Ethan Woods looked at him deeply and said, “But that Gu master will not let this go easily. From what I can see, that fellow will definitely come tonight to take someone. If we can capture him, or catch his Gu snake, perhaps we can get the antidote.”

Henry Sutton stood there, his expression shifting. At this moment, his heart was filled with both wild joy and worry—a truly complicated mix.

Those who practice Gu techniques usually carry antidotes for their own poisons, which could be used to cure his cousin.

But although he, Henry Sutton, had inherited the teachings of the immortals, he was still just an ordinary person. How could he possibly capture the other party?

How was he supposed to survive this calamity?

“Ethan Woods…” The young man in the green robe, who had been standing quietly to the side, suddenly spoke, a look of hesitation on his face.

Although he didn’t say it outright, his meaning was clear: how could they risk provoking a Gu master for the sake of two unrelated people?

“It’s nothing to worry about.” Ethan Woods waved his hand slightly and said, “Within a thirty-li radius, the local temple is the Temple of the Thunder God. According to the rules of cultivators, no matter who he is, if he enters the domain of the Thunder God’s Temple, he must first pay his respects and announce himself.”

“Now, he has harmed people here without paying respects. That’s breaking the rules and trampling on the dignity of the Thunder God’s Temple. From that moment, it’s a feud.”

After a pause, Ethan Woods looked at the woman lying on the bed and said calmly, “This young lady came to the temple to fulfill a vow, and on the way, she was harmed by a cultivator. As the temple keeper, I have the responsibility to save her… Besides, since she’s staying in the temple tonight, if that Gu master dares to break in, it will be a fight to the death.”

“This…” The young man in green looked extremely troubled.

But in Henry Sutton’s ears, he already understood.

Tonight, when the Gu master comes, Ethan Woods will step in to protect them.

Henry Sutton was overjoyed and quickly said, “Thank you, Ethan Woods, for your help.”

Ethan Woods waved his hand slightly and said, “No need to thank me. That fellow broke the rules by coming here and dared to trample on my dignity and disrespect the might of the Thunder God. There must be an end to this.”

The young man in green sighed helplessly and said, “In that case, should I go prepare some things?”

“No need.” Ethan Woods shook his head and said, “That Gu master is no novice. I don’t know if I can match him, and your cultivation is shallow—you haven’t even started yet. Staying will be of little use. Besides, this matter has nothing to do with you; there’s no need for you to risk yourself…”

“How can that be?” The young man looked alarmed. “How can I let you face such a powerful enemy alone?”

Ethan Woods waved his hand and said, “Your father entrusted you to me less than a year ago, and you haven’t even finished your training. How can I let you take such a risk?”

The young man wanted to say more, but Ethan Woods was already displeased. He waved his sleeve and said, “Have you forgotten your oath? Whatever I say, you must not disobey