Seeing the smile on Pat Nobleâs face growing thicker, Ethan Smith finally breathed a sigh of relief.
These father and son, they really have the same disposition, both love to be praised.
Pat probably also felt somewhat embarrassed; he coughed and said solemnly, âYouâre right, but you should realize what these ten-thousand-year-old herbs mean.â
Ethan nodded slightly.
Itâs impossible for Pat to give up the medicinal materials just by flattering him.
Ultimately, the decisive factor in negotiations depends on each partyâs value and capabilities.
Pat spoke in a deep voice, âIf I were to give this herb to you, what benefits would I receive?â
Ethan thought for a moment and said, âIâm an alchemist and can refine any medicine for you.â
Pat waved his hand and shook his head, âNot enough.â
Ethan spoke solemnly, âMr. Noble, please state your conditions. As long as I can do it, I wonât shirk my responsibility.â
Pat picked up his teacup and took a sip. He looked at Ethan and said indifferently, âFirst, you need to refine medicine for me three times.â
âNo problem.â Ethan agreed without even thinking.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
âSecond, you must serve the Noble Family for three years.â Pat said indifferently.
Ethanâs brows furrowed slightly.
Serve the Noble Family for three years? What did he mean?
âMr. Noble, Iâm not quite sure what you mean.â Ethan frowned.
Pat laughed lightly, âIn plain language, it means becoming a guest of the Noble Family. During these three years, if the Noble Family has something going on, you must put aside all your current affairs and come to the family.â
Ethan was slightly surprised. No wonder the Noble Family was so powerful; it seemed they had gotten help from many martial artists through such methods.
âAlright, I agree.â Ethan nodded.
Pat laughed, âGood. Then itâs settled. Our Noble Family wonât make a move for this ten-thousand-year-old herb.â
But upon hearing Patâs words, Ethan remained silent for a while, his face showing a touch of embarrassment.
âWhatâs wrong?â Noticing Ethanâs expression, Patâs eyebrows furrowed.
Ethan coughed dryly and said, âIf it isnât a problem for Mr. Noble, could you lend me some men to-â
As soon as the words left his mouth, Patâs face darkened.
âWhat do you mean? You want our people from the Noble Family to snatch the herbs for you?â Pat seemed somewhat angry.
Ethan forced a smile, âMr. Noble, please donât get angry. This is just a request of mine.â
Pat snorted coldly, âNo! If the Noble Family were to act, there would be no need for you! Weâd better just give you a herb directly.â
Helpless, Ethan could only nod awkwardly.
But he did hear an important piece of information from Patâs words.
The Noble Family possessed ten-thousand-year-old herbs, and not just one.
With such resources, they were among the top families nationally.
Ethan bade farewell to Pat and left the tea house.
As soon as he got out, Guy Noble approached him.
âHow did it go? Did my dad agree with you?â Guy asked.
Ethan laughed, âHe agreed, but⦠Never mind.â
Guy frowned, âWhatâs wrong? Why are you hesitating like a woman? Just say whatâs on your mind.â
Ethan shook his head in the end, not saying anything.
After leaving the Noble Family, Ethan began to ponder his strategy.
Many people would surely fight for the ten-thousand-year-old herb this time, including foreign forces.
If the Halcroen Sect could get the news, so could others.
Ethan had to get the herb at all costs; otherwise, heâd have no chance of defeating Broderick.
Upon returning to the villa, Ethan discovered a familiar figure!
Ms. Hayward was on the beach with eight purple-robed individuals!
âDamn!â Upon seeing this, Ethanâs expression changed dramatically!
As he thought, Ms. Hayward had also gotten the news.
Ethan didnât dare linger and quickly returned to the villa, closing the door behind him.
âWhatâs wrong? Why the face?â Clare Richardson asked casually.
Ethan didnât speak; he stroked his chin, his eyebrows knitted.
Ms. Hayward was at the Peak Form of Military Marquis Realm, and she even brought eight purple robes, not to mention himself.
The Halcroen Sect only sent two people for help, so they obviously didnât want to get involved. Ethan muttered, âThey just want to keep up appearances.â
It was clear that the Halcroen Sect didnât want to get involved in this mess.
If Ms. Hayward got that ten-thousand-year-old herb and gave it to Broderick, wouldnât he have a chance to advance even further?
The more Ethan thought about it, the more frightened he became!
Ethan suddenly stood up from the sofa!
âNo! I must not allow this herb to fall into Ms. Haywardâs hands, no matter what!â Ethan furrowed his brows tightly.
After much pondering, Ethan finally decided to seek help from the Noble Family.
The Noble Family, as the local powerhouse, wouldnât be afraid of Ms. Hayward at all.
Twenty-plus Marquis-level individuals attended Guy Nobleâs banquet, which demonstrated their strength.
Ethan took out his phone, intending to call Guy, but reconsidered as he had just left the family and now calling would not be appropriate.
So Ethan suppressed the urge for the time being.
The next day, Ethan went out for a walk.
He could clearly sense that many martial artists had settled nearby, and each was at the Military Marquis Realm.
Obviously, these people were all here for the medicinal materials, which made Ethan even more anxious.
That evening, Ethan took out his phone and dialed Guy, intending to invite him for dinner and ask for help.
After the call went through, Ethan made his intentions clear.
On the other end, Guy said, âThereâs no need for dinner; Iâve already eaten. If youâre free, just come over and hang out.â
Ethan agreed, âAlright, where are you?â
Guy said, âIâm at the Ocean Island Banquet.â
Although Ethan was unsure what kind of place it was, he agreed anyway.
After hanging up, Ethan hurried out the door.
He hailed a cab, heading to the Ocean Island Banquet.
Just as he got in, someone nearby spotted him.
âMs. Hayward, that person just now looked like Ethan Smith,â a purple-robed figure said solemnly.
Hearing this, Ms. Haywardâs expression changed slightly.
âEthan Smith? Are you sure?â Ms. Hayward frowned.
The purple-robed figure spoke in a deep voice, âIâm 90% certain.â
Ms. Hayward narrowed her eyes and huffed coldly, âSo Ethan Smith is also targeting that herb! No wonder he made wild claims publicly. Heâs trying to turn his luck with the help of this herb!â
âMs. Hayward, what should we do now?â the purple-robed figure asked.
Ms. Hayward snorted, âNow that Iâve found out, how can I let him succeed? Everyone, follow me and catch up with him!â