As Charlie was overwhelmed with guilt toward his parents, Vera, sitting beside him, was also filled with complex emotions. She continued flipping through the content in the Preface of the Apocalyptic Book and became increasingly astonished the more she read. Picking up one particular sheet of paper, she said, "Look here. This section records the method of locating Mount Tason. It seems that your parents back then must have used this information to find the secret of longevity hidden within Mount Tason and brought back the Apocalyptic Book from there." Charlie nodded and said, "Mr. Chardon mentioned the secret to longevity during our battle back then, and all the clues lined up with your speculations." Vera's expression changed abruptly as she gasped, "Huh... Why do I feel like Master Marcius might have started planning a massive conspiracy over 300 years ago?" Charlie asked, "Are you saying that everything I am experiencing today was orchestrated by him centuries ago?" Vera
Vera then continued, "So, regarding this trap, I think there are two possibilities. One is that the trap has a time-sensitive trigger, meaning it must be activated while Master Marcius is still alive for it to work. However, the Master himself might not have expected the trap to be delayed for so long. By the time he died, he still hadn't found anyone to trigger it, and it only activated when your father discovered the Preface of the Apocalyptic Book. If this is the case, Mount Tason shouldn't pose any real threat to you." She paused, her tone growing more serious as she added, "The other possibility is that the Master knew the trap could be triggered at any time, and it didn't matter when—just as long as it was triggered. If that's the case, Master Marcius... is most likely still alive!" "Still alive?" Charlie frowned and asked, "If he's still alive, he must have found a way to extend his lifespan beyond a thousand years. And if he's still alive, he should be many times stronger t
Charlie exhaled heavily and suggested, "So... what he needs is a body of the Ascended Dragon Fate, right?" "That's right!" Vera nodded swiftly. "I believe this logic is very reasonable, and it also aligns with what the fake nun said. She mentioned that anyone could go to Mount Tason except for you, and she also said that the person there is far more terrifying than Fleur. Now, it seems that the person she was referring to is Master Marcius, and he has been waiting for you in Mount Tason!" Charlie accepted this speculation, gritting his teeth and saying, "Good old Marcius! I've seen people use black magic before, but using a drifting bottle as a black magic vessel? This is the first time I've heard of it!" He then added, "Since we've figured out his plan, does that mean that as long as we never go to Mount Tason, he'll have to wait there indefinitely?" "I think so too!" Vera agreed and said. "Alright, then." Charlie heaved a sigh of relief and said, "From now on, I won't go an
At this time, Charlie looked at the photocopied contents of the Preface of the Apocalyptic Book and sighed. "If our hunch is correct, then the fake nun saved my life."Vera nodded gently, then held her chin and muttered, "I think the fake nun should be following someone's orders, and the one who helped you should be the person behind her." Charlie fully agreed with her point but was somewhat puzzled. "This person can see through Master Marcius's meticulous plot, and they were able to stop me at a critical moment. Their background must be extraordinary. But I can't understand it. If this person is willing to help me and knows all about me, why are they unwilling to show their true face? If we meet face-to-face, perhaps we could cooperate and fight against the Qing Eliminating Society together." Vera said with a smile, "Perhaps everyone has their own secrets to protect, just like me. If you hadn't saved my life and if my father's ring hadn't brought me here, I would never have revea
Vera nodded knowingly and asked, "What do we do with these photocopies?" Charlie thought for a moment and said, "I'll leave them to you. You can put them away or burn them." "Alright." Vera nodded. "I'll take care of it." Vera saw Charlie out and asked Logan to arrange for Marilyn to drive Charlie to Champs Elys. She then went back to the top-floor courtyard and sorted out all the photocopies of the Preface of the Apocalyptic Book. Initially, she planned to throw these papers into the stove and burn them. However, after meditating for a few minutes, she suddenly stood up determinedly, grabbed her backpack, stuffed all the papers in the bag, and then walked out of the courtyard with the bag on her back. After going down the stone stairs, she said to Decan, who was standing guard, "Ask Logan to prepare a car for me. There's a place I need to go now." "Alright, Miss." Decan asked hastily, "Would you like me to accompany you?" "No." Vera waved him off firmly. "I'll go by my
Ashley suddenly remembered something, her expression turning slightly anxious, and she said, "There's a chance that Vera might come here to see you. To be cautious, I'll leave Aurous Hill and head to Mount Pantro for a few days later today. You should stay here for one more day. If Vera hasn't come by this time tomorrow, meet me at Mount Pantro. If she does come and is alone, find an opportunity to meet her. Confirm whether Charlie has any intention of cultivating the Apocalyptic Heart Formula. Also, inquire about what agreements Charlie reached with the Rothschild family during his trip to America." "This morning, I received news that several Silicon Valley companies waiting for Nvidia to supply GPUs have had their deliveries inexplicably delayed. I can't shake the feeling that this is somehow connected to Charlie." With a puzzled expression, Suzanne asked, "Why do you suddenly feel that Vera is coming here to see me?" Ashley replied, "Last time, when you intercepted her in Moun
