"The White family of Eldoria City?" Jason was taken aback. What a coincidence – it truly was a small world. It had to be them.Suddenly, he fixed Matt Turner with a piercing gaze, "Can you swear that everything you've said is true?""What are you implying? Do I look like someone who lies? I'm the number one young master of Central Area. Do you think I speak frivolously like those spoiled rich kids?" Matt Turner slammed the table in rage.However, not just Jason, but all the bodyguards present, including Iron Wolf and Silver Wolf, gave him strange looks."You... fine, I'll swear! May heaven strike me down if I've uttered even half a lie just now!" Matt Turner's nose nearly twisted in anger.Satisfied with this guarantee, Jason nodded with a smile and left the estate contentedly.Little did he know, as soon as he departed, Lawrence and over a dozen men rushed in carrying large speakers. The bulldozer sounds and vibrations had been simulated using these speakers – Jason had been bluffing
Instructing Lawrence to return home, Jason decided to explore the antique market further, hoping against hope that he might stumble upon another pendant. He resolved to frequent such places more often in the future. Though the odds were slim, it was better than no plan at all.However, as he rounded a corner, Jason's instincts suddenly flared to life. The once-bustling street had inexplicably emptied, reminiscent of his encounter with Steel. Had Steel returned?As if in answer to his unspoken question, a figure materialized before him. The man exuded an aura of cold arrogance, his piercing gaze fixed intently on Jason."Jason, disciple of the Martial Saint," the stranger declared.Jason's eyebrow arched in surprise. "And you are?"It was almost amusing how many titles he had accumulated without realizing it. Mr. Hill, the Gray divine physician, disciple of the Martial Saint - each far surpassing the reputation of the once-worthless Jason.He couldn't help but marvel at his own meteori
He had lowered himself to negotiate, even offering the East District, and this wretch still failed to recognize his generosity? Did he truly believe himself to be someone of importance?"I'll give you one final warning," Lotus Thirteen said, his neck muscles tensing as his eyes flashed dangerously. "Hand over the jade pendant willingly, and you might just... survive this encounter."But Jason's response was cool and measured. "How interesting. Allow me to offer you a warning in return: either crawl back to the Black Lotus Sect and tell them to cease their meddling in my affairs, or prepare to make this place your final resting ground.""You seem woefully unaware of whom you've antagonized. Take care not to bring catastrophe upon your Black Lotus Sect."A tense silence fell over the alley.Lotus Thirteen's face contorted with rage, his muscles twitching as he struggled to contain his fury. "Arrogant fool! You dare provoke the Black Lotus Sect? You overestimate your worth, you mongrel.
But when Jason looked up, Lotus Thirteen had vanished, having abandoned his fallen guards to cover his escape. So much for the arrogance he had displayed earlier, Jason thought with a derisive snort.As the adrenaline of battle faded, Jason pondered Lotus Thirteen's words about spiritual energy. Was this warm, powerful force coursing through him the result of the mysterious incantation?He had long suspected as much.Spiritual energy, an esoteric concept, was the domain of only the most formidable martial artists. It allowed for unprecedented control and amplification of one's strength, elevating one's abilities to extraordinary heights.Those who could harness spiritual energy were invariably powerful, as it represented the very essence and pinnacle of martial arts mastery!Jason exhaled deeply, feeling a sense of fatigue wash over him. Glancing at the six unconscious figures on the ground, he decided to have Sean's men take them away for questioning. Perhaps they could provide some
Lawrence could have provided them with better accommodations, even a small courtyard, but Kyle insisted that such luxury might cause them to forget their roots. He continued to participate in boxing matches to earn money.Jason deeply respected Kyle's self-reliant spirit, befitting his background as a retired special forces soldier.Arriving at the sixth floor of the apartment building, Jason stumbled upon Grace Diaz engaged in a heated argument with several hostile-looking men."My son has already repaid the money he borrowed from you," Grace protested vehemently. "How can there possibly be another $10,000 outstanding? This is nothing but extortion!"She recalled the substantial medical expenses incurred during her illness, but between the compensation from Macro Vision Group, her own salary, and Kyle's earnings, they had managed to settle all their debts.These men were clearly trying to exploit them!"Spare us your excuses," sneered a corpulent man who appeared to be in charge. "It
Jason's bewilderment gave way to dawning comprehension as he recognized the rotund man as the very loan shark who had been extorting Grace Diaz moments earlier. A closer look at the "victim" writhing on the ground confirmed his suspicion—another of the man's lackeys.The pieces fell into place. This was an elaborate setup, a desperate attempt to fleece someone they perceived as wealthy. The depths of human greed never ceased to amaze.Was this the price of appearing affluent?Jason's anger gave way to a sardonic smile. His gaze locked onto the corpulent ringleader as he spoke, his voice dripping with icy contempt. "Was the usurious interest not enough to sate your greed? Or does your contract include a clause for shameless avarice?"The man flinched under Jason's piercing stare but quickly regained his bravado. "Good people!" he cried out to the crowd. "Witness this travesty! He strikes down an innocent man and then has the gall to threaten me! Where is the justice in this world?""My
What had transpired in that fleeting minute?"This... this..." Grace Diaz gaped, her face a canvas of shock. It was as if the man had undergone a complete metamorphosis.Jason, however, remained unperturbed. He cast a disdainful glance at the rotund proprietor and sneered, "Have you come to your senses? Will you confess everything, or shall I do the honors?""I'll talk! I'll divulge everything!" the portly owner shrieked, beseeching forgiveness through his tears. "I was blinded by greed, intending to swindle you out of a substantial sum. I orchestrated this charade, hiring over a dozen people as plants just moments ago to extort money from you."Stumbling to his feet, he lurched towards the man who had been wailing in feigned pain and delivered a swift kick."Cease your theatrics and rise at once! Apologize to the gentleman. Your overwrought performance didn't fool him for a second, you fraud!" He berated the man, punctuating his words with vicious kicks.Though only a minute had pass
The elderly woman appeared pleased with this response. She proclaimed imperiously, "You seem like a decent sort. Go to the Brown family residence and mention my name. They'll cover your fare - double the usual rate, in fact. Off you go."With that, she alighted from the taxi without further ado."What?" The driver was dumbfounded. Was this really happening? He stammered nervously, "Um, would it be possible for you to pay now? I run a small business, you see. We don't offer credit, even for the Brown family. Surely they wouldn't mind..."But before he could finish, the elderly woman fixed him with a withering glare and launched into a tirade. "When I tell you to go, you go! I'm offering you double the fare, and you're refusing? No wonder you'll remain impoverished your entire life. You lack both discernment and ambition, you good-for-nothing! If you don't go, you won't see a single penny."With that, she turned on her heel and strode into the gated community.The driver was left slack-