Ch. 961..970

Chapter 961

Madelyn did not feel threatened by James.She would have killed him the moment she arrived in Cansington if not for the Candens' declaration that they were protecting James and would make enemies of anyone who harmed him.

In order to deal with James and ensure that their plans were executed smoothly, she sought the help of a disciple from the Medical Valley.

In terms of medical skills, the Medical Valley was second to none.

However, they had always operated in secrecy and not many outsiders knew of their existence.

James would never win against the Medical Valley disciple.

"Okay, you’re dismissed."

Madelyn waved her attendant away.

"Alright."

The young man nodded respectfully and left the room.

Medical Street.

In front of Century Hospital.

A large crowd had gathered in front of the hospital.

Doctors from Medical Street, onlookers, and even media reporters were present to broadcast the event.

Jonathan and his group were not in a hurry.

They patiently waited for James to appear.

At the same time, they were also waiting for Medical Valley’s disciple to arrive.

Outsiders might never have heard of Medical Valley, but Jonathan was intimately familiar with them.

He and Lucas were both disciples in Medical Valley.

Actually, to call them disciples would be a disservice to the actual disciples that worked for the Medical Valley.

They were simply errand boys that collected medical herbs for the disciples themselves.

Despite their lowly stations, they were able to learn countless impressive medical techniques.

Last time, they went up against James alone.

Now, they had the help of Medical Valley’s disciple.

Even though James’ medical skills were unmatched, he would never be able to win against one of them.

Time passed by slowly.

In the blink of an eye, more than half an hour elapsed but James was still nowhere to be seen.

The doctors at Century Hospital began to worry among themselves.

They looked at Thea and Moses, asking with troubled expressions, "Ms.Thea, will James be arriving soon?"

Thea pulled out her phone and checked the time.

More than 30 minutes had passed.She quickly dialed James' number and asked, "Honey, where are you? Why aren’t you here yet?"

"There was a car accident, and it’s causing a really bad traffic jam.I don’t think it’s clear up any time soon."

James' flustered voice responded through the phone.

"Hurry!"

Thea pleaded anxiously.

"Yes, I’m trying."

After James finished speaking, he hung up the phone.

Thea looked at the doctors and tried to calm them down.

"Don’t worry, he is on his way.He got caught in traffic.He just needs some more time."

After hearing Thea’s reassurance, everyone sighed in relief.

Meanwhile, Jonathan still wore a confident expression.

Before they knew it, another half an hour had passed and everyone had waited an entire hour for James to show up to no avail.

Under the anxious gazes of the public, Jonathan stood up and turned to everyone standing around Century Hospital.

He sneered mockingly at them, "Thea, an hour has passed.Why isn’t James here yet? Did our presence scare him off?"

"Hmph."

Thea snorted.

"He is on the way."

"Hahaha!"

Jonathan laughed out loud.

"where on earth is he traveling from for him to take this long? Just admit that he’s scared, and I won’t make it hard for you guys.I only ask you to shut down the hospital, and as for your doctors..."

He looked at the doctors and licked his lips.

"As long as you join Universal Hospital, I'll allow you to continue practicing medicine.Otherwise, I’ll be taking your medical license too!"

"Jonathan, you’re crazy.Who do you think you are to take away our medical license?"

"That’s right! You think too highly of yourself!"

"As long as I have my doctor’s license, I can practice anywhere I want!"

The doctors at Century Hospital began to yell back at him.Some doctors among the crowd also cursed out at him.

Chapter 962

Jonathan smiled smugly.

"Soon, I’ll establish a National Doctor’s Association that will replace the current Doctor’s Association.I'll implement a rule that says only doctors that have obtained a certificate from our association will be able to practice medicine.Anyone else would be practicing illegally and can be persecuted by the law as such"

"Who do you think you are to make such a decision?"

"You’re insane!"

Everyone looked at him disdainfully.

Only Thea believed in Jonathan's threats.

With the people he had backing him, it would not be hard for him to set up a National Doctor’s Association.

"Why isn’t he here yet...?"

Thea looked into the distance anxiously.

Her hands were clammy.

Unfortunately, James was still nowhere to be seen.

"I'll ask you one more time, Thea.Are you going to accept the challenge?"

Jonathan asked menacingly.

The Callahans were not skilled in medicine.

Faced with a talented doctor like Jonathan, there was nothing they could do, so they simply held their tongues.

They all looked at Thea, waiting for her to act on their behalf.

"Of course, we’re going to accept! Why wouldn’t we?"

Thea bravely responded to his provocations.She glared at Jonathan and said coldly, "Since you’ve specifically come to challenge us, Century Hospital will not back down.If we lose, I'll admit defeat and close down our hospital."

Thea knew that James was on the way and had full trust in his medical capabilities.

