Void Grasp—this technique, which can only be performed at the peak of the Qi Refining stage, seemed as effortless and natural as drinking water when executed by Matthew Reed.

He casually picked up the small book and flipped through it, a faint smile appearing on his face. “Little Liam, this Splitting Light Sword Technique is quite good, very suitable for your current cultivation.”

As he spoke, he handed the small book to Liam Foster, then swept his gaze nonchalantly over the other three trays, but did not make another move.

Clearly, the items on these three small trays did not interest him.

Emily Thompson’s heart twinged. The items in these three trays had all been carefully selected by him. Not to mention anything else, just those hundred spirit stones alone were worth a hundred thousand taels of gold.

That hundred thousand taels of gold would be enough to buy an entire street in Dingfang City.

Yet even so, they failed to catch his eye.

This left him sighing, and his desire to break through to Foundation Establishment grew even stronger.

As long as he broke through to Foundation Establishment, he would no longer have to be a mere shopkeeper in Dingfang City, and the things he could access would be far greater.

Liam Foster paid no attention to the change in Emily Thompson’s expression. He took the sword manual handed over by Matthew Reed and skimmed through it.

The Splitting Light Sword Technique was suitable for cultivation during the Qi Refining stage, and emphasized speed above all. Once mastered, it could unleash nine sword edges in a single strike, each one deadly.

Although he had not yet practiced it, Liam Foster could already sense the value of this sword technique.

Compared to the family’s own Green Willow Sword Technique, which only had ten moves, this was far superior.

If Zhenbaoxuan were to sell such a sword technique, it would fetch no less than a hundred thousand taels of gold.

And now, this sword manual had fallen into his hands with ease.

“Master Reed, Mr. Foster, if you need anything, just say the word. As long as it’s within my power, Zhenbaoxuan will do everything possible!” Emily Thompson respectfully cupped his fists and continued to politely address the two.

Although he ranked behind Matthew Reed, Liam Foster knew there was no room for him to speak here.

Matthew Reed nodded and said, “Manager Thompson, you weren’t aware of the situation this time, so let’s leave it at that. My young friend here will be living in Dingfang City from now on, so I hope Manager Thompson will look after him.”

“Hahaha, Master Reed, you’re too polite! Mr. Foster’s affairs are my affairs!” Already prepared to make further sacrifices, Emily Thompson replied with a beaming smile.

As the four trays were gently placed on the table, Emily Thompson took his leave with a broad smile. Although Zhenbaoxuan had suffered considerable losses this time, he felt it was well worth it to use these assets to quell the anger of a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

“He’s a very clever man—what a pity!” Matthew Reed said, then picked up the small bottle, sniffed it, and said to Liam Foster, “These Qi-Enhancing Pills are of average quality, but they’ll be enough to get you to the fourth level of Qi Refining.”

Liam Foster wasn’t too concerned about the Qi Refining Pills; he had plenty of medicinal herbs in his storage pouch. What he cared about was Matthew Reed’s assessment of Emily Thompson.

“Big Brother Reed, why do you say it’s a pity about Manager Thompson?”

Matthew Reed smiled and said, “To reach Foundation Establishment, you need more than just medicine—you need a heart devoted to the Dao. Emily Thompson is too cunning; even with a Foundation Establishment Pill, his chances of success are only fifty percent.”

The fact that Emily Thompson, at the ninth level of Qi Refining, had only a fifty percent chance of reaching Foundation Establishment made Liam Foster’s heart turn cold.

No wonder Foundation Establishment cultivators were so highly regarded. Reaching the ninth level of Qi Refining was already difficult, and among those who did, even fewer managed to achieve Foundation Establishment.

Matthew Reed understood the meaning in Liam Foster’s gaze, and couldn’t help but feel a trace of pride.

“Ah…”

A shrill scream came from outside the room. Following the scream, someone’s deep voice was heard: “The Brooks FamilySteven Brooks requests an audience with Master Reed.”

Steven Brooks, head of the The Brooks Family, was a figure of absolute authority in all of Dingfang City.

It was precisely because of his iron rule that Eldest Master Brooks had developed such an arrogant and domineering character.

Matthew Reed called for them to enter, and five people walked in from outside.

No, to be precise, the last person was dragged in.

The one being dragged in was none other than the eldest son of the The Brooks Family, Charles Brooks.

The reason he was being dragged was that both his legs had been broken.

Blood dripped all over the Fang family’s floor, and the cries of pain—sometimes loud, sometimes soft—were coming from this very Mr. Brooks.

Walking in front of him was an old man who bore a seventy percent resemblance to Charles Brooks, but looked even more sinister.

The old man glanced at Matthew Reed, then cupped his hands and said, “Greetings, Master Reed.”

Matthew Reed nodded but did not speak. Although Simon Brooks was dissatisfied with Matthew Reed’s attitude, he still maintained a respectful demeanor and said, “Master Reed, my son was ignorant and offended the immortal master. It is truly Mr. Brooks’s failure in discipline. I beg your forgiveness.”

As he spoke, he took out several sheets of paper and handed them over, saying, “A small token, not much, but I hope the immortal master will forgive us.”

Liam Foster glanced at the papers and saw that they were covered in writing and bore several bright red seals, but for the moment, he couldn’t tell what they were.