“The second elder of the Moonlight Sword Sect, ‘Falling Sunset Sword’ Benjamin Hill’s son Matthew Hill, as well as Andrew Green from the Suhe Sword Sect, Lucas King from the Dahe Gang, Daniel Morgan from the Changxiao Sect… Today, the most renowned young talents within the sphere of influence of our Yunsen City have all gathered here. If I could chat with these figures and get to know them, my sisters back home would surely be green with envy.”

　　Olivia Bennett looked at the four young men surrounded at the center of the five circles in the hall, her expression showing both a desire to associate with them and a sense of inferiority that kept her from stepping forward.

　　Liam Carter glanced over but said nothing.

　　He sat quietly, waiting for the main event to begin.

　　He had only one goal.

　　And based on his observations of Emily Clark, taking the lead with his sword and clearing obstacles for her would not truly earn the attention of this precious daughter of City Lord Clark.

　　Perhaps…

　　He could choose an unconventional path!

　　The main event of the banquet slowly took the stage as everyone waited. In no time, the head of the Green Bamboo Sect, Owen Reed, who looked to be just over thirty and wore a blue robe, led two disciples out from the inner courtyard, offering toasts one by one. Not far behind him, even though Emily Clark had stepped aside to stand behind the main character, Sect Leader Owen Reed, her fresh and elegant bearing still drew the attention of everyone present.

　　“That’s Sect Leader Owen Reed.”

　　“Miss Zhao is here too.”

　　Each group dispersed, moving toward Owen Reed and Emily Clark as they emerged from the inner courtyard. The atmosphere reached its peak with her arrival.

　　“Miss Zhao not only has an impressive background, but is also a peerless beauty. Whoever is lucky enough to win her favor… must have accumulated blessings over ten lifetimes.”

　　Seeing Emily Clark, Olivia Bennett couldn’t help but feel inferior.

　　In her eyes, Emily Clark was like a lofty princess, radiating an untouchable nobility, while she herself… was like a Cinderella, probably without even the slightest chance of socializing with her.

　　At this moment, Liam Carter also had the chance to carefully observe Emily Clark, and her temperament and appearance were truly stunning.

　　Especially the heroic and extraordinary aura she carried, like a swordswoman, far surpassing the sheltered daughters of noble families.

　　People kept stepping forward to greet Owen Reed and Emily Clark.

　　Owen Reed and Emily Clark returned each greeting in turn.

　　After the formalities were over, Matthew Hill from the Moonlight Sword Sect, Andrew Green from the Suhe Sword Sect, Daniel Morgan from the Changxiao Sect, and others exchanged glances, their eyes simultaneously falling on the two disciples behind Owen Reed.

　　However, before they could act, Emily Clark took the initiative, speaking with poise: “I’ve long heard that Yunsen City is the foremost city in Liyu Prefecture outside the capital, teeming with talent and countless young geniuses. Seeing you all in person today, I find the rumors are true. Although our Yun Nation enjoys peace and prosperity, there are still petty troublemakers who repeatedly cause chaos, and even farther east, traitors have proclaimed themselves emperors, coveting our beautiful land. Now more than ever, we need young heroes like you to take up your swords and support the nation. I am honored to be here today. Instead of reciting poetry or listening to music and admiring paintings—which, if word got out, would only give those traitors more reason to accuse us of decadence and corrupting the court—let us instead showcase the strength and exquisite swordsmanship of Yunsen’s sons, to deter those who dare disturb the peace of Liyu or covet the lands of Yun Nation. What do you say?”

　　“Miss Zhao is truly a heroine, equal to any man!”

　　“When the youth are strong, the nation is strong! As men, we must practice martial arts to strengthen ourselves and protect our country.”

　　“That’s right, only by mastering martial arts can we go to battle, kill the enemy, and achieve glory!”

　　As the daughter of Yunsen City’s lord, Emily Clark’s words naturally met with unanimous approval.

　　However, Matthew Hill, Andrew Green, Daniel Morgan, and the others immediately caught the underlying meaning in Emily Clark’s words—she seemed to want to challenge the young talents of Yunsen City to a swordsmanship contest on her own…

　　If she really won, how could they have any face left to challenge the disciples of the Green Bamboo Sect afterward?

　　At that moment, Daniel Morgan of the Changxiao Sect didn’t wait for Emily Clark to continue and stepped forward first: “Since Miss Zhao wishes to see the swordsmanship of Yunsen’s young men, we certainly can’t let her down. I, James Harris of Chongshan Society, will take the lead and demonstrate for Miss Zhao. However, if I alone display my sword skills, it would be too monotonous. Today marks the founding of the Green Bamboo Sect, and I’ve heard that its origins trace back to the Hongmen on Wuri Peak. We have long admired the legendary skills of the Hongmen. May I ask if a disciple of the Green Bamboo Sect would be willing to give us some guidance?”

　　“This Daniel Morgan…”

　　“No matter…”

　　Owen Reed glanced at the slightly displeased Emily Clark, but his expression remained calm: “Junior Sister Zhao, since I have established my own sect, I am naturally prepared to accept challenges. James Harris, go and exchange a few moves with Daniel Morgan.”

　　“Yes, Master.”

　　A young man who had been standing behind Owen Reed respectfully answered and stepped forward: “I have heard of the Changxiao Sect’s ‘Banished Immortal Swordsmanship.’ Years ago, I was fortunate enough to witness a senior brother perform the ‘Boundless Falling Leaves’ technique from that style—it was truly awe-inspiring, the sword moves endless and overwhelming. To see it again today is a real honor. Senior Brother Morgan, please.”