Chapter 181: I Act, Why Should I Explain to You
Jeremy had let these folks find him on purpose. If he really wanted to sneak into TeaGrove Stronghold without anyone noticing, no one would have been able to track him.
He hadn't gone overboard with force either. These young guys, even though they were Martial Artists, were way too weak.
Right now, Jeremy was disguised as GhostHealer. To outsiders, he looked like a respected master, and it wouldn't be right to harm the juniors recklessly. Otherwise, what would people think of him?
TeaGrove Stronghold was bigger than Hidden Stronghold, with over a thousand people living there. The place was dotted with modern mountain villas, a stark contrast to the more traditional Hidden Stronghold.
The Dean of TeaGrove Stronghold lived in the best villa in the village. This leader, Jim Reyes, was not yet sixty years old.
His Martial Arts skills were only at the Mid Grandmaster level, but he shouldn't be underestimated. Among his students, three had already reached the Grandmaster level, one of whom was Lewis.
Jim Reyes was at home, instructing the young members of the village.
Jim had many students. In the village, most who practiced martial arts were taught by him, as per the rules of TeaGrove Stronghold.
At that moment, a young man came running, shouting from a distance, "Mr. Reyes, someone has breached the stronghold!"
The shout drew the attention of everyone nearby.
For years, TeaGrove Stronghold had been peaceful. Who would dare to intrude now?
Everyone looked at Jim, ready to head to the village gate for a fight.
"Who the hell dares to breach our TeaGrove Stronghold?"
"Yeah, let's see who has a death wish."
Jim had become the new leader not because of his superior Martial Arts, but because of his intelligence. Otherwise, there were others in his clan stronger than him.
Hearing about the breach, he didn't act impulsively. He knew that ordinary people wouldn't dare to intrude on their stronghold.
"Explain clearly. Did the intruder say who they were?"
Jim's reminder made the young man realize and quickly respond, "He did. He said he is GhostHealer!"
"GhostHealer!"
In an instant, many faces changed!
It was normal for the young to not know GhostHealer, but the elders had certainly heard of the name.
Jim's eyes widened. GhostHealer!
What was he doing at TeaGrove Stronghold?
The young man continued, "He said he wants to see the person in charge here."
The person in charge was none other than the leader.
Jim said, "Notify the elders. We'll meet this GhostHealer together!"
Following his orders, people scattered, some to find the elders, others to gather the Martial Artists.
Jim, along with a few of his students, hurried to the village gate.
Soon, they saw GhostHealer standing at the gate.
Jim took a deep breath and respectfully said, "Mr. GhostHealer, what brings you to TeaGrove Stronghold?"
He had never met GhostHealer, but there were many legends about him in their village.
A GhostHealer who had been missing for thirty years suddenly appearing at their stronghold was unusual.
Jeremy had come to intimidate TeaGrove Stronghold, so he didn't bother with pleasantries.
"Are you the one in charge here?"
Jim quickly replied, "Mr. GhostHealer, I'm Jim, the leader of TeaGrove Stronghold."
Jeremy chuckled, "And what’s Lewis to you?"
At the mention of Lewis, many eyes turned to a young man standing beside Jim, who looked to be in his thirties.
He was Lewis!
Lewis was puzzled. How did GhostHealer know his name?
Lewis stepped forward and said, "Mr. GhostHealer, I’m Lewis. Have I done something to offend you?"
He was confused, unaware of the recent events at home.
In the Brooks family, the situation hadn't escalated to the point of informing the family members, especially with Marvin still around.
Jeremy chuckled, "You haven’t offended me. Your family even gifted me an Elysia Evergreen."
"To be honest, I owe the Brooks family a favor."
"But what your family has done makes me very angry!"
Initially, Lewis felt a bit pleased, but hearing the last part, his heart raced. He had no idea what the Brooks family had done to anger GhostHealer.
Lewis said, "Mr. GhostHealer, I’ve been training in the mountains and am unaware of my family’s actions. If you believe the Brooks family has wronged you, I will inform them and ensure they apologize."
He felt wronged. What did his family's mistakes have to do with him? Why had GhostHealer come to the mountains to find him instead of going to the Brooks Manor?
Jeremy laughed heartily, "Is there no cooperation between the Brooks family and TeaGrove Stronghold?"
"As far as I know, many here work for the Brooks family."
"I don’t believe you are truly unaware of their actions!"
Lewis looked at his teacher, Jim.
Jim spoke up, "You come here to accuse us, but why? Our stronghold does cooperate with the Brooks family, but what does that have to do with you?"
He spoke confidently because the elders had arrived, giving him the courage to confront GhostHealer.
TeaGrove Stronghold indeed had many experts.
There were three Late Grandmasters, seven Mid Grandmasters, and about twenty Early Grandmasters.
Such a powerful force could significantly alter the balance of power in Sunrise if they chose to act.
Among them was an old man, a Half-step Innate Realm master!
He was likely the true backbone of TeaGrove Stronghold.
As the old man arrived, Jim quickly paid his respects.
The old man glanced at Jeremy and sneered, "GhostHealer, our stronghold has no quarrel with you. Why have you intruded?"
This old man was the former leader. His presence gave the Martial Artists confidence, and they looked at GhostHealer with some anger.
Seeing their expressions, Jeremy smiled.
"I act as I please. I don’t need to explain to you!"
With that, Jeremy's figure vanished like a ghost, reappearing in front of the old leader.
The old leader felt a terrifying energy and hastily raised his hand to defend!
A Half-step Innate Realm master had cultivated a trace of Vital Energy, making them stronger than a Supreme Grandmaster.
But not always. Someone like Gabe, a Supreme Grandmaster, could easily overpower a typical Half-step Innate Realm master.
So, a Half-step Innate Realm master wasn’t necessarily very strong. It depended on their combat experience and skills.
The old leader of TeaGrove Stronghold, though a Half-step Innate Realm master, was among the weakest of his kind.