He was actually just like those local thugs, also thinking that what Billy Clark had in his hand was just an ordinary stone. Remembering the trust Billy Clark had shown him at the time, he couldn’t help but feel a wave of guilt in his heart.

“There are still many unclear points about this matter. I’ll have to find Billy Clark another day to ask him.”

Henry Clark thought to himself.

Having figured out the cause of the strange changes in his body, Henry Clark checked himself over once more. But aside from a general increase in strength and improved bones, Henry Clark found nothing else—just a strange sensation in the center of his forehead, as if something was there, but it wasn’t clear.

Seeing that it was still early, Henry Clark decided to get back in bed for some more sleep.

“Not good!”

Suddenly, Henry Clark was startled, remembering something:

“I was so focused on dealing with David Clark today that I forgot the clan strictly forbids private fights. If David Clark spreads the word, the Madam will definitely seize this opportunity.”

At this thought, Henry Clark’s face turned pale, and cold sweat broke out from fear. For years, he had always been cautious and meticulous, just to avoid giving the Madam any leverage. He never expected to make such a “big mistake” this time.

“Forget it, forget it... What’s done is done, and it’s too late for regrets. Besides, a real man knows when to act and when not to. Even Uncle Harris was bullied to this extent, and if I still endured it, what kind of man would I be? At worst, when I see the Madam tomorrow, I’ll just deal with whatever comes my way.”

With that, Henry Clark steeled himself and simply closed his eyes to sleep.

……

“Henry Clark, you’ve broken the rules. Come with us.”

Early in the morning, two clan guards with sharp, predatory eyes and imposing statures barged in. Their loud voices boomed like great bells, making the house tremble.

Their temples bulged, a flush of blood showing beneath their skin, and their sharp gazes were like knives and swords—everything about them revealed their powerful martial cultivation.

“They’re guards from the Discipline Hall!”

Henry Clark recognized them at a glance.

“Wait a moment, let me get dressed.”

Henry Clark dressed himself calmly and unhurriedly, but in his mind, he carefully reviewed the countermeasures he’d thought of the night before.

“Lead the way.”

A moment later, Henry Clark said composedly.

A hint of surprise flashed in the eyes of the two clan guards, but they said nothing more and turned to leave.

……

Outside, the cold frost was biting, and the wind was even chillier than yesterday.

Passing through several archways, after eight years, Henry Clark finally entered the heart of the clan again. Along the way, countless eyes glared fiercely at Henry Clark.

“He’s finished!”

“This time he’s fallen into the Madam’s hands!”

“Oppressing his own kin—he’s going to get what he deserves.”

“He even dared to hit David Clark. He must have nerves of steel!”

“I just find it strange. This kid always seemed pretty smart before, so why is he being so ‘bold’ this time? He knows private fighting is forbidden in the clan, yet he still dared to break the rules.”

“No way, he could actually injure David Clark?”

“Who knows? David Clark is a good-for-nothing himself. It’s not that surprising if he slipped up. But the Madam, I heard she brought in experts from the Punishment Hall…”

“No way, experts from the Punishment Hall? That kid’s in for a world of pain!”

“Let’s just wait and watch the show.”

……

People pointed and whispered, clearly gloating. Although they were from the same clan, Henry Clark and them were from completely different circles, with no real interaction, let alone any feelings of kinship.

Listening to these comments, veins bulged on Henry Clark’s forehead, but he forced himself to hold back.

“There’s no way I can stay in this clan any longer. As soon as I get the chance, I’ll definitely leave this place.”

Henry Clark thought bitterly.

On the west side of the Yang clan, a tall mansion with overhanging eaves towered above, its main gate tightly shut. A large plaque above read “Discipline Hall,” exuding a chilling aura that made people shiver.

Pushing open the door, he immediately saw two rows of guards as sturdy as iron towers, each expressionless, radiating an atmosphere of strict discipline.

At the very top of the main hall sat four high-backed chairs. A middle-aged woman with a stern expression sat upright on one, motionless, with a middle-aged steward standing behind her.

The middle-aged woman wore golden hairpins, her complexion fair, holding a cup of tea in her hands. Her eyes were half-closed, giving off an unpredictable, inscrutable air.

Beside her, three highly respected clan elders sat close by, their presence noticeably less imposing.

“Madam!”

Henry Clark looked at the middle-aged woman on the high seat, a deep hatred flashing in his eyes, though it quickly disappeared. He strode forward and entered the Discipline Hall.

He wasn’t sure if it was just his imagination, but the moment he stepped into the Discipline Hall, Henry Clark seemed to hear a faint sobbing sound in his ears. But when he listened carefully, it was gone.

“What is this woman planning? Why are there three clan elders here?”

Thoughts flashed through Henry Clark’s mind. Such a lineup was definitely an extraordinary arrangement.

“Henry Clark greets the clan elders.”

Henry Clark bowed, completely ignoring the “Madam” to the side.

“Heh heh, good…”

The three clan elders smiled, squinting their eyes and raising their hands to signal him to rise. But before they could finish, a cold, shrill voice suddenly rang out by his ear:

“Beast, why aren’t you kneeling yet!”