After the events of the last encounter, Greg Versoonder had been thoroughly awed by Kayden. In all his long years, he had never met such a remarkable young man. It was only natural that Greg showed him utmost respect whenever they met.
Seeing Nick’s foolish expression, Greg raised his hand and delivered another slap to the back of his head, urging, “Apologize to Dr. Scott immediately! Do you have a death wish, you ungrateful brat?”
Greg had witnessed Kayden’s abilities firsthand. With a mere gesture, Kayden could cause a blooming plant to wither instantly-even from a distance. His power was undoubtedly at the pinnacle of the Grand Level, perhaps even beyond.
If Kayden chose to act, a thousand Nicks wouldn’t stand a chance.
Nick stammered, “I-I’m sorry!”
Kayden didn’t respond. His piercing gaze locked onto Greg, and he asked coldly, “Since when did the Dual-Sided Mystic Needle become a family heirloom of yours, Greg Versoonder? Is that what you’ve been telling your grandson?”
Greg froze, stunned by the question. He had never claimed the Dual-Sided Mystic Needle was a family treasure. But as Nick spoke up, the reason for Kayden’s inquiry became clear.
“Grandpa, isn’t the Dual-Sided Mystic Needle a family heirloom?” Nick’s words made Greg’s face twitch uncontrollably. Furious, he slapped Nick again and scolded, “You useless fool! When did I ever tell you the Dual-Sided Mystic Needle belonged to us?”
Nick’s face turned pale as he quickly explained, “Grandpa, I saw you practicing it every day and talking to yourself. I thought it was our family’s acupuncture technique. I didn’t mean any harm!”
Greg sighed deeply and said, “You’re completely out of your depth. The true owner of this acupuncture technique is Mr. Scott. I’ve only been practicing it in secret to study and learn from it.”
Nick’s heart sank. He hadn’t expected his esteemed grandfather to admit to stealing someone else’s technique. For a man of Greg’s status to stoop to such behavior was unthinkable.
“Mr. Scott, the fault is entirely mine. If you wish to punish someone, punish me!” Greg declared, preparing to kneel before Kayden.
But before he could do so, Kayden reached out to stop him.
“Forget it,” Kayden said generously. “I can tell you had no malicious intent, and at least you haven’t used the technique improperly.”
Kayden didn’t hold a favorable impression of Greg. He still remembered their first meeting, when Greg had acted arrogantly, trying to crush him with his status. However, seeing Greg’s upright nature and his dedication to saving lives, Kayden decided not to hold a grudge.
Greg sighed again. “The Dual-Sided Mystic Needle is endlessly intricate. My comprehension is too shallow to grasp its depths. Even though it only involves two acupuncture points, the timing, method, and spatial considerations are far too profound.”
Kayden simply smiled without comment.
Greg’s expression suddenly hardened as he turned to Nick and shouted, “But this brat here-he’s unskilled and yet dares to flaunt himself around. He’s going to be the death of me!”
With that, Greg delivered yet another slap to Nick.
By now, Nick had endured four slaps and finally realized how insignificant he truly was. Earlier, he had tried to show off in front of Christina, but now he found himself utterly humiliated.
“Enough,” Kayden said calmly. “Out of respect for Mr. Stevens, I’m willing to teach you this acupuncture technique. However, you must promise to stay humble. Learning this technique requires a peaceful state of mind.”
Greg’s face lit up with joy, and he exclaimed, “Really?”
He immediately knelt before Kayden. “Master, are you truly willing to take me as your disciple?”
This scene shocked Nick to his core. His grandfather had never shown such deference to anyone before. What kind of man was this Kayden, who could make his stubborn grandfather kneel so willingly?
Kayden helped Greg to his feet and said firmly, “No! I won’t take you as my disciple. You’re not qualified.”
His words were sharp and final.
Greg Versoonder, unqualified? The notion was almost laughable. If Kayden had said such a thing before, Nick would have ridiculed him endlessly. But now, Nick couldn’t help but feel a deep curiosity about this man.
Disappointment clouded Greg’s face as he muttered, “You’re right. What about my grandson?”
Kayden glanced at Nick, then shook his head. “He’s not qualified either. But he does have some talent. I can consider him as an external disciple.”
Nick wasn’t sure whether to feel happy or insulted. His immensely capable grandfather had been deemed unworthy, yet Kayden was now saying he had potential. Did that mean Nick might surpass his grandfather someday?
This didn’t feel like praise.
Greg’s eyes widened in surprise. “That’s… that’s wonderful!”
Nick did have some talent. He had managed to mimic the Dual-Sided Mystic Needle just by observing it, even inadvertently saving a few lives. Despite his tendency to show off, it seemed fate had tied him to this acupuncture technique.
Kayden had noticed this connection. Otherwise, he would have dealt with Nick long ago.
“What are you waiting for? Bow to your master!” Greg bellowed at Nick.
Reluctantly, Nick obeyed. Though he wasn’t thrilled about it, he dared not defy his grandfather’s orders. “Master,” he said.
Kayden smiled faintly, saying nothing.
At that moment, Diomidis Stevens entered the room, laughing heartily. “Congratulations, Mr. Scott! You’ve gained a new disciple. And congratulations to you, Mr. Versoonder-your grandson has found an excellent teacher.”
Turning to Greg, Stevens added, “This must be the genius you mentioned earlier, right?”
Greg nodded. “Yes, Mr. Scott is the prodigy I was talking about.”
Stevens chuckled. “No wonder he managed to win you over. Only someone like Mr. Scott could tame an old stubborn mule like you.”
Greg laughed as well. “If only I were more talented, I would’ve joined Mr. Scott’s school myself!”
As they chatted, a tall, elegant woman entered the room. She wore a floral dress and high heels, her figure accentuated with every step. Her presence immediately drew attention.
She approached cautiously and asked, “Excuse me, is this Dr. Stevens’ residence?”
Before anyone could respond, her eyes widened in shock as she exclaimed, “Kayden!”