“If that’s the case, why not break open the ice dam and let the Chubu River flow once more over Yan Yun?”

　　Brian Sutton smiled faintly. For an eighteen-year-old youth to speak so freely and confidently before him, without the slightest restraint, was already a sign of great courage.

　　“To make peace with the Xi people, break open the ice dam, let the waters of the Heavenly Lake pour down—since the Yan Yun wilderness is uninhabited, there’s no fear of catastrophic flooding. But if the floodwaters inundate the northwestern counties of Canaan, and the Buleichu River that runs through Canaan swells suddenly, there will be flood warnings downstream. This is a golden opportunity for the Empire. However, the Empire is weak, and for over a hundred years, no emperor has possessed such ambition.” Brian Sutton reined in his imposing aura, looked at Gregory Clark with a slight smile, and said, “Mr. Gregory, you’ve wandered in Yan Yun for over a decade—do you think what I’ve said makes sense?”

　　Gregory Clark unconsciously nodded in agreement.

　　Brian Sutton burst out laughing and said, “I’ve had my fill for today.” With that, he stood up and walked toward the door.

　　Gregory Clark, startled, dared not try to keep him.

　　Turning past the corridor door, Brian Sutton looked at William Harper, who had followed behind, and said, “Little William only saw that person from afar, never his true face, yet still found him very familiar. It seems this child really does resemble that man.”

Chapter Four: Moonlit Legacy

　　The stone platform before the Guanlan Hall was the only place in the front courtyard not shaded by the branches and leaves of the Yingyan flowering trees. Beyond the rock wall of the academy, one could see a Capricorn appear on a distant high cliff, with a pair of dark green horns on its forehead.

　　Brian Sutton instructed William Harper to summon Charles Bennett into the courtyard.

　　“Master, why are you sending all the household retainers back to Xiutu City at this time?” Charles Bennett did not understand why Brian Sutton suddenly wanted him to lead the retainers back to Xiutu City, leaving only William Harper here as guard.

　　“Xiutu City is the foundation of the Mo Jie family. Having all the retainers idling here with me is a waste of time—they’d be better off returning to Xiutu City to handle real affairs.”

　　“Your safety, Master…” Charles Bennett dared not question Brian Sutton’s decision, but was still worried for his safety.

　　Brian Sutton’s expression darkened as he said, “All the noble families in the imperial capital are scrambling for the position of imperial heir. Even if enemy states wish me harm, they must first know my whereabouts. I’ll stay here for a few days, then travel elsewhere with Little William. If I bring you all along, it will only expose my movements and give others something to talk about.”

　　Gregory Clark ascended the steps and, seeing Charles Bennett standing behind the Kunlun bramble, realized that Brian Sutton had gathered the retainers for discussion. He quickly apologized and retreated down the steps to avoid intruding.

　　“Brian was just looking for you, Mr. Gregory. Please stay.”

　　Gregory Clark stood off to the side at a distance.

　　Brian Sutton said to Charles Bennett, “If the old madam asks, just tell her this. Go prepare now, and come see me again before you leave—I have more to say to you.”

　　Brian Sutton wanted the retainers to leave this place. Gregory Clark pondered this to himself, but then saw Brian Sutton beckon him over. He hurried up to the stone platform, and as he passed Charles Bennett, he felt a chill like icy spring water flow over him, making his pores involuntarily contract.

　　“The old madam is uneasy, saying that Yan Yun is a bitterly cold place, and insists I keep so many retainers by my side. How does that look for someone under suspicion? That’s why I’m having Charles Bennett lead the retainers back to Xiutu City.”

　　Gregory Clark glanced back at Charles Bennett. His aura was restrained, and his resolute back gave the impression of a rock—indeed, it seemed that any retainer of the Mo Jie family far surpassed ordinary warriors.

　　Although only one retainer stayed with Brian Sutton in the academy, the elders still vacated the entire west wing for them.

　　Gregory Clark did not know why Brian Sutton wanted to bring him to the west wing to speak; since entering the academy, Brian Sutton had been most familiar with Gregory Clark, so it was not strange for others to see the three of them heading to the west wing.

　　Brian Sutton’s gaze was piercing as he looked straight at Gregory Clark: “Mr. Gregory, are you a native of Yan Yun?”

　　The Xi people, a divine-blooded clan, had cut off the waters of Yan Yun, forcing its people to leave their homeland. Now, nearly a third of the Empire’s population were descendants of Yan Yun. Admitting to being a native of Yan Yun was no longer a taboo in the Empire.

　　Gregory Clark did not know what Brian Sutton meant by this, and in his pondering, forgot to answer.

　　Brian Sutton didn’t mind at all, as if Gregory Clark had already affirmed, and said, “Yan Yun has been desolate for a thousand years. Do you feel any sorrow in your heart, Mr. Gregory?”

　　Hearing this, Gregory Clark couldn’t help but sigh; then he snapped out of it, realizing that under Brian Sutton’s intimidating presence, he had unwittingly revealed his innermost thoughts.

　　Brian Sutton’s lips held a gentle smile as he said, “After talking with you these past few days, I know you are a loyal and upright man. To be honest, a thousand years ago, my Mo Jie family was also from Yan Yun. I have no other intentions—just that, seeing this vast desolation, I feel sorrow and can’t help but want to do something about it.”

　　Gregory Clark dared not respond lightly. He stole a glance at William Harper standing guard outside the room—his back to the door, spine straight as a halberd, utterly motionless, as if the conversation inside could not reach his ears.

　　Brian Sutton smiled and said, “Your disciple, Mr. Gregory, is like an uncut gem—if carefully polished, he could become something great. It’s a pity he has no surname. Have you thought about his origins?”

　　Brian Sutton’s lack of prejudice toward Yan made Gregory Clark feel a sense of goodwill.

　　“Do you have any suggestions, Lord Mo Jie?”