Eamon sighed slightly and retreated into the library.
After Danial exited the Academy, he reached home.
Danial entered his home to the warm and familiar sight of his mother, Sophie, and Natasha engaged in a lively conversation. They both looked up and greeted him with smiles as he walked in. Natasha, who had been assigned to protect Sophie, had become much more than just a bodyguard. She had become a trusted friend and confidante to Sophie, and her presence had brought a sense of comfort to their household.
Seeing his mother's radiant smile instantly filled Danial with happiness and relief. But now, as he looked at Sophie's face lit up with joy, he knew that she was in good hands with Natasha by her side.
Natasha, with her unwavering dedication to her duty, had also managed to form a genuine bond with Sophie. She had become someone Sophie could talk to, share her worries with, and lean on for support. It was a friendship that had blossomed unexpectedly but had brought immeasurable comfort to both of them.
Danial wondered when Natasha moved in, it must have been this morning when he went to the academy.
As Danial entered his home, he couldn't help but notice the cheerful atmosphere that filled the room. His mother, Sophie, and Natasha were engaged in animated conversation, and their laughter echoed through the cozy living room. It was a heartwarming sight, and Danial couldn't help but smile as he joined them.
"Welcome home, Danial," Sophie greeted him with a warm hug. "I hope your day at the academy went well."
Danial returned the hug and replied, "It was quite eventful, but things have settled down now." He cast a grateful glance at Natasha, whose presence had brought comfort and protection to their household.
Danial's curiosity got the better of him, and he couldn't help but ask, "Mom, when did Natasha arrive? I don't remember seeing her this morning."
Sophie chuckled and replied, "She came this morning, dear. You were already on your way to the academy when she arrived." Sophie's eyes twinkled mischievously as she added, "You missed quite the introduction."
Danial glanced at Natasha, who had a faint blush on her cheeks as she averted her gaze. He was stunned by how young she appeared. Her combat skills and composed demeanour had always given him the impression that she was older. He cleared his throat and said, "I see. Well, I'll be going out to meet Pavan and his friends soon."
As Danial made his way upstairs to change into some casual attire, he couldn't help but feel a sense of relief and contentment. His mother was safe and had found a friend in Natasha, and he could finally enjoy some moments of normalcy.
After changing, Danial returned downstairs, dressed in casual attire. Sophie couldn't resist teasing him as she said, "Look at you, all dressed up. Did you bring a girl home, Danial?"
Danial raised an eyebrow, a playful smile on his face. "Mom, I'm only 17 years old," he replied, feigning innocence.
Sophie laughed heartily at his response, knowing that her son was indeed quite young. Her gaze then shifted to Natasha, who had been quietly observing the exchange. She couldn't help but notice Natasha's occasional glances in Danial's direction.
Sophie decided to have a little fun and said, "Natasha, you seem quite taken with Danial's appearance today. He does look handsome, doesn't he?"
Natasha's cheeks turned a shade of pink, and she stammered, "I-I... um, well, yes, he does."
Danial was taken aback by Sophie's teasing and Natasha's response. He had always seen Natasha as a cold-hearted assassin, and it was rare to witness such moments of shyness from her.
Sophie couldn't contain her laughter at the exchange, and she winked at Natasha. "Don't worry, Natasha, we won't tell anyone about your little crush."
As the friendly banter continued, Natasha was still slightly flustered from the teasing. In an attempt to regain her composure, she said, "I assure you, Mrs Crowford, my focus is solely on my duty and ensuring your safety."
However, in her nervousness, Natasha had misspoken. Sophie, always attentive, immediately picked up on the slip. She arched an eyebrow and inquired, "Protecting me? I thought you were here to stay with me, Natasha. What do you mean by 'protecting'?"
Danial and Natasha exchanged nervous glances. Sophie's keen observation had caught them off guard, and they were unsure how to respond. Danial knew he needed to come up with a plausible excuse to avoid revealing the true reason for Natasha's presence.
Clearing his throat, Danial spoke up, "Mom, what Natasha meant to say is that she's here to keep you company and ensure your well-being. You know, to make sure you're not lonely when I'm not around."
Sophie regarded her son sceptically for a moment before nodding in understanding. "Ah, I see," she said, though there was a lingering hint of confusion in her eyes.
Danial continued quickly, "Yes, exactly. Natasha is like a companion, and she's here to assist you with anything you might need. Not only do you have someone to talk to, but Natasha has a peaceful and quiet place to study and improve her grades. Isn't that right, Natasha?"
