After Hailey Clarkson left in a state of panic, the dinner party was effectively disrupted.
Kade Vincent was the first to step forward, addressing Kayden Scott:
“Mr. Scott, I don’t think you should have let her go. You should have eliminated her completely. Sure, she’s beautiful, but letting her go is like releasing a tiger back into the mountains. She’ll undoubtedly return with reinforcements.”
“Exactly, Mr. Scott! You should have killed her on the spot,” Logan chimed in anxiously. “If you don’t destroy the root, the weeds will grow back in the spring. Once she brings people back, it’ll be big trouble for you.”
Kayden smiled faintly, an elegant curve to his lips, and replied, “I let her go so she could call for reinforcements. The only thing I worry about is whether they’ll have the courage to come. If they do, I’ll kill them one by one, or two by two.”
“Mr. Scott, it’s not as simple as you think,” Kade insisted. “There are some very powerful people out there.”
The two clearly didn’t have much faith in Kayden. To them, he was too young and impulsive. His actions just now seemed unnecessary-if he’d simply killed the woman, they wouldn’t even have been able to locate him.
But now, he was completely exposed, and that wasn’t good.
Before Kayden could respond, Coleman stepped in. “Enough. Go back for now. Mr. Scott has his own judgment. It’s not for you two to worry about.”
The two exchanged puzzled glances, their eyes full of doubt. They couldn’t understand why Kayden had let the woman go, but they didn’t press the issue further and left.
“Apologies for disrupting everything,” Kayden said, glancing at the bodies on the ground and turning to Diomidis Stevens.
Diomidis waved his hand dismissively. “No need to apologize. This is nothing. Hahaha.”
Then, as if shifting back to a serious demeanor, he added, “Besides, aren’t you planning to destroy the Golden Threshold Society soon? What do I have to worry about?”
He finished speaking and laughed again, a hearty sound that echoed through the space.
Kayden observed Diomidis Stevens’s calm demeanor. From beginning to end, the old man hadn’t shown a single trace of panic. He exuded a tranquility that came from a strong sense of capability.
If Kayden wasn’t mistaken, this man was likely a hidden master, on par with someone like Cael Gabor.
But Kayden didn’t dwell on the matter. Destroying the Golden Threshold Society was inevitable. They were arrogant, abusing their strength to oppress the weak. Such an organization had no place in the world.
People with power should help others, not use their strength to bully.
This principle deeply resonated with Kayden, and it cemented his resolve: the Golden Threshold Society had to be eradicated.
At that moment, Coleman, who had remained silent for some time, finally spoke. “It seems we won’t finish this drink. How about we move to another place and have some tea instead?”
Diomidis chuckled. “I’m free. It depends on whether Mr. Scott has the time.”
Kayden didn’t refuse. “I don’t mind.”
Given everything that had happened in Hiphia recently, he had no immediate plans. Staying to enjoy some tea wasn’t a bad idea.
—
West Mountain Teahouse
The group sat in the teahouse, sipping tea and chatting. Through Coleman, Kayden learned more about the Golden Threshold Society.
Unlike The Nightshade, a reclusive sect hidden deep in the mountains, the Golden Threshold Society operated openly, visible to the public.
In the past, they had been law-abiding, often working for the government. Only high-ranking officials had known of their existence. But recently, their behavior had changed. They’d done shocking things-taking whatever they fancied, regardless of whether the owner was willing to part with it.
It seemed that once they set their sights on something, they considered it theirs.
Today’s attempt to take something from Diomidis Stevens was just one example. Similar incidents had occurred frequently in recent times.
Listening to Coleman’s account, Kayden felt that this wasn’t how a proper sect should behave.
As they drank, Diomidis Stevens suddenly produced a box and handed it to Kayden. “Mr. Scott, with your exceptional skills in medicine and martial arts, I want to give this to you.”
Kayden looked at the box, momentarily stunned. “What is it?” he asked.
“It’s something that will shine brightly in your hands but has little use in mine,” Diomidis replied.
After a brief pause, Kayden opened the box. Inside was a plant-one that emitted a radiant glow the moment the box was opened.
It was a red herb, its light also red, giving it an extraordinary appearance. Despite being uprooted for some time, it still looked vibrant, as if it would never wither.
“This is the Aetherbloom they’ve been searching for?” Kayden asked, examining the peculiar plant.
Diomidis nodded without hesitation. “Yes, this is the Aetherbloom. I brought it back from the far western regions. I have no idea how word of it got out, but it’s maddening!”
Kayden noticed the reluctance in Diomidis’s eyes. The Aetherbloom was indeed unique, but Kayden had no intention of taking something so precious from someone else. He closed the box and said, “I can’t accept this gift. You should keep it.”
Diomidis sighed and pushed the box back toward him. “Mr. Scott, I already said this Aetherbloom is destined for you. It’s not just any Aetherbloom-it’s alive.”
After a brief pause, he continued, “With me, it can’t unleash its full potential. But with you, it will.”
There was an implicit message in Diomidis’s words, but Kayden couldn’t decipher it.
Left with no choice, he reluctantly accepted the Aetherbloom, hoping it would prove useful.
After their tea, the group left the teahouse. Instead of returning to the hotel, Kayden went home with Diomidis Stevens.
Someone might come looking for Diomidis soon. While Kayden knew the old man had some skills, he doubted Diomidis would fare well in a direct confrontation.
Diomidis’s home was nestled by the mountain and river, exuding an indescribable charm.
Over the next two days, Kayden and Diomidis talked extensively, building a bond that transcended their age difference. They found themselves kindred spirits, to the point where, if not for the age gap, Diomidis might have sworn brotherhood with Kayden.
Diomidis was a carefree old man, unrestrained and indifferent to trivial matters. He had lived a life of unparalleled freedom and contentment.
His refusal to charge for medical services stemmed from his complete disinterest in wealth.
Diomidis Stevens had reached a realm of life few could understand.