Chapter 9: A House for You
"Mr. Chance, just let me know what you need. I will not refuse, provided I can fulfill it," William declared quickly.
Josephine immediately asked, "Mr. Chance, what do you need the calligraphy brush and cinnabar rosary for?" Neither item seemed necessary for medical treatment, and both were readily available.
"Josephine, Mr. Chance has his reasons," William admonished, glaring at her. "Don't question him!"
Jared smiled. "They are used for treatment, too. However, these aren't ordinary items. They must be imbued with spirituality to work."
"Imbued with spirituality?" Josephine and William were dumbfounded.
Seeing their confusion, Jared explained, "Everything in this world lives and dies; all things contain spirituality. Even inanimate objects can possess it, though only under specific conditions. For example, if I sat in this chair and meditated for decades, it would gradually become imbued with spirituality." He simplified his explanation to ensure they understood.
"Oh, I get it!" Josephine exclaimed. "Mr. Chance, is it like on TV? Like those trees where immortals live—they gain spirituality over time and even become human!"
"Josephine, stop your nonsense!" William was speechless at her explanation. He didn't believe in immortals, especially not in the modern world.
Jared grinned. "Ms. Sullivan, you've hit the nail on the head." He hadn't previously believed in such things either, but three years with Draco had changed his perspective. Draco had taught him the Focus Technique; continued training might even make him immortal.
William smiled awkwardly. He would have scoffed at anyone else mentioning spirituality and immortals, but Jared's assertion swayed his skepticism.
Throughout their conversation, Jared and William ignored Jonathan, who still knelt on the floor. Jonathan wasn't inherently malicious, but lacked responsibility. Jared wouldn't accept him as a student without Draco's permission.
After more than ten minutes, Jared learned about William's injury. As a young man, a business rival had struck him with a palm strike. There were no external wounds, and medical tests showed nothing, so William dismissed it. Over time, however, he grew weaker, experiencing shortness of breath. He relied on health supplements to maintain his strength. He'd hidden his condition from his family, including Josephine.
Jared immediately recognized the attacker as a martial artist who cultivated internal energy; the attack was intended to kill. William's wealth had allowed him to afford life-sustaining supplements. Without Jared, he would have died.
"Mr. Chance, please accept me as your student!" Jonathan yelled from the floor, grimacing in pain from his numb legs.
Jared looked at him. "Get up. I won't accept students, but feel free to ask questions; I will guide you." Jonathan's prolonged prostration had touched him, prompting him to offer guidance.
Jonathan, overjoyed, thanked Jared profusely. As he stood, the pain in his legs was intense. Jared gently tapped Jonathan's leg, instantly relieving the numbness, astonishing Jonathan.
"Mr. Sullivan, I need to go home to my parents. Call me once you've collected the herbs," Jared said, rising. He was concerned about his mother being alone.
"Mr. Chance, where are you staying?" William asked.
"Happy Avenue. Why?" Jared replied curiously.
"I have a vacant house I'd like to give you. It's a wonderful place for recuperation," William said, producing a key.
"Thank you, Mr. Sullivan!" Jared initially wanted to refuse; he hadn't treated William for monetary gain. But considering his parents' dilapidated home and his need for time to earn money, he accepted. He was stunned, however, to learn the house was a mansion at Dragon Bay.