Chapter 152: Chapter 152 - Abandoned Vengeance
I remained at the hotel the following day, eyes partially closed as I focused on the cultivation skill within my mind. Beyond pure realm advancement, cultivation techniques were crucial in determining one’s true strength. An exceptional skill could enable even ordinary practitioners to defeat opponents of higher ranks. My inheritance contained countless cultivation skills, any of which could astonish the martial world if revealed.
Meanwhile, Lucian River sat brooding in his residence. The memory of his encounter with Mason Raymond filled him with suffocating rage.
"Come on, it’s really not worth getting this upset about," a beautiful woman beside him gently advised.
Lucian shot her a cold glare. "You don’t understand! I have a reputation in Shiglance City. Everyone shows me proper respect!"
"That country bumpkin from the middle of nowhere dared disrespect me, even insulting me to my face!" His anger intensified with each thought, causing him to sweep everything off the table with one violent motion.
Seeing his fury, the beautiful woman dared not speak further, managing only a soft sigh.
"Young people being arrogant never ends well," Lucian sneered. "If I don’t teach him a proper lesson, I’m not Lucian River!"
With determination hardening his features, he turned to the woman. "Go fetch my treasured Ganoderma."
"What are you planning to do?" The beautiful woman frowned, concern evident in her expression.
"Just do as I say!" Lucian snapped impatiently. "No need for all these questions!"
Reluctantly, the beautiful woman disappeared into another room, returning with the Ganoderma. Taking it, Lucian headed for the door.
"Lucian, please let this go," the beautiful woman pleaded, grabbing his arm. "Don’t push things too far."
"What’s the point of struggling through half my life if I can’t even command basic respect?" Lucian sneered before storming out.
While not the most capable practitioner, Lucian possessed genuine medical skills. Years of practice had built countless connections, particularly among martial artists who owed him favors. This network gave him absolute confidence.
In a sprawling private manor that screamed wealth and influence, Lucian sat upright, maintaining a jovial expression.
"Mr. Keira, you must help me with this matter," Lucian asked with forced politeness.
The man called Mr. Keira absently fingered a string of Buddhist beads while appraising Lucian. "Young Lucian, I’d like to assist, but I’ve heard this Mason Raymond isn’t easily handled. Even the Colton Family backed down."
Lucian chuckled awkwardly. "If it were simple, I wouldn’t seek your expertise. Besides, what’s the Colton Family compared to someone of your caliber?"
"No need for flattery," Mr. Keira said with a faint smile. "I’m afraid I can’t do this favor."
Lucian’s expression shifted. Gritting his teeth, he produced the Ganoderma from his pocket.
"Mr. Keira, you’ve always wanted this Ganoderma. Help me, and it’s yours!" The words caused Lucian physical pain.
Mr. Keira’s eyes instantly lit up at the sight of the rare herb, and he shot to his feet.
"Are you serious?" he asked, staring intently at the treasure.
"Absolutely," Lucian confirmed through clenched teeth.
Mr. Keira laughed heartily. "Very well! What exactly do you need me to do?"
"Killing him would be ideal," Lucian replied sinisterly. "But at minimum, ensure he can’t participate in the Traditional Medicine Conference!"
After spending the entire day in cultivation, I finally opened my eyes. Elder Drake stood nearby, respectfully silent during my practice.
As evening approached, I looked at the elder standing beside me.
"Mr. Raymond, you’re awake." Elder Drake handed me a cup of steaming tea.
I thanked him and took a sip before asking, "Elder Drake, are there any notable locations in Shiglance City? Perhaps an auction house or something similar to River City’s herb street?"
Elder Drake considered briefly before replying, "Yes, there are. Is Mr. Raymond interested?"
I nodded firmly. "Indeed I am."
As Chuzzle’s capital, Shiglance City possessed resources far exceeding River City’s offerings – an opportunity I wouldn’t miss.
Elder Drake and I left the hotel, catching a taxi to a place called Cloud Street. During the journey, he explained, "Cloud Street gathers all sorts of unique items – medicinal herbs, antique calligraphy, and countless curiosities."
I nodded slightly, familiar with such commercial districts in major cities.
Soon we arrived at our destination. Cloud Street bustled with activity, mostly young people.
Unlike me, these youths seemed primarily interested in photography and soaking up the lively atmosphere rather than seeking valuable herbs.
I relaxed my breathing and extended my senses to assess the surroundings.
Disappointment set in when I detected very few martial artists nearby. This likely meant Cloud Street’s herbs were ordinary; otherwise, numerous practitioners and alchemists would have flocked here.
"Let’s take a look around," I gestured to Elder Drake.
We entered the main thoroughfare, surrounded by small stalls offering eclectic merchandise, exactly as Elder Drake had described.
After checking several herb vendors without finding anything worth purchasing, I frowned. "This place isn’t quite what I hoped for."
"It’s more tourist attraction than herb market," I observed, scanning the area.
Elder Drake smiled apologetically. "I’m sorry, but Cloud Street is the only such place I know of in Shiglance City."
As we spoke, my eyes caught a familiar face in the crowd – Xavier Hill’s friend, Blair Blake.
The moment I spotted him, Blair noticed my gaze. His brows furrowed slightly, his expression conflicted.
After brief hesitation, Blair approached me voluntarily, which surprised me.
"Elder Drake, stand closer to me," I instructed, turning to my companion.
Though puzzled, Elder Drake obediently moved beside me without questioning my reasoning.
Soon, Blair Blake stood directly before me. We faced each other in awkward silence.
"What, you want revenge for Xavier Hill?" I unleashed my aura to its full strength instantly.
Feeling the surge of my power, Blair visibly faltered!
He clearly sensed I had grown even stronger since our encounter in South City.
Blair took a deep breath and bowed respectfully. "Mr. Raymond, please don’t misunderstand. I merely wanted to greet you."
"Oh?" I raised an eyebrow skeptically. "So you’ve abandoned thoughts of avenging Xavier Hill?"
"Mr. Raymond must be joking," Blair forced a smile. "The Hill family is ancient history. What purpose would avenging them serve?"
"Besides, Mr. Raymond clearly has a brilliant future ahead. Anyone with sense knows which relationships are worth cultivating."
Blair spoke honestly – provoking me for someone who held no remaining value wasn’t wise.
"Then why approach me?" I asked with a faint smile.
Blair replied simply, "I just want to be friends with Mr. Raymond."
