Riley remained within the Austere clan for now—and truth be told, he could afford to.
The wealth of resources he had obtained from the Black Gate Sect was not just impressive, it was enough to shake the foundations of any mid-tier power on the continent.
With such wealth, he could have easily established his own sect, gathered loyal followers, and carved out an independent force that would rise to prominence in no time.
Many had expected him to do just that. After all, wasn't that the path most ambitious cultivators took once they acquired sufficient power?
But Riley wasn't like most. He had no desire to be bound by the obligations and politics that came with power.
Building a sect, while seemingly glorious, would only serve to tether him—to create expectations, alliances, enemies, and responsibilities that would weigh him down.
And when the time came for him to ascend, those same things would act as shackles. He would be chained to this world, unable to rise freely.
