Ch. 2396..2400: The Secretly Rich Man Chapter 2396-2400
Chapter 2396
“You couldn’t get near him. You’re telling me, that none of you were even able to get close to him despite being extremely powerful fighters who can individually shake the world? Do you think I’m that daft?!” growled the infuriated Jaxen as he raised his palm and mobilized his essential qi, fully ready to kill!
“Wait, Patriarch!” exclaimed an old man who had silently been sitting at the side this entire time out of the blue.
Watching as Jaxen then turned to face him with a raised brow, the elder stroked his beard before adding, “After careful examination of Ian’s injuries, he seems to have been killed by an extremely strong aura blade. While it isn’t uncommon for people to learn how to form them, it’s extremely rare for someone to be able to advance to this level!”
“I agree! With that said, they’re most probably telling the truth about Gerald’s ability being beyond regular cultivators!” declared another elder.
“Then what should we do? I can’t just let things slide when Ian was killed like this! What more, I’m sure Gerald will be coming for the rest of us soon!” retorted Jaxen.
“While it’s true that we’ve found ourselves in a tricky situation, if we rush in to deal with Gerald, there’s a chance that we’ll likely die more tragically than Ian! With that said, I propose we find someone from that side…” said the Grand Elder.
“That side…? Are you… Saying we should look for some one from the Thunder Sword Sect…?” asked Jaxen in surprise.
“I am. After all, our family’s been building this huge economic structure under the orders of the Thunder Sword Sect so that they could build bases for brewing spirit tincture. With that in mind, they should help us now that our family’s in danger! Don’t think I’m overreacting either. From the severity of Ian’s wounds, I have a feeling that Gerald may be even stronger than the disciples of that sect! He really isn’t someone we can take lightly, and if we don’t get rid of him first, our heads will be off soon too!” replied the elder with a frown.
After hearing all that, Jaxen calmed down a little. When he thought back about the guards’ descriptions of Gerald’s attack, he couldn’t help but feel puzzled. After all, Jaxen had been practicing secret techniques for ages, yet he had never even heard of the moves Gerald had used…
Pleased to see that Jaxen had quieted down, the Grand Elder then placed his hands against his back before saying, “Well, I say that, but there’s no real hurry. After all, we still have Gerald’s disciple and good friend with us. I propose that we release both of them, then issue a duel with Gerald that’ll take place on the day of your birthday banquet. Naturally, we’ll be inviting several experts from the Thunder Sword Sect over to be his opponents! I’m sure Gerald won’t be able to take on all of them, no matter how strong he is!”
“That sounds like an excellent idea! You heard the Grand Elder! Get in touch with the Thunder Sword Sect. Also, let Leo and Aiden free. Once you’re done, send that boy a challenge letter and tell him to meet us at Mountain Top, the banquet’s venue, in three days!” ordered Jaxen with a firm nod.
“Right away!” declared his subordinates as they immediately took action…
Meanwhile, on an island far away from Jay City, three white haired elders donning plain clothes, could be seen sitting cross-legged and facing each other in a triangle formation. With their sword fingers pinched together, they were clearly forming a sword formation.
As they were cultivating, a child suddenly came rushing toward them, though he remained silent when he realized what they were doing. Noticing the child, one of the elders then asked, “What is it?”
“We’ve received news from the Morningstar family stating that they’re in trouble! They’re in such danger that they immediately asked for the three of you to come to their rescue!”
“They what, now?” replied another old man as all three of them opened their eyes…
Chapter 2397
“Well, it’s stated in the letter that they’re dealing with an extremely skilled boy by the name of Gerald! The boy’s so powerful that all three of you are needed!” said the child.
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Chuckling in response, one of the old men then replied, “I see. Well, we’ve mastered the sword technique anyway, so this will be a good opportunity to test it out on an ‘expert’. Hopefully the boy isn’t too weak, or using the technique will be a complete waste of energy! Tell them that we’ll go!”
Watching as the three elders shook their heads, the child simply declared, “Right away!”
Moving back to Gerald’s side, it wasn’t long before the Morningstars released Aiden and Leo, just according to plan. Naturally, Leo was utterly surprised and delighted to see Gerald, prompting him to exclaim, “Master! You’re here!”
Back when Gerald had left for Yanam in search of clues, he had sent Leo back to Mayberry City to assist Zack. Because of that, they hadn’t met in years. With that in mind, Gerald couldn’t help but reply, “You’ve truly suffered a lot after all this time…”
“That aside, after releasing us, the Morningstars returned all our previous assets as well! However, they did tell us to hand you a challenge letter…” said Aiden.
