“Ah! You’re my master’s brother?”
Chris was stunned upon hearing this.
He never expected that Dr. Raymond, the man before him, would know his master, Archer Wintersong.
Dr. Raymond, it turned out, had been forced into hiding in Peace Village after offending a formidable enemy. But what kind of enemy could make someone as powerful as Dr. Raymond, a practitioner of Crescendence, so fearful?
Dr. Raymond chuckled lightly. “Since you’re my brother’s disciple, you can’t possibly be sent by my enemy.”
Hearing this, Chris suddenly understood.
It seemed Dr. Raymond had suspected him of being an agent sent by his enemy-that explained his wariness.
Dr. Raymond asked, “By the way, where is your master?”
Chris shook his head. “I don’t know. A while ago, he left Middleton, saying he was heading to a very dangerous place. I have no idea where he went.”
“A very dangerous place?”
Dr. Raymond muttered to himself, his expression becoming serious as he looked at Chris. “Your physique is unusual. What kind of constitution do you have?”
Chris didn’t hesitate and replied directly, “My master told me I’m an Aragosti.”
“What? You’re an Aragosti!”
Dr. Raymond’s eyes widened instantly.
“I see now! That explains it! No wonder you’ve achieved such a high level of cultivation at such a young age. So, you’re actually an Aragosti!” Dr. Raymond exclaimed, his voice tinged with admiration. “No wonder my brother took you as his disciple-it seems he must have entered that place.”
Chris’s heart skipped a beat, and he quickly asked, “Do you know where my master went?”
Ever since Archer Wintersong left, Chris had been worried about his safety. Now, Dr. Raymond’s reaction suggested that he might know where Archer had gone.
Dr. Raymond waved his hand dismissively. “Don’t ask. When the time comes, your master will tell you himself. Right now, knowing won’t do you any good. In fact, it could even bring harm to you! That place is far too dangerous. Even for your master, it’s a matter of life and death. If you were to go there, it would be certain death!”
Hearing this, Chris’s face grew heavy with concern.
What kind of place could be so dangerous that even his master’s survival was uncertain? Chris’s mind was filled with questions.
—
Meanwhile, in Middleton.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
A convoy of dark green Humvees roared into Red Hill.
Caspian stepped out of the courtyard, clad in combat gear.
“Mr. Vance!”
Jack Butler emerged from one of the vehicles, approaching Caspian with a respectful expression.
Caspian nodded. “Good. You’re back.”
Jack Butler, leader of Team Wolf, had returned to Middleton on Caspian’s orders. His mission was clear: find Chris.
Jack frowned. “Mr. Vance, I heard that Chris is missing?”
Caspian nodded solemnly. “Yes.”
He proceeded to recount the events leading to Chris’s disappearance.
By the end, Jack’s face was filled with shock.
It was hard to believe that even someone as powerful as Chris, a skilled practitioner, had been ambushed by three assassins and left for dead after falling off a cliff.
Caspian’s voice was firm. “Jack Butler, you have one mission: find Chris. He is Amerosia Primus, and his safety is tied to the security of Amerosia. You must either bring him back alive or confirm his death!”
“Understood, sir! I promise to complete the mission!”
Without hesitation, Jack Butler led Team Wolf to begin their search for Chris.
—
Three days later, in Peace Village.
“Ellis, I’m leaving.”
“What? Mr. Shelby, you’re leaving?”
Ellis looked at Chris in shock upon hearing the news.
Chris nodded. “Yes. My body has healed, and it’s time for me to leave. I’ve been away too long. If I don’t return soon, my family will worry about me.”
His tone softened as he added, “Ellis, thank you for taking care of me during this time. I’ll never forget your kindness.”
Ellis’s face fell as she asked hesitantly, “Mr. Shelby, will we meet again?”
Chris hesitated for a moment before replying, “If I have the chance, I’ll come back to visit you.”
Ellis nodded. “Alright, Mr. Shelby. Please remember to come back.”
During his stay in Peace Village, Chris had enjoyed a rare sense of peace. The villagers were kind, simple, and warm, helping him forget many of his troubles.
If Chris hadn’t already been married, he might have considered staying in Peace Village permanently.
But he had a wife, a daughter, brothers, and friends waiting for him outside. There were too many people relying on him, and he could never abandon them. Chris had to leave.
Perhaps, one day, when his journey was complete, he would return to this quiet mountain village.
At the village entrance, a crowd had gathered to see him off-Dr. Raymond, Ellis, and the other villagers.
“Chris, make sure you come back and visit us!”
“Chris, Peace Village will always welcome you.”
“Chris, goodbye!”
Looking at the sincere faces of the villagers, Chris’s eyes grew misty.
He nodded firmly. “Don’t worry. You’re all my saviors. If I have the chance, I’ll definitely come back to see you.”
“Chris, here are some eggs from our hen. Take them to eat on the road.”
“Chris, these are fresh fruits from our orchard. They’re delicious-take some with you.”
“Chris, this is…”
In no time, Chris’s hands were full of gifts from the villagers. Their generosity moved him deeply.
As Amerosia Primus, Chris saw it as his duty to protect people like these-kind, genuine, and selfless.
“Thank you, everyone!”
Chris bowed deeply to show his gratitude, then turned and left.
“Mr. Shelby!”
Watching Chris’s departing figure, Ellis couldn’t hold back her tears.
Though they had only spent a few weeks together, Chris had brought something new into Ellis’s life. Now that he was leaving, her heart was filled with sadness.
Dr. Raymond glanced at Ellis and sighed softly.
He knew Chris was no ordinary man. There was no way he could remain in a small, secluded village like Peace Village.
Chris’s world was out there, and so was his destiny.
Peace Village.
Ellis.
Chris etched these names into his memory, along with the image of Ellis-a kind, caring girl whose actions had saved his life.
Without her, Chris might not have survived.
“One day, I hope I’ll be able to repay her kindness,” Chris murmured to himself as he walked away, leaving Peace Village behind.