Chapter 409: Chapter 409 An Invitation For Blood
Zaria Buchanan’s statement caused Logan Sean to spray his beverage everywhere.
"Mason Raymond... actually had the nerve to strike you?" Logan Sean’s eyes bulged with disbelief.
Zaria gave a firm nod, gestured toward her face, and declared, "He didn’t just strike me—he degraded me completely. Master, whatever it takes, we need to eliminate this Mason Raymond!"
Logan Sean’s gaze grew sharp and calculating.
Clearly, Mason Raymond’s behavior had exceeded what he’d anticipated.
"This Mason Raymond... absolutely cannot be allowed to continue!" Murderous intent blazed in Logan Sean’s eyes.
——
Word of Mason Raymond slaughtering over a dozen Grandmasters finally broke across the Martial Arts Forum.
Instantly, wild speculation flooded the platform.
Some claimed a hidden master backed Mason Raymond, while others insisted it wasn’t Mason Raymond who acted that day, but someone operating from the shadows.
Eventually, though, these theories crumbled one after another, leaving only one consensus:
Mason Raymond’s explosive power surge came from the heart method he’d claimed from the heavenly staircase!
It seemed like invisible hands were deliberately fanning the flames. Countless voices exaggerated the heart method’s capabilities.
"Someone’s clearly orchestrating this drama," Victor Green muttered, scanning the forum posts.
"Absolutely. Someone wants to use borrowed blades for murder."
"After all, only Mr. Raymond obtained the heart method, and nobody knows its true power."
"If it’s really what they’re claiming, greedy people will definitely come hunting for that heart method."
Victor Green turned to me with worry etched across his features. "Mr. Raymond, should we issue a statement? At least set the record straight."
I stretched casually and replied, "We should definitely respond. Victor Green, post something for me—say that... yes, this technique has given me incredible advantages."
Victor Green’s and Mya Winona’s eyes went wide with alarm at my words.
"Mr. Raymond, aren’t you painting a target on your back?" Victor Green asked, completely baffled.
I smirked coldly. "Exactly. I want them coming for my blood."
Right now, I lacked good training opportunities.
Having assassins hunt me down would be perfect practice.
With the Heaven Swallowing Skill in my arsenal, the more enemies that showed up, the more thrilled I’d be.
Victor Green couldn’t grasp my reasoning and waited for me to explain further.
But I simply waved dismissively. "Just follow my instructions."
"Oh, and make sure they know my location. I’m heading to Hanah soon."
Victor Green started to voice another question, but I cut him off with another wave.
Left with no alternative, Victor Green carried out my orders.
My response obviously triggered massive upheaval.
Within moments, the Martial Arts Forum erupted with heated debates about this heart method.
——
The following day.
I got ready and prepared for my journey to Hanah.
Roberts Joshua’s debt had never left my thoughts.
Roberts had pulled me through multiple crises, and I’d never forget that kindness.
"Thor Suzanne, your reckoning is coming," I thought, ice-cold determination flashing in my eyes.
Just as I was about to depart for Hanah, my phone suddenly buzzed.
I glanced at the screen and saw the caller was the long-absent Blair Blake!
When I’d been in deep trouble, Blair Blake had insisted on supporting me and got brutally injured by Conrad Schroeder for it.
Since then, our connection had grown distant.
Now, with Blair Blake calling out of nowhere, I felt genuinely surprised.
I answered and laughed. "Blair, what brings you to call me suddenly?"
Blair Blake’s voice carried hesitation. "Mr. Raymond, have you been swamped lately?"
I chuckled. "Just spit it out if you need something. No need for formalities."
Blair Blake paused before saying, "I do have a small request, if you’re not too tied up."
"Sure, let’s hear it." I agreed instantly.
This seemed to ease Blair Blake’s tension considerably.
He proceeded to fill me in on everything.
Ever since crossing Conrad Schroeder, the Blake family had faced multiple disasters. While they hadn’t reached complete ruin, they were dangerously close.
Though I’d eventually made peace with Conrad Schroeder, nobody really bothered with the insignificant Blake family.
Currently, Blair Blake and his father were barely keeping the Blake family afloat, with many business negotiations requiring Blair’s direct participation.
"I’m meeting a potential client tonight, but they’re high-profile, so I’d appreciate you joining me," Blair explained.
I laughed warmly. "Absolutely. Give me the time and location."
Blair Blake’s relief was obvious as he quickly shared the specifics.
Afterwards, Blair Blake voiced his appreciation. "Mr. Raymond, thank you so much."
Guilt twisted in my chest as I responded, "Blair, don’t be so formal. If it weren’t for me, the Blake family wouldn’t be struggling like this."
After ending the call, I released a heavy sigh.
Without realizing it, many once-solid relationships had slowly grown strained due to shifting circumstances and social standings.
Because of Blair’s appeal, my Hanah trip would have to wait another day.
——
That evening.
I followed Blair Blake’s directions and drove to the restaurant.
When I reached the restaurant, Blair Blake was already there waiting.
Spotting me, Blair Blake immediately rose respectfully. "Mr. Raymond."
My brow creased slightly.
After a year apart, Blair Blake seemed dramatically different.
I tried sensing Blair Blake’s energy, discovering it had stagnated at the Grandmaster level.
"Are you... hitting a cultivation wall?" I frowned.
Blair Blake shook his head with a bitter smile. "After enduring all these struggles, where would I find time for training?"
Hearing this deepened my guilt.
Once, Blair Blake had been Shiglance City’s pride—a brilliant, ambitious young man. Now he’d sunk to this condition.
"I’m sorry. I should have been more attentive. But... why didn’t you reach out to me?" I asked, my frown deepening.
Blair Blake gave a pained laugh. "My father created such chaos with you before. How could I have the courage to contact you?"
I opened my mouth but couldn’t find words.
"Anyway, let’s not dwell on history. Mr. Raymond, I’m already incredibly grateful you’re willing to help," Blair Blake smiled.
"As long as we land this contract, our Blake family still has a shot at recovery," Blair Blake said with renewed confidence.
I nodded, then clasped Blair’s shoulder. "I’ll have a word with Conrad Schroeder for you."
While we talked, someone suddenly burst through the private room door.
A young man strutted in arrogantly.
Seeing this young man, my eyebrows drew together.
It was none other than the same punk who’d harassed Zendaya Andrew that day!
"It’s you?!" Upon seeing me, the young man’s face immediately twisted with rage!
