The Price of Arrogance
Julian’s expression remained calm after speaking.
Although he had agreed to help Felberta Ashbourne, his thoughts were already several steps ahead.
Treating Dario Ashbourne would not be difficult.
The difficult part was everything that would follow.
Steffan wasn’t someone who could be defeated with brute strength alone. Every setback only made him retreat into the shadows, waiting patiently for another opening. A man like that was far more dangerous than someone who charged in headfirst.
Julian had no intention of underestimating him.
He already knew Steffan possessed the strength of a Gold Realm cultivator. If he rushed into Silverhaven City without preparing, he would only be giving his enemy an advantage.
That was something he would never allow.
Looking at Felberta Ashbourne, he spoke in an even voice.
"I still need to prepare some things. Give me two days."
"I’ll be ready then."
Although his words sounded simple, Felberta understood there was far more behind them.
Treating her father’s illness wasn’t as easy as prescribing herbs or inserting a few acupuncture needles. Whatever Julian intended to do required careful preparation.
She drew a slow breath and nodded.
"Very well."
"I’ll wait for you."
There was no impatience in her voice anymore.
After hearing Julian confidently promise that he could save her father, the panic that had haunted her for days finally eased.
Hope had returned.
Julian gave a small nod.
"I won’t make you wait longer than necessary."
His confidence wasn’t blind.
The Miracle Medicine Record already contained the complete method to treat Dario Ashbourne’s strange illness.
Everything depended on gathering the necessary materials first.
Instead, she stood there patiently, understanding that someone capable of treating such a mysterious illness naturally needed time to prepare.
After a moment, Julian looked up and smiled reassuringly.
"Don’t worry."
"Once everything is ready, I’ll accompany you to Silverhaven City."
"I won’t let your father continue suffering."
Those simple words carried an unexpected sense of confidence.
Felberta’s tense shoulders gradually relaxed.
She bowed her head slightly.
"Thank you, Young Master Julian."
Her gratitude came from the bottom of her heart.
For days she had traveled everywhere searching for hope.
Many renowned doctors had refused.
Others admitted they were powerless.
Only Julian had confidently said he could cure her father.
Whether anyone else believed him no longer mattered.
She did.
Julian nodded lightly.
"There isn’t any need to thank me yet."
"We’ll save him first."
A faint smile appeared on Felberta’s beautiful face.
It was small.
Almost imperceptible.
Yet it was the first genuine smile she had shown since arriving.
The heavy atmosphere surrounding the room finally eased.
What he needs, the three thousand-year Frostheart Ginsengs were the hardest to obtain.
Fortunately, with the Ashbourne household’s influence, finding them was only a matter of time.
The conversation came to a natural end.
Felberta offered Julian another grateful bow before quietly leaving with her attendants.
As she disappeared into the distance, Julian remained where he stood.
A gentle breeze brushed past him, stirring his black hair.
His golden eyes narrowed slightly.
Silverhaven City...
It seemed inevitable that he would be returning there very soon.
But before that...
There was another stage where a different drama was already beginning.
...
Not long after leaving the De Dominicis Group headquarters, Zyan Ashbourne’s convoy raced across the city.
The engines roared through the streets before gradually slowing to a stop outside the Ravenswood Family Clinic.
Unlike the towering office buildings nearby, the clinic possessed an old, peaceful elegance.
The scent of medicinal herbs drifted through the open courtyard.
People from every walk of life patiently waited outside.
Some elderly patients leaned against walking sticks.
Young parents comforted restless children.
Workers in worn clothes quietly held numbered slips while waiting for their turn.
Despite the long queue, nobody complained.
Everyone knew that once they entered this clinic, there was genuine hope of recovery.
Zyan stepped out of his vehicle.
The moment he looked at the crowd, disgust flashed openly across his face.
His expensive shoes clicked sharply against the stone pavement as his eyes swept over the waiting patients.
Even from several meters away, he could smell the mixture of medicinal herbs, sweat, and lingering illness carried by the crowd.
His brows immediately knitted together.
A trace of contempt surfaced in his eyes.
To him, these ordinary people were nothing more than an unpleasant inconvenience.
Without sparing them another glance, he strode directly into the clinic.
The members of the Ashbourne household followed closely behind, their orderly footsteps breaking the peaceful rhythm inside the building.
Several patients instinctively stepped aside.
Doctors paused briefly before returning to their work.
Only a young clinic attendant walked forward to receive the unexpected visitors.
Before the attendant could even greet them, Zyan spoke first.
"Where is senior Miracle Doctor Ravenswood?"
The young man blinked in surprise before asking politely,
"What do you want with my master?"
"It’s a life-or-death matter."
"Take me to see him."
His commanding tone left little room for discussion.
The attendant hesitated for a brief moment.
Judging from Zyan’s bearing and the imposing guards behind him, he knew this wasn’t someone he could casually offend.
After weighing the situation, he quietly nodded.
"Please follow me."
Leaving the bustling front hall behind, he led the group deeper into the clinic.
The sounds of conversation gradually faded.
Birdsong echoed softly through the courtyard.
Ancient trees cast gentle shadows across the stone path, while the fragrance of freshly dried herbs drifted lazily through the air.
The peaceful scenery stood in complete contrast to the tension Zyan carried with him.
In the backyard, beneath the shade of an old tree, senior Miracle Doctor Ravenswood sat opposite an elderly man whose youthful complexion seemed strangely untouched by age.
Snow-white hair rested neatly over his shoulders, while a chessboard lay between them.
The two old men were immersed in their game.
Neither hurried.
Neither spoke unnecessarily.
Every move carried decades of experience and quiet confidence.
When the attendant respectfully announced that someone had come seeking him, senior Miracle Doctor Ravenswood gently placed his chess piece onto the board.
He smiled toward his old companion.
"Let’s continue later."
"Don’t mess with the pieces."
The elderly man immediately snorted.
"Do you think I’m someone who can’t take losing?"