Chapter 657: Chapter 657 A Strategic Surrender
Ignacio Richard’s overwhelming force crashed into me, and I couldn’t withstand the impact any longer. Blood spurted from my mouth as I dropped to one knee on the ground.
Ignacio Richard’s brow furrowed slightly as he observed my condition.
He spoke in an icy tone, "Mason Raymond, are you aware that we’re all hunting you down right now?"
"You wreaked havoc at the auction, hurt countless people, and you still have the nerve to show up!"
I wiped the blood from my lips and replied, "I came looking for you because there’s something crucial I need to discuss."
"Something crucial?" Ignacio Richard’s eyes became slits as he said coldly, "What exactly?"
"I want to work together with you." I pressed against the wall and gradually got back on my feet.
At these words, Ignacio Richard burst out laughing: "Mason Raymond, what makes you think you’re worthy of partnering with me? Do you believe I need your cooperation?!"
"You’ve harmed so many people—you’ve already crossed the line. I’m bringing you in right now!"
I clenched my jaw and pressed on, "Commander Richard, even if you plan to arrest me, there’s no need to hurry. Why not hear what I can offer you?"
Ignacio Richard’s eyes narrowed, apparently considering my words had merit.
He said icily, "Alright, you get three minutes."
I met Ignacio Richard’s gaze and said, "You’re aware that I’m an alchemist with access to numerous Divine Rank Pill Formulas."
"And?" Ignacio Richard gave me a dismissive look.
I went on, "I can supply Pills for the Capital City Battle Zone, even the whole Pyro nation."
"These Pills can dramatically boost warriors’ power!"
"Plus, I have a Breathing Training Skill that can help everyone grasp qi, transforming all warriors into martial artists!"
Only Victor Green had learned this Breathing Training Skill, which my father had left for me.
But right now, I had no alternatives—I had to put something valuable on the table to bargain with Ignacio Richard.
Ignacio Richard’s eyes narrowed as he studied me from head to toe, saying coldly, "What’s your price?"
I wiped the blood from my mouth and answered, "I need you to save someone."
"Save Mabel Sean?" Ignacio Richard asked.
I shook my head, "No, save me."
This left Ignacio Richard looking confused.
"Save you? Aren’t you standing right here?" Ignacio Richard frowned.
I shook my head and explained, "The Capital City Martial Arts Association will capture me soon, and once they do, they’ll definitely execute me."
"I’m hoping that when that moment comes, Commander Richard can represent the Capital City Battle Zone and go to the Capital City Martial Arts Association to demand my freedom."
Ignacio Richard couldn’t help but say coldly, "If you’ve got time, why don’t you just flee?"
"What I need isn’t escape, but security!" I said coldly.
"If I can run for one day, can I run forever? Do I have to flee to another country and never return?"
"Besides, with Mabel Sean as their prisoner, they’ll certainly use her to force me out of hiding."
Ignacio Richard seemed to grasp my plan, his eyes narrowing slightly as he said, "Mason Raymond, don’t you think you’re being overly confident coming to me with this deal?"
"Why should I go through all this hassle? I could simply drag you back now and force you to give up those pill formulas and the Breathing Training Skill!"
I wiped the blood from my lips and smirked, "Commander Richard, you’re free to try and see if I’ll talk..."
"Are you challenging me?" Ignacio Richard’s expression darkened, and his aura suddenly flared.
But I didn’t flinch under Ignacio Richard’s intense pressure.
I stared straight at Ignacio Richard, showing neither submission nor defiance.
"Commander Richard, he’s already hurt this badly—don’t toy with him."
Just then, a head popped up on the second floor.
Looking up, I saw Pavilion Master standing at the window.
I was shocked and asked in surprise, "Lord Pavilion Master? What brings you here?"
Pavilion Master shook her head without offering an explanation.
Meanwhile, Ignacio Richard downstairs also pulled back his aura and waved with a grin, "She came here to see me about your situation, obviously."
I opened my mouth to speak, but Ignacio Richard waved his hand and said, "Come on, let’s head upstairs."
Still puzzled, I followed Ignacio Richard to the second floor.
In the tea room.
I sat across from both of them, my face full of confusion.
"I didn’t think you’d make it out alive after facing the Martial Saint Weapon." Finn Darby sipped her tea and spoke casually.
I gave a bitter smile, "Pure luck."
"Lord Pavilion Master, why are you here?" I asked.
Ignacio Richard beside us explained, "You two really are strangers. Finn Darby also wanted me to go to the Capital City Martial Arts Association to rescue someone."
"But I never expected you’d manage to escape." Finn Darby chuckled.
Hearing this, warmth filled my heart.
"Lord Pavilion Master, thank you." I tried to stand and bow, but my injuries were too severe to even get up.
"Stay seated." Finn Darby gestured with her palm, and a gentle force pressed down on my shoulder.
I looked at her gratefully and turned to Ignacio Richard, saying, "Commander Richard, please agree to my request."
Ignacio Richard said seriously, "Honestly, if it weren’t for Finn Darby’s sake, I wouldn’t make any deal with you."
Finn Darby smiled and tried to smooth things over, "Mason Raymond is young—don’t hold it against him."
Ignacio Richard nodded and said, "It’s getting late, I should get some rest."
With those words, he turned and walked away.
"You can recover from your injuries here for the next few days," Finn Darby said.
Then she turned her palm over and produced the medicinal cauldron carved with a phoenix, along with several herbs.
"I’ll do my best to help you heal over the coming days," Finn Darby said.
I nodded, then looked up at Finn Darby, whispering, "Lord Pavilion Master, there’s something that’s been bothering me... Why are you helping me?"
