As soon as the two entered the Sun residence, Squire Clark personally led his son out from the front hall to greet them. Unexpectedly... when both parties were still seven or eight meters apart (the front courtyard of a wealthy family is quite large), Samuel Bennett and Henry Clark locked eyes, and both cried out in surprise.

"Ah!" The two of them almost simultaneously opened their mouths wide, eyes bulging, and each raised a hand to point at the other. "You..."

Clearly, they had recognized each other.

Although one was now Henry Clark and the other Samuel Bennett, their appearances were exactly the same as their younger selves in their original world, only their styles were different. Having known each other for so many years, there was no reason not to recognize one another.

After seventeen years apart, suddenly seeing someone they knew from before crossing over was naturally shocking. And seeing each other's reactions, they immediately understood that the other must be in the same situation as themselves.

Smack—

"What are you yelling about?" Two seconds later, Squire Clark slapped the back of his son's head. "Is this how you treat guests?"

Of course, Squire Clark was just putting on a show and didn't actually hit hard.

That "head tap" quickly brought Henry Clark back to his senses. He forced a smile and said, "Hehe... Yes, yes, I got a bit excited." He then stepped forward, cupped his fists, and greeted Brooks and Bennett, "Greetings, Master Brooks, Young Master Bennett... please, come in."

Ethan Brooks smiled calmly and returned the gesture, then exchanged a few polite words with Squire Clark before walking side by side with him into the front hall at a leisurely pace.

Meanwhile, Samuel Bennett and Henry Clark followed behind, making faces at each other and whispering a flurry of words in a quarrelsome tone, but for the moment, they didn't get to the heart of the matter.

The four entered the front hall and, after taking their seats one after another, Ethan Brooks exchanged a few more pleasantries before getting straight to the point with Squire Clark.

As soon as Ethan Brooks spoke, the other three were all stunned—he had actually come to invite Henry Clark to participate in the "Young Heroes Gathering."

This so-called "Young Heroes Gathering" is a grand martial arts event held every four years during the Mid-Autumn Festival in Luoyang.

As the name suggests, the gathering widely invites young heroes from across the martial world to come together, and through both literary and martial competitions, determines the champion of the current session.

As long as you are a member of the righteous sects and are at least sixteen but not yet twenty, whether you are a newcomer or someone who has already made a name for yourself in the martial world, you may be invited. Of course, in general, those young heroes or heroines who have already made some mark in the martial world are more likely to be invited, while ordinary disciples with little reputation are unlikely to be considered.

But there are exceptions... For example, if you are the sole heir of a prestigious family, like Samuel Bennett, even if you have never set foot in the martial world, you might still be invited.

However... Henry Clark seemed to fit none of these categories.

Although the Sun family had some dealings with martial artists, they had been merchants for several generations, so strictly speaking, Henry Clark was not a martial world figure at all—at best, he was a big shot at the Hangzhou fish market. Even if you stretched the definition and called him "descendant of a prestigious family," he only knew a few crude moves learned from farmhands and had no real martial arts skills to speak of; going would be pointless.

"Master Brooks, could there be some mistake?" Squire Clark was also quite puzzled after hearing Ethan Brooks's words. "My Sun family has long been out of the martial world, and besides... my son is neither accomplished in literature nor skilled in martial arts..."

"Ah~ Squire Clark, you are too modest." Ethan Brooks interrupted with a smile, "Your son's talent and deeds are known not just in Jiangnan, but throughout the entire martial world—who doesn't know of him?" He paused. "Last year, when I was chatting with Master Cao of the Qingzhou Salt Gang, he even sighed to me, 'If only my son could be like Henry Clark.' In my opinion, a promising young man like your son is fully qualified to participate in the Young Heroes Gathering."

"Oh? Is that so?" Squire Clark was easily swayed, and hearing such praise for his son made him quite happy; his attitude was already softening.

Seeing this, Ethan Brooks pressed his advantage: "It's absolutely true. This time, I came in person, first to invite your son, and second to explain the matter clearly to you." He paused, then continued, "This year, the Young Heroes Gathering happens to be hosted by my Righteous Sect in Luoyang. As the head of the Righteous Sect, apart from the official list recognized by all the major sects, I have the authority to personally invite any young hero I deem qualified to participate... and your son is one of the candidates I believe deserves special consideration."

"Ha!" Henry Clark grinned proudly at these words. "Master Brooks, you truly have a discerning eye, worthy of being called a dragon among men."

Before he finished speaking, Samuel Bennett couldn't hold back any longer.

"Brother Brooks, think carefully about this." Samuel Bennett quickly said to Ethan Brooks, "I think you might have a bit of a misunderstanding about Brother Clark. Don't just listen to one side—don't let a wolf into the house..."

"Shut up!" The rhythm of mutual banter between Mr. Clark and Mr. Bennett was deeply ingrained, so at this moment, Henry Clark blurted out, "Why shouldn't I be allowed to go? Are you jealous or something?"