Chapter 641: Chapter 641 The Long Vigil Ends
What Phoebe Billy anticipated was snaring Mason Raymond in his web!
Once Mason Raymond perished, Billy could rest easy and even collect his reward from the Capital City Martial Arts Association!
"Nobody on earth can pose a threat to me." Phoebe Billy’s silhouette lurked in the shadows, his voice ice-cold.
——
After departing from that place, I headed back to the hotel.
I ran my fingers over the black robe in my grasp and spoke with frost in my voice, "Tomorrow, I’ll ensure they all meet their end by my hands."
That so-called academy would crumble as well!
But right then, I had no clue that the Capital City Martial Arts Association had already woven a deadly trap.
——
The following day.
The area around the Capital City Martial Arts Academy lay silent.
Martial arts remained a specialized pursuit, drawing only a handful of practitioners. The academy’s location reflected this reality—tucked away in isolation.
A quick scan revealed no human presence.
The academy sat surrounded by towering peaks and endless wilderness.
Eight figures draped in black and gold robes crouched in the academy’s shadows at that moment.
They occupied elevated positions, their cold stares fixed on the academy’s entrance.
"Is everything in place?" Phoebe Billy questioned with an icy tone.
"Absolutely. We’ve constructed an inescapable net. The moment he arrives, there’s no way out."
"The eight of us have sealed this territory with enchanted items. Even if he sprouted wings, escape would be impossible."
Phoebe Billy surveyed them and stated coldly, "End him swiftly, don’t allow him a moment’s respite!"
"No worries. We’d prefer elimination over capture if given the choice." Someone replied with equal coldness.
Phoebe Billy struck a cigarette and inhaled deeply.
His hands shook faintly, betraying his anxiety.
Phoebe Billy recognized this as a crossroads.
Between the Capital City Martial Arts Association and Mason Raymond, Billy sided with the Association.
Phoebe Billy, who had initially intended to hedge his bets, had shifted his allegiance.
The cause was Mason Raymond’s unruly nature.
When it came to powerful cultivators, he displayed zero deference. Such defiant individuals typically met early graves.
"From this point forward, it’s in your hands," Phoebe Billy declared coldly.
"What, you’re backing out?" Someone close by inquired.
Phoebe Billy snorted, "Given my abilities, I’d be useless."
"I’ll await your success."
With that, Phoebe Billy spun around and departed.
Hours ticked by.
The academy’s surroundings remained hushed.
Mason Raymond’s form, though, had yet to materialize.
They maintained their vigil from dawn until dusk, yet Mason Raymond remained a no-show.
This caused them to question their strategy.
"Still no sign of him?" Phoebe Billy emerged from the darkness and asked gravely.
Several pairs of cold eyes fixed on Phoebe Billy, stating, "We were about to pose that same question. Where is he? Didn’t you guarantee he’d show?"
Phoebe Billy lit another cigarette, drew hard on it, then responded, "Stay calm, he might surface after dark."
"We’ll see," several voices sneered.
The heavens slowly dimmed, then brightened once more.
Yet the black-robed figure they awaited still failed to materialize.
"Vice President Billy, you better not be messing with us," the men grew increasingly irritated.
Phoebe Billy snapped back, "Do I look like I have time for games? I want him dead more than any of you!"
"Then where the hell is he!" the men pressed the issue, shouting angrily.
Phoebe Billy’s brow creased slightly, doubt creeping into his thoughts.
Could it be... that Mason Raymond had abandoned his plans?
Or had he sensed something amiss?
"Just maintain the watch. He’ll surface eventually," Phoebe Billy released a smoke ring and stated.
"Keep watching? For how long? If he’s a no-show, do we camp here forever?" the group responded coldly.
Phoebe Billy narrowed his gaze, declaring, "He’ll definitely appear, it’s simply a question of when."
"Furthermore, since President Cooper granted me command, you’re obligated to follow my orders!"
"I’m your commanding officer now, and anyone who defies my instructions will face a report to President Cooper!"
After this declaration, Phoebe Billy pivoted and walked away.
Once he departed, the others’ faces showed hints of derision.
These black and gold robes held no regard for Phoebe Billy whatsoever.
Though Phoebe Billy held a vice president title, everyone understood his role was diplomatic—playing all sides and nurturing relationships with powerful families.
Regarding combat prowess, he was insignificant compared to these black and gold robes.
Time flew swiftly.
Another day vanished in a flash and the black-robed figure still hadn’t shown.
This heightened everyone’s restlessness and prompted thoughts of departure.
——
During this period, I had secured a second residence.
Though fury burned within me, I wasn’t an idiot.
I harbored some wariness toward Phoebe Billy.
So instead of charging straight to the Martial Arts Academy, I opted to wait, letting things develop naturally.
My approach proved sound, but Phoebe Billy was no simpleton either.
As someone who regularly navigated relationships with major families, he possessed deep insight into human behavior.
——
Over the following days, Mason Raymond showed zero inclination to visit the Martial Arts Academy.
Some suggested spreading additional rumors to provoke Mason Raymond, but Phoebe Billy immediately shot down this notion.
"Absolutely forbidden. Take no action, just maintain the watch," Phoebe Billy stated while smoking.
"Phoebe Billy, are you toying with us? He doesn’t show, and you do nothing?" someone said icily.
Phoebe Billy glanced his way and scoffed, "What a bunch of blockheads!"
"What did you just say?" The group’s eyes narrowed, revealing traces of killing intent.
Phoebe Billy showed no fear and smirked, "If we spread rumors now, don’t you think that’s overly obvious?"
"The reason the black-robed man hasn’t surfaced is his suspicion that we’ve laid a trap."
"Release news at this point, and even an idiot would recognize we’re baiting him."
These few sentences left the eight black and gold robes without response.
"Fine, I’ll give him three more days! If he’s still missing after three days, we’re reporting back to President Cooper," the group stated coldly.
Phoebe Billy remained quiet, standing tall and murmuring, "Seems Mason Raymond isn’t some hothead. I misjudged him."
Two additional days elapsed, and Mason Raymond remained absent.
This completely exhausted the black and gold robes’ patience.
They fixed Phoebe Billy with cold stares and declared, "Phoebe Billy, while your reasoning has merit, we refuse to continue this vigil. Our time holds value."
After this statement, the group prepared to depart.
Phoebe Billy felt frantic but powerless.
But just then, a dark silhouette materialized in the distance.
The figure advanced toward the Martial Arts Academy’s entrance.
"He’s arrived!" Phoebe Billy urgently halted the others!
Peering down, they spotted the black-robed man approaching!
"Finally showed up." The eight figures turned frigid, their gazes brimming with lethal intent.
