Grace Bennett called out to stop Andrew Harper. Hearing this, Andrew Harper hesitated, but when he recalled the terrifying scene with the Soul-Burning Banner earlier, he couldn't help but shiver. He quickly called for the others to retreat and not come any closer.

Using the Sword Control Technique had consumed seventy percent of William Harper's true energy, but to kill the remaining men in black, he didn't need any true energy at all.

An hour later.

The Harper Estate had completely returned to calm, but the atmosphere remained heavy, for over a thousand people had been killed or wounded tonight.

Main courtyard, great hall.

William Harper stood beside his father Edward Harper, surrounded by clan members. Every face looked grim, and all eyes were fixed on Samuel Harper.

Samuel Harper leaned on his cane with both hands, took a deep breath, and said, "What happened tonight cannot be hidden. It must be spread far and wide. Tomorrow, we will hold a funeral—the bigger the commotion, the better. The whole world must know of the The Harper Family tragedy, so that no one will dare to target us again."

William Harper's third uncle, David Harper, couldn't help but say, "Father, to mobilize so many experts, it must be connected to the imperial palace. We are a duke's household, after all. Even after handing over our military power, we still ended up like this..."

"Silence!"

Samuel Harper roared, frightening David Harper into silence, though his face was still full of hatred and resentment.

It wasn't just the servants who died tonight—two of William Harper's cousins had also perished.

Samuel Harper said in a deep voice, "Remember, we are in Great Qi. We cannot recklessly challenge the heavens."

In the hall, most people shared the same expression and emotions as David Harper. If not for William Harper's intervention tonight, The Harper Estate might have been wiped out. Every time they thought of this, they were filled with lingering fear.

"Everyone, disperse. Will, you stay."

Samuel Harper continued. As soon as he spoke, everyone looked at William Harper, their gazes filled with gratitude, admiration, and disbelief.

Tonight, William Harper had slain sixty-three assassins, including that demonic cultivator. News of his achievements had already spread throughout The Harper Estate, but since the household was still immersed in grief, no one dared ask how he had become so powerful.

The others all paid their respects and left. Before leaving, William Harper's uncles each patted him on the shoulder, their eyes full of praise.

When only Samuel Harper and the old madam were left in the hall, William Harper stepped forward and bowed to his grandparents.

"Where did you learn your immortal arts?" Samuel Harper asked, a kind and gentle smile on his face.

William Harper replied, "Grandfather, it was Grace Bennett who taught me. She has guidance from a senior cultivator. Earlier, I heard her say that The Harper Estate was in danger of extermination, so I sought her out. She taught me the Sword Control Technique, and that's why I believed her."

Since he had already established the image of a genius, he might as well solidify it—it would make explanations easier!

Samuel Harper was stunned for a moment, gripping his cane tightly. He suppressed his excitement and asked, "She said The Harper Estate was in danger of extermination, and there were only seven days? Did you know about this in advance, or did you only train for seven days?"

William Harper pretended to hesitate and replied, "I trained for seven days."

"Good! Good! Excellent!"

Samuel Harper was overwhelmed with emotion, his whole body trembling. He even wanted to stand up and hug William Harper, but William Harper quickly stepped forward and grabbed his hand.

"The Harper Estate has a successor now. Our The Harper Family can break free from this deadlock!"

Samuel Harper wept tears of joy, old tears streaming down his face. William Harper panicked at once—this was the first time he had seen his grandfather cry.

Afterwards, Samuel Harper began to talk about the past.

As a founding hero of the Great Qi dynasty, Samuel Harper naturally knew more than ordinary citizens, including things about the world of cultivation. However, to Samuel Harper, cultivators were still mysterious and elusive beings. He didn't know much about them, only that they existed.

He urged William Harper to cultivate diligently.

He even wanted to betroth Grace Bennett to William Harper, so that William Harper's path of cultivation would be more secure, but William Harper politely refused.

What a joke—Grace Bennett was a reincarnator, and a demonic cultivator at that. A woman like her would never put love first. If she needed to sever her emotions for immortality, wouldn't that be trouble?

Besides, having lived another life, William Harper had no desire to spend it bound to anyone. He only wanted freedom and a carefree life.

Before encountering cultivators, he had already planned to roam the world!

Now that he had found the path of cultivation, this resolve was even stronger. In this life, he wanted to travel across mountains and rivers, witness the world's splendor, seek the way to immortality, and never stop for anyone.

That night, grandfather and grandson talked for a long time.

……

By noon the next day, The Harper Estate was still in mourning, while the city of Nanqiu was in turmoil. The Harper Estate had been attacked, so many people had died, and the commoners under The Harper Estate's protection were naturally afraid. Many busybodies were gossiping as well.

William Harper went out to visit Grace Bennett.

The two maids guarding the door saw him and immediately bowed. One of them said, "Young master, the young lady instructed that if you come, you may go in directly."

Last night, William Harper and Grace Bennett fought the demonic cultivator and saved The Harper Estate. The news had spread throughout the household, and in the eyes of the servants, the relationship between the two had changed. The two maids had even overheard the fourth young master trying to matchmake them.

William Harper nodded, then pushed the door open and entered. After closing the door, he walked over and sat by Grace Bennett's bedside.

At this moment, Grace Bennett was lying under the covers, her face pale, many parts of her body wrapped in white bandages. She looked seriously injured. Hearing footsteps, she opened her eyes to look at William Harper.