The Rise of David

(Welcome to the continuation)

( Book I  & Book II  is already available on zbookstore  and Bookapy )

Book III

Chapter 111: Take Control

After a while, Tessa left the mansion. The moment she stepped outside, Josephine and Lizbeth stared at David strangely.

Nervous, David asked, “What are the both of you looking at?”

“Is she in love with you? Why else would a superstar come personally to deliver something? I bet she’s having a concert in a small town like Horington because of you. She’s both pretty and very talented.

Aren’t you attracted to her?” Josephine questioned David with a menacing glare.

“I don’t know if she likes me or not but I don’t like her at all. I’ve already told you that I’m a loyal person but it’s your choice if you don’t want to believe me. I’m going to cultivate in the next few days and I don’t wish to be interrupted.”

David pretended to be angry and went back to his bedroom.

Josephine was startled because David was suddenly the one taking control of the situation. Oh no, what have I done?

“Am I too much, Lizbeth?”

Uncertain whether she crossed the line, Josephine whispered to Lizbeth.

Lizbeth was unsure too. “I don’t know, but I think he’s really angry. Trust is important in a relationship. If you show that you don’t trust him, it’s only natural that he feels upset…”

“What shall I do then?” Josephine asked as she panicked.

“Just wait and see. I think he’ll probably forget about it in a few days.” Inexperienced, Lizbeth could only suggest for Josephine to wait.

David heaved a sigh of relief once he went back to his room. If he didn’t use that method, Josephine would have interrogated him even longer.

After sitting down, David started to use the Focus Technique. Since he had five days until Tessa’s concert, he hoped he could achieve the Transcendence Phase by then.

If he really achieved the Transcendence Phase, he would be invincible and powerful. He could even defeat Fabian without much effort!

As David was cultivating, something was happening on an island thousands of miles away from him. It was none other than Nameless Island, which got its name because it was just a coral reef that showed after the sea level lowered. Since there were only stones and no animals or plants lived on the island, there was no human presence too.

However, a man in a straw hat was holding a fishing rod and fishing by the beach on the island that day.

Not far away, a girl was training hard. If David could see the girl’s face, he would have recognized her as Abbot Erasmus’s daughter, Renee.

After Abbot Erasmus was killed by Dorieus, David took revenge for him and handed the Starry Compass to Renee before she left with Leonidas.

After a few months, Renee appeared on the deserted island but the fishing old man did not look like Leonidas.

“Renee, go to the sea and catch some fish for dinner. I’m hungry,” the fishing old man said. “Yes, mentor.”

Renee jumped into the sea after nodding to the old man.

Right after she jumped into the sea, a small boat sped over. There was no driver except for a middle- aged man standing on the boat, but the boat’s speed was unexpectedly fast.

The man leaped off the boat once it stopped by the shore and he landed right beside the elderly. “The news is out, Mr. Draco,” the man said to the elderly respectfully.

“Alright.” The elderly nodded and took off his hat, revealing a wrinkled face underneath. David would be surprised if he were there to see that the elderly was none other than Draco—the man who taught him when he was in prison!

“What day is it now?” Draco asked. It’s June 8,” the man replied.

“That means we have a month left. I hope David will reach Level Five of the Foundation Phase soon!” Draco said with a load of hope in his eyes.

“I’m afraid it will be hard for Mr. David to achieve Level Five even if he’s a talented young man! He has only started training not long ago and it has only been a few months.” The middle-aged man shook his head.

“I know it’s hard but we have no choice. He is our only hope left. Otherwise, we won’t be able to save 龙大小姐…”

Draco looked helpless as he looked at the peaceful sea. “This is all I can do now. The rest depends on fate!”

Splash!

Draco had just finished speaking when Renee swam out of the water with two fishes in each hand. “Mentor, we have groupers for dinner today!” Renee announced to him happily.

When she got to the shore and saw the man, she didn’t look surprised at all. Politely, she greeted, “You’re here, Mr. Deragon!”

He man smiled and nodded his head in return.

Soon, Renee left to cook. As the man watched Renee, he sighed, “Huh, what a good child she is! Not to mention that she has a frosty constituent. She will surely be something in the future…”

Draco sighed too. “I have no choice but to sacrifice her if there are really no other options left. I can’t let David die or Ms. Beatrice won’t survive either. If that happens, the Deragons will be reduced to

nothing…”

“I still hope that you will talk to Renee. I believe she will understand since Mr. David was her savior…” the man said gravely.

Since he had developed feelings for Renee after all the time they spent together, he didn’t want Renee to die unaware of what was happening.

“Don’t worry, I’ll let her know!” Draco nodded. “What were the reactions of the Deragons when you let out the news?”

“They were astonished and thought that Ms. Beatrice’s child died. Now that they know he’s alive, they started searching for him,” he replied.

“That’s great. I believe the Deragons won’t need much time to find Mr. David.” Draco smiled.

“Why are you so anxious for the Deragons to know about Mr. David’s existence, Mr. Draco? Won’t it be better if we wait for a few more years until he becomes more powerful?” Perplexed, he asked.

“I’m afraid Ms. Beatrice can’t hold on for long. She has been locked up and tortured for more than twenty years. If we don’t give her some hope she won’t be able to make it…”

Draco’s eyes were wet with tears.

The man looked sad as well. “Mr. Draco, what was the secret that Old Mr. Deragon told Ms. Beatrice before he passed away? What made the Deragons so desperate to know about it that they locked up Ms. Beatrice for so many years?”

“I don’t know either. All I know is that the secret must be very important. Otherwise, she won’t be alive till now…”

Draco shook his head.

The two of them stopped talking after that. Soon, Renee’s voice was heard. “Mentor, Mr. Deragon, dinner’s ready. Please come and eat.”

After looking at each other with a knowing smile, the two men walked toward Renee. Soon, laughter and aroma came from a hut made of stone.

At the mansion at Dragon Summit, Horington.

David had locked himself in the room for four days and had been absorbing the spiritual energy from the spiritual stones. There weren’t many stones left in the yard now.

The spiritual energy in David’s body was almost enough to break through the elixir field.

David’s forehead was sweaty from every breakthrough he made. Not only would his elixir field be reformed but also his body.

David felt weak and awful as if his bones were crushed. However, he dared not stop to rest because he clearly knew this was the time for him to achieve the breakthrough!

Once he succeeded in doing that, he would be more powerful. However, if he were to give up now, he might not achieve it in a very long time.

Boom!

Suddenly, a loud sound came from David’s body as the elixir field was broken by the spiritual energy. However, the broken elixir field reformed very fast as the spiritual energy was absorbed back into it.

Interestingly, it was all peaceful after the spiritual energy was absorbed back into the elixir field. “I’ve done it!”

David opened his eyes wide with excitement.

If the elixir field at the Foundation Phase were a bucket, David’s energy was the same as a water tub. A bucket of water was simply not enough to fill a water tub!

David looked out of the window and realized he could see hundreds of miles away clearly and hear what was happening from a distance.

His energy underwent major changes as well. The Transcendence Phase signified the start of spiritual energy cultivation.

When David walked out of the room, he didn’t see Josephine and Lizbeth. He guessed they must be out shopping because they were bored.

Then, he went to shower and change into clean clothes.

David was preparing to sleep but was awaken by Theodore’s call to ask him out.

Theodore brought Shane to a teahouse at Horington. Shane was indeed a Senior Grandmaster because he had completely recovered from his injury in a just few days.

When David arrived, Shane went to get a chair for him out of courtesy. If not for David, Shane would have died at Crescent Sect.

