Several people cupped their hands in greeting.

Charles Carter led Liam Carter toward the inner courtyard, and at the same time whispered to Liam Carter, “Did you recognize that David Wright just now?”

Liam Carter shook his head.

“David Wright is an elder of the Suhe Sword Sect, with a status equal to that of the sect leader. Yet in front of me, he was still extremely respectful and polite. Do you still think that warriors are more honorable than merchants or politicians?”

“In these troubled times, it’s always good to have a sword technique to rely on.”

“Hmph, I hope you can maintain this confidence and perform well in front of Miss Clark later.”

Charles Carter said with some displeasure, and brought Liam Carter directly into the inner courtyard. As they stepped in, he admonished, “Everyone you’ll meet in the inner courtyard are big figures from within Lì Prefecture. Be humble and respectful, don’t disgrace the Wang family!”

Liam Carter’s expression remained calm, silent.

In the inner courtyard, all those seated were prominent figures from Yunsen City and even all of Lì Prefecture, each a leader in their respective fields. Even the governor of Lì Prefecture had sent his eldest son, Brian Scott, to attend the banquet in person, showing just how much face City Lord Clark commanded.

At a glance, the first person Liam Carter saw was, of course, the city lord of Yunsen, Samuel Clark. But the person sitting in the secondary seat was not, as Charles Carter had expected, the governor’s son Brian Scott, but rather a middle-aged man who looked to be around fifty, with a robust build.

This middle-aged man had a head of white hair, a solemn expression, and an aura full of masculine energy. Under Liam Carter’s spiritual perception, he was like a blazing sun, his scorching presence so intense that it seemed to make everyone unable to open their eyes…

“Logan Reed.”

No introduction was needed; Liam Carter recognized the man at first glance.

Logan Reed, the senior brother and leader of the Hongmen Sect, who fourteen years ago destroyed the Destiny Ritual in Jiangliu City and saved the entire Eastern Continent.

A peerless master who had reached the pinnacle of martial arts.

As Liam Carter observed Logan Reed, Logan Reed also seemed to sense something, his gaze falling on Liam Carter, and a vast, deep aura swept over him.

Meanwhile, the city lord of Yunsen, Samuel Clark, was constantly watching Logan Reed’s mood. Noticing his gaze, he too looked toward Liam Carter, and upon seeing Charles Carter beside him, he smiled and introduced, “President Charles Carter is here. President Carter is the leader of the largest chamber of commerce in Lì Prefecture and also holds considerable influence in Shenlong Commerce. Brother Tianfeng, many of the supplies for the Hongmen’s reconstruction over a decade ago were donated by President Carter.”

“Thank you, President Carter.”

Charles Carter had more or less guessed Logan Reed’s identity. Judging by the city lord’s attitude toward him, Charles Carter dared not be disrespectful. He cupped his hands and said, “The Hongmen leader destroyed the Destiny Ritual, prevented the Demon Emperor’s descent, and saved all the people from disaster. He is the savior of us all. I, Charles Carter, am of little importance and powerless against the demons, but providing some supplies was my duty.”

“President Carter is truly a model among merchants, understanding the greater good.”

As Samuel Clark spoke, his gaze shifted to Charles Carter’s companion, Liam Carter: “And this is…”

“The third son of President Carter, Liam Carter.”

The reply came from a young woman with a sword at her waist, dressed in white, exuding a heroic and youthful aura.

“Miss Clark.”

Charles Carter hurriedly saluted the young woman.

With the surname Zhao, and able to sit in the inner courtyard with City Lord Clark, this woman could only be City Lord Clark’s beloved daughter, Emily Clark.

“I’ve heard that many outstanding young talents have gathered here tonight to discuss swordsmanship. My unworthy son also has some knowledge of the sword and is willing to wield his sword for Miss Clark, clearing the way.”

Charles Carter cupped his hands as he spoke.

These somewhat flattering words did not elicit any reaction from Logan Reed or Samuel Clark; they simply withdrew their gazes from Liam Carter. As for Emily Clark…

She seemed a bit disappointed…

But her good upbringing kept her from showing it, and she only nodded slightly: “I look forward to seeing Young Master Liam Carter’s exquisite swordsmanship then.”

Although Charles Carter knew his words just now were a bit sycophantic, for the sake of his son’s future, he had no choice but to thicken his skin.

At that moment, someone came forward to lead Charles Carter to a side seat. As for Liam Carter, he was not qualified to sit in the inner courtyard and was respectfully invited to the outer courtyard, where Lord Bennett, who had chatted with Charles Carter earlier, led him to a seat near the center of the courtyard.

Seated next to him was the young lady Lord Bennett had mentioned earlier, named Olivia Bennett.

“Liam Carter? Miss Clark is a master invited by Sect Leader Owen Reed to preside over the event. You want to clear the way for Miss Clark? That means you’ll have to face almost all the outstanding young talents in Yunsen City. Is your swordsmanship really that good?”

Olivia Bennett looked skeptical.

After all, Liam Carter was not well-known, always practicing swordsmanship alone. In Lì Prefecture, and even in Yunsen City, no one had ever heard of his name.

“I’ll do my best when the time comes.”

“Is that so? Then you’d better be careful.”

Unlike Liam Carter, Olivia Bennett did not have a high status, but she was extremely familiar with the upper circles of Yunsen City. At this moment, looking at the groups of young men and women surrounded by admirers, her petite and cute face was full of envy.