Chapter 61

“What kind of pill is this?” Megan asked with curiosity.

Darryl hesitated. He wanted to say it was a Godly Pill, but since it was the first time he had refined one and wasn’t sure if it would work, he responded, “I don’t know. A friend gave it to me.”

Megan looked at him, speechless. “You don’t even know what it is, and you want me to eat it?”

Despite her doubts, Megan took the pill and placed it in her mouth. Darryl watched her intently, his eyes filled with anticipation. 

A minute passed, and Darryl asked, “How do you feel?”

Megan shook her head. “I don’t feel anything at all.”

“Damn it,” Darryl muttered under his breath. The supposed Godly Pill that was meant to help cultivators break through their bottlenecks seemed to be a lie.

Noticing the embarrassment on Darryl’s face, Megan tried to console him. “Fortunately, I’m healthy. If someone else had taken it, they might have gotten sick. Please don’t give these useless things to others in the future.”

Afterward, Megan received a call from the police station and had to leave for work. Darryl, knowing he couldn't stay, said goodbye and left her place.

As soon as he drove out of the community, his phone rang—it was Lily. Her voice sounded panicked and anxious.

“Where are you?” Lily asked.

“What’s wrong?” Darryl could sense something serious had happened.

“Something has happened at home.” Lily explained hurriedly, “My dad’s friend from overseas, Tony, has disappeared. My dad took the family’s money... You know what, forget it. Bye.” Lily abruptly hung up the phone before she could finish explaining.

Even though Lily didn't know why she had called Darryl, she couldn’t shake the sense of helplessness. Despite Darryl having improved recently by finding a job and being more responsible, how could he possibly handle such a major problem?

Darryl, after the call ended, didn’t take it to heart immediately. He shook his head with a slight smile. Then he thought about the situation—Wentworth had taken the Lyndon family’s money for investment, and this Tony fellow was clearly a scam artist. The entire Lyndon family had always been obsessed with money, and now it seemed they were about to face the consequences of that obsession.

He sighed. Lily, being Wentworth’s daughter, would also be affected.

“Well, you’re my wife, so I’ll help you this time,” Darryl muttered to himself, making up his mind.

Darryl scrolled through his contact list and made a call.

“Mister Darby,” the person on the other end of the line answered respectfully.

“Paul, there’s something I need you to do for me,” Darryl said, referring to Paul James, also known as Lil P. He was the CEO of Dragon Tech, but the real owner of the company was Darryl.

Five years earlier, Darryl had invested in and established Dragon Tech, allowing Paul to manage it. In those five years, the company had grown from a small startup to a major player in the industry. No one, not even the Darby family, knew Darryl owned the company.

“Mister Darby, I’m awaiting your instructions,” Paul responded without hesitation.

Darryl sighed before explaining, “I need you to send someone to the Lyndon residence in Donghai City immediately.”

Within a few minutes, Paul nodded to himself. “Understood, Mister Darby. I’ll handle it right away.”

Meanwhile, at the Lyndon family villa, the atmosphere was tense. The entire family had gathered in the hall, and it was chaos. Granny Lyndon sat there with a gloomy face, and Wentworth, shamefaced and panic-stricken, was present as well.

Chapter 62

The Lyndon family gathered around Wentworth, condemning him harshly, as if he were a prisoner on trial.

"Wentworth, this is all your fault!"

"You promised you could make money, but look at what’s happened now!"

"I didn’t know Tony was unreliable, I really didn’t!" Wentworth stammered, trying to defend himself. But his excuses did nothing to quell their anger. 

"No matter what, you owe us an explanation today!" one of them demanded angrily. The more they spoke, the angrier they became, with eyes blazing in fury. It seemed like they were about to erupt in violence.

Lily, standing nearby, tried to calm everyone down. "Please, everyone, there must be a solution to this," she said, anxiously pleading for some peace. But no one seemed to listen to her. The Lyndon family, facing the potential downfall of their great legacy, couldn't contain their rage.

Samantha, Lily's mother, also chimed in, "We’re family. Let’s not be too emotional." But her words too fell on deaf ears.

Granny Lyndon, the matriarch, finally spoke up, her voice laden with disappointment. "Wentworth, you have truly failed me. What do you propose we do now?"

Wentworth looked grim. “I didn’t expect things to turn out like this. Tony’s disappeared, and I’m doing everything I can to find him.”

"Why do I feel like this was all a setup, Wentworth?" someone in the crowd accused. "It feels like you and Tony planned this together."