Jonathan would tumble like a house of cards before him.

Everything about Thea oozed with the confidence that James would win.

""Where’s James? You can’t possibly be expecting this group of quack doctors to compete against me, right?"

Jonathan glanced condescendingly at the doctors standing in front of Century Hospital.

They were doctors that have practiced for decades and had multiple accolades.

None of them there were undeserving of their acclaim and reputation.

These doctors’ were infuriated after being called quacks, but they could not find the words to deny him.

However, it did not them from getting more and more resentful.

All of them wanted so dearly to tear Jonathan to pieces.

Thea said, "Since you’re here to evict us from Medical Street, every doctor in our hospital is qualified to compete with you.Nothing is certain until after the competition."

Thea shifted her indignant gaze from Jonathan and turned to the doctors behind her.

She whispered, "James is stuck in traffic right now.With so many media reporters here, we can’t afford to look like we submit to them.Even if we aren’t a match for Jonathan, we must still show some fighting spirit.We need someone to compete against him to buy some time."

"I'll take you on, Jonathan!"

Bjorn stepped forward and accepted the challenge.His medical skills were also among the best in the country.

For decades, only Jay's abilities surpassed him.

The only other person he had lost to was Jonathan in the last medical conference.

Since they needed to stall for time, he did not hesitate to take on the challenge.

Even if he meant losing once again in public.

"Alright."

Jonathan laughed derisively and said, "Bjorn, are you sure about this? This isn’t anormal competition.You'll literally be putting your life on the line.Are you sure you want to do it?"

Jonathan’s statement took Bjorn by surprise.

Putting his life on the line? Truthfully, Bjorn was frightened.He froze in place and remained silent for a long time.

"Do you accept the challenge, Bjorn?" Jonathan asked once again.

Then, he warned ominously, "If you accept it, sign an agreement that you will not hold the other party liable if you succumb to the poison during this duel."

Hearing the conditions, the onlookers gasped in horror.

The consequences of losing were heavy.

No one would dare throw away their lives just to buy time.

Thea’s eyes also widened.She never expected Jonathan to challenge people to a duel to the death.

Bjorn’s silence told Thea all she needed to know.He was terrified.

Terrified of dying in vain.

"l do it."

Thea stepped forward and looked at Jonathan.

The eyes that gazed at him were full of determination.

"We’re putting our lives on the line, right? Fine, I'll accept the challenge."

Her words caused a huge stir in the crowd.

Everyone present was shocked that Thea accepted Jonathan’s challenge.

Despite everyone’s surprise, Thea was confident.

She was a third-rank grandmaster and could use True Energy to suppress the poison from spreading throughout her body until James arrived.

Chapter 963

Everyone’s eyes were fixed on Thea.

Jonathan was a talented doctor, so no one expected Thea, who lacked medical skills, to accept his deadly challenge.

On top of that, her life would be at stake in this duel.

"You?"

Jonathan looked at Thea doubtfully.

Soon, as smile crept on his face.

"Okay, bring me a pen and paper.We'll have this in black and white."

A subordinate quickly approached him, and handed him a pen and a piece of paper.

Thea and Jonathan found a seat among the numerous chairs and tables outside the hospital and sat down.

She took the pen and paper handed over by Jonathan.

Raising her hand, she quickly scribbled an agreement to put her life on the line in this competition and sealed the agreement with her thumbprint.

She casually threw the pen aside and looked at Jonathan grinning like a Cheshire cat right before her.

"Your turn."

Thea gestured to him.

Without any hesitation, Jonathan also signed the agreement.

Wanting to get down to business, Thea looked him in the eye and asked.

"What are the rules?"

Jonathan smiled and said, "We'll use the same rules as before during the medical conference.We'll have to concoct a poison.This time, there will be no assistant to consume the poison.You'll have to take it yourself.Additionally, we won’t be preparing an antidote for each other.Our survival will depend solely on our own capabilities."

"Alright."

Thea did not back down.

Even if she had no understanding of medicine nor knew how to concoct poison, she firmly believed that she would be able to withstand the poison.

She stood up and instructed the attendants, "Prepare the herbs."

Century had developed into a large-scale hospital with a complete range of medicinal herbs.

After she gave the order, the doctors of Century Hospital quickly prepared thousands of herbs in just ten minutes.

The path in front of Century hospital was wide and thus a perfect venue for this competition.

An area outside had been vacated.

Tables and chairs were set up with several boxes of medical herbs.

Thea looked at Jonathan and gestured to the tables.

"You're older than me.You can have the first go."

Jonathan was slightly put off by Thea’s confidence.

Why was this young woman so confident? Did she learn medical skills during the time he hadn’t seen her? He shook his head thinking that she could not have mastered medical skills in such a short time.

