"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.
"So, you're saying you're the hero who will take me down?" Ashton asked as he flicked his fingers nonchalantly.Dorian sneered. "If you're willing to come back to Medicine Valley with me, face our elders and our valley master, and confess your dealings with Wilder Huntsville, I might spare your life. It's your first offense, and you're still young."Ashton's response was laced with mockery. "Nice plan. But let me guess, I'd also have to give up all my pills, recipes, and the treasures I possess, right?"At that moment, Rowena, who had been quietly observing, stepped forward. "The pills and recipes you hold are stolen, aren't they? We will keep them safe and return them to their rightful owners once we've found them."Ashton nearly burst into laughter. "You expect anyone to buy that?"Rowena did not miss a beat. "Why wouldn't they? The entire martial arts community recognizes Medicine Valley for our fairness and honesty!"Everyone exchanged knowing looks; they bit back their laugh
Ashton remained seated, unmoved. A slight smile played on his lips, his face a mask of calm without a hint of fear.Rowena watched and mentally shook her head. 'Some people just don't know when to quit. He's clearly in deep trouble, yet he's putting on a brave face. But acting cool won't change the fact that he's about to become our captive. And the more arrogant he is now, the harder he will fall. Everyone's just itching to see him knocked down a peg.'"This murderer has slain one of our brothers, an unforgivable act that demands the harshest punishment. The Octa Diagram Sect of Eldrith Vale insists on being part of the judgment.""Our elder fell to his treachery just last night. The Praying Mantis Sect demands a seat at the trial.""And let's not forget about the Heptaraid Sect.""Master Dorian, tell us, and we'll strike. If we are united, we will hold enough sway that even the lord of Soho Manor will think twice before crossing us."The gathered crowd turned their eyes to Dori