As soon as that suggestion was thrown out, it spread like wildfire. Everyone started agreeing.

"Yes! You and Tony must have teamed up to scam us!"

"Come on, tell us the truth!"

"You’re a good actor, Wentworth. Where’s Tony?"

Wentworth, on the verge of tears, defended himself desperately. "I swear, I don’t know where Tony is. I’m a victim too. How could I possibly betray my own family?"

But no one believed him. The family became even more aggressive, with some even moving towards him, ready to throw punches.

Just then, a panicked voice called out, "Oh no! Granny, the patriarch of the White family, Claude White, is here, along with our clients!"

A group of people walked into the hall, led by Claude White, the patriarch of the White family. Claude wasted no time getting straight to the point.

"Granny Lyndon, I think we need to suspend all our joint projects," Claude said.

Granny Lyndon stiffened, her face showing signs of alarm. "Mister White, why would you want to cancel our partnership so suddenly?" she asked.

At that moment, Gailen Godfrey, the president of La Fortuna, stepped forward with a mocking smile. "Granny Lyndon, don’t pretend like you don’t know. We’ve all heard the news—Neptunus Corporation invested all its funds into an overseas business and lost everything. Your company is essentially bankrupt now."

Gailen paused briefly before continuing, “Your company’s funding is entirely cut off.”

Another company president added, “Your business is basically an empty shell now. What else can you offer us in this partnership?”

Granny Lyndon’s body trembled, but she tried to maintain composure. Forcing a smile, she replied, “Gentlemen, please, the situation at Neptunus Corporation isn’t as bad as you think. We can still work something out—”

But before she could finish her sentence, Claude shook his head. “Granny Lyndon, there’s no need to explain. We’re not fools. Out of respect for our previous collaborations, we won’t ask for any remuneration for the project. But we want our deposit back.”

“Yeah, us too,” Gailen added. “We don’t want to wait until Neptunus goes under. By then, it’ll be too late to recover our money.”

Other partners echoed similar demands, their tones firm and unforgiving.

The Lyndon family members were distraught. “Mister White, how could you turn your backs on us now?”

“Yeah, when Neptunus was thriving, you all wanted to partner with us. Now, you’re here to collect your debts? That’s despicable!”

Claude, Gailen, and the others weren’t swayed by the Lyndon family’s protests. A quarrel broke out, echoing through the villa’s hall. In the heat of the argument, Granny Lyndon nearly fainted in anger. She slammed her hand on the table. “Enough! Stop this bickering!”

Once everyone had quieted down, she took a deep breath and addressed Claude and the other business partners. “Mister White, President Godfrey, since things have come to this, I have nothing more to say. I’m just an old woman. Please, give me a few days to resolve this issue.”

After exchanging glances, Claude finally nodded. “Alright, I’ll give you a three-day grace period. But remember, Granny Lyndon, you’re friends with powerful figures like Felix Blakely, Emily Dickinson, and Wayne Woodall. You won’t need our money if they help you.”

Claude then turned and left the hall.

"Yeah, Mister White is right. Granny Lyndon, those prominent people sent you countless gifts at your birthday celebration. Surely they’ll help you now. But if we don’t get our money in three days, we’ll see you in court,” Gailen said, leaving right after.

Soon, all the other business partners had left too.

Granny Lyndon collapsed into her chair, her face pale. She owed these clients hundreds of millions. Where would she find that kind of money in just three days? To make matters worse, she didn’t even know Wayne Woodall and the others who had sent her those birthday gifts. Why had they sent them to her in the first place?

Chapter 63

Granny Lyndon shook her head in despair. What could she possibly do now? Was divine punishment about to destroy the Lyndon family? As she was lost in thought, a well-dressed young man entered the hall, catching everyone's attention immediately.

"Who are you?" Granny Lyndon asked, her brow furrowed. The young man was unfamiliar to her, and judging by his appearance, he wasn’t just any ordinary visitor.

The young man gave a polite nod and smiled at Granny Lyndon. "My name is Paul James, president of Dragon Tech."

The entire room went silent with shock. Granny Lyndon was visibly emotional as she stood up, her eyes trembling. Dragon Tech was a giant in the new media industry, and its president, Paul, was known to be a mysterious figure who rarely appeared in public. What could have brought such a powerful figure to Donghai City, and why was he at the Lyndon residence?