“This is the tea I brought from Jadeborough. Please try it,” Shane said to David. David lifted the cup and took a sip. “Why did you ask to meet me?”

“Nothing much. I just want to thank you for saving Captain Walsh. Meanwhile, the Coopers won’t be

creating trouble for you in this period of time since the head of the household is still absent,” Theodore said.

“That’s all?” David smiled. “Even if the Coopers were to create trouble for me, I have nothing to be afraid of.”

Since David had reached the Transcendence Phase, he could easily defeat a Senior Grandmaster.

“Mr. Chance, I hope you don’t look down on your enemy. The Coopers are quite powerful and they have The Fearsome Four in their household. In fact, they are just like killing machines. Xander Cooper may have already reached his peak in the Senior Grandmaster level or even upgraded to Martial Arts Grandmaster. Honestly, that can be dangerously powerful…” Theodore advised.

“Okay. If that’s all you have to tell me, you can leave now. I don’t care about the Coopers at all.” David got up and prepared to leave.

“Mr. Chance, may I ask you which level are you at now?”

Theodore was curious about David’s ability ever since he heard Shane describe how David killed Fabian Quillen, the leader of the Crescent Sect. He couldn’t comprehend how powerful was David.

David hesitated before shaking his head. “I don’t know how to compare my skills to yours because I’m not a martial artist.”

“Are you a mage?” Theodore asked. David shook his head again.

Theodore opened his eyes and mouth wide in shock as he gaped at David. It was big enough to squeeze a whole egg through.

“Captain Walsh, guard the entrance right now! Do not let anyone come close without my permission!” All of a sudden, Theodore ordered Shane.

As Shane exited the room and stood by the door, Theodore asked David, “Are you a cultivator then?”

“Do you know about cultivators too?” David was surprised that Theodore knew that information. He understood that the Baileys knew about cultivators because they met one, but how did Theodore know though?

Theodore understood the situation immediately after David asked the question. Nodding, he replied, “I know that there are quite a number of families with energy cultivators in Chanaea. It’s just that not a lot of people know about that because they hide their powers from the public. However, as the General of the Department of Justice, I have the responsibility to know about it!”

“Are there many other energy cultivators around?” David was excited to hear what Theodore told him.

He always wanted to find energy cultivators other than Draco because he was lonely and still had a lot to learn about the heavenly realm. He wanted to ask for guidance from someone else.

Theodore nodded and replied, “There are some confidential information that I can’t tell you, Mr. Chance; but, since you are an energy cultivator, I can stop worrying for you. It’s not surprising that you don’t care about the Coopers.”

“Do you have something else to ask me?” David asked after observing Theodore’s expression.

“To be honest, I have a favor to ask from you, Mr. Chance. I’ve heard that there will be an international seminar soon. My informant tells me that Seneris and Allosburgh have secretly arranged for trained warriors to attend the seminar. Since my captains are busy with something else and Captain Walsh is

still recovering from his injury, I would like to ask you to represent us at the seminar,” Theodore asked, sounding rather embarrassed.

David frowned slightly and hesitated. It wasn’t that he didn’t have the ability, it was just that he had slightly more than a month left till July 15. He hoped to finish cultivating by then.

“Mr. Chance, just let it be if it is a trouble for you.”

After knowing that David was an energy cultivator, Theodore was even more respectful to him. “When is the seminar?” David asked.

“It’s in two months,” Theodore hurriedly replied.

“Oh, two months? If you have said it earlier, I would have agreed right away.”

“Is it because you have something else to deal with?” Theodore asked. “Please let me know if there is anything that I can help you with!”

David waved his hands dismissively and said, “It’s fine. It’s just some personal stuff that I have to settle.”

After a few more conversations, Theodore and Shane left. Right before he opened the door, Theodore suddenly turned around and said, “Mr. Chance, there’s an antiques exhibition and auction happening in five days. I think you might be able to find something useful there!”

Surprised, David asked, “An antiques exhibition and auction? Is it officially organized?”

“Of course not. It’s organized by a merchant who happens to be a collector at the same time. He’s holding the auction to attract other collectors to exhibit their precious antiques too. If anything catches his eye, he will buy the item at all costs. The Department of Justice is in charge of the security of the

event,” Theodore explained.

“Alright. Thanks for telling me, General!”

David needed a lot of spiritual energy at the moment and these antiques contained them. It was just like the Dragon Throne from Walter. Any negative energy in the antiques could help David cultivate.

After sending Theodore off, David went back to his mansion. Guessing that Josephine went back to the Sullivan residence because she wasn’t back home yet, he slept right away.

Chapter 112: Good Luck Waiting

Tessa sent her men to deliver front-row seat tickets to David first thing the following morning.

David opened a bleary eye to glance at the concert ticket before rolling over and falling asleep again upon learning that the concert was not due for another couple of hours.

Meanwhile, Ingrid and two other girls stood anxiously at the entrance of Horington Stadium.

“Are you sure your cousin can get us those tickets?” one of her classmates asked. “I know for a fact that the tickets had been sold out the moment they were sold. Many of those going actually bought them at a much higher price from scalpers!”

“He’s well-connected,” Ingrid answered confidently. “If he says he can get them, then he’ll get them.” Ingrid’s faith and admiration for David had only rose since he had managed to take care of Dog.

“Give him a call, then!” said the other girl impatiently.

“Have him send over the tickets at once. The concert’s about to start and the stadium looks like it might fill out soon!”

“I have done that but his phone has been turned off!” Ingrid cried in despair.

At that moment, three boys in their late teens strode over to the girls. One of them wore a stylish piercing on his right earlobe.

Ingrid was frightened and flustered at the sight of the three approaching boys. “Don’t you girls have tickets?” the boy with the piercing asked.

Ingrid merely stared back at him without saying a word.

“Ingrid says that her cousin has managed to secure the tickets for us,” one of the girls replied.

“Haha!” the boy exclaimed as he brandished a thick stack of tickets at the girls. “Good luck getting your hands on these! I only got these tickets because my father is a sponsor.”

Ingrid’s companions perked up. Even Ingrid could not contain the envy in her eyes. “Can we get a closer look, Paul?” simpered one of the girls.

“Of course!” he said generously as he handed them to the girls, who examined the tickets with reverence.

“If Ingrid would agree to be my girlfriend and give me a kiss,” Paul suggested with a wicked grin, “you can have these tickets.”

“Are you serious?” exclaimed one of the girls. “Paul’s family owns a large business, Ingrid. He’s loaded. Why don’t you just say yes, eh?”

“That’s right,” prompted the other. “Just give him a kiss and we can all head in. These tickets are pretty good as it’s still within the first ten rows from the stage. We’ll be able to still see Tessa without using binoculars.”

Ingrid did not have many friends as she had just transferred over to this school aside from those two with her. Therefore, she was rather disappointed in them for persuading her to sell herself short in exchange for something so trivial.

She frowned at them. “How could you ask this of me? I don’t even like him.”

“It’s just a kiss, Ingrid. You’re not ingesting poison. It’s not the fifties anymore. Don’t be such a prude!”

“You should be honored to have caught his fancy, despite your background as a country bumpkin. I would be leaping at the opportunity if I were you!”

These so-called friends are really desperate for tickets!

“I don’t want the tickets,” Ingrid said flatly as she strode several steps away from them in disapproval. “If you want them so badly, you can give him a kiss. I would rather wait for my cousin. At least his come with no strings attached.”

“Your cousin’s bluffing! If he had the tickets, he would have been here already. He turned his phone off because he doesn’t want to be reached, dumbass!”

“He came from the village as well, didn’t he? I doubt very much that he has the contacts for securing any ticket.”

