Chapter 1824
Calvin, patting Terry on the back with a smug grin, said, “Don’t worry. I’ve already pulled some strings. No matter how you perform, you’re getting in as one of Mr. Thornton’s inner disciples. You’re set for life, kid!”
Terry, looking to be in his early twenties and full of arrogant energy, sported cherry-red dyed hair and a nose ring; his whole demeanor screamed street punk. He snapped, “I’ve told you fifty times already. Stop patting my head in public! Why can’t you get it through your thick skull? Hands off. It’s my time to shine!”
He strutted to the center of the hall, chest puffed out, and took a spot beside Zachary, shooting him a disdainful sideways glance.
Calvin beamed with proud satisfaction, announcing to those around him, “Terry is definitely going to blow everyone away today!”
Someone sneered coldly. “Mr. Peck Senior, everyone knows what Terry is capable of. Coming here today is just asking to be laughed at.”
Another person mocked, “Mr. Peck Senior, you barely made it to Goldridge alive, nearly kicked the bucket yourself! And your little brat? If he actually becomes one of Mr. Thornton’s inner disciples, I’ll live-stream myself eating dog poop!”
Calvin’s face reddened with rage. “What the hell did you just say? What’s wrong with Terry? You think he’s worse than yours? Screw it, I’ll say it loud and proud: I’ve paid my way through the back door at headquarters! Even if he doesn’t score well, I’ve got enough cash to buy his way into the inner circle!”
That quickly silenced the hecklers, their faces stiffening with frustration. Everyone knew Terry was a spoiled rich kid from Goldridge who did nothing but party and cause trouble. However, the Peck family’s deep pockets and connections made securing an inner disciple position for their son quite possible.
Someone sneered, “Mr. Peck Senior, you’re only tough when showing off! Who doesn’t know your real status? If it weren’t for Victoria holding up your reputation, you and your bastard son would be worth nothing—fit only to beg in Goldridge!”
Calvin grinned, unfazed. “I love people like you. You’re jealous but powerless. Victoria’s a badass, and I’m riding her coattails. Deal with it! What are you going to do? Bite me? I’m just lucky, and it’s eating you all up inside!”
Behind them, Andrew sighed and rubbed his forehead. Calvin, the so-called head of the Peck family, had absolutely no shame, dragging his embarrassment all the way to Goldridge. Victoria might be impressive, but what did that have to do with Calvin, who was merely basking in reflected glory? Andrew wondered if Victoria even knew about Calvin’s mistress and secret son in the city. It was their family business, however, so he decided not to interfere.
Only five slots remained open for Jerome’s inner disciples. The selection process was simple: over thirty participants would battle in matches, with the first round eliminating the weakest.
Jerome’s trusted right-hand man, Alex, entered the hall and began calling names: “You and you! First match!” “You two! Second match!” “You two! Third group, and the loser’s out!” “Fourth group!” “Fifth!”
The pairings were quickly determined. With an odd number of participants, one man automatically advanced. He was a muscular young man with folded arms, regarding everyone else with disdain.
Whispers buzzed through the hall. “That’s the guy they call the top of Mr. Thornton’s outer disciples. Looks like the title fits.” “That’s Joseph from the Yeager family, one of Goldridge’s oldest clans. They say he’s nearly reached martial king level. Freakishly talented!” “Yeah, that guy’s definitely moving on to the next round.”
Many present nodded, clearly impressed. Matthew Yeager, the family head, stroked his beard and laughed. “Appreciate your patience, gentlemen. Joseph will try not to disappoint.”
Calvin muttered jealously, “What’s the big deal? Terry will blow past that punk someday.”
Andrew, however, wasn’t focused on Joseph. His attention was on Zachary’s matchup, and he felt a wave of frustration. Of all people, Zachary was paired with Terry. Since only one could advance, Zachary would have to defeat him.