Natasha, grateful for Danial's quick thinking, nodded earnestly. "Yes, Mrs Crowford, I'm here to be your companion and assist you in any way I can."
Sophie's expression softened, and she smiled warmly at both of them. "Well, that's very thoughtful of you, Natasha. It's wonderful to have you here." She then turned her attention back to Danial. "And I appreciate you looking out for me, dear."
After the somewhat awkward but ultimately lighthearted exchange, Danial decided it was time to bid his mother and Natasha goodbye. "I'll be heading to the Golden Leaf Hotel to meet Pavan and the others," he informed them.
Sophie gave him an affectionate pat on the back. "Have a good time, dear. And please say hello to Pavan for me."
Natasha nodded in agreement. "Stay safe, Danial."
With their well-wishes, Danial stepped out of the house and made his way to the Golden Leaf Hotel. During the journey, his thoughts turned to the mysterious information he had received from his father's jade ring. It was a treasure trove of knowledge, including detailed instructions on medical procedures, acupuncture techniques, and information about thousands of herbs and their uses.
As he walked, Danial couldn't help but flip through the mental catalogue of medical knowledge that had been passed down to him through the Jade ring. The vast wealth of information was staggering. He felt a deep sense of gratitude and reverence for his father's foresight in leaving him such invaluable teachings.
Among the teachings was a technique known as the "Third Eye." It intrigued Danial, and he decided to delve deeper into its intricacies. The Third Eye, as described in the documents, was a unique ability that could be activated using the technique. Once awakened, it would grant him the extraordinary ability to assess a person's medical condition with a single glance.
While sitting in his cab, he followed the steps of the technique and opened his eye. Suddenly, as if a veil had been lifted, Danial's perception of the world changed. He could now see not only the physical appearance of the people around him but also the hidden truths of their health. It was as if he could glimpse beneath the surface, observing the currents of life and energy that flowed within each person.
Danial glanced at the cab driver and instantly noticed that the cab driver had a weak liver and failing kidneys and didn't have much time until his liver and kidneys failed completely.
After opening his Third Eye and gaining this extraordinary ability to assess a person's health at a glance, Danial couldn't help but be amazed by the depth of knowledge he now possessed. It was as if a new world had opened up to him, one where he could see the hidden ailments and imbalances that plagued those around him.
As the cab driver navigated the streets towards the Golden Leaf Hotel, Danial couldn't ignore the signs of distress that he saw in the driver's energy patterns. His liver appeared weak, and his kidneys were showing signs of failure. Danial couldn't simply stand by and ignore this knowledge, especially when it concerned someone's health.
Upon arriving at the hotel, Danial paid the cab fare and then turned to the cab driver with a serious expression. "Sir," he began, "I couldn't help but notice something during our journey. Your liver seems to be in a weakened state, and your kidneys are also showing signs of failure."
The cab driver was taken aback, his eyes widening with surprise. He had been experiencing some discomfort and pain in his abdomen recently, but he hadn't thought much of it. Now, here was a young man, a stranger, who had seemingly diagnosed his health condition with a single glance.
"How... How did you know?" the cab driver stammered, his voice trembling with a mixture of shock and curiosity.
Danial, with a calm and compassionate demeanour, replied to the cab driver's question, "Sir, how I know is not the most important matter right now. What's crucial is that you focus on your health. I strongly advise you to see a doctor as soon as possible and get a thorough checkup. It's your well-being that matters."
The cab driver stared at Danial in a mixture of shock and gratitude. He had never encountered anyone quite like this young man, who seemed to possess not only medical knowledge beyond his years but also a genuine concern for a stranger's health. Danial's words had struck a chord, and the cab driver knew that he needed to prioritize his health above all else.
The cab driver, still in shock from the revelation, nodded slowly. Danial's words had struck a chord, and he realized that he couldn't afford to ignore his health any longer.
With a final, understanding glance, Danial turned and made his way into the Golden Leaf Hotel. He knew that his encounter with the cab driver had left an impact, and he hoped the man would take his advice to heart.
As they headed toward a private room where they could meet with their friends, Danial couldn't help but notice Miss Pearl, the manager of the Golden Leaf Hotel, about to approach him. Her intention was undoubtedly to greet him as the owner of the hotel. However, Danial, not wanting to draw attention to himself in his current capacity, subtly gestured to her, indicating that it would be best not to greet him at this moment.
