Chapter 383: Chapter 383 - Perilous Journey
Even through the phone’s distance, I could sense the bone-chilling hostility radiating from Vance Johansson.
"What’s wrong? Did I crack your composure?" I mocked.
Vance barely contained his fury as he snarled, "What’s the use of baiting me? You can’t skulk in the Divine Alchemist Pavilion forever!"
"You’ve heard about my upcoming marriage to Mabel Sean, haven’t you? Haha, if you want to keep cowering in the Divine Alchemist Pavilion, be my guest."
"Oh, and here’s a little secret—once Mabel becomes my wife, I’ll make sure she suffers beyond imagination. She’ll beg for death!"
This call was clearly designed to goad me into action.
I replied icily, "Vance, you’ll never get the chance to wed Mabel Sean because you’re not fit to breathe the same air as her."
"Enjoy your remaining six months, because when the time comes, I’ll show the world that Vance Johansson is nothing more than worthless trash hiding behind his family name!"
I immediately ended the call and blocked Vance’s number.
Vance, with his rage still burning, was naturally livid.
My own mood wasn’t any better.
Already on edge, Vance’s taunts made me even more determined not to waste another second.
I headed toward Elder Jerry Sean’s quarters.
Right now, Elder Jerry sat cross-legged against the wall, seemingly lost in contemplation.
"Elder Jerry," I approached the table and took a seat.
Elder Jerry slowly turned toward me and said, "You’ve arrived."
I nodded and pulled out a bank card from my pocket, offering it to Elder Jerry.
"Mabel gave this to me. After careful consideration, I believe you should hold onto it," I said.
Elder Jerry gestured dismissively and replied, "There’s no need to give it to me. Since it was meant for you, keep it."
"No." I pressed the bank card into Elder Jerry’s palm.
I drew a deep breath and continued, "Elder Jerry, you must accept this money—not just for your sake, but for mine as well."
"Oh?" Elder Jerry arched an eyebrow, waiting for my explanation.
I spoke deliberately, "I’ve learned about your business accomplishments, and since you earned the title Emperor Sean, your capabilities exceed anything I can imagine."
"I’ve been thinking during this period. If I truly want to crush the Sean family and the Johansson family, martial strength alone will never suffice."
"Whether it’s business, connections, or influence—none can be overlooked."
Upon hearing my words, Elder Jerry looked genuinely surprised.
"Think of this money as your initial investment. I hope you’ll support me," I said earnestly.
Though my words might sound presumptuous, they reflected reality.
Currently, Elder Jerry could only aid me, and everything needed to center around my goals.
Elder Jerry accepted the bank card and chuckled, "Haha, excellent, excellent! I didn’t expect such strategic thinking from you."
"Have you considered that with sufficient power, you might not need to depend on business ventures?" Elder Jerry inquired.
"I understand, but time isn’t on my side," I answered.
With urgency pressing down on me, I couldn’t possibly stake everything on personal strength alone.
Elder Jerry pondered briefly and nodded, "Very well! I accept!"
"Thank you." I clasped my hands respectfully before turning to leave.
The following morning, I arrived at the courtyard early, awaiting the Pavilion Master.
At that moment, Mya Winona and Victor Green returned with breakfast.
Spotting me, Victor Green hurried over.
"Mr. Raymond, what brings you here? I just purchased these steamed buns. Have some while they’re warm," Victor Green offered the buns to me.
I didn’t hesitate, accepting the buns and devouring them hungrily.
The three of us sat on the steps, eating and making small talk.
"Mr. Raymond, what made you come to the square today?" Victor Green asked between bites.
After finishing the buns in my hands, I explained, "The Pavilion Master mentioned taking me somewhere I can acquire the Meridian Circulation Mind Skill."
"Meridian Circulation Mind Skill?" Mya Winona gasped upon hearing this.
I looked at Mya Winona and asked, "Are you familiar with it?"
Mya nodded and said, "I’ve heard tales that this Meridian Circulation Mind Skill was created by a powerful realm cultivator. With this technique, your training speed doubles."
I stayed quiet, motioning for Mya to continue.
Mya went on, "However, obtaining this skill is incredibly dangerous. I heard about a Peak Form Grandmaster who hit a bottleneck and attempted it once. Sadly, he failed and his essence scattered completely."
"His essence scattered?" Victor Green’s eyes bulged with terror.
"Well, I can’t confirm if that’s accurate," Mya admitted.
As they conversed, other alchemists gathered around us.
To my amazement, all these individuals had heard of the Meridian Circulation Mind Skill, and their stories shared similar themes.
"Master Raymond, you should reconsider carefully. It appears no one has ever succeeded in all these years."
"Exactly, nobody in the entire Divine Alchemist Pavilion dares attempt it."
"I heard even a Marquis perished trying this. Once you’re dead, that’s the end."
Listening to everyone’s warnings, my resolve didn’t waver in the slightest.
I understood perfectly that with my current rate of improvement, I stood absolutely no chance against Vance, much less disrupting the wedding.
If the wedding disruption failed, who could predict what torment Mabel would face?
"I appreciate your concern, but my decision is final, and further persuasion is unnecessary," I said with a respectful bow.
Suddenly, a disturbance arose in the distance.
"Greetings, Lord Pavilion Master!" Many alchemists rose and saluted the approaching figure.
I quickly stood and said, "Lord Pavilion Master."
"Are you prepared?" The Pavilion Master glanced at me casually.
I responded with conviction, "I’m prepared."
"Then we’ll depart," the Pavilion Master turned and announced.
"Pavilion Master, are you truly taking him there?" The Fifth Elder suddenly blocked the Pavilion Master’s path.
The Pavilion Master looked at him and asked, "What do you think?"
The Fifth Elder frowned and said, "Pavilion Master, isn’t this...extremely dangerous...With Mason’s natural ability, he doesn’t require any Meridian Circulation Mind Skill! Given sufficient time, he’ll become a formidable expert!"
"Time is exactly what we’re missing," I said with a rueful smile.
"Fifth Elder, I’m grateful for your worry, but I must go regardless," I stated.
The Fifth Elder gritted his teeth and said, "Pavilion Master, may I accompany you?"
"I want to come too!"
"Pavilion Master, please allow us to witness this historic moment together!"
Suddenly, everyone in the Divine Alchemist Pavilion wanted to observe this event.
