Chapter 26: Refining Spiritual Energy

“Jared, she’s such a lovely woman. She clearly comes from a wealthy family, but she’s not at all arrogant. You need to work harder to win her over!” Hannah advised after Josephine left.

“Mom, stop it! We’re just friends!” Jared replied helplessly.

“Nonsense, Jared. I like her too! Listen to your mother. Work harder to impress Josephine. I’m always right about these things!” Gary added.

Gary rarely spoke so casually to Jared, indicating his strong feelings about Josephine.

“All right, both of you, back off!” Jared retreated to his bedroom.

Once inside, Jared didn’t sleep. Instead, he sat cross-legged on the floor, calmed himself, closed his eyes, and began the Focus Technique. Immediately, waves of spiritual energy surged toward him.

For the past three years, Jared hadn't missed a day of training. Though it was Draco’s instruction, Jared continued refining his spiritual energy even after leaving prison.

Soon, all the spiritual energy on the mountaintop coalesced around Jared, forming a whirlpool. He gradually inhaled the energy.

Being in the early stages, the amount of energy he could absorb was limited. However, he steadily improved.

By the time Jared opened his eyes, the sun had risen. Exhaling deeply, he felt better than ever. The mountaintop’s spiritual energy was far purer than in prison; instead of fatigue, he felt invigorated.

“Jared, breakfast!” Hannah’s voice called him from the hallway.

Jared stretched and left his room. Gary had prepared a sumptuous breakfast and his demeanor toward Jared had softened. He was gentler and even smiled. Josephine’s visit the previous day seemed to have made a difference.

After breakfast, Gary took Hannah for a walk. Jared, meanwhile, planned a trip to an antique market, hoping to find a spiritually imbued calligraphy brush and cinnabar rosary. He was eager to heal his mother and restore her sight.

Sandy, Juliette, and Warrick had spent the previous night at Sandy’s mansion. The thought of Jared ruining her wedding fueled Sandy’s anger. Worse, he now lived in a more luxurious mansion than hers.

“Warrick, when did you say your friends would arrive?” Sandy asked.

“Soon! They’re martial arts experts; they’ll tear Jared apart! They’re tough, ruthless triad members.” Warrick knew Sandy wouldn't act against Jared herself, so he'd called his friends. He sought revenge for his own humiliation.

“Good. Jared has to leave the mansion eventually. The Sullivan family can’t protect him forever!” Sandy seethed, clenching her teeth. “That trash! He broke Ley’s arm and ruined my wedding. He deserves to die!”

Her rage spent, Sandy told Warrick, “I’m going to the hospital to see Ley. You handle Jared. Expect a generous reward afterward!”

“No problem. Wait for my good news!” Warrick nodded.