"It seems my luck is indeed quite good."
Carson Flores laughed, "Every day, Lilly Compton and I have been feasting on pan-fried fish fillets..."
If it weren’t for the Life Essence Pearl in Carson’s possession, the Lightning Mink’s first fight could have ended in the jaws of the Sabertooth Snowfish, and Carson would never have known that such a fish lurked in these waters, let alone enjoyed any of the fried fillets afterward.
The effects of the Sabertooth Snowfish were deeply felt by Carson and Lilly Compton. In just a short period of cultivation, Carson’s strength had surged dramatically, and Lilly had reached the late stages of a Great Grandmaster. Presumably, once she absorbed all the Spiritual Energy in the cave, she should be able to reach the Grandmaster Peak, whether she could breakthrough would depend on her talent.
In some ways, Lilly was also fortunate. She took Carson to the Jade Pool on Mount Kahdas, where they encountered a master who offered them Dragon Pattern Fish sashimi, and now, having found a place rich in Spiritual Energy, she kindly shared it with Carson. Subsequently, because Carson helped treat the Lightning Mink, they both got to share in the Sabertooth Snowfish, a case of good people receiving good rewards indeed.
Shirley Miller chuckled, "So your strength must have improved quite a bit, right?"
Carson Flores grinned arrogantly, "Definitely, with my current strength, even if I faced Gunner Tate, I could beat him up without resorting to any tricks!"
Shirley Miller laughed lightly, "That’s good to hear. I assume the Hoffman Family is already preparing experts to deal with us, so your sudden increase in strength should catch them off guard."
Leah Frost laughed heartily, "They’ve been waiting for this day. The incident of Desmond Hoffman, as the heir of the Hoffman Family, getting slapped by you has spread all over West Capital..."
Carson Flores exclaimed in surprise, "Is it really that exaggerated?"
Leah Frost said smilingly, "The Hoffman Family is the foremost name in West Capital and their elder, Seth Hoffman, is among the top ten masters. Normally, who would dare to provoke the Hoffman Family? Moreover, Family Head Hank Hoffman was personally involved then, yet you didn’t give him any face. How could such a story not be explosive?"
Shirley Miller smiled, "The Hoffman Family is determined to regain their prestige in this battle. It’s said that many from the Four Sects and the twelve families will be there to watch. Everyone is speculating privately whether you, a specialist at wiping out clans, after provoking the Hoffman Family this time, will end up being taken down by them, or whether it will be you who turns the tables."
Carson Flores laughed, "Seth Hoffman is one of the top ten masters, so he’s not so easily overwhelmed. I guess a lot of people are waiting to laugh at me."
Leah Frost responded with a smile, "At least the Reid Family and the Vasquez Family think so. Though they dare not do anything to you, they sure do hate you. Many other families also hope for it, because to them, you are an unreasonable troublemaker. Having dealt with the Vasquez Family, the Reid Family, and the Five Dragon Sect consecutively, they’re scared it might be their turn one day, so seeing the Hoffman Family handle you, even without any grudges, they would feel secretly thrilled."
Carson Flores asked, "With such a big show, will Seth Hoffman make a move personally?"
Leah Frost shook her head, "To avoid embarrassment over the confirmation of the Frost Family Heir, it would be too awkward for Seth Hoffman to participate directly. It is said that the Hoffman Family will be represented by Seth’s son, Rylan Hoffman, who is the great-grandfather of Melody Hoffman and Desmond Hoffman. It’s most appropriate for him to be in charge, and his strength is said to rank third within the Hoffman Family."
Carson Flores laughed, "Who cares who they send? We’ll talk after the fight!"
After settling in, Carson called Abel Compton and Rocky Stein. Abel Compton, who was now wholeheartedly following Carson, agreed without a second word, while Rocky Stein was excitedly surprised to have another chance to earn money through treating injuries and quickly accepted.
After a brief rest, the appointed day, the 10th, arrived.
When Carson and the others arrived at the prearranged valley outside the city, the valley was already filled with at least a hundred people, mostly from the Four Sects and twelve families who came to watch the battle, surely knowing that today’s fight would be intense.
All eyes turned sharply to Carson and his companions as they appeared, scanning to identify the external experts among Carson’s entourage.
"Abel Compton, Ethan Roth!"
"The Five Dragon Sect was annihilated by Carson, and both Abel Compton and Ethan Roth pledged allegiance to him. Carson gained two Innate Grandmasters; that’s a good deal!"
"Rocky Stein! It’s Rocky Stein from the Divine Cloudy Sect!"
"Why would it be Rocky Stein? At the southwest meeting, she knelt before Carson. She must absolutely detest him."
"Carson treated Rocky Stein’s illness, and since a life-saving favor is significant, perhaps that’s the reason why she’s fighting on Carson’s side."
"Carson Flores, Shirley Miller, Abel Compton, Ethan Roth, Rocky Stein, hey, Carson is impressive. He actually gathered five Innate Grandmasters. It’s just that this time’s opponents are the Hoffman Family, or else Messiah Frost would have definitely lost this time!"
"This fight is going to be spectacular!"
"When Carson entered West Capital, he was just a Grandmaster. In such a short amount of time, he has grown so much. While the Hoffman Family may be the first household of West Capital, it won’t be easy for them to suppress him and regain their lost face these days!"
Carson’s gaze swept across the crowd and he laughed, "The Hoffman Family hasn’t arrived yet. Big names always love to make a grand entrance at the last minute, don’t they!"