Some things, they dared not think too deeply about, nor too complicatedly. All they needed to know was that the young master they would serve in the future was the real third young master, and that was enough.

……

In the deep of night, nothing could withstand Henry Thompson's clear gaze. Even when going out or patrolling at night, every servant and attendant who saw Henry Thompson treated him with utmost respect. As for what Henry Thompson was doing, none dared to ask, and Henry Thompson's cold expression made them even less likely to have the courage to inquire.

After making a round through Tianshui Manor and taking in some fresh air, Henry Thompson felt a bit more at ease.

Afterward, following his heart's desire, he began to practice the Dominant Sword Path alone in the secluded garden. The Dominant Sword Path had no set moves, only artistic conception and realm; all techniques and forms were considered inferior.

And Henry Thompson's practice was also guided by his feelings and the artistic conception.

Where the sword went, he went; where the sword moved, he followed.

Whether it was taking an unconventional approach with the sword, or using chaotic, patternless moves, all gave Henry Thompson new insights. Amidst these realizations, Henry Thompson finally began to faintly sense the subtle artistic conception of the Dominant Sword Path.

It was an artistic conception of forging ahead without retreat, an artistic conception of killing the enemy with the simplest trajectory, combined with military strategy, using the least amount of force to unleash the greatest attack!

Suddenly sensing this hidden meaning, Henry Thompson's body trembled, a look of surprise appeared on his face, and a flash of understanding flickered in his eyes. At that moment, feeling the faintly falling leaves behind him, Henry Thompson suddenly moved.

His figure left behind a faint afterimage, and the cold light in his hand suddenly flickered.

As Henry Thompson spun around abruptly, the sword in his hand had already pierced out, and a faint but clear "puff" sound came from the air.

The falling leaf's trajectory did not change at all, but its center had been pierced by the flying sword.

And the flying sword, at this moment, had already returned to Henry Thompson's hand.

Chapter 007: The Council

Bilan City, The Thompson Family inner council, inside a secret chamber.

“Elders of the family, the reason I have gathered you all here today is to discuss an important matter. Please be patient, and in a moment, the steward Alice Thompson will report the details.” Samuel Thompson's calm yet somewhat authoritative voice echoed through the council hall. In this ancient, tightly sealed space, it carried a certain indescribable heaviness.

Back then, when dealing with Henry Thompson, it was Samuel Thompson who acted alone. In fact, it had also been discussed with the other elders in council, but the result at that time was much worse than what Samuel Thompson decided—that was, direct elimination.

It was only through Samuel Thompson's efforts that Henry Thompson had a chance to survive.

And now, because of Henry Thompson, five years later, everyone was gathered once again.

There were not many elders, only five, all collateral branches of the The Thompsons, all surnamed Li, but their bloodline was already three generations removed.

Because of this, the position of clan head of the The Thompsons family had always remained with the main line of the The Thompson Family.

“Henry Thompson, that naturally crippled martial arts good-for-nothing? What's there to discuss? Did he suddenly gain the favor of a Martial Saint and get a complete body transformation or something?” A short, extremely lean old man sneered, his small eyes full of disdain.

He wore dark blue-black clothes, his sparse yellow-black beard drooping listlessly, his protruding forehead and high cheekbones making his features stand out sharply.

His skin was like pine bark, and with his jutting bones, he looked fierce and ruthless.

This was the Third Elder, Frank Thompson.

“Hahaha, Third Elder, you really know how to joke. That good-for-nothing, favored by a Martial Saint? Don't make this old man laugh to death! Hahahaha—” The Fourth Elder, Simon Thompson, laughed loudly.

He wore a blue-yellow long robe, his face slightly plump, round, with thick eyebrows and protruding teeth, his laughter whistling through his teeth.

He was rather tall, giving an impression of sturdiness.

“Behave yourselves! This is the elders' council, not a place for such rudeness!” The First Elder, George Thompson, said sternly.

“Hmph!”

“Hmph!”

Both of them snorted coldly, then curled their lips, a trace of disdain flashing in their eyes.

Then, seeing Samuel Thompson walk over and take the clan head's seat, they immediately bowed slightly to Samuel Thompson in a symbolic gesture and said, “Greetings, Clan Head.”

“Greetings, Clan Head,” the First Elder George Thompson and Second Elder Brian Thompson also said respectfully at this moment.

“Greetings, Clan Head.” The Fifth Elder, Mark Thompson, was the last to speak, and his demeanor was the most respectful.

He wore a black robe, his face somewhat stern, with sword-like brows and starry eyes. Though not old, his face showed traces of experience.

His jet-black beard was streaked with white, making him look somewhat aged, but paired with his still youthful face, he gave off the impression of a sharp sword—someone who, if he acted, would be deadly.

“Very well, everyone, please be seated. Elder Mark Thompson, bring Alice Thompson in.” Samuel Thompson ordered.

“Yes, Clan Head.” Mark Thompson bowed and withdrew, leaving the secret chamber a moment later.

A short while after.

The steward Alice Thompson, accompanied by Fifth Elder Mark Thompson, entered the The Thompson Family council's secret chamber.