“Oh? They’re ballsy enough to challenge me to a duel?” scoffed Gerald as he helplessly shook his head while opening the letter. After reading through it, it seemed that they wanted to duel atop
Mountain Top in three days to settle things once and for all!
“The Morningstars have always been ruthless and insidious… But it’s clear that they’re simply delaying the inevitable since they know they aren’t a match for Young Master Gerald!” declared Zack.
“Hah! I’m more interested in what they think they can do in three days! Regardless, I accept their challenge! Speaking of which, have you found anything regarding what I told you to investigate, Aiden?” replied the smiling Gerald as he turned to look at Aiden.
“I did manage to find some clues, but I got captured by the Morningstars before I had the chance to look any further!”
After taking a gulp of water, Aiden then grumbled, “You see, after I returned some three months ago, I used all the resources I had to secretly begin investigating based on the picture of the divine fruit tree that you gave me. In the end, I managed to locate Professor Boyle, and he even told me that he had seen the ancient plant before! However, he had to go on a business trip then, so our meeting was delayed… Unfortunately, I was captured by the Morningstars shortly after!”
Surprised to hear that, Gerald then asked, “Professor Boyle? Who and where is he now?”
“Oh, he’s a botanist specializing in studying ancient plants. He’s very knowledgeable in that area, to the point where he was even hired by Mayberry University, about a year and a half ago, to be a professor! However, from my brief meeting with him back then, I can safely say that he seems to be rather mysterious… He’s nothing like the other professors I’ve met before!” explained Aiden.
“I see… Either way, contact him immediately,” ordered Gerald.
“Right away!” replied Aiden as he immediately began calling the professor…
Once the call ended, Aiden turned to look at Gerald before saying, “His assistant picked up. Apparently, the professor will be returning to Mayberry from his business trip tomorrow afternoon!”
“Got it. Since that’s the case… Harper… Zack… The Morningstars have already split our assets, correct? I’ll be placing you two in charge of taking over them again,” replied Gerald as he turned to look at the duo.
“Loud and clear!” declared the duo.
After a bit of reorganizing, Mayberry Commercial Street was relaunched as the business of Caffin Group in the afternoon of the very next day. As was expected, Harper was once again appointed as the general manager of the commercial street. After all, Gerald was certain that Harper who had remained loyal even after all that had happened would continue being dedicated to his work.
Regardless, it was some time past noon when a staff member entered Harper’s office before saying, “There’s a woman outside who wishes to see you, Mr. Sullivan!”
“I’ll be there in a second!” replied Harper as he placed his work down before walking out the office only to frown when he saw who the woman was.
Chapter 2398
“So, you’ve come looking for me even before I’ve come for you, Yasmin?” growled the furious Harper as he glared at Yasmin Lamer, his ex-girlfriend!
“I… I’m sorry, Harper…! What I did was absolutely horrible! But please understand that it was that man who forced me to do all that to you back then…! After getting what he wanted, that man simply snatched everything away before dumping me! With that in mind, now that you’re the boss of Mayberry Capital and the commercial street, I’m begging you to help me…!” pleaded Yasmin.
“Did you honestly think I’d ever forgive you?” scoffed Harper as he shook his head.
“I know I’ve done a lot of wrong things, but I know you still have feelings for me…! You… You wouldn’t want to see me die, would you…?” whimpered Yasmin miserably.
“What? Die?” replied Harper, stunned.
Now sobbing heavily, Yasmin meekly explained, “After robbing me of all my possessions, that man blackmailed me to hand him fifty million dollars… It’s either that or my life…! I’ve done you great injustice, so even if you don’t lend me a hand, please allow me to beg for your forgiveness before I die…!”
Watching as Yasmin began kowtowing till her forehead began bleeding, Harper’s heart eventually softened, prompting him to say, “Get up. Though it’s impossible for us to be together again, I can’t deny that we were once lovers. With that said, I’m not heartless enough to not lend a hand!”
“I T-thank you…! T-they’re now waiting for me in Tomorrow’s Tavern… ! ” whimpered Yasmin in a quivering voice.
“They’re waiting in the very pub I opened for you? Ballsy! Either way, lead me to them. I’m having a word with those b*stards!” scoffed Harper as he signaled for two bodyguards to follow him out. His lack of hesitation stemmed from the fact that the pub was within his territory.
