The Female CEO's Personal Bodyguard

Grayan Darlington spoke of compensation, yet his tone was gentle, and he even wore a smile on his face, clearly indicating no real animosity toward Carson Flores.

Carson Flores chuckled, ”Do you have any proposals, senior?”

Carson Flores had watched the matches between Jorren Jaramillo and Grayan Darlington, as well as their arguments, giving the impression that although the two were rivals, they seemed like appreciated foes who respected each other’s talents.

The two might fiercely insult each other, using the strongest mockery possible, but neither turned truly hostile; instead, it felt like old friends teasing one another, so Carson Flores had no concerns.

Grayan Darlington looked at Carson Flores, who was smiling, and laughed, ”You have quite the courage, aren’t you afraid I’ll resent you and make trouble?”

Carson Flores smiled, ”You are a Grandmaster, having seen enough victories and losses, and surely wouldn’t take it to heart, let alone make things difficult for a younger person like me. It’s nothing more than a joke, after all.”

Grayan Darlington laughed heartily, ”You certainly understand well. Honestly, losing to that old rascal bothers me a bit, but considering he only borrowed the Miraculous Fire, not actually obtaining it, I think it’s fine. Let him have his moment. I’ll get him next time!”

Grayan Darlington then continued, ”Of course, I won’t bother you, a junior. Your willingness to lend it to him is your business, but since I lost, I’d like to see that Miraculous Fire so I understand my defeat. Surely that’s okay?”

So, it turns out he wanted to view the Phoenix Fire, purely out of eager curiosity—an old habit of Artifact Refiners.

Carson Flores smiled, ”Of course, that’s no problem.”

Grayan Darlington gestured to Jorren Jaramillo with his hand, ”Hand it over!”

Jorren Jaramillo shrugged but had no choice; they had tracked him here, and Carson Flores, the host, had agreed, leaving him unable to refuse.

Jorren Jaramillo handed the porcelain bottle containing the Phoenix Fire to Grayan Darlington, scoffing, ”Have a look, but don’t let your eyes fall in.”

Grayan Darlington ignored Jorren Jaramillo’s comments and eagerly opened the porcelain bottle, releasing the Phoenix Fire inside. Upon examination, his expression changed instantly.

”Has this fire developed Spiritual Wisdom?”

Carson Flores nodded, ”Yes.”

Jorren Jaramillo sarcastically chimed in, ”Never seen it before, have you? Quite enlightening, huh?”

Grayan Darlington sneered, ”As if you’ve seen it yourself.”

Jorren Jaramillo was momentarily speechless, sulkily rubbed his nose, and fell silent.

Grayan Darlington examined the capabilities of the Phoenix Fire thoroughly, ultimately sighing, ”Impressive, impressive. This is far superior to my Purple Heart Lotus Fire. To think such a Miraculous Fire exists, and it even possesses Spiritual Wisdom is astounding!”

After a moment of marvel, Grayan Darlington couldn’t help but ask curiously, ”Young man, where did you find this Miraculous Fire?”

Carson Flores responded, ”In an uninhabited world, a stroke of luck, a fortunate opportunity.”

Grayan Darlington’s eyes were filled with admiration and reluctance as he hesitated, looking at Carson Flores hopefully, ”Young man, I know this Miraculous Fire wasn’t easy to come by, and you’re probably not willing to part with it easily, but I have to ask—would you consider selling it? Name your price, however high it is, and I’ll do my best to meet it!”

Jorren Jaramillo furrowed his brow but didn’t reproach Grayan Darlington, instead also fixing his gaze on Carson Flores.

It was a question he had intended to ask, he too wanted an answer.

They were distinguished and reputable individuals, incapable of committing vile acts of theft, especially since Carson Flores wasn’t just an ordinary person; he was backed by the True Sage Grand Void. Who dared to snatch what was his?

The prior transaction was just that—a transaction—but it didn’t rule out discussing further. If Carson Flores was truly willing to sell, they’d offer any exorbitant price to purchase it.

As for Grayan Darlington, worst case, they’d bid against each other.

With everyone present, who could force anyone to leave?

Carson Flores looked at the two gazing intently at him, smiled slightly, and politely refused, ”I’m sorry, this Phoenix Fire Spirit chose to leave with me back then. We aren’t master and servant but rather like friends. He willingly follows me, so how could I treat him as merchandise?”

”I understand how important a good Miraculous Fire is for artifact refining, but I truly can’t let go, especially since I’m now learning Artifact Refining. In the future, I might become an Artifact Refiner myself, and he is crucial to me, so I’m sorry.”

Grayan Darlington, feeling rather disappointed yet reluctantly persisted, asked, ”Would you really not reconsider? You know we are Master Refiners who cherish Miraculous Fires immensely, especially Spirit Communication Fires, treating them like our own young, never neglecting them.”

”Being his friend, you can visit anytime to see how I’m treating him. If I’m inadequate in my care, you can take him back; I’d never stop you.”

”As for compensation, set any price, even astronomical cultivation resources enough to elevate you to Peak Great Land True Immortal status. Really won’t consider it?”

Carson Flores shook his head without hesitation, ”Sorry, senior, it’s truly non-negotiable.”

Reluctantly, Grayan Darlington sighed, gave the Phoenix Fire a longing last look, placed it back in the porcelain bottle, and handed the bottle to Carson Flores.

”A gentleman doesn’t take what another treasures. Since you won’t part with it, I won’t insist. Treat it well; one day, it may reach unimaginable heights...”

Carson Flores took the porcelain bottle and smiled, ”That’s certain.”

Witnessing this, Jorren Jaramillo, though regretful, said nothing, instead smiling, ”So be it. I’ll fulfill my earlier promise and give you the Prosperous Artifact Refining Method, and I’ll even spend some time guiding you...”

Carson Flores’s eyes lit up, ”Thank you, senior.”

Grayan Darlington turned in surprise, ”Prosperous Artifact Refining Method, isn’t that part of the Hundred Refinement Technique? You’re teaching him?”

Jorren Jaramillo retorted, ”None of your business.”

Just as Grayan Darlington was about to reply, a crisp bell sound suddenly rang out from above.

”DONG!”

The bell resonated, causing a burst of roaring in everyone’s ears, and before anyone could react, a bluish light instantly enveloped the entire valley. Countless blue mist quickly shrouded the Heavenly Dome.

Suddenly, the whole world dimmed, became still!