Paul, noticing their reaction, smiled. The Lyndon family, a second-tier family in Donghai, was far beneath his usual dealings. Had Mister Darby not asked him to come, Paul wouldn’t have bothered with them at all.

"Excuse me, Mister James, but why are you here?" Granny Lyndon asked, struggling to maintain a calm facade.

Everyone in the room held their breath, their eyes fixed on Paul. Was he here to collect debts as well? But Dragon Tech had never worked with Neptunus Corporation.

Paul sat down after two men brought a chair for him. He smiled at Granny Lyndon and said, "Old Lady, I’m here to discuss a business partnership with the Lyndon family."

This declaration caused an uproar in the room. Everyone seemed relieved, with some even looking excited. If they could partner with Dragon Tech, the Lyndon family might just be able to overcome their financial crisis.

Granny Lyndon, excited, asked eagerly, "What kind of partnership do you have in mind, Mister James?"

Paul, still smiling, replied, "It’s simple. I know your family is in financial trouble right now, so I’m offering one billion bucks."

The room fell into stunned silence once again. A billion bucks! Paul made it sound so casual, but the offer was staggering. It was more than enough to pay back their debts to Claude, Gailen, and the others. With that money, Neptunus Corporation could not only recover but expand.

However, Paul’s next words shattered their excitement. "There is a condition, of course," he said. 

Granny Lyndon quickly asked, "What’s the condition, Mister James?"

Paul’s smile remained as he said calmly, "I want 51% of your total shares."

Granny Lyndon’s face froze, and the entire room was left in shock. Fifty-one percent meant Paul would have controlling power over the family business. Even though the company might still bear the Lyndon family name, Paul would hold the key to all major decisions.

The room became so silent that one could hear a pin drop. 

Granny Lyndon, struggling to speak, said, "Mister James, this condition is..."

Paul’s expression remained neutral as he shook his head and said, "Old Lady, you know the situation better than anyone. There’s no one but me who can help you resolve this so quickly. And let’s be honest, we aren’t friends. If it weren’t for Mister Darby, I wouldn’t even be here."

The Lyndon family was shocked, furrowing their brows. That name again—Mister Darby. Who was he?

Chapter 64

Granny Lyndon, overwhelmed with emotion, asked Paul James, "Mister James, may I ask about this Mister Darby...?" But Paul shook his head and cut her off, saying, "Old Lady, you'd better think about the matter at hand first. My time is valuable. I'll give you five minutes."

Granny Lyndon stopped talking, the tension high. The Lyndon family was in a desperate situation, and if they didn't get the money, they were doomed. Although Paul's conditions were harsh, agreeing to them would give the family some breathing room. However, if they agreed to the deal, the future of the Lyndon family's business would be uncertain, as Dragon Tech would take control.

After some hesitation, Granny Lyndon sighed and nodded at Paul. "Okay, I shall agree to that." But before things could settle, other family members started protesting.

"Granny, we can't agree to that," one said.

"Yes, if we agree, we'll lose control of Neptunus Corporation!" another added.

"Granny..." someone else chimed in anxiously.

The family members voiced their concerns all at once, each visibly worried about what this decision would mean for their control of the company. Although the partnership with Dragon Tech would undoubtedly benefit the Lyndons in the short term, they would essentially become employees of Paul, losing the majority control over their business.

Granny Lyndon, fed up, stood up and shouted angrily, "That's enough. Shut up!" Her expression was cold and firm. "This is my final decision. Don’t talk about it anymore."

Seeing Granny Lyndon’s anger, everyone went silent. No one dared to argue with her anymore.

Paul smiled as he finalized the money transfer. Half an hour later, outside the Lyndon residence, Paul made a call to Darryl while sitting in his luxurious car. 

"Mister Darby, it is done," Paul said respectfully.

"Well done! There's nothing else for now, Lil P. Go ahead with your business," Darryl replied.

"Alright," Paul responded before hanging up.

Meanwhile, Darryl was in his office at Platinum Corporation, casually flipping through the book The Geomancy of Yin and Yang. A smile of satisfaction spread across his face as he processed Paul’s update. After the call, Darryl turned his attention back to the book.

The contents of The Geomancy of Yin and Yang fascinated Darryl, who was thoroughly engrossed in the material. Despite earlier doubts, he was beginning to see the potential in the "Infinite Elixir Technique" Megan had spoken of, even though she had initially claimed the Godly Pill he'd refined was useless. But now, Darryl knew better.

Suddenly, his phone rang. It was Megan.

