?Chapter 849:


    A spark of inspiration flickered in my mind. I offered the man a disarming smile and said, “No need to be on edge. Mypanion here happens to be an exceptional physician. Perhaps if you shared your master’s symptoms, he might provide an alternative solution.” As the words left my lips, I gave Jett’s shoulder a subtle squeeze—our silent code to y along with my improvisation.


    The middle-aged man scrutinized us through narrowed eyes, internal conflict evident in his hesitation. After what felt like an eternity, he finally nodded toward the shopkeeper and said, “Arrange a private room for us.”


    Without hesitation, the shopkeeper ushered us toward a secluded chamber.


    As I trailed behind them, curiosity bubbled within me. Who on earth was this man’s employer? Why would their affliction warrant such secrecy?


    The moment the door sealed behind us, the middle-aged man burst forth with pent-up urgency. “You cannot fathom how peculiar my master’s condition truly is!”


    His voice dropped, weighted with concern. “The moment sleep ims him, nightmares descend like vultures. Horrific visions torment his rest. Upon waking, he’s left drained and writhing in excruciating pain, confined to his bed, terrified to close his eyes again. These herbs provide his only respite from this living hell.”


    Jett arched an eyebrow, recognition dawning in his gaze. “No wonder you’re so desperate,” he remarked thoughtfully. “These herbs indeed possess soothing properties, but…”


    He paused, his expression growing grave. “They’re dangerously addictive. Extended use will drain one’s vital essence and spirit force. The long-term consequences are nothing to take lightly.”


    As Jett spoke with unmistakable expertise, hope zed in the middle-aged man’s eyes. “Sir, since you clearly understand such matters, might you know of a cure for my master’s affliction? Should you work a miracle and restore his health, my master would…”


    “dly reward you with one hundred thousand gold coins!”


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    A hundred thousand gold coins!


    The figure struck me like lightning, and I struggled to maintain myposure. This man’s master must be swimming in wealth! Jett, unlike me, remained unruffled. With unwavering confidence, he replied, “As fortune would have it, I can indeed treat this condition.”


    Joy washed over the middle-aged man’s face, and he seemed ready to ept on the spot. Yet when his gaze settled on our carefully concealed features, suspicion crept back into his expression. “But… why do you two hide your faces so thoroughly? Do you harbor some hidden agenda?”


    Jett crossed his arms, speaking with deliberate calm. “Your master’s condition has already reached a critical point, hasn’t it? Every moment of indecision only allows the illness to tighten its grip. If you continue to waver, I fear there may be nothing left to save.”


    The middle-aged man’s face contorted with inner conflict. After a prolonged silence that hung heavy in the air, he finally spoke through clenched teeth. “It’s not that I’m being unreasonable, but my master’s identity is exceptionally sensitive, and I must exercise the utmost caution. If you truly intend to offer assistance, I must insist you reveal your faces.”


    Jett and I shared a meaningful nce, mentally calcting the risks and rewards beforeing to a silent agreement.


    “We bear a peculiar ailment on our faces that requires these very herbs for treatment,” Jett exined smoothly. “Once our wounds have healed, we’ll dly show you our true appearances.”


    Only then did the middle-aged man relent, carefully transferring the herbs into our possession. He scribbled an address on a piece of parchment and pushed it toward us. “Be certain to meet me at this location at three in the afternoon. Punctuality is essential.”


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