“This is the Marquis’s intention…” As she spoke, a trace of unusual emotion appeared between Ivy Foster’s brows. “The Sword Saint Logan Bennett seems, for some unknown reason, to have taken a new view of you. If you can befriend Lord Logan Bennett at this gathering of heroes, your status in the Marquis’s residence, and even throughout the entire capital, will be greatly elevated…”

“No need, I think things are fine as they are!”

“Fine?” At these words, Ivy Foster’s expression instantly turned cold. “You’re a grown man, and this is all the ambition you have? Spending your days cooped up in the Marquis’s residence, not even daring to step outside the main courtyard, drawing these strange symbols and wasting your precious youth—is this really the life you want? Have you never thought of making a name for yourself, of making the Marquis, or even all the nobles and young talents of the capital, look at you with new eyes?”

“Never thought about it!” These three words came crisply and resolutely from Ethan Brooks’s mouth.

“You…”

Seeing her mistress about to quarrel with the young master, Lily Foster hurried over to smooth things over. “Alright, alright, miss, you know what Seventh Young Master is like, he…”

“Hmph, if in the past he felt he had mediocre talent and saw no hope of progress in cultivation, so he gave up, that would be understandable. But now, as long as he can build a relationship with the Sword Saint Logan Bennett, who thinks highly of him, his status would skyrocket. Such a golden opportunity is right in front of him, yet he still doesn’t know to cherish it. It’s simply…”

“Miss, miss, don’t get upset. You’re still not fully recovered. If you get yourself worked up, it won’t be good for your health. Let me try to persuade Seventh Young Master.”

Ivy Foster gave a soft, frustrated snort, turned her head away, and said nothing more.

“Seventh Young Master…”

Ethan Brooks chuckled lightly. “Mm, what is it?”

“What is it…” Lily Foster was momentarily taken aback by the question, not quite sure how to respond. “To attend the gathering of heroes, of course.”

“What’s so great about that? If you ask me, Xiaolin, you shouldn’t go either. There’s no need to waste your time on this.”

“Uh… I actually don’t want to go, but… but if miss goes alone, it’ll be so boring for her. I have to keep her company, otherwise she won’t have anyone to talk to…” As she spoke, she put on a pitiful look and pleaded, “Seventh Young Master, why don’t you go with miss too? At least then we can all chat together…”

“No need. If you don’t want to go, then don’t. I’m sure your miss won’t make things difficult for you.”

“But I can’t just leave miss alone! Last time, when she went to the palace and I didn’t go with her, she was bullied by Princess Grace and the Second Prince. She’s still not fully recovered from her injuries. That the Second Prince Ryan Bennett is really awful, even though miss…”

Before Lily Foster could finish, Ivy Foster’s cold voice came from the side: “Xiaolin, I told you, I don’t want to hear that person’s name again.”

“Yes, miss.” Lily Foster stuck out her tongue cutely. “I won’t mention him again. Anyway, that disgusting guy will also be at the so-called gathering of heroes. To keep miss from getting hurt, I definitely can’t let her go alone again.”

Ethan Brooks unconsciously frowned slightly. “Miss Xu is a seventh-level Qi cultivator, yet she was still injured by that the Second Prince. What use would it be for you, a sixth-level Qi cultivator, to go?”

“My other identity is miss’s personal bodyguard. It’s my duty.”

“Xiaolin… you really don’t have to go!”

“No, miss, I absolutely won’t let you fall into danger alone again.”

A trace of emotion flickered across Ivy Foster’s otherwise cold face. Seeing Lily Foster so determined to accompany her to the gathering, she finally nodded slightly, not wanting to reject her heartfelt loyalty.

Watching the two of them as if bidding farewell before battle, Ethan Brooks let out a soft laugh. “Since the gathering is being hosted by the Emperor of Qi, there will naturally be officials to maintain order. Even if you go, it’s unlikely you’ll be in real danger.”

“How would you know? Last time at the palace…” As she spoke, Lily Foster suddenly thought of something and changed the subject. “Seventh Young Master, you’re right. This is a banquet hosted by His Majesty the Emperor. As long as you have an invitation, anyone can attend. So why not go? It’s a great chance to meet people, build connections, and lay the groundwork for your future. Wouldn’t that be good?”

“Mm!”

This time, Ethan Brooks was surprisingly decisive, taking the invitation from Ivy Foster’s hand.

“I’ll go!”

Volume One: Meteor Festival

Chapter Six: The Banquet

Night!

The moon was as cool as water.

Outside the imperial palace of the capital, in front of a vast courtyard covering more than a hundred thousand square meters, all kinds of carriages of various styles were parked in abundance.