The weight of the Xuan Iron Sword is eight jin and four liang. For most martial arts experts, this weight is nothing, but for the previously frail Henry Thompson, this sword was simply more than he could bear. But now, with a slight exertion of his right hand, the entire Xuan Iron Sword immediately began to hum and tremble continuously. The immense force of the sword’s vibration—if seen by an ordinary expert—would surely leave them utterly shocked. Just this vibrating force alone must weigh no less than a hundred jin!

However, at this moment, Henry Thompson was effortlessly controlling the Xuan Iron Sword. The silvery-white blade, paired with Henry Thompson’s blue long robe, truly gave him the air of a swordsman.

“Hahahaha, I never expected this! Sword intent—controlling the sword—can actually be so natural and at will!”

Henry Thompson muttered to himself. A wild bee flew in through the window, moving quite fast, and in a moment landed on the edge of the bath barrel.

Henry Thompson focused his gaze. Before his eyes, he saw a sliver of yellow and black striped oval belly, with a sharp tip underneath, from which a fine, needle-like stinger would occasionally protrude.

With a surge of sword intent in his heart, the long sword instantly trembled, generating a tremendous force as if leaving its sheath, and the sword suddenly shot out!

With a gentle wave of his left hand, the poisonous bee was startled and darted out. A cold glint flashed in Henry Thompson’s eyes, and the Xuan Iron Sword in his hand turned into a blur, slashing out in an instant!

“Whoosh!”

The Xuan Iron Sword quivered slightly. This sword, sharp enough to cut through iron like mud, in almost an instant, killed the poisonous bee beneath its blade!

The power of this strike was in no way inferior to the full-force attack of a second-rate expert.

Yet at this moment, Henry Thompson did not know how strong he truly was, nor what level he had reached. But he knew that there were less than five years left until the family competition!

For the honor of his family, thinking of his father’s stooped figure, the white hair at his temples, those weathered wrinkles, Henry Thompson’s heart twisted with pain. And thinking of his little sister Grace Thompson’s adorable face, his determination not to let his loved ones die in battle grew even stronger.

Chapter 004: The Evil Servant

The first great realm of the Way of the Sword Soul—Sword Intent, first level—after completing his cultivation once more, Henry Thompson let out a long, turbid breath, opened the long-sealed door, and walked out.

Outside the door, the sky was clear and the air was fresh, with fragrance drifting for miles.

It was already the time between spring and summer.

Taking a breath of fresh air, Henry Thompson closed his eyes in contentment.

In these past three years, not a single person from the The Thompson Family had come to visit Henry Thompson. And as someone who had been reborn, Henry Thompson’s will was firm, but deep down he still felt a bit of loss. Perhaps it was because his family feared that his existence would be discovered by other sects, or perhaps it was a matter of pride, and the family could not tolerate a good-for-nothing; or maybe it was simply for Henry Thompson’s own good, so he could live a better life... Whatever the reason, Henry Thompson found it hard to let go.

An adult’s mindset, a youth’s heart—this kind of internal conflict, combined with the influence of his environment, was still a blow to Henry Thompson.

He sighed inwardly. In this world where the strong prey on the weak, only with strength can one obtain everything one desires. Without strength, even the young master of a great family is, in truth, nothing at all.

Feeling deeply, Henry Thompson sighed again. The once vibrant world before his eyes suddenly seemed a bit dimmer.

Ahead, in the garden, the three child brides were already twelve years old, at the age of transition from child to maiden. But in this martial world, girls of thirteen were often already married, so at twelve, strictly speaking, they were not so young anymore.

The three girls were named Julia Thompson, Helen Thompson, and Emily Thompson. Each was a rare beauty, their looks outstanding even from a young age, full of spirit and cuteness. Now, though only twelve, they had already grown into stunning beauties.

But at this moment, Henry Thompson was not in the mood to appreciate such beauty.

Watching Julia Thompson, Helen Thompson, and Emily Thompson catching butterflies and playing, their laughter as clear as bells, Henry Thompson could only smile with relief.

“If not for living in a world full of slaughter, days like this would be the life I most desire. It’s just that...” Thinking of his parents still on Earth, and his just-adult younger sister, Henry Thompson felt a wave of helplessness.

Henry Thompson wandered around aimlessly, casting aside his restlessness, and his mood gradually improved. Everything on Earth was already in the past—Henry Thompson could not change it. But this life before him, Henry Thompson would not, and did not want to, give up so easily.

Walking into the garden, the fragrance of flowers immediately filled the air. The gardener in charge of the flowers clearly had a sense of taste. Most of these flowers were unlike those on Earth, but their names were not much different—hibiscus, lotus, camellia, lily, and so on. Their fragrance was pleasant, elegant but not vulgar, rich but not overwhelming or suffocating. The number and placement of the flowers and plants even subtly matched the principles of the five elements, making it a truly remarkable feat of gardening.

Julia Thompson, Helen Thompson, and Emily Thompson were playing happily. When they saw Henry Thompson’s figure, they were about to scold him, but suddenly a look of surprise flashed across Julia Thompson’s face. She quickly tugged at her two younger sisters and hurried over to Henry Thompson, bowing and saying, “Young master, you... why have you come out today? If you want to go somewhere, Julia will take you.”