Chapter 471: Chapter 471 Each With Ulterior Motives
When I heard this news, my expression grew serious.
The Michelle Sect members had crossed the border? Ten half-step Martial Marquises?
"Mason Raymond, what’s your current location? Commander Wood and I talked it over - we think you should hide in the battle zone for now," Jasper Thompson said grimly.
"We’ll also dispatch teams to hunt down the Michelle Sect people."
The plan made sense, but I couldn’t go along with it.
My time was running short. If I went into hiding, there was no telling how long I’d be stuck there.
No matter what happened, I had to break through to the half-step Martial Marquis Realm fast.
"Jasper Thompson, I appreciate the offer," I said, taking a deep breath.
"But I can’t go to the battle zone right now."
Jasper Thompson sounded confused on the other end. "Why not?"
I spoke seriously, "Mabel Sean and Vance Johansson’s wedding is just over a month away. I can’t waste any time."
"The battle zone might be safe, but that safety could come at the cost of limited resources."
"So... I have to turn down your offer."
Jasper Thompson sounded frustrated. "Mason Raymond, if you’re dead, none of this matters!"
I stayed quiet for a moment. "I’ll figure something out."
Right then, Elder Adrianne and his group were getting closer.
They moved at a steady pace - not rushing, but not dawdling either.
"Jasper Thompson, I’ll call you back. Something’s happening here."
I quickly ended the call.
Then I watched the approaching group, waiting calmly for them to reach me.
About ten minutes passed before they finally stood before me.
Their leader was an elderly man in traditional robes. His face was stern, and he carried himself with the arrogance of someone used to power.
"Who are you?" Elder Adrianne stepped forward, his voice icy.
I gestured toward the Hydrating Tower behind me. "I’m this tower’s owner."
"You own this tower?" Elder Adrianne’s eyebrows drew together.
He scoffed. "Funny, I’ve never heard of this Hydrating Tower having an owner."
"It didn’t before, but it does now," I replied politely.
"The Great Saint Sect has a reputation for righteousness. Surely you wouldn’t stoop to banditry?" I said with a slight smile.
Elder Adrianne’s face darkened.
The Great Saint Sect claimed to unite all the world’s saints, so naturally they wouldn’t engage in theft.
But that was just public relations - privately, they did plenty of dirty work.
"Cut the crap. The Great Saint Sect is commandeering this Hydrating Tower," one of the Grandmasters said coldly.
I wasn’t rattled. I chuckled. "So you’re taking it by force? Aren’t you worried about damaging the Great Saint Sect’s reputation?"
"Once we kill you, this tower won’t have an owner. Then it won’t count as theft," the Grandmaster smirked.
My eyes narrowed.
"Figures. All crows are black, no matter where you go," I sneered.
Elder Adrianne didn’t seem bothered. He said calmly, "Young man, the world is much more complex than you realize. Sometimes reputation matters more than a single life."
I raised an eyebrow. "What if I’m willing to hand over the Hydrating Tower now?"
"You think you still have that option?" Elder Adrianne stepped back, and the Grandmaster immediately moved toward me, fists clenched.
"Kid, don’t blame me for being ruthless. You should blame yourself for..."
"Smack!"
Before the Grandmaster could finish, I slapped his head clean off!
"Did you really think I was some pushover?" I sneered.
Everyone’s faces went white, and nobody dared move!
Killing a Grandmaster with one slap - this guy was definitely not ordinary!
Elder Adrianne’s brow furrowed as he said coldly, "Just who are you?"
"My name is Mason Raymond." I saw no reason to hide it.
Hearing that name, everyone’s expression changed drastically!
"You’re Mason Raymond?" Elder Adrianne’s eyebrows knitted tightly together.
Countless thoughts raced through his mind.
Soon, Elder Adrianne’s whole demeanor shifted.
He smiled broadly. "So you’re the famous Mason Raymond! Honestly, our Great Saint Sect has always been quite curious about you. What a surprise meeting you here."
Seeing Elder Adrianne’s crafty expression, I sneered inwardly.
In the past, I might have fallen for his fake "kind and benevolent" act.
But I wasn’t the naive kid I used to be anymore.
I knew exactly what this cunning old fox was thinking.
"Mason, would you be interested in joining our Great Saint Sect?" Elder Adrianne asked with a smile.
I paused for a moment. "Elder Adrianne, let’s be direct."
"You want this Hydrating Tower, don’t you?" I said.
Elder Adrianne looked surprised, then said quietly, "That’s correct. The Hydrating Tower is crucial to our Great Saint Sect. If you’re willing to give it to us, I can grant you one request."
"Really?" I raised my eyebrows.
Elder Adrianne nodded. "Absolutely! As long as you’re willing to give the Hydrating Tower to the Great Saint Sect!"
"Fine." I nodded.
I spoke seriously, "First, I need to cultivate inside the Hydrating Tower for three days. After that, I can hand the tower over to you."
Elder Adrianne laughed. "Of course, no problem."
I continued, "Second, I want a ten-thousand-year-old medicinal herb."
Hearing this, Elder Adrianne nearly choked on his own spit!
A ten-thousand-year-old medicinal herb? Why didn’t I just rob a bank?
Though he thought this, Elder Adrianne still agreed. "Alright, no problem!"
After getting Elder Adrianne’s confirmation, I couldn’t help but sneer internally.
As expected, this old bastard had no intention of actually negotiating with me!
A ten-thousand-year-old medicinal herb was something the Great Saint Sect would never agree to!
The only reason Elder Adrianne could agree so easily was because he never planned to deliver!
All his words were just stalling tactics.
"Well, I never planned to give you the Hydrating Tower anyway, so we’re even," I thought to myself.
"Mason, in that case, I’ll send someone back to the Great Saint Sect to fetch the herb right now. How does that sound?" Elder Adrianne said with a smile.
I nodded. "Of course, no problem."
"Excellent, just wait for good news." Elder Adrianne beamed.
Without another word, I turned and walked into the Hydrating Tower, shutting the heavy door behind me.
"Venerable Fifth Mountain!"
With a thought, the Venerable Fifth Mountain appeared in my palm.
Then I gently pushed the Venerable Fifth Mountain forward, blocking the Hydrating Tower’s entrance.
——
Outside, one of the Great Saint Sect disciples couldn’t help asking, "Elder Adrianne, why did you agree to all those unreasonable demands?"
Elder Adrianne glanced at him and snorted coldly. "Not long ago, Walton Greer nearly died at Mason’s hands. If I fought him directly, I’d gain nothing and might even get killed!"
The subordinate finally got it. "So it was a delaying tactic!"
Elder Adrianne said coldly, "You all need to return to the Great Saint Sect immediately and bring me the Martial Marquis Weapon!"
"Yes, sir!" The group acknowledged the order and left.
Looking at the Hydrating Tower, Elder Adrianne couldn’t help stroking his beard and laughing coldly.
"You want a ten-thousand-year-old medicinal herb? Go to hell!" Elder Adrianne sneered in his heart.