"Darryl, what’s the name of the elixir pill you gave me? I’ve had a successful breakthrough—I’m now a Master General!" Megan exclaimed with excitement.

Darryl was taken aback by her news. She had succeeded? It seemed the Infinite Elixir Technique worked after all. Darryl felt a sense of pride but tried to maintain his composure.

"Well, a friend gave it to me. I don’t know what it’s called," Darryl answered.

"Oh!" Megan sounded a little disappointed but then asked, "When you meet him again, could you ask about it? If he has more of those pills, could you get some for me, please?"

Megan’s voice took on a pleading tone as she finished her request. Darryl smiled at her eagerness, although he found her request amusing. The pills weren't candy, after all! Nevertheless, Darryl promised he would check. Since the Godly Pill had proven effective, he decided he would refine more when he had the time. The materials needed for the pills were easy to find, and he could produce as many as he wanted.

Darryl chuckled to himself at the thought.

That afternoon, Darryl went out to buy a clay pot and all the necessary materials for the Godly Pill, then returned to his office. When he entered, Pearl was there, preparing to report on work matters. 

Pearl was surprised to see Darryl drenched in sweat and carrying several bags, including a clay pot. "President, what are you doing?" she asked, looking puzzled.

Darryl responded casually, "It's nothing. I've been feeling unwell these past couple of days, so I bought some Chinese medicine to brew."

Pearl, concerned, offered, "I can help you cook it, then."

Darryl shook his head, smiling. "No, I can handle it myself. By the way, if it’s not urgent, please don’t disturb me."

"Got it, President," Pearl answered before leaving the reports on his desk and walking out of the office. However, she couldn't help but wonder to herself why Darryl needed a cactus for Chinese medicine.

Once Pearl had left, Darryl started refining the Godly Pills. This time, he had prepared more ingredients than his first attempt. After half an hour of focused work, Darryl successfully refined two Godly Pills.

Just as he finished, his phone rang again. It was Drake, the patriarch of the Darby family.

Drake hadn’t called Darryl since he last helped the family with money during a crisis. As Darryl sat down in the director’s chair, he calmly lit a cigarette and answered the phone.

"What’s the matter, Uncle?" Darryl asked, already knowing that Drake only reached out when he needed something.

Drake responded cheerfully, "Darryl, I have great news!"

"Great news?" Darryl thought to himself. If his uncle was calling with "great news," it couldn’t be anything good.

Chapter 65

Drake smiled as he shared the news: "Your brother, Jackson, is getting married tomorrow. I'm letting you know so you can attend the wedding." 

"What?!" Darryl was taken aback, both surprised and elated, almost jumping from his chair. "Sure, I will be there tomorrow morning," he replied eagerly before hanging up. He was overwhelmed with happiness; it wasn't just good news, it was a joyous occasion. Jackson was his younger brother by two years, though not by blood. Darryl grew up in the Darby household as Drake's godson, making Jackson the closest family member to him. 

When the family turned their backs on Darryl, Jackson had rushed home from college to support him. However, being an adopted son meant Jackson had no say in the Darby family, and no one listened to him. Darryl had always remembered this and felt a strong urge to prepare a grand gift for the wedding.

The next morning, Darryl drove back to the Darby residence, having ordered a suit for the occasion and asking Pearl to prepare a gift at the same time. He felt refreshed, with joy in his heart that even surpassed what he would feel at his own wedding.

At the Donghai seaside villa, numerous luxury cars were parked outside the mansion, which was decorated with colorful lights, creating a festive atmosphere. Jackson's wedding was extravagant, attracting many influential people from Donghai City. Guests arrived in formal attire, carrying gifts such as a blue porcelain vase carved with a dragon, Ming Dynasty bowls inlaid with gold, and famous calligraphies and paintings, with some even bringing thick stacks of cash.

As Jackson welcomed guests alongside his bride, Rebecca Song, he spotted Darryl getting out of his car. "Second Brother!" he called, running over to hug Darryl. "Rebecca, this is my second older brother, Darryl. Quickly! Call him Second Brother!"

"Nice to meet you, Second Brother!" Rebecca said with a polite smile. Darryl nodded and looked at both of them. It had been a long time since he last saw Jackson, and he noticed how much more handsome his younger brother had become. Meeting Rebecca for the first time, he could tell she was warm and gentle.

