Kayden’s words momentarily stunned Lucy. He was the youngest among the guests she had received, and he spoke with a boldness she hadn’t encountered before. This guy was different from the others; those guests were either very polite or very eloquent. For instance, they could easily quote articles on many rare disorders when they talked about the treatment. But he was different. Was he simply putting on airs, or was he a real expert? Perhaps he was an acquaintance of Old Mr. John?
“Sir, may I ask if you’re a friend of our master?” With this thought in mind, Lucy inquired with a composed tone.
However, Kayden had exhausted all his patience. He said bluntly, “This is your last chance. Bring Memphis out. He’s the only one here qualified to speak with me. If he doesn’t come out himself, I’ll just turn around and leave. If I walk away, it’ll be a loss for the John family!”
With that, Kayden turned his back. Just then, dozens of bodyguards in black surged into view at the doorway, blocking the exit like an impenetrable wall!
Kayden turned his head and shot an unflinching stare at Lucy. “What? Does this mean you’re planning to pick a fight with me?”
Lucy maintained her calm demeanor and replied, “That’s not our intention, sir. We simply want you to know that this is not a place where you can come and go at will!”
Yet, the moment she finished her words, her smile was replaced by a serious, almost steely expression.
Kayden’s face was clouded with a hint of sulk. He met her gaze, and words came out of his mouth like, “Seems I have no choice but to resort to violence.”
Shock choked Lucy’s words for a moment when he heard his words. She scrutinized him with disbelief. This guy was not merely arrogant; he was actually looking down his nose at everybody.
She replied, “Sir, that’s not what we mean. We simply want to keep those liars from slipping in. If everyone could waltz into this house claiming to be a healer, this place would be no different from the streets outside. All I need from you are two answers: Where did you study medicine? What achievements have you made in the field?”
Kayden locked eyes with Lucy and repeated his words, “I’m here to find Memphis, not to answer your questions. You’re in no position to interrogate me. If you believe these weaklings can stop me, then by all means, let them try!”
With that, he strode purposefully toward the door. The group of men in black moved forward, their gazes sharpening as they prepared to confront him.
But Kayden was unfazed. To him, their fierce stares resembled nothing more than those of angry lambs. No matter how fierce they appeared, they were merely waiting to be slaughtered in his eyes.
Lucy watched his back, then gestured sharply to the bodyguards, “Move! Stop him!”
The bodyguards began to make moves, poised to fight. Kayden, however, casually waved his hand. A powerful yet invisible gust erupted from his palm, swirling dust into the air! As the wind intensified, a shimmering blade of energy materialized in his grip.
The moment the blade appeared, an icy aura of deadly intent enveloped the entire courtyard.
Kayden strode forward with an expression as cold as stone. He stared at those bodyguards, and anyone who dared to approach him would meet a swift end. He didn’t mind carrying out a bloodbath here if it came to that.
“Stop!” Just as the clash was about to ignite, a deep, weathered voice resonated from within the house.
At that command, everyone ceased their movements. Their heads all turned sharply toward the source of the voice.
The room with the Azure Dragon sculpture on the roof had its door opened. An elderly man in his seventies walked out. The old man leaned on a dragon cane. The cane’s handle was intricately carved with a lifelike dragon head, which was why it’s called the dragon cane!
The elderly man had graying eyebrows and a head of sparse, long hair. He wore a striking red suit that made him look affable! But his bloodshot eyes and deep-set sockets hinted at his exhaustion and low spirits.
By his side stood a young, graceful girl who supported him tenderly. Behind them followed a cadre of dignified middle-aged men. Their polished appearances and confident postures made it clear they were the elite. They’re all members of the John family.
“Mr. John!” Upon seeing him, Lucy rushed forward with a respectful bow.
The old man barely spared her a glance. He only waved his hand for the entourage to disperse. They quickly scattered, and only then did his gaze settle on Kayden. Just now when he was inside the room, he had overheard their conversations, so he came out to check what was going on.
As he scrutinized Kayden, Kayden was equally sizing him up. Their eyes locked, each trying to read the other’s mind.
Kayden’s gaze remained as icy and detached as ever. He always looked so superior, as if everyone around him was no more significant than ants, and everything as unimportant as clouds drifting in the sky.
After a moment of contemplation, the old man broke into a genial smile and said, “Young man, I am Memphis John! I heard everything you just said.”
Kayden offered a curt nod. “Since you heard, I’ll give you another chance. Take me to see your son. After I check on his condition, I have more questions for you,” he said in his typical flat and emotionless voice.
It was clear that Kayden wasn’t interested in engaging in small talk. He had initially intended to be somewhat courteous, but the steward’s behavior had irked him. Now he only wanted to cut straight to the chase. If it weren’t for the need to uncover Liam’s whereabouts, he wouldn’t have given this old man the extra chance.
Memphis was surprised by Kayden’s boldness. “He surely knows how to boast!” he thought to himself. This young man appeared to be no more than twenty-five or twenty-six; what could he possibly have accomplished at such a tender age? In recent days, Memphis had met many doctors, including those who were true experts, yet none had dared to speak with such arrogance. The young man’s brash attitude left him feeling a mix of disbelief and irritation.
He raised his hand in a stopping gesture and said, “Listen, young man, I still need you to answer my steward’s questions first. Who is your tutor? What medical achievements do you have?”
Kayden’s brows furrowed at this. Memphis surely noticed it, but he pressed on, “My son has been ill for quite some time now. During this period, we’ve been on the lookout for talented doctors or folk pharmacists. But many have come to our home under the pretense of offering healing, only to take advantage of our trust and make off with our valuables. To prevent further losses, we have to resort to this measure. I hope you can be honest with us. If you truly possess skills, then you shouldn’t fear any tests or challenges. Just prove it, and I will personally bring you to my son!”
“Exactly! You think a hundred million just falls into your lap so easily? You gotta take some challenges to get it!” added the girl standing beside Memphis, her voice dripping with skepticism.
Her words laid bare their doubts about Kayden, doubting if he was just another liar. Kayden could tolerate their doubts about his medical skills, but he could not endure their questioning of his character. To imply he might be a thief was simply an insult. How dare they insult him, a soldier guarding this land, the War God of Seclela! It’s unbearable!