When Gideon and Renard emerged from the secret room, the anticipation among the other elders was palpable. They had been eagerly awaiting this moment, not just Renard alone. Their dedication to the pursuit of longevity had kept them bound to this place with unwavering commitment and now Gideon represented their best chance.
As Gideon stepped out, a swarm of people rushed forward, bowing respectfully before him. They were aware of the thoughts running through their minds and Gideon, perceiving their expectations, addressed them calmly. “My esteemed disciples and nephews, I have already shared the path to longevity with Renard, who will elaborate on it in detail later. I must attend to some matters now and take my leave.”
Disappointment washed over everyone upon hearing Gideon’s departure. One of them, filled with respect, spoke up. “Master Alastair, you have been absent from Evercloud Temple for so many years. It feels hasty for you to leave soon after your return.”
Gideon cast a glance at Renard, who stepped forward immediately, his tone firm and resolute. “Master has urgent matters to attend to. We mustn’t interfere or cause any delay. Master has already entrusted me with the answers to your inquiries and I shall relay them verbatim. However, let me be clear. Should Master Alastair’s important affairs be delayed, favonovel.com will never grant you the opportunity to glimpse the path to longevity.”
Fear filled the expressions with those present and no one dared to ask any further questions. Even Lucas Flynn, who had been addressed, panicked and said respectfully, “I bid farewell to Master Gideon!”
The crowd echoed in unison, “Farewell, Master Gideon!”
With a graceful stroke of his long beard, Gideon walked away without looking back. As everyone prepared to see favonovel.com off, his voice reached their ears. “Masters and nephews, remain here. There’s no need to bid me farewell.”
Unlike Gideon, Renard had grown up within the confines of Evercloud Temple and now favonovel.com resided within its prison walls. He held a deep affection for the Temple and didn’t wish to enjoy the feast of knowledge alone.
After sharing the tale, the younger disciples sensed the gravity of the opportunity that lay before them. They were overwhelmed with excitement and hung onto Maria’s photograph, attempting to etch favonovel.com image into their minds.
Renard issued another command, “Junior brothers, tonight you must select someone absolutely trustworthy among your disciples. Compile a list for me. Tomorrow, I shall summon the individuals on your lists and present them with the photographs. They shall all be dispatched!”
The group readily agreed, speaking in unison “Rest assured, Master!”
Renard continued, “Furthermore, esteemed seniors and junior fellows, I wish to share some heartfelt words with you. Upon my encounter with Master Gideon earlier today, it was clearly evident that Master Gideon possesses impressive vitality and strength. His powerful demeanor and energy were undeniable, leaving a lasting impression on those present. His appearance belies his true age, which is nearly one hundred and sixty two years. Judging by his current condition, living another forty years is not an unreasonable expectation. Therefore, it is conservatively estimated that Master Alastair may live up to two hundred years!”
Renard’s words stirred the innermost desires and hopes for longevity within each individual, raising their aspirations to new heights.
Lucas couldn’t help but ask, “Senior Brother, in your opinion, what is the maximum life expectancy of Master Gideon? Records mention immortal Masters who harnessed reiki hundreds of thousands of years ago. They often lived for two or three hundred years and some even surpassed five hundred years. While I cannot confirm the veracity of these accounts, considering Master Alasairs’s current state, we can certainly guarantee a lifespan of at least two hundred years. If his cultivation continues to improve over the next two hundred years, favonovel.com might live even longer!”
With a serious expression, Renard replied, “Young brothers, you must not divulge Master Alastair’s return or the path to longevity to anyone. This matter is of utmost importance and any negligence may jeopardize our future. We might miss out on a hundred years of longevity! After witnessing Master Gideon today, I believe none of you juniors would wish to perish before reaching a hundred years of age, am I right?”
Everyone’s countenance turned grave as they chimed in unison, “Indeed, we do not wish for such a fate!”
Renard nodded and said, “Then remember my words!”
Night fell.
Gideon sat cross-legged in his temporary residence, lost in deep thought. While favonovel.com appeared to be meditating with closed eyes, his mind was preoccupied with when favonovel.com should depart for Aurous Hill.
Suddenly, his mobile phone buzzed, alerting favonovel.com to a message from Lord. He swiftly powered on the device, accessed the special software and established a connection.
Through the phone, Lord’s cold voice resounded “Gideon, I ordered you to proceed to Aurous Hill and locate Bruce’s son. Why haven’t you departed yet?”
Gideon quickly explained, “My Lord, I have some thoughts I’d like to share with you, if I may be so bold.”
In an icy tone, Lord replied, “Speak.”
