Chapter 161 Struck
Francis's eyes widened in surprise, then he asked with a puzzled expression, "Do you seriously think your cultivation progress is too slow now?”
"Isn't it? It's been so long and I haven't even mastered the first level of the ZF technique. My superpowers are also quite limited. You saw it just now, I was almost defenseless against Elmer!" Ethan nodded casually, but what did the increasingly angry look in Francis's eyes signify?”
“If you think this is slow, then there probably wouldn't be any geniuses in the world. If our ancestor heard you call this slow, he'd probably crawl out of his grave to give you a beating!" Francis clenched his teeth, but a sense of helplessness washed over him, and his tone grew increasingly resentful.
If he had the same rate of cultivation as Ethan, why was he still at his current level at his age? Even if he couldn't reach the level of a true master, he shouldn't be too far behind.
Ethan couldn't help but smirk. Was he cultivating at an accelerated pace?
Francis's reaction made him start doubting himself!
“You should go back to where you came from. Don't bother me again! I fear your actions will lead to my demise soon enough!" Francis stared into Ethan's bewildered and innocent eyes, feeling his anger growing.
He wished he had Ethan's extreme Yin or extreme Yang physique. Envy was something he couldn't achieve; he could only experience his own joys and sorrows.
"Wait, Francis! You haven't advised me on how to enhance my cultivation progress yet! Should I focus on practicing both martial arts and medical skills when I return?" Ethan called out as Francis turned away and left without a response.
Francis stumbled but quickly regained his footing. Without looking back, he advised Ethan, "The most effective way to cultivate is to go through battles and practical experience. It works better than practice on your own.”
Having said that, Francis disappeared into the dense forest.
“”Why did he have to leave so suddenly?" Ethan's face reflected his confusion, but at least Francis' final words provided some clarity. However, the enigmatic message would likely require practical experience to fully comprehend.
“Is everything settled?" Sarah asked as Ethan returned to the car, noticing Francis' uneasy expression when he left. "What did you say to him?" she inquired curiously.
"Just had a chat with him about cultivation. Seems like I struck a nerve, he probably headed back to St. Benedict's Priory to be alone and gather his thoughts," Ethan half-jokingly explained to Sarah.
“You're quite the skilled one. My grandpa always praised Francis as one of the best experts globally. He's not just skilled in medicine but also a martial arts pro! He even managed to scare off Elmer earlier. Is he really as awful as you described?" Sarah pouted, her tone tinged with a hint of disdain.
“One day, I will surpass them. As a genius like me, that day is not far off!" Ethan declared confidently, starting the car and driving back towards the city.
Vincent and the others had already returned to their temporary residence in Novaria, arranged by Beverly.
They knelt on the ground, faces pale and afraid to even breathe.
"Guys, are you okay?"
Elmer, still dressed in black, stood in front of the four and asked calmly.
"Master, we are useless!"
Vincent said with a bitter expression, bowing his head.
"Yes, you are. You guys are the top assassins but couldn't even handle a rising star!"
Elmer chuckled lightly without commenting on their words.
Hearing this, the guys’ faces turned even more pale, their eyes flickering with embarrassment. They gritted their teeth, wishing to tear Ethan into pieces.
"Never mind, it's not entirely your fault. Next time, use your brains more. As assassins, you must be willing to use any means necessary to achieve our goals, not just relying on close combat. The end result is what truly matters, not the process. In that aspect, that boy did better than you guys!"
Elmer sighed lightly. He didn’t blame the four too much. He took out his phone and called Brady.
"Mr. Wilson, we failed!"
He directly told Brady the result, his tone emotionless.
"Even you?"
Brady was shocked. If Elmer failed, who else could handle Ethan?
Did he have to bring out those old monsters?
"They are no match for Ethan at all. This boy grew too fast. But I think perhaps it's not a bad thing for us that he survived!"
Elmer said calmly, with a light laugh in his voice.
"Didn’t you take action?"
Brady's voice lowered, carrying a tone of accusation.
"Francis found me. You know the rules, and it's not the moment to break them. If needed, I'll deal with him myself at the right time, but for now, it's not worth the risk," Ethan explained to Sarah, emphasizing the importance of caution.
Elmer reminded indifferently.
"So, basically, no one below master level can take down Ethan? When did this kid become so skilled?”
Brady's tone was tinged with reluctance, but it mostly conveyed surprise.
Not necessarily. Sometimes, a gentler approach can be just as effective. If the tough tactics aren't working, it might be worth trying a more subtle approach. After all, you all seem pretty adept at scheming. You should know that you don’t have to kill that boy with your own hand. He is heading to Houston soon. Why don’t we take advantage of the Miller family?" Elmer seemed unfazed by Ethan’s situation as he casually made his point.
“Alright. Let's keep that little bastard alive for now. But remember, don't get any crazy ideas, or I'll kill him too!" Brady cautioned Elmer before ending the call.
'Old man, Let see what you can do. I hope you won’t be fooled by the boy, or we'll become a laughingstock!' Elmer chuckled to himself after putting down the phone. His tone of voice left the other Wilsons puzzled.
After Sarah was dropped off at the Harris family's villa, Ethan decided to stay back for lunch. They both agreed it was best not to mention the encounter with the Shadow Gang interception to Clarence, as it would only cause unnecessary worry.
“Ethan, it's been over half a month already. The situation in Baytown has been resolved, giving you a chance to establish yourself. Isn't it about time to start planning your trip to Washington?" Clarence asked nonchalantly as he ate.
“Grandpa, are you returning to Houston too?' Ethan replied with a question.
“I'm not in a rush. I just need to get back before the 15th. But before that, I recommend you handle the issues with Remington. It could prove unexpectedly beneficial for you," Clarence advised earnestly.
“Do you mean I should assist Remington in curing his friend's illness?" Ethan inquired, his brow furrowed in confusion.
“Keep some room for change... Do you catch my drift? Offer seven points of treatment, and reserve three points for yourself. It's the smartest move for you!" Clarence emphasized with a serious expression, holding up three fingers.
“Alright, then. There are still ten days until the 15th. I'll leave for Washington within three days!” Ethan nodded in agreement.
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