This wasn’t the Coleman estate. Instead, it was the solitary home of an elderly man.
The place was unique, nestled amidst mountains and streams, with an ideal location. A small thatched hut stood by a clear stream, exuding a refreshing charm. Living here felt like stepping into a secluded paradise.
The owner of the hut was an elderly man, well past eighty. He wore a long, tattered robe, patched repeatedly, and tied his hair into a small bun atop his head. A thin, white beard adorned his chin, giving him an air of quiet wisdom.
This was his humble abode, and today, he was the gracious host.
The meal laid out on the table was simple-nothing more than basic grains and vegetables. There were no extravagant delicacies, but Kayden didn’t mind. To him, food was food, as long as it filled his stomach.
Coleman introduced the two. “Mr. Stevens, this is the Dr. Scott I mentioned to you.”
Diomidis Stevens clasped his hands together in greeting and said, “Ah, I’ve long heard of Dr. Scott’s great name-legendary! To meet you today is truly an honor. Such remarkable achievements at such a young age! It is a privilege for Seclela to have someone like you. Your presence here makes my humble home shine brightly.”
Diomidis Stevens had a kind face and an air of humility. Compared to the arrogant physicians Kayden had encountered before, Stevens exuded a sense of genuine virtue. Kayden found him quite likable.
Coleman added, “Dr. Scott, this is Mr. Diomidis Stevens. We’ve been friends for years. He recently returned from his travels, and I invited him to dinner to catch up.”
The elderly man quickly waved his hand and said, “It’s nothing but simple food and drink. Please forgive my lack of hospitality.”
Kayden shook his head and replied, “Sir, you’re the true talent here. Living in such a tranquil place, surrounded by mountains and streams-it’s truly a hidden gem. Your home, with its perfect ventilation from north to south and the natural elements behind it, is an excellent place for maintaining your health.”
Stevens smiled and gave a thumbs-up. “What a brilliant young man! You’ve even analyzed my humble abode so thoroughly!”
“I wouldn’t dare. In the presence of someone like you, I’m merely showing off my limited skills,” Kayden replied modestly.
Their exchange was filled with mutual respect, a rare sight for someone like Kayden.
Coleman chimed in, “Mr. Stevens is well-known in Hiphia as a master of traditional medicine. He’s earned the nickname ‘Ghost Hand.'”
He continued, “But what’s most admirable about Mr. Stevens isn’t his medical skill-it’s his noble character. ‘Ghost Hand,’ known for his benevolence and miraculous treatments, has practiced medicine for forty years without ever charging a single penny. Rich or poor, anyone who sought him out would receive his help, free of charge. Over the years, he’s saved thousands, if not tens of thousands, of lives. Truly, he’s a rare and virtuous man.”
By now, Coleman’s understanding of Kayden had deepened. He believed that anyone worthy of dining with Kayden should at least be someone like Diomidis Stevens.
Kayden listened to the introduction and looked at Stevens with admiration. “Your selflessness and virtue are truly inspiring, Mr. Stevens.”
Stevens laughed heartily. “Oh, no, no! Compared to your achievements, what I’ve done is but a drop in the ocean, hardly worth mentioning!”
With that, he raised his glass, and the group began to drink, talk, and laugh.
After a few rounds of wine and several dishes, everyone felt content.
Through their conversation, Kayden learned that Stevens was indeed an exceptional person-humble, righteous, and indifferent to wealth. In a world filled with corruption, Stevens was like a refreshing stream, standing out from the crowd.
Kayden’s indifference to money stemmed from his vast wealth, but Stevens was different. Stevens truly lived a life of modesty, untempted by riches.
“Dr. Scott, I’ve noticed you’ve been quiet and contemplative. Is something troubling you?” Stevens suddenly asked.
Kayden paused briefly before replying, “It’s not exactly a problem, just some recent complications I’ve encountered.”
Stevens chuckled. “If something is troubling you, it must not be a simple matter.”
Kayden didn’t respond further, lowering his head in silence.
Just then, the wooden door burst open, and a group of aggressive figures stormed in.
Leading them was a young woman. She pushed a middle-aged man in a wheelchair, his face pale and bloodless, clearly gravely ill.
“Who here is Diomidis Stevens?” the woman demanded loudly, her gaze sweeping over everyone in the room as if trying to identify him in an instant.
The woman appeared to be in her early twenties, around Erika’s age. However, her manner of speaking was abrasive and unpleasant, as if she had come looking for trouble.
Stevens was taken aback. He studied the group before replying, “I am Diomidis Stevens. May I ask what brings you here?”
The woman spoke bluntly. “I heard you have the Aetherbloom. I’m here to take it for my father. He’s gravely injured and needs it to recover. If you have it, hand it over immediately.”
Her tone was commanding, more like a demand than a request.
Stevens remained calm, but Erika, also a young woman, couldn’t tolerate such behavior.
She stood up and asked sharply, “Are you here to ask for the medicine or to steal it?”
The woman sneered. “What does it matter? Whether we ask or take it, the result is the same. We, the Golden Threshold Society, don’t concern ourselves with manners. Our name is our attitude. Hand over the medicine if you know what’s good for you, or face the consequences.”
Erika stepped forward and retorted, “How dare you! Barging in to steal medicine and acting so self-righteous? I’ve never seen anyone as shameless as you.”
“Slap!”
Without a word, the woman raised her hand and slapped Erika hard across the face.
The force of the slap made Erika stumble back. She clutched her cheek and glared at the woman. “You-”
The woman glared back, her eyes cold. “You what? I wasn’t talking to you. I was speaking to Diomidis Stevens. Who gave you the right to interrupt?”
Arrogant. Overbearing.
What kind of organization was the Golden Threshold Society that even a young member could behave so outrageously?
The woman smirked. “What are you staring at? Judging by your expression, you seem upset. Let me tell you, my name is Hailey Clarkson. Being slapped by me is a blessing you should cherish.”
Without waiting for a response, Hailey raised her hand again and delivered another hard slap to Erika’s face.