Chapter 945


    As Jerome took the lead, the remaining 29 representatives followed suit and made their way to the


    stage.


    Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    The host brought a box for drawing lots and ced it in front of the contestants. He signaled for them to


    line up and draw lots one by one.


    Coincidentally, Jerome stood behind Hickman in the line.


    “We better not end up in the same group, Mr. Griffith,” Hickman remarked.


    “What do you mean?” Jerome asked.


    “As long as we ain’t grouped together, I won’t be eliminating you too soon,” Hickman said with a


    confident tone.


    “Mr. Adams, are you that certain that you will win?” Jerome asked with a deep voice.


    “I’ve spent countless years immersed in the Treasure Appraisal Industry. Evaluating gemstones is one


    of my greatest strengths. If we end up in the same group, I won’t show any mercy, not even to Mr.


    Jaber,” Hickman confidently stated.


    That was a provocation!


    It was an overt provocation.


    Jerome’s eyes narrowed, his tone bing colder. “We’ll see about that. Let’s see whoes out on


    top in the end.” “Alright, everyone, it’s time to draw lots. Numbers 1, 3, and 5 will be in one group,


    numbers 2, 4, and 6 in another, and numbers 7, 8, and 9 in the final group,” the host announced.


    Hickman stepped forward and drew his lot. He revealed a small ballbeled with the number “6” on it.


    “Next up, let’s wee the next participant,” the host dered as Hickman’s number “6” was


    announced.


    Jerome stepped forward and extended his hand into the box, retrieving a small ball with the number “4”


    marked on it. “Mr. Griffith, you have drawn number 4, which means you will be in the same group as


    Mr. Hickman,” the host announced.


    Hickman raised his eyebrows slightly.


    Jerome walked over and ced the ball he had drawn into a separate box designated for the group


    selection.


    “Seems like fate has brought us together, Mr. Griffith. It’s a destined encounter. Enemies are bound to


    cross paths,” Hickman said in a low voice.


    “Mr. Adams, let’s not take it too seriously. It’s just a coincidence,” Jerome replied in a nonchnt tone.


    As their gazes met, they could sense the frostiness in each other’s eyes.


    After the tense encounter, the Louzs, along with Hickman, realized Han’s true identity and promptly


    apologized. They chose to retreat and avoid any further trouble.


    To his surprise, fate seemed to have conspired to make them cross paths once again.


    This was an intense fight.


    “Congrattions, Mr. Martinez, for drawing number 2. Now, I announce the formation of the first group.


    Please proceed to the first stall,” the host dered.


    When Jerome heard this, his expression changed and he immediately looked over.


    On the other side, Yussel held a small ball marked with the number 2. His expression turned serious.


    The three of them locked eyes, their gazes filled with mutual animosity.


    Fate had brought together these enemies on a narrow path.


    “Let’s expect a good show. They all have conflicts. Now they are in the same group. It’s going to be a


    great battle. “Hurry, focus the camera on them. We must capture this captivating moment..”


    Upon discovering that the three of them were grouped together, a lively discussion erupted among the


    audience.


    Certain intrusive reporters and photographers had promptly aimed their cameras at the trio, capturing


    the unfolding events on film.


    Yussel approached Jerome, his voice dripping with coldness. “No mercy will be shown this time,


    Jerome. Prepare to be kicked out.”


    Jerome chuckled, a hint of defiance in his voice. “Hehe, it’s far from certain who wille out on top.”


    “This time, victory is mine for the taking.” Yussel dered with unwavering confidence.


    With unwavering confidence in his acquired spellcasting abilities, Yussel was certain that once he


    stepped into thepetition booth, he would effortlessly identify the stones having emeralds in them


    and urately assess their quality. Additionally, Yussel had meticulously devised some special


    techniques to sabotage the raw stones chosen by hispetitors.


    This time, as long as he made a move, Hickman and Han would return in failure.


    Jerome couldn’t help but smirk at Yussel, noticing the lingering swelling on his face. “Easy there, Mr.


    Martinez. Don’t let that inted ego of yours blind you. You wouldn’t want to give yourself another p,


    would you?”


    Hearing this, Yussel’s eyes darkened even more. He felt a burning pain on his face.


    He red at Jerome fiercely. “Then let’s ride a donkey and read the script. We’ll see!”


    With a calcted demeanor, Yussel made his way back to his designated stall, joining Reinhard by his


    side. His eyes gleamed with a dangerous intensity, hinting at the brewing storm within him.


    “Mr. Adams, be careful too”


    Jerome nced at Yussel, then at Hickman, and finally returned to his seat.


    Having experienced their recent sh, Jerome was well aware of the animosity between him and


    Yussel. He understood that Yussel was not one to be taken lightly, as he possessed a bag of tricks that


    could tip the scales in his favor.


    If Hickman was quite friendly to him, he would tell Hickman about Yussel’s dark methods.


    However, Hickman’s attitude towards them was extremely bad just now. He was also the helper of Luke


    and his son, so he was Jerome’s enemy.


    That was why he didn’t reveal anything, leaving just like that.


    “Little brat, you don’t even address me respectfully. I’ll make you sufferter!”


    Hickman looked at Jerome’s back coldly and returned to his stall.


    “Mr. Adams, we’re all counting on you this time,” Yonah said respectfully.


    “Mr. Adams, those two are too arrogant. You have to teach them a lesson,” Luke also said.


    Hickman’s eyes were cold as he said in a deep voice, “Don’t worry. I’ve made ample preparations. I


    guarantee that I’ll make them scram!”


    After saying that, he took out three small balls and spun them in his hands. He looked at Han and


    Yussel with an iparably dangerous gaze.


    As a senior in the stone–detecting industry for decades, he had his own tricks.


    Next, he only needed to wait for Yussel and Han to fight.


    Jerome returned to his booth 038 and handed his lot to Han. He said in a deep voice, “Mr. Jaber,


    we’re facing two powerful enemies this time. We can’t let our guard down.


    “These two people have many vicious methods. We have to be careful.”


    He had also learned stone–detecting, but his skill level was much lower than Hickman’s, and he had no


    way topare with Yussel.


    Now that he was up against two experts at once, he was worried that he would suffer because of


    inexperience. Han’s expression was calm as he said, “Don’t worry. To put it bluntly, stone–detecting


    is also a gamble.


    “It’s apetition of one’s skills and mental fortitude. In this aspect, other than my master, I’ve never


    lost to anyone.” After a pause, he looked at thest stage and said in a deep voice, “I’m more curious


    about the reward for the Stone King Cup this time. Why are there so many people participating?”


    He nced around and realized that there were many experienced experts.


    He even discovered two terrifying existences that he had no way of seeing through.


    It was obvious that those people were here for the Stone King Cup


    Therefore, he was very curious. What exactly was the reward of the Stone King Cup that attracted so


    many people?