The girls let loose a barrage of disparaging remarks toward Ingrid in their disappointment.

With her head bowed, Ingrid did not attempt to defend herself any further. She felt particularly hurt because those two were her closest friends in school. I can’t believe they would say such hurtful things to me just for a couple of tickets. I thought our friendship meant something!

“Well, offer’s off the table. Good luck with the wait!”

With a cruel smirk upon his lips, Paul snatched the tickets back from the girl’s grasp.

“You have more tickets than you need, Paul,” the girls begged. “Will you please give us one each?”

Paul leered at them as he considered their proposition. “I’ll give you a ticket each in exchange for keeping me company tonight. Both of you.”

The girls flinched slightly. We are only high school students. It’s all fun and games to joke about it, but we’ve never slept with anybody before.

The girls would have obliged without hesitation if what Paul had asked for was a kiss. The girls were frightened by the raised stakes.

“Fine,” Paul shrugged in response to their silence. “I’ll just tear them up then.” “Wait!” one of them yelled through gritted teeth. “I’ll do it!”

The last trace of the other girl’s resolve vanished as she nodded urgently. “I’ll do it too!”

“Are you sure?” Paul said with a wry smile, though he was already handing the tickets out to them. “You’d better not be lying for you know the consequences!”

The girls just accepted the tickets eagerly and laughed happily after that!

“How could you agree to demean yourselves just for a ticket?” Ingrid exclaimed, scandalized. “Give them back! My cousin will surely get us tickets with no strings attached.”

“Stop pretending, Ingrid,” one of the girls sneered. “You’ve lost our trust.”

“You can get a ticket too, Ingrid,” Paul chimed in suggestively. “All you have to do is give me a kiss. Think about it.”

Ingrid held her ground and threw a fierce stare at him. “Forget it. It’s not worth for it’s not the end of the world even if I miss a concert.”

“Good for you for standing up to your principles,” Paul said with mock admiration. “Well, the show’s about to start. We’ll let you know how it goes!”

Without another word, he wrapped his arms around a girl each as they headed toward the line.

Though the girls did not appear too comfortable, they remained as still as they could while Paul ran his hands all over them.

“Don’t go with him!” Ingrid stepped forward to block them in their path.

“We don’t have strong principles like you, Ingrid. We want to see the show. If you’re not coming with us, don’t try and stop us. This is a choice we have made.”

“Carry on waiting out here by yourself. You deserve it after getting us excited for nothing with your cousin. If it weren’t for Paul, we wouldn’t be able to get in.”

“Get lost!” Paul added with a smug smile.

After shoving Ingrid aside, Paul took the two girls and joined the line.

Coincidentally, David arrived at that moment with Josephine and Lizbeth following close behind. Josephine had arrived outside Dragon Bay earlier that day and dragged him, still half-asleep, out of the house and rushed him to the stadium.

“Sorry, Ingrid,” he said apologetically. “I’ve overslept like hell.”

Ingrid could not hold back her tears anymore. With a wail, she started sobbing bitterly. “What is it, Ingrid?” Josephine asked in concern.

“Josephine…” Ingrid’s voice trailed off as she gazed toward Paul, biting her lower lip in an effort to steady her trembling self.

At the very same moment, with both arms around the two girls, Paul caught sight of Josephine and Lizbeth and allowed his gaze to wander all over them greedily.

Though the two women were much older than him, they held the poise that was incomparable to two seventeen-year-olds.

In an instant, Josephine pieced the situation together. “You,” she shouted in Paul’s direction, “come back here. Are you the ones who have made Ingrid cry?”

Nobody in Horington dares to offend the Sullivans. Much less my little sister!

“Forget it, Josephine,” Ingrid whispered as she clutched the other’s hand. Paul’s family is wealthy and influential. What if I get Josephine into trouble?

“Are you referring to me, miss?” Paul replied saucily as he sauntered over. “Lighten up. You’re much too beautiful to be frowning.”

“Kids these days and their awful manners,” Josephine muttered with a frown of disgust.

Paul leered without restraint. “I’m not that young anymore, if you know what I mean. I know just as much about how to please you as you do yourself. Would you like me to try?”

Smack!

Seized by blind rage, Josephine slapped him across the face. How dare a kid like him speak to me like that!

Paul reeled from the impact of the slap. He could not believe that he had just been slapped. The other boys who had been flanking him leaped forward to hold him steady. One of them pulled out a knife.

Josephine was taken aback at the sight of the armed and hostile teenagers. For a moment, she appeared at a loss on what to do.

“How dare you strike me!” he yelled at her. “Do you know who I am? My father is Jean Yates!” “You belong to the Yateses?” Josephine asked skeptically as she scanned Paul from head to toe. “Just ignore them, Josephine,” David advised. “Let’s go inside.”

They’re just a bunch of idiotic kids. What good will there be in killing all of them? Josephine nodded as they turned to enter the venue.

“Are you even thinking of leaving here without a scratch after hitting Paul? Dream on!” With a yell, Paul’s armed companion lunged at Josephine with the dagger raised.

Paralyzed by shock and fear at such a young but bloodthirsty assailant, she stood rooted to the spot.

In a flash, Lizbeth reached out and caught the wrist yielding the dagger. With a violent torquing motion, she snapped it at an angle with a sickening crunch.

“What do they teach you kids at school these days?” Lizbeth glared at him with disgust.

David frowned at the situation that was getting messy. Despite making it clear that we did not want to pick a fight with these kids, the boy still wanted to slash someone!

“Ah!” screamed the boy in agony as he cradled his wrist. Paul gazed at his companion, visibly terrified this time.

The wail attracted the attention of many other concertgoers who had in no time formed a mob around the scene.

At the same time, Tessa was engaged in a discussion regarding matters of the concert with several of her sponsors inside one of the rooms in the stadium.

Paul’s father, Jean, was among them. He sat at the corner of the room, far from the center which denoted authority as every other participant in that meeting was more important than he was.

Suddenly, some crew members burst in. “There’s been an altercation at the entrance, Ms. Snyder. Many are gathered there as we speak. We fear that it might delay the commencement of the concert!”

Tessa frowned. “Any idea on who they are?”

“Not yet. The only thing we know is that one of them is a young fellow of about eighteen years of age. I heard the others call him Paul Yates.”

“My son?” Jean cried as he leaped to his feet.

Tessa gazed at him with displeasure. “Mr. Yates, your son has caused trouble at the entrance. If it affects the concert, please remember that the Yateses have a stake in this too. If your son’s shenanigans disrupt the concert, your entire family will take your share of the hit!”

Despite her innocuous career in show business, it was common knowledge the Snyders’ connection in Horington was unrivaled.

“Don’t worry, Ms. Snyder. The matter will be investigated thoroughly.” Jean mopped his brow before dashing out.

As soon as he disappeared from sight, Tessa beckoned one of the crew members. “I have a friend arriving soon with front-row seat tickets. Let them in at once, do you understand? They are not to stand in line. Bring them straight here. Here is a photo of him.”

Tessa handed the photo of David she secretly took over to the crew member, who jumped in surprise at the photographs. “That’s the man causing trouble at the entrance, Ms. Snyder!”

“What?” Tessa exclaimed before jumping to her feet and dashing out. The other sponsors hurriedly followed suit.

“You can forget about leaving,” Paul shouted, taking advantage of the size of the crowd that had gathered around to garner sympathy. “I’m going to call the cops and have you arrested for assaulting me and breaking my friend’s wrist. My father will hear of this and you’re going to have hell to pay!”

