Kayden remained silent, his eyes fixed firmly on Tiger Clarkson. The latter forced out a laugh, awkward and strained, as if masking unease. “Young man, if you can heal me, not only will I spare that arm, but I’ll make you my right-hand man! From now on, you’ll be my honored guest wherever you go, and my name alone will open doors for you. You must know, a promise from me is worth more than gold.”
“Deal,” Kayden replied decisively and began walking toward Tiger Clarkson.
Kade Vincent, watching in disbelief, turned to his father and asked, “Dad, why is Mr. Scott helping him? Could it be that even Mr. Scott fears the Golden Threshold Society?”
“Exactly, Dad! This doesn’t seem like something Mr. Scott would do. Why help someone from the Golden Threshold Society?” Logan chimed in, equally stunned.
Coleman sighed and replied, “Mr. Scott has his reasons. I trust him. Whatever he does, there’s always a purpose behind it.”
Coleman had developed an unshakable faith in Kayden. To him, everything Kayden did was calculated and deliberate.
“You think he’s compromising with the Golden Threshold Society? No, it’s not that simple!” Coleman added firmly.
“But if Mr. Scott saves him, Tiger Clarkson will surely repay kindness with treachery! These people came here with bad intentions. How could Mr. Scott be so reckless?” Logan said anxiously.
Diomidis Stevens, who had been quietly stroking his long beard, finally spoke. “No need to worry. I, too, am curious to witness Mr. Scott’s extraordinary medical skills.”
With that, the group rose and moved toward the door.
Kayden was already circling Tiger Clarkson, observing him with sharp focus. After a moment, he pulled out a set of silver needles.
One of Tiger Clarkson’s disciples stepped forward, glaring at Kayden. “Kid, I’m warning you: if you try anything funny in front of my master, I’ll shoot you myself!”
He brandished a handgun, aiming it directly at Kayden’s head. The disciple’s posture and swagger made him look like a classic movie villain, exuding arrogance and menace.
Kayden didn’t even glance at him. To Kayden, this man was nothing more than a clown-a nobody, less significant than a dog. If Kayden wanted to end him, it would be as effortless as crushing an ant.
Ignoring the disciple, Kayden began inserting the needles into Tiger Clarkson’s body. Each needle was placed with precision, following a specific technique.
As the procedure progressed, Tiger Clarkson’s body started to feel different. A surge of strength seemed to awaken within him. His legs, which had been lifeless for months, suddenly felt powerful again. Moments later, he found himself able to move.
“I can move… I can move!” Tiger Clarkson exclaimed, his voice filled with disbelief.
Overwhelmed with joy, Tiger Clarkson stood up from his wheelchair. “I’m standing! I’m standing!”
“Father, you can stand! You can stand again!” Hailey Clarkson cried out, her face still swollen with pain. Despite her own discomfort, she was ecstatic to see her father standing.
Tiger Clarkson was equally thrilled. For three long months, he had been confined to his wheelchair, seeking out countless renowned doctors, all of whom had failed to help him. He had come here in search of the legendary Aetherbloom, desperate for a cure.
Though he hadn’t found the Aetherbloom, this miraculous recovery felt like a divine blessing. It was the kind of fortune that came when least expected.
Diomidis Stevens nodded repeatedly, his admiration evident. “Mr. Scott, your medical skills are truly extraordinary. The needlework you just performed was nothing short of miraculous.”
Kayden gave a modest nod. “I’m honored to demonstrate my humble abilities in front of someone like Mr. Stevens.”
As Diomidis Stevens looked at Kayden, he saw a rare genius in the field of medicine-someone destined to be a legend.
“Father, now that you can stand, can we kill him?” Hailey Clarkson’s voice was sharp, her rage bubbling to the surface. She couldn’t suppress her hatred any longer. The sight of Kayden standing there, unharmed, was unbearable.
Before Tiger Clarkson could respond, Kayden spoke calmly. “Not yet. He may be able to stand, but his internal energy hasn’t been restored. Only after taking this pill will his strength fully return.”
Kayden reached into his pocket and retrieved a small bottle. He removed a single black pill and held it up.
“Father, don’t trust him!” Hailey Clarkson shouted, pointing at Kayden. “That pill has to be poison. He’s trying to kill you! Why else would he save you? We have no goodwill between us. He’s definitely plotting something!”
Tiger Clarkson hesitated, his eyes narrowing as he studied Kayden. “Young man, how can I trust that this pill will help me?” he asked cautiously.
Kayden’s expression remained calm. “If I wanted to kill you, I could’ve done so earlier when I was using the needles. A single mistake would’ve been enough to end you. But I didn’t. This pill isn’t something money can buy. Once you take it, not only will your internal energy return, but your strength will surpass what it was before. The choice is yours: take it or don’t. You have three seconds to decide.”
Tiger Clarkson’s brow furrowed deeply. He was torn, his instincts and doubts warring within him.
“Father, can’t you see? He’s trying to poison you! There’s no free lunch in this world. Order his death now!” Hailey Clarkson screamed, her desperation evident.
Tiger Clarkson’s mind raced, weighing his options. But before Kayden could even finish counting, he made his decision.
“I’ll take it!” he declared. “I don’t believe you’d dare harm me. If you do, the Golden Threshold Society will destroy everything you hold dear.”
With that, he snatched the pill from Kayden’s hand and swallowed it in one swift motion. The entire process was seamless, without hesitation.
As the pill entered his system, a warm current began to flow through Tiger Clarkson’s body. It spread rapidly, as though igniting every fiber of his being.
Moments later, his body jerked violently, as if struck by an immense force.
A sudden gust of energy lifted Tiger Clarkson off the ground, suspending him in mid-air. “Whoosh!” The room fell silent as everyone stared in shock, their eyes fixed on the unbelievable sight.