Thanks for silveralter and Starhero619 for becoming as Supporters!
===BREAK===
Not paying any attention to Arden's rudeness, Pompey let out a heavy sigh of relief the moment he entered the room.
Seeing that the boss had no intention of making an issue out of it, the other subordinates also withdrew and returned to their own tasks.
"You're back."
Although his heart was burning with anxiety over the poison, Pompey maintained a calm exterior, not revealing the slightest flaw.
"Mm. Not only are we back, we also brought someone with us."
Arden gestured behind him.
Aside from Yiji, Belle, and the Qingming Bird perched on Arden's shoulder, John hurriedly got out of the truck and came to Arden's side. Upon seeing Pompey inside the room, his expression became complicated.
"Who are you?"
Pompey looked at John and asked.
"Boss Pompey, my name is John. I came to—"
John then recounted everything in detail: how Lucius wrote to major enterprises in the city, colluded with them over Outer Ring affairs, orchestrated the traffic accident, and attempted to silence him.
"What!? Cough cough cough!"
Pompey slammed the table and sprang to his feet. The violent emotional fluctuation, combined with the poison's effects, made him cough uncontrollably.
He had assumed that Lucius, as the second-in-command, was simply plotting to usurp his position.
Such things were extremely common in the Outer Ring. After all, a biker who didn't want to be boss wasn't a proper biker. If Lucius had beaten him fair and square, Pompey would have accepted it.
But poisoning him with such despicable methods, colluding with outsiders, and even trying to sever the roots between The Vanquishers and the people of the Outer Ring?
The Outer Ring was already barren land. If it lost its oil resources as well, it would completely lose the foundation for survival.
"There's also evidence. I handed it to Daoist Arden…"
"Mm."
Arden nodded, then took out the videotapes, photos, and documents, placing them on Pompey's desk.
He had already reviewed their contents. They recorded Lucius persecuting Outer Ring brothers, taking money from corporations to eliminate disobedient factions, monopolizing oil transport routes, and causing many Outer Ring towns to face starvation.
"..."
As Pompey examined the evidence, his expression grew darker and darker. It was unclear whether it was anger at Lucius's actions, the poison flaring up, or both.
"Very good! Lucius… very good indeed! Cough cough cough cough!"
Another bout of coughing followed.
"Ugh…"
Pompey staggered back a few steps, clutching his chest. With the coughing, a trace of blood seeped from the corner of his mouth.
"Uncle Pompey, you have to hold on. Getting so angry that you die would really be a huge loss!"
Belle hurriedly advised him. Half the reason they came was to deliver the detox pills—if Pompey angered himself to death now, it would truly be a waste.
"I'm fine. I'm not dying yet."
Pompey wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and slumped into the chair, looking as though he had aged several years in an instant.
He lifted his eyes and looked at Arden with a hopeful gaze, like an old lion unwilling to let go of life just yet.
"Daoist Arden… the antidote, please."
"It's already refined."
As he spoke, Arden tossed over a medicinal gourd. "One pill per dose, three times a day, after meals. Fifteen days is one course of treatment. There are two courses' worth inside. Oh, and remember—no alcohol for one hour after taking the medicine, or I guarantee you'll die very painfully."
"Many thanks!"
Pompey carefully put the medicinal gourd away.
"There's also a cultivation method to complement the detoxification."
Arden took out a manual. "Removing illness is like drawing silk from a cocoon. You've been poisoned for a long time—completely purging the toxins won't happen in a day or two. This method can speed up your recovery and also strengthen your body afterward."
"However, this method is somewhat special. It requires a Hollow environment to absorb Ether energy, stimulate the toxins, and allow the antidote to clear them more effectively."
"..."
Pompey took out a small notebook and carefully recorded every precaution Arden mentioned, just like a diligent student taking notes in class.
"Tomorrow is the Tour de Inferno. What're your plans?"
After Pompey finished writing and closed the notebook, Arden asked.
"Sigh~!"
Pompey sighed. "With my body in this state, what can I do? I plan to withdraw."
Previously, even knowing his health was poor, Pompey would have forced himself to participate in the Tour de Inferno. But now that he knew he could be saved, he decisively gave up. Compared to pride as the reigning champion, his life mattered far more.
As long as the green hills remained, there would be no shortage of firewood. If he lost the Overlord position, he could always reclaim it. If he lost his life, then everything would truly be over.
"Hmm… I think you can still participate in the Tour de Inferno."
After some thought, Arden took out a talisman and placed it on the desk. "This talisman can ensure you compete in peak condition. Afterward, you'll be weak for two or three days. That girl Caesar is really hoping for a head-on showdown with you."
Of course, Arden had another reason for doing this—one he didn't say aloud.
Given Lucius's style, he would never miss the perfect opportunity to eliminate Pompey. And when that moment came, it would be Arden's turn to step in.
"Daoist Arden, you mean… I understand."
Pompey also knew that if Lucius intended to make a move, tomorrow's Tour de Inferno would be the best opportunity. Besides, he also wanted to see how much Caesar had grown.
"Uncle Pompey, Lucius will definitely make his move at the Fire Lake finish line. You need to be extra careful."
Belle kindly reminded him.
"..."
Pompey swept his gaze over the few people present. "You youngsters—do you really have the heart to let an old man take the risk alone?"
"Uh…"
Arden was a bit speechless. Was Pompey trying to get them to help The Vanquishers secure victory?
"No, no. We've already promised Caesar to help her with the Tour de Inferno."
Belle refused. Caesar was counting on her to guide the route during the race. If she agreed to Pompey, wouldn't that make her a traitor?
"Is that so? Don't forget, you've already joined The Vanquishers."
Pompey's words made Belle feel a little awkward.
She was thin-skinned—but someone present was much thicker-skinned.
"How about this, then."
Arden spoke up to help Belle out. "Yiji, you go back to Blazewood with Belle and help Caesar as planned… I'll stay here with the Qingming Bird. That way, we can also prevent Lucius from pulling any more tricks."
Chirp chirp chirp…
Before Yiji or Belle could say anything, the Qingming Bird voiced its agreement first.
...
After reaching an agreement, Arden escorted Yiji and Belle back to Blazewood. Then he returned to The Vanquishers' camp, taught Pompey how to use the talisman and what to watch out for tomorrow, and finally found a room to settle in for the night.
Huuu… huu…
The Outer Ring climate was scorching, but the temperature difference between day and night was huge. The nighttime breeze was actually quite pleasant.
"Coming out for a walk at night isn't bad either."
Feeling the cool wind brush past him, a faint smile appeared on Arden's face.
Chirp chirp chirp…
The Qingming Bird on his shoulder nodded in a humanlike manner, expressing its agreement.
Back when it had helped Arden pass the disciple examination, the Qingming Bird had made the right bet. Just as it had expected, before long, Arden became the male master of the household.
===BREAK===
Like the story and want more chapters?
Join and support me by joining my Patreon!
[email protected]/SiRoasa