Chapter 153: Chapter 153 - Murderous Intent
I remained silent, knowing nothing about Blair Blake. Making friends wasn’t something I could explain in a few sentences.
Blair seemed to notice my thoughts and quickly changed the subject. "Mr. Raymond, are you here on vacation? I know this area well. How about I show you around?"
I glanced at him, nodded, and replied, "Alright, I’ll trouble you then."
After that, Blair led me on a tour of the nearby area, introducing almost every stall in the vicinity. Unfortunately, none of it was what I was looking for.
"Is there no stand selling herbs around here?" I asked.
Blair paused briefly, then smiled and said, "Oh, there are, but most of the herbs here are just scams aimed at those wealthy big shots."
"In other words, the herbs here are mostly fake, passed off as genuine to deceive rich outsiders who wouldn’t know good from bad anyway."
After hearing Blair’s explanation, Elder Drake, standing nearby, looked somewhat embarrassed.
"Mr. Raymond, if you’re really looking for herbs, I can take you to a proper place sometime," Blair offered with a smile.
I nodded slightly and replied, "Sure, I’ll be counting on you then."
Since there weren’t any herbs available here, I saw no reason to stay. Besides, I had the Traditional Medicine Conference to attend tomorrow and needed a good rest.
Just as I bid farewell to Blair and prepared to leave, I suddenly sensed a powerful aura filling the surroundings. This aura was almost the strongest I had encountered, second only to Roberts Joshua! Not only was it powerful, but it carried a murderous spirit, targeting me directly!
Blair seemed to sense this overwhelming aura too and blurted out in surprise, "An Inner Strength Greatmaster?"
I frowned slightly and looked around warily. Soon, I saw a man slowly approaching from the distance.
"You must be Mason Raymond?" The man appeared to be around fifty years old, yet the muscular definition of his body showed no signs of age.
I stared coldly at the man and said, "Who are you? I don’t believe we’ve met."
"Someone has instructed me to take your life," the man said calmly, his hands clasped behind his back.
My expression turned frigid, and just as I was about to respond, Blair exclaimed in shock, "K-Turner Keira?"
"Turner Keira?" I frowned and instinctively turned my gaze toward Blair.
Blair’s face showed a hint of solemnity; he took a deep breath and explained, "This man is Turner Keira, an old Grandmaster renowned in South City. Practically everyone knows his name."
After pausing for a moment, Blair continued, "Mr. Raymond, how on earth did you end up provoking someone like him?"
I frowned and replied, "I’ve never even met him before."
"Kid, are you walking away with me willingly, or should I kill you and take you away?" Turner said, his hands still clasped behind his back.
"Mr. Keira!" At that moment, Blair stepped forward and cupped his hands respectfully toward Turner.
Turner sized up Blair with a glance before frowning and saying, "You’re... that young lad from the Blake family?"
Blair quickly responded, "I greet Mr. Keira."
Turner nodded slightly and said, "Alright, there’s no business involving you today. Leave now so you don’t get hurt."
At Turner’s words, Blair bit his lip and tentatively stepped closer, once again cupping his hands, "Mr. Keira, Mason is my friend. Whatever offense he may have caused, I ask you to please spare him on my behalf."
Turner froze momentarily, then frowned and shook his head, "No."
"Mr. Keira, I..." Blair attempted to plead further, but Turner waved his mighty hand and yelled, "No means no!"
His voice was deep, powerful, and infused with Qi Jin, leaving an ache in those nearby ears.
Blair frowned slightly, standing frozen in place, unsure of his next move.
"Enough. No need to hesitate," I suddenly said, gesturing with my hand.
"We’ve only just met, and I carry too many uncertainties. For all you know, I won’t survive until tomorrow. It’d be foolish for you to offend Turner Keira over someone like me," I said impassively.
Blair froze for a moment, then apologized somewhat regretfully, "Mr. Raymond, I’m truly sorry."
I nodded slightly, showing little reaction. After all, Blair and I were merely acquaintances; there was no reason for him to help me.
Just as Blair prepared to leave, I called out, "Young Master Blake, I ask one small favor."
Blair halted his steps, his expression showing slight apprehension.
I smiled and said, "Don’t worry. I’m merely asking you to take Elder Drake with you."
"Mr. Raymond, I..." Elder Drake began, but I cut him off with a wave of my hand.
Blair bit his lip, turned back, and pulled Elder Drake away.
Only after Elder Drake had gone far did I turn my gaze back toward Turner Keira standing before me. Turner stood with his hands clasped behind his back, appearing calm and collected. It was evident he didn’t regard me as a worthy opponent.
"Lucian River sent you?" I suddenly asked.
Turner shook his head, "Do you think I’d tell you that?"
I smirked faintly, "I’m a dead man walking. What harm is there in telling me? Or are you afraid you’re not my match?"
Turner burst into laughter, "Kid, I know you’ve got some skills. You bested the Colton Family and defeated Zachary Ortega. But unfortunately for you, in front of me, you don’t stand a chance."
I analyzed Turner carefully. I realized this man was a third-stage Grandmaster! Although it was only two minor stages above Scarface’s level, the difference in strength was like heaven and earth!
"I’ll ask you one last time: will you come with me willingly, or shall I take you by force?" Turner demanded coldly.
I sneered, "Whether or not you take me depends entirely on your abilities."
"Ignorant fool." Turner’s face darkened as he took one step forward, unleashing a terrifying wave of Qi Jin aimed directly at me!
That surge of Qi Jin was incredibly overwhelming, raising a gale that instantly toppled the nearby stalls!
Faced with such intense pressure, I remained calm, hands clasped behind my back, showing no signs of strain.
"Impressive indeed." Turner sneered. He suddenly stomped the ground, amplifying his terrifying Qi Jin even further!
In an instant, I felt as if two mountains were crushing down on my shoulders! Meanwhile, those nearby were severely impacted; anyone close was immediately sent staggering, coughing up blood!
I frowned slightly, thinking to myself that this veteran Grandmaster truly lived up to his reputation.
Turner began closing the gap between us, his steps light yet carrying frightening Qi Jin. It was evident that Turner had reached mastery in externalizing his Inner Strength!
"Kid, prepare to meet your end!" Turner suddenly roared, his hand clenching into a tight fist, a surge of concentrated Qi Jin accompanied by relentless force hurtling toward me!
