Chapter 43 If He Can't Heal Him , I Will Finished " You believe you can challenge me with those meager skills , huh ? You're not even close to being qualified ." Leander remarked , his voice calm and steady . He resembled a master surveying an inferior . Dylan's eyes narrowed as he felt the sting of Leander's words . His tone darkened . " Mr. Ashcroft , what do you mean by that ? Are you suggesting that someone like me isn't worthy of you ? " Leander casually turned his head , lifted his cup , and nodded nonchalantly . " That's right . " " Why you ! " Dylan's anger surged , bubbling just beneath the surface . Although his skills were still at the beginner level of martial arts , he considered himself at least a third - rate expert . Yet here was Leander , treating him like a mere nobody , as if he were unworthy of mention . He was on the verge of exploding when Gale's voice sliced through the tension . " Dylan , hold your tongue ! Mr. Ashcroft is not the type to engage in a fight with you so easily . " Gale understood that if Dylan continued down this path , the situation could spiral out of control , so he had to intervene . Although he himself harbored doubts about Leander's true capabilities , he also recognized the need for caution . If Dylan pushed too far and truly offended Leander , only to discover later that Leander possessed unmatched power as a Martial Sovereign , it would not only mean losing a chance to alter their family's fate but also risk making an enemy of someone who could potentially obliterate them . That kind of disaster would be beyond their means to recover from . With a cold snort , Dylan suppressed his growing fury , his heart already convinced that Leander was nothing more than an arrogant youth brimming with empty bravado . If it hadn't been for Gale's timely intervention , he would have long since exposed Leander's perceived bluff . Ivy rested her chin thoughtfully on her hand , captivated by Leander's handsome profile . Doubts about his true abilities began to creep into her mind , causing her previous resolve to win him over to falter . The persuasive words she had meticulously prepared now hung heavily in her throat , unable to escape . " Mr. Ashcroft , I sincerely apologize . Dylan's obsession with martial arts often leads him to challenge experts impulsively . If he has caused any offense , I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive us ," Gale said , bowing slightly in deference . " It's a minor issue , " Leander replied , waving his hand dismissively , his tone now taking on an instructive note . " However , there is one thing that Dylan must remember . Passion for martial arts and a desire to spar are commendable traits . Yet , it is crucial to choose the right opponents . 1/5 19:28 Sat , Oct 11 Chapter 43 It He Can't Heal Him , Will 2 13 Finished " At the very least , he should seek out someone of similar skill . Sparring with someone far beyond his capabilities is not a true challenge - it is merely inviting humiliation . " Dylan's pupils dilated . A rush of fury ignited within him . The implications of Leander's words were unmistakable : he was nowhere near Leander's level , and any attempt to engage in combat would only lead to his embarrassment . If it hadn't been for Gale's warning glance , Dylan would have already erupted in rage . " You're right , " Gale replied with a measured smile , choosing not to dispute the point . He turned to Ivy , anticipation glimmering in his eyes as he awaited her to present the grand gift they had meticulously prepared for Leander . However , just as he was about to speak , his phone rang , cutting through the charged atmosphere . Gale answered , listening intently as the voice on the other end delivered a few terse sentences . Suddenly , his expression transformed , the calm demeanor he usually maintained shattering into shock . " What did you say ? " He paused , a wave of anxiety sweeping over him as his mind raced to comprehend the gravity of the situation . " Move the medical equipment right now . Bring my father back to the residence . Do it as quickly as possible ! " he ordered , urgency lacing his words . Both Dylan and Ivy exchanged bewildered glances . They noticed that their elder brother's typically composed demeanor was replaced by an unsettling intensity . After hanging up , Gale had a different expression . Uncertainty clouded his features as he grappled with the implications of the news he had just received . " Dad's in trouble ! " Gale exclaimed with panic etched on his features . " It happened just ten minutes ago . He suddenly started convulsing before his body was frozen stiff . The best doctors at Glendale Hospital have examined him , but none could uncover the cause of his affliction . They are utterly helpless ! " His voice trembled with urgency . " He's come down with something abnormal , so I instructed them to move the equipment and bring him home first . I'm heading to Brooke Mountains to get hold of Dr. John ! " Upon hearing this , both Dylan and Ivy froze , their faces painted with terror , William , the esteemed patriarch of the Halloway family , stood as the pillar that had once lifted them from obscurity to the pinnacle of Mornwick's elite society . In his youth , he had bravely followed the military into battles across the nation , earning illustrious honors and rising to a high - ranking position . Although he had since retired and no longer managed the