It’s a good thing I shouted loud enough to attract such a large crowd. Hopefully, they wouldn’t dare lay a finger on me with that many witnesses present. For God’s sake, she broke his wrist so easily! It’s like she’s done it many times before.

Paul pulled out his phone and dialed his father’s number.

David glanced at the sizable crowd, his forehead slightly creased. Ingrid was pale with fright and she held on to David’s arm tightly.

“Don’t be afraid, Ingrid,” Josephine said in a low voice. “Nobody in Horington dares to lift a finger on me.”

Just when Paul pressed his phone to his ear, his father arrived at top speed. Flanked on either side by his men, they squeezed their way through the crowd. Jean’s temper flared at the sight of his son.

“You little sh*t!” he shouted. “I gave you the tickets for you to enjoy the show, not to cause trouble!” Jean strode forward and was about to slap Paul when the latter held out his hand.

“We didn’t start it, Dad!” Paul explained hastily, frightened out of his wits. “I was slapped in the face first. Here! You can still see her handprint. After that, they broke my friend’s wrist.”

Jean leaned in a closer look and sure enough, he found a red handprint across his son’s cheek. Next, he turned to look at Paul’s friend whose face was still contorted in pain as he cradled his forearm. Jean retracted his hand.

“Who was the one to have struck you?” Jean demanded, swelling up with rage. “Did you not make clear to them who your father is?”

Though the Yateses did not count amongst the elite in Horington, their name still commanded certain respect within the city.

Paul pointed at Josephine. “It was her! She was the one who slapped me!”

Jean glanced in the direction his son’s finger indicated before stiffening up in shock and falling onto the ground when he recognized Josephine, Lizbeth, and David.

“Are you all right, Dad?” Paul hurried forward to pull his father back to his feet.

Jean turned and gave his son a ferocious slap across the face before scurrying over to Josephine. “Ms. Sullivan, Ms. Grange, Mr. Chance,” he stammered before falling to his knees before the

dumbfounded crowd. “I apologize for the actions of my son. I hereby humbly hand him over to you to punish him as you see fit…”

Paul and his friends were all shocked!

“Paul, who the hell are these people?” his friends whispered, in equal measures of fear and awe.

Paul shook his head jerkily. I wouldn’t have caused trouble with them if I had known what kind of people they were!

“You’re in huge trouble, boy!” A gleeful voice came from the crowd. “The lady who’d slapped you was Ms. Sullivan. With her are Mr. Grange’s granddaughter, and the famous Mr. Chance from Horington. Even Tommy is a follower of Mr. Chance. You kids are real idiots for picking the worst possible people to fight with.”

Paul opened his mouth but nothing came out. A few seconds later, the front of his pants became soaked with hot urine as the crowd roared with laughter.

All of them are people not to be trifled with! One wrong word might spell the end of the Yateses. Oh no, I seem to recall saying a lot of them earlier!

“Please make way!”

The crowd was parted in the middle by several dozen security personnel shoving them aside to make way for Tessa who appeared clad in sunglasses and a gown.

She hastened toward David followed by a large group of sponsors. “Tessa!”

“Tessa! Over here!”

The fans began clamoring excitedly to gain her attention.

Ingrid, too, was shaking with excitement at seeing Tessa in the flesh.

After nodding politely to Josephine and Lizbeth, Tessa addressed David urgently. “Are you all right, Mr. Chance?”

“I’m fine. Do you really think I would have gotten into trouble?” David asked with a smile.

Tessa returned the smile, her worries melting away immediately. Being well aware of David’s abilities, she knew better than to worry about him being bullied by a teenager.

“Mr. Chance!”

The sponsors standing behind Tessa started forward to greet David. Every socialite in Horington worth their salt knew who David was.

David merely nodded his head in response.

“Let’s go inside,” Tessa suggested, not up for having a conversation over the screaming of her fans. “It’s rather chaotic here.”

David nodded before turning around to address Ingrid. “It’s fine now. Let us go in!” “And who is this?” Tessa asked as she turned to face Ingrid.

“This is my cousin, Ingrid,” introduced David.

“Your cousin, huh?” Tessa mused while she beamed at Ingrid. “Come, the concert is about to start!”

Without giving her the opportunity to voice her assent, Tessa pulled Ingrid by the arm toward the entrance.

As it turned out, Ingrid was unable to speak as she was starstruck at being so close to her idol. Her jaw hung open in shock as she allowed herself to be dragged along.

At the touch of Tessa’s skin on hers, Ingrid’s pulse rose to such a degree that she felt her heart about to pop out of her chest.

Bulging with envy, every eye in the crowd followed her with admiration.

None were more envious than the two girls who came with Ingrid. The girls were beginning to feel remorseful for how they had treated her earlier.

“Ingrid!” they shouted to get her attention, with the hopes that she would be able to secure their entry as well.

Ingrid merely turned to glance at them before gazing determinedly forward again. I have given them so many opportunities earlier but they chose not to believe me.

Tessa seemed to sense what Ingrid was thinking. “See those two girls over there?” Tessa said in a low voice to one of her aides. “Don’t let them in. Their conduct is despicable.”

Soon, Tessa and Ingrid disappeared into the stadium with David following behind. Along the way, Josephine’s eyes flicked occasionally toward David as she entertained the new suspicion that had formed in her mind regarding him and Tessa.

David stared pointedly away and pretended not to notice how he was being watched closely. He hastened his stride toward the stadium.

“Mr. Chance! Mr. Chance!” Jean cried in despair.

However, David just ignored him completely. Jean remained where he was on the floor until David’s silhouette disappeared into the stadium.

“Dad,” whimpered Paul.

Smack!

In his rage, Jean landed another ferocious slap on his son’s cheek.

“You little piece of sh*t!” Jean howled. “The Yateses are going to collapse before you can take over! You’re in for the beating of your life once we reach home.”

…

David and his party were led by the ushers to the first row. They were the most exclusive seats in the stadium which money could not buy. When the concert began, David closed his eyes to avoid having to look at Tessa who was performing enthusiastically on stage as he realized that Tessa had been glancing suggestively at him more often than necessary.

David was well aware that Josephine was sitting next to him, so he did not trust himself if his imagination were to run wild. As a result, he opted to close his eyes altogether.

“Tessa is amazing!” gasped Ingrid between screams and cheers. “She’s so pretty!” Josephine cleared her throat. “Let me ask you something, Ingrid.”

“What is it, Josephine?” Ingrid turned to look at her.

“Who do you prefer, me or Tessa?”

Ingrid was slightly surprised at the question.

David, who had his eyes closed the entire time, almost chortled out loud. That’s an interesting tactic to gauge how things are going on between me and Tessa! I’d better tread lightly around her.

“I like you better, of course,” Ingrid said tactfully as she wrapped her arm around Josephine’s. “We’re like sisters.”

Josephine was pleased to hear that. Fully aware that he could hear them, she watched his reaction as she returned Ingrid’s radiant smile.

Several encores later, the concert ended. Tessa had extended an invitation to David and his party for supper but was met with decisive rejection as he was aware that he had to keep a distance from her or suffer Josephine’s wrath. It would not end well for me if this gets out of hand.

In the end, David gave in to Ingrid’s pleas and allowed her to go in his place with Tessa. As Tessa had chosen to hold a concert in Horington for him, David felt that sending Ingrid to keep Tessa company on his behalf was fair enough.

Tessa left David a message when she left Horington. Though he did not send her off, he got her meaning loud and clear. David was conflicted as he knew that Tessa knew he had a girlfriend; yet, she was still openly conveying her interest in him. She’s really trying to get me into trouble!