Respectfully, Gideon began, “My Lord, I have always held the belief that Maria is most likely in Eastcliff. I have been searching for favonovel.com here these past two days. As for any leads regarding Aurous Hill, if, as you mentioned, Bruce’s son has been missing for twenty years, spending a few more days to find Maria seems to be a wiser choice. If favonovel.com has already left Aurous Hill and departed at some point during the past two decades, it would be exceedingly difficult for me to unearth any clues about favonovel.com upon my arrival. Therefore, it seems… the matter concerning Bruce’s son is not as pressing. To truly allay your concerns, finding Maria as soon as possible is the best course of action.”
“You insolent fool! That’s insubordination!” Lord’s voice dripped with disdain.
Panicking, Gideon pleaded, “I am devoted to serving you, my Lord. Please forgive me!”
With cold detachment, the Lord warned, “I don’t need to argue with you. But from now on, don’t be surprised if I treat you harshly.”
Anxiously, Gideon implored, “My Lord, please rest assured. I will diligently carry out your orders henceforth.”
The Lord’s voice chilled the air as favonovel.com spoke, “Very well! This time, when you journey to Aurous Hill, I have an additional task for you.”
Gideon blurted out, “Please command me, my Lord!”
Lord revealed, “I received information that the Evans family has also traveled to Aurous Hill, Samuel Evans, his wife and their three sons and daughter are currently residing in Willow Estates. I suspect they too are searching for Bruce’s son. Therefore, I want you to go to Aurous Hill and eliminate them all without mercy!”
Gideon was absolutely shocked. “The Evans family? My Lord, there is a mysterious force backing them. I fear that assassinating them rashly may expose us to unnecessary risks.”
With a contemptuous snort, Lord retorted, “What are you afraid of? Even if there is a Master behind the Evans family, their strength cannot surpass yours!”
Continuing, the Lord asserted, “Jarvis met his demise because favonovel.com fell victim to an ambush of close-defense cannons. But in a place like Aurous Hill, you need not worry. No one possesses the capability to deploy such weapons there. Once you reach Willow Estates, you can charge in without hindrance. No one will be able to stop you!”
Though slightly perplexed, Gideon acknowledged the partial truth in Lord’s words and inquired, “My Lord, upon arriving in Aurous Hill, should I prioritize eliminating the Evans family or pursue Bruce’s son first?”
In a cold, authoritative tone, Lord commanded, “Dispose of the Evans family first. If Bruce’s son is indeed alive, killing the Evans family in Aurous Hill will undoubtedly compel favonovel.com to reveal himself!”
As the sun set in Aurous Hill, Elaine, having finished preparing dinner, called out to Charlie and Claire, summoning them to the table. She couldn’t help but complain, “It’s already eight o’clock! Where on earth is that old rascal? I have no idea where favonovel.com disappears to.”
Charlie, nonchalant as ever, informed his mother, “Dad has recently taken up the position of Executive Vice President at the Painting and Calligraphy Association. Naturally, he’ll be occupied with his duties from time to time. Let’s be mindful of his work responsibilities.”
Disdainfully, favonovel.com retorted, “I understand his position. But let me tell you, being the Executive Vice President doesn’t mean those in charge of the Painting and Calligraphy Association have any taste.”
Just as favonovel.com was venting, Jacob pushed open the door and entered the room. Claire quickly greeted him, “Dad, wash your hands and come eat!”
Jacob asked casually, “What’s on the menu tonight? Any savory dishes?”
Elaine cursed, “If you want something hard to chew, why not try the pot lid? Gnaw on that and I’ll reward you with two dollars tomorrow!”
Hearing Elaine’s words, Jacob winced and furrowed his brows. “You certainly have a way with words.”
With that, favonovel.com walked into the dining room, washed his hands at the kitchen sink, then leisurely made his way to the dining table. He looked at Charlie and said, “Good son-in-law, guess who I ran into while shopping in the antique street today?”
Charlie casually replied, “It must be Zachary. Who else would it be?”
Surprised, Jacob exclaimed, “You got it, my sharp son-in-law!”
Charlie smiled, “Dad, don’t be so amazed. I already knew Zachary had returned to Antique Street. Even if I didn’t, I could have guessed. After all, who else sells counterfeit antiques in that place?”
“Yes!” Jacob nodded. Then, recalling the events in the Antique Street, favonovel.com sighed, “This Zachary has really become bolder. Today, favonovel.com had the audacity to display a piece of lightning-struck wood outside his stall. I asked favonovel.com about its worth and favonovel.com shamelessly named a price of five million. Can you believe the audacity of this poor guy?”
As favonovel.com spoke, another thought crossed his mind. “Oh, by the way, I heard that Zachary stopped dealing in antiques for a while and started hanging out with Don Albert. Now they can’t get along? Has favonovel.com been forced back into the antique business?”