Regardless, the second Harper left his office, Gerald who was cultivating in his office in Wayfair Mountain, couldn’t help but helplessly shake his head as he opened his eyes.
“That silly Harper… Just like me, he’s too quick to soften up to a woman’s tears… Still, I hope you soon learn that if that woman really wishes to harm you, you’ll simply continue dying to her, even if you have eight lives!”
While cultivating, Gerald had a habit of spreading his divine sense over a large area. By doing so he was able to keep an eye on his surroundings while cultivating and prevent getting ambushed. Regardless, this explained how Gerald was able to hear the conversation at the manor’s entrance.
Gerald’s train of thought was cut short when he heard Aiden knocking on the door before saying, “Brother Gerald? Someone told me that Harper’s just left with the woman who defected to the Morningstars back then! Leo knows about it too, and he’s asked if we should talk some sense into him. That aside, it’ll be great if nothing happens, but if something does, I’m sure we can still deal with the Morningstars!”
“I already know, don’t worry too much about it. Speaking of which, since you’ re already here, I’ve written down a set of cultivation techniques for you and Leo. Do hand his copy to him later. Regardless, from today onward, I want you two to start strictly cultivating according to the breathing techniques I wrote, understand?” replied Gerald.
“Huh? I… Thankyou! Once I’m done cultivating, will I be able to become a secret technique expert like those from the Morningstar family?” asked Aiden as he took the papers excitedly.
“Like I’d teach you such cheap tricks! What I’ve given you is from Uncle Zeman. With that in mind, if you cultivate diligently and undergo regenerative treatment to cleanse your flesh and bones, you may be able to join the cultivation realm and become an actual cultivator. By that point, the Morningstars will be nothing to you!” scoffed Gerald.
Chapter 2399
Moving back to Harper, he had been able to obtain the position of the commercial street’s manager under Young Master Mateo’ s leadership not only because he was a good friend of Gerald’s, but also because of his intelligence and hard work. With that in mind, Yasmin was honestly one of his few failures in life.
Regardless, he was now helping Yasmin not because he was kind hearted, but because he wanted to teach the man who had coaxed her into betraying him a lesson. After all, had it not been for that b*stard, Harper wouldn’t have had to experience the living nightmare of being sold as a slave to Ian!
Either way, when they got to the pub, Yasmin immediately led Harper to the second floor… But upon arriving, there was nobody there.
“Where are they?” asked Harper
“Oh, we’re right here, Mr. Sullivan!” declared a voice out of the blue before a group of men came rushing out of hiding!
With the entrance now blocked, a young man walked forward with a sneer, prompting Harper’s face to turn red in rage as he growled, “So it’s you, Wael Fox! Not even the Morningstars act this arrogantly anymore! What gives you the right to be this haughty?!”
Simply laughing in response, Wael then gestured for his men to surround Harper and his bodyguards before replying, “I don’t think you’re quite aware of the pickle you’re currently in, Harper. You’re the one who should be refraining from acting all arrogant! Regardless, you’ve done well, Yasmin. I initially
thought we wouldn’t be able to lure any of Gerald’s close friends out, but I’m glad you reminded me that Harper is one of his brothers!”
“Hah! Since all this was my idea, how do you plan to thank me this time, Brother Wael?” replied Yasmin whose expression had turned sinister.
“You… You wench…! You tricked me!” roared the infuriated Harper.
“Heh. Why else would I ever come to you? Truth be told, I still can’t believe you fell for it!” scoffed Yasmin with a sneer.
“I’ll have you know that you’re now in Crawford territory…! What do you dirtbags plan to do?!” retorted Harper as he watched a young man who had a glass of wine in hand walk up to Wael.
Hearing that, Wael replied, “Oh, we won’t be fighting, though Mr. Sullivan will be doing something to you… After all, he’s probably the only one capable of doing the deed without being discovered, aren’t I right?”
After saying that, Wael and Yasmin turned to respectfully greet the young man, prompting Wael’s subordinates to declare, “Third Young Master Morningstar!”
Feeling his eyelids flutter, Harper then said, “You’re… The third young master of that family?”
“Indeed I am. Regardless, I’ve heard you’re a clever man, so let’s not beat around the bush. Essentially, the Morningstars are finding it difficult to deal with Gerald, which is why we scheduled the duel to be on the day after tomorrow. Coincidentally, that’s also the day that my father is going to be celebrating his seventieth birthday. That aside, though we’re clearly on the losing end, we aren’t surrendering. In fact, you may be our ticket to Winning,” replied Isaac in a cheery tone.