Over the next few days, David accompanied Josephine shopping whenever he had a moment to spare. After that, he would spend his afternoons playing chess with William. Without herbs and spiritual stones and being solely reliant on the wispy thin spiritual energy, It would be a waste of time for David to cultivate.

Three days later, Walter approached David with an interesting proposition.

“Mr. Chance,” he said, rather excited. “There will be an auction in Jadeborough tomorrow. Would you be interested? You never know for there might be something you need!”

“I’d obtained Dragon Throne in a similar auction, you know,” he continued proudly. “You never know what kind of treasures you may come across. I’d heard that there will be a batch of talismans flown in by a sponsor for this auction. It’s the trend now for the rich to obtain a talisman and send it to a geomancer to modify the geomantic elements to repel danger while positively enhancing their auras. With the influx in the supply of talismans, this auction is going to be very interesting and intense. I might as well

sell the stuff taking up space in my house for cash. At the same time, I may be able to snag something valuable.”

Walter was fond of antiques. His eyes sparkled as he launched into an excited babble regarding his favorite subject.

“I am already aware of it,” David said carelessly. “Theodore told me about it.”

“Theodore Jackson?” Walter repeated with a gasp. “Do you mean General Theodore Jackson of the Department of Justice of Jadeborough?”

David nodded. “Yes, the very same man.”

Walter stared incredulously at David. I can’t believe David has connections with Theodore and the Department of Justice!

Even during the peak of his career, Walter’s rank had always been far below Theodore’s. General Jackson of the Department of Justice was a deified figure within the ranks all over the country. David’s acquaintance with him was the last thing Walter expected.

“Mr. Chance, shall I send over a car to pick you up if you are interested in going to the auction with me?” “Sounds good. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

David nodded in agreement as he had never been to Jadeborough and wished to check out the place. Hence, he accepted Walter’s invitation readily.

Josephine and Lizbeth descended the stairs the moment Walter departed. “David, where are you and Mr. Grange planning on going?” Josephine asked.

David stared at the women in surprise as he was under the impression that he was the only one home.

 Chapter 113: A Lucky Man

“Why didn’t you come out for a word with your grandfather before he left, Lizbeth? I’d thought that you girls weren’t home!”

David did not answer Josephine as he gazed at Lizbeth in question.

“If he sees me, he’ll make me go home,” Lizbeth said with a giggle. “I don’t want to do that!” David shook his head helplessly. “Maybe you should.”

“You haven’t answered me, David,” Josephine pressed on haughtily. “Where are you planning on going?” “There is an auction for antiques in Jadeborough. Mr. Grange has kindly extended an invitation to me.” “Sounds fun! We would like to come along,” trilled Josephine.

“We’re coming along,” affirmed Lizbeth. “I have friends in Jadeborough. We’ll be treated well there.”

David gazed at them, the suspicion that they had planned to tag along the moment they heard the plan began to dawn on him.

“I’m not getting involved. You tell your grandfather that when you see him tomorrow.” Without another word, David disappeared into his bedroom.

Luca, Walter’s loyal bodyguard, arrived at David’s residence early the following morning.

As soon as the car stopped, Lizbeth and Josephine burrowed in at once. David and Luca merely exchanged a helpless glance before the former got in after them.

Walter was slightly taken aback when Luca arrived with Josephine and his granddaughter in the car. However, he regained his composure quickly and merely smiled at them without saying anything.

In accommodation of his frail joints, Walter was offered in the passenger seat while David was forced to be squeezed between Josephine and Lizbeth at the back.

“Look at you—a lucky man flanked by two beauties,” Josephine whispered in David’s ear.

David was shocked speechless at the innuendo. He knew that the seating arrangements had been deliberately designed by Josephine to test him.

Lizbeth, on the other hand, blushed profusely. Aside from the incident of her rescue in the hotel, she had never been anywhere this close to David.

Trying hard to ignore his overwhelming masculine scent, Lizbeth kept her eyes glued outside and prayed that the others would not be able to hear her racing heartbeat.

Walter glanced at the rearview mirror and smiled at the look of embarrassment on David’s face.

He knew his granddaughter well. Though Walter could tell how Lizbeth felt about David, he did not stand in their way. If Lizbeth ends up with David, I can think of no better man for her to be with even if she is one of many.

“Mr. Chance,” Walter began in an attempt to ease the younger man’s discomfort. “There will be many consulting geomancers hired by businessmen in this auction. Hence, there will be no shortage of masters plying their trade. In fact, the top geomancer from Zaprington, Boris Yonce, will be present too. He was personally hired by the richest man in his city to modify a talisman which had kept him unscathed in a horrifying car accident!”

“He was just the first. After him, more rich businessmen in Zaprington who valued their life or possessions treated these mages and geomancers with high regard. Of course, many charlatans jump at the opportunity to capitalize on this developing industry. However, some of them have actual skill.”

“These are all gimmicks,” dismissed David with a sardonic smile. “It is no easy task to create an object of such power.”

“Crafting a true talisman requires one to manipulate the very laws of nature and the realigning destiny.”

The knowledge and skills needed are so prodigious that even with all his expertise, the jade pendant that David had crafted for Josephine was entry-level at best in potency.

Walter did not attempt to justify his views further for fear of sounding churlish. The only sound to be heard after that exchange was the roar of the car’s engine as it sped steadily on.

After five hours, the party arrived at Jadeborough. David gazed at the bustling city in wonder for Horington was incomparable. Even Jazona and Summerbank is no match.

Tall skyscrapers rose like islets out of the unceasing tide of traffic and were reflective of the frantic rhythm of life in Jadeborough.

Every single pedestrian looked like they were in a hurry as they rushed to complete whatever tasks they were assigned.

On the other hand, the patrons of the auction house were living in a completely different world which was a stark contrast to the bustling metropolis. Jausden Auction House was located in Jadeborough’s most exclusive business district. It was a building over ten stories tall on a lot spanning over several dozen hectares. At that moment, it was swarming with rich men as they strode amongst the exhibits while appreciating them.

Every item on display had a price tag that made it inaccessible to those from average working-class. Even the rich tread with caution and kept their distance for fear that they might ruin any one of these items on exhibit which could cost a king’s ransom.

“Let’s look for a place to eat before attending the auction, shall we?” suggested Walter. The party nodded eagerly as they had not eaten a thing throughout the journey.

David’s phone rang at that moment. Theodore called and asked him if he was going to attend the auction.

David told him that he was already at Jadeborough, to which Theodore expressed his delight by extending an invitation to David and his party to dine with him.

David was about to reject it as it would involve the mass coordination of too many people but

remembered suddenly that Theodore’s influence might come in handy during his stay in Jadeborough. With that, he accepted the invitation.

Theodore was waiting at a restaurant with tasteful vintage decor. Theodore stood up to welcome David and his party when they arrived.

“Mr. Grange!” roared Theodore with a jovial smile. “What a pleasant surprise to see you here as well!” “General Jackson!” Walter snapped into a salute.

Even before his retirement, his had to salute Theodore for his rank was lower than the latter. “There’s no need for such formalities, Mr. Grange. You are an elder, so this isn’t proper.” Lizbeth and Josephine greeted their host politely.

Theodore ushered David into the suite. “Mr. Chance, after you. Everything has been prepared before your arrival.”

Without any more words exchanged, David and his party attacked the food with relish. We must be really hungry!

“Mr. Chance, there’s a huge turnout for this auction,” Theodore reported. “Even Sean Cooper will be here. I’ll like to implore that you control your temper when you see him. I will also warn Sean accordingly so that he will not be allowed to lift a finger against you.”

