“Greetings, Senior Brother Clark.” Ethan Brooks's expression changed, and he stepped back a few paces, his right hand subtly forming a loose grip behind his back. He had seen this person before; most of the outer sect disciples knew this Robert Clark senior brother. This man was ruthless and vicious—several low-level disciples had already died at his hands in the public area for lower ranks. He usually flattered senior brothers at the third level of Qi Condensation and above, but toward those at the first or second level, he was extremely domineering, resorting to violence at the slightest disagreement.

“Since you recognize me, there’s no need for Mr. Clark to say more. Hand over your pills and spirit stones.” Robert Clark spoke coldly. Others dared not touch this Ethan Brooks before him, but Robert Clark had been in the sect for many years and already knew the ropes. He had secretly learned that Senior Sister Foster often secluded herself in cultivation, so he figured she wouldn’t care much about the life or death of this underling.

“Please, Senior Brother Clark, show some leniency. I... I just got these spirit stones and pills. Could you give me a little more time?” Ethan Brooks hesitated, stepping back a few more paces. The other’s cultivation was a whole level above his, and Ethan Brooks had never fought anyone before. At this moment, anxiety made his face somewhat pale.

“Calling yourself ‘xiao sheng’? Were you a scholar before coming up the mountain? Come, come, recite a poem for your senior brother. Maybe if I’m in a good mood, I’ll only break one of your legs today.” Robert Clark laughed heartily, his expression full of mockery.

“Senior Brother Clark... The sages once said, if...” Ethan Brooks was extremely nervous inside, and even angrier, but he had no choice but to endure it, trying to reason with him.

“Shut up. Not only do you have to hand over your spirit stones and pills, but from now on, your cave residence is also mine to share. To outsiders, we’re fellow disciples, but inside the cave, you’re Mr. Clark’s servant from now on. If you dare utter even half a word of refusal, today I’ll show you what it means to wish you were dead!” Robert Clark glared, a murderous intent flashing in his eyes as he strode toward Ethan Brooks.

His cultivation had recently broken through to the third level, and he urgently needed a large amount of spiritual energy to stabilize it. Ruthlessly, he set his sights on Ethan Brooks’s cave residence. Still, he was somewhat wary of Senior Sister Foster, so he came up with the idea of making Ethan Brooks his servant. In his mind, Ethan Brooks wouldn’t dare refuse. After some time, when Senior Sister Foster forgot about this ant, he could kill him at any time. Even if he didn’t, keeping a cripple around to recite poetry would make him seem quite cultured.

“This cave belongs to Senior Sister Foster. How could I make decisions on her behalf? Please, Senior Brother Clark, don’t make things difficult for me.” Spiritual energy was gathering in Ethan Brooks’s right hand behind his back. He knew he was no match for the other, but the matter of the cave was serious, and the spirit stones even more so. He was extremely unwilling to give them up. Struggling with anger inside, he mentioned Senior Sister Foster in his words.

“Giving you face and you don’t want it? You’re asking for trouble. When Mr. Clark makes a move, you’ll know what it means to wish you were dead.” Robert Clark snorted coldly, his expression showing impatience. Without another word, he stepped forward, raising his right hand to grab at Ethan Brooks. Ethan Brooks’s face showed terror, and this look of fear immediately made Robert Clark feel satisfied. What he enjoyed most was seeing the weak show this expression before him.

He could even imagine that in the next instant, the other would kneel before him, trembling. Just as he was feeling pleased, at the very moment he neared Ethan Brooks, the fear on Ethan Brooks’s face vanished in an instant, replaced by a fierce look. He swung his right hand up from behind, and immediately a finger-length fire serpent, radiating intense heat, shot straight at Robert Clark.

Ethan Brooks’s heart pounded wildly. Even though the Fire Serpent Technique might not be enough to kill the other by surprise, he still held a sliver of hope that it could delay him for a moment. He was unwilling to surrender without a fight, and even more unwilling to give up everything to become the other’s servant. Without hesitation, he turned and ran swiftly toward the mountains.

“Fire Serpent Technique!” Robert Clark’s expression changed. In this moment of crisis, he quickly retreated, slapping his storage pouch with his right hand. Instantly, a small white sword shot out, heading straight for the fire serpent.

With a boom, the fire serpent dissipated, and the small sword, knocked askew by the impact, fell crookedly into the grass nearby. Robert Clark was left in a sorry state, retreating repeatedly. When he looked toward the distant Ethan Brooks fleeing into the mountains, his face was filled with anger and intense surprise.

“He actually reached the second level of Qi Condensation so quickly. Senior Sister Foster’s cave residence really has such an effect. Even if I have to kill him, I must have it.” Robert Clark’s face twisted with ferocity as he hurriedly chased after him.

He gave chase for a while, but it was clear he was less familiar with these wild mountains than Ethan Brooks, especially since Ethan Brooks was quite fast. For the moment, Robert Clark couldn’t catch up.

“You little bastard, these wild mountains are deserted—if you want to die, I’ll grant your wish today.” Robert Clark’s voice was icy. Up ahead, Ethan Brooks was running quickly. In order to catch up, Robert Clark was ready to unleash one of his most powerful techniques. With a low growl, his body instantly swelled, his hair thickening in a flash and turning golden, with many strands bursting through his clothes. He looked as if he had transformed into a beast.

This was the unique technique he had stumbled upon before joining the sect—the Beast Transformation Technique.

This technique could be cultivated at the second level of Qi Condensation, though the transformation was not obvious at that stage, only making the body stronger. Even so, it was impressive. Relying on this technique, he had been able to dominate among the lower-level disciples. Each time he used it, despite the time limit, it always produced miraculous results and never failed him. It was his most prized trump card.