The second Harper tried to say something, Isaac immediately flicked his finger… Sending a pill down Harper’s throat!
Following that, Isaac took the initiative to explain, “What you just swallowed is known as the Heart- Eating Pill. It’s a special poison developed by my family, and it’s both tasteless and odorless. As for its effects, the second the poison starts taking effect, your entire body will start itching so badly that you’ll feel the need to scratch your organs out! Isn’t that a tragic way to die?”
“You… You utter b*stard..!” yelled Harper who was already starting to feel an itchy sensation in his blood vessels. If he was already feeling the urge to rip his body open now, Harper could only imagine that it was going to become much worse the longer the poison remained in his body.
Smiling wickedly in response, Isaac then scoffed, “Bet it feels terrible! Either way, if you want to be relieved of that agony, listen closely. We’ve prepared a special drug for Gerald, and we need you to feed it to him. What do you say?”
Now lying on the ground and writhing in pain, Harper retorted, “I’ll never betray Gerald… !”
Just as Harper’s bodyguards were about to call for backup, Isaac momentarily disappeared before reappearing in front of the two men! Before the men could react, Isaac slammed his palms into their faces, instantly ending their lives!
Following that, Isaac stepped on Harper’s head before scoffing, “To think a worthless commoner like you would be this stubborn. You were just a dog to my fourth brother, you know? How dare you even disobey me!”
“I’ll never help you…!” growled Harper in his immense pain.
It was at that moment when a waiter burst into the room before saying, “M-Miss Lamer! There’s a guest who kept insisting on coming in to have a drink! We weren’t able to stop him from entering!”
“You idiot! Just tell him that we’re closed for the day!”
“I did… But when the manager talked to him, he ended up getting beaten into a pulp…” muttered the waiter in response.
Chapter 2400
The second the waiter’s sentence ended, Yasmin heard footsteps ascending the stairs.
As everyone quickly turned to face the door, a smiling young man who had his hands in his pockets soon entered while saying, “Hmm? Didn’t you say this place was closed? The second floor seems quite lively!”
“Who are you? What are you doing here?!” growled the angered Yasmin.
“Me? I’m just here for a drink! Though I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t also looking for someone,” replied Gerald as he sat at the side before looking pitifully at the trembling Harper who was now barely conscious on the floor.
“Is that so? Well I’m afraid that this drink will be your last!” retorted Yasmin as Wael’s men quickly surrounded the boy.
Upon seeing that, the boy simply let out a sneeze that somehow turned into a gale that sent all the men flying and crashing to the ground! All of them were knocked out!
“What the the hell?!” yelled Isaac in utter disbelief as he lifted his foot off Harper’s head. While it was true that he had met extremely strong people before this, none of them could even compare to this boy’s sheer power!
Realizing how bad the situation was, Isaac then took a few steps backward before asking with a gulp, “…U-um. Have we offended you, senior?”
“You have. You’re a Morningstar, correct? The thing is, that surname absolutely annoys me!” retorted the boy who was obviously Gerald!
Though Isaac who had never met the boy before was momentarily confused, Yasmin was quick to realize who he was. With that, the second she snapped out of it, she was prompted to yell, “Be careful, Third Young Master! He’s Gerald!”
‘What? That’s him?!’ Isaac thought to himself as his mind momentarily went blank It was only a second later when his fight or flight response kicked in and his instincts chose flight!
With that, Isaac immediately turned around and leaped out the window! This prompted Gerald to send out an aura blade while yelling, “Quick to run, aren’t we?”
Unfortunately, since Isaac had used his lightness skill, the aura blade couldn’t quite get to Isaac in time. However, to the terrified Isaac’s dismay, the aura blade wasn’t going away! It kept homing onto him, prompting the frightened man who was able to sense how powerful the attack was to drain all his essential qi, just to make him run faster…!
The second he burst into his home, Isaac didn’t even stop to catch his breath! Instead, he began frantically yelling, “F-Father! Save me, Father! Gerald’s about to kill me…!”
Naturally, this prompted Jaxen and the six elders to rush out. Upon seeing the swiftly approaching and immensely powerful aurablade, Jaxen was prompted to yell, “Careful, Isaac! Stay behind us!”
Following that, Jaxen and the six elders quickly worked together to form a defensive air shield! To their utter dismay, even before the attack collided against their shield, it was smashed to bits just from the aura blade’s tremendous pressure!
Their hair now standing on end, the seven stunned men quickly snapped out of it before dodge rolling away…