Chapter 113: Chapter 113 - Dragon Cave Challenge
The scene opened with Bernard Colton observing everyone’s attitude with little surprise. He understood these people would never risk themselves for the Colton Family’s sake. As one by one they departed, he let out a soft, contemptuous snort.
The following morning, I packed my belongings, preparing for my journey to South City. Victor Green had mostly recovered, though his legs remained somewhat impaired, causing him to walk with a noticeable limp.
"Ah, Mr. Raymond, we should purchase a car soon," Victor commented as we headed toward the station.
I considered his suggestion and realized he had a point. My outings would undoubtedly increase in frequency, and constantly relying on public transportation would prove inconvenient.
"We’ll buy one after returning from this trip," I replied.
Together, Victor and I boarded the bus bound for South City. During our journey, Bernard messaged me with details about the competition location. To my surprise, he’d chosen a scenic spot rather than an enclosed indoor venue.
"Seems Bernard wants to make a spectacle of this so the Sean family can’t exploit the situation," Victor observed while peering at my phone.
I responded with a light snort. "That’s precisely what I want."
Victor scratched his head anxiously. "Mr. Raymond, please be careful. Bernard Colton isn’t your typical opponent. His strength..."
"Don’t worry," I interrupted him firmly. "I can defeat him with a mere flick of my wrist."
Seeing my confidence, Victor ceased his warnings, though concern remained evident in his expression.
After traveling for over five hours, we finally reached South City. Checking my phone, I said, "Let’s take a taxi to the location."
This situation only reinforced my thinking that owning a car would indeed be more convenient.
We flagged down a roadside taxi and headed directly for Water Dragon Cave, a famous South City attraction known for its year-round spring-like climate where countless visitors came annually to enjoy the hot springs.
"Gentlemen, I’d advise against visiting Water Dragon Cave today," the driver remarked while driving.
"Why’s that?" I inquired.
He explained, "The Colton Family has commandeered Water Dragon Cave for the day. They’re staging a duel with someone named Mason Raymond. You wouldn’t enjoy yourselves if you went."
My eyebrows furrowed in annoyance. The Colton Family evidently had a habit of commandeering public spaces. This had happened previously with Mira Samuel, and now again for this duel.
"I didn’t expect even taxi drivers would know about this," I muttered.
"This matter has turned the entire city upside down. It’s impossible not to know," the driver sighed. "However, I truly can’t comprehend what Mason Raymond is thinking, daring to challenge the Younger Lord of the Colton Family. He must be insane."
I laughed. "Since he dares challenge Bernard, he must possess some confidence."
The driver glanced at me and chuckled. "You must be from out of town, right?"
I nodded. "How did you know?"
"Because locals wouldn’t say that. Everyone knows Bernard is calculating," he replied with a laugh.
"What do you mean?" I asked, somewhat confused.
The driver elaborated, "From what I understand, over the years, Bernard has arranged at least a dozen public duels and emerged victorious every time. Want to know why?"
"I don’t know," I shook my head, encouraging him to continue.
He laughed. "Because Bernard only challenges those weaker than himself. When faced with someone stronger or from a more influential background than the Colton Family, Bernard behaves very humbly."
I couldn’t help raising my eyebrows in sudden understanding.
"And whoever competes with Bernard always ends badly. The lucky ones land in the ICU; the unfortunate end up in the crematorium," the driver continued casually.
"Just wait and see, this Mason Raymond is definitely heading for trouble," he hummed, treating this as perfectly normal.
We soon arrived at Water Dragon Cave. Rather than departing, the driver found a parking spot and settled in.
Victor looked at him questioningly. "Why aren’t you leaving?"
The driver smiled. "I love excitement. Can’t miss such a major event."
I shook my head with a smile. "Let’s go," I said to Victor.
We walked toward Water Dragon Cave, famous for its natural hot springs that covered a vast area. Ahead, a significant natural spring sent up clouds of steam. Reportedly, this scene remained unchanged even during winter; throughout all seasons, one could hardly feel cold here.
Currently, the area had been cordoned off with seven or eight guards preventing anyone from approaching.
Standing outside the cordon, I gazed at Water Dragon Cave from a distance.
"Something’s strange," I murmured with a slight frown.
"Mr. Raymond, what’s wrong?" Victor inquired.
I pointed toward Water Dragon Cave. "I feel something’s off with the water. The rising heat contains traces of qi."
"Qi?" Victor appeared startled, clearly unfamiliar with the term.
Without elaborating, I stared intently at Water Dragon Cave. "Could something be hidden beneath the water?" I wondered softly.
"My goodness, Mason Raymond, it really is you," a voice suddenly called from behind me.
Turning around, I discovered a well-dressed woman in her twenties standing there, accompanied by three or four young people of similar age.
"Violet Damon?" I recognized her, my eyebrows furrowing.
This woman was Lyla Lucas’s cousin—once my sister-in-law—currently studying at a South City university. When I lived with the Lucas family, Violet always looked down on me, mocking me and treating me like a servant. I hadn’t expected to encounter her here today.
"Violet, is the man competing with the younger Lord of Colton Family also named Mason Raymond? Could it be him?" a girl beside Violet asked with widened eyes.
Violet sneered, "That’s impossible. Mason Raymond is just a spineless man living off others. He can only do laundry and cook, nothing else. He couldn’t possibly be that Mason Raymond."
Her words prompted giggles from everyone around her.
"Why are you addressing Mr. Raymond this way?" Victor frowned, his tone displeased.
"Let it go," I waved dismissively.
Regarding the Lucas family, I preferred not to waste another word.
"Mason Raymond, shouldn’t you be at home serving my sister instead of wandering around South City?" Violet asked arrogantly.
"I no longer have any relationship with your sister," I replied coldly, giving her a brief glance.
Violet seemed to realize something. "Oh, I understand. My sister kicked you out, didn’t she?"
