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-
The guard was about to protest further, but Jason waved him off. There was no need to quibble over this point. Let her believe what she wanted."Grandmother, let me escort you inside. Why didn't you inform us of your visit? I could have come to receive you properly," Jason offered."Hmph! As if a good-for-nothing like you would have such good intentions. I suspect you'd have preferred I never came at all!""And receive me? Who knows where you might have taken me with your ill intentions? I came straight to the doorstep so no one could hinder me," Old Mrs. Martinez declared haughtily.Jason shook his head with a wry smile. He wondered what Katherine Gonzales had told the old woman to make her so wary of them. While it was true they hadn't wished for her visit, now that she was here, how could they, as her descendants, be anything but filial?"By the way, why are you here to receive me? Where are my niece and my daughter?""Don't tell me they're avoiding me, refusing to show their faces
"Let's hear it then!" Jason inquired, his curiosity evident.Sean hastened to reply, "According to them, Lotus Thirteen recently obtained a lead regarding the jade pendant. Apparently, tomorrow at the Emerald City Auction House, the final lot - the pièce de résistance - is none other than a jade pendant. It's being touted as a Mystical Object!""Lotus Thirteen has already made preparations to acquire the jade pendant. The intel seems highly credible!""Is that so?" Jason's brow furrowed in contemplation.To be frank, this wasn't exactly good news. While they now had a lead, the pendant's appearance at an auction would inevitably draw attention to it, making it far more difficult to acquire it at a bargain price.It was akin to stumbling upon a rare find at an antique market; once recognized, it would become a prize for the highest bidder.Inevitably, there would always be those with a discerning eye."Mr. Lawrence has just had it verified. The information is accurate. Shall we join th