It would take many decades to master the medical skills needed for this contest.He smirked and began to concoct his poison.

Meanwhile, Thea remained motionless.

"What is Thea doing?"

"Why isn’t she starting yet?"

Onlookers pointed and murmured, unsure of what Thea was planning to do.

Gladys walked toward Thea and grasped her arm worriedly.

"What’re you doing, Thea? You might lose your life here.Hurry up and just admit defeat.It’s better to forfeit than to lose your life."

She had watched the live broadcast of the last medical conference.

Jonathan was talented in medicine and had defeated countless famous doctors.

Meanwhile, Thea’s medical skills were practically non-existent.

Thea would be digging her grave by insisting on the duel against Jonathan.

The other Callahans walked over to her and started pleading with her.

Lex also tried to persuade her, "Thea, don’t act recklessly.It’s better to lose the hospital than die in vain."

David looked at her doubtfully.

"Thea, did you secretly learn how to practice medicine?"

Thea’s face clouded over with doubt and fear.She had no medical skills at all.

The only reason she did this was cause there was no choice.

They were in a generation where the media controlled the world.

With so many media reporters present, she could not act timidly.

Otherwise, they would make indiscriminate reports, then the reputation they’ve built until now would be completely ruined.She was stalling until James arrived.

Century Hospital’s doctors went silent.

Neither of them had the confidence or courage to take on Jonathan in a duel to the death.

They feared they would be unable to create an antidote to his poison.

Chapter 964

As the Callahans attempted to dissuade Thea, she waved away their concerns and spoke with conviction, "Don’t worry, guys.I’ll be fine.James will be here soon.I just need to stall for some time."

She tried her best to convince them that she was fine and took out her phone once again to get an update from James.

"Honey, are you still stuck in traffic?"

James’ voice was slightly agitated as he answered the phone.

"I just got out of the car.The road is completely blocked.I'll have to walk to somewhere traffic- free and find another ride.I should arrive in another thirty minutes.What's the situation on your side?"

"I've agreed to Jonathan’s challenge.The rules are the same as the last medical conference..."

Thea explained the situation to James.

"You fool!"

James reprimanded her, "Don't you know who Jonathan is? His medical skills are one of the best in this world.Even Jay couldn’t hold a candle against him! How in the world are you confident that you won’t end up dead after you do this? I know you’re trying to buy some time but this is too reckless!"

"Don’t worry, Honey.I can use True Energy to suppress the poison," Thea said in a hushed tone.

She was trying to be careful not to reveal her hidden weapon to the enemy.

"That still doesn’t make it okay! Just wait for me and don’t do anything stupid! I’m coming as fast as I can!"

James hung up and started running.

Meanwhile, on Medical Street...

Jonathan swiftly prepared the poison.

In just ten minutes, he had already finished concocting his poison.

Due to the limited herbs available, he could not concoct an incurable poison.

However, he believed it would be more than enough to take down Thea, who lacked medical skills.

After completing his poison, he looked at Thea with a sarcastic grin.

"Why haven’t you started, Thea?"

Thea answered him frostily, "I don’t need to prepare a poison.Wouldn’t it be my victory if I consumed your poison and managed to neutralize it? In that case, do you and your men agree to leave Century Hospital alone if I win?"

"Yes," Jonathan said wryly, "If you’re somehow able to neutralize it, then I will accept it as my loss.Naturally, I'll leave with my people and no longer pester Century Hospital."

"Alright.Hand it over then."

Thea stretched out her hand.

Jonathan handed over his poison in the form of fine powder.

Thea poured a glass of water and sprinkled the poison into the water without any hesitation.

The clear water immediately turned pitch black the moment it came into contact with the powder.

Many onlookers were aghast and subconsciously backed away when they witnessed the sight.

The Callahans had their hearts in their throats.

Gladys quickly pulled Thea aside and again tried to talk her out of participating, "Thea, you can’t drink that!"

Lex also spoke up to stop her.

"Don’t drink it, Thea.That'll most certainly kill you."

Jonathan sneered at the sight of Thea’s family trying to dissuade her.

"Go ahead, Thea.If you’re too afraid, there’s always the option of throwing in the towel and losing your hospital.So, what will it be?"

Thea looked Jonathan in the eye, picked up the glass, and downed the whole glass in a single go.

The Callahans’ faces all went as white as a sheet.

Lex yelled in alarm, "Quick, somebody! Call an ambulance."

"Grandpa, calm down.I’m perfectly fine."

Thea raised her arms slightly and smiled at them as proof of her condition.

Although she was not completely proficient in using her True Energy, she was still a grandmaster of the third rank.

Using True Energy to prevent the spread of the poison to other parts of her body and suppress its effects was something even Thea could manage.

Moreover, if she tried hard enough, she could forcibly expel the poison from her body.

