Chapter 168: Chapter 168 - Conflicted Power
Watson Thompson covered her eyes and backed away, unable to stomach the sight of the parasite any longer.
I handed the parasite to Jasper Thompson and said solemnly, "Jasper, this appears to be a parasite from the southwest region."
A grave expression settled on Jasper’s face as he examined the parasite in my hand. "Never imagined such tiny creatures could pose such a terrible threat."
I chuckled slightly. "In the southwest, numerous masters specialize in parasite manipulation. This specimen is rather unremarkable compared to others."
"You should consider if you’ve made any enemies recently," I added with seriousness.
Jasper released a bitter laugh. "In my position, making enemies is practically unavoidable."
That made perfect sense; climbing to such heights meant stepping over countless individuals. Even someone as relatively minor as Marshall Clive had accumulated numerous enemies, let alone the commander of an entire battle zone.
I ignited a spiritual flame in my palm, reducing both parasites to ash in seconds.
"There shouldn’t be any further issues now." I glanced toward Watson, whose face remained drained of color. The incident had clearly affected her deeply.
"Jasper, try spending more time with her when you’re free," I suggested, my eyes still on Watson.
Jasper nodded firmly. "I’ll make sure to do that."
"If there’s nothing else requiring attention, I’ll head out now." I exchanged brief farewells with Jasper before departing.
Back at my hotel room, sleep eluded me for hours. My thoughts fixated on the dark energy that had entered my body earlier.
I lowered my gaze to study my palm, whispering softly, "Can I truly absorb dark energy?"
My feelings were incredibly conflicted—a mixture of excitement and apprehension. The discovery of another cultivation path beyond qi brought joy, but concern lingered. Those who cultivated dark energy rarely aligned with virtuous intentions, and their endings were seldom pleasant.
"This presents quite the dilemma," I sighed, shaking my head helplessly.
Deciding against dwelling further, I resolved to tackle challenges as they arose.
The following morning, I planned to venture out in search of medicinal herbs.
Just then, my phone rang—Blair Blake calling.
He spoke cheerfully, "Mr. Raymond, remember my promise to help you find herbs? Are you available tonight?"
I smiled. "Certainly, I was actually planning to go hunting for some today."
Blair laughed heartily. "Let’s meet this evening then. I know Shiglance City like my own backyard."
"Excellent, appreciate the assistance." I agreed before ending the call.
With Blair’s help secured, I scrapped my original plans for the day.
By evening, my phone rang again—surprisingly, Watson Thompson this time.
She sounded ecstatic. "Mason, I slept nightmare-free last night! It’s incredible!"
I rolled my eyes. "So now you believe my abilities?"
Watson’s voice carried over the line, "Never expected you’d actually possess genuine skill."
"Well, if that’s all, I’ll be hanging up," I stated.
"You wouldn’t dare!" she suddenly shouted.
"How incredibly ungentlemanly of you," Watson added, displeasure evident in her tone.
I reluctantly asked, "What else do you want then? Just tell me."
Watson giggled. "Since you’ve helped me so tremendously, I’m treating you to dinner tonight as thanks."
"No dinner necessary—it was a minor favor. Besides, I’ve got plans tonight," I explained.
Watson remained persistent. "Absolutely not! This is my first time inviting you, and you’re refusing? Do you realize how many people would love my dinner invitation?"
"Then dine with them instead. I genuinely lack the time," I replied, rolling my eyes again.
As I moved to disconnect, Watson shouted, "Refuse me and I’ll call my father to track you down!"
I rubbed my temples in frustration. These privileged young women proved exceptionally tiresome. Moments like these made me appreciate Mabel Sean’s unique nature even more.
"Fine, I’ll join you, happy now?" I conceded.
Watson sounded excited. "So what should we eat? Barbecue perhaps?"
Without much thought, I agreed. "Sure, that works."
Shortly after, I drove to Jasper Thompson’s residence.
Watson waited there, dressed in an adorable yet somewhat mature outfit—a simple T-shirt paired with a pink mini-skirt.
Upon spotting my vehicle, she exclaimed, "Wow, an Audi RS7! A performance machine!"
"You seem quite knowledgeable," I remarked with a subtle eye roll.
Watson snorted confidently. "I know plenty of car enthusiasts with far more knowledge than you!"
She wasn’t wrong—I possessed minimal understanding of performance vehicles. Anything fast and practical suited my needs perfectly.
Once inside the car, Watson directed, "I know this amazing barbecue stand. Let me guide you there!"
I offered no objection, merely accompanying her to keep the peace.
We drove swiftly, eventually stopping at a somewhat isolated roadside barbecue stand.
"Don’t judge by appearances—the food here is incredible!" Watson insisted, practically salivating.
I teased, "Do refined young ladies like yourself regularly frequent roadside establishments?"
Watson sighed dramatically. "My father usually forbids these places, claiming they’re unsanitary. Finding opportunities to visit is challenging."
"Are you genuinely treating me to dinner, or am I merely your convenient excuse?" I questioned.
"Perhaps a bit of both," Watson admitted with a casual hand gesture.
After finding seats, Watson ordered extravagantly, requesting one of everything from the proprietor.
When the food arrived, she abandoned all ladylike pretenses, stuffing her mouth continuously.
A gentle breeze created a pleasant atmosphere—until I noticed several tattooed men at a nearby table leering at us with obvious lust.
Their eyes fixated on Watson’s skirt hem, their expressions shameless as they whistled in her direction.
"Mind your skirt—the wind’s catching it," I warned.
Watson noticed her occasionally exposed thighs when the breeze lifted her skirt.
She glared fiercely at the tattooed men nearby. "Go stare at your mothers instead! Keep looking and I’ll gouge your eyes out!"
The men laughed crudely. "Quite the temper on this little girl."
"Dressed so provocatively—isn’t that invitation enough?"
"Looking so slutty—can your boyfriend even satisfy you? Need some help from your brothers here?"
