Chapter 34：Humiliation and Counterattack

Little Obion didn't even glance at the people, knowing they were spies sent by the eldest son.

Previously, he was too weak to resist, but now, with Allen's help, he had purged his team and would not accept such humiliation.

Allen, even more so, would not allow such obvious spies into his ranks.

As for Cecilia, Little Obion couldn't be bothered to answer.

Allen stepped forward, "Mr. Carl, we won't be accepting these people. As for Lady Cecilia, it involves the forest district chief's secrets and is not convenient to disclose. I believe Viscount Obion will understand..."

Seeing the cold and warm expressions of the two, and hearing the underlying threat, Carl understood that whether others understood or not, he had to understand today, or he wouldn't get out of this easily.

Swallowing his humiliation, he coldly snorted and reluctantly agreed. But Carl had never felt such shame.

However, there was one last, most important matter to address.

Carl coldly said to Allen, "Recently, you have purchased too many herbs through the Obion family channels, using them improperly and dangerously!"

He then turned to Little Obion, "Brother, father said you must have a trustworthy potion maker by your side. He also wants to test your strength. If you pass, he will grant you a proper name!"

Little Obion scoffed at the first part. Under Allen's control, he would never seek another potion maker.

But the second part softened his cold demeanor. Being granted a name by his father was a great temptation for an illegitimate child long yearning for recognition.

Moreover, he felt quite proud, thinking, "Father, you are old and would never imagine that my strength has far surpassed what Carl can test!"

Allen, seizing the moment, looked playfully at Carl, "So, you wish to test the forest district chief's strength?"

Carl, not foolish enough to walk into a trap, gritted his teeth and said, "Bergrey, this is the name father has granted you, Bergrey!"

Little Obion's initial excitement turned cold.

Bergrey! In Redwood's vernacular, it meant "despicable."

He had hoped his father could rise above societal norms and grant him a meaningful name.

But as a noble, his father couldn't escape the rules.

Or rather, Little Obion himself was a supporter of these rules, unfortunately at the bottom of the hierarchy.

Seeing his half-brother doused with cold water, Carl felt an inexplicable joy.

This name was carefully chosen by their eldest brother, Beck, influencing their father.

Bergrey—the despicable one.

But Carl's blows weren't finished: "Also, the potion maker must be someone chosen by father. Don't forget you are still part of the Obion family, and father is concerned for your safety!"

"Hmph! No need, Mr. Allen is the best potion maker. I will not agree to this!"

Bergrey Obion (Little Obion) refused without hesitation, leaving Carl speechless.

In truth, Viscount Obion, the only transcendent in the family, had both strength and cunning.

Such blatant control was beyond him.

Replacing the potion maker was Beck Obion's idea.

Carl couldn't say this outright but didn't want to give up easily either. Considering Bergrey's surprising strength, he might threaten Beck's position.

So, he compromised: "Father and brother are concerned for your safety. With father's name, you are now the third-ranking male in the family and must be protected!"

Carl's eyes gleamed with an idea: "How about this, let your potion maker compete with the one I brought. If he loses, you must replace him!"

Little Obion wanted to refuse but was gently stopped by Allen.

"Why not agree? You demonstrate your strength, and I showcase my potion-making skills. It will deter small threats and attract Viscount Obion's attention and support!"

Hearing Allen's whisper, Little Obion nodded.

Viscount Obion, said to be a Level 2 Beast Tamer, was quite powerful.

Allen wasn't ready to break ties yet; he needed the Obion family's backing to develop secretly. It was necessary to demonstrate his abilities.

First, to deter others and avoid unnecessary trouble. Second, Bergrey's formidable strength, combined with Allen's potion-making, would attract more resources from the Obion family!

"Fine, let's do as you say! But if Mr. Allen wins, father must knight him!"

Carl, after some thought, agreed.

If Allen could truly surpass the potion maker he brought, he was worth recruiting. A knight's title was a fair trade, and father would surely agree.

In the Gondwana wilderness, noble titles were simple: Emperor-King-Duke-Marquis-Earl-Viscount-Baron-Knight.

Dukes were divided into grand dukes with real power and dukes with small territories.

Earls, viscounts, barons, and knights could be hereditary or honorary.

Without the term "honorary," the title was hereditary; with it, it was for life only, not inheritable.

A hereditary knight's title could elevate any commoner.

Though it pained him, recruiting a potent potion maker was worthwhile.

Carl thought, with his and Beck's resources, recruiting Allen would be easy!

As he pondered, the black-robed potion maker who accompanied Carl spoke:

"Hmph! Competing with a commoner, this is a first!" The arrogant man looked down on Allen, who had no noble background.

"You choose the contest, to avoid claims of unfairness!" The black-robed potion maker's arrogance was palpable.

Allen, a ruthless man, hid his intentions well.

Infuriated, Allen had already sentenced the black-robed potion maker to death in his mind!

Smiling slightly, Allen politely said, "As guests, you choose the contest. It's only proper."

But he thought, "Today, you rude guests will pay a price!"

"Using wild poison arrow tree bark as the main ingredient, we each make a poison and an antidote. Afterward, we exchange poisons and take them, then take our antidotes. Whoever survives wins!" The black-robed potion maker, confident in his scheme, proposed.

"You...!" Allen feigned surprise, then reluctantly agreed.