Though David was not afraid of the Coopers, it would not look good on him or on Theodore to pick a fight on such an occasion.

“Don’t worry, General Jackson. As long as they steer clear of me, I wouldn’t have any cause to fight them.”

“Sean is a megalomaniac,” complained Walter.

“If it weren’t for me all those years ago, he would have died abroad and the Cooper family won’t be as powerful as it currently is!”

The Coopers had gained a slow but steady foothold in Jadeborough with the unreserved help of Walter’s resources and manpower back in the day. Both families were so close that even Franco had been engaged to Lizbeth. When Franco broke off the engagement, the Coopers had already become a powerful enough family in Jadeborough and had looked down on the Granges ever since.

When Walter stepped down, the influence of the Granges in Jadeborough was not as it was. Moreover, the cancellation of the engagement by the Coopers did them no favor. Walter had never recovered.

Even at the merest of mentions of the Coopers, Walter’s old grievances resurface like a fresh wound. Lizbeth frowned. “There’s no use bringing up the old sad stories, Grandpa.”

Theodore was familiar with the tale of the Granges’ downfall. “It is true that the Coopers were ruthless in their quest for expansion back then,” he admitted with an awkward chuckle. “You weren’t the only one used by them, Mr. Grange. Don’t take it to heart.”

Walter sighed without commenting further. They’d used me all those years ago. What’s the point of holding on to the grudge until now?

After their meal, Theodore personally escorted David to Jausden Auction House to prevent Sean from finding trouble with David.

David sensed the movement of spiritual energy upon setting foot in the exhibition hall. Though faint, it was enough to prove that there were indeed some authentic artifacts amongst the exhibits.

The vast space was filled with glass cabinets containing every antique one could imagine. Glittering under the yellow fluorescent bulbs, they told stories of their origins.

“Mr. Chance!”

David turned toward the source of the familiar voice only to discover that it was Tristan, who quickened his pace toward the former. “I didn’t expect to see you here, Mr. Chance!”

David smiled at him. “When did you return, Tristan? How is Ms. Simmons?”

“I’ve arrived yesterday just to attend this auction,” replied Tristan. “Megan is doing well. In fact, she’s been inducted into the Crescent Sect!”

David felt a huge weight lifted off his shoulders. After all, it was for his sake that her father, Dante, had sacrificed himself.

“Is this Mr. Chance, Tristan?” An old man joined them.

“Yes, he is, Grandpa,” introduced Tristan before turning to David. “Mr. Chance, meet my grandfather. Samuel Baileys.”

David nodded. “Mr. Baileys.”

Samuel sank into a deep bow. “What a fine specimen of a man you are, Mr. Chance! It is the honor of the Baileys to be at your service.”

Samuel’s demeanor drew the attention of a large crowd. They could not comprehend how the patriarch of the powerful Baileys of Jadeborough could lower his voice and speak with so much courtesy to such a young man.

“Mr. Baileys has a good judge of character,” Theodore said approvingly. “No wonder the Baileys has such a long legacy.”

It was obvious that Samuel was aware of David’s true identity, which explained his reverence for the latter. It would do the reputation of our family well if the word were to get out that we are acquainted with an energy cultivator!

“General Jackson, you have flattered me. I am sure you could tell that Mr. Chance is no ordinary individual?”

As a testament to his discerning eye, Samuel had managed to deduce that Theodore, too, was aware of David’s identity.

Theodore laughed boisterously as they exchanged knowing winks.

“This way please, Mr. Chance. So far, all of the exhibits you’ve seen pale in comparison to this. The real treasures lie behind this door.” Samuel gestured smartly.

David nodded before following Samuel into the hall.

Before he took more than a few steps, David felt the icy-cold sensation of a murderous glare upon him which was followed by the appearance of a middle-aged man who was accompanied by a wizened, white-haired figure.

The younger man was the one who was staring at David as though intending to swallow him whole.

Returning the glare without a trace of fear, David knew instinctively that his silent adversary belonged to the Coopers.

Sure enough, Samuel stepped out and stood between the man and David. “What do you want, Sean?” “I just want a word with the kid, Mr. Baileys. How quickly you jump in to the defense of your new

master.”

Samuel scowled. Incensed, Tristan strode forward at once. “Another word out of you, Sean, and I’ll-” “We adults are talking here, kid. Mind your manners!”

Sean’s eyes narrowed and without warning, emitted a burst of an invisible force around him that forced Tristan to stumble backward.

Theodore shot out an arm and caught Tristan before the latter fell. “Not here, Sean. We’re at the Jausden Auction House. Don’t you blame me for being ruthless!”

Sean smiled pleasantly. “I only want a word with the boy, General Jackson. Is that against the law?” Theodore didn’t say anything but glare at Sean.

David stepped out. “You have my attention.”

Sean gazed coldly at David from head to toe. “No matter what kind of powers you have at your disposal, the Coopers will not let you go for killing Franco. I assure you that you will not be leaving Jadeborough in one piece.”

David paid Sean’s threat no heed. The onlookers were stunned at the realization that David was the one who had killed Franco.

How brazen is he to have killed a member of the Cooper family and then strutted back to their turf!

By that point, many had developed an interest in David’s true identity. He is clearly somebody special to be able to provoke the Coopers by killing Franco, and for Samuel and Theodore to fawn over him in such a manner!

“If Franco’s death isn’t enough, I’ll be happy to send more Coopers to meet him,” David said with a sneer.

“How dare you!” Sean’s eyes widened as his knuckles crackled menacingly. If Theodore and Samuel weren’t there, I would have jumped on this little b*stard!

“You’ve got balls, kid. We’ll see how things go.” At that final threat, Sean turned around and disappeared into one of the rooms in the hall with the old man.

“Your safety in Jadeborough will be our top priority, Mr. Chance,” proclaimed Samuel grimly. “The Baileys will spare no expense for your safety.”

David smiled and nodded appreciatively before following Samuel into another room within the hall. However, the rest had to remain behind.

At first glance, the smaller room did not appear too dissimilar from the exhibition hall outside. The only difference was that the antique ceramics that were on display in the smaller room was much fewer in number. In spite of that, the spiritual energy was much stronger. David could almost smell the age of these items for they were far more ancient than anything displayed outside.

In the center of the room stood a large rosewood table surrounded by chairs. At the very center sat a well-mannered, bespectacled middle-aged man, who was accompanied by an old but serene-looking man.

“That’s Galen Zane, Mr. Chance,” whispered Samuel. “He’s a businessman from Zaprington. Next to him is Boris Yonce, the most powerful mage in their city. It was said that Galen is here with an extremely rare talisman that required the expert examination of Mr. Yonce. As you might have noticed, only the elite of Jadeborough was granted entry into this room.”

David nodded as he studied the other participants around the table. Though few in number, every single one of them was similarly accompanied by an old man. He hazarded a guess that they were hired to discern between authentic and counterfeit talismans. Even Sean and his geomancer were present.

Samuel led David to a seat across from Sean. On Samuel’s other side sat a silver-haired geomancer clad in white. Despite being half-closed, his eyes somehow managed to emit a frostiness that made those seated around him shudder.

“Mr. Chance, this is Mr. Barnabus Holt, a geomancer under my employ.” Samuel made the introductions before turning to the wizened figure. “Mr. Holt, this is Mr. Chance.”

Barnabus did not even glance at David. “Is my service not sufficient for you, Mr. Baileys?” he said nonchalantly. “Why is a second opinion necessary?”

“You have mistaken, Mr. Holt,” Samuel clarified hastily. “Mr. Chance is only here to watch. Your expertise is still required, Mr. Holt.”

