"They are just a group of sewer rats trying to sneak up on me. Do you think they will admit to robbing me tomorrow in Soho Manor?"Catelyn was silent for a while.Most of that was a dumb loss due to those hypocrites. If they admitted it, their sects would suffer, and they would be mocked for killing themselves while trying to rob Ashton.Ashton could visit Soho Manor the next day without being targeted. Of course, everything was uncertain."Well, anyway, my task is just to be a guide. It doesn't matter." Catelyn shrugged.She parted ways with Ashton at the restaurant entrance.Secoya was still in shock tonight; Catelyn had to send her back to school.In Whyte's car, the three were in shock and had not recovered for a long time. Finally, Secoya spoke first."Catelyn.""If you can forget about tonight, forget it. It doesn't have much to do with you. There is a high probability that you will not encounter similar things in the future." Catelyn knew what she wanted to say.After
Catelyn's cheeks flamed with color. "Well, if you say so…"Ashton's lips curled into a mischievous grin. "If this is your idea of a seduction ploy, does that mean you're at my mercy now?"Catelyn's heart raced with anxiety. "What are you planning to do?""Oh, nothing too wild. Maybe book a hotel room for some fun experiments." Ashton chuckled."In your dreams!" Catelyn's face went ghostly white."Look at you. You're not even savvy enough for the basics, yet you're trying to play the seductress. It takes more than a costume change and a pretty pose to make that work." Ashton teased casually.Catelyn looked down, her face a battleground of emotions. She seemed to steel herself, her lips pressed into a thin line. "Fine, I'll play along with your little game. Let's go to that room and get this experiment started."She buried her face in her hands; her cheeks burned so hot she thought they might drip with shame.To her surprise, Ashton's interest waned. He laughed and turned away, w
"What's your problem, kid? I'm here to make an honest trade, don't snub a helping hand."The scrawny man slammed the black case, spilling a thick wad of bills.The crowd grinned at the money, eager for the show.Blackwolf, the fool, had made a little cash overseas, and he was finally too big for his boots. Did he think money could solve everything at the martial arts trade fair?The banner was clear for all to see—they were only interested in those 500 to 1000-year-old ancient medicines. Some had already made the mistake of not knowing, and some remained clueless a day later.Someone decided to clue him in."Blackwolf, get your facts straight. They're after ancient medicine. Your petty cash is not going to cut it."Blackwolf snorted with laughter as if he had heard the best joke ever. "Ancient medicine? Really? You buy that? In business, you haggle. You don't just accept the first price. Those ancient medicines are the crown jewels. One can save your life, and two can get you a
Rowen's expression shifted quickly. "What are you implying, Mister Levin? I'm lost. Is the treasure not to your liking?"Before Rowen could say more, a fierce wind slammed into him and knocked him to the ground in terror."What's your game? Soho Manor is a no-fight zone. You're breaking the rules!" Rowen yelled.Ashton was unfazed as he sat calmly and gave Alex a grim command. "Take him out."Alex loomed large. His step caused the ground to quake. He reached for Rowen, but the man was not about to go down without a fight."You've gone too far!"With a grimace, Rowen drew a pellet drum from his chest, its odd scent wafting through the air. It was painted with a demonic face in red—one side weeping, the other laughing.As he rattled the drum, a wave of pain crashed through everyone's skulls. It was like their brains were trying to burst free."It's a mind blast! He's one of Wilder Huntsville's goons!"They clutched their heads; their eyes bulged with agony.Ashton flashed a wic
Rowena's expression hardened momentarily before she forced a smile. "What are you getting at, Mister Levin?"Ashton let out a soft laugh. "Oh, nothing. Just struck by a sudden, intriguing thought."Ashton pulled out a drum with a ghostly face painted on it. It gave off a weird scent and looked like it was crafted from human skin, with an eerie charm that was almost hypnotic.It was the same as Rowen's drum from earlier.Rowena's face shifted ever so slightly at the sight of it, her hand snuck behind her to grip something hidden."I snagged this drum off a cultivator who tried to rough me up last night," Ashton said, his voice calm. "The funny thing is, the guy also had a token marked with the symbol for medicine. I did a little digging, and it turns out that it's a keepsake only folks from the Medicine Valley are supposed to have." He pulled out a token and placed it next to the drum for all to see.The air turned thick with tension, and the eager crowd looked dead serious.Asht
Rowena was seething as she watched him, so serene and untroubled. If the scandal broke, it would not just be her downfall; her master and Medicine Valley would be dragged down with her. She would become the ultimate villain.Ashton faced her with a relaxed smile. "I have no beef with Medicine Valley, but you sent someone to steal my belongings last night, and today, your people tried to trap me. Looks like we've officially got a feud on our hands."Look, I'm all about fairness. Just hand over five 500-year-old and one 1000-year-old ancient medicines, and I'll forget all about this mess. Plus, I won't pry into this whole Wilder Huntsville business. Trust me, it's a fair trade for you."Rowena could not help but laugh at that. "I've seen some bold demands in my time, this? Sorry, but granting your wish is beyond my power. Besides, we're not here to discuss whether Medicine Valley owes you anything. We're here to talk about the steep price you'll pay for spreading lies about us!"Asht
"Uh, Mister Levin, I've got this other awesome thing. It's supposed to be a gem from a scepter that belonged to some old-time elder. It once went for like 30 million at a fancy auction abroad. Check it out."Out of nowhere, Yellowscar took out a huge, beat-up red gem—it was as big as half a fist."Hmm?" Ashton zeroed in on it. He frowned as he looked at the gem.He could feel a weird energy from it. It was different from anything else he had ever seen.It was almost as pure as a lightning crystal he had snagged at another auction, but the vibes differed. If the lightning crystal was pristine, the red ruby gave off spooky, curse-like vibes.No matter what kind of mojo it had, Ashton knew it was a keeper—a real game-changer for when things got tough."I'll take the red gem," Ashton said. He did not want to rip him off, so he said, "Three Revitalix Pills for you. Take these; you'll beef up your power and hit the big leagues of inner strength in three months."Besides that, the Revi
"He actually showed up?""Wow, I thought that lady was stalling. I never imagined she'd bring a Medicine Valley elder here. That's someone who practices the mystic arts at a high level. We might be in for some real trouble today, the kind where a couple of casualties won't cut it."The estate buzzed with noise, then fell eerily silent.Only a few whispers of astonishment lingered."It's Dorian! He's a renowned sorcerer, even from 20 years ago. He challenged Caelus on Harbor Island; their magical duel lasted a day and a night with no victor. He's a living legend in the mystic arts. Now, his powers are likely even more profound. Without tapping into the essence of the land itself, even Caelus might not stand a chance against him."After the last of the onlookers left, an elder with cloud-like white hair entered the manor. Attendants flanked him, and a welcoming committee greeted him quickly to avoid disrespect.He strode down the path, and the crowd parted like the sea before him.