The other menial disciples were all taken aback to see a disciple of the Immortal Sect take the initiative to speak with Henry Carter, and looked at him with complicated expressions. Meanwhile, beside William Clark, a few other Immortal Sect disciples, seeing this, asked curiously, “Junior Brother Clark, do you know this menial?”

William Clark smiled and said, “More than just know him! You might not recognize him—do you know who this is? This is the famous Henry Carter! He was originally the top scorer on the Immortal Ranking in this year’s Immortal Hall Grand Examination. It’s just a pity that the Dao Origin True Explanation section was canceled, haha…”

That laughter sounded rather grating, and Henry Carter felt a faint urge to smash his bowl of porridge into his face.

“So it’s him?”

Upon hearing this, the group of Immortal Sect disciples all had different expressions.

They were not unfamiliar with Henry Carter; he had once been the acknowledged number one on the Immortal Ranking. In other words, all of them had lost to him in the examinations before. Now, seeing this former top scorer dressed in menial servant’s garb standing before them, their gazes toward Henry Carter grew even more complicated. Some exchanged knowing smiles, while others scrutinized Henry Carter up and down.

“Thank you for your concern. Everything is fine!”

These looks made Henry Carter feel displeased, and not wanting to say more, he gave a perfunctory bow and stood up.

“Haha, indeed, Senior Brother Carter looks quite fitting in these menial clothes…”

William Clark laughed heartily, glancing around with great satisfaction.

“So you’re Henry Carter?”

But just then, among the group of Immortal Sect disciples, a girl of about fifteen or sixteen in a white dress, with outstanding temperament and a lovely appearance, walked over in surprise. She gave a graceful bow and looked at Henry Carter with great interest, smiling as she said, “I’ve heard your name before. Once, when I passed through Taiyue City, I even wanted to pay you a visit. I never expected to meet you here!”

“Junior Sister Xiao Qiao, you…”

William Clark clearly hadn’t expected this girl to be so polite to Henry Carter, and spoke up in confusion.

But Junior Sister Little Miller ignored him, smiling brightly at Henry Carter and saying, “Senior Brother Carter, I’ve heard about your situation. That was fate’s injustice, not your fault. I greatly admire your learning. Would you be willing to come to the pavilion and chat for a while?”

Hearing this, the other Immortal Sect disciples were all a bit surprised, not knowing why Junior Sister Little Miller would take the initiative to invite him.

Henry Carter glanced at her, unsure whether this beautiful girl was sincere or just mocking him like the others. But he had no intention of getting involved with these Immortal Sect disciples at this time, so he shook his head and said, “What learning do I have? Even the Dao Origin True Explanation was fake. Everything I know is fake as well. I won’t disturb you all in your cultivation. I still have work to do!”

With that, he cupped his fists, turned, and walked toward the edge of the forest.

“Heh, how arrogant Senior Brother Carter used to be. Why does he act like a mouse seeing a cat when he sees me now?”

William Clark, seeing this, put on a mocking smile and, showing off, reached out toward the ground. Between his five fingers, green energy swirled, and a withered maple leaf on the ground floated up, shooting out like an arrow from a bow.

With a “whoosh,” the withered leaf struck Henry Carter on the head, shattered into pieces, and scattered to the ground.

Henry Carter’s steps immediately halted.

Chapter 10: A Gamble

“Junior Brother Clark’s object-controlling technique is truly exquisite!”

William Clark had used spiritual energy to control the withered leaf and strike Henry Carter on the head. The leaf was light and naturally couldn’t hurt anyone.

But the disciples nearby immediately burst into applause, and William Clark looked around proudly, very pleased with himself.

This was one of the techniques that could only be practiced after reaching the peak of the first level of Qi Refining—controlling objects in the air, moving them at will. Although he could only control a light withered leaf, which couldn’t hurt anyone, this display already showed William Clark’s impressive skill in object manipulation.

He himself felt this was the best he had performed in quite some time.

Especially since the withered leaf had struck Henry Carter on the head, and he had performed it right in front of Junior Sister Little Miller, which made him even more delighted, his pride written all over his face.

The other Immortal Sect disciples’ applause was genuine, except for Junior Sister Little Miller, who frowned slightly.

The withered leaf struck his head, and Henry Carter, who was about to leave, suddenly stopped, his fists slowly clenching.

He was silent for a few moments, then slowly turned around.

William Clark seemed oblivious to Henry Carter’s anger, and said mockingly, “Senior Brother Carter, what do you think of this object-controlling technique?”

Henry Carter’s face was expressionless as he replied coolly, “The basic Qi Refining manual of Qingyang Sect says: within ten feet, one can control withered leaves, making them dance nimbly, moving as the heart desires. But your technique is scattered and unfocused; the leaf flies off and is gone, with no further change. It can only be considered inferior!”

He spoke very seriously, but the other Immortal Sect disciples were all taken aback, then couldn’t help but laugh.

“And you think you’re qualified to instruct me?”