Chapter 940: Chapter 945

As Jerome took the lead, the remaining 29 representatives followed suit and made their way to the stage.

The host brought a box for drawing lots and placed it in front of the contestants. He signaled for them to line up and draw lots one by one.

Coincidentally, Jerome stood behind Hickman in the line.

“We better not end up in the same group, Mr. Griffith,” Hickman remarked.

“What do you mean?” Jerome asked.

“As long as we ain’t grouped together, I won’t be eliminating you too soon,” Hickman said with a confident tone.

“Mr. Adams, are you that certain that you will win?” Jerome asked with a deep voice.

“I’ve spent countless years immersed in the Treasure Appraisal Industry. Evaluating gemstones is one of my greatest strengths. If we end up in the same group, I won’t show any mercy, not even to Mr. Jaber,” Hickman confidently stated.

That was a provocation!

It was an overt provocation.

Jerome’s eyes narrowed, his tone becoming colder. “We’ll see about that. Let’s see who comes out on top in the end.” “Alright, everyone, it’s time to draw lots. Numbers 1, 3, and 5 will be in one group, numbers 2, 4, and 6 in another, and numbers 7, 8, and 9 in the final group,” the host announced.

Hickman stepped forward and drew his lot. He revealed a small ball labeled with the number “6” on it.

“Next up, let’s welcome the next participant,” the host declared as Hickman’s number “6” was announced.

Jerome stepped forward and extended his hand into the box, retrieving a small ball with the number “4” marked on it. “Mr. Griffith, you have drawn number 4, which means you will be in the same group as Mr. Hickman,” the host announced.

Hickman raised his eyebrows slightly.

Jerome walked over and placed the ball he had drawn into a separate box designated for the group selection.

“Seems like fate has brought us together, Mr. Griffith. It’s a destined encounter. Enemies are bound to cross paths,” Hickman said in a low voice.

“Mr. Adams, let’s not take it too seriously. It’s just a coincidence,” Jerome replied in a nonchalant tone.

As their gazes met, they could sense the frostiness in each other’s eyes.

After the tense encounter, the Louzs, along with Hickman, realized Haylan’s true identity and promptly apologized. They chose to retreat and avoid any further trouble.

To his surprise, fate seemed to have conspired to make them cross paths once again.

This was an intense fight.

“Congratulations, Mr. Martinez, for drawing number 2. Now, I announce the formation of the first group. Please proceed to the first stall,” the host declared.

When Jerome heard this, his expression changed and he immediately looked over.

On the other side, Yussel held a small ball marked with the number 2. His expression turned serious.

The three of them locked eyes, their gazes filled with mutual animosity.

Fate had brought together these enemies on a narrow path.

“Let’s expect a good show. They all have conflicts. Now they are in the same group. It’s going to be a great battle. “Hurry, focus the camera on them. We must capture this captivating moment..”

Upon discovering that the three of them were grouped together, a lively discussion erupted among the audience.

Certain intrusive reporters and photographers had promptly aimed their cameras at the trio, capturing the unfolding events on film.

Yussel approached Jerome, his voice dripping with coldness. “No mercy will be shown this time, Jerome. Prepare to be kicked out.”

Jerome chuckled, a hint of defiance in his voice. “Hehe, it’s far from certain who will come out on top.”

“This time, victory is mine for the taking.” Yussel declared with unwavering confidence.

With unwavering confidence in his acquired spellcasting abilities, Yussel was certain that once he stepped into the competition booth, he would effortlessly identify the stones having emeralds in them and accurately assess their quality. Additionally, Yussel had meticulously devised some special techniques to sabotage the raw stones chosen by his competitors.

This time, as long as he made a move, Hickman and Haylan would return in failure.

Jerome couldn’t help but smirk at Yussel, noticing the lingering swelling on his face. “Easy there, Mr.

Martinez. Don’t let that inflated ego of yours blind you. You wouldn’t want to give yourself another slap, would you?”

Hearing this, Yussel’s eyes darkened even more. He felt a burning pain on his face.

He glared at Jerome fiercely. “Then let’s ride a donkey and read the script. We’ll see!”

With a calculated demeanor, Yussel made his way back to his designated stall, joining Reinhard by his side. His eyes gleamed with a dangerous intensity, hinting at the brewing storm within him.

“Mr. Adams, be careful too”

Jerome glanced at Yussel, then at Hickman, and finally returned to his seat.

Having experienced their recent clash, Jerome was well aware of the animosity between him and Yussel. He understood that Yussel was not one to be taken lightly, as he possessed a bag of tricks that could tip the scales in his favor.

If Hickman was quite friendly to him, he would tell Hickman about Yussel’s dark methods.

However, Hickman’s attitude towards them was extremely bad just now. He was also the helper of Luke and his son, so he was Jerome’s enemy.

That was why he didn’t reveal anything, leaving just like that.

“Little brat, you don’t even address me respectfully. I’ll make you suffer later!”

Hickman looked at Jerome’s back coldly and returned to his stall.

“Mr. Adams, we’re all counting on you this time,” Yonah said respectfully.

“Mr. Adams, those two are too arrogant. You have to teach them a lesson,” Luke also said.

Hickman’s eyes were cold as he said in a deep voice, “Don’t worry. I’ve made ample preparations. I guarantee that I’ll make them scram!”

After saying that, he took out three small balls and spun them in his hands. He looked at Haylan and Yussel with an incomparably dangerous gaze.

As a senior in the stone–detecting industry for decades, he had his own tricks.

Next, he only needed to wait for Yussel and Haylan to fight.

Jerome returned to his booth 038 and handed his lot to Haylan. He said in a deep voice, “Mr. Jaber, we’re facing two powerful enemies this time. We can’t let our guard down.

“These two people have many vicious methods. We have to be careful.”

He had also learned stone–detecting, but his skill level was much lower than Hickman’s, and he had no way to compare with Yussel.

Now that he was up against two experts at once, he was worried that he would suffer because of inexperience. Haylan’s expression was calm as he said, “Don’t worry. To put it bluntly, stone–

detecting is also a gamble.

“It’s a competition of one’s skills and mental fortitude. In this aspect, other than my master, I’ve never lost to anyone.” After a pause, he looked at the last stage and said in a deep voice, “I’m more curious about the reward for the Stone King Cup this time. Why are there so many people participating?”

He glanced around and realized that there were many experienced experts.

He even discovered two terrifying existences that he had no way of seeing through.

It was obvious that those people were here for the Stone King Cup Therefore, he was very curious. What exactly was the reward of the Stone King Cup that attracted so many people?