Chapter 2 Repaying Like for Like

• The resounding voice reverberated through the Dempsey Estate, startling everyone within!
• These individuals were all prominent figures with extensive networks, certainly aware of the Primordial Palace's formidable reputation.
• It stood as one of the most powerful entities in the westward, wielding a fearsome influence that inspired trepidation among many!
• But why does the Primordial Palace come to extend their congratulations to Old Mr. Dempsey? Does the Dempsey Family have any connections with the Primordial Palace?
• A wave of apprehension surged through the crowd, prompting them to look toward Braxton, seeking reassurance from him!
• Braxton was equally astonished; he recognized the formidable prestige of the Primordial Palace, yet the Dempsey Family had no previous connections or dealings with them. Why would they be presenting a gift, especially on behalf of the Primordial Master?
• Braxton was astute; he comprehended that the Dempsey Family and the Primordial Palace had no association. At this impasse, refusing entry to these visitors would effectively insult the Primordial Master!
• Even with boundless courage, he would not dare to provoke the Primordial Palace.
• The infamous saying, "When Thorette is enraged, destruction follows," was not to be taken lightly.
• Braxton had previously engaged in opportunistic maneuvers. Allowing these individuals entry would likely mislead the cunning guests into believing they had a genuine relationship with the Primordial Master, thus benefiting the Dempsey Family immensely!
• Why would anyone turn down such a fortunate opportunity?
• Clearing his throat, Braxton declared with authority, "Do not act disrespectfully; these are esteemed guests!"
• Upon hearing this, the security personnel outside exhaled in relief. They were terrified that if they continued to obstruct these seemingly fearsome figures, they might falter under pressure!
• Tobias and the others advanced purposefully, heading straight for the crowd of guests in the bustling courtyard!
• Crash!
• With a thunderous sound, Tobias placed the enormous gift he was carrying atop the mound of offerings!
• No one knew the nature of this massive gift, yet they sensed its peculiarity!
• Simultaneously, the woman presented a square package, placing it directly before Braxton. "Old Mr. Dempsey, our master instructed that this gift must be delivered to you in person, as a gesture of his respect!"
• Her voice was composed and entirely devoid of emotion!
• Braxton caught sight of the token dangling from Tobias' waist; one side displayed the number "7," while the opposite side bore the word "Primordial," dispelling any doubts regarding their identities.
• He laughed heartily and accepted the square box. "The Primordial Master is exceedingly gracious; please extend my greetings to him!"
• Braxton had no knowledge of who the Primordial Master was, naturally assuming that an individual with such terrifying authority must be an elder!
• His comments suggested a familiarity that implied they were well acquainted.
• The surrounding guests whispered amongst themselves, astonished by Braxton's apparent connections. They had not anticipated him to have such remarkable ties to the master of the Primordial Palace, and it seemed they were quite familiar with each other!
• Upon overhearing the murmurs, Braxton felt a surge of pride and renewed confidence in the future prospects of the Dempsey Family!
• "The gift has been successfully delivered; we shall take our leave!" The woman's demeanor remained impassive as she turned decisively to exit.
• "Please, stay for a meal!" Braxton implored.
• He desired to foster a closer relationship with these individuals, as such an opportunity was a rarity!
• However, the woman ignored his invitation, continuing to walk away unperturbed!
• Instead, the formidable man known as Tobias emitted a chilling laugh and gestured toward Braxton, declaring, "Our master sent me to convey his best wishes to you, Old Mr. Dempsey, wishing you longevity that rivals…"
• "Longevity that rivals the fleeting flower!"
• After delivering this line, he smirked with malice and pivoted to exit!
• "L-Longevity that rivals the fleeting flower?" The guests stood in astonishment at his words.
• Surely, everyone was aware of what a fleeting flower signified; it bloomed for a moment only to wither away shortly thereafter. Typically, references to fleeting flowers evoked appreciation for their transient beauty, a brief glimpse of brilliance!
• This clearly implied a curse for Braxton, suggesting a premature demise!
• The shock resonated not only among the guests but also throughout the Dempsey Family, with Braxton among them, as they stared blankly at the departing quartet!
• "What just transpired? Were they not here to extend their congratulations?"
• "Could it be that the Dempsey Family angered the Primordial Palace? Otherwise, why such an ominous message?"
• "But wasn't Old Mr. Dempsey familiar with the Primordial Master…"
• As whispers rippled through the assembly, Braxton felt his face heat with mortification. The more he reflected on it, the more unsettling it appeared. He glanced at the colossal gift box among the offerings and instructed a servant, "Open that box and see what's inside!"
• The servant nodded and approached, preparing to tear off the wrapping!
• All gazes remained fixated on the unfolding scene, and an oppressive silence enveloped the atmosphere!
• Whoosh!
• As the servant ripped away the packaging, he gasped in horror, for nestled inside was a dark and dilapidated coffin!
• "This is..." gasps echoed throughout the crowd, many feeling cold sweat break out on their brows!
• A piece of white paper floated to the ground as the wrapping was discarded!
• "Old Mr. Dempsey, t-there's a message…" The servant quivered as he retrieved the white paper and presented it to Braxton.
• "What does it say?" Braxton's complexion paled, and he felt as though his legs might give way.
• The servant studied the note, trembling uncontrollably!
• "What does it say?" Braxton now bellowed, forsaking any pretense of composure.
• That day, he felt utterly degraded…
• The servant stammered as he read aloud, "Repaying like for like, the cycles of cosmic justice shall not be evaded!"
• At this shocking revelation, the entire room was engulfed in silence; one could hear a pin drop!
• What kind of gift is this? It clearly signifies retribution…
• "M-Old Mr. Dempsey, it appears there's something within the coffin!"
• The coffin was not securely sealed; after unwrapping it, the lid seemed to shift slightly.
• "Open it! Open it immediately!" Braxton's weathered face burned with indignation. He struggled to comprehend how he had incurred the wrath of the Primordial Palace; they were clearly intent on humiliating him, seeking to rob him of all respect!
• The servant, though trembling with trepidation, cautiously stepped forward to the coffin.
• He nudged the lid aside, and a pungent odor of blood assaulted his nostrils, unveiling a pair of polished leather shoes!
• His heart pounding, the servant summoned his courage and lifted the coffin lid to take a closer look!
• "Ah!"
• The next instant, a shriek pierced the air as the servant crumpled to the floor, retreating frantically while pointing at the coffin, stammering, "A-a corpse… A headless corpse!"
• This chilling announcement reverberated through the room, prompting a few brave individuals to venture closer for a better view.
• It was indeed a headless corpse!
• Dressed in an exquisitely tailored suit, the body exuded an air of wealth and refinement, with a white flower pinned to its chest as if prepared for a somber memorial.
• However, beneath the opulent exterior, the exposed arms and ankles were riddled with gruesome wounds, unmistakably indicating horrific suffering before death, with the attire only donned posthumously.
• Braxton felt his rage almost overwhelm him. Suddenly, a realization dawned upon him, prompting him to abandon his cane as he frantically unfastened the square gift box in his grasp!
• As he opened the box, a pair of pale, lifeless eyes snapped wide open, fixating on him with an unsettling gaze!