Chapter 393 Conditions
With the second volume of the medical book in hand, Larry's health issues were temporarily under control.
But he still had a lot to do.
Alone, without help, he found it hard to make any progress.
Alden was the perfect candidate.
Larry headed back to the neighborhood where Free had arranged for Alden to stay.
The area was heavily guarded by military personnel, tasked with keeping an eye on Alden.
Yet, if Alden wanted to leave, they couldn't stop him.
Alden had stayed put for several days.
Larry opened the door and walked in.
As soon as he entered, Alden stood up with a smile, "With all the commotion, I thought you were dead. You've got quite the luck."
Larry gave a faint smile and headed straight for the couch, sinking into it. He was still weak, and standing was exhausting.
Alden casually tossed a cigar over.
Larry caught it.
Alden sat down and asked, "What were you looking for in the cave?"
Larry extended his hand, "Got a light?"
Alden tossed over a lighter.
Larry lit the cigar, took a deep drag, and immediately started coughing.
Abigail quickly moved to pat his back.
Larry waved her off, "I'm fine."
Alden's gaze lingered on Larry, sharp and intense, like an eagle eyeing its prey.
"Nothing much, just looking for a way to cultivate Qi," Larry said casually.
"What?" Alden was taken aback, standing abruptly and staring at Larry, "A way to cultivate Qi?"
"Yeah."
"Did you find it?"
"Of course."
Larry nodded, "I'm here to ask again, do you want to team up with me?"
Alden sat back down.
He was trying to determine if Larry was telling the truth.
As the founder of the Shadow Syndicate, Alden had heard the buzz in the mercenary world about the recent events at Dragon Mountain. He had his ways of getting information.
After a long pause, he said, "Larry, I don't want to die. I don't want to end up with no place to rest because of this partnership. Even if you've found a way to cultivate Qi and become a Martial practices grandmaster, you don't have the strength to handle the current situation."
"Is that so?"
Larry smiled dismissively.
Alden took a deep breath, "Do you know how many Martial practices grandmasters were involved in eliminating the Gu raising person a century ago?"
Larry shook his head.
Alden continued, "The number of Martial practices grandmasters in the Summer Nation is beyond your imagination."
Larry spoke softly, "Even so, I have to try. Whoever causes chaos, I'll stand against them. I know your stance now, and I can't let you roam free. You have two choices: return to the dungeon or die."
"In your current state?" Alden's face darkened.
Larry glanced at him, "Don't forget, you took the poison I developed. No one in the world can cure it. The poison takes effect in ten days. If you don't take the antidote within ten days, you'll die. How many days have passed since you got out?"
"Larry, you're forcing me," Alden said, his expression grim, with a hint of menace.
"Yes, I'm forcing you. You choose: work with me, and if we succeed, not only will you be absolved of all crimes, but you'll also be remembered forever."
Larry didn't say more, standing up to leave.
Alden watched Larry go, wiping his face in frustration.
He slammed his fist on the table, shattering it into pieces.
Outside the door, Abigail supported Larry, asking, "Larry, you said he's dangerous. Why insist on working with him?"
Larry paused for a moment. "He's the founder of the Shadow Syndicate, the most feared assassin organization in the world. He's got a lot of pull in the underground scene. With him on our side, things will be a whole lot easier."
Abigail looked worried. "What if he just pretends to agree, gets the antidote, and then vanishes?"
"He probably won't," Larry replied. Though Alden was ruthless, he was a martial artist. Larry was a martial artist too. He understood martial artists and knew the code of the underworld. A promise is a promise. Of course, this only applied to people of high status. Many small-time players were unreliable. But someone like Alden, once he agreed, was unlikely to go back on his word.
"Larry..."
The door opened, and a voice called out. Larry turned to see Alden stepping out, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"What's up? Made up your mind?"
"Come in, let's talk."
Alden turned back inside. Larry followed him in, noticing the shattered table in the living room. "Quite the strength."
Alden ignored the comment, asking directly, "How do you want to collaborate?"
Larry said, "Since I became the Black Dragon, I've felt like I've got a target on my back. I applied to leave for Sunset City, and trouble followed. Even after my resignation was approved, there were assassination plots against me, and they kept coming."
"All of this is Alistair's doing."
"At first, I didn't know Alistair's motive, but after being poisoned with Gu, I have a rough idea. Alistair is executing a plan."
"If I'm right, as you said, he's trying to complete a plan from a century ago, using Gu to control the world."
"And Alistair isn't alone; he has backing."
"With the upcoming election, Aurora Citadel is in chaos. The throne is too tempting, with many eyes on it. The old king has already chosen a new king, and to pave the way, Aurora Citadel will undergo a major reshuffle."
"But reshuffling is tough. Alistair alone is hard to deal with."
Alden looked at Larry and said, "I'm not interested in politics. Just tell me what you need from me."
Larry said, "I want you to take charge of the Shadow Syndicate again. I need you to use your influence in the underground world to help me, provide intelligence, and when necessary, deploy assassins to eliminate certain people."
"That's it?" Alden looked at Larry, puzzled.
"Yeah." Larry nodded.
Alden thought for a while before nodding. "Alright, I agree, but I have one condition."
"Name it," Larry said.
"I want you to teach me the method to cultivate Qi."
"Sure, that's easy," Larry smiled. "But I just got it, haven't studied it yet. Let me research it, cultivate Qi, and become a Martial practices grandmaster first, then I'll teach you."
"I trust the Dragon King to keep his word."
"And I trust the head of the Shadow Syndicate won't play tricks."
They both smiled.
Larry stood up. "Rest well, I won't disturb you. I'll come back in a few days."
Larry got up and left. Once outside Alden's temporary residence, he breathed a sigh of relief, having finally convinced Alden. Now, the real showdown with Alistair was about to begin.
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