Miss Pearl, perceptive and respectful of his wishes, halted in her tracks, a curious look in her eyes. She decided to observe from a distance, wondering why Danial had chosen to keep a low profile today.
Danial and Pavan entered the private room, leaving the bustling hotel lobby behind them. Inside the room, they found several people sitting around a round table.
Some were engaged in lively conversations, while others were preoccupied with their smartphones. The attire of the guests varied, with some dressed casually and others in formal wear, creating an eclectic mix of styles. Pavan leaned in closer to Danial and said in a hushed tone, "You'll understand why I invited you here once you meet some of my friends. They're an interesting bunch, to say the least."
As they approached the round table, Danial's keen eyes quickly noticed someone who stood out from the rest of the crowd. It was a man who possessed a cultivation base, evident by the aura of power that surrounded him. Despite his martial prowess, the man seemed to be maintaining a low profile, blending in with the others as if he were an ordinary guest.
Danial and Pavan made their way toward the round table, where the eclectic group of individuals had gathered. As they approached, Danial exchanged polite greetings with some of the guests, receiving smiles and welcoming gestures from a few. However, there were others who met his presence with less enthusiasm, their expressions revealing a hint of unease or disapproval. It was clear that not everyone at the table was equally pleased to see him.
Seizing the opportunity to make a favorable impression, Danial found an empty seat next to the martial artist who had caught his attention earlier. With a friendly smile, he extended his hand and introduced himself, "Hello, I'm Danial. Nice to meet you."
The martial artist, whose name was Kuro, accepted Danial's handshake with a humble nod. "Pleasure to meet you, Danial," Kuro replied, his voice carrying a sense of sincerity. There was an air of calm confidence about him, despite his efforts to maintain a low profile.
As Danial settled into his seat, he couldn't help but observe Kuro more closely. Kuro appeared to be quite young, which piqued Danial's curiosity. It was unusual to encounter someone with such advanced martial skills at such a tender age. However, he decided to keep his observations discreet and not reveal his knowledge of martial arts just yet.
Curiosity getting the better of him, Danial initiated a casual conversation. "So, Kuro, where are you from? I don't recall seeing you around here before."
Kuro leaned back in his chair, his gaze briefly scanning the room before returning to Danial. "I'm from the Capital," he replied casually. "I'm here on vacation, thought I'd spend some time in this city."
Danial nodded, maintaining a friendly demeanour. "That sounds nice. The Capital is quite a bustling place. Do you have family there?"
Kuro hesitated for a moment, his eyes revealing a flicker of uncertainty. "Family is a complicated matter," he replied cryptically. "Let's just say I'm here to take a break from it all."
Danial noted the ambiguity in Kuro's response but decided not to press further. He respected the man's privacy and shifted the conversation to a more lighthearted topic. "Well, I hope you enjoy your vacation here. Our city has its own charm."
The door to the private room swung open with a graceful flourish, drawing the eyes of everyone present. Stepping into the room was a vision of breathtaking beauty. It was Maria, dressed in a long, flowing red gown that seemed to accentuate her every curve and feature. Her hair, which had been neatly tied up in the academy, was now artfully curled into a bun, allowing a few loose tendrils to frame her face in an enchanting manner.
Danial couldn't help but be struck by her radiance. He had seen Maria before in the academy, but her current appearance was nothing short of mesmerizing. Her eyes, a deep shade of hazel, sparkled with a mixture of confidence and charm. Her skin was flawless, possessing a natural, healthy glow that seemed to radiate from within.
The red gown she wore hugged her figure with elegance, showcasing her slender waist and graceful posture. The fabric flowed gracefully with each step, and as she moved, it left a trail of subtle allure in her wake. Her presence commanded attention, and the room seemed to come alive in her presence.
As Maria entered the room, her beauty and presence were undeniable. Heads turned, and conversations momentarily paused as all eyes were drawn to her. She walked with an effortless grace, her red gown flowing like a river of elegance.
Among the gathered individuals, one man stood up, seemingly eager to make an impression. He stretched out his hand, introducing himself with a confident smile, "Hello, Maria. My name is Robert, and my family is quite influential in the real estate business here. It's a pleasure to meet you."
However, Maria's response was unexpected. She regarded Robert with cold, indifferent eyes, her gaze unwavering. She made no move to shake his hand, leaving Robert hanging in an embarrassing and awkward position. It was clear that Maria was unimpressed by his introduction.
