Henry Clark raised his eyes to glance at the darkness outside, where all the lanterns had been extinguished. A trace of apprehension appeared on his face.

　　“Since you’re here, why don’t you show yourselves, friends?”

　　The man in black’s eyes flickered slightly as he focused on Yvonne Harris, who was closing in step by step. Internal martial arts swordsmanship!

　　That move just now could only have been deflected by someone with internal energy. This young girl before him was actually an internal martial artist as well. Judging by her movements and footwork, her strength was only a bit weaker than his.

　　Then the one she called senior brother must be much stronger… After all, in every sect, seniority is determined by strength, and anyone who can become the senior brother is always a master.

　　As for the others who came along, they were just ordinary fighters. He was the only internal expert here, so there was no way they could be his match.

　　With this thought, he made his decision.

　　“Heh heh… Who would have thought… James Clark, I’ll let you off today.”

　　He quickly retreated, flipping several times before vanishing into the night.

　　“Trying to escape!” Yvonne Harris thrust her sword, six points of white light flashing at the tip—a signature move of the Red Pine Sword Technique, the Great Pine Yang Needle!

　　Her agility was impressive as well; she leapt into the air, chasing after him.

　　“Yvonne Harris, come back!”

　　It was Henry Clark’s words that stopped her.

　　“Senior brother~~!” Seeing she was about to catch up, Yvonne Harris had no choice but to withdraw her sword, looking disgruntled. “Can’t you just let me have some fun for once?!”

　　She pouted, not noticing the cold sweat beading on Henry Clark’s forehead above.

　　That sword that deflected the thrown blade just now wasn’t his doing, but Yvonne Harris’s. Then he stepped out, pretending to be the expert, acting as if he was wary of more accomplices outside and didn’t dare leave James Clark. He simply let Yvonne Harris make the move. That was what scared the man off.

　　This was a close call. If that man in black had been a bit more reckless and attacked directly, the outcome would have been much worse.

　　The hall was silent. The two or three dozen people present didn’t even dare to breathe. Some who had already entered the inner hall now quietly came out, looking at Henry Clark standing in front of James Clark, not knowing what to say.

　　“Well…” James Clark sat in silence for a while, finally catching his breath, then slumped into a chair, gasping for air.

　　“Well… well, well… Xinru… you really…” He grabbed Henry Clark’s hand, at a loss for words.

　　Just moments ago, he had been sternly scolding his son, but now he had to rely on Henry Clark to save his life. This made his old face flush with embarrassment.

　　Not just him—George Clark, Grace Clark, and the others nearby all had their mouths agape, as if they could fit a goose egg inside.

　　Those few swift moves just now took only seven or eight seconds, yet all the ambushed external martial artists couldn’t stop the man in black for even a step. Only Yvonne Harris and Henry Clark acted in the end, finally saving James Clark’s life.

　　An internal martial arts master!

Chapter 9: The Reason

　　Internal martial arts—a term previously seen only in novels—had now appeared vividly before everyone’s eyes.

　　The fan in George Clark’s hand slipped to the floor unnoticed, a hint of envy flickering in his eyes.

　　“I told you, the young master would never be the type to live off a woman…” Among the frightened crowd, a woman whispered to her companion.

　　Some quick-witted people were already drafting stories in their minds: “The eldest son of the Lin family’s fierce battle with the night-raiding man in black”—this would be a rich topic for future gossip.

　　Most of the Lin family members and servants felt more apologetic for having misunderstood Emily Clark before, as well as curious and newly impressed.

　　After all, that man just now was incredibly formidable. So many experts couldn’t stop him, but the Lin family’s young master did. Didn’t that mean the young master was even more powerful than Captain Brian Brooks from the city, or that Mr. Thompson and other masters?

　　Goodness, that was truly something.

　　Some who understood the situation were already thinking about how to curry favor with young master Emily Clark in the future.

　　“If the young master hadn’t acted this time, the Lin family would be in big trouble.” At this moment, Mr. Thompson finally caught his breath, clutching his chest as he sat on a broken chair in the middle of the hall.

　　“We’re already in big trouble…” Captain Brian Brooks said with a wry smile, staggering over to sit down. “Who would have thought the Lin family’s eldest son, rumored to be good-for-nothing, would turn out to be a legendary internal martial arts master. My apologies, my apologies…”

　　“You’re too kind.” Henry Clark was certainly not an internal martial arts master, but he had to keep up the act. If that man in black hadn’t gone far and heard he wasn’t really a master, that would be trouble.

　　“I just wonder what big trouble you’re referring to…”

　　Captain Brian Brooks shook his head.

　　“We’ll discuss it in detail in a moment.”

　　Henry Clark nodded.

　　“Big brother, when did you…?” Grace Clark ran out from the back, eyes shining as she grabbed Henry Clark’s hand. This cousin had always been lively and energetic, especially fond of martial arts and horsemanship.

　　“Mind your manners. Go back and stay put.” John Clark finally arrived, having just gone with Thomas Clark to catch the culprit. Now he entered the door with one arm covered in blood—clearly injured.

　　He glanced around, then looked at Emily Clark standing in front of James Clark, and at Yvonne Harris pouting beside him. Then he looked up at the long sword nailed above the hall, and couldn’t help but draw a sharp breath. Clearly, he had realized what might have just happened.