"Boss, how is he?" Frostblade asked again after Billy removed his hand.
"He's hurt bad, it's a miracle he's still alive." Billy replied with a grim expression. "They intended to strike through Ebony Lord's heart with a single palm, but luckily, he had his Chi to protect him, or he'd be dead by now."
Having said that, Billy took out silver needles from his pocket and began to treat Ebony Lord. After placing nine needles, he channeled his Chi into Ebony Lord's Dantian. After a while, Frostblade and the others saw black blood seeping from the base of the needles near the palm imprint.
Around twenty minutes later, the palm imprint gradually turned dark red, and the surrounding skin returned to normal. Billy then removed the needles one by one.
"Commander, is he going to be alright?" Wally Hammond asked.
"He won't wake up for a while," Billy responded before taking a piece of paper and pen from the coffee table and writing a prescription for the medical hall personnel. "Get these ingredients and make a poultice for Ebony Lord."
"Yes!" the two nodded and left.
"Help Ebony Lord to his room and have someone watch over him for twenty-four hours." Billy instructed Wally Hammond.
"Yes, sir!" Wally Hammond responded and, along with two SHADOW members, assisted Ebony Lord to his room.
"What's next?" Frostblade asked Billy.
"Tell me about the major families in Earthford." Billy said thoughtfully.
"Alright," Frostblade said after pouring a glass of water for Billy.
"The prominent families in Earthford are similar to those in Enssea. Apart from the four major families, there's another clan, one of Glavale's five Earth-ranked prominent clans, the Riley Clan."
"Hmm," Billy nodded slightly. He was well aware of the prominent clans within their territory.
"The number one ranked Lawson Clan and the fourth-ranked Dittman Clan have had conflicts with the Riley Clan. Althou gh the Lawsons' strength doesn't compare to the Rileys', they're not far behind."
"Have you investigated the backgrounds of the Lawson Clan and the Riley Clan?" Billy asked again.
"Yes," Frostblade nodded. "The Riley family has a fair share of issues, but the Lawson family is relatively straightforward."
"And what about the Dittman family?" Billy asked with a slight nod.
"They are an old local family in Earthford, specializing in medicine." Frostblade replied. "Their family lineage dates back nearly as long as the Riley Clan's. It is said that their ancestors served as royal physicians in the former dynasty, enjoying considerable prestige. In present times, despite a decline in their fortunes, they still hold a prominent position within Earthford, counted among the four major families."
"Is it possible that the Dittman clan was involved, perhaps by someone from the Riley clan?" Billy asked, lifting his teacup to take a sip.
"I think it's unlikely," Frostblade replied after a brief pause. "Although conflicts frequently arise between the two families, the Rileys wouldn't resort to such extreme measures unless there were special circumstances."
"But what if there were special circumstances?" Billy mused.
"Boss, although the Riley Clan is a suspect, I believe Ink Pavilion is more likely." Frostblade continued. "I don't know Ink Pavilion's motives, but based on the outcome, it resembles their style of operation."
"Hmm, it's possible," Billy nodded slightly. "Well, we don't have any leads at the moment. We'll ask Ebony Lord for information when he wakes up."
With that, he got up and headed to the door.
"Boss, where are you going?" Frostblade asked, slightly puzzled.
"Frostblade, do you always neglect worldly matters when you're not on a case or training?" Billy chuckled. "I'm starving, and your hospitality as a host has been rather lacking!"
"Oh! It's almost two o'clock!" Frostblade glanced at the wall clock and blushed slightly. "I'm sorry, I've been preoccupied with Ebony Lord's condition and forgot about food."
"Ah..." Billy sighed. "With you like this, how will you take care of a household when you marry Azure Fang?"
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