Ethan Brooks stood up and looked straight at David Clark, saying bluntly, “David Clark, I didn’t expect that after so many years of campaigning outside, you’d still be such a coward upon your return.”

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone’s expression changed dramatically, including David Clark himself.

No one expected that as soon as Ethan Brooks opened his mouth, he would actually challenge David Clark, the famed General Who Conquers the North, right in front of so many people!

“What did you say!”

“I’m just wondering, with the way you are now, do you even have the strength to lift a sword?”

“You’re trying to provoke me…”

“Looks like, aside from scaring people, you really are good for nothing now.”

“Clang!”

The sharp sword at David Clark’s waist was instantly drawn, pointing straight at Ethan Brooks!

“You insolent brat! While I, David Clark, was fighting battles east and north, you were probably still hiding in some corner. My achievements are not something a mere youngster like you can judge! Don’t think I don’t know what you’re up to. Let me tell you, with my status as David Clark, killing you would be no harder than crushing an ant—especially now, when you’re the one provoking me. Kneel and apologize to me at once, or else…”

Before he could finish, Ethan Brooks calmly replied again, “Is your sword just for show? With how soft and weak you look, can you even kill anyone?”

“You’re courting death!”

“Whoosh!”

A sharp flash of the sword instantly sliced through the air, stabbing straight at Ethan Brooks, who was just an arm’s length away…

Volume One: Meteor Festival

Chapter Nine: Resolution

“Stop!”

Just as David Clark’s sword was about to strike, a loud shout suddenly came from the back of the crowd.

At this moment, David Clark had already thrust his sword. By all rights, for any reason, it should have been impossible to stop now—killing Ethan Brooks was already inevitable!

However, the person who called out to stop him carried too much weight—at least, not someone he could afford to offend right now. If, because of Ethan Brooks, he made an enemy of this person, it would not only affect himself, but could also impact the Second Prince’s future imperial ambitions.

His mind racing, he finally stopped his sword just a finger’s width from Ethan Brooks’s throat.

“Sir David Clark!”

The crowd quickly parted, and then, Logan Bennett and Grace Cooper, who had at least met Ethan Brooks once before, stepped out from among them.

“Sir David Clark, please show mercy!”

“So it’s Sir Logan Bennett. May I ask what brings you here, Sir Logan Bennett…”

Logan Bennett cupped his hands slightly toward David Clark: “This gentleman, Ethan Brooks, is a friend of mine. I wonder if you could do me a favor and not make things difficult for him.”

“Friend!?”

Seeing Logan Bennett actually plead for Ethan Brooks, David Clark was quite surprised. He clearly didn’t understand how a young man like Ethan Brooks, who had no reputation in the capital, could have any connection with the most promising young master of alchemy in Great Qi—the Sword Saint Logan Bennett.

Not only was he confused, but even Ivy Foster, Lily Foster, and the others nearby were also puzzled by Logan Bennett’s attitude.

Although Logan Bennett’s reasons for holding Ethan Brooks in such high regard were unknown, with his noble status, it was unlikely he would take the initiative to befriend Ethan Brooks. After all, he was a figure at the peak of the ninth level of Qi cultivation, just one step away from the legendary gate of alchemy. Even the emperor himself treated him with great respect.

This time, the emperor had convened the banquet of heroes partly to let the nation’s young talents get acquainted, but mainly to welcome and honor two heavyweight figures: Logan Bennett and Princess Qingping. This alone showed how exalted his status was in the Great Qi Dynasty.

Yet now, he openly admitted to being friends with an obscure nobody like Ethan Brooks.

David Clark naturally understood how important Logan Bennett was to the Second Prince’s cause. Seeing him speak up, he nodded at once: “Since Sir Logan Bennett has spoken, I dare not refuse. I will let the matter rest for today!”

When he had thrust his sword at Ethan Brooks just now, even when it was only a finger’s width from Ethan Brooks’s throat, the latter hadn’t reacted at all. David Clark figured the other simply hadn’t been able to react to his speed and was just pretending to be calm. In that case, no matter how skilled he was, he was no real threat.

To gain a favor from the Sword Saint Logan Bennett over such a small matter—this was an incredibly worthwhile deal.

“Then I thank you, Sir David Clark.”

“You are too kind, Sir Logan Bennett.”

Having gotten what he wanted, David Clark didn’t linger. He cupped his hands and said, “I have some other friends to attend to over there, so I’ll take my leave. Please enjoy yourself, Sir Logan Bennett.”

Logan Bennett nodded slightly. Watching David Clark lead James Clark and the others away, he turned around.

A conflict that had been on the verge of erupting was completely suppressed by the overwhelming influence of Logan Bennett’s arrival.