"To seek and not obtain is the Way." Ethan Thompson: "If the Way could be obtained by seeking, then it would not be the Way. The most crucial thing in martial arts is not to attain the Way, but to understand and realize it. Even the Crown Prince, though he understood the Way, could not preserve his physical body—he entered nirvana at eighty and could not remain in this world forever. That too is seeking but not obtaining. Your reaping with the sickle should be about harvest, not killing. Come, have a sip of tea, and then we'll set off."

With a flick of the wrist, the cup filled with tea spun in circles as it was tossed out, sliding right in front of Brian Carter.

The cup was full to the brim, and even a slight shake would cause it to spill, yet as it slid from Eric Thompson's hand to Brian Carter's side, not a single drop splashed out.

Brian Carter grabbed the teacup, held it in her hand, tilted her head back, and drank it all in one go, feeling much calmer. "I never would have thought, really, that the Li family would produce an expert like you. If I have time, I want to let my brother know, so he can meet someone like you."

"Is your brother David Carter?" Ethan Thompson asked.

"How did you know?" Brian Carter was startled.

"Your martial arts are very similar to his, your auras are connected, but he is a step ahead of you. This kind of thing is like bloodline—it can't be faked. And you two look somewhat alike. I just met him and even had a brief spar with him." Ethan Thompson sipped his tea.

"Who won?" Grace Fisher and Brian Carter asked at the same time; that was what they cared about most.

"Ask your brother and you'll know." Ethan Thompson closed his eyes, as if pondering what to do next.

Brian Carter quickly took out her phone and dialed a number. "Brother, do you know this person Ethan Thompson?"

"Ethan Thompson? You've met him? Oh right, I forgot you're acting as Grace Fisher's bodyguard for a few days. If you see him, be sure to consult him on martial arts—he's a true master. No, he's already about to step into the path of the transcendent. I admit defeat." David Carter's voice came through.

Brian Carter hung up, her face full of surprise. "You..."

"No time to waste. I'll take Grace Fisher now. You come along too." Ethan Thompson stood up.

"What exactly are you taking me to do?" Grace Fisher's impression of Ethan Thompson had changed greatly.

"To kill someone." Ethan Thompson said just three words.

Chapter 8: The Unbending Backbone

"You better not do anything rash. Whatever it is, talk it over with us. This is a society ruled by law—even if your martial arts are unmatched, you still have to obey the law. Don't act lawlessly." Brian Carter was startled. If she had heard an ordinary person say they were going to kill someone, she would have just laughed it off. But if Ethan Thompson said it, then it would definitely happen.

She knew that martial arts masters always meant what they said and were straightforward in character; otherwise, how could they have reached such heights?

No one indecisive could ever achieve great things.

Especially since Ethan Thompson's martial arts were already unfathomable. David Carter had described him as having stepped into the "realm of the transcendent," and only Brian Carter knew how weighty those four words were.

It was martial arts jargon, rarely spoken lightly.

Of those who had received such an evaluation from David Carter, she knew of only a handful in the circle—rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns. They were reclusive grandmasters, almost mythical, considered "national treasures."

The value of such people was immeasurable. Even top leaders would treat them with utmost respect, as they represented the pinnacle of human physical ability.

"That's why I called you. If I'm not mistaken, you also hold an important position in the security department." Ethan Thompson smiled. "Let me ask you: if a group of thugs tried to kidnap Grace Fisher and you killed them, would you be guilty?"

"That would depend on the situation, but generally it would be self-defense." Brian Carter thought for a moment.

"And what if every one of those thugs was a notorious international criminal?" Ethan Thompson raised a finger.

"Is there really such a group?" Brian Carter's eyes suddenly became sharp as blades. "Then whether we capture or kill them, it would be a great achievement. But how do you know about this? I do hold a position in the security department, and if there really were such international criminals, especially a group breaking in, we would definitely get the news."

"They are beyond your imagination." Ethan Thompson waved his hand. "Enough talk. Don't notify anyone else. For experts, too many people just make things worse. Your martial arts still have room to improve. If you want to reach a new level, this is the best opportunity."

As he spoke, Ethan Thompson moved, grabbing Grace Fisher and heading for the door.

"Car."

At the entrance, a large luxury RV started up. This was one of Grace Fisher's vehicles. She liked comfort; inside the RV was a bar, a large crystal screen, leather sofas, and the vehicle was equipped with a shock-absorbing system, so you couldn't even feel it moving.

The driver's cabin was separated from the back, so the driver couldn't see anything happening behind. Unless someone in the back gave instructions via Bluetooth, the driver would simply follow orders.

In addition, the vehicle was bulletproof and had various other features, making it essentially a small armored vehicle.

This was basically a vehicle fit for a top leader.

The driver was also a well-trained bodyguard, skilled in combat and highly alert—he could easily take on three to five strong men at once.