Emily Harris, who was in the midst of battle, also knew that her master had arrived. Her opponent was Matthew Cooper's junior fellow apprentice, Jacob Wright. His strength had already reached the mid-stage of the Yukun realm, while Emily Harris was only at the early stage. Fortunately, relying on her fierce determination, she managed to turn the tide several times in dangerous situations by fighting desperately, resulting in both sides suffering losses.

In the cultivation world, Innate is the most basic entry requirement, followed by the Bigu stage, Yukun stage, and Yuanshen stage. Above Yuanshen are the “Heaven” realm, the “Void” realm, and above the Void realm is the legendary “Immortal” realm.

Emily Harris's Lingxiao Vital Energy had only been cultivated to the fourth level, and she had just recently entered the early Yukun stage. Lingxiao Vital Energy was a required and mainstream cultivation method passed down in Yushan. The Lingxiao Vital Energy method was divided into thirteen levels; the first to third levels were for the Bigu stage. When Emily Harris entered the Yukun stage, it meant she had broken through the third level and reached the fourth.

Emily Harris had been holding back her anger for a long time; for this one breath, even if it meant death, she was determined to fight. She was surprised that Ethan Clark had arrived—how had her master recovered? How could he have come? At that moment, Ethan Clark said a single sentence that instantly extinguished Matthew Cooper's arrogance.

“Master’s words are right…” That one sentence was like a shot of adrenaline for Emily Harris. Her flying sword attacks became even more powerful, and for a moment, she was able to fight Jacob Wright to a standstill.

This crazy woman—Jacob Wright felt helpless facing Emily Harris.

Emily Harris had been repressed for too long. David Smith had always tried to keep the peace, while her own temper was fiery. She always clashed with David Smith, unable to stand her master’s way of doing things. Even so, she had never disobeyed David Smith; even if she was dissatisfied, she endured it, since David Smith was her master. When David Smith was gravely injured and on the verge of death, she finally exploded—she would fight, even if it meant dying.

She never expected that not only did her master survive, but he also came and said such an inspiring thing—something he had never said in all these years. She didn’t care about anything else; just being able to vent this pent-up anger was worth it.

“What are you two standing there for? Can’t you see Emily isn’t a match for that guy? Have you forgotten what I just said?” Ethan Clark landed, his tone tinged with anger.

“But they’re having a fair one-on-one duel…” Olivia Smith didn’t dare meet Ethan Clark’s gaze.

Sophia Sullivan was even more frightened, shrinking back and lowering her head. Why had master’s gaze become so sharp and spirited? With his anger, she and senior brother didn’t even dare look at him directly—the pressure was immense!

A fair… duel? When Olivia Smith said this, Ethan Clark remembered that David Smith’s memories did include such matters. Although the Three Mountains, Two Sects, and One School were all major factions in the cultivation world and had once joined forces against enemies, their disciples inevitably clashed. When disciples from these factions fought, they would have fair matches, which could be simple contests or life-and-death duels, depending on the participants’ wishes.

That’s your rule—I don’t care about any of that.

“Rules are dead, people are alive. Next time, remember: no matter what the so-called rules are, you only need to remember one thing—listen to your master.”

“Mm.” Olivia Smith and Sophia Sullivan nodded quickly.

Sophia Sullivan reacted quickly. She and Emily Harris—one the second senior sister, the other the youngest junior sister—were naturally close. She was lively and decisive; just now, seeing Emily Harris in danger, she wanted to rush in but was stopped by Olivia Smith. Now, with her master’s order, she charged forward without hesitation.

Olivia Smith was practically a copy of the old David Smith, and at this moment, he was still reluctant—this seemed a bit against the rules…

“What are you standing there for? Get in there!” Ethan Clark shouted.

Now Olivia Smith didn’t dare hesitate and also charged forward.

All of this happened quickly. By the time Matthew Cooper snapped out of his shock, Olivia Smith and Sophia Sullivan had already rushed up to surround Jacob Wright.

Although Olivia Smith was only at the early Yukun stage, his foundation was solid, and he was no weaker than most at the mid-stage. Sophia Sullivan was a bit behind, only at the late Bigu stage, but her Lingxiao Sword Technique was graceful and full of spirit, and her attacks were not weak.

Each of the three had their own strengths, especially Emily Harris’s reckless fighting style. The three of them together actually managed to hold off Jacob Wright’s assault.

“David Smith, you coward—not only are you useless, but you even resort to such despicable tactics. You’ve not only disgraced yourself, but also Yushan. If I were you, I’d just die already. Hmph…” Matthew Cooper didn’t care about what was happening with Jacob Wright—he was here himself. He was just one step away from reaching the Yuanshen stage. This trip, called a training journey, was actually to investigate the situation in Misty Town. Once he returned, as long as he secluded himself for less than half a year, he could achieve Yuanshen.

It had only taken him eleven years, while David Smith, who had cultivated for over twenty years and was still only at the mid-Yukun stage, was nothing in his eyes.