Though David was a cultivator, Samuel was certain that his guest was nowhere as experienced as Barnabus, who had spent years longer than David had been alive specializing in his craft.

“Hmm!” Barnabus grunted, seemingly satisfied by the explanation.

Galen, who was seated on the head seat, sauntered his eyes through everyone present. “Gentlemen, we have been in alliance for a good number of years, and I suppose I can be as frank as the day. I’ve brought along a few talismans with me this time around, and one of them was crafted by Mr. Yonce himself. It can effectively protect you from harm and even extend your age.”

After the brief introduction, a few wooden boxes were placed on the table. Any average joe would’ve figured out that they contained the talismans that Galen just spoke about.

Everyone’s attention was firmly drawn to them, and they were eager to know what magical items were lying in those boxes. They were dying to see for themselves what the mage of all times had created.

Seeing those zealous stares, Galen smiled faintly. “We’re going to abide by the old rules—the highest bidder wins. If none of you are interested, I shall put it on public auction. I really appreciate our strong fellowship, and that’s why I’m presenting these precious items to you before anybody else.”

“Mr. Zane, we know about the rules. Show us the items.” One of the gentlemen expressed his keenness.

Galen nodded and opened the first box. The moment the wooden box was open, a chilly gust forced its way out of its captivity. The temperature of the room suddenly dropped by a few degrees, and that shook everyone high into alert!

When they took a closer look, they saw a black spherical bead. It looked nothing extraordinary and didn’t have the slightest sheen on its surface. No one would imagine it to be a talisman if it weren’t for the sensation that hit them a moment ago.

“Gentlemen, this used to be one of Master Genzo’s prayer beads and had been blessed by his persistent cultivation and chants. It’s effective in cooling one’s body and clearing one’s mind. Well, that’s not all.

Mr. Yonce had also configured it to utilize geomancy for improving businesses!” Galen’s tone portrayed his confidence in that black bead.

The rest of the crowd turned to the geomancers they’ve brought along with them, asking if that bead was the real deal.

“Mr. Holt, is this bead authentic?” Samuel whispered.

Barnabus remained skeptical about the object. He hadn’t bothered to look at it further after the first glance. “It’s just an ordinary bead that looked good.”

“But, Mr. Holt, Mr. Zane said that this was one of Master Genzo’s beads and that nippy gush of air? We all obviously felt it when the box was opened, didn’t we?” Samuel looked at Barnabus, confused.

Samuel was convinced that the bead was not like any other beads.

“I don’t mind leaving anytime if that’s the amount of trust you have in me.” Barnabus sounded displeased.

“No, no, no! Of course, I believe you. That’s why I invited you, right?” Samuel apologized frantically.

David was impressed by Barnabus’s prowess and was convinced that the latter wasn’t a mere charlatan, who was only after fame and fortune.

That black bead in the box was indeed a regular wooden bead. The cold air that encapsulated the room was a planned deception that had nothing to do with it.

Verbal tussles that took over the room came to silence after some time. It seemed that people had made up their minds.

“So, gentlemen, shall we start bidding for the bead? Remember, the highest bidder wins. We’re going to start with three million, and the minimum bid increment will be ten thousand.”

Galen made the announcement with a smile after everyone had finished their discussions.

Funnily, people were exchanging glances, but no one was shouting prices. Probably they had figured out that the bead was spurious.

Galen was stupefied and froze for a brief second at the cold response. “Gentlemen, this bead is definitely worth the price. If none of you are interested, I shall put it up on auction elsewhere.”

His pitch created an awkward situation, and silence pursued. Galen sneaked looks at Boris with every chance he got.

Chapter 114: Desired By Many

“Mr. Zane, I’m sure you’re very well informed about our statures. We have all hired reputable mages concerning the veracity of your items. They might not be as good as Mr. Yonce from Zaprington, but I’m sure that they could still tell if it’s fake. What a disgraceful act of you to trick us with a regular wooden bead!” Sean was disgusted by what Galen did.

“M-M-Mr. Cooper, n-n-no, no! It’s not a fake!” Galen’s face turned as pale as a ghost. “Well, if you doubt its authenticity, I’ll just auction it off somewhere else. Why would I want to jeopardize our solid

relationship that had been flourishing throughout the years?”

Galen then gestured his man to remove that particular bead from the table and quickly opened the second casket.

There was a bronze mirror dotted with rust. It looked as if it was dug out fresh from the ground.

When he took the mirror out of the box, there were intermittent low hums ringing, and not long after, a blinding ray of light shot out of it.

“Gentlemen, this bronze mirror has a history of more than a thousand years! It was said that Cleopatra was the first owner of this amazing piece, and it will shield you from harm.”

Galen then lifted the mirror high and swiveled himself slowly to make sure that everyone saw their reflection on it. They all looked painstakingly ill, and dark clouds formed above their heads!

Shocked to the core, everyone looked up and then around them, but nothing was amiss.

“Gentlemen, all you have to do is look into this mirror every day, and unfortunate events would be at bay!” Galen put the mirror down as he tried to persuade the lot.

“Oh my, it is something extraordinary.” Barnabus, who wasn’t at all convinced at first, suddenly popped his eyes wide open and quivered in awe.

“Mr. Holt, are you saying that this bronze mirror is real?” Samuel was elated.

Barnabus nodded. “This bronze mirror is a talisman. Incredibly, it has the power to repel danger!” Samuel was screaming joy inside when he heard that and was going to pay for the bronze mirror.

On the other hand, a geomancer was murmuring something into Sean’s ear. It was inaudible to the rest, but Sean’s face glowed with excitement after that.

Galen was gratified with their reactions and started asking for bids. “Gentlemen, this bronze mirror starts at twenty million. The minimum bid increment will be one mil—”

“Twenty million!” Samuel shouted his offer out loud before Galen could utter the last syllable. “Twenty one million!”

“Twenty two million!”

Bidders were relentless in pushing the price higher and higher! “Thirty million!”

Without notice, Sean pegged the price at thirty million.

“Forty million!” Samuel upped the bid by ten million with no hesitation. He was fixed on bagging the bronze mirror.

“Mr. Baileys, this mirror doesn’t have the power to ward off danger. It’s just an antique. Besides that, it has also entrapped a good deal of negative energy. I can guarantee that you will have trouble sleeping if you put it in your bedroom.”

David tried to lead Samuel out of fascination.

“I didn’t know you are well-versed at talismans too, Mr. Chance.” Samuel was taken aback. “Just the basics, actually,” David replied indifferently.

“Hmph! It is very daring of you to utter such nonsense, young man. Do you know that it takes tens of years for one to cultivate magecraft? One will also need years of experience to be able to authenticate talismans. How much could a kid like you know about talismans?”

Barnabus was seething in fury as he reprimanded David.

That was inevitable because if what David said was true, then what he said was definitely wrong. On top of that, to be corrected by a lad, who was in his early twenties, was a blow to Barnabus’ pride.

“Mr. Holt, don’t mind Mr. Chance. It’s just a random opinion.” Samuel quickly put a stop to the argument. Who knows if this old man will be offended and walk away?

“Knowledge has nothing to do with age. It’s either you know it or you don’t. In other words, it’s your problem that you need tens of years to cultivate magecraft. I’m not as witless as you.” David nonchalantly made his point.

Bam! Barnabus slammed his hand on the table. “You brat, what did you just say?” Something is going down today! Sean was enlivened to see the drama brewing. “Take it easy, Mr. Holt.” Samuel briskly got up and tried to calm Barnabus down.