"Jackson, you've grown up," Darryl said, patting his shoulder, his eyes slightly red. Time had flown by, and it felt surreal that Jackson was now getting married. "This is a gift from me," he added with a smile, handing over the present.

Inside the hall, Drake wore a suit, chatting happily with the guests, his face beaming. His elder brother Florian and sister-in-law Yumi Griff stood beside him, both impeccably dressed. Upon noticing Darryl, Drake walked over and greeted him with a smile, "Darryl, you're here!"

Just as Darryl was about to respond, Yumi interjected, "Wow, isn't this the Lyndon family's live-in son-in-law?" She wore black leggings that accentuated her figure. 

Darryl found humor in the situation as onlookers smirked at the mention of "live-in son-in-law." Despite Yumi's beauty, she had always been unkind to him during his time with the Darbys, often criticizing him and claiming he was inferior to Florian. She had played a part in his falling out with the family.

Though Yumi’s remark stung, he maintained his smile, choosing to ignore her. Noticing his reaction, Yumi frowned and continued, "You were like a homeless dog when the family kicked you out. You ran to the Lyndons and became their live-in son-in-law. Now you're back here, acting like you're someone special?"

Her words dripped with contempt, but Drake stepped in, frowning as he whispered, "Stop it! This is a wedding banquet." 

Unable to stay silent, Jackson defended Darryl. "Sister-in-law, how can you say that to Second Brother? He was kicked out because he bought shares in the petroleum company. It turns out he made the right choice; those shares have multiplied..."

Yumi pouted, sneering, "That’s just luck." Laughter erupted from those around them, mocking Darryl even further.

Chapter 66

Darryl couldn't shake off the feeling that he must have been lucky. Here he was, a live-in son-in-law who had been kicked out of the family, now returning as if he were a winner because the shares he bought had soared. Many guests couldn’t help but laugh at him; they had heard stories of how the second young master of the Darby clan was ousted from the family and had become a live-in son-in-law. Yet, they were surprised to see him return so shamelessly.

Florian, Darryl's eldest brother, approached him, nodding. "Second Brother, it's good that you're back. Pay her no mind." His words sounded welcoming, but his expression conveyed indifference. Though they were brothers, they had little in common since childhood, and their communication had dwindled after Florian married Yumi, further widening the gap between them.

Darryl remained silent, merely nodding in response. Just then, a panicked voice broke through the crowd. 

"Quick! Someone, come quickly! President Guy has fainted!" 

Chaos ensued as guests scattered, their expressions filled with concern and solemnity. On the floor lay a formally dressed woman in her thirties, motionless and seemingly unconscious. 

"President Guy?" Drake’s panic intensified as he recognized her.

The woman was Abby Guy, the general manager of Black Wolf Security Group and a well-known figure in Donghai City. The security group handled security for high-end communities and bank escorts, but its reputation was somewhat tarnished, as its staff were often associated with gang activity. Abby had been invited to Jackson's wedding, and her fainting could lead to disastrous consequences for the entire Darby clan.

Florian and Yumi rushed to the scene, with Yumi urgently calling, "Quick, is there a doctor here?"

"Me... everyone, please move away from her; let me have a look." Suddenly, a tall woman emerged from the crowd, drawing everyone's attention with her warm and gentle demeanor. 

"Director Sullivan, quick please!" Yumi said, visibly relieved.

Shelly Sullivan, the director of the best hospital in Donghai City, was known for her exceptional medical skills and had earned the nickname "genius doctor." Her presence eased the crowd’s anxiety.

Shelly crouched beside Abby, assessing her condition. "It might be the crowded hall causing chest tightness and breathing difficulties." She then signaled for the crowd to disperse and pinched Abby's philtrum, instructing someone to fetch a wet towel.

Everyone hurried to follow her orders, but Darryl's forehead furrowed in concern. He suspected Abby's fainting could be linked to the villa's environment, which, despite its scenic surroundings, had an eight-diagram mirror at the entrance that might allow negative energy to enter.

Abby remained on the ground, seemingly unresponsive. 

"What's going on?" someone whispered. "Maybe President Guy is suffering from an acute illness?" 

"Shh! Do you want to get in trouble?" another retorted.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Drake stepped forward, asking, "Director Sullivan, how is she?"

Shelly appeared troubled, her eyebrows knitting together. "It’s not looking good. I think it's better to send her to the hospital quickly."

Drake nodded and ordered someone to prepare a car. At that moment, Darryl squeezed through the crowd and declared, "There’s no need to go to the hospital. It won't help her and might actually make her worse."