Undeterred by the awkward encounter, Maria continued to walk toward Danial, who sat beside Kuro. With a playful expression, she scolded him gently, "Danial, you didn't even greet me properly. You're a bad friend."
Danial was left momentarily dumbfounded by Maria's direct approach. He hadn't expected her to come to him directly, let alone sit beside him. Her presence was magnetic, and it left him at a loss for words for a brief moment.
Regaining his composure, Danial chuckled and replied, "I apologize, Maria. I was just taken aback by your entrance. It's wonderful to see you here."
Maria's demeanour softened as she turned her attention to Pavan, acknowledging him with a warm greeting before formally addressing the rest of the guests. Her radiant smile and charm seemed to melt away any lingering tension caused by the earlier encounter with Robert.
The man who had tried to impress Maria with his family's real estate business was left embarrassed and somewhat humbled by her response. He quickly resumed his seat, realizing that Maria's attention was elsewhere, and he had failed to make the impression he had hoped for, but somehwere in his heart resentment was filled and a hint of hatred spread towards Maria and Danial.
As the evening continued, the atmosphere in the private room seemed to return to normal, though there was an undercurrent of tension stemming from Robert's embarrassment and resentment. The group engaged in casual conversation, discussing a wide range of topics from recent events in the city to their personal interests.
Robert, however, couldn't let go of the humiliation he had experienced earlier when Maria had rebuffed his attempt to impress her. He seethed with anger and envy as he observed Maria's easy rapport with Danial. It was clear that she held him in high regard, and that fact only fueled Robert's desire for revenge.
As the delicious aroma of the food wafted through the room, the dishes began arriving at the table one by one. The group enjoyed a sumptuous meal, sharing laughter and stories. Robert, however, bided his time, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
As Robert was about to ask Danial about his job, Danial's phone rang and which interrupted Robert. Danial checked his mobile and saw an encrypted number calling him. He thought, " An encrypted number? Who would call me on an encrypted number?"
Maria, who saw Danial in a thought, asked him, " Hey Danial, are you alright? You seem in a thought"
Danial answered while holding his phone tightly, "It's nothing"
Danial stepped out of the private room, his phone still in his hand, and excused himself with a polite smile before heading out to the lobby of the Golden Leaf Hotel. Maria watched him go with a curious expression, wondering about the unexpected call that had drawn him away.
As Danial answered the call from the encrypted number, he was immediately greeted by a familiar voice. It was Agent Thompson, a senior operative from the Law Enforcement Headquarters.
"Danial," Agent Thompson's voice was urgent and filled with a sense of gravity. "I need you to listen carefully. We have a situation on our hands. A group of rogue martial artists has entered the city, and they're causing chaos."
Danial was taken aback by the news. "Rogue martial artists? What are they doing here?"
Agent Thompson wasted no time in explaining the dire situation. "These rogue martial artists are individuals with cultivation abilities who have refused to abide by the rules and regulations set by the Law Enforcement Headquarters. They're using their powers for personal gain, causing harm, and engaging in criminal activities."
Danial's mind raced as he processed the information. Rogue martial artists were known to be a significant threat due to their disregard for the law and their formidable combat skills. The fact that they had entered the city was a cause for concern.
"Where are they now?" Danial inquired, a sense of unease settling in.
Agent Thompson replied, "They've been spotted near the area of the Golden Leaf Hotel, and they're about thirty minutes away from your location. We can't afford to let them cause further chaos. I need you to come to the Law Enforcement Headquarters immediately. We're assembling a Special Ops team to deal with this situation.
Danial was shocked, thirty minutes from his hotel, which means their target was the Golden Leaf Hotel. He knew he had to do something, and he didn't want to sit and let those rogue cultivators run amok in his Hotel. So he said to Agent Thompson, " Agent Thompson, I am in the Golden Leaf Hotel and will monitor them and wait for the Special Ops to arrive."
Agent Thompson frowned and said, " Are you sure Danial, because there are about 20 martial artists in that group and you need to be in close quarters to monitor them and keep an eye on them."
Danial replied firmly, " I know, Agent Thompson. I will monitor them and will inform you from time to time about their locations and actions. Furthermore, I will try to buy some time for the Special Ops team to arrive."
Agent Thompson thought for seconds and said, " If you can monitor them closely, that would be invaluable. The Special Ops team will be arriving in 30 mins if you can stall them for a while, we can catch up."
Danial nodded and said, " I will do what must be needed," and cut the call. Immediately after that, he called Miss Pearl.