Leo found it quite amusing that this guy had potential for being a great show-off.
“Go ahead, the more details, the better,” Leo said.
“The Seven Stars Sword Sect has over a hundred and sixty members. If you want to take control of the sect, the best way is to get someone’s help. With her assistance, you might avoid bloodshed,” the white-robed disciple explained, now compelled to talk by the fear of impending danger.
Leo raised an eyebrow. “And who is this person?”
“It’s my master’s youngest peer,” the disciple replied with evident respect.
“Oh?” Leo became increasingly interested. “Tell me more.”
“She is the most talented individual in our Seven Stars Sword Sect in the past two centuries. She reached the advanced martial artist realm at the age of twenty-two! She’s not only stunningly beautiful but also exceptionally skilled in medicine and has a kind heart. Many disciples in our sect have received her care.”
“Although she is young, she shares the same seniority level as the sect’s current leader. Most of our younger disciples hold her in high esteem, and she was supposed to become the next leader of the Seven Stars Sword Sect.”
“Go on,” Leo urged, now intrigued by the story.
“Four years ago, everything changed dramatically when our current leader, Jeff, and his wife Janet returned from an expedition. The previous leader died mysteriously, and she disappeared without a trace. As the sect was on the brink of collapse, a senior elder stepped in and quelled the chaos, proclaiming Jeff as the new leader.”
Listening to this, Leo’s eyes sparkled with the anticipation of a conspiracy.
The disciple continued, “After Jeff took over, many disciples began to suspect his involvement in the previous leader’s death and this lady’s disappearance. However, despite the suspicions, no one could produce convincing evidence. Over time, the matter was brushed aside.”
Jeff benefited the most from these events. If the death of the previous leader and the disappearance of that woman were indeed his doing, his wife and the senior elder were also likely involved.
Seeing the expression on the disciple’s face, Leo knew that he was not sharing this information solely out of fear for his life. He went straight to the point, “Do you know where the lady you mentioned is?”
The disciple nodded, “Three months ago, I overheard the sect leader Jeff and his wife arguing. During the argument, they inadvertently revealed that she was being held captive in some location on the mountain.”
“Some location on the mountain?” Leo contemplated. “Do you know the exact place?”
The disciple shook his head, “The back of the Seven Stars Sword Sect’s mountain is vast and restricted. Without the master’s orders, no one can enter. I’ve only been there a few times.”
Leo thought for a moment and said, “If I rescue the woman as you’ve described, are you sure she will assist me in taking control of the Seven Stars Sword Sect?”
The disciple nodded confidently, “If she is on your side, most of the disciples in the sect will follow her lead. You just need to deal with Jeff, his wife, and the senior elder.”
“Alright, consider your junior sister saved,” Leo decided. “But before I rescue her, you must help me draw a detailed map of the Seven Stars Sword Sect.”
The disciple hesitated, “But didn’t you promise to let me go if I answered your questions truthfully?”
Leo smirked, “Do you really have a choice now?”
With that, Leo made a hand movement in front of the disciple.
The disciple’s face twisted in pain, and he let out a blood-curdling scream, clutching his stomach as if a knife was cutting through it mercilessly.
Leo changed his hand gesture, and the excruciating pain subsided.
The disciple looked at Leo with fear and cold sweat. “What did you do to me?”
“While you were unconscious, I gave you something to eat. I can control your pain with a simple hand movement. Don’t worry; I’ll provide you with an antidote after you’ve done as I ask,” Leo said, though he hadn’t actually given him anything. He had inserted a silver needle into the disciple’s body, which allowed him to inflict severe pain when necessary.
“In addition, I suggest you don’t have any evil intentions. See what this is?” Leo pulled out an object that resembled an MP3 player.
“A voice recorder!”
“Smart. I recorded everything you just said. If I send this to your sect leader, I wonder what consequences you’ll face,” Leo said, waving the voice recorder.
At this point, the disciple abandoned any other thoughts. “You’re ruthless. Alright, I’ll do as you say.”
“What’s your name?” Leo asked.
“Franklin.”
“Do you have a cell phone?”
“Yes.”
“Go back and draw the map. Send it to me via Whatsapp. When it’s time to act, I’ll notify you,” Leo instructed.
Leo noted down Franklin’s phone number, added him on Whatsapp, and then released him.
After leaving Hat Mountain, Leo’s plan was to create another batch of talismans and continue his cultivation to improve his skills. He intended to wait for Franklin to send the map and then choose a date to launch an operation against the Seven Stars Sword Sect.
As he had just returned to the city, Leo’s phone rang, and it was Dr. Mond calling.
Pressing the answer button, Leo heard Dr. Mond’s voice on the other end, “Dr. Bloomer, this is Dr. Mond. Do you have some time right now?”
Leo inquired, “Is there something specific, Dr. Mond?”
“We have a patient in the hospital with some unusual symptoms. Could I trouble you to come over and take a look?” Dr. Mond’s tone seemed somewhat embarrassed. “Of course, if you’re busy, it’s alright.”
Leo replied, “Alright, I’ll come over.”
After hanging up the phone, Leo drove to the hospital. Upon arrival, he informed the nurse at the front desk that he was invited by Dr. Mond. The nurse promptly escorted Leo to the emergency building.
On the second floor of the emergency building, in a room, four doctors were discussing something.
“Dr. Mond, Mr. Bloomer is here,” the nurse called out to Dr. Mond.
Dr. Mond turned to Leo, a smile on her face, and hurried over. “Dr. Bloomer, I’m sorry to bother you again.”
Leo waved his hand dismissively, indicating that Dr. Mond shouldn’t worry about it. He inquired, “How’s the patient’s condition now?”