Although he knew this was a spell, the power of the giant wood unleashed by this spell was absolutely real. If he were to be struck by it unprepared, even as a master of the Heaven Realm, he would suffer a loss.

Of course, such a thing could never happen in front of David Bennett.

With a slight raise of his long eyebrows, the soft jade-belted sword coiled around his waist flew out automatically with a gentle tap from David Bennett.

The Azure Sword Qi soared and swept through the air, leaping skyward and transforming into a sharp, chilling blue light. In the blink of an eye, fish and dragons danced, and seventy-two dazzling streams of sword qi had already sliced the surging giant logs into countless fragments.

The erupting sword qi scattered in all directions, striking the cabin walls with crackling sounds. The curtains made of golden brocade became riddled with holes, and the cabin walls were pitted and scarred by flying wood chips embedded by the counterattack.

While David Bennett unleashed the Azure Sword Qi, Mark Clark was not idle either.

The oncoming giant logs only delayed him for a moment. He didn’t have time to draw the blade at his waist, but he stepped forward steadily and struck a palm toward Brian Carter, who was already leaping toward the window lattice.

His seemingly ordinary palm suddenly swelled several times in size, becoming an illusory image as large as a wooden basin, spinning and whirling rapidly. The air in the entire cabin seemed to compress into a violently rotating vortex, which was then forcefully expelled forward.

As the air trembled, the whole cabin creaked as if it might fall apart, a testament to the power of this strike.

Brian Carter did not know that this Great Giant Spirit Hand of Mark Clark originated from the supreme, fierce power of the Buddhist Diamond Sutra, but from the way the air around him changed, he knew this move was enough to knock him down to the mortal realm.

Fortunately, his leap was a feint to begin with. In midair, he twisted nimbly, executing the “Bird Stretching” variation from the Five Animals Play—Swallow Glancing Back—barely dodging the overwhelming force that swept past. With exquisite skill, he landed beside the still-stunned young lady, and a short sword—no one knew from where—was already at her neck.

David Bennett's pupils contracted, his gaze as sharp as a needle landing on the composed Brian Carter, but he said nothing.

Mark Clark's expression changed abruptly. He gathered his energy and said coldly, “Boy, are you trying to bring disaster upon your family?”

“Lord Clark, I wouldn’t dare. I just wanted to prove that I am not completely powerless to resist. Don’t force me into a fight to the death.” Brian Carter shook his head calmly and lowered the short sword in his hand. “It was just a joke, I hope Lord Bennett and Lord Clark won’t take offense. Miss Thompson and I are friends, after all—how could I possibly harm her?”

“Hmph, dying is normal, but breaking the net—I’m afraid you don’t have that ability.” Mark Clark sneered, but seeing Brian Carter put down the short sword and show no intent to harm, his tone softened considerably.

“Hey, you actually know wood-element spells? Wait, where did this talisman come from? Did you make it?” The young lady seemed unconcerned by Brian Carter's earlier transgression, instead showing great interest in the talisman that had fallen onto the deck. She had already picked it up and was examining it closely. “This is made from a thousand-year-old dragon cypress root—no wonder it has such an ancient, forest-like aura. ‘Boundless falling leaves rustle down’—I didn’t expect to meet someone like you here…”

“Heh, don’t look at me. I know nothing about this stuff. It’s an experimental item from a friend of mine, and also my life-saving charm.” Brian Carter also noticed that the killing intent from David Bennett and Mark Clark had already dissipated, knowing he had passed this test. He put on a bitter face and bowed deeply. “Lord Bennett, please let me off this time.”

David Bennett actually found this fellow rather interesting, using retreat as a way to advance.

He certainly had no intention of making things too difficult, and he could also see that Miss was not particularly angry with this person. After those earlier slaps, the young lady even seemed somewhat regretful. But if he let the other party off too easily, it would make his own words seem weightless.

“Boy, you volunteered just now, so you can’t blame me.” He glanced at Brian Carter with a half-smile. “Go on, didn’t you look so confident? I’m still waiting to hear your insights.”

“Lord Bennett, please don’t make things hard for me. I was forced by circumstances earlier.” Brian Carter knew that if he didn’t reveal something, he wouldn’t get away so easily. “With just this bit of information, it’s hard for me to make a detailed analysis, but there’s one thing I can be almost certain of: this has nothing to do with external enemies, but rather comes from within. Hmm, to be precise, it’s internal to the Liu family. As for the reasons, you’ll have to figure that out yourselves, Lord Bennett.”

David Bennett’s body trembled slightly, then he glanced at the equally shocked Mark Clark. The latter seemed to have thought of something, but was unsure, so he just shook his head and said nothing. The young lady, on the other hand, looked confused. “What are you two talking about in riddles?”

Brian Carter did not answer, only smiled. David Bennett pondered for a moment, then nodded. “You do make some sense…”

Brian Carter was overjoyed. “Lord Bennett, you are a man of your word, so you must keep your promise…”

“However, I’m only sparing you the crime of trespassing in His Highness’s private cabin. I never agreed to let you stay on the ship…” David Bennett looked at Brian Carter with a half-smile.