However, none of this was as simple as it sounded.

Jonathan cackled smugly and said, "Thea, the poison will spread throughout your body and kill you within mere minutes.Even God won't be able to save you."

Thea ignored him and simply sat down.

Time ticked away.

Second by second.

In a flash, five minutes had already passed.

"What's going on?"

"How is Thea still okay? There doesn’t seem to be anything wrong with her."

"Yeah, her complexion hasn’t changed one bit.She doesn't look to be poisoned at all."

"Was Jonathan’s poison a dud?"

The onlookers murmured in amazement as they exchanged doubtful kooks with one another.

Jonathan was dumbfounded when he saw that Thea still had not succumbed to the poison.

He muttered, "This shouldn’t be happening.A few minutes have passed, but why is she still alive and breathing?"

Chapter 965

Thea drank the poison but seemed to be entirely unaffected.

The crowd was perplexed.

Even Jonathan was baffled by what was happening.

He was so sure that his poison was extremely lethal and would kill anyone in a few minutes.

A media reporter stepped forward and pointed a camera at Thea, getting a close-up frame of her face.

Thea stood up and looked at Jonathan, who was tapping his feet and fidgeting nervously.

She gave him a satisfied smile.

"What do you have to say, Jonathan? I consumed the poison you made, but nothing seems to be happening.At this rate, is there really anything to even neutralize? Are you sure you haven't gotten worse over time? Did you concoct your poison wrongly?"

Thea mocked Jonathan and humiliated him for everyone to see.She turned to the media reporter and said, "The reporters are broadcasting everything.Everyone had witnessed me consuming the poison concocted by Jonathan, the head doctor of Universal Hospital.Yet, I remain hale and healthy.In accordance to the terms we agreed upon before starting, this means that Universal Hospital has lost."

"You must’ve cheated!"

Jonathan pointed at Thea and shouted lividly, "You didn’t actually drink the poison! You must’ve swapped it out."

"Are you an idiot?"

Before Thea could open her mouth to reply, Gladys stepped forward and began lambasting him.

"Haven’t you lived long enough, you senile old fool? Why are you out here issuing challenges to others? You should've stayed home and enjoyed your golden years.How dare you accuse Thea of being dishonest when there are so many witnesses present?"

"That’s right! Or are you just admitting to everyone what a sore loser you are?"

David’s wife, Alyssa, looked at him contemptuously.

Tommy also pointed his finger at Jonathan and his team as he cussed them out.

"You b*stards from Universal Hospital should just get lost! Stay away from our family’s hospital!"

He arrogantly swung his fist in the air, trying to intimidate Jonathan and his men.

After confirming that Thea was fine, the Callahans started to loudly condemn Jonathan’s party.

Jonathan’s face twisted in anger.He could not understand how Thea was still healthy after consuming the poison.

Instead of leaving, he sat and waited patiently.He wanted to see his poison take effect.

Surely it was but a matter of time before it kicked in.

Unfortunately, another minute passed, and his wish did not come true.Her face was rosy and full of energy, showing no signs of having been poisoned.

"What's wrong? Are you going back on your word?"

Thea’s face darkened threateningly.

In a mocking voice, she addressed him again.

"Or are you unconvinced? Do you want to go for another round?"

Jonathan glared at Thea.His eyes were bloodshot and radiating anger.

"You may be clever, Thea, but this isn’t over.I'll be back."

After leaving his threats, he left shamefully with the people of Universal Hospital.

"Get lost!"

"Pfft! How shameful!"

"You can’t even prepare a proper poison and yet you want to compete with James? You’re lucky he isn’t here yet, or he’d wipe the floor with your body."

The crowd heckled and jeered at him.

Thea stood up, looked at the crowd, and said in a clear, authoritative voice, "Alright.Show’s over.Everyone can leave now."

"Could I trouble you for an interview, Ms.Thea?"

A reporter stepped forward and made a request.

Thea hesitated for a while and nodded eventually.It was an opportunity to increase the Callahans’ renown.

"Go ahead if you have any questions."

The female reporter held up a microphone to Thea and asked, "This morning, the sudden withdrawal of major industry leaders took us by surprise.On top of that, Universal Hospital stormed the streets and attempted to cause conflict with other clinics and hospitals.Is there a connection between these two events? Also, isn't Universal Hospital under Centennial Corporation?"

Thea nodded and said, "You’re not wrong.Universal Hospital is under Centennial Corporation.Although I don't know how Centennial Corporation acquired so many major corporations in such a short period of time, I’m quite certain that they employed illegal means."

Suddenly, Thea paused.Then, she continued.

"Just this morning, the Callahans were also threatened by Centennial Corporation.They were trying to force us to disband Eternality and withdraw from the pharmaceutical industry.Otherwise, they threatened to use unscrupulous means to interfere with Eternality to impede our operations."

