Frank puffed his chest confidently. "It's simple—I will cure Jaden, while you tell me where the chief of the Martial Alliance is. How about that?""Pfft."Lubor was laughing as soon as Frank finished, watching him in glee. "Mr. Lawrence, do you think we are as stupid as you are? Who would believe your bullshit? I've said many times—the Soulbleeder is a novelty Hundred Bane Sect created, and only our elders can stop it. Watch out, or you'd bite your tongue if you keep making shit up."Frank remained calm despite Lubor's scorn, shaking his head as he said, "I can see that you are caught in a dilemma, Mr. Favoni. So how about this? Take me to your son, and you tell me where the chief of the Martial Alliance is if I succeed. If I don't, I will take responsibility… though I'd be infected too and die for my lies anyway. How about that?"Chet paused at Frank's confident offer.It was only natural that he did not want to hand over the chief of the Martial Alliance to Hundred Bane Sect. Af
Frank followed the Favonis to a smaller building to the back, and he could see Abel being surrounded by everyone even before he entered.He stood on the edge of the group, refraining from greeting Abel since the two Favoni sentries before were watching him.They only allowed Frank to wait instead of meddling.After all, they were told that Jaden Favoni, the star of the family's younger generation, was now half-dead because of Frank.Even if Frank had cleared his name and proved he was not some despicable poisoner, the Favonis still extended the blame to him.And whatever the higher-ups said was naturally taken way more seriously by the minions, which was why these sentries were hostile toward Frank.There were even Favoni martial artists who came, sizing up Frank to see if he really was that good. If anything, a fight would have started if those two sentries did not stop them.As such, in contrast to the respect and humility afforded to Abel, Frank was kept on a tight leash, not
"Master Edon! He's causing trouble on our turf!""Yeah! He's out of line!""We don't have to tell anyone. Let's teach him a lesson to remember!""Silence!"Edon could certainly tell what happened but did not apologize to Frank.Instead, he snapped coolly at the Favoni martial artists, "Every guest deserves a proper respect, or people would laugh at us. Now, leave!""But, sir…""What?!" Edon glared at the Favoni martial artist furiously. "Are you disobeying my orders?!"Seeing that Edon was not giving ground, the Favoni martial artists could only leave, though not without shooting dirty looks at Frank while they did.Then, Edon turned toward Frank. "Mr. Lawrence, please understand this—no matter how you see us, it's still not up to you to lecture our apprentices."And with that, he turned to leave.Frank could certainly see that Edon did not think highly of him too.And now that Abel was here, Frank's offer to cure Jaden Favoni was inconsequential. After all, the Favonis cer
The two Favoni sentries were laughing so hard at Frank's boasting that their stomachs hurt."Come on, kid. Are you right in the head?""Shush, just give it up. Let him live in his own world. Abel Loggins kneeling to him? Pfft…"After all, Abel Loggins, kneeling to some unknown kid who was merely unusually pompous?However, Frank was dead serious, smiling as he continued, "If I'm wrong, I will kowtow to you, and you can do anything to me as you see fit."Then, glancing between them, he added, "But if I'm right… You will both go down on all fours and crawl from here to the front doors of this residence while barking like dogs do. How about that?"Both Favoni sentries spaced out for a moment, seeing that Frank was serious.They could actually feel butterflies in their stomach when they saw Frank's vague smile—he was clearly luring them into a trap.However, the bet was ridiculous in itself too.After all, Abel Loggins, the most famous healer in Morhen, kneeling to Frank and askin
Considering Abel's importance, the Favonis would just be getting themselves into trouble if they upset him.What if Abel simply up and left? Who would they go to at that point—Frank Lawrence?Nonetheless, Abel zoned out for a moment. "Zamri, you say?"He was naturally aware that Frank had been staying in Zamri recently but was afraid to confirm it as he could see the Favonis' attitude.He nodded, putting aside the questions he had as he remained curious—there were plenty of people in Zamri but not that many who could strut in the Favonis' own turf."Hehe. This way please, Mr. Loggins." Chet Favoni led Abel through into a traditionally decorated cottage.As soon as the doors opened, the oncoming scent of medicinal herbs was so strong that Abel's nostrils twitched."Hmm? Drakedrool, cranepore…" As Abel quickly identified over ten natural wonders accurately, Chet and Edon's smiles visibly broadened.One could really easily tell if a person was an expert—the man certainly inspir
It was a gruesome sight that left Abel's heart skipping a beat.He could tell just from Jaden's face that he would die soon, what with the necrosis setting in and the blackness all over his brow.What on earth was he poisoned with? He was clearly a dead man walking and just might breathe his last breath at the very next instant!"Mr. Loggins, what do you think?" Chet asked urgently.Jaden was his son and the hope of his family, and his heart could break seeing Jaden like that."Patience, Mr. Favoni," Abel said, but sweat was seeping over his brow.While he thought there was hope before, it had certainly vaporized as his heart sank to rock bottom now.Just from Jaden's face, even his mentor might not be able to help here, let alone himself."Urgh…"Abel sighed as everyone looked on. "The poison has already reached his organs, probably perforating his stomach. He's now breathing his last breath, and all I can do is try to keep him alive. As for his cultivation…"His diagnosis l
Every needle Abel inserted was focused and precise.As he inserted the last one through Jaden's chest, the blackness around his cheeks miraculously diminished, and his breathing stabilized considerably as well."Huh?" Surprised showed on Lubor's face as he watched from the distance.At the same time, Abel took out a yellow pill the size of a grape and inserted it into Jaden's mouth. "This is an antidote pill—it won't be as effective as the ones my mentor cooked, since it's just a duplicate that Loggins Apothecary developed by imitating a sample."And soon after Abel helped Jaden take that pill, it quickly vaporized into a yellow puff of smoke as everyone looked on and flowed down Jaden's throat.Despite being unconscious, Jaden coughed twice, and his cheeks flushed."It works! You're amazing, Mr. Loggins! You were just being humble before!"Seeing that his son was recovering, Chet was beside himself with excitement. In fact, he was ready to prostrate himself before Abel in gra
However, even as Jaden turned quiet, his skin complexion was a terrible black and his breathing much weaker. In fact, he was only exhaling without breathing in."Mr. Loggins, what's happening here?!"Chet was utterly confused—how did his son's condition deteriorate so soon after showing signs of recovery?!"Let me see!" Abel pulled out the needle he just inserted into Jaden's throat, his face falling as he weighed the needle between his palms."What's wrong, Mr. Loggins?!" Chet asked, hurrying to his side.Some distance away, Edon was zoning out, as he remembered Frank warning him not to let Abel touch the needles he inserted into Jaden directly.That skin contact was enough to transmit the poison."Mr. Loggins!" Edon could not help shouting just then."Huh?!"Both Abel and Chet turned to find Edon standing there, holding out his hand toward them.However, even as Edon was going to relay Frank's warning, he suddenly changed his mind—would Abel really be unaware of the nat