now. You'll see for yourself when the time comes.

"What I need from you is simple: I need you to craft three different pills for me. They can't be low quality, though. Think you can manage?"

Andrew thought for a moment

before replying, "As long as you don't need pills beyond

eighth-grade-those that can literally

bring back the dead or regrow

limbs then it shouldn't be a

problem."

Tiana froze, clearly surprised, and looked at him with genuine admiration. "You

little rascal, you really do keep surprising me."

"If you're confident about everything

up to eighth-grade... then does that mean you can already craft eighth-grade pills? That kind of skill would make you a prized guest even in top cities like Chetvine or Terror Town, never mind Gabo Creek."

Andrew simply smiled without saying anything. Since Tiana was family, he did not mind letting her know a little about his real abilities.

Soon, Tiana handed him a list of the three pills she needed. She had already gathered materials for two of them; the third one still needed Andrew's help with sourcing.

"Andrew, I don't want you to think I'm just using you because I'm your mother-in-law," Tiana said, sounding a little embarrassed. "Once I break through to the Martial King level, I'll be yours to command-you can use me however you want..."

The moment the words left her mouth, Tiana regretted it. 'Damn it, what kind of nonsense am I spouting?'

She had always been sharp-tongued and composed, the type of woman who never lost her cool. But somehow, around Andrew, she kept slipping up.noveldrama

Luckily, Andrew simply ignored the hidden suggestiveness in her words and agreed to everything calmly. After all, if he wanted to marry Lauren, there was no way he could just take without giving.

"Mrs. Rhodes, if there's nothing else, I'll head back now," Andrew said with a small smile.