"As the chairman of Eternality, I would like to make a clear statement in response to Centennial Corporation’s threats.Eternality will never compromise or bow down to evil forces!"

Thea declared loudly.Her words caused an uproar.

At the same time, people were shocked by Centennial Corporation’s power.

Chapter 966

Another reporter stepped forward and stood in front of Thea.

"Ms.Thea, what evidence do you have to support your claims? You could face legal charges for slandering them."

"I don’t have any evidence.I simply explained what Centennial tried to do to the Callahans this morning.I know that they're likely going to take revenge, but we’re not scared."

After she finished speaking, Thea turned around and entered the hospital.It was getting really hard to suppress the poison at this point.

The simple act of standing was already taking its toll on her.

Thea had no choice but to forcefully expel the poison from her body as soon as possible.She quickly rushed into the hospital, went up to the office on the second floor, and locked the door.

Then, she began to circulate her energy to get rid of the poison.

In her panicked state, Thea made a mistake as soon as she began.She almost lost control of her True Energy.

This in turn allowed the toxin to spread rapidly throughout her bloodstream.Her expression darkened as she started perspiring all over.

Gritting her teeth, Thea knew she had to act quickly and attempted to use her True Energy to force out the poison.

However, because she was so rattled, she continuously made mistake after mistake.

Outside the hospital...

The reporters were still swarming around the entrance of the hospital.

Trying to take charge of the situation, Lex stepped forward and accepted the numerous requests for interviews in Thea’s stead.

He publicly shared about the Callahans’ dilemma and pledged never to bow down to underhanded tactics employed by Centennial Corporation.His goal was to get the media's attention.

Meanwhile, James was still rushing to the hospital.

By the time he arrived, Jonathan was already long gone and the reporters were already dispersing.

Only a few onlookers were still loitering outside Century Hospital.

James walked over to the Callahans and asked urgently, "Where’s Thea?"

David pointed to the hospital behind them and said, "She went inside."

James did not say another word and dashed into the hospital.He grabbed someone on the way and asked about Thea's whereabouts.

After getting further details, he quickly headed to the second-floor office.

Upon arriving at the office, James knocked on the door.

"W-Who is it...?"

A feeble voice leaked from inside the room.

"It’s me."

Thea breathed a sigh of relief the moment she heard James’ voice.She had been trying to use her True Energy to suppress the poison’s effects but made a few mistakes while removing it since she was still inexperienced.

As a result, the poison began to spread throughout her body.

In stark contrast to earlier, her skin no longer had its natural complexion.

Instead, it was ashy and clammy.

Thea was in a horrible state.She stood up to open the door, but her strength failed her and she ended up crashing to the floor.

James heard the sound of something falling behind the door.He felt his heart sink into his chest.

Fueled by the urgency of the situation, he quickly kicked the door open.

James rushed into the room.He immediately noticed Thea, who was laying listlessly on the ground.

James rushed over and gently held her up.

"Thea..."

Thankfully, Thea was still conscious and was able to respond to his voice.

The comers of her lips lifted into her best attempt at a smile as she opened her mouth to respond to him.

"H-Honey, I didn’t embarrass you this time.I..."

"Stop speaking."

James quickly interrupted her and laid her on the sofa.

Taking her wrist, he checked her pulse.It did not take him long to get the full picture on Thea's physical condition.

Suddenly, a wire slipped out of his sleeve and disintegrated into countless needles.

James quickly stripped off Thea's clothes in his hurry to treat her.

She lay completely naked before him.

However, James did not have the luxury to appreciate her attractive figure.He picked up the silver needles and transfused his energy into them.He then methodically inserted them into Thea’s body to expel the poison she had ingested.

Chapter 967

After a short while, Thea felt a warm and comfortable energy spreading throughout her body.

The warmth seemed to come from the points where James had placed his needles.

James carefully inserted energy-infused needles into her body.

In an instant, there were already seven placed in various places on Thea’s body.

After the eight needles, his True Energy was almost spent.

With this technique, a portion of the poison in Thea’s body had been successfully expelled.

However, there was a limit to using Crucifier this way.

Thus, James could not completely eliminate all the poison in Thea’s body.

"Wait a while, Thea.I'll go get some acupuncture needles."

"Alright."

Thea was lying on the sofa.She felt much better and was relieved that she was not going to die.

James hurried off to get some acupuncture needles and returned to the office just as quickly.

Then, he closed the door and started using acupuncture needles to expel the rest of the inside Thea.

Within a few minutes, Thea’s body was completely clear of the poison that plagued it. After regaining her strength, Thea quickly picked up her clothes and got dressed.

James immediately started chastising her, "That was completely irresponsible of you! I already told you not to act impulsively.You wouldn’t have made it if I were even a few minutes late!"

