Chapter 179: Chapter 179 - Dharma Sword
The raw stone towered before me, an enormous mass weighing no less than five hundred pounds, easily standing out among all the others.
I patted the stone’s rough surface and was about to speak when Jack Schultz rushed over, concern etched on his face.
"Mason, purchasing such a massive raw stone will cost you a fortune," he cautioned.
I laughed dismissively. "That doesn’t matter, as long as there’s something worthwhile inside."
Jack frowned at my casual attitude toward money. "Why not let Master Ward examine it for you first?"
"Is that really necessary?" I asked with a slight frown.
I could already sense the qi pulsing inside the raw stone, making Mateo Ward’s assessment completely unnecessary.
Despite my reluctance, Jack insisted so strongly that I eventually gave in.
Minutes later, Jack returned with Mateo Ward in tow.
"Master Ward, what’s your assessment of this raw stone?" Jack asked eagerly.
Mateo approached methodically, circling the massive stone while studying its features. He placed his hand against its surface, eyes closed in concentration as he felt for hidden qualities.
After several minutes of examination, he shook his head firmly. "It’s worthless. I strongly advise against purchasing it."
"Mason, you heard the expert," Jack urged immediately. "Don’t waste your money."
Still, I politely stood my ground. "Master Ward, I’m quite drawn to this particular stone. I believe it contains something valuable."
Mateo scoffed condescendingly. "Newcomers know nothing yet insist on buying the largest stones. You’re exactly the type these businesses love to swindle!"
I simply smiled, choosing not to argue with him.
"Please assist me in cutting this raw stone," I called out to a nearby staff member.
Promptly, an employee wearing a company badge approached me.
"Sir, this raw stone costs four million five hundred thirty thousand dollars. Are you certain you wish to proceed with cutting it?" he asked professionally.
"Four million five hundred thirty thousand dollars?" Jack’s face paled instantly.
He grabbed my arm urgently. "Mason, I know you’re financially comfortable now, but this isn’t how to spend money! Whether it yields jade or not, you’ll hardly recover your investment!"
"Plus, Master Ward himself declared it worthless!"
I remained firm. "Mr. Tenny, please don’t worry. I know exactly what I’m doing."
"Kid, I strongly advise against purchasing this stone," Mateo interjected coldly.
I offered another apologetic smile. "Master Ward, it’s not that I distrust your expertise, but I truly feel drawn to this particular stone."
This statement visibly angered Mateo. "You simply refuse to listen! Jack, if your friend insists on being this stubborn, don’t expect me to remain supportive!"
I frowned at his disproportionate reaction.
Mateo Ward’s behavior seemed increasingly suspicious. Even if I rejected his advice, such an extreme reaction seemed unwarranted. After all, it wasn’t his money being spent.
"Mason, Master Ward only wants to help! Please reconsider!" Jack pleaded.
Ignoring him, I quietly extended my divine sense, enveloping Mateo Ward in its invisible field.
That brief connection changed everything. My expression shifted subtly as I detected an unnaturally compelling aura surrounding him.
This man was definitely not ordinary.
"Cut this one," I declared decisively.
I retrieved my bank card and handed it to the waiting staff member.
Mateo’s face hardened as he delivered one final warning. "Kid, this stone contains absolutely nothing of value. There’s still time to back out!"
I raised my eyebrows, offering a knowing half-smile. "Master Ward, do you perhaps want this raw stone for yourself?"
Mateo’s expression changed instantly, rage flashing across his features. "What nonsense! Jack, is this truly your friend?"
Jack rushed to smooth things over. "Master Ward, I sincerely apologize. Mason’s just joking around."
He shot me a warning glance, silently urging me to stop talking.
I merely sneered in response. "Master Ward, I’m absolutely determined to have this stone."
Shortly after, the staff member returned looking apologetic.
"I’m sorry sir, the raw stone is exceptionally large. We’ll need specialized equipment. Could you wait briefly?"
"No need," I replied with a shake of my head.
Concentrating intensely, I channeled spiritual power into my fist before smashing it directly into the raw stone!
With a thunderous boom, the stone shattered completely!
Onlookers stared in stunned disbelief.
"Did he just break that stone with one punch? Is this some kind of movie?"
"Wait, isn’t that Mason Raymond?"
"The one who beat the Younger Lord of the Schroeder Family into a vegetative state?"
At the mention of my name, fear rippled through the crowd. Several people quickly distanced themselves, afraid of being associated with me.
I ignored their reactions, focusing intently on the shattered stone.
Dust clouds rose from the impact site as all eyes locked onto the debris.
As the dust gradually settled, a green sword emerged, resting peacefully among the rubble.
"There really is something inside!" My eyes lit up with excitement as I rushed forward to grab the sword.
The moment my fingers closed around the hilt, I felt the sword’s qi responding to my spiritual power!
Suddenly, the blade felt like an extension of my own body!
A profound sense of connection washed over me.
"This is certainly no ordinary sword!" I swung it gently to the side, producing a thunderous crash as a massive nearby stone split cleanly in half!
Most remarkable of all, I hadn’t used any spiritual power whatsoever! The sword’s inherent strength had done all the work!
"It’s a Dharma Treasure!" I couldn’t contain my excitement.
Meanwhile, Mateo’s expression darkened considerably, a flash of murderous intent crossing his eyes.
"What kind of sword is that? Can someone identify it?"
"Probably an antique. This Mason Raymond has incredible luck!"
"What good is luck when he’s angered the Schroeder Family? How long can he possibly survive?"
Even Jack and Blair Blake stood dumbfounded.
"Mason, I had no idea you were skilled at stone gambling!" Jack exclaimed in amazement.
I simply smiled without elaborating.
After carefully storing the sword, I turned to Mateo with a smirk. "Master Mateo, it seems even experts can be mistaken."
Mateo snorted dismissively. "Though the sword appears valuable, it may bring you more harm than good."
I laughed confidently. "If anyone wants to kill me and take my possessions, I’ll be ready and waiting."
Mateo merely grunted and said nothing more.
Jack looked bewildered, his brow furrowed in confusion. "Mason, what did he mean by that?"
I turned to study Jack carefully. "Mr. Tenny, what exactly is your relationship with Mateo Ward? Are you truly friends?"
Jack nodded without hesitation. "Yes, we’ve known each other for many years. Why do you ask?"
I frowned slightly, muttering, "That doesn’t seem right..."
"What’s wrong?" Jack asked, puzzled.
After a moment’s silence, I spoke soberly. "Mr. Tenny, this Mateo Ward wants me dead."
Jack appeared shocked before breaking into nervous laughter. "Mason, that’s ridiculous! Mateo has been my friend for years. He wouldn’t hurt a fly, let alone try to kill you!"
