Chapter 174: Chapter 174 - Ruthless Negotiations
Jasper’s expression turned grave as he faced Tristin Schroeder, realizing this would be more challenging than expected.
"Tristin, about Mason Raymond—" Jasper began, only to be cut off by Tristin’s dismissive hand gesture.
"Chief Thompson, save your words," Tristin interrupted coldly. "This Mason Raymond has grown too arrogant lately. He dares challenge people from my Schroeder Family. It’s time someone taught him a lesson."
Jasper recognized the futility of persuasion and simply nodded. "I understand, Tristin. Please give your father my regards."
With that, Jasper departed from the Schroeder residence.
Back in his car, Chief Thompson lit a cigarette. "This Mason Raymond is nothing but trouble," he muttered. He briefly considered informing Mabel Sean about the situation but ultimately decided against it. The Sean family likely already had eyes monitoring events from behind the scenes.
Meanwhile, I lay on the ground, having lost consciousness several times. Each time I awoke, unbearable pain would overwhelm me before I blacked out again. The collision between qi and dark energy in my dantian showed no signs of subsiding—instead growing increasingly violent, making the agony nearly unbearable.
Eventually, I adapted to the pain. Through sheer willpower, I gritted my teeth and managed to sit cross-legged on the ground.
"If this continues, my dantian might be destroyed," I whispered, wiping sweat from my forehead. Both energies acted unconsciously, making natural resolution impossible. I needed to guide them toward fusion or peaceful coexistence.
I endured the pain while using my consciousness to direct both forces. My first eighteen attempts at fusing dark energy with qi resulted in excruciating abdominal pain that nearly knocked me unconscious each time.
"If I could fuse them, my strength would increase dramatically," I thought, taking a deep breath. Unfortunately, such fusion remained beyond my current capabilities.
Left with no choice, I began working to make the two forces peacefully coexist within my dantian. Using my consciousness, I guided them to opposite sides, attempting to calm their interaction. This proved incredibly challenging—cold sweat poured down my face while my body alternated between freezing and burning.
Anton Schroeder watched nearby, his eyes wide with astonishment. He’d never witnessed such a cultivation technique.
As daylight gradually broke, the surrounding dark energy began dispersing. By noon, I finally opened my eyes.
"It’s done at last," I thought. "Cultivating both qi and dark energy simultaneously might be frowned upon, but it’s my fastest path to growth." Coming from no wealthy family with ready resources, I had to rely on unconventional methods.
"After enduring a night of torment, my mental strength seems improved too," I reflected with a bitter smile. Sensing the energy within me, I realized I stood just short of reaching Foundation Building Stage 3.
"Another night like this might push me to Foundation Building Stage 3," I whispered. The Foundation Establishment Stage proved crucial for cultivation—revealing a practitioner’s true talents, like my Blue Spirit Fire, physical resilience, and now this dual cultivation technique.
Checking my phone, I saw it was already noon, yet no Schroeder family members had arrived.
"Your status in the Schroeder family must not be that significant," I remarked to Anton with a sneer.
"Impossible!" Anton protested anxiously. "My brother loves me deeply. He’ll definitely come rescue me!"
"Hope you’re right," I replied, closing my eyes slightly, no longer paying him attention.
At the Schroeder residence, Tristin prepared to leave.
"Mr. Tenny, I’ve arranged for the eight generals to accompany you," the Steward informed him.
Tristin sneered, "Unnecessary. I, Tristin Schroeder, will handle this personally. Even God himself would release someone at my command."
The Steward frowned. "Sir, this Mason Raymond thinks differently from most people. Perhaps you should—"
"No one dares refuse me," Tristin snapped before driving away.
Thirty minutes later, Tristin arrived at our location. Surveying the surroundings, he frowned slightly.
"Perfect spot for murder," he remarked coldly before approaching us.
The moment Anton spotted Tristin, he screamed frantically, "Brother! Save me! This madman wants to kill me!"
Tristin’s eyebrows furrowed as he waved his hand. A shadow instantly struck Anton across the face with a sharp crack, leaving him dazed.
"Worthless thing. You’ve disgraced our family!" Tristin scolded. Anton remained silent under his brother’s rebuke, clearly intimidated.
"You’re Mason Raymond?" Tristin asked me coldly.
I nodded slightly. "Young Lord Schroeder, did you bring what I requested?"
Tristin sneered, "If I actually gave it to you, would you dare accept it?" With a flick of his finger, his inner strength sliced through the ropes binding Anton.
"Get over here, you wimp!" Tristin commanded.
Anton scrambled desperately toward his brother but had taken barely half a step when I applied tremendous force to his legs. He collapsed to his knees with a thud.
Seeing this, Tristin’s face darkened instantly. "What’s the meaning of this?"
"Young Lord Schroeder, you seem forgetful," I said calmly. "You haven’t given me what I want yet."
Tristin’s expression changed dramatically. "You truly dare make demands?"
"Do I look like I’m joking?" I replied indifferently.
"Even God himself couldn’t challenge me! If I choose not to give it, what can you possibly do?" Tristin responded coldly.
I slowly opened my eyes and stared at him. "Without the herbs, I won’t show mercy—not even to God himself."
"Big words! I won’t give anything. Let’s see what you can do!" Tristin mocked.
"Is that so?" I raised my eyebrows and shook my head. "Then I apologize in advance."
"Brother, don’t provoke him!" Anton suddenly grew nervous. "This guy is insane—he’ll do anything!"
Tristin merely snorted. "Empty threats. Don’t worry, he wouldn’t dare harm you."
The next moment, Tristin’s face transformed with shock as I flicked my finger, shattering Anton’s kneecap with terrifying force. Anton screamed in agony.
"No herbs, no mercy," I stated coldly. "I’ll kill him."