"I-I didn’t have the time to think of something else.I thought I could suppress the poison in my body and expel it.I made a mistake while circulating which caused the poison to spread normally.The poison then made its way through my body.I was flustered because of the stress of the situation and lost complete control over the poison."

Thea lowered her head and sulked like a child who had been caught doing something wrong.

James did not further berate her for her actions.

Fortunately this time, nothing had happened.

"Don’t ever act so recklessly again.You're not always going to be this lucky.I can’t save you every time."

"Okay," Thea murmured dejectedly.

"By the way, do you know have any idea where Quincy is?" James asked Thea about Quincy’s whereabouts yet again.

The current situation was looking rather dire.

Not only that, he was naturally not business savvy.

Thus, he could not step up and take charge of Messiah even if he wanted to.He needed Quincy’s help to manage the company.

Thea lowered her head dispiritedly.She was not expecting James to still long for Quincy.

Thea was aware of Messiah Corporation's situation.

With so many unexpected incidents, someone capable was needed to keep the company afloat in hard times.She looked at James and said firmly as she put her hand on her chest, "Honey, I can do it.I’m just as good as Quincy.If you give me a chance, I'll surely be able to save Messiah."

"Thea, this isn’t a garne we're talking about here."

James took a deep breath and pinched the bridge of his nose in exasperation.

"There isn’t enough time for you to learn to manage the company.There isn’t any room for mistakes right now.One wrong move and we’re doomed.I hope you can think of the big picture and stop acting so petulantly.Things are bigger than your discomfort against other women."

"But I’m not trying to be childish!!!"

"Then tell me where Quincy is.I need to bring her back.She’s the one who established Messiah, and the company is locked ina stalemate without her authority.Scarlett’s ability is limited, and she won’t be able to care for the company alone," James said grimly.

Thea fell into silence.

The last thing she wanted at this moment was for Quincy to show up.

Thea believed she could help him.

However, James was not convinced her words contained anything other than empty promises.

James reached out and put his hands on Thea’s shoulders.

He looked her straight in the eye and said, "Thea, you've been with my grandfather for some time, so you should know what happened a hundred years ago and why Centennial Corporation exists today.They’re trying to accomplish what they couldn’t a hundred years ago.Do you know the consequences if they’re able to successfully use Gu to control the world?"

Thea did hear Thomas mention something about it before.

"I really don’t know where Quincy and Tiara are.Believe me, James! I’ll inquire with the Four Great Protectors and give you an answer tonight," Thea raised her head and replied.

"Alright."

James drew in a sharp breath.It was plain to see that Thea knew where Quincy and Tiara was and was only trying to back up her previous lies.

Chapter 968

"W-Wait, what about Universal Hospital? I managed to beat Jonathan this time, but he said that this wasn’t over and that he’d be back for revenge,"

Thea tugged at James’ sleeve worriedly.

James’ face darkened.

"These people sure like stirring the pot...If the situation gets dire and they continue using dirty tactics, we'll have to just beat them at their own game then."

"What're you planning to do, Honey? Thea frowned at him.

Then, she quickly reminded him.

"There are plenty of eyes on you right now.One wrong move, and it’s likely you'll get in a lot of trouble.It’ll be hard to get out of the mess if that happens.You should leave it to me.I'll get people from the God-King Palace to secretly dispose of Jonathan and the others."

"It’s fine.All that is none of your concern."

James shook his head and denied the suggestion.Thea was a woman.He did not want to drag her into such unsavory dealings.

"But..."

"No ifs or buts.Just trust me and don’t act on your own,"

James said authoritatively and looked Thea sternly in the eye.

"Okay..."

Thea had no choice but to let him have it his way.She knew James still did not trust her.

James noticed how crestfallen that made her and put his hand on her back.

"Thea, it’s not that I’m not confident in your abilities.I just don’t want you to get involved in dangerous stuff like this.If you really want to help me, please just get Quincy back here."

After hearing James’ explanation, Thea brightened up a little bit.She nodded and replied cheerily, "I’l] do my best."

"I also need to find a way to gather funds to compete against Centennial Corporation, so I can’t dawdle for too long.If Jonathan and the others come to make a ruckus again, just ignore them for the time being.Even if you have to shut down the hospital.Try not to get directly involved with them again.I’ll deal with them as soon as I’m able to."

Thea tried to remind him again, "Honey, you have to be careful.Sir Caden told me about the scheme from a hundred years ago.The Gu Sect are terrifying people.Even the Ancient Four were reluctant to take them on back then."

"Don’t worry.I’ll be fine."

James patted Thea’s shoulder.

"I’ll head home first, then."

Thea waved at him and left.

James also chose to not remain for too long at Century Hospital and left shortly after Thea.He headed directly to Messiah Corporation and waited for Blake’s arrival.He planned to strike a deal with Blake.