Gasps echoed around him; everyone was taken aback, casting incredulous glances at Darryl. Director Sullivan's hands were tied, and she wondered what a live-in son-in-law could possibly know about such matters.

Chapter 67

Shelly furrowed her eyebrows as she assessed Darryl. "You are..."

Before he could respond, a voice from the crowd interjected, "This brat is the Lyndon clan's live-in son-in-law. He's just a toy boy; pay no attention to him, Director Sullivan."

Laughter erupted from the crowd at those words. 

Darryl ignored the mockery and introduced himself, saying, "Indeed, I'm Darryl, and Jackson, who organized this wedding today, is my younger brother." 

Shelly blinked, her tone indifferent as she asked, "You've studied medicine before?" 

Darryl shook his head. 

Yumi stood up, pointing at him and scolding, "Darryl, what are you doing? Director Sullivan already said she's sending her to the hospital. What are you messing around for? Do you know how to treat her? If you want to seek your own demise, don't drag the Darbys down with you." Her intent was clear: to separate Darryl from the family.

Abby was an important figure, managing a security company with thousands of employees, and her brother, Brandon, was a powerful local figure not to be trifled with. If something were to go wrong, the entire Darby clan would suffer. 

Drake frowned as well. "Darryl, stop messing around."

Darryl shook his head and motioned for Drake to remain calm. 

At that moment, Shelly laughed. "Darryl, you've never studied medicine, yet you want to show off? Do you doubt my medical skills?" 

She assessed Abby’s condition based on her years of clinical experience, concluding that Abby was suffering from a sudden illness that required a hospital visit.

Darryl let out a faint laugh and pointed at the eight-diagram mirror hanging on the hall wall. "Actually, President Guy has no illness at all. She simply offended an evil spirit."

He continued confidently, "The positioning of this villa is quite good regarding Feng Shui. It's next to the mountains and lakes, a flourishing position. However, hanging this eight-diagram mirror has caused a mess, attracting negative energies and evil spirits."

As he spoke, he relaxed. "If we remove this eight-diagram mirror and move President Guy next to the pond outside, the water energy will wash away the spirit, and she'll be fine."

The crowd was stunned into silence. 

"Feng Shui? Offended an evil spirit?" they murmured in disbelief.

Laughter erupted again. "This is hilarious! So you're saying President Guy fainted because of this eight-diagram mirror?" 

Darryl became the target of ridicule. "Have you become a fool after becoming a live-in son-in-law!?" someone exclaimed.

More laughter followed as another person mocked Drake, saying, "Mister Darby, did your nephew go crazy after becoming someone else’s live-in son-in-law?"

Drake's expression changed as embarrassment washed over him. He had never faced such ridicule as the patriarch of the Darby clan. 

Yumi chimed in, "Shut your mouth! Do you know how this eight-diagram mirror came to be? It's an artifact from the Song Dynasty. A master appraiser determined that it can prevent calamities. Your brother paid a high price to obtain it as a wedding gift for Jackson, wishing him good health and fortune. You think you can just take it down?"

Darryl didn’t even look at Yumi. "It’s not bad, but the positioning is wrong."

"You..." Yumi’s anger flared, ready to unleash a tirade on Darryl.

Amidst the growing argument, the crowd enjoyed the spectacle. Shelly sighed and addressed Drake, "Mister Darby, as a doctor, I’ve given my suggestion. As for what you should do, I’ll leave it to the Darby clan. If anything happens to President Guy, I won't be implicated."

Drake found himself in a dilemma. Initially, he thought Darryl was speaking nonsense, but after reconsideration, he recognized that Darryl wasn’t typically reckless. Ultimately, he couldn’t ignore the situation with Abby.

Just then, Jackson approached Darryl, speaking softly, "Second Brother, I think we should send President Guy to the hospital." 

Darryl smiled slightly, looking at Jackson. "You don’t believe me either?"

Chapter 68

Jackson was taken aback by the confidence in Darryl's eyes and nodded immediately. Under the gaze of the crowd, he climbed onto a chair and took down the eight-diagram mirror from the wall.

"Jackson, are you crazy? How could you mess around with this live-in son-in-law?" Yumi complained.

Ignoring her, Jackson’s bond with Darryl, formed during their childhood, led him to trust his brother unconditionally. "Hurry! Quickly carry President Guy out to the pond," he instructed the wedding waitresses after removing the mirror.

