After traveling for dozens of miles, vast fields appeared ahead. It was early winter, and a thin layer of snow dusted the fields on both sides. No one was working, and at the end of the fields stood a sprawling manor, its walls towering high, the extent of its grounds unknown. In the center of the official road leading to the manor was a grand archway, with large gilded characters reading “洛家庄”.

Emily Foster slowed her horse, looked at the guards ahead, and let out a breath. “It seems the manor is still safe.”

Soon, a manor servant blocked their way. “Visitors, halt!”

Emily Foster reined in her horse and cupped her fists in a martial salute. “Please inform Master Sullivan that Emily Foster from Luoxia Manor has come to visit.”

Her voice was not loud, yet it carried far, like a morning bell or evening drum. Charles Carter felt envious—was this inner strength? Unlike himself, who nearly suffered internal injuries just from riding a horse...

Before the servants could respond, hearty laughter rang out from within the manor. “What wind has brought Miss Foster to our manor? Truly an honor, truly an honor. Open the gates, welcome our guests!”

The servants hurriedly opened the main gate wide. A middle-aged man with a long beard strode out, greeting them with a smile. “Indeed, at this dusk, the setting sun and red plumes reflect the evening glow—such beauty seems almost otherworldly. The praise you receive in the martial world is well deserved.”

Charles Carter: “Ugh...”

Emily Foster: “...”

Charles Carter hadn’t meant to do that; it was his first time riding at such speed, and he was genuinely nauseated. If he could choose, he’d actually agree with the man—Emily Foster really was very beautiful.

The middle-aged man’s gaze fell on Charles Carter, his eyes questioning. “And this is...?”

“Ahem.” Emily Foster cleared her throat, helped Charles Carter down, and cupped her hands. “Hongling greets Master Sullivan. I have come with some confidential matters to discuss. This person happens to be somewhat involved...”

Charles Carter perked up his ears.

The second card—the image was a jade pendant, said to point to the starting location, but this initial experience was so strange, he couldn’t see what it had to do with the pendant. Was the secret Emily Foster mentioned referring to this?

Chapter 3: Already in the Jianghu

Very soon, Charles Carter realized he had guessed wrong.

Master Sullivan led the two of them to the parlor, dismissed the servants, but there was another young man in fine clothes present, quite handsome and refined. Master Sullivan introduced him with a smile: “My son, Ethan.”

Ethan Sullivan greeted Emily Foster with great poise. “Greetings, Fairy Foster. I have long heard of your immortal reputation; to meet you today is truly a blessing...”

Emily Foster frowned slightly. She didn’t care for such empty flattery, especially when it revolved around her looks. See, even Charles Carter was nauseated just now, wasn’t he? But since people were like this, she couldn’t be bothered to argue, and said directly, “I have received some uncertain news that the Blood God Cult may attack your manor, for reasons unknown.”

Master Sullivan was taken aback. “Uncertain news?”

“Mm... Some time ago, I was at Mount Beimang and happened to overhear some demonic cultists let something slip. At the time, they had the advantage in numbers, and it seemed even their cult leader was present, so I couldn’t capture anyone for questioning. In any case, I came to inform you, hoping you’ll be on guard.”

“Beimang? That’s nearly a thousand miles from here...” Master Sullivan looked at her in surprise, his expression somewhat odd.

Charles Carter, pale-faced and blue-lipped, sat to the side, listening with a sidelong glance.

To travel a thousand miles just to deliver a warning based on uncertain information... And from the polite tone between them, it sounded like she and Master Sullivan weren’t even close—probably just met once or twice.

Charles Carter couldn’t help but think that if this girl were a burly hero, it would feel more fitting. For a young woman to act like this was truly interesting. Dreaming of someone like her—did that mean he liked this type? Or did it mean he was just a typical guy...

Master Sullivan pondered. “We have never had any dealings with the Blood God Cult. Surely you must be mistaken... But since you have traveled so far to warn us, our manor is grateful for your kindness. Why not stay a few days, so we can show our hospitality?”

Emily Foster pointed at Charles Carter. “We passed through a village called Zhao Cuo earlier. The villagers had all been slaughtered—this young man is the sole survivor, whom I just rescued myself. It serves as some evidence.”

The The Sullivan Father and Son’s expressions changed slightly. “You fought them? Can you confirm their background?”

Emily Foster shook her head. “They were just low-level thugs, nothing special. Most likely bandits under the Blood God Cult. The demonic cult often gathers bandits to plunder, something like that... As for why they massacred the village and stirred up trouble, I haven’t figured it out. Unfortunately, I was too focused on saving people at the time and didn’t leave anyone alive to question.”

So this was what involved him... Charles Carter recalled her muttering “why stir up trouble,” and it matched.

Come to think of it, his hatred for those murderers was even greater than for that throat-slitting demoness. The rage and urge to kill those bastards in that moment—only those who experienced it could understand.

The Blood God Cult... Charles Carter clenched his fists in secret.

Master Sullivan’s expression grew grave as he pondered. “If that’s the case, our manor must immediately prepare for defense. You have already done more than enough by traveling so far to warn us. It would not be right for us to keep you here and risk dragging you into the conflict...”

Ethan Sullivan wanted to speak, but Master Sullivan shot him a glare.