Chapter 112: Chapter 112 - Memory Wall
I trembled with rage as Bernard Colton pointed his finger at me.
"Fine, fine," he sneered, his face twisting with contempt. "I really want to see how long you, a man living off a woman, can act so arrogantly!"
With those parting words, he spun around and stormed away. I watched his retreating figure and couldn’t help but sneer repeatedly. What a pathetic display of wounded pride.
Afterward, I personally infused Victor Green with qi and prepared several healing pills to treat his wounds. Looking at him lying unconscious on the bed, I couldn’t help but sigh deeply. Victor was truly a great guy. If not for his help, I would certainly have been beaten up by Bernard Colton today. His loyalty deserved more than I could give.
It wasn’t until noon the next day that Victor finally woke from unconsciousness.
"Mr. Raymond," he mumbled as soon as his eyes opened, immediately trying to sit up.
I waved my hand quickly. "Lie down. You can’t move around in your current state."
Victor gritted his teeth, whispering, "It’s all my fault that I’m useless..."
"No," I shook my head firmly. "It’s all thanks to you this time," I added with sincere gratitude.
Victor smiled bitterly and sighed. "Bernard Colton is among the Inner Strength Masters. His strength cannot be underestimated. The gap between him and me is simply too large."
"Inner Strength Master?" I raised an eyebrow, considering this information.
If we were to compare it to cultivation stages, Bernard Colton would be similar to the early Foundation Establishment Stage, slightly stronger than me at the peak of Qi Refining Stage. Yet I wasn’t worried. Cultivation and martial arts were fundamentally different paths, and cultivation’s strength was absolutely superior. I had full confidence that I could easily defeat Bernard Colton.
"Don’t worry, I will take revenge for you," I said with a confident smile.
Victor looked stunned. He quickly warned, "Mr. Raymond, you mustn’t act recklessly! The Colton Family isn’t so simple—they’re even above the Hill family!"
"Have you heard of the Colton family?" I asked, genuinely surprised.
Victor nodded. "When I was with Xavier Hill previously, they had cooperated, so I know a bit."
I hummed in acknowledgment, gesturing for him to continue.
"The Colton Family is different from ordinary merchants," Victor explained thoughtfully. "Their family supports many guests, including celebrities from all walks of life—big names in calligraphy, celebrities in the jade industry, masters in the martial arts world... Not only that, the Colton Family itself emphasizes martial arts. Bernard Colton has quite a reputation in the Chuzzle martial arts world and is considered a standout among the younger generation."
After listening to Victor’s words, I felt not worry but excitement building inside me.
"So... if I defeat Bernard Colton... my name will certainly make a big noise in Chuzzle," I muttered quietly to myself.
Victor looked taken aback, clearly not expecting my fearlessness. At this point, establishing my reputation was crucial—it would make connecting with people in the martial arts world easier, ultimately helping me acquire herbs faster.
"Rest well," I told him as I stood up. "I’ll take you to South City in three days." Without further explanation, I walked out.
The surrounding area was rich in qi, an opportunity I couldn’t miss. I sat by the river, partially closed my eyes, and began absorbing qi from nature. The energy flowed through me like cool water, strengthening my core with each breath.
——
News about Mason Raymond and Bernard Colton’s dispute spread quickly throughout the city. The Colton Family, fearing blame from the Sean Family, deliberately publicized the matter, framing it as a "friendly exchange and fair competition" between Bernard Colton and Mason Raymond.
Nearly half of Chuzzle had heard about the confrontation by now.
"Haha, I knew it! As soon as Miss Sean left, someone would definitely come after Mason Raymond!" people gossiped excitedly.
"I didn’t expect the Colton family to act so fast!"
"With the Colton Family leading the charge, Mason Raymond is definitely doomed!"
Innumerable rumors spread as if they had grown wings, each more embellished than the last.
——
I remained unaffected by the gossip swirling around me. For a full day and night, I sat by the river, absorbing nearly all the spiritual energy in the vicinity, yet still hadn’t broken through to the Foundation Establishment Stage.
"It seems breaking through is much more difficult than I imagined," I murmured to myself as I opened my eyes. I clenched my fists, feeling the abundant power flowing through my body—several times greater than before.
"I really can’t fathom what kind of power I would possess after reaching Foundation Establishment," I said, anticipation building within me.
"Is Mr. Raymond at home?" a voice suddenly called from outside the villa gate.
Looking up, I spotted a man standing there, glancing around uncertainly. I walked over to the gate.
"I am Mason Raymond," I said with some doubt. "Who might you be?"
The man laughed. "Mr. Raymond, there’s a package for you from Capital City."
"Capital City?" My heart raced at those two words.
I took the package anxiously and tore it open in a hurry. Inside were only photos—at least a hundred of them—all showing Mabel Sean and me at the amusement park.
Looking at these images, I felt like both laughing and crying. Mabel’s smile in the photos was so warm and radiant that I couldn’t help wanting to reach out and touch it. I caressed the photos, feeling a happy smile spread across my face.
"Mabel, wait for me," I whispered, my resolve suddenly hardening to steel.
After signing for the package, I took the photos back to my room. I asked Victor to buy some glue, then pasted all hundred-plus photos across my wall—an entire wall filled with our moments together. Looking at them, I instantly felt energized, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
Time flew by quickly. In the blink of an eye, only one day remained before my duel with Bernard Colton.
——
At the Colton Family residence, people from all walks of life in South City had gathered, eager to witness the upcoming confrontation.
"Young Lord Colton, what is Mason Raymond’s background? He dares to cross hands with you?" someone asked.
Bernard Colton took a sip of tea, a cold gleam in his eyes. "A man who deserves to die," he stated flatly.
Hearing this, everyone couldn’t help but feel a chill run down their spines.
"Young Lord Colton, does that mean this Mason Raymond is really strong?" another person ventured.
Bernard scoffed. "A few days ago, my subordinate Old Von fought him. He was not worth mentioning."
This Old Von referred to the elderly servant who had been instantly killed by Roberts Joshua. Old Von’s strength was nowhere near Bernard Colton’s level, so Bernard remained fully confident in his victory. What he didn’t realize was that Mason Raymond’s power had made tremendous progress in just these few days.
"With this little ability, he dares to challenge Young Lord Colton? Just say the word, and I’ll kill him!" someone shouted from the crowd.
"Yes, let us deal with him—there’s no need for Young Lord Colton to dirty his hands!"
Bernard put down his teacup, surveying the gathered sycophants. "Alright, but I should remind you that his relationship with Mabel Sean from the Sean Family of Capital City is... unusual."
Upon hearing this, the crowd immediately fell silent.
"Who will go?" Bernard looked pointedly around the room.
Those who had been shouting their bravado moments before now avoided his gaze.
Bernard casually pointed at someone. "You go."
"Cough, cough—Young Lord Colton, I... I have something to do these days. I can’t make it."
"Hey, Young Lord Colton, I have something at home and need to get back right away."
"Oh my, my wife is giving birth today. I totally forgot! Young Lord Colton, I’m leaving first."