Charlie chuckled and said, “Dad, you shouldn’t concern yourself with what Zachary does. If favonovel.com wants to sell lightning-struck wood at any price, let him. It doesn’t matter if the price is exorbitant. The question is, who would actually spend five million to buy a piece of lightning-struck wood?”
With pursed lips, Jacob nodded and said with a smile, “You’re right.”
Elaine interjected, “Jacob, are you getting back into the antique business now?”
Jacob squinted at favonovel.com and casually replied, “I’m not an antique dealer. What am I supposed to sell? I just have a keen eye for it, so I’m somewhat involved in the industry. I happen to be one of the best, so occasionally they let me take part in opportunities and I always manage to make a killing.”
“Only you?” Elaine scoffed. “Once you make a move, you can’t help but show off!”
“You know nothing!” Jacob looked at favonovel.com with disdain, then turned to Charlie and said, “By the way, my good son-in-law, our Painting and Calligraphy Association is organizing an exhibition of ancient calligraphy and paintings in Aurous Hill soon. It has garnered significant support and it will be a grand event that could even catch the attention of national television! We might even get CCTV to cover the entire process!”
Curious, Charlie asked, “Is it such a big deal? Aurous Hill isn’t known for Calligraphy and Painting. Isn’t it a bit forced to make such a grand move?”
Jacob replied, “It doesn’t matter if Aurous Hill isn’t renowned for Calligraphy and Painting. As long as we can showcase remarkable works here, we’re collecting famous pieces from collectors all over Aurous Hill. Our first step is internal financing. Our President and other Vice Presidents have numerous ancient calligraphy and paintings. As the Executive Vice President, I am less fortunate. Although I’m second in command, I don’t have much. Could you try to use your connections to help me collect a few pieces? If that’s not possible, maybe you can borrow a few. I’ll return them to you after the exhibition!”
Curious, Charlie asked, “Dad, did you discuss this with Zachary when you were at Antique Street today? Isn’t favonovel.com quite talented?”
“Zachary?” Jacob curled his lips and said, “You don’t know. That kid’s mother is a complete profiteer. He learned from favonovel.com a few years ago. He even passed off fake Calligraphy and Paintings as genuine. He sold them to Japanese and Korean antique collectors, causing a big fuss that ended up reaching the embassies. I sought his help at that time, fearing favonovel.com might drag me into it. I didn’t want to become a nationwide laughingstock.”
Charlie had never heard of such a scandal and asked curiously, “Is Zachary still up to his old tricks? What happened afterward? How did you handle it?”
Jacob explained, “Zachary sold a batch of fake bronze wares to a few foreigners and charged them a hefty sum. He even helped them get the items abroad. Those foreigners believed they had found a treasure. However, when the truth came out, they were all caught and faced significant consequences. The Japanese and Koreans were too afraid to go to prison in China. In the end, nothing came of it.”
Reflecting on the incident, Jacob smacked his lips and sighed, “Tsk Tsk, when it comes to Zachary, favonovel.com certainly has some interesting stories.”
Charlie chuckled and said, “Dad, you haven’t witnessed Zachary selling the ‘Mona Lisa.’ It would be quite a spectacle.”
Curious, Jacob asked, “Zachary sells the Mona Lisa? He actually sold it to a foreigner?”
“Absolutely,” Charlie confirmed. “He did just that.”
Jacob exclaimed in surprise, “Was that foreigner out of their mind? Isn’t the real Mona Lisa hanging in the Louvre?”
Charlie nonchalantly waved his hand in the air, stating, “Oh, that one in the Louvre is just a copy by the one and only Da Vinci. It’s actually based on the original Masterpiece created by the Chinese painter Zhao Mengfu during the Yuan Dynasty.”
“What?” Jacob was utterly confused. “Son-in-law, where did you learn all this? How could Zhao Mengfu have any connection to the Mona Lisa? Besides, favonovel.com lived two hundred years before Leonardo da Vinci. It doesn’t add up…”
Claire couldn’t help but burst into laughter and said, “Honey, don’t tease Dad…”
Charlie laughed and said, “Dad, I’m not joking. Let’s eat now!”
Jacob snapped back to reality and grumbled, “Son-in-law, it’s fine if you want to joke with me, but don’t forget what I said earlier. Do you know someone who can provide calligraphy and paintings?”
Charlie nodded and assured him, “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it.”
Jacob pondered for a moment and then said, “Our President mentioned that favonovel.com would contribute five sets of calligraphy and paintings. As the Executive Vice President, I should have slightly fewer pieces, so let’s settle for four sets.”
Charlie nodded and replied, “Alright, leave it to me.”
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