“Mr. Bailey, where is this kid from? Get this arrogant brute out right now, or I’m leaving. There’s only room for one of us!”

Barnabus couldn’t hold his anger any longer and bawled at Samuel.

Samuel jolted to Barnabus’ fit of uncontrolled anger, and his face scrunched.

He couldn’t afford to offend either party, but Barnabus’ threat put him on the spot.

“Mr. Holt, it seems like the Baileys doesn’t respect you as much as you thought. He’s going against your will for that young fellow. Why not be on the Coopers’ side? We will pay as much as the Baileys are

willing to offer!”

Sean was adding fuel to the fire and managed to rattle Barnabus further. “Mr. Bailey, are you intending to offend me for that unruly kid?”

Samuel was on the verge of crying and darted his eyes toward David. To his consternation, the latter sat unruffled by the matter as if he wasn’t involved in that quarrel.

“Mr. Holt, Mr. Chance is one of our honorable guest, so-” “I see. I’ll leave then.”

Barnabus left in a huff before Samuel could finish his sentence. “Please, Mr. Holt. Don’t go just yet.”

Sean quickly stood in Barnabus’ way. “Mr. Holt, it’s the Baileys lost for not appreciating you, but we do! The Coopers have always admired you, so why not be our authenticator instead?”

Barnabus turned his head toward Samuel and David and tilted his head into a nod. “Very well, then. Since it is Mr. Cooper who values my expertise, I shall be at your service.”

Sean immediately gestured for his previous geomancer to leave and let Barnabus take that person’s seat.

Mortified, Samuel sat back down and looked at David.

“Mr. Bailey, you’ve made a wise choice today. You won’t regret it,” David murmured.

“Mr. Chance, the Baileys shall entrust you fully with our wellbeing from now on.” Samuel humbly expressed his certitude.

“Alright. Forty million from the Baileys! Going once, going twice, and—” “Forty-five million!” It was Sean!

His exorbitant bid muted the room. People were throwing glances at each other, but none raised the price. Samuel loved the mirror, but without David’s approval, he couldn’t do anything but give up the mirror to Sean.

One by one, the magical items were disclosed. However, David made sure that Samuel didn’t bid for anything. On the contrary, Sean won almost all the bids at sky-high prices, as advised by Mr. Holt.

Samuel was like a cat on a hot tin roof, but he didn’t dare to make any remarks, whereas Sean was all cheeky and chirpy, vexing the former further.

“Mr. Bailey, it’s interesting how you would choose a dupable brat over an experienced mage like Mr. Holt. That kid might be talented, but unlike martial arts, magecraft requires much more than just that. I can’t believe that you’re deceived by a sprog. You are a shame to Jadeborough!” Sean grinned at Samuel.

Samuel was lost for words to defend his decision. He could only glare back at Sean. “Laugh while you still can.” David took a sip from the cup of tea in front of him.

“Hahaha!” Sean guffawed. “Oh really? I’m curious about what you’re gonna do to rain on my parade!” “Alright, gentlemen. We are left with one last item that I’ve spent almost all my fortune on it. This

talisman is truly exceptional. I’m wondering who will be able to activate the arcane array of this talisman? Are there any honorable mage who would like to try their hands on this task?”

Galen opened up the last box while cajoling the experts to unleash the power of the item. It was a Disc of Eight Trigrams made of redwood, covered in scratches and a thick layer of dust due to its extended period of storage.

All eyes were on that disc, but none saw what set it apart from the others. It looked like an unwanted wooden slab. It would be wholly ignored if someone were to throw it onto the streets.

The mages examined the disc thoroughly, but still, they didn’t find anything unique about it. Mr. Holt frowned and shook his head after inspecting it.

And there was David, sitting put. He didn’t even bother to look at the disc. What he thought was an auction for antiques was apparently a scheming maneuver! His hopes of obtaining at least one worthy item were flushed down the drain.

That Disc of Eight Trigrams was nothing but a piece of regular wood. It was neither a talisman nor was

there an arcane array embedded in it. The simple reason why those masters couldn’t see its uniqueness was it had none!

“Mr. Holt?” Sean looked at Barnabus.

“What’s so special about this Disc of Eight Trigrams?” he whispered.

“This disc looked rather ordinary, but there must be something about it. I can’t say what it is for sure as I have yet to fully examine it.”

“Will you be able to activate the arcane array in this disc, then?” Sean got peppier. “I can’t be certain. I’d say fifty-fifty.”

“Gentlemen, you’ve seen it now. So what’s special about this disc? Is there anyone who could activate the arcane array in it?” Galen threw out the question once more.

Those experts hurled glances at each other again and remained silent. They couldn’t see what was particularly different about the disc.

“I’m pretty sure that at least one of you could help me out with this since all of you are the cream of the crop of geomancers.” Galen turned sarcastic.

“Let me try.”

Perturbed, Barnabus placed the disc on his palm.

“Hmph.” David wasn’t impressed. Such foolish men. What extraordinaire can they possibly detect from that piece of useless junk?

“What are you to imply?” Barnabus gave David a side glance. “Are you trying to tell us that you can activate the arcane array?”

“I’m scoffing at your stupidity, people,” David said plainly.

“How dare you!” Barnabus dug his fingers into his palms and was about to take it out on David.

“Calm your horses, Mr. Holt. Picking a fight with an imbecile would only taint your reputation. Since he’s a know-it-all, we could just hold a little match. Let’s see who can reveal the secret of this disc and activate the arcane array in it. The loser shall pay the winner two hundred million on the spot. How’s that?” Sean tried to soothe Barnabus’ temper.

He then looked at Samuel. “Mr. Bailey, this young man seems to be highly regarded in your household. Do you dare to accept this challenge?”

“You know, we’re here to buy stuff and not to compete. I don’t think that won’t be necessary.”

Samuel stood against the challenge because he assumed that David was out of Barnabus’ league. Yes, David might be a cultivator, but Barnabus had cultivated for tens of years!

“Hahaha! Are you chickening out?” Sean chortled in amusement.

“Mr. Holt will win without a hitch. If none of us could see the uniqueness of the disc, what more a kiddo.”

“Exactly. Even a halfwit could guess the result. Why would anyone want to lay a wager on this?”

“Two hundred million isn’t a big amount for the Baileys, but to give it away just like that? Even the king would hold back.”

The tittle-tattles were all about how Barnabus was way superior to David.

Samuel blushed at those uncalled-for remarks and cocked his head slightly toward David. “You know, Mr. Chance, it’s not about the two hundred million. That’s not a big deal for the Baileys. It’s just that—”

“I’ll honor your request if that’s really what you want.” David cut Samuel off before the latter could explain further why he wasn’t keen on the challenge. “But I think two hundred million is too little and not at all intriguing. I suggest that we raise our bets to two billion since that’s all I have.”

David then tossed his bank card onto the table and gave Sean an icy stare.

The silence in the room was deafening, and every single soul froze. It was no easy feat for someone of David’s age to own two billion. Even the heir to the richest of the richest wouldn’t be given that amount of pocket money to splurge!

Sean’s mind went blank for a moment before he forced a smile on his face. “Wow. Aren’t you a guileful little rat? Do you think you can trick me into believing that you actually have that much on that card?”

Sean didn’t believe that David could pay up two billion. He did a background check on David and knew that Horington carried no affluent families. More so, Sean was from an average family. How on earth would he be able to accumulate that amount of wealth?

“Sean, if you don’t trust Mr. Chance, you should at least trust the Baileys, right? If Mr. Chance couldn’t fork out that two billion at the end of the day, we will!” Samuel hissed.