The Amazing Son-in-Law, Chapter 161

Zeke interrupted, "Everyone, please calm down. Mr. Yaleman is doing this for the sake of the metaphysics circle! Our leader must be someone qualified and competent in all aspects, and self-controlled in metaphysics."

Some challenged the idea, while others saw it as a great opportunity. The winner would demand something from the loser and become the leader of the metaphysics world. Metaphysics wasn't purely academic; competence in it attracted wealthy and influential people. Few could resist the lure of power and money. Several guests were excited.

Jack announced, "I won't force anyone to compete. Those too afraid can withdraw, but they'll be excluded from our circle and future alliances."

A moment of silence followed. The risks were high, but the rewards were equally enticing. The guests considered the implications. Who wouldn't want to lead the metaphysics circle?

Charlie Wade remained silent, observing Jack's enthusiasm. He had no interest in the alliance but stayed to watch.

A bearded middle-aged man stood. "I'm Jared Young from Dayton. I challenge Mr. Yaleman."

The Young family had a long history in metaphysics, specializing in divination, skills passed down through generations. Jared, the forty-sixth descendant, was renowned in Dayton and confident in his abilities. He chose Jack as his first opponent.

"Very well!"

The crowd applauded.

Jared arrogantly declared, "This jade, passed down through generations, is the finest divination artifact. The Young family should lead the metaphysics circle!"

Jack approached, nodded, and smiled. "The jade is exceptional, but I doubt it will remain yours for long…"

Jack pulled a small, inch-long rune paper from his wallet. It was brilliantly colored and inscribed with cinnabar.

"The Arhat Golden Talisman!" the crowd exclaimed.

Jasmine explained to Charlie Wade, "The Arhat Golden Talisman was created by eighteen monks chanting for forty-nine days. It's extremely powerful against evil."

Charlie Wade smirked. "Not a good thing, then."

The crowd glared at him.

Jack stated, "I excel at divination, but I rely on this talisman's power."

The Arhat Golden Talisman was a rare treasure, crafted under auspicious conditions by accomplished monks. Its divination accuracy exceeded ninety percent. The talisman emitted a golden light, worth at least a million dollars.

"Enough talk. Let's cast a hexagram," Jared scoffed, performing gestures and chanting. He declared, "In an hour, there will be strong winds and thunder from the west."

Jack smiled. "There will be tremors, but not from wind or thunder. A hillside explosion, caused by human action. Someone will pay for their deeds today."

Jared frowned. "No! Impossible. I see no one in the hexagram."

The Amazing Son-in-Law, Chapter 162

Yaleman smiled, saying nothing. Everyone awaited the results.

An hour later, Jared was nervously watching. A loud bang erupted from the west, followed by a strong wind and ground tremors.

Zeke checked his phone. "According to reports, someone tried moving quarry rocks, causing an explosion and a 2.4 magnitude earthquake. The culprit is in custody."

Jared's arrogance vanished. He awkwardly smiled. "Mr. Yaleman, you're incredible!"

He went to leave.

Zeke shouted, "Mr. Young, you must abide by the rules."

"What rules?" Jared asked sullenly.

"If you lose, the winner takes something from you. You must publicly pledge respect and obedience to Mr. Yaleman."

Jared fumed. He was too proud to obey anyone.

Jack produced another talisman and chanted, "Obey the rules!"

Crack! Jared's jade shattered.

"You!" Jared trembled with rage.

Jack said smugly, "Refusal means destruction of your artifact. No excuses!"

Jared's face was ashen. He knew he couldn't win. Jack had destroyed his heirloom without resistance.

Jared gritted his teeth. "Forget it! I won't fight this despicable man!" He left, ignoring the shattered jade.

The crowd's expressions changed. Jack was unfathomable. Those previously confident now hesitated.

Travis whispered to Matthew, then stood, announcing his departure. Matthew followed.

Four muscular men blocked their path.

Travis demanded, "What are you doing?"

"Mr. Lane, since you're here, why leave?"

Jack smirked. "My reception isn't a place to come and go as you please. Leaving is a violation."

Travis scoffed, "I'm not in the metaphysics circle. Your leader is none of my concern!"

Jack sneered, "Leave, but show respect and leave a valuable possession behind!"

The Amazing Son-in-Law, Chapter 163

Travis, a man of high standing, was furious. "What do you mean?"

Matthew stepped forward, "Let me handle him, Mr. Lane. If you stop Mr. Lane, don't blame me for being ruthless."

The crowd applauded Matthew's intervention.

"Let this man taste your power, Mr. Gibson!"

"An outsider wants to control the circle? He's mad! Stop him!"

Jack grinned coldly at Matthew. "If you think you can beat me, bring it on."

Matthew lunged, aiming a powerful punch. In a flash, Jack was on the opposite side, sticking a yellow talisman to Matthew's temple.

"His movements are so fast!" Jasmine exclaimed.

