Chapter 780: Chapter 780 A Contest Of Thieves
When I heard Tilda’s response, she gave a subtle smile. "Certain matters cannot be hurried," she replied.
Then Tilda glanced toward the entrance. "Should you need anything, simply notify the guards stationed outside."
I could only give a nod of agreement.
Once Tilda departed, the mustached man and I found ourselves temporarily housed in this location.
I extended my divine consciousness outward, sweeping across the compound, and discovered numerous martial practitioners within the Maxwayne estate.
Yet these warriors weren’t all elite fighters. Many possessed modest abilities instead.
Take, for example, Grandmasters and even Masters.
"What reason would the Maxwayne family have for employing someone at Master level?" I found myself frowning with confusion.
The power disparity within the Maxwayne clan was remarkably wide, encompassing not just Marquis-level fighters but Masters as well.
This seemed completely illogical. Any family boasting a Marquis would hardly value a Master.
Naturally, I didn’t dwell on it extensively since the Master Realm could also produce prodigies.
Before I knew it, evening had arrived.
Yet the Maxwayne family showed no signs of activity, much less sent anyone to contact me.
This situation began to stir my anxiety.
I rose and approached the entrance, courteously inquiring of the guard, "Has Mrs. Maxwayne made an appearance yet?"
"She has not," the guard replied without expression.
Confused, I pressed, "I’ve come to create pills for the Maxwayne family, so why haven’t they provided any updates?"
The guard shot me a look and smirked coldly. "You’re not the only one crafting pills for the Maxwayne household. Better to wait with patience."
That’s when understanding dawned on me.
The Maxwayne family hadn’t extended invitations solely to me.
Those lower-tier Master Realm individuals were likely alchemists the Maxwayne family had also summoned.
"Looks like this job comes with competition," I mused, stroking my chin thoughtfully.
The Divine Alchemist Pavilion housed Pyro’s finest alchemists and Pill masters, yet across the broader world, the Divine Alchemist Pavilion wasn’t the sole authority.
Therefore, it made sense for the Maxwayne family to invite additional alchemists.
"Are you familiar with the Concentric Pill?" I turned to the mustached man with my question.
The mustached man gave me an incredulous look. "You’re supposed to be the alchemist, yet you’re asking me? I’ve never encountered any Concentric Pill."
I spoke quietly, "The Concentric Pill ranks as a Divine Rank Pill. Most Divine Rank Pill recipes from this era have vanished."
What frustrated me most was that my inherited knowledge contained no Concentric Pill formula either.
I spent the entire night searching yet discovered no details about the Concentric Pill.
"This creates problems," I muttered, pinching the bridge of my nose.
Without a Concentric Pill formula, my journey would prove worthless, and my hopes for obtaining the Power of Martial Saint would crumble.
Just then, someone knocked at the door.
A moment later, a man entered.
"Which one of you is Mason?" he demanded upon entering.
I got to my feet. "That would be me."
"Come with me," the man instructed.
Without delay, I stood and trailed the man from the room.
We reached a courtyard within the Maxwayne family compound.
Dozens of people had already assembled in the courtyard at this point!
I frowned. "Why are there so many gathered here? Are they all Pill masters?"
"Exactly." The man confirmed with a nod.
"These individuals have traveled from across the globe, each claiming they can produce the Concentric Pill."
I surveyed the crowd and spotted not only people from Pyro but numerous fair-haired, blue-eyed foreigners as well.
"The Maxwayne family has really summoned this many Pill masters," I thought, feeling threatened.
With such numbers present, someone might actually possess the Concentric Pill formula.
I examined everyone gathered, and a ruthless notion suddenly entered my mind.
I could steal the formula from these people! That would solve the Concentric Pill problem!
Though the concept was rather malicious, I had limited options.
I had to secure the Power of the Martial Saint.
"Remain here," the man said curtly before departing swiftly.
I stood quietly, waiting.
The surrounding people all wore peculiar expressions, apparently ignoring each other, appearing incredibly haughty.
They avoided any communication, behaving as though they were adversaries.
Ten minutes passed.
Tilda appeared before us alongside her two brothers, Herman and Camden.
The trio positioned themselves on elevated ground, gazing down at all the assembled Pill masters below.
"We appreciate everyone traveling such distances," Herman began.
"My father desperately requires a Concentric Pill. Anyone capable of refining a Concentric Pill will receive generous compensation!"
Herman then raised three fingers. "I’m allowing just three days. After that period, I expect you to return here with the completed pill."
"Regarding ingredients, you may obtain them directly from our Medicine Storage."
Everyone present bowed respectfully. "You can count on us, Mr. Maxwayne."
Herman nodded approvingly. "Then don’t delay. We’ll reconvene here in three days."
After delivering these words, the three Averys departed.
I looked at a nearby Pill master and attempted conversation. "Do you actually possess a Concentric Pill formula?"
"Mind your own affairs!" The Pill master glared at me before walking away.
I felt awkward.
Many alchemists rushed toward the Medicine Storage, but I didn’t hurry.
Without possessing a formula, I wouldn’t know what materials to collect even if I visited the Medicine Storage.
Returning to my quarters, I began to fret.
"How did things go?" the mustached man asked with curiosity.
I smiled bitterly. "The Maxwayne family has recruited at least dozens of Pill masters, and I’m merely one among them."
"That many?" The mustached man appeared surprised as well.
I nodded. "Indeed, and the most critical issue is that I lack a formula for the Concentric Pill."
"Then what’s your purpose here?" the mustached man stared at me.
I sighed. "I can only proceed step by step and maybe discover an alternative approach."
At that moment, Tilda entered the room.
I immediately stood. "Mrs. Maxwayne."
Tilda nodded slightly with a smile. "How are things? The pill won’t be problematic, correct?"
I was prepared to speak but chose to lie instead. "No issues at all. However... why did the Maxwayne family invite so many alchemists? Do they all really have the Concentric Pill formula?"
"They don’t." Tilda shook her head.
"I mentioned this earlier. The Cordelia Kingdom maintains very loose oversight, and numerous factions operate here."
"Many arrived because of the reputation. During these three days, they’ll certainly seek intelligence, discover who holds the Concentric Pill formula, and then steal it."
Hearing this, I felt immediate surprise.
What a coincidence! This strategy matched my own thinking exactly.
