Don’t be fooled by Mr. Harris’s usual gentle appearance—when he starts hitting people, it’s truly a terrifying thing.

William Harris rubbed his nose and said, “You’re considered a master in the cultivation world, aren’t you? Does beating up a few low-level disciples, beating up a few mortals, really give you a sense of accomplishment? Does it feel good?”

David Cooper was so scared he could barely speak: “N-no… I, I didn’t… it didn’t feel good…”

William Harris’s voice remained gentle, but his words were far from pleasant: “Didn’t it? Not only did you beat up my disciples, you even beat your own! Do you think you’re not impressive unless you do this? Look at me… I’ve never been like that. You were having so much fun beating people, and I didn’t even say a word, just sat and watched!”

David Cooper wished he could turn and run, but he didn’t dare. The difference in strength was too great. Bullying the weak had always been his favorite thing, but when faced with a true master, he immediately turned into a coward.

What’s more, this person was a top expert in the cultivation world—he could probably crush him with just one finger. He forced himself to stand there, but his legs were shaking.

Duma the elder hugged his son, having seen and heard the conversation between the two. He simply couldn’t believe it—this man had been so overbearing at first, but now he was showing such fear. Duma stared, speechless, finally gaining a bit of understanding of William Harris.

This was someone truly formidable! He didn’t even need to lift a finger to scare a master into such a state.

Edward Parker looked at his ancestor with admiration. The old ancestor really was a big shot—just a few words and David Cooper was drenched in sweat, looking utterly miserable.

William Harris didn’t even hit David Cooper, nor did he scold him. Just a few simple words, and David Cooper was nearly scared to wet himself.

David Cooper wished he could slap himself. Of all the places he could have stayed, why did he have to come here and court death? When he left home, the family’s old ancestor had warned him to lead the team in reconnaissance and not to stir up trouble. Yet as soon as he arrived in Luoxing City, he provoked such a powerful figure.

William Harris continued, “Since you’re here, don’t leave. Stay for a while, and tomorrow we’ll go investigate together.”

Chapter 3: The Overbearing Xiong Er

David Cooper first breathed a sigh of relief, then immediately realized what was happening, and exclaimed in shock, “I wouldn’t dare! With the old ancestor here, of course I should keep my distance…” He now understood that so-called “going to investigate together” just meant using them as cannon fodder.

William Harris looked at him with a half-smile, saying nothing, silver light flickering in his eyes, making David Cooper feel completely ill at ease, as if countless ants were crawling all over him.

“Yes, yes…”

David Cooper couldn’t even say “no,” agreeing repeatedly, cold sweat pouring down his forehead. He didn’t dare to argue, nor to ignore him. He understood that the man was still speaking nicely, but if he didn’t listen, the consequences would be dire. He wasn’t stupid enough to resist directly.

William Harris nodded in satisfaction. He flicked his finger, and a faint silver light instantly struck David Cooper. David Cooper cried out in alarm, “Senior… you…”

“Don’t be nervous, it’s just a communication talisman. It’s not dangerous to you…”

David Cooper was about to be driven to tears by William Harris’s methods. Communication? Communication, my ass! This is a tracking talisman! Even if I wanted to run, I couldn’t! This guy is so sly.

William Harris flicked the nail of his pinky finger. His left pinky had a silver nail, an inch long, and he habitually flicked it with his thumb, producing a clear, metallic sound, like weapons clashing.

“I… I…”

David Cooper simply didn’t know how to protest or object, only stammering endlessly.

William Harris said calmly, “You’re not willing?”

“Willing… willing…”

“Really? You know, what I hate most is people saying one thing and meaning another!”

David Cooper cursed inwardly, but still said, “I really… am willing, I’m not, I’m not being insincere…”

“Oh, that’s good. I thought you weren’t willing. This is best… Edward Parker!”

Edward Parker rushed in and said, “Ancestor, your orders.”

William Harris said, “This—does your family have any empty rooms… hmm, for example, rooms no one is living in? Arrange something for them.”

Suddenly, a voice sounded in Edward Parker’s ear—it was the ancestor’s voice, transmitted directly!

After listening for a moment, he couldn’t help but want to laugh, and agreed, “Yes, yes, we have plenty of empty rooms at home.”

William Harris said, “Treat them well, don’t neglect our honored guests!”

Edward Parker replied repeatedly, “Yes, yes, ancestor, I’ll take care of it. Everyone… please follow me!”

David Cooper glanced at William Harris, only to see William Harris wave his hand and say very politely, “Please, I trust Edward Parker will take good care of you.”

In a moment, the small building returned to peace. William Harris slowly closed his eyes, and soon he heard a roar from afar: “What? You want me to sleep in the woodshed? You little brat…”

“The woodshed is the only place available. Everywhere else is full. If you’re not satisfied, you can talk to the old ancestor.”

“You little bastard, there’s really no other empty room besides the woodshed?”

“The cowshed… is still empty…”

“You…”

“……”

William Harris nodded to himself in satisfaction. His breathing gradually became long and steady. With his cultivation, whether sitting, lying down, or walking, he could always maintain a state of cultivation.