Terry Song said slowly, “Brian Zane is passionate about antiques. If there’s any forgery, flaws will inevitably show. This medical classic is indeed an authentic manuscript copied two hundred years ago... As for him, Brian Zane is as wealthy as a nation, and he uses his riches to pave the way for power and influence. The only regret in his life is that his legs are crippled.”
Old Master said in a deep voice, “Will he take the bait?”
Terry Song replied, “He possesses wealth, fame, and power, but has lost the use of his legs. Now, this Jade Spirit Flower can make his life whole, leaving him without regrets—how could he possibly give it up? Over the years, he’s spent a fortune and invited countless miracle doctors, but all to no avail, so he gradually gave up. But this time, he definitely won’t miss the chance.”
Old Master hesitated, “But...”
Terry Song smiled, “I understand. This medical classic was something I acquired by chance half a year ago. At that time, I came up with a plan: first, I sent it to the Bai family under the name of a noble from the capital, then, with a little guidance, had the Bai family’s matriarch pass it on to Mr. Turner Sr.. Not only Mr. Turner Sr., even the Bai family has no idea this book is connected to me. Besides, half a year has passed. Even if Brian Zane is extremely cautious and sends people to investigate, at most they’ll trace it back to the Bai family, and that’s all.”
Old Master couldn’t help but sigh, “The student surpasses the master. Your scheming is even more profound and far-reaching than mine was in my youth.”
……
Fengcheng.
Zhongwang Mountain.
Qianlong Manor.
In the rear courtyard, flowers bloomed in profusion, the rockeries looked lifelike, and streams flowed gently.
It was springtime, and the weather was pleasant.
A rattan chair was placed here.
A young man lay on it, dressed in a white robe with golden patterns. His face was pale, making him look delicate and frail.
“Jade Spirit Flower... Jade Spirit Flower...”
Brian Zane raised his hand, and with a thought, a young dragon crawled slowly out from his sleeve, its eyes flashing. He extended his index finger and stroked the young dragon’s head, murmuring, “Where can I find the Jade Spirit Flower?”
“Master, Charles White has arrived.”
“Let him in.”
“Yes.”
Charles White had a resolute face and a tall, upright figure, with a long sword at his waist, three fingers wide.
He was only thirty, but his martial arts were already exceptional, making him a top expert in the martial world.
Although Charles White bore the surname Bai, he had no relation to the Bai family’s old steward. His true identity was actually Eric Lane’s junior apprentice brother.
Back then, Eric Lane came to challenge Edward Grant and was defeated, then subdued by Brian Zane, and willingly served him.
When this news spread, Charles White was extremely angry. He believed his senior brother was a hero, a mighty martial artist with the potential to become a grandmaster, but had been bewitched and reduced to a servant, disgracing their sect. Burning with anger, he came to challenge Brian Zane, intending to give him a beating and wake his senior brother up, so he’d return to the right path.
And then, Charles White became Brian Zane’s number two enforcer.
Aside from Edward Grant and Henry Clark, Eric Lane was the most skilled among Brian Zane’s subordinates, and Charles White could also be counted among the top five.
Moreover, these two brothers were indeed highly capable, having accomplished many tasks for Brian Zane.
As for Eric Lane and Charles White, Brian Zane truly relied on them. After all, both were always steady in their actions, ruthless when needed, and followed every order to the letter, never failing.
“Master.” Charles White stepped forward and saluted.
“Is the task done?” Brian Zane asked.
“Everything is nearly ready. With a single command, we can withdraw completely, minimizing casualties and keeping business losses to a minimum,” Charles White replied.
“You’ve done very well.” Brian Zane was quite satisfied and nodded with a smile.
“My senior brother...” Charles White hesitated.
“I’ve sent him to handle something in secret. It should take about ten days to half a month.”
At this, Brian Zane reached into his robe, took out a booklet, and tossed it over, saying, “Henry Clark left this for you.”
Charles White caught the booklet, his face lighting up with joy.
It was a manual of palm techniques, perfectly suited to his own movement skills.
“Spend the next couple of days training here at the manor. Edward Grant can be your sparring partner.”
Brian Zane said slowly, “You’ve been busy for half a month; it’s time you took a couple of days to rest.”
Hearing this, Charles White looked at the booklet in his hands, overjoyed.
A faint smile appeared at the corner of Brian Zane’s lips. Eric Lane and Charles White, these two brothers, didn’t care much for money, but valued martial arts above all.
Edward Grant and Henry Clark were originally ancient corpses under his control. That aside, Brian Zane himself was a cultivator, well-versed in martial arts. Noticing Charles White’s shortcomings, he had long planned to give him this palm technique manual.
And this was only the first volume.
……
Afternoon.
Brian Zane took another medicinal bath.
The young dragon absorbed the medicinal properties. Although its growth was not obvious, it still gained a little.
As for himself, he used the bath to strengthen his body and gather true qi.
The excess true qi accumulated in his dantian, condensing into a Primordial Unity Sword.
“With this sword technique, the true qi that used to dissipate now gradually forms a life-saving foundation. I wonder who the author of that travelogue really was?”
As Brian Zane pondered this, a flash of white light suddenly streaked across the sky and landed by the window.
It was a hawk, pure white all over, majestic and extraordinary.