family affairs, his influence 215 19:28 Sat , Oct 11 Chapter 43 if He Can't Heal Him . I Will : 13 Finished remained palpable . His power extended into every significant sphere of Mornwick , making him the undisputed spiritual leader of the Halloway family . Just three days prior , William had complained of feeling unwell and visited the hospital for a check - up . The doctors diagnosed him with malnutrition and administered IV treatments to restore his health . Gale and Dylan had not thought much of it at the time . However , moments ago , the head of the hospital had called unexpectedly . William's condition had taken a sudden , drastic turn , with no known cause . The emergency treatments had failed to yield any positive results , and he showed no signs of improvement . Even though Gale , as the head of the family , was trained to maintain a calm demeanor in a crisis , the thought of his father's peril caused his composure to falter . " Mr. Ashcroft , I sincerely apologize , " Gale said , his voice steady yet urgent . " My father's condition is critical . I must go to Brooke Mountains to bring Dr. John to treat him . Please rest here , and I will return to speak with you once this is resolved . " Gale clasped his fists respectfully toward Leander before instructing Ivy to look after him . Then , he rushed out the door , urgency propelling him forward . Leander's purpose in visiting the Halloway Residence had not yet been fulfilled , so he naturally stayed behind . His curiosity was also piqued . " Brooke Mountains ? Dr. John ? " he mused , unfamiliar with the name . Turning to Ivy , he inquired , " Who is this Dr. John ? " Before Ivy could respond , Dylan interjected . " Dr. John is how we refer to him here in Mornwick . His real name is Raymond . He's a master of traditional medicine , a miraculous doctor capable of curing countless mysterious illnesses . They say he's a true miracle worker who resides at the peak of Brooke Mountains . The man possesses genuine skills . " As Dylan emphasized the words " genuine skills , " he seemed to underscore the point that Raymond was a true master , contrasting him sharply with Leander , whom he regarded as little more than a pretender . " A master of traditional medicine ? " Leander mused , not offering any immediate opinion . He simply posed the question , then took a sip of his drink , sinking into quiet contemplation . About ten minutes later , a commotion erupted in the courtyard of the Halloway Residence . Ivy and Dylan rushed to the door as Glendale Hospital delivered William home . All the life- support machines had been set up , ready to assist in this critical moment . As Ivy and Dylan busied themselves with the arrangements , Leander remained at ease , holding a delicate cup and leaning casually against the doorframe . He lifted his gaze toward the medical staff with an air of calm detachment . 3/5 19:28 Sat , Oct 11 Chapter 43 if 14e Cant Heal Him I Will 321 Finished Before him lay an elderly man on the hospital bed , his face ashen and lips trembling uncontrollably . A thin layer of frost enveloped his body , and even from several yards away , the chill radiating from him was palpable , sending shivers through the air . Leander glanced briefly at the scene and then turned his attention elsewhere . This peculiar affliction , which had baffled so many seasoned doctors , elicited not the slightest interest from him . Amidst the hustle and bustle , the staff finally settled the old man in the most luxurious room the residence had to offer . Twenty minutes later , Gale returned , flanked by a middle - aged man dressed in a traditional robe , reminiscent of an ancient physician from Astria's storied past . The man's face was devoid of emotion , exuding an unmistakable arrogance that hovered like a shadow between his brows . Even Gale , a figure of immense influence in Mornwick , appeared as nothing more than an ordinary man in the presence of this esteemed physician . It was as if he had failed to register Gale's significance altogether . Undeterred , Gale bent low beside the man , smiling with a deference that spoke volumes , gesturing for him to proceed . This man , it seemed , was the renowned master of traditional medicine - Raymond . " Dr. John , my father is on his deathbed . Please , I beg you to save him ! " Gale's voice trembled with deep reverence and urgency , echoing his desperation . " Rest assured , " Raymond replied , his tone lofty . " Since I've come down from the mountain , I won't leave without success . However , you must have the items I require prepared ." Gale's expression momentarily flickered with uncertainty , but knowing that his father's life hung in the balance , he ultimately acquiesced . As the two men prepared to pass through the front hall , Leander suddenly stepped forward , blocking Gale's path with an unyielding stance . " Mr. Ashcroft ? " Gale exclaimed , momentarily taken aback . " Mr. Holloway ," Leander replied , his eyes shimmering like stars as he gestured toward Raymond . " I've examined your father's condition . Dr. John won't be able to cure him . " " I can save your father , but only if your family agrees to one condition of mine . What do you say ? " Before Gale could respond , Raymond's demeanor shifted dramatically ; his face darkened , and his cold gaze locked onto Leander with an intensity that sent a jolt through the air . " You little brat , what did you just say ? " 4/5