The Charismatic Charlie Wade

The next day arrived, bathed in the gentle hues of dawn.
Jagoan and Jagoan, driven by a sense of urgency, rose early and prepared themselves by six in the morning, careful not to
disturb the still-slumbering Jacob and Elaine. This particular journey marked the first time Jagoan and Jagoan embarked on a
solitary adventure since their union years ago. A bittersweet tinge tinged their hearts, for they knew deep down that
circumstances demanded their separation.
Jagoan harbored an earnest desire to ensure Jagoan’s safety, entrusting her to the capable hands of Michaela, who would
undoubtedly provide solace and protection. Meanwhile, Jagoan, cognizant of the pressing matters at hand, believed it imperative
to aid Michaela in resolving her immediate predicaments. So, albeit reluctantly, they temporarily bid farewell to one another,
compelled by duty.
Inside the airport, Jagoan’s eyes glistened with unshed tears as she gently embraced Jagoan, her voice filled with a soft tremor.
“Darling, I cannot fathom how long my journey to the United States will consume, but I fear it will weigh heavily on your shoulders
back home...”
Jagoan’s hand caressed her back as he offered reassurance. “Fear not, my love, with your husband by your side, I shall attend
to your parents with utmost care.”
Jagoan urged him, her words laced with concern. “Above all else, take care of yourself. Do not let the pursuit of Feng Shui and
aiding others consume your every thought.”
“Very well,” Jagoan replied, a gentle smile gracing his lips. His voice, like a caress, whispered, “You too, upon your arrival in New
York, remember to find balance between work and rest. Do not become consumed by your duties.”
A tear streaked cheek brushed against a tender touch as Jagoan wiped away her sorrow, her voice tinged with reluctance. “My
beloved, I must depart now...”
“Alright,” Jagoan nodded, his smile remaining intact. “Notify me as soon as you touch down.”
Jagoan replied “Of course!”
Jagoan maintained an unwavering gaze, attentively observing Jagoan navigate through the security check with ease. Once she
completed the process and emerged from the checkpoint, she turned back momentarily before finally departing.

With time still on his side, it being merely half past six, Jagoan chose not to hurry and found himself in the airport’s arrival hall.
The sparse crowd waiting for arrivals at this early hour provided a modicum of relief and Jagoan’s eyes caught sight of a man
holding a talisman at the exit.
A sense of reassurance coursed through him, for at this moment, everything seemed to be falling into place according to
Zachary’s arrangements.
Keeping his composure intact, Jagoan silently approached the airport’s large screen and paused, his attention fixated upon it.
The earliest flight from Aurous Hill was set to depart in a mere ten minutes, while the first inbound flight would not touch down
until eight o’clock. Amongst the list of arrivals, the majority hailed from major Chinese cities, with a few originating from overseas
locations.
Jagoan remained oblivious to the identity and origin of his adversary, but one thing was crystal clear, henceforth, he would
station himself in Aurous Hill, unburdened by any lingering apprehensions. His fists clenched and within his heart, he took a
solemn oath. “Whoever dares to continue their assault on my grandparents in this city where my parents met their tragic fate
twenty years ago, I, Jagoan Wade, will confront them with unwavering determination and fight to the very end, even if it costs me
my life!”
With steely resolve burning in his eyes, he cast one final glance at the arrivals board before turning away, striding purposefully
into the distance.
At this very moment, Eastcliff is vibrant and bustling.
The clock struck 6:30 in the morning and Eastcliff International Airport thrived with a liveliness that surpassed even Aurous Hill.
The airport buzzed with activity as flights departed one after another, prompted by the influx of passengers. The overcrowding
resulted in a chaotic symphony of takeoffs, commencing as early as 6:10 AM.
Amidst the commotion, a figure emerged, clad in an elegant robe, making his way into the domestic departure hall of Eastcliff
Airport. Gideon Alastair, a Chinese national hailing from Argentina, sought refuge from the burdensome pressures that weighed
upon him. Driven by his devotion, he had secured the earliest flight to Aurous Hill for the day.
Scheduled to take off at eight o’clock, the flight’s estimated duration was one hour and forty minutes. Having completed the
check-in procedures, Gideon sought solace in the sanctuary of the first-class lounge, where he rested his weary eyes, awaiting
the moment of boarding.