Meanwhile, Vera, as Ashley had predicted, drove her car onto the elevated road leading to Qi Temple. Her thoughts aligned closely with Ashley's reasoning. She believed that since the fake nun had been constantly monitoring Charlie and even stepping in to protect him at critical moments, it was likely that these individuals were still keeping an eye on him. There was a possibility that they were currently in Aurous Hill. If that were the case, they would surely be tracking her actions as well. By suddenly heading to Qi Temple alone, she expected that they would interpret this move as her desire to meet with them. Of course, Vera was also aware that the situation might not be as she had guessed. It was entirely possible that all of this was just her wishful thinking and that the other party wasn't monitoring her at all. However, Vera didn't mind. After all, trying this approach wouldn't cost her much. If nothing came of it, she could simply drive back home. The traffic at n
"Good to know that." Suzanne heaved a sigh of relief and said, "At this moment, as long as he doesn't go to Mount Tason and stays away from the Preface of the Apocalyptic Book, he can basically avoid the crisis." "The crisis you're talking about is Master Marcius, right?" Vera asked. "Yes." Suzanne nodded. "It's Master Marcius." Vera asked again, "Is he really not dead?" Suzanne thought for a moment before answering, "He died, but not completely. Once the right moment arrives, he can be reborn." Vera nodded. "It seems he really is trying to cultivate an Ascended Dragon Fate body for himself to be used for soul possession." "That's right," Suzanne replied, not surprised that Vera could see through this. She nodded and explained, "Although Marcius managed to survive for a thousand years, that was the ultimate limit of all his opportunities. Even if he were to be reborn ten times, he would never surpass a thousand years of life. If he wants to reach the peak of the Heavenly Pa
Vera kept her plan to investigate the identity of the abbess deep in her mind and told Charlie nothing.Instead, she smiled as she said, "It seems that it's both yours and Ms. Ito's good fortune that she has attained enlightenment. You've never had anyone who could attain enlightenment and master Reiki at the same time, so Ms. Ito will definitely be a great help to you in the future."Charlie chuckled and said calmly, "I'm not hoping for her to help. I'm simply happy for her with her enlightenment and excited to have another comrade in my solo ventures into the dark forests."Vera nodded in understanding, and she murmured emotionally, "I've lived for so long, and it's only when I opened my heart to you that I felt that sensation you described."There was a flicker of wistfulness in her eyes.She really did not expect to attain enlightenment before meeting Charlie.Years ago, she thought that she would eventually avenge her father.Now, she no longer hoped to murder Fleur Griffi
Vera was inwardly disappointed to hear that Claire was returning.That meant there were fewer chances of Charlie visiting the Scarlet Pinnacle Manor, as were her chances of seeing him again.Still, she didn't let it show, instead asking casually, "How are things at Champs Elys? Are the warriors improving at a rate to your satisfaction?""Well, most of everyone's improvement is within expectations…" Charlie explained, just as he remembered a certain someone. "By the way, there's something I haven't told you yet. Are you perhaps acquainted with the name Ito Nanako?""Yes," Vera smiled. "The Japanese lady who was with you. What about her?""She attained enlightenment days ago.""Enlightenment?" Vera did a double take and soon pressed, "Enlightenment in what sense? Essential Qi or Reiki?"After all, the former was the path to enlightenment in martial arts, while the latter meant enlightenment in cultivation.But despite the distinction between both domains, enlightenment was a comm
While Charlie had long since gotten used to Elaine and Jacob's bizarre marriage, being near the heart of the storm still took a toll on his senses—to the point that he felt physically sick.Leaving right away was therefore his best solution.Once he left, however, he realized he didn't have anywhere to go. Champs Elys was quite far, and it would take a lot of time.As he started to feel bored stiff, he remembered Vera for some reason and called her.Once Vera answered, she quickly asked in curiosity, "To what do I owe the pleasure? Lunch, perhaps?"Charlie chuckled. "Since you've put it that way… I haven't eaten either, so lunch it is!"Vera giggled. "Come over to my place, then. It's cold outside, and I was just lighting up a hot pot. I'll have Madam Marilyn prepare an additional portion.""Okay!" Charlie agreed to it without hesitation. "I can return her car too. Just wait, I'll be right there!"Once he hung up, he got on the Rolls Roycs he had borrowed from Scarlet Pinnacl
