“Today, that man in white didn’t try to kill him. The spirit energy he injected into Ryan Carter’s chest has almost dissipated, so he should recover in a couple of days.” Sarah Harper replied, then asked, “Father, did you fight with that man in white? Were you able to discern his identity or background?”

John Harper shook his head. “I didn’t catch up to him. His cultivation level should be no less than mine. I also find it strange—I don’t know why he would attack Ryan Carter.”

“Father, when I carried Ryan Carter back today, I found... he was very, very heavy.” Sarah Harper finally voiced her doubt.

“Very heavy? Much heavier than an ordinary person?” John Harper’s expression changed, clearly taking it seriously.

“More than five times heavier than a normal person!” Sarah Harper exclaimed.

“He must have something heavy on him.” Emily Harper said with a pout.

“He probably does have something heavy on him, but since we’re of different genders, I couldn’t check him carefully. Of course, there’s another possibility... but it’s so unbelievable that I can hardly believe it myself.” Sarah Harper shook her bright eyes in confusion.

John Harper and Robert Harper exchanged glances, both seeing the astonishment in each other’s eyes. Their thoughts were focused on the second possibility Sarah Harper mentioned, and for a moment, neither spoke.

“Father, I will never marry that fool, even if it kills me! If you really insist, I’ll run away from home sooner or later and never return to The Harper Family!” At this moment, Emily Harper’s suppressed anger finally erupted. She clenched her fists and glared at John Harper like a little tigress.

Waving his hand, John Harper said, “Of course I won’t really make you marry Ryan Carter. It’s just that David Carter did a great favor for our The Harper Family, and I promised him I’d take care of Ryan Carter until he’s seventeen. Hmm, you and Ryan Carter are just engaged in name, it’s only a formality. In a couple of years, I’ll dissolve your engagement, and you’ll have nothing to do with him.”

“So that’s how it is. I knew it—how could Father be so heartless as to sacrifice little sister’s lifelong happiness.” Sarah Harper smiled in relief. “Now you can relax, silly girl.”

“Even being engaged doesn’t sound good!” Emily Harper said with a stern face, grumbling, “Once I’m engaged, I’ll have to endure people’s gossip for two whole years. I can’t stand it! I won’t be able to focus on my cultivation! If my cultivation stagnates for two years, don’t blame me for not living up to your expectations!”

With that, Emily Harper, still fuming, ran off willfully.

As soon as she said this, the expressions of John Harper and Robert Harper changed at the same time, truly hitting a sore spot.

The two brothers had placed too much hope on Emily Harper, both expecting to rely on her extraordinary cultivation talent to help The Harper Family rise again and fulfill their inner dreams.

All of this depended on Emily Harper’s continuous breakthroughs. If she couldn’t reach the Kaiyuan Realm before the age of twenty, all their efforts would be in vain.

The two brothers frowned in distress, sighing helplessly, full of bitterness.

Sarah Harper saw everything, struggling inwardly as waves of pain surged in her heart.

After a long, long time, she suddenly said softly, “Why don’t I get engaged to Ryan Carter in place of little sister? My talent isn’t as good as hers, and I probably won’t be able to reach the Kaiyuan Realm before I’m twenty. Little sister... will be the family’s hope. As her elder sister, for the sake of the family and for her, I should take on more responsibility.”

The two brothers hadn’t expected Sarah Harper to take the initiative. Surprised, they also felt a pang of sorrow, not knowing what to say.

Sarah Harper forced a smile, and that smile made the two brothers feel even more bitter and ashamed. “Father, Third Uncle, you don’t need to feel troubled. After all, I’m a bit older than little sister and can see things more clearly. I... can handle it. I know how much you’ve sacrificed for the family and how hard it’s been to endure. I’m not a child anymore; it’s time I took on some responsibility.”

“Sigh, it’s hard on you.” The Harper Family Patriarch’s eyes grew moist as he lowered his head and sighed, “It’s all because your father is useless.”

“It has nothing to do with you, Father. I know you feel bad too. Please just make the arrangements.” Sarah Harper comforted him gently.

The two brothers sighed with emotion. Right there in the hall, they set the date for Sarah Harper and Ryan Carter’s engagement, confirming the matter.

……

Another hall in Harper Town.

Luxurious furs were spread on the floor, and in the lavishly decorated room, Linda Foster lounged lazily on an exquisite recliner, holding a wine cup.

Although this woman was cunning and ruthless, she possessed a mature and captivating charm, stunningly beautiful. Otherwise, Matthew Foster of Nebula Pavilion wouldn’t have been so bewitched as to do everything he could to support her.

“That fool is extremely heavy; he must have something weighty on him. All these years, that grandfather and grandson have been in the mine, who knows what secret they’re up to. That old John Harper strictly forbids us from going to the mine on Medicine Mountain. Maybe he’s secretly up to something shady with that pair. Today, all the elders and children of The Harper Family went to Medicine Mountain, and Sarah Harper even carried Ryan Carter back. Something must have happened!”

Brian Foster said with a gloomy face, stating his deduction firmly to his mother, “Mother, maybe something strange was mined from the Medicine Mountain mine!”