Charles Carter gave a brief introduction, then slowly said, “I don’t know how you know Emily Clark, but if your performance at tomorrow’s banquet can satisfy the city lord’s daughter, I can guarantee your entry into the Kunlun Sect as a disciple.”

　　“Father wants to form a marriage alliance with the Yunsen City Lord?”

　　“The Yunsen City Lord is one of the overlords of Lizhou. There are countless forces wanting to form a marriage alliance with Lord Zhao. Naturally, our The Carter Family wants this as well, but it depends on whether the city lord’s precious daughter is willing.”

　　As Charles Carter spoke, his expression became serious: “You have studied swordsmanship since childhood and your skills are not weak. As far as I know, the founding of the Green Bamboo Sect has infringed upon the interests of the Moonlight Sword Sect, the Suhe Sword Sect, and other small sects nearby. These people fear the top expert Dao Tianfeng of the Hongmen behind Dao Wuxi, so they won’t stop the Green Bamboo Sect from being established. Even if they want to suppress its reputation, they wouldn’t dare send their elders in person. The only way is to send elite disciples after the fact to defeat Dao Wuxi’s disciples and dampen their spirits. When the time comes, you need to stand on Dao Wuxi’s side and help defeat the disciples from the other sects, showing goodwill to Miss Zhao. As long as you can win one or two rounds, you’ll surely impress Miss Zhao. Don’t let me down.”

　　“I’ll do my best.”

　　Liam Carter gave a slight nod.

　　“Not just do your best—you must succeed! I’ve already given you the opportunity. Your fate is in your own hands; it’s up to you to seize it!”

　　“I understand.”

　　Liam Carter replied.

　　“Alright, go and rest now, and conserve your energy.”

　　“Your son takes his leave.”

　　Liam Carter nodded, bowed to Mrs. Carter, and withdrew.

　　Seeing Liam Carter leave, the sisters Grace Carter and Julia Carter exchanged a glance, both a little excited, as if they were full of anticipation for tomorrow night’s banquet. Even though Charles Carter was present, the bolder Julia Carter still risked asking, “Dad, can my sister and I go to the banquet tomorrow night?”

　　“What business do you have there? Nonsense.”

　　“We want to go cheer for Third Brother.”

　　Grace Carter said weakly.

　　“Don’t bring this up again!”

　　Charles Carter rejected them without hesitation.

　　“Hmph!”

　　Grace Carter and Julia Carter had their hopes dashed. Annoyed, they took a few bites of food, put down their chopsticks, and said, “I’m done eating.”

　　They turned and left.

　　Watching the two girls leave, Charles Carter’s expression grew a bit gloomy, but soon he seemed to think of something else, lost in thought.

　　“Master, by letting Lian’er go… aren’t we putting too much pressure on him?”

　　“He dislikes business and is unwilling to enter politics; he only wants to practice martial arts. But what can martial arts achieve? At best, he could become a guard, or if he’s lucky, a minor officer in the army. If he doesn’t know how to conduct himself, even with brute strength, he might not even make it to captain… So, I have no choice but to find another path for him… I don’t expect him to become the city lord’s son-in-law. As long as he can build a connection with Miss Zhao, and the city lord takes care of him for being his daughter’s sparring partner, I’ll be satisfied.”

　　“Master, you’re truly thoughtful. I just hope Lian’er can understand your intentions. This child is too stubborn.”

　　Mrs. Carter sighed softly.

　　Charles Carter said nothing, but as he looked in the direction Liam Carter had left, his gaze was tinged with worry.

　　The world of the jianghu is deep…

　　Not everyone is qualified to set foot in it.

Chapter Four Emily Clark

　　The moonlight was like water.

　　In a newly built cluster of courtyards outside Yunsen City, lights shone brightly.

　　The banquet held in the west courtyard was in full swing. Neatly dressed attendants moved back and forth, serving all kinds of tea and snacks.

　　Countless renowned men and women, young and old, from all over Lizhou gathered in groups according to age and social status, chatting about everything from ancient to modern times, enjoying each other’s company.

　　“President Carter is here.”

　　“President Carter, I’ve been waiting for you for a long time. Please, come inside.”

　　“President Carter, four months ago, thanks to your generous help, otherwise my family might not have made it through that crisis.”

　　As soon as Charles Carter arrived with Liam Carter, four people immediately came forward to greet him warmly.

　　Charles Carter also smiled and cupped his hands to everyone: “Lord Bennett, Mr. Cooper, Master Wright, Commander Thompson.”

　　After exchanging greetings, he gestured and brought Liam Carter forward: “This is my disappointing third son, Liam Carter. Liam Carter, greet your uncles.”

　　Liam Carter stepped forward and gave a slight bow.

　　“Oh? So this is the third young master of President Carter’s family? He truly has a dignified appearance.”

　　“Liam Carter, you look about the same age as my fourth daughter, Qing’er. Maybe you two should get to know each other. I’ll call her over in a bit.”

　　Charles Carter glanced at the speaker, Lord Bennett. He had some impression of the Qing’er mentioned by Lord Bennett, and from his words, it seemed he wanted to match the two…

　　Although this lord had fallen on hard times, he was still of noble descent and held a title. At the moment, Charles Carter did not refuse: “Young people should indeed interact more. Alright, everyone, I’ll go pay my respects to the city lord first, and then come back to drink with you all.”

　　“Haha, President Carter, as you wish.”

　　“Then we’ll wait for you, President Carter.”