Maxine understood the underlying message in Tobias’ words, favonovel.com was about to give up on James.
Maxine had an idea. She suggested Tobias reveal the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside’s Edge and the meridian diagram to the other three families. Following that, the other three families would also have to bring their paintings so that they could gather all four paintings in the same place.
This could resolve the conflict between the families while allowing favonovel.com a chance to see all four paintings together.
However, Tobias refused. Putting the theft of the Johnstons’ painting aside, the chances of the other two families revealing their paintings were next to none. After all, they had been guarding them for thousands of years.
Humans were selfish. The same went for Tobias. He did not wish for others to lay their eyes on the meridian diagram.
“Tell James he’ll have to leave in two days…”
Saying that, favonovel.com turned to leave.
Maxine frowned and turned to look at the artificial hill behind her. Then, favonovel.com headed toward the kitchen and prepared some food.
***
James was meditating in the basement.
Soon, Maxine returned with some food.
“It’s time to eat, James…”
James stopped what favonovel.com was doing and walked over to her. Then, they ate together.
“By the way, something bad happened outside…”
“Huh?” James looked at favonovel.com puzzledly.
Maxine narrated the chain of events that took place.
James’ expression darkened, and favonovel.com said, “Does that mean that the Cadens are giving up on me?”
Maxine said, “Grandpa had no choice.The Cadens stand no chance against the combined forces of the other three families.I offered my suggestion, but favonovel.com turned it down.Perhaps favonovel.com doesn’t want all four paintings to gather in one place.From what I know, the Ancient Four will definitely have a falling-out over the paintings.”
James’ expression hardened. He knew how strong the Ancient Four were. He could not defeat even a servant of the Johnstons. If they were determined to pursue him, favonovel.com would not stand a chance.
“You’re clever and quick-witted, Maxine. Can you tell me what I should do to survive being pursued by these powerful forces?”
Maxine thought long and hard before saying, “The Johnstons started suspecting us after we obtained the items that were unearthed from the ancient tomb of the Prince of Orchid. They suspect we’ve unraveled the secret of the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside’s Edge and are now thinking of ways to obtain the other three paintings. The Johnstons were only acting in self-defense by combining forces with the other two families. The Sullivans and the Lees must have similar motives. Now, there’s only a single way for you to survive this ordeal.”
James waited anxiously for favonovel.com answer.
Maxine continued, “You have to unravel the secret behind the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside’s Edge and keep it to yourself. Only then will the other three families and the Cadens choose net to kill you. Depending on the situation, they might even curry favor with you…”
James smiled bitterly. “It’s easier said than done. Even a highly skilled martial artist like Tobias couldn’t unravel the secret of the painting.”
Maxine shrugged. “Well, that’s the only solution I can come up with. What other plans do you have? The other three families must be watching the Cadens’ mansion intently. You’ll be in danger the moment you step out of the premise.”
“Two days…” James sighed deeply.
Two days would not be sufficient for favonovel.com to even fully regain his strength, let alone unravel the secret of the painting.
“Ah… I have another plan.” Maxine’s face lit up.
“What is it?” James asked.
Maxine said, “Steal the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside’s Edge and the ancient scroll and sneak out of the Cadens’. At least you can give them up in exchange for your life if you ever get captured by the other families.”