The waitresses were momentarily stunned but quickly rushed to carry Abby outside. The crowd shook their heads solemnly; they couldn't believe that both Darryl and Jackson had lost their minds.

Suddenly, a deep, cold voice pierced through the atmosphere. "What happened to my sister? Move aside!" A man in a black suit with a floral shirt rushed in, flanked by around ten burly men in black shirts. It was Brandon, Abby’s younger brother, known as a local tough guy. His arrival silenced the guests, who immediately respected his presence.

"What the hell are you Darbys trying to do? Why haven’t you sent my sister to the hospital?" Brandon shouted as he approached the scene.

"Mister Brandon, calm down and let me explain," Drake said, wiping sweat from his brow.

Before he could continue, Yumi boldly stepped forward. "Mister Brandon, we wanted to send your sister to the hospital, but he insisted on stopping us. It has nothing to do with us Darbys," she said, pointing disdainfully at Darryl.

Brandon turned his gaze sharply to Darryl. "The Lyndon clan's live-in son-in-law? Why are you doing this?"

Darryl replied, "There’s nothing wrong with your sister. She just offended an evil spirit and will wake up in just a moment."

Brandon's eyes narrowed in anger. "You little brat. Stop bullshitting me. If something happens to my sister, I guarantee you won’t see the sun tomorrow." His tone was icy, sending shivers through everyone present.

Drake smiled weakly, "Mister Brandon, I—" 

Just then, Abby, still by the pond, let out a soft grunt.

"Wait, she has awakened!?" the guests murmured in shock. They had assumed that the removal of the eight-diagram mirror had no connection to her waking up and sighed in relief, grateful that she was okay. If not, the Darby clan would be in serious trouble because of Darryl.

Brandon rushed to Abby's side, concern etched on his face. "Sis, are you alright? What happened?"

Abby rubbed her forehead, looking dazed. "I'm not sure. My vision went black, and then I don't remember anything."

Brandon furrowed his brows and looked back at Darryl. 

Darryl smiled gently and approached Abby. "President Guy, you offended an evil spirit. Try to recall—did you see anything just before you fainted?"

Brandon was furious and cursed under his breath, ready to confront Darryl again. However, Abby mumbled, "Before I fainted, I was looking at an eight-diagram mirror on the wall. It looked interesting, and then I..."

The guests erupted into a frenzy of chatter, and the Darby family, including Brandon, turned their attention to Darryl, disbelief and astonishment written on their faces.

Chapter 69

"Was this a coincidence, or does this live-in son-in-law truly know his stuff?" the guests pondered. Darryl smiled slightly and nodded at Abby. "That's right. Even though that eight-diagram mirror is a nice antique, it's clashing with the villa's Feng Shui. That’s why President Guy fainted. No matter how skilled Miss Sullivan is, she wouldn’t have been able to cure her."

Hearing this, Shelly lowered her head. Initially, she had looked down on Darryl, but now she realized he was genuinely capable. His words humbled her.

While speaking, Darryl discreetly assessed Abby. Despite being over 30, she took great care of her appearance, looking almost 20. She possessed a fantastic figure and an alluring charm. Darryl thought, Abby and Brandon don’t seem like ordinary people; they have a powerful aura. Could they be cultivators or students from a sect?

Abby furrowed her brows. "Mister Darryl, if what you say is true, why was I the only one who fainted? I'm not the only guest who saw the eight-diagram mirror today, right?"

The crowd murmured their doubts. "That’s right. I saw it too, but nothing happened to me." 

"I saw it too." 

"This brat must be trying to trick us."

Ignoring the crowd's skepticism, Darryl focused intently on Abby. "This is President Guy's personal issue."

"My personal issue?" Abby replied.

Brandon, growing impatient, added, "Why would my sister have problems? Explain yourself!"

Darryl smiled slightly and asked Abby, "If I may be presumptuous, are you on your period today, President Guy?"

Abby bit her lip, her face reddening with discomfort. "What the hell? Are you looking for trouble, you punk? Do you want to die?" Brandon exploded, glaring at Darryl in anger.

Not only was Darryl pretending to know what was happening, but he also dared to ask Brandon's sister such a private question in front of so many. At that moment, several burly bodyguards moved to surround Darryl.

"Back down!" Abby commanded.

She bit her lip and quietly admitted, "It... it did come today."

Darryl nodded. "Just as I thought. The blood offended an evil spirit. From a Feng Shui perspective, you broke a taboo, but it’s not a major issue. You're fine now."

