Chapter 733: Chapter 733 A Gathering Of Rivals
Watching Pat Noble’s smile grow wider, I finally let out a breath of relief.
*These two father and son really are birds of a feather—both eat up compliments like candy.*
Pat Noble seemed to feel a bit uncomfortable and cleared his throat, speaking seriously. "What you’re saying has merit, but you need to grasp what this Ten-thousand-year-old herb means."
I gave a slight nod.
*Think I can get him to fork over the herb with some sweet talk? Not a chance in hell.*
The real deciding factor in any negotiation always came down to what each side could offer, which always traced back to personal strength.
Pat Noble spoke in a low voice. "If I hand this herb over to you, what’s in it for me?"
I thought it over, then replied, "I’m an alchemist. I can brew pills for you, whatever type you need."
Pat waved his hand and shook his head. "That won’t cut it," he said.
I answered firmly, "Mr. Noble, go ahead and name your price. If it’s something I can handle, I won’t back down."
Pat lifted his teacup and took a small sip. Looking at me, he said casually, "First, you’ll make pills for me three times."
"Done," I agreed without missing a beat.
"Second, you’ll serve the Noble Family for three years," Pat stated matter-of-factly.
My eyebrows drew together slightly.
*Serve the Noble Family for three years? What the hell does that mean?*
"Mr. Noble, I’m not sure I follow," I said, frowning.
Pat gave a slight smile and explained, "Put simply, you’ll be a guest elder of the Noble Family. During these three years, whenever the Noble Family needs you for something, you drop everything and come running."
I was somewhat taken aback. *No wonder the Noble Family packs such a punch. It’s obvious that with tactics like this, they’ve probably roped in help from tons of martial artists.*
"Alright, I accept," I nodded and said.
Pat smiled. "Excellent. Then it’s decided—our family won’t go after that Ten-thousand-year-old herb."
Hearing Pat’s words, I stayed quiet for a while, an uncomfortable look crossing my face.
"What’s wrong?" Pat asked, noticing my expression and raising an eyebrow.
I cleared my throat and said, "If it’s not too much trouble, Mr. Noble, I was wondering if I could borrow a few people from your family..."
At this, Pat’s face immediately darkened.
"What are you getting at? Are you asking me to send Noble Family members to grab the herb for you?" Pat asked, anger creeping into his voice.
I smiled awkwardly. "Mr. Noble, please don’t get mad. It’s just a small favor, that’s all."
Pat snorted coldly. "Absolutely not! If the Noble Family were going to make a move, we wouldn’t need you at all. Hell, we might as well just give you one directly."
With no comeback, I could only nod uncomfortably.
But from Pat’s words, I picked up a crucial piece of information.
That is, the Noble Family had Ten-thousand-year-old herbs—and possibly more than one.
Resources like that would be considered top-tier even on a national level.
After saying goodbye to Pat, I stood up and left the tea room.
As I stepped outside, Guy Noble walked over with a curious expression.
"How’d it go? Did my old man agree?" Guy Noble asked.
I smiled and replied, "He agreed, but... ah, never mind."
Guy frowned. "What is it? Why are you beating around the bush like some chick? Just spit it out."
In the end, I just shook my head, saying nothing at all.
As I left the Noble Family estate, I started thinking about my next move.
*This Ten-thousand-year-old herb situation is definitely going to draw countless competitors—including foreign forces.*
*If the Michelle Sect caught wind of this, others certainly did too.*
*I have to get that herb no matter what, or I won’t stand a snowball’s chance in hell against Leticia.*
As I got back near the villa, I was about to walk through the door when I suddenly spotted a familiar figure!
It was Ms. Zackary—and with her were eight martial artists in purple robes!
"Shit!" I exclaimed, my face immediately changing color.
Sure enough, Ms. Zackary had heard the news too.
I didn’t waste a second and quickly retreated into the villa, slamming the door shut behind me.
"What’s with that look?" Watson Thompson asked casually.
I said nothing. I stroked my chin with one hand, my brows knitted together.
*Ms. Zackary is at the Peak Form of the Military Marquis Realm. And she still brought eight purple-robed fighters. What chance do I have flying solo?*
"The Michelle Sect only sent two people, clearly showing they don’t want to help me," I muttered under my breath.
*Obviously, the Michelle Sect is just putting on an act. They have zero intention of getting mixed up in this mess.*
*If Ms. Zackary gets her hands on that Ten-thousand-year-old herb, that would be a real nightmare.* I couldn’t help but suck in a sharp breath.
*If Ms. Zackary hands that herb over to Leticia to eat, wouldn’t that give him the chance to climb even higher?*
*The more I think about it, the scarier it gets!*
Suddenly, I shot up from the sofa.
"No way! I absolutely can’t let this herb fall into Ms. Zackary’s hands!" I gritted my teeth as my brows furrowed deeply.
After mulling it over for a long time, I decided I had no choice but to turn to the Noble Family for help.
*As local big shots, the Noble Family would definitely have no fear of Ms. Zackary.*
*Guy Noble’s casual party can pull together over twenty Military Marquises. That alone shows their power!*
I pulled out my phone, planning to call Guy. But after thinking about it for a moment, I reconsidered and put the phone down. *I just left the Noble Family. Calling them now seems weird.*
So I held back the urge for now.
The next day.
I went for a walk around town.
I could clearly sense many martial artists hanging around the area, each of them at the Military Marquis Realm.
*Obviously, they’ve all come for the herb.*
*This realization only made me more anxious.*
That evening, I pulled out my phone and called Guy Noble, asking him to dinner while planning to ask for his help.
When the call went through, I got straight to the point.
On the other end, Guy said, "No need for dinner. I already ate. If you’re free, just come over and chill."
I responded, "Sure, where are you?"
Guy replied, "I’m at the Island Gala."
I had no idea what this place was, but agreed anyway.
After hanging up, I hurried out of the house.
I flagged down a cab and headed straight to this so-called Island Gala.
But just as I got in the car, someone in the distance spotted me.
——
"Ms. Zackary, I think that man was Mason Raymond," one of the purple robes said coldly.
Hearing this, Ms. Zackary’s expression shifted slightly.
"Mason Raymond? Are you sure?" Ms. Zackary asked with a frown.
The purple-robed figure replied in a stern voice, "I’m 90% certain."
Ms. Zackary narrowed her eyes and scoffed. "So, Mason Raymond is after the herb too! No wonder he’s been shooting his mouth off in public—he’s hoping to use this herb to turn things around!"
"Ms. Zackary, what should we do now?" one purple-robe asked.
"Since I’ve spotted him, there’s no way I’ll let him succeed! All of you, go after him right now!" Ms. Zackary ordered sharply.
