“That’s what Larry’s disciple said himself!” Francis declared.
“His disciple? You mean Lana’s fiancé?” the masked man asked, uncertain.
“That’s right,” Francis replied coldly. “18 years ago, Bruce found Larry and arranged an engagement between the children. The boy happens to be Larry’s disciple.”
“I remember that, but I still don’t believe Larry is alive. The Reaper’s Grasp is a fatal poison. No healer, no matter how skilled, can save someone from it.
“With his medical skills, Larry might have prolonged his life for a few years, but another 10 or 20? Impossible. His disciple must be lying.”
Francis’ worry eased at the masked man’s words.
“Alright. But there’s another matter. Even if Larry is dead, his disciple is still around. We need to deal with him as soon as possible,” Francis said.
“He’s just a youngster. There’s nothing to fear,” the masked man scoffed, dismissing Sebastian’s significance.
“Don’t underestimate him,” Francis added.
“He easily defeated my son, Maverick. He’s incredibly talented. In ten years, or maybe even just a few, he could reach the Divine Realm. He’s a real threat.”
The masked man grew serious as he realized the gravity of the situation. “If he’s as talented as you say, then he’s surely a threat. Find a way to get rid of him.”
“Bruce is backing him, so I haven’t had the chance,” Francis admitted, looking troubled.
“You really are dense,” the masked man scoffed. “Can’t you get someone else to do it? Doesn’t Flynn from the York family have a thing for Lana? Imagine how he’d react if he knew her fiancé was here…”
His words trailed off, but Francis understood his meaning.
“What? Is there something else?” the masked man asked, annoyed by Francis’ hesitation.
“When are you planning to make your move?” Francis whispered.
“My Fatal Viper Technique is almost at the seventh level. Once it’s complete, I’ll act immediately,” the masked man said.
“How much longer will that take?” Francis asked, clearly displeased.
“Soon. Just go back and wait for my good news,” the masked man assured Francis.
Francis pursed his lips. He was tired of hearing the same old excuses.
After Francis left, a young man entered the room.
“Grandpa, are you really going to help Francis become the patriarch of the Sanders family?” he asked.
“Francis is just a fool. I don’t mind letting him take the position as long as he follows my orders,” the masked man replied.
“I’m worried the Lennon and York families might interfere,” the young man said.
The masked man laughed. “My Fatal Viper Technique is reaching the seventh level soon. As long as I obtain the Sanders family’s Ninefold Griffin Amulet, I’ll advance to the eighth level.
“Then, I’ll wipe out the Lennon and York families and take their Ninefold Griffin Amulets as well. Hahaha…”
“Ninefold Griffin Amulet,” the young man repeated to himself while a glint of greed flashed in his eyes.
Bruce had people prepare a lavish feast in the Sanders Manor’s dining room.
“Sebastian, this is my father’s cherished Icy Silk Wine. He never lets me drink it. Today, I’m getting a taste because of you,” Harvey said, savoring a sip.
“Sebastian, eat more,” Renee Larson urged, placing food on his plate.
Despite looking in her 30s, she was actually Lana and Harvey’s mother, with youthful skin and a stunning figure.
“Mr. and Mrs. Sanders, thank you,” Sebastian said, genuinely moved. His eyes were filled with tears at the warmth he felt.
“We’re a family. No need for thanks. This is your home now,” Bruce said.
“Bruce is right. You and Lana are all grown up. I think it’s time to set a date for your wedding,” Renee said with a smile. She looked at Sebastian with the approving eyes of a mother-in-law.
Lana’s face flushed red as she kept stealing glances at Sebastian, her heart pounding.
Sebastian could only manage an awkward smile. He was aware of the marriage arranged by Larry, and though he found Lana charming, he only saw her as a sister.
He didn’t have romantic feelings for her but didn’t want to embarrass her by saying so publicly.
“Sebastian, let’s have a drink. Cheers!” Harvey said.
He was seizing the chance to enjoy more of the rare Icy Silk Wine, which not only had a rich flavor but also helped enhance one’s cultivation. The savory taste, both spicy and tangy, had earned it a reputation as the world’s best wine.
The Icy Silk Wine could help improve one’s cultivation bases. Even for Sebastian, drinking a
cup of this wine provided noticeable benefits, equivalent to a day’s arduous cultivation.
For a typical grandmaster, a cup of Icy Silk wine could equate to ten days of arduous cultivation.
It was incredibly precious, worth at least ten billion dollars if auctioned, though it was rarely available for sale.
After the meal, Bruce invited Sebastian to his private chamber for a chat.
“Sebastian, you must have something to tell me,” Bruce said.
Sebastian nodded. “My mentor… he passed away.”
Bruce paused mid-pour. “When was it?”
“Two months ago.”
“Larry was over 70 this year. It was his time,” Bruce said.
“No, my mentor was a divine grandmaster. Without illness or injury, he could have lived to a hundred years old. It was just because he was poisoned long ago,” Sebastian said while observing Bruce’s reaction closely.
He noticed a flicker of surprise and anxiety flashed in Bruce’s eyes.
“Mr. Sanders, do you actually know something? How did my mentor get poisoned? And why
was he exiled from the Sanders family?”
Sebastian clenched his fists. He was too desperate for answers. Larry’s death deeply affected him despite his outward composure.
He wouldn’t have been alive today without Larry.
So, Sebastian came to Phaedra Island not only for the auction but to uncover the truth.