Charlie shook his head. "It's alright, Dad. You can go ahead if you're busy—I can pick up Claire on my own.""No way!" Elaine promptly snapped. "It's been so long since she came back. We are all going to the airport!"Jacob sighed in exasperation. "Well, I'm sticking to my schedule—first the Calligraphy and Painting Association, then I'll be back an hour before to pick you guys up before going together to the airport."Elaine was left fuming. "Is there no getting through to you? You really have to go to that stupid association, don't you? Okay, fine. If you must go, I will be going with you!""You're their honored vice president who will be promoted to president soon, no? As Mrs. Vice President and the future Mrs. President, is there an issue if I went for a look?"Jacob shuddered at the thought of Elaine going to the Calligraphy and Painting Association as he absolutely didn't want her to humiliate him with her antics. People would talk, asking how a proper gentleman like him c
Jacob yawned, stretching his arms and smacking his cheeks, before finally retorting in contempt, "For Pete's sake, woman—don't make dissing me a habit. Or does it please you so much?"Elaine pursed her lips. "You call that dissing? It's all facts—do you think I don't know you? Tell me, what qualifications do you have? Your knowledge about calligraphy is skin-deep, and even the frauds working on Antique Street could beat you.""Only you would have the audacity to take the role of vice president at the Calligraphy and Painting Association—heaven's above, how blind is the president to appoint you as his second fiddle? Still, you'll be packing your things as soon as he realizes the truth.""Oh, Elaine, poor Elaine…" Jacob grinned smugly at her right then. "I'm afraid things won't go the way you want. Mr. Bay's been chasing a promotion lately, and once he gets it, I will take his place as president. That means I'll be the top dog instead of second fiddle!""Bullshit!" Elaine snapped in
Jacob slept in the next day while Elaine got out of bed past ten as well.However, in the case of the latter, she wasn't drunk and was simply watching livestreams and video clips on her phone—a hobby she had picked up recently.As for Charlie, he had initially planned to visit the Champs Elys hot spring villa and train Nanako in her Reiki control. However, since Claire would be arriving in the afternoon, he stayed home, planning to leave for the airport when it was time.Elaine appeared groggy as she emerged from the elevator, rubbing her eyes while holding her phone in the other hand.Seeing Charlie cleaning the living room, she asked in curiosity, "Not going out today, Charlie? Aren't you usually going out to meet clients?"Then, she became concerned in an instant, "Wait, don't tell me—the Feng Shui business is falling off? Are we going to be affected altogether?"Charlie laughed. "You're just getting paranoid now. Things are going fine—I'm just giving myself a day's leave.""
"Anyway, we have an issue," Helena continued. "Two days ago, Nvidia launched the B100 processor, their latest product, just two hours ago—a next-generation chip that will outperform our H100 considerably. I've instructed Harrison to pull some strings and preorder a batch from Nvidia before the B100 hits the market, at least ensuring that we can get our hands on 20,000 in the first quarter when the B100 circulates."Charlie asked, "What are Harrison's thoughts on the matter?" "Of course that old fox is going to be reluctant," Helena snorted. "But with the B100's processing strength outclassing the H100's, many AI institutions and multimedia giants are waiting with their wallets wide open. He's complaining that after pulling strings to get his hands on so many H100s, he is too embarrassed to do it again for the B100.""Bullshit," Charlie chuckled. "He's just not keen on us raising our prices after that previous agreement.""Exactly," Helena laughed as well. "He's about the shrewdest
By the time Jacob was sent home, he was almost passed out drunk.As Charlie took him off Walker's hands, Jacob's eyelids were but narrow slits.With his rough facial features, his flushed cheeks, and that strange smile of his, he looked just like those sleazy middle-aged men often seen in animated cartoons.Still, seeing that Charlie had come out of the house to get him, he chuckled drunkenly, "D-Dear boy… Your dad… was so amazing!"Charlie shook his head in exasperation. "You're drunk, Dad—get some rest already. Otherwise, you might wake Mom up and get an earful for this.""Earful?" Jacob's eyes widened ferociously as he snorted, "S-She'd never dare!"Charlie chuckled as he said quietly, "Come on, keep it down—Elaine is plenty daring. And in your state, you stand no chance if she starts to beat you."Despite being drunk a second ago, Jacob suddenly shuddered from the shiver running down his spine, and he promptly corrected himself, "A gentleman… never lays a hand on a woman! T-
Naturally, neither Mr. Bay nor Hal argued with this, thus following Albert and Jacob to the Diamond Room—the grandest room of Heaven Springs.After Albert led the trio there and smiled, "Gentlemen, if you would please take your seats, my people will be delivering Big Red Robe tea and our menu to your table shortly. I've spoken to the kitchen as well, and they will be preparing appetizers first. Please feel free to enjoy a game of poker until everyone arrives, and the main courses will be delivered right away."His arrangement was utterly detailed, and the trio were awash with gratitude.Hal and Mr. Bay especially were looking upon Jacob worshipfully, as if he was an unassuming bigwig on Charlie's level.Soon, as the invited guests arrived, Albert personally brought two bottles of 3-liter Moutai that cost an arm and leg to the Diamond Room.For politeness's sake, Hal ordered two more bottles of one-liter Moutai, meaning that it was one liter for the eight persons in attendance.Th