180 Chapter 180–When Fortune Fails: A Healer’s Public Appeal
180 Chapter 180 – When Fortune Fails: A Healer’s Public Appeal
I approached the payment counter, my mind racing. I didn’t have anywhere near that amount readily available. “I’ll need an hour to secure the funds,” I told the clerk. “Can you hold the item?”
Before I could move closer, I noticed Alvin Ward’s sudden interest. His posture had changed completely, his previous nonchalance replaced by intense focus as he hurried toward the statue.
“Heart Meridian Blockage?”
“Ladies and gentlemen,” I announced, my voice carrying across the hall. “I am Liam Knight, Elder of the Celestial Apothecary Guild and recognized master physician.”
I turned, scanning the room until my eyes landed on a carved stone statue being brought to the auction block. It depicted a seated figure with arms outstretched, its face worn smooth by time. To most, it would appear to be nothing more than an antique curiosity, but my senses screamed warnings.
The murmurs of the crowd confirmed my reputation preceded me. Good.
I managed to secure a few modest herbs with the funds available to me–nothing exceptional, but useful enough for my medical practice. As I was completing the transaction, a strange sensation prickled at the back of my neck.
Anxious murmurs spread through the crowd. The Thorntons‘ power was legendary, their vengeance swift and terrible. Potential clients began exchanging worried glances, their earlier enthusiasm visibly cooling.
“You have one hour,” he replied with a cold smile. “Don’t spoil my plans, healer.” He turned and walked away, leaving the implicit threat hanging in the air.
Leopold’s eyes widened. “I’m sorry, Liam. That’s… substantial. My liquid assets re mostly tied
in ongoing ventures.”
up
The room fell silent at the astronomical price.
I met his gaze steadily. “Threatening an Elder of the Celestial Apothecary Guild is
180 Chapter 180–When Fortune Fails: A Healer’s Public Appeal
unwise, Mr. Ward.”
His public mockery made something snap inside me. If I couldn’t borrow the money, I’d earn it–right here, right now.
“Mr. Knight offers two hundred and fifty million,” the auctioneer confirmed, clearly pleased by the unexpected bidding war. “Do I hear three hundred?”
“The way of the world, unfortunately,” Alistair replied with a philosophical shrug.
Just as I was about to accept, Alvin Ward stepped forward, his voice cutting through the excited chatter.
“You don’t know what you’re interfering with,” he whispered, his pleasant facade completely gone. “Step aside, or there will be consequences far beyond your ability to handle.”
The questions flew at me from all directions as hope spread through the crowd. I’d treated all these conditions and more.
“Opening bid for this century–old Ghost Root begins at five million,” the auctioneer called.
“Sixty million!” countered another.
“That ‘dead twig‘ could cure conditions that most physicians consider terminal,” I explained. “It’s the foundation of at least twelve legendary elixirs.”
Returning to the main hall, I found Alvin watching me with smug satisfaction. “Time’s running short, Mr. Knight,” he called loudly enough for others to hear. “Perhaps you should reconsider your impulse purchases.”
“Our next item comes from an anonymous collection,” the auctioneer announced. “Origin unknown, possibly pre–Dating Era. Two hundred million.”
“This is how the Great Families maintain their power,” I muttered to Alistair Northwood, who stood quietly observing. “They hoard resources that could be thousands.”
it
Leopold Shepherd whistled beside me. “Steep price for something that looks like a dead twig.”
Alvin’s jaw tightened visibly. After a moment of calculation, he forced a smile. “I defer
180 Chapter 180 – Whon Fortune Fails: A Healer’s Public Appeal
to Mr. Knight’s… enthusiasm.”
Desperate, I approached Alistair next, only to receive a similar response.
I climbed onto an empty auction platform, drawing confused stares.
“I’ll pay fifty million for priority treatment!” announced a wealthy merchant I recognized.
“I could perhaps arrange something in a week or two,” he offered apologetically, “but not today.”
“One hundred million for exclusive rights to all three treatments,” called a dignified elderly man, silencing the others with his staggering offer.
Alvin smiled, a predator sensing weakness. “I’m merely pointing out that Mr. Knight has recently enraged the Thornton Family. Their reputation for… addressing grievances is well known. Is an advance payment wise when the service provider might not see tomorrow’s sunrise?”
“Before anyone commits such a substantial sum,” he projected loudly, “perhaps they should consider whether Mr. Knight will even survive long enough to provide these
treatments.”
I sighed, disappointed. After examining dozens of specimens, I hadn’t found a single one worth bidding on. The truly promising ones had been claimed by buyers with deeper pockets than mine.
“Final call for uncut stones,” the auctioneer announced, pulling me from my thoughts.
“What do you mean?” someone demanded.
Something about his eagerness convinced me I couldn’t let him have this artifact. Without hesitation, I stepped forward. “Two hundred and fifty million.”
“Sold to Mr. Knight for two hundred and fifty million,” the auctioneer declared.
“I can address most ailments,” I confirmed. “Though some may require multip sessions.”
“I’ll take it,” Alvin called out immediately. “Two hundred million.”
I immediately sought out Leopold. “Mr. Shepherd, I need to borrow three hundred
3/5
180 Chapter 180 – When Fortune Fails: A Healer’s Public Appeal
million. I’ll repay you within a month, with interest.”
My breath caught as I recognized several legendary specimens–Ghost Root, Nine–Lives Fungus, Starfall Petals–herbs so rare that most alchemists only read about them in ancient texts. Even with my extensive knowledge as an elder of the Celestial Apothecary Guild, I’d only worked with a few of these in my lifetime.
As I turned away, Alvin blocked my path.
“Of course, Mr. Knight,” the clerk replied respectfully. “Given your reputation, we’re happy to accommodate.”
I stood frozen on the platform, watching my desperate plan crumble as Alvin Ward’s calculated words planted seeds of doubt in everyone’s mind. The statue–and whatever dark power it contained–seemed to be slipping from my grasp.
The crowd fell silent, all eyes turning to him.
Alvin’s head snapped in my direction, eyes narrowing dangerously.
The reaction was immediate. Wealthy merchants and minor noble family members pressed forward, their interest piqued. Many had heard stories of my abilities, of the “miracle doctor” who had saved countless lives.
“Today, I’m offering my services to the highest bidders. Three treatments from my hands–available to anyone willing to pay. My techniques have cured conditions that confounded the greatest medical minds in Veridia City.”
“The Withering Palsy?” called another/“My father can no longer walk.”
“Is this true?” a middle–aged woman asked, pushing to the front. “Can you really cure the Blood Decay Disease? My daughter has suffered for years.”
The impromptu auction was working even better than I’d hoped. At this rate, I’d secure the funds in minutes.
“Moving on to rare herbs,” the auctioneer continued, gesturing to an attend carefully brought forward several small display cases.
who
I felt Alvin Ward’s eyes burning into my back as I stood in the crowded auction hall. His murderous intent was almost tangible, though I couldn’t understand why. We had barely exchanged words before today, yet the hatred radiating from him felt deeply personal.
<
180 Chapter 180 When Fortune Fails: A Healer’s Public Appeal
The bidding quickly escalated past eight million. I watched, frustrated, as a representative from the Zhang family claimed it with a casual wave of his hand.
Dark energy. Powerful and ancient.
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