Grace Hamilton's chest heaved violently, the flames burning on her delicate body growing ever fiercer. In her ears, the heartbroken cries of her aunt made her anxious and distraught, her thunderous rage uncontrollable. Flames swirled around her as she unleashed a move—Furious Wind and Blazing Flames—striking the chest of the foremost lackey.

　　With a muffled "smack!", the lackey spat out a mouthful of blood, was sent flying backward, and crashed to the ground, dead.

　　That raging fire seemed to transform into her endless strength.

　　Her jade palms struck out rapidly, pressing the attack with unstoppable momentum. She caught another lackey's opening, forcing him to meet her palm. The overwhelming force sent the enemy flying, blood spurting from his mouth, and he lay on the ground, barely breathing.

　　Grace Hamilton's outburst in such a desperate situation left the lackeys exchanging shocked glances—this little girl actually possessed such boundless potential.

　　But by now, she was still flesh and blood, and had reached the end of her strength.

　　Noticing the opening on her back, David Foster gave a sinister smile, secretly channeling his inner energy. An iron palm shadow formed in his hand, ready to strike at any moment.

　　"Beast, go to hell." Grace Hamilton used up the last of her strength, broke through the encirclement, slapped away the sharp-nosed, monkey-faced man who was crushing Big Brother, and then kicked another one flying through the air.

　　"Finally, Big Brother is rescued." As she relaxed, she neglected the lurking danger behind her.

　　David Foster's gloomy eyes lit up—the timing was perfect. With a vicious grin, he sent an Iron Sand Palm hurtling toward her delicate back.

　　Linda Hughes screamed in terror, her eyes bloodshot, wishing she could die in her place.

　　Time seemed to freeze in that instant.

　　Suddenly, a sharp whistling sound cut through the air. A dark green stone spun rapidly toward them, landing with perfect precision between David Foster's palm and Grace Hamilton's back.

　　"Bang!"

　　David Foster's deadly Iron Sand Palm struck the stone, the explosive force radiating outward. But the stone didn't budge an inch, nor did it crack in the slightest.

　　Huh? David Foster was stunned. What was going on?

　　Suddenly, the stone poked out half a head, its big, adorable eyes bleary as if just waking from a dream. It blinked at David Foster. How dare this brazen thief disturb Lord Ba's good sleep?

　　Retaliation!

　　"Phfft"—a jet of water shot out, spraying directly into David Foster's face.

　　The turtle's eyes darted around, sensing the tense atmosphere. Its head instantly shrank back, and with a plop, it fell to the ground.

Chapter Six: Mark Brooks Returns

　　This little turtle was clearly Xiao Ba, the legendary divine beast.

　　Shrinking its body was just one of its magical abilities.

　　That weak stream of saliva was also a divine beast's innate power. If the old turtle used it, it could easily wash away and destroy an entire city, annihilating countless lives. But Xiao Ba had just been born, so this "Raging Waves of the Azure Sea" move could only be used for comic effect.

　　David Foster was dumbfounded. He wiped the sticky saliva from his face, and in a fit of rage, kicked the turtle flying.

　　Everyone, including David Foster, turned their gaze toward the direction the turtle had flown from.

　　At the gate stood a young man, raggedly dressed and barefoot. His clear black-and-white eyes shone with a somber light.

　　This was, of course, Mark Brooks, who had just finished cultivating in the small cave paradise and rushed home desperately.

　　He never expected that upon returning, he would witness such a scene at home. In his urgency, he could only throw the only weapon he had on him—Xuan Turtle Xiao Ba.

　　Fortunately, he arrived just in time to prevent a tragedy. Seeing Big Brother lying on the ground covered in wounds, Aunt in utter grief, and his Younger Sister battered and nearly killed, a murderous intent surged in his heart, a blood-red haze clouding his clear eyes.

　　"Second Brother." Having survived the ordeal, Grace Hamilton cried out in a mix of joy and sorrow upon seeing Mark Brooks return.

　　Mark Brooks staggered forward, taking a few strides to reach her side. He gently helped her up, tenderly wiping the blood from the corner of her mouth, then shot a sharp, piercing gaze all around.

　　The arrogant lackeys suddenly felt as if a savage, wild beast was staring them down. Their hearts trembled, and they all took several steps back.

　　At this moment, Grace Hamilton had exhausted all her strength and collapsed into Henry Brooks's arms, choking with emotion: "Big Brother, Second Brother is back! He's safe, he's really safe."

　　Now, everyone snapped back to their senses.

　　David Foster's eyes gleamed viciously. This brat wasn't dead after all? Well, if he killed him now, the credit would be even greater.

　　But why did this useless brat's gaze seem so fierce? Was there a tangible, intense killing intent about him? He'd heard that this useless kid had trained for three years and was only a mere beginner spirit disciple.

　　Could it be that he had some kind of fortuitous encounter in the small cave paradise?

　　David Foster, ever suspicious, pondered to himself. With a cripple here, he wasn't afraid they would all escape. Rather than act rashly, it was better to observe a bit longer.

　　He crossed his arms, coldly sizing up Mark Brooks.

　　Mark Brooks temporarily suppressed all his anger and ignored the group. With eyes full of guilt, he said, "Aunt, Big Brother, Daisy. I'm sorry I came back late."

　　"Second Brother, are you alright?" Henry Brooks asked with concern, enduring his pain.