Grace Bennett sighed and said, “In the world of cultivation, he’s nothing but a bottom-dweller, but in the martial world, he’s invincible. Even if a hundred of the top martial artists joined forces, they wouldn’t be his match.”

“If one masters the art of sword control, could they kill him?” William Harper pressed.

Grace Bennett looked at him strangely and said, “It depends on your level of mastery. All cultivators know the art of sword control, but for a low-level cultivator like him, he can barely manage it. Don’t get your hopes up. Within seven days, it’s impossible for you to master sword control, let alone refine it to the point where you could kill a cultivator.”

Hearing this, William Harper had a rough idea, but since he had never faced a cultivator before, he couldn’t afford to be careless.

“In these seven days, I won’t be able to regain my cultivation abilities. At most, I can make some poisons. You’re Fifth Uncle’s son and have a closer relationship with the head of the household. Try to persuade them. Even if you can’t convince the Fang family to flee South Hill City, it’s still good to make preparations early.” Grace Bennett said seriously.

After calming down, she realized she had been too reckless before, focusing only on saving the Fang family and forgetting their status and her own identity. As a ducal household, the Fang family could not possibly flee South Hill City. In fact, running would be even more dangerous—without the protection of the common people, their situation would be even more precarious.

William Harper nodded, then reminded her, “The matter of reincarnation is too absurd. Don’t mention it again, not even when we’re alone. If word of this reached the ears of cultivators, it would be even more dangerous.”

If William Harper had been reincarnated, he would have kept it buried in his heart, just like the fact that he had transmigrated.

Grace Bennett nodded slowly, her gaze toward William Harper changing.

William Harper was startled by her look. Is she thinking of killing me to keep the secret?

Afterward, the two chatted for a while longer. Once they had settled on what to say and their plan of action, Grace Bennett urged, “William Harper, go quickly. Prepare early. I need to get started as well.”

William Harper had wanted to ask for a cultivation technique, but seeing the increasingly strange look in her eyes, he could only nod, get up, and leave by climbing out the window.

Grace Bennett stared at the shoe prints on the windowsill, sitting dazed on the stool for quite a while.

……

Night fell, and the Fang residence was brightly lit.

“What? Someone wants to wipe out my entire Fang family?”

Edward Harper, with the refined air of a scholar, put down his bowl and chopsticks, asking angrily. William Harper’s mother, Miller, was so frightened her face turned pale, and there were no servants in the hall—they had been sent away by William Harper before the conversation.

William Harper frowned and said, “Last month, I heard some wandering martial artists mention this, but I thought it was just a baseless rumor. Today I asked Grace Bennett, and she confirmed it. A mysterious expert secretly entered the residence and told her, which startled her and made her rush around seeking help.”

Edward Harper snorted, “Why did that expert go to her and not to me, or to your four uncles?”

William Harper shook his head. “How would I know, Father? But think about it—both I and Grace Bennett have heard this news. Better to believe it than not. The Fang family can’t afford to gamble with such consequences.”

Hearing this, Edward Harper’s face darkened. After thinking for a few moments, he slapped the table and stood up, leaving with a single sentence: “I’m going to find your grandfather!”

Miller sighed, serving William Harper more food as she advised, “Wang’er, stay away from those martial world people in the future. It’s too dangerous.”

“I understand, Mother. I won’t do it again.” William Harper replied with a smile.

Once this crisis was over, he would pursue the path of immortality. To hell with the martial world—if he was going to make a name for himself, it would be in the world of cultivation!

After dinner, William Harper waited in the hall. Edward Harper was gone for a full hour before returning, his expression grave.

Facing his clever and sensible son, he didn’t hide anything.

“Your grandfather believes it now and is preparing strict defenses. You don’t need to worry about these things. With us here, nothing will happen to the Fang family.”

Hearing this, William Harper finally felt at ease and took his leave.

That night, William Harper actually dreamed—a rare occurrence. He dreamed of soaring through the heavens on a flying sword, becoming a carefree immortal. It was exhilarating!

Early the next morning, William Harper got up, washed, and instructed his most trusted servant, James Thompson, “Within six days, I want the sharpest sword you can find. Money is no object!”

Fang Meng had followed the late emperor in campaigns across the land, earning great military merit. After the founding of the dynasty, although his military power was stripped, he gained great wealth. As a result, third-generation descendants like William Harper were also rich. Edward Harper had only this one son, and whatever gold, silver, or jewels William Harper wanted, Edward Harper would provide.

“Understood! I’ll make sure you’re satisfied, young master!”

James Thompson, only two years older than William Harper, was delighted and scampered off.

Taking advantage of the empty courtyard, William Harper began practicing sword control, using a wooden branch as his sword. Although he had already mastered the technique to perfection, he had never actually fought with it.

Martial artists could hardly ever use true qi to control a sword, let alone fly with one. Fortunately, his sword control was already at its peak, and with full understanding, he could use true qi to control the sword and kill enemies.

The faster the speed, the greater the energy consumption!

After practicing for more than half an hour, he realized he only had one chance—he had to find the right moment to kill that cultivator with a single strike.

After noon, William Harper went to visit Grace Bennett, hoping to learn some cultivation techniques that didn’t require much spiritual power. With only six days, even if he mastered a cultivation method, there wouldn’t be enough time to accumulate spiritual power. It would be better to have more ways to kill the enemy.