Chapter 173: Chapter 173 - Grave Consequences
The moment I grabbed Anton Schroeder, everyone’s eyes widened with shock!
Not only had I struck him, but now I was dragging him away? Could anyone in Chuzzle really be this audacious?
The entire bar fell silent, patrons frozen in disbelief.
Only after I’d disappeared through the door did they snap back to reality.
"This...this can’t be happening..."
"Anton Schroeder actually got taken away?"
"That Mason Raymond has gone too far. The Schroeder Family will absolutely lose their minds over this!"
"Young people these days never consider consequences."
"Just wait—the real drama hasn’t even started yet."
Thompson watched my retreating figure with conflicted emotions churning inside him.
Blair Blake wore a bitter expression, the situation having spiraled far beyond what anyone anticipated.
Nobody had expected I would act so boldly.
By now, I had already shoved Anton Schroeder into my car and sped away from the scene.
On the road, Anton gritted his teeth and snarled, "Mason Raymond, you’re the most arrogant person I’ve ever encountered!"
I ignored him completely, focusing on driving.
"Mason Raymond, listen carefully—the Schroeder Family won’t let this slide! They’ll tear you apart!" Anton shouted hoarsely.
I raised my hand and slapped it hard across Anton’s mouth.
His lips split instantly, blood trickling down his chin.
"Say one more useless word, and I’ll smash your mouth so thoroughly you won’t speak again for the rest of your life," I stated coldly.
Anton felt his throat constrict, suddenly unable to utter another sound.
He believed without question that I meant exactly what I said!
I drove rapidly through the streets, taking Anton to an isolated cemetery on the outskirts of town.
The place stood eerily deserted, not another soul visible for miles around.
When Anton spotted the cemetery, he began trembling uncontrollably with terror!
"Mason...Mason Raymond, please don’t kill me, my family will trade herbs for my return..." Anton pleaded fearfully.
I raised an eyebrow. "And if they don’t show up, I’ll simply bury you here."
Anton shivered violently, nearly fainting from fear.
For a pampered young master like him, such treatment was beyond anything he’d ever experienced!
Next, I found some rope, secured Anton tightly, and proceeded to ignore his existence.
I’d chosen the cemetery specifically to verify whether I could truly cultivate by absorbing dark energy.
This desolate place filled with graves naturally contained abundant dark energy.
I sat cross-legged on the ground. I attempted to absorb the surrounding dark energy using the same technique I’d use for qi.
The dark energy felt ice-cold, chilling my bones as it gathered around me.
To my surprise, the dark energy actually flowed into my body!
However, my expression soon changed.
When the dark energy collided with the qi inside my body, a violent reaction erupted.
Suddenly, agonizing pain exploded in my abdomen, as if my dantian might rupture at any moment!
"It hurts so much..." I clutched my stomach, howling in pain as I writhed on the ground.
Dark energy continued rushing in from every direction, increasing in volume and intensifying my suffering.
This pain differed entirely from ordinary stomach discomfort. It was extreme torment—simultaneously freezing cold and burning hot!
I clenched my teeth tightly, trying to endure through sheer willpower.
But the agony proved too intense. Finally unable to bear it, I lost consciousness and collapsed.
The relentless dark energy continued surging toward my body. With me at its center, it slowly condensed, eventually covering my body in frost.
"You... you better not die. Who’ll save me if you die!" Anton yelled desperately.
But regardless of his shouts, I remained unresponsive.
This realization overwhelmed Anton as he surveyed the gloomy surroundings, shivering uncontrollably with mounting fear.
Meanwhile, Shiglance City erupted in uproar.
Anton Schroeder had been kidnapped—an unprecedented event.
News spread rapidly like wildfire, reaching every corner of Shiglance City!
Nearly everyone discussed the shocking development.
"Mason Raymond has gone too far this time, daring to challenge the Schroeder Family!"
"Typical. Early success breeds dangerous overconfidence."
"Indeed. First winning over the Colton Family, then defeating Grandmaster Turner Keira, even becoming Traditional Medicine Association president. With achievements like those, arrogance was inevitable."
"Shame he picked the wrong enemy this time."
Turner Keira sat in his spacious living room, concern etched across his face.
"Mason Raymond truly fears neither heaven nor earth," Turner sighed deeply.
"We’re talking about the Schroeder Family—the only major power in Shiglance City. Who has ever challenged their authority over all these years?"
The person beside Turner nodded emphatically, "Mr. Keira, we should completely sever ties with Mason Raymond immediately. We can’t risk getting caught in the crossfire."
Turner remained silent, sighing repeatedly.
Around this time, Jasper Thompson arrived at the Schroeder Family residence bearing generous gifts.
The Schroeder Family maintained unique status in Chuzzle, with expansive business interests.
Their enormous manor housed numerous experts who trained relentlessly day and night.
Thompson, arms laden with gifts, made his way to the living room.
Upon entering, he found Anton’s brother, Tristin Schroeder, sitting calmly sipping tea.
Several businessmen stood before him, apparently engaged in negotiations.
Tristin differed significantly from Anton. Where Anton merely played the role of elegantly dressed young master, Tristin was the Schroeder Family’s designated successor.
Not only did Tristin possess exceptional business acumen, but he was also a martial arts prodigy.
Rumors claimed he’d reached Grandmaster level at just eighteen years old, his current strength now beyond measurement.
Noticing Thompson, Tristin waved dismissively, signaling the others to leave.
Then, in a pleasant tone, he asked, "Chief Thompson, what brings you here?"
Thompson furrowed his brow at Tristin’s casual demeanor.
Could Tristin truly be unaware of his brother’s abduction?
"Tristin, where’s your father?" Thompson inquired.
Tristin smiled calmly. "My father has been in seclusion these past three years. I handle all Schroeder Family matters now."
Thompson relaxed slightly.
"Tristin, I’ve come to discuss an important matter," he said with a careful smile.
Tristin nodded. "Go ahead."
After a moment’s hesitation, Thompson recounted everything that had occurred.
Hearing the full story, Tristin’s expression instantly turned cold.
"You’re saying my brother was kidnapped?" His voice carried an unmistakable chill.
Thompson hastily explained, "This is merely a misunderstanding. I suggest arranging a meeting to resolve things peacefully."
Tristin sighed lightly. "I understand my brother’s temperament. That wastrel excels only at causing trouble!"
Thompson felt relief wash over him.
"Anton is still young," he smiled. "Don’t judge him too harshly."
Tristin nodded slightly. Then his gaze sharpened as he asked, "Who kidnapped my brother?"
Thompson’s expression faltered as he silently cursed.
Tristin continued coldly, "Though my brother’s character leaves much to be desired, he still represents the entire Schroeder Family!"
"Anyone who dares harm a Schroeder Family member directly challenges our status and dignity! Has the Schroeder Family suddenly lost its authority in Chuzzle?"
