To attract Emily Clark's attention...

There is more than just the method of being a protector.

"Arrogant! Matthew Hill is one of the top young experts in Yun Sen City, and even he was defeated by Miss Emily Clark. Do you really think your cultivation surpasses his, that you are the number one among the younger generation in Yun Sen City besides Miss Clark?"

Michael Wright let out a cold snort when he saw Liam Carter refuse his challenge once again.

Liam Carter said nothing. After Emily Clark and Matthew Hill exchanged a few polite words, he stepped forward directly.

"Miss Clark, I have been interested in the way of the sword for a long time, and have practiced for four years. Today, seeing the elegance of Miss Clark, a disciple of the Kunlun Sect, I cannot help but feel eager. Though I know I am not your match, I still hope Miss Clark will not hesitate to give me some guidance."

"Hmm?"

Matthew Hill, who already felt humiliated after being defeated by Emily Clark, showed a trace of anger on his face when he saw someone else daring to challenge Emily Clark after his own defeat.

Since this person still had the courage to challenge Emily Clark after witnessing his own outcome, did that not mean he considered himself stronger than the top young expert of the Yuehua Sword Sect?

"Who is this person?"

"Brother Hill, this is the third young master of the Wang Merchant Guild, Liam Carter. It's said he has loved martial arts since childhood, but due to his family's opposition, he never received guidance from a renowned teacher. He is probably just seeking fame and attention."

Immediately, a man standing beside him stepped forward to report Liam Carter's background.

"Liam Carter!"

Matthew Hill cast a somewhat cold glance at Liam Carter, but in front of Emily Clark, he had to maintain his composure, only snorting coldly: "I don't believe that someone without a famous teacher's guidance can last more moves against Miss Clark than I did."

"You?"

In the arena, Emily Clark looked at Liam Carter, who had come to challenge her, with some surprise in her expression.

In the inner hall, Liam Carter's father had already expressed his intention to support her. By rights, he should be helping her deal with those young experts causing trouble for the Green Bamboo Sect, so why...

"This time, we will only compare swordsmanship, not determine a winner or loser."

Liam Carter looked at Emily Clark with clear eyes, his tone carrying a hint of devotion to the way of the sword.

"Only compare swordsmanship, not determine a winner or loser..."

Owen Reed murmured Liam Carter's words, then smiled slightly: "Sister Clark, why not grant this young hero his wish?"

Emily Clark also understood the deeper meaning behind Liam Carter's words, and with her knowledge of him...

Someone who, despite his father's and family's opposition, persisted in learning the sword through self-study, and, without any guidance from a renowned teacher, had persevered for four years, undeterred by wind or rain...

This was a young swordsman who truly liked, loved, and practiced the sword, and sought to understand it.

His challenge to her was not at all aimed at the Green Bamboo Sect, but was simply the joy of one sword enthusiast meeting another, an impulse born from that joy.

For this...

He even went so far as to break his earlier promise to his father, Charles Carter, to wield his sword on her behalf and clear obstacles.

Understanding this, Emily Clark's gaze toward Liam Carter no longer held the previous disappointment, but instead carried a trace of anticipation.

She too was a lover of the sword. Otherwise, she would not have been the first to investigate the phenomenon of sword energy piercing the sky in the forest outside Yun Sen City. Now, seeing someone of her own kind, her attitude toward Liam Carter had subtly changed: "Young Master Liam Carter, I dare not presume to instruct you. Let us simply test our swordsmanship against each other. As you said, we will only compare swordsmanship, not determine a winner or loser. May I ask, which school's sword technique do you use?"

"I have created my own sword technique, based on the sword manuals I have studied. Please, Miss Clark, give me your comments."

Liam Carter said.

As soon as Liam Carter finished speaking, Matthew Hill sneered: "Heh, self-created sword technique? Do you really see yourself as one of those top experts who can found their own sect, hoping to become a grandmaster?"

"Liam Carter, Young Master Carter, everyone is looking forward to your self-created sword technique. You mustn't let us down."

Sophia teased, fanning the flames.

These few had distinguished backgrounds. Although many present did not know who Liam Carter was, they still joined in the commotion with the other two.

"Looks like you picked the wrong time to come up."

Compared to the others, Emily Clark's gaze toward Liam Carter now held even more appreciation.

A lover of the sword, yet unable to receive guidance from a famous teacher due to family opposition, and still, under such circumstances, able to rely on his own determination and perseverance to explore and create his own sword technique...

She had already made up her mind: even if Liam Carter's swordsmanship was lacking, she would give him a graceful way to withdraw.

Moreover...

"No matter, Miss Clark, please draw your sword."

Chapter Eight: Parry

"You want me to strike first?"

Although Emily Clark did not have high expectations for Liam Carter's swordsmanship, his sincere devotion to the way of the sword had already earned her respect.

"Yes, please!"

William Carter stood with his sword, his expression solemn.

"In that case, I will use the Silk-Twining Sword Technique to spar with you, Young Master Carter."