Jack Harper had just stepped out of the courtyard gate when he heard an excited voice. Several figures rushed over, and upon closer look, it seemed to be James York's lackeys A, B, and C.

"You guys waiting for me? What does your master want this time? If he wants something, tell him to come find me himself." Jack Harper had nothing to say to these lackeys and walked straight ahead.

"Young Master Renjie doesn't have time to wait for you here. Who do you think you are? And what's with the backpack—are you trying to run away?" Lackey A jumped out, pointing at Jack Harper.

At this moment, Jack Harper was indeed carrying a backpack, which naturally contained equipment, potions, and some rations. After all, hunting in the back mountain would take quite a few days.

"That's none of your business. If you have something to say, say it quickly. If you have to fart, do it fast. Not that I'll necessarily listen." Jack Harper waved his hand dismissively.

"Damn, you've got some nerve! You think you're invincible just because you beat a level-six Star Disciple with some shameless trick?" Lackey A immediately got angry—he was being looked down on, and by this useless loser, no less.

"Of course I'm not invincible. I know my own limits." Jack Harper replied earnestly.

"Since you know, then be good and come with us to see Young Master Renjie." Lackey A was satisfied, thinking Jack Harper had listened to him, and felt proud of his own persuasive skills.

"No time." Jack Harper replied.

"What did you say?" Lackey A was stunned.

"No time, as in, I'm busy. Good dogs don't block the road—move aside." Jack Harper waved his hand, really looking like he was shooing away a dog.

"You dare insult me? You really think you're invincible now!" Lackey A was furious, looking ready to fight.

"I already said, I'm not invincible yet. But dealing with you guys is more than enough." Jack Harper said calmly, looking inscrutable. Even when facing an imminent fight, he remained composed.

"If you want to die, then don't blame me. I'll show you what a real level-six Star Disciple is like. That cook never fought before—he was all show, so it's no wonder you beat him. But me, I'll crush you completely!" Lackey A took a fighting stance, his Star Spirit appearing behind him—a pale blue orb of light, surrounded by six streams of light.

"Tch!"

Jack Harper sneered, then gripped the knife hanging at his waist. The knife had an ancient ring-pommel design, but its color scheme looked feminine. Well, it was a woman's knife—his cheap older sister's old weapon.

All of Jack Harper's equipment had been gathered from around the courtyard. He didn't have spares, but figured he could just return them after use. As for consumables, once used, they were gone.

The knife looked like it was for women, but a knife is a knife—it works the same.

Tiger Fist Technique—Tiger Descends the Mountain!

Lackey A threw a punch. As soon as he did, Jack Harper knew what move it was and could predict its trajectory. The Tiger Fist Technique was one of the basic fist techniques—most people knew it.

And at Lackey A's current level, he couldn't possibly bring any qualitative change to the technique. The trajectory was fixed, with over a hundred ways to counter it. At least thirty of them suited Jack Harper's current abilities.

At this moment, a virtual figure appeared before Jack Harper's eyes. He selected the most effective counter and simulated the changes in the fight...

In a flash, Jack Harper drew his knife and struck—a perfect angle and timing. The blow landed directly on Lackey A's head.

"Bang!"

Lackey A was knocked out.

Although Jack Harper drew his knife, he had kept the sheath on. Otherwise, it wouldn't have been just a knockout.

"Ah..."

Lackeys B and C were stunned, unable to believe what they had just seen.

Was this really that useless burden? Wasn't he just a level-one Star Disciple?

They had heard he defeated two level-four and level-six Star Disciples in the kitchen, but those guys weren't real fighters—their Star Disciple ranks were a bit inflated. Plus, the way the fight went down, everyone thought Jack Harper had relied on sneak attacks and tricks.

But now?

Lackey A was one of James York's lackeys, often hunting Star Beasts and getting into fights over conflicts. He was a fairly experienced Star Warrior. His level-six rank was solid—a standard level-six Star Disciple.

Just now, Lackey A made the first move, and Jack Harper countered. This wasn't a sneak attack. It showed that Jack Harper at least had the ability to break a level-six Star Disciple's moves. And that strike was strong enough to knock out a standard level-six Star Disciple.

This was definitely not something a level-one Star Disciple could do. He must have been hiding his strength before!

That's right, he must have been hiding his strength. Otherwise, why did it take him so many hits to knock out that cook before? With how he performed now, one hit would have been enough.

Did he improve this much in just six days?

No, impossible. What could you do in six days? No way he could improve that much!

Or maybe... this was all an illusion!

Chapter 11: Navigation—Am I Lost or Not

"You go try. Maybe it was just a fluke!" Lackey B glanced at Lackey C and whispered.