Matthew froze, immobile except for his eyes. Jack grinned and shouted, "Kneel! Bow down!"

Matthew fell to his knees, obeying.

"Mr. Gibson!" Travis yelled.

The crowd watched in shock. Matthew was under Jack's control. He raged, "You dog! What witchcraft is this?"

Jack mocked, "You thought you could defeat me? Bark like a dog!"

Matthew, horrified, tried to resist but barked uncontrollably.

Travis was shocked. Sixty-year-old Matthew was on all fours, barking like a dog. The silence was chilling.

The crowd was frightened. Jack had defeated two masters in minutes. How was he so powerful?

Finn whispered, "Puppetry! The long-lost Xenian puppetry technique!"

A murmur spread. This lost art was a testament to Jack's boundless skill. No one dared challenge him.

The Amazing Son-in-Law, Chapter 164

Matthew, unable to control himself, felt humiliated. Jack waved his hand, Matthew collapsed, utterly defeated. Silence fell over the courtyard.

Jack turned to Charlie Wade. "You took the clam I wanted at the auction. Having seen my abilities, do you dare be arrogant?"

Charlie Wade shrugged. "Two simple tricks, and you think you're unbeatable?"

Jasmine pulled Charlie Wade aside, "Mr. Wade, don't provoke him. Mr. Yaleman is skilled. Don't risk your life for pride."

Jack sneered, "You're young and naive. Do you dare challenge me? If you lose, return the clam and apologize."

Charlie Wade smiled. "Challenge? Who do you think you are? Do you think you deserve to challenge me?"

The crowd's faces hardened. This boy was bold. Was he suicidal?

Dead silence filled the courtyard. Jasmine was shocked. Things would escalate.

Jack, enraged, approached Charlie Wade. "I've met many, but none like you. You're courting death."

Charlie Wade smiled, "Who are you to decide life and death? Your decision isn't absolute."

Jack's face was icy. Men burst through the door, led by Adam.

Adam yelled at Charlie Wade, "You liar and cheat! You pretended to help the Quinton family, deceiving my uncle and stealing their money! You used their money for auction prizes, but Mr. Yaleman exposed you! Return their money, or I'll kill you!"

Graham and Aurora entered. Graham was ashamed but too late to stop Adam.

Charlie Wade glanced at Graham, saying nothing. Graham hit Adam, explaining to Charlie Wade, "Mr. Wade, this is what happened…"

Graham explained everything.

Charlie Wade frowned, "It's a little over one hundred million. If you regret it, I'll return the money."

Graham was unsure if Charlie Wade was skilled or foolish. He wouldn't oppose Charlie Wade directly, planning to use Jack instead. If Jack easily defeated Charlie Wade, he would demand the money back with interest.

He told them, "I won't interfere. We'll discuss this later. Handle the matter at hand."

Adam tried to speak, but Graham glared at him.

Jack smiled at Graham. "Mr. Quinton, you came at the right time! I'll compete with Charlie Wade to see who best helps your family rid themselves of the evil spirit!"

Charlie Wade frowned. "Since you're so eager to die, I'll grant your wish."

The Amazing Son-in-Law, Chapter 165

Jack, seeing Charlie Wade's resolve, instructed Zeke to bring a three-pillar sandalwood, a purple gold incense burner, and a peach wood sword.

Zeke quickly complied. Jack placed the sandalwood in the burner, filling the air with thick smoke. He raised the sword and began chanting.

Graham felt dizzy, as if struck. He endured, then pleaded, "Mr. Yaleman, how long will this last?"

Jack responded, "The 'yin' energy in your family is heavy. This may take time. Bear with it."

Graham endured increasing discomfort and pain. Then, he felt a warm protection on his chest.

Graham was surprised. "Is this the stun amulet Charlie Wade gave me?"

Jack, unaware, took a sip of water, spat it on the sword, and swept it through the smoke. Graham felt a blow to the head, then vomited blood.

"Second Uncle!" Adam cried, catching Graham. Graham's face was pale.

Adam asked anxiously, "Mr. Yaleman, what's happening?"

Jack stated, "The Quinton family's heavy 'yin' energy. I dispelled it. The blood was that negative energy."

Graham, feeling better, thanked Jack. Adam felt an immediate change in his body.

Finn remarked, "Mr. Yaleman is capable. He easily dealt with the Quinton family's powerful ghoul."

Everyone was impressed. Jack had removed the evil spirit.

Adam, helping Graham to sit, turned to Charlie Wade. "What do you say now? When will you return the money?"

Charlie Wade smirked. "I have no problem returning the money. I'm afraid Graham will lose his life…"

"What?" Graham exclaimed.

Charlie Wade coldly gestured. "Look at your hand. Is there a red line?"

Graham, shocked, checked his hand, finding a pale red line extending from his lifeline to his arm. He was stunned. "What is this? It wasn't there before."