Of course, he was well aware that this was just a feeling—there was still a long way to go before he could truly reach that level.

There were two days left before the entrance assessment. David Brooks was completely absorbed in his cultivation, no longer interested in hanging out with his former rowdy friends. In the blink of an eye, two days had already passed.

Early that morning, David Brooks was personally dragged out of bed by his father. “Your new clothes are ready. Wash up and come eat. Today, I’ll personally take you to the assessment.”

When David Brooks stepped outside, he sensed something was off. His father was dressed in a mighty military officer’s uniform, with a long, narrow box hanging from one side of his warhorse. A strong murderous aura seeped from the wooden box—it was clear that inside was an attack-type magical weapon, one that had drunk deeply of enemy blood.

And besides his father, there were eighteen cultivators at the Yuanrong stage accompanying them—such a powerful force seemed more like they were heading into battle than escorting a thirteen-year-old boy to an entrance assessment.

“Mount up!” his father barked. David Brooks didn’t think further and swung himself onto a fine horse. Four cultivators led the way in front, two guarded each side, and the remaining ten followed behind the pair. The group set off in grand fashion, heading straight for the county academy.

On horseback, James Brooks spoke quietly to his son: “Recently, I’ve wiped out seven of Second Aunt Yu’s strongholds. She’s almost finished. The more dangerous it gets, the more careful you must be.”

In fact, for the past few days, whenever David Brooks went out, four powerful cultivators arranged by James Brooks had been secretly protecting him.

At the mention of Second Aunt Yu, David Brooks felt a chill between his legs, but also a warmth in his heart: so his old man had quietly orchestrated such a shocking act of revenge. A war between the three powers was no small matter, but to avenge his son, his father didn’t hesitate at all.

James Brooks glanced around and said, “The county academy and the three major sects have all spoken with me. The Fire-Drinking Sect has offered the best terms. If you have no preference, choose the Fire-Drinking Sect.”

David Brooks had no objection: “Alright, I’ll listen to you, Father.”

James Brooks nodded, giving his son a half-smile: “Second Aunt Yu did remind me—you’re not a child anymore. After you join the sect, I’ve already picked out eight or nine chamber maids for you. Continuing the family line is a big deal. Of the three unfilial acts, having no descendants is the worst…”

A buzzing filled David Brooks’s mind, and a voice inside him screamed in protest: Did I escape Second Aunt Yu’s poison only to fall into my old man’s clutches?!

He looked at his father with a mournful expression. “Dad, I’m still young…”

“You’re not that young.” James Brooks wasn’t exaggerating. In the mortal world, it wasn’t uncommon for boys of thirteen or fourteen to become fathers. Some families even married their children off at ten or so, letting them live together first.

“But… I don’t want any distractions right now. I should focus on my cultivation.”

James Brooks wouldn’t let it go: “It won’t interfere with your cultivation. You just need to leave some heirs for the family—the more, the better. After all, you have the bloodline of Emperor Ying. Your descendants will surely manifest its power.”

David Brooks gritted his teeth. “Then can I choose for myself?”

James Brooks glared at him: “How could that be? At your age, what do you know about which women bring prosperity and are easy to bear children?”

David Brooks was utterly hopeless now. In his mind flashed the images of several maids by his father’s side: they all looked like they’d been stamped from the same mold—barrel waists, pancake faces, flat noses, faces full of pockmarks…

He still didn’t realize that his father always claimed the maids were chosen by himself, just to cover up his fear of his wife. He really thought his father had terrible taste, picking uglier and uglier maids each time. If his father picked concubines for him, he’d rather surrender to Second Aunt Yu.

“I still think a real man should focus on his career,” David Brooks decided to make one last desperate struggle.

James Brooks looked at him and chuckled, “Focus on your career? So my son really intends to make something of himself on the path of cultivation this time?”

“Please believe in me, Father.”

“Alright then.” James Brooks finally relented. “As long as you reach the Yuanrong stage within half a year, I’ll agree that you don’t have to continue the family line for now.”

David Brooks wailed inwardly. Defending his chastity was going to be a long and arduous battle. In the future, he’d have to guard not only against outsiders, but also his own father!

Chapter 009: Entrance Assessment (Part 1)

Before long, the group arrived at the county academy’s gate. The main entrance was, of course, tightly closed, with only a side door open. A long line had formed at the entrance—everyone was here for the entrance assessment.

When the The Brooks Family arrived at the gate, another small door on the side opened. Assistant instructor Mr. Miller came out to greet them, cupping his hands and smiling at James Brooks: “Mr. Brooks, you’re here.”

James Brooks quickly led everyone off their horses. “Sorry to trouble you, Mr. Miller, for coming out to greet us. My apologies.”

Mr. Miller smiled and led the way inside. “David, come on, let’s go in this way first.”

Unexpectedly, someone in the line suddenly shouted angrily, “This isn’t fair! David Brooks is just a degenerate wastrel—why do we have to wait in line while he gets to go in alone?”

David Brooks looked over—oh, it was a familiar face: “Mr. Thompson,” the one he’d had beaten up at Huaiyang Restaurant last time, was there, with “Mr. Johnson” standing beside him.