In exchange for Blake’s large reserves of wealth, he would hand over a cultivation method.

By doing so, Messiah would be able to prevail against Centennial's future attacks.

Meanwhile, at Centennial Corporation...

Although Madelyn had not taken a single step out of her office, she was fully apprised about everything happening at Medical Street.She sat in an office chair and crossed her slender legs.Her elegant fingers were rhythmically drumming on the table surface again as she let her thoughts run through her mind.

"Thea showed no signs of poisoning after consuming Jonathan’s poison...Could she possibly have cultivated True Energy and become a grandmaster? If so, chances are she used her True Energy to suppress the poison."

Madelyn slowly ran the events of the day through her head.

Picking it apart layer by layer.It was the only conclusion that could be drawn from the results of the challenge.

Madelyn immediately stood up and left the office.She wanted to meet Thea to test her skills and confirm if she had truly cultivated True Energy.

If it happened to be true, it would throw a wrench into her plans.

Currently, she knew everything there was to know about James.

James had only just learned how to cultivate True Energy.

If Thea also had True Energy, that meant James could not be her teacher.

There had to be someone else helping Thea.

Madelyn’s lips twitched with annoyance and uncertainty.

Before she formed her own opinions and drew a conclusion, she had to ensure she was right about Thea first.

Thea had left Medical Street and was on her way back home.

Along the way, she contemplated on whether to bring Quincy back to Cansington.

"Thea..."

Suddenly, a voice called out to her.

Thea snapped back to reality and turned around.

As soon as she turned, she saw a pair of white palms coming toward her.She grit her teeth and quickly raised her hand in a defensive posture.

Chapter 969

Madelyn had found Thea and called out to her.

The moment Thea turned around, Madelyn swiftly struck out with her palm.

Taken by surprise by the sudden attack, Thea quickly channeled her True Energy into her palms to defend herself.

Their palms collided.

An intense force swept toward Madelyn, pushing her several meters away.Her pretty face turned pale, and her arms felt rubbery.She hid her hands behind her back and stared at Thea.

After a few seconds, she chucked and walked over with a smile.

"Wow, Thea.You've certainly surpassed my expectations."

Thea's face tensed up as she on as Madelyn approached her.She squinted her eyes.

"Who are you?"

Madelyn said with a beguiling smile, "I’m from the Cadens.My name is Madelyn Caden.I heard Maxine speak of you before.She said you were a beauty who managed to become a grandmaster in a very short amount of time.I didn’t believe her and came to have a look for myself.

Seeing you in person, you’re way better than she had described."

Hearing that she was a Caden, Thea let out a relieved sigh.

Despite this, she still kept her guard up against Madelyn since she had mentioned Maxine’s name.

Thea held some distaste towards Maxine Caden.

Thea spoke flatly "Do you need something from me?"

"No."

Madelyn's smile never left her face.

"I just wanted to know how an ordinary person like you became a grandmaster so quickly.I asked Maxine about it, but she didn’t disclose anything to me.I’m curious."

"That's none of your business."

Thea turned around and hastened her steps as she left.

"Interesting."

Madelyn looked at Thea’s figure as she left, and a sly smile formed on her face.Thea returned to the Callahans' villa and reclined on the soft sofa.She closed her eyes as she thought deeply.

Madelyn’s sudden appearance did not arouse her suspicion in the slightest.

She was more concerned about whether to return Quincy to Cansington.She did not want Quincy back while she still had yet to remarry James.

On the subject of Quincy...

The last time she went to Majestic Corporation, she found James and Quincy almost practically naked as they passionately locked lips with each other.

If she were even a second later, the two of them would have definitely crossed a physical line with each other Thea was James’ wife but had never gotten intimate with him.

Yet Quincy...

Thea turned green with envy as she thought about this.

However, she knew the current situation was different.

James was not simply asking for Quincy back so he could have another woman by his side.He genuinely needed her help.

Help that Thea knew she could not provide herself.

Thea was stuck between a rock and a hard place.

James wanted to be a hero that saved the country and its people.

However, all Thea wanted was for him to stay by her side.

"Huff."

She sighed and pinched her temples.

After spending hours agonizing over it, she decided to let Quincy come back to Cansington.

Before that, she had to notify Thomas since he was the one who took them away.

She took out her phone and called him.

It did not take long for the other person to pick up, and an irritable voice answered the phone.

"What's the matter? Did something happen? Didn’t I tell you not to call me if there isn’t anything important?"

"Sir Caden, there’s a situation in Cansington."

Thea explained the events that shook Cansington.

"James suspects that I know where Quincy and Tiara are.He’s pressed me about the matter several times.Now that Messiah needs Quincy to manage operations, I agreed to ask the Four Great Protectors about their whereabouts.Do you think it’s possible to let them back?"

