“There's basically no need to watch—out of ten people, that good-for-nothing William Bennett will definitely come in last. Second Master, there are many matters at the residence, why not head back first?” John Carter said loudly, clearly intending to provoke Charles Bennett, who was sitting not far away.

“Who says there's no need to watch? I, for one, really want to see that arrogant and ignorant fool get beaten so badly he’ll be ‘picking his teeth up off the floor’.” Second-in-Command Carter laughed boisterously. Charles Bennett wore a serious expression and said nothing. In truth, he had already accepted this in his heart. Unfortunately, his own son was just not up to par, so when he got beaten later, he could only close his eyes and pretend not to know.

At lunch, William Bennett pulled his father aside and said, “Dad, if things really don’t work out later, just admit defeat and save face. There’s no need to get hurt just for the sake of pride. We’ll always have another chance to rise again. Besides, if you fall into the hands of Edward Bennett, Richard Bennett, or James Bennett, it won’t just be about getting hurt. They won’t show any mercy. The Elders’ Council has rules against killing, but there’s no rule against crippling someone.”

“Son, I won’t show mercy either.” William Bennett’s unprecedented confidence left Charles Bennett feeling bewildered, even a bit annoyed. He said, “You blockhead, as long as the green hills remain, there’ll always be firewood to burn. When we get home, I’ll find you some higher-level cultivation techniques to practice. Your day will come, right? But if you get crippled, your life is over.”

“Don’t worry, Dad. Your son isn’t an idiot.” William Bennett replied calmly, a hint of playful amusement at the corner of his mouth.

“Fine, since your mind is made up, I won’t say more. If you really do end up crippled, I’ll always be your father, remember that. You are my son, Charles Bennett’s son.” Charles Bennett let it go, his ambition surging once more.

A domineering aura radiated from him, and a fierce, indistinct, ethereal shadow of a “tiger” appeared faintly above his head. With a swipe of its paw, even the dining table several meters away seemed to feel the pressure, creaking in protest.

As a “Supreme Human Martial Realm” expert, this was his father’s “Tiger Vein” blood will. Though it was only a blood will, once activated—even a tiger that doesn’t show its might, you’d really think it was a sick cat.

William Bennett stared blankly at his father’s display of “blood will,” wondering what his own “blood will” might be. Moreover, from a special perspective, William Bennett discovered that the “blood will” was actually composed of countless minuscule blood particles.

William Bennett began to understand. “Blood will” was completely different from the blood soul possessed by those in the Sky Martial Realm. Blood will was simply a martial artist stimulating their bloodline, causing blood energy particles to overflow and condense outside the body. It was still a form of blood energy, just of higher quality. The “blood soul,” on the other hand, should be a kind of spiritual power, an expression of bloodthirstiness—a higher-level spiritual substance.

In the afternoon, the Wood-rank disciple competition began.

The ten participants were divided into two arenas, with Edward Bennett and James Bennett designated as the seeded contestants and arena masters of the two main arenas. By the draw, William Bennett was assigned to Arena One, in the same group as James Bennett. The other three advancing contestants were Jason Bennett, Paul Bennett, and Richard Bennett.

“James Bennett is incredibly strong. I’ve heard he’s been hiding his true strength and has probably already broken through to the second level of the ‘Pulse Realm.’ To help his son break through early and compete for a top-three spot among the Wood-rank disciples, Jonathan Bennett has gone to great lengths. He sold off half the family assets to get a low-grade Blood Origin Pill—the ‘Blood Break Pill’—from the Aoren Hall’s Qingmu City branch.” Charles Bennett pulled his son aside to warn him.

“A low-grade ‘Blood Break Pill’?” William Bennett was startled.

“That’s right, this information is absolutely reliable. You know, ‘Blood Origin Pills’ are extremely precious. The ‘Blood Break Pill’ can enhance bloodline abilities, trigger bloodline eruptions, increase the number of bloodline channels, and break through cultivation levels.

It’s an extremely rare Blood Origin Pill. It’s said the entire Aoren Hall Qingmu City branch only has one, as their prized treasure.

Normally, it’s not for sale. Who knows what tricks that old fox Jonathan Bennett used to get his hands on it.

So, James Bennett breaking through to the second level of the Pulse Realm is a sure thing. If he wants to cripple you, it would be effortless.” Charles Bennett said, worry written all over his face.

“I understand what you mean, Dad.” William Bennett nodded.

“As long as you understand.” Charles Bennett breathed a sigh of relief, thinking his son had caught the “hint” in his words—to admit defeat if things went south. Then he added, “Don’t underestimate Emily Bennett either. Though she’s only fourteen, during the bloodline energy test she reached 25 particles—almost catching up to Edward Bennett. Plus, as the granddaughter of Core Elder Three, Benjamin Bennett, that old fox has stuffed her with all sorts of rare treasures.”

“Got it!” William Bennett nodded again, thinking his father just wanted him to admit defeat across the board.

The first round was a round-robin, meaning all five disciples had to face each other once.

Arena One, first match—the dark horse Richard Bennett versus the grandson of Core Elder Four, “Jason Bennett.”

His father hadn’t introduced “Jason Bennett” at all; this cousin seemed as inconspicuous as a blade of grass. William Bennett basically had no information about him in the clan. Moreover, this person had only returned from elsewhere a month ago. Even his father probably didn’t know his background, so there was nothing to say.

However, as the grandson of a core elder, it was impossible for him not to have some real ability. William Bennett was actually more interested in him than ever. That’s just how people are—unknown things are always more intriguing than those you know inside and out.