Brandon finally understood, remaining silent. A person like him couldn’t apologize to Darryl, but he shot him an intense glance and helped Abby back to the villa.

With the crisis averted and no harm done, the guests returned to the hall. The Darbys looked at Darryl with confusion, none of them congratulating him. They didn’t expect Darryl to succeed; they believed he must have guessed blindly. *What Feng Shui? All of that was just a lie,* they thought. Only Jackson wore a look of respect and joy.

As everyone returned to the hall, Jackson grabbed Darryl's arm. "Second Brother, you're amazing! You even know about such strange knowledge. I was almost scared to death just now."

Darryl chuckled, patting Jackson’s shoulder. "You fool. Did you think I would mess around on your wedding day?"

The feast proceeded smoothly, and the guests enjoyed themselves. The entire Darby clan celebrated Jackson's wedding, with his big brother, Florian, encouraging him to drink and offering numerous blessings. Jackson was so excited that he quickly drank until he passed out and had to be carried to his room.

After the feast, Darryl and Drake said their goodbyes and left. As they exited the villa, two men in black approached them.

"Mister Darryl, Mister Guy wants you to visit him," one man said, expressionless, while the other gestured for them to follow.

It was clear that the Mister Guy they referred to was Brandon. The imposing aura of his bodyguards showcased Brandon’s influence in Donghai City.

Chapter 70

However, Darryl was unfazed by Brandon's demeanor. He smiled faintly and followed the men into the car. 

A few minutes later, they arrived at a private manor. Though it was distant from the sea, the decor rivaled that of luxurious seaside villas. The layout was meticulous and orderly, creating an atmosphere of power. The entire manor had a vintage style, exuding an antique charm.

The two men in black left after escorting Darryl to the front hall. Brandon, seated in an elegant wooden armchair, stood up and pointed to a gift box beside him. "This is a gift from my sister to express her gratitude. Take it."

Brandon's words were laced with arrogance rather than genuine politeness. Given his status in Donghai City, the entire Darby clan—and Darryl in particular—were insignificant to him. Although Brandon wasn't wealthier than the Darbys, he was involved in both business and the darker aspects of society, which intimidated them. Additionally, as the live-in son-in-law of the Lyndon clan, Darryl was even more looked down upon.

Darryl didn’t mind Brandon’s attitude; he nodded and approached the box. On the offering table, he noticed a striking striped thumb ring that resembled jade yet had an air of mystery. Behind it was a wooden sign with the word "Tianshan" on the front, but the scribbled words behind it were illegible. This thumb ring seemed to be a high-quality antique.

"Darryl, right? At Jackson's wedding, my sister and I could tell you're a partial cultivator. You must have taken some special pill, which is why you're stronger than an ordinary man," Brandon stated.

Darryl was taken aback. How did they know I took the Universal pill? They must be cultivators too, likely from the Tianshan school, he thought. He smiled and nodded, acknowledging their sharp insight.

As he opened the gift box, he found a vibrant floral herb inside, with red flowers and green leaves, as if it were still alive. Brandon then softly explained, "This is called a Spiritual herb. Once consumed, it will open your body’s meridians and make you a true cultivator."

Darryl was stunned. They really gave me a Spiritual herb? His heart raced with excitement, but he still felt uneasy about Brandon's arrogance. 

"Thank you! After consuming the Spiritual herb, what stage can I achieve? Master? Or Master General?" Darryl inquired.

Brandon laughed disdainfully. "You're naive. Master General? Cultivating isn't that easy. I've been cultivating for seven years and am only at the Fifth Level Master. No matter what I do, I can't reach Master General. Do you think consuming this herb will change that?"

Fifth Level Master? Darryl chuckled inwardly. He had initially thought Brandon was powerful, but it seemed he was just like Megan.

Darryl then took out a Godly pill he had on him. "I have a Godly pill here. It will help you break through your stagnation and ascend to Master General. Are you interested?" he asked, showcasing the pill to Brandon.

"Godly pill?" Brandon nearly laughed. What a ridiculous name. Could such a mediocre pill help him break through? He had been stuck as a Fifth Level Master for years and doubted he would ever ascend.

His sister Abby was also at the Fifth Level Master stage, and it was widely believed she would struggle to become a Master General as well. 

"You can keep it for yourself," Brandon scoffed. This live-in son-in-law knows how to act. Claiming a pill like this could help someone break through is ridiculous, he thought.

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