Chapter 010: Closing the Door to Trap the Dog

"Eh? Where did he go?"

Uncle Eight led a few thugs into the side courtyard, but there was no sign of Brian Young.

It could be said that Brian Young had just entered, and they followed immediately after—there was no way he could have disappeared without a trace.

"Search for him!"

A cold glint flashed in Uncle Eight's eyes as he ordered the three thugs to search the courtyard.

Normally, even if they were given a hundred times the courage, they wouldn't dare to be so brazen.

But today was the special day of the "Wen Tian Assembly." The vast majority of the family’s younger generation had gone to attend it. More importantly, the once number one genius had lost all his powers and become a cripple, which made them fearless.

"Ah!"

Suddenly, a scream came from inside the courtyard. Two maids, about fifteen or sixteen years old, were terrified at the sight of the fierce-looking thugs, their faces drained of color.

These two maids were usually responsible for Brian Young's daily needs. In the family, there were no more than five who enjoyed such treatment.

"Heh heh... these girls aren't bad looking!"

The three thugs immediately had lecherous thoughts and started to approach the two rather plain-looking maids.

As thugs, their lives were not as glamorous as they appeared; they often went hungry. Yang Family Fort was a relatively law-abiding place, so at most, they would harass some married women.

Now, seeing these two average-looking maids, they could hardly contain their hunger.

"You lot, get back to business! Damn it, it's like you haven't seen a woman in eight generations..."

Uncle Eight scolded angrily.

"Yes, yes, Uncle Eight."

The three thugs hurriedly agreed and began to search the courtyard carefully.

"You two maids, tell me honestly—have you seen your master?"

Uncle Eight stared coldly at the two trembling maids.

"S-sir, we haven't seen the master return."

One of the maids replied in a trembling voice.

"Hmph, if you don't tell me where your master is hiding, I'll hand you over to these three starving perverts. You can imagine what will happen then..."

Uncle Eight threatened, his face dark.

"Please, sir, spare us..."

"We really haven't seen the master return... He went to the 'Wen Tian Assembly'!"

The two maids burst into tears from fear.

A thoughtful look appeared on Uncle Eight's face.

"Uncle Eight, we've searched every corner and found nothing. But, we did find some valuables in the house."

A moment later, the three thugs came to report, holding some antiques, calligraphy, jade bottles, and books, looking quite pleased with their haul.

"You lot..."

Uncle Eight's face turned grim. "I told you to find the person, not to steal things. You never change."

Clang!

The three thugs, looking aggrieved, threw the bottles and jars to the ground.

"I'm certain that Brian Young is still hiding somewhere in this courtyard..."

Uncle Eight's gaze began to sweep over every corner of the courtyard.

"Could it be..." Uncle Eight suddenly thought of a possibility and muttered to himself, "Impossible... He's lost all his powers; he shouldn't be able to use any spells."

With that thought, Uncle Eight suddenly stopped, focused his breath, crossed his hands, and performed a few incantations. A wave of spiritual energy emanated from his body.

Suddenly, a glint of spiritual light appeared in Uncle Eight's eyes.

This was a low-level spell commonly used by cultivators: the Spirit Eye Technique.

With the Spirit Eye Technique, a cultivator could see things invisible to the naked eye, such as ghosts and spirits.

At the same time, the Spirit Eye Technique could also break certain concealments.

"Sigh... You’re just asking for trouble."

At that moment, a man's voice came from the entrance of the courtyard.

Brian Young's figure appeared. He sighed, then closed the courtyard gate.

Creak!

The gate closed.

"Master!"

The two maids exclaimed in delight.

"You... you really are here!"

Uncle Eight looked shocked. Seeing Brian Young close the door, he suddenly had a bad feeling.

"You three, go! Beat him!"

Uncle Eight shouted.

"Go!"

The three thugs advanced toward Brian Young.

"Heh, you three mere mortals dare to lay a hand on me?"

Brian Young stood at the door, calm and composed.

"Ah!"

The three thugs, intimidated by Brian Young's usual reputation, immediately stopped in their tracks, looking hesitant.

"You three, what are you afraid of? He’s lost all his powers—he’s just a paper tiger now. Go! If you succeed, each of you will get a hundred taels of silver."

Uncle Eight barked from behind, his eyes flickering as he sized up the calm Brian Young.

"Yes, Uncle Eight!"

The three thugs, hearing the promise of a hundred taels of silver, were instantly invigorated, as if they'd taken expired Viagra. Their fear vanished, and they charged at Brian Young without regard for their lives.

"You really aren't afraid of death, letting him egg you on?"

Brian Young chuckled, a sharp light flashing in his eyes. He slowly raised a hand, and a faintly oppressive aura emanated.

"Ah!"