The person on the other side went silent.

After ten seconds, Thomas replied tersely.

"Okay, I'll arrange for someone to send them back to Cansington.Don’t call me again in the future.I won’t be using this number anymore."

"Okay."

Thea exhaled sharply.

Beep...Beep...Beep...

Thomas hung up the call.

Thea casually threw her phone on the table.

Shortly after, she picked it up and called James.

When he picked up, she said joyfully, "Honey, the Four Great Protectors know where Quincy and Tiara are.They’ll arrange for them to return to Cansington soon."

Chapter 970

Hearing that Quincy would return soon, James let out a sigh of relief.

Then, he replied with a smile.

"Thank you, Thea."

"Honey, you have to promise me that you won't look at any other women besides me," Thea said bitterly.

She felt threatened by Quincy.

Quincy was not only pretty but also had a good eye for business.

Most importantly, she was skilled at utilizing her charm.

Thea was scared that she’d tempt James and lose him to Quincy if she was not careful.

James cooed reassuringly, "Nonsense.I only need Quincy back to manage Messiah.It’s impossible between the two of us.If I was set on being with her, I would have agreed to do so a long time ago.There truly isn’t anything between the both of us."

Although Thea found it hard to believe that James and Quincy were completely innocent, she still felt relieved that James bothered to explain because it meant he was worried about her feelings.

She believed that as long as she worked at it, James would come to love her eventually.

"Mhm."

Thea nodded.

Then, she declared with conviction, "I'll work hard to become your most reliable support and I promise never to drag you down again!"

Thea encouraged herself, ‘I must work hard.I need to show him!"Since she could not help James manage his company, she wanted to at least be a strong ally he could rely on in battles.She was a third-rank grandmaster and had the potential to become a formidable ally if she worked on controlling her True Energy.

"That’s it! I’'m going for military training!"

Thea’s resolve shone brightly.

After exchanging a couple more words, James hung up the phone.He returned to Messiah Corporation and waited patiently.

James was waiting for the results of Jay’s investigation and Blake's arrival.

Blake did not stay in Sol but rushed back very quickly and appeared in Messiah Corporation before dusk had fallen.

"Hey, James! How’s it doing, my man?"

Blake walked into the room and laughed mirthfully.He threw his arms wide for a hug.

James waved his hand and pointed to the sofa, saying, "have a seat."

Blake plopped down casually on the sofa.

James took out a cigarette and threw another one at Blake.

Blake caught it and cocked his eyebrows, "James, what’s so urgent that you had to call me back in such a hurry?"

"What do you mean? You mean I can't just call you over here because I’m lonely and wanted someone to chat with?"

James lit his cigarette and asked jokingly.

"Oh please.You’re not that hard to figure out, bro.Anyway, just tell me what you need from me.I heard about the things happening in Cansington.Centennial Corporation must’ve changed owners.They’ve suddenly expanded extremely rapidly.Something they did must have forced your hand."

Blake got straight to business.

James’ eyes twinkled in amusement.

"As expected from the Assasin King, you've got a wide net."

Deciding to also stop beating around the bush, James looked at him.

"Do you want a cultivation method?"

"Of course."

Blake’s eyes lit up, and he grinned excitedly.

"Are you finally going to give it to me?"

James chuckled without answering him and posed him another question.

"I heard from Black Snake that your days as the Assassin King have earned you a huge fortune and you also have countless treasures buried within Sol.Is that true?"

"Yeap."

There was nothing for Blake to hide and so he answered James’ question directly.

James went straight to the point.

"I'll give you the cultivation method in exchange for all your assets."

Blake was surprised by the sudden offer.His eyes widened and he nearly dropped the cigarette in his mouth.

Shortly after, he clapped his hands together and grinned widely.

"Sure! No problem! That’s no problem at all!"

In the end, money was just a figure somewhere to Blake.

Since he controlled the Dark Castle, money was not in short supply.

However, his External Martial Arts had peaked, and he could grow any stronger as he was.

Techniques involving Internal Martial Arts were only passed down to direct descendants.

Thus, it was impossible for him to buy it, no matter how much money he had.

Asking him to trade his wealth for a cultivation method was a great bargain.

James tented his fingers and looked Blake in the eyes.

"How much do you have?"

Blake shook his head and said, "That, I’m not sure about.I probably have hundreds of billions in my overseas account.As for the assets I've hidden in Sol, they're in the form of gold and silver accessories.If converted into money, they should be worth trillions.I don’t know.I’ve hardly kept count.Hahah!"

"Woah! "

James inadvertently let out a gasp of surprise when he heard how much Blake had.

Blake was filthy rich.

James never thought that assassins made such a killing.Hot damn.