Yet, his heart, which had been beating for one hundred and fifty-six years, inexplicably faltered at this very moment. It would stall,
without rhyme or reason, at times racing with alarming speed and at others, slowing to a disconcerting crawl. It was like riding a
roller coaster, one that left a lingering sense of trepidation.
Gideon was well aware that this abnormal behavior stemmed from his own nervousness. Although he had grown unaccustomed
to such sensations over the years, he could vividly recall the anxious tremors that plagued his youth. These behaviors, etched
into his very being since childhood, had become inseparable from his past.
At this moment, memories of his long and arduous journey flooded his mind. He reminisced about his childhood, a time engulfed
in the tragedies of a powerless and humiliated nation. Scarce food and threadbare clothing were the norm, while wolves prowled
the land, accompanied by tigers and leopards.
For Gideon himself, the countless encounters with death were too numerous to quantify. The palpitations and agonizing pain that
accompanied life or death moments remained etched in his memory. Even as time forged ahead, those unsettling recollections
continued to haunt him.
Seeking refuge from the flames of war, to secure sustenance and survival, he sought solace within the confines of Evercloud
Temple, where he assumed the role of a Taoist priest. However, he soon discovered that Taoism offered more than a mere
escape from destitution, it promised the elusive quest for eternal life.
Decades of pursuing the path of Tao had brought him to the precipice of longevity, yet the final revelation eluded him. It was
then, at an uncommonly ripe age, that he left his homeland, driven by an insatiable desire to discover the true essence of
immortality.
Ever since mastering the mystical aura, Gideon had never experienced the same sense of tension as before. Many years had
passed and his existence had become remarkably stable. Yet, on this day, after a century had slipped by, he found himself
ensnared in the same anxiety that had once consumed him. His mind couldn’t help but wander, “Could it be that a calamity
awaits me in Aurous Hill?”
Swiftly, he shook off the thought, seeking solace in self reassurance. “Unlikely! How could there exist a behemoth capable of
harming me in Aurous Hill? Twenty years ago, Bruce Wade and Lily Evans, who had retreated to seclusion in this very place,
were no match for me! This time, I will eradicate the Evans family from Aurous Hill and no one will be able to lay a finger on me!”
As the cruel, twisted arc of a smirk danced upon his lips, Gideon chuckled inwardly. “Let us not forget the lone survivor, Lily and
Bruce’s only son, who managed to escape twenty years ago. This time, I shall reunite him with his short lived parents and

grandparents!”
Just then, a member of the first-class lounge’s staff approached him, radiating respect. “Sir, your flight to Aurous Hill has
commenced boarding. Please make your way promptly to gate 36.”
Gideon opened his eyes, allowing a faint smile to grace his countenance. “Very well, thank you.”
With those words spoken, he stood up and made his way to boarding gate 36.
Forty minutes later, Gideon’s aircraft took off from the Eastcliff Airport runway, executing a graceful half-circle in the sky before
embarking on its southerly journey. By ten o’clock in the morning, the plane landed at Aurous Hill Airport, ten minutes ahead of
schedule.
As the soothing strains of cabin music filled the air, Gideon, who had kept his eyes shut throughout the flight, finally opened
them. Gazing out the window, a fiery surge coursed through his veins. He recognized it for what it was an insatiable thirst for
bloodshed. In his line of work, every action required the Lord’s approval, leaving him with limited opportunities to satiate this
urge. It had been twenty years since his last indulgence and now, he aimed to eradicate an entire family in Aurous Hill.
A sigh escaped his lips as he acknowledged the curious connection he had with this town. However, the scent of bloodshed,
underscored by his fate, was undeniably stronger.
As the plane came to a halt at the terminal bridge, Gideon swiftly became the first to step out of the cabin. Walking through the
corridor and past the baggage area, he entered the arrival hall of the airport. He was well aware of the Evans family’s
whereabouts, but attacking them immediately was not his plan. The Lord had entrusted him with two specific tasks and he
intended to carry them out with precision.
Apart from obliterating the Evans family, he needed to plan a hiding place following the attack. In the depths of darkness, he
would patiently await the arrival of Lily and Bruce’s son.
The first order of business was finding a suitable refuge. Just as he was about to hail a taxi to the city, something caught his
attention, a flicker of peculiarity in the corner of his eye. He turned his head swiftly, fixating his gaze upon a middle aged man
positioned, holding up a sign to meet someone.
He didn’t bother to read the words plastered on the massive sign, his attention was solely captured by the middle aged man’s
right thumb. In an instant, his pupils contracted, shrinking to pinpricks. If he likened his control over aura to an alternative form of
sight, then the right thumb of this man was the lone flicker of light illuminating his darkened world.

Though various religions possessed disparate worldviews, they all acknowledged a common concept, the arrival of the Dharma’s
end, the age of demise. These religions claimed that humanity’s constant advancement had led to a loss of connection with
nature, the heavens and the universe. This has resulted in a widening gap between mortals and deities, according to these
beliefs.
According to Taoism, the world was once brimming with aura. By grasping the method of absorbing and converting this vital
energy, humans could ascend to immortality. However, in the present era, the aura in nature had nearly been depleted,
extinguishing any possibility for mankind to achieve immortality. Thus, in their eyes, this was the time of Dharma’s end.
Regardless of the validity of such claims, those who had mastered reiki at this stage experienced firsthand the absence of reiki in
nature. Their only means of attaining it was through pills or other exceptional objects infused with reiki.
Gideon had gradually become proficient in aura with the help of elixirs bestowed by the Lord and a meticulously crafted array of
reiki within the Warriors Den. This unique combination of resources propelled him to new heights of strength and power. When
the formation was active, it emitted a constant flow of aura. Though not abundant, it had accumulated over the years.
During the past few years, the Four Marshals of the Warriors Den were fortunate enough to have the chance to cultivate within
the formation. However, most of the time, the formation was exclusively at the Lord’s disposal. Consequently, the Four Marshals
had become exceedingly sensitive to the traces of reiki in their surroundings, much like a famished mouse that keenly detects
the scent of food.
In Gideon’s life, there existed only one mystical weapon that truly belonged to him, a wooden sword gifted by the Lord,
containing an attacking formation. Apart from that, it held no value.
Hence, when he noticed the man possessing a magical weapon, his heart leaped with excitement, reaching his throat. Halting
his steps, he discreetly observed the individual.
Unbeknownst to Ladden, an elderly man fixed his gaze upon him from a short distance away.
Ladden brimmed with energy, knowing that by holding up a sign and working at the airport for a day, he could earn a hefty sum of
three thousand dollars. It far surpassed the income he garnered from his stall on the antique street.
All he possessed was Lucas Flynn’s business card. He knew nothing of Lucas’s identity and he didn’t want Lucas to arrive too
soon. In the upcoming four months, he could relish some well deserved rest at home.

Gideon studied Ladden closely and came to the conclusion that this individual had a weak grasp on manipulating their aura. His
brows and expressions exuded the raw street spirit of an ordinary citizen. Someone skilled in reiki would never exhibit such a
rudimentary street vibe.
Thus, Gideon surmised that this man was likely unaware that the talisman in his possession was, in fact, a magical weapon. With
this realization, an idea sprouted in his mind, he would test the waters.
Feigning a perplexed look, he surveyed his surroundings before approaching Ladden. Politely, he inquired, “Brother, could you
kindly inform me of the best way to reach the city center?”
Ladden glanced back at him, seeing an inconspicuous old man and responded nonchalantly, “Why do you need to ask? Taxis,
subways, airport buses, don’t they all head to the city?”
Though dissatisfied, he refrained from becoming angry. After all, this reinforced his judgment of Ladden.
With a smile, Gideon explained, “To be honest, brother, it’s my first time in Aurous Hill. I’m unfamiliar with the place and being
old, my eyesight isn’t the best. Thus, I’m a bit confused.”
As he spoke, he retrieved a hundred dollar bill from his pocket, presenting it to Ladden. He continued, “Consider this a small
token. If it’s not too much trouble, could you advise me on the most suitable means of transportation?”
Initially uninterested in conversing with the old man, Ladden’s demeanor instantly improved upon seeing the bill. He accepted it
with a smile and remarked, “The subway is undoubtedly the fastest, but it’s past ten o’clock now, so the morning rush hour has
ended. Taking a taxi would be quicker. Within half an hour, you’ll reach the city, faster than the subway. Since money isn’t an
issue for you, I suggest you opt for a taxi.”
“Very well!” Gideon thanked him graciously, cupping his hands in appreciation. “I’m grateful for your guidance, brother.”
“You’re welcome,” Ladden replied, promptly pocketing the hundred dollar bill.
In his mind, he believed that if he didn’t stow away the money swiftly, the old man might request its return.
Meanwhile, Gideon pointed to the jade ring on his right thumb, curiosity gleaming in his eyes. He inquired, “Brother, your ring
seems remarkable. I wonder what it’s worth?”

Though accustomed to swindling and scheming, Gideon possessed a keen eye. Nonchalantly, Ladden replied, “This little trinket
is an ancient artifact. It’s neither excessively valuable nor inexpensive. I reckon it’d fetch around ten thousand on the market.”
Unfamiliar with antiquities, Gideon probed further, asking curiously, “What does that mean?”
Ladden responded, “It’s the middle figure among ten thousand.”
“Oh!” Gideon chuckled. “You make it sound so effortless, little brother. You must be in the antique business right?”
“Yes,” Ladden admitted, not bothering to conceal the truth. “I’m in the antique business and I’ve been at it for over a decade or
two.”
Curiosity piqued, Gideon inquired, “Since you’re an antique connoisseur, why would you be waiting at the airport to pick
someone up?”
Ladden frowned, examining Gideon from head to toe. He then retorted, “Old man, you certainly have a lot of questions. Weren’t
you desperate to find the quickest way to the urban area? Time is of the essence.”
Gideon’s heart skipped a beat, realizing he had been excessively talkative and aroused the other man’s suspicion. Quickly, he
adopted an apologetic expression and said, “Oh, I apologize profusely. You see, as one grows older, the words tend to flow
freely. I enjoy conversing with everyone. Please forgive me.”
Unbeknownst to Gideon, Ladden’s remark was a gentle reminder that if he wanted to continue prying, he should part with more
money. The previous hundred dollar allowance had been exhausted.
Smiling, Ladden offered a meaningful piece of advice. “Old man, it’s alright to talk a little more. What matters is whom you talk to
and how you do it.”
To emphasize his point, he deliberately used his thumb and index finger, both adorned with the jade ring, to mime the action of
counting money.
Suddenly regaining his senses, Gideon cursed inwardly, “I’ve been blind! I overestimated you!”
Realizing he needn’t beat around the bush any longer, he promptly cut to the chase.
Without hesitation, he produced another bag from his pocket. Sporting a friendly smile, he extracted several hundred dollar bills
and presented them to Ladden, confessing, “To be completely honest, I, too, have a fascination for antiques. When I saw the

finger ring in your possession, I found it incredibly captivating. I really admire it. So, brother, I wonder if you would be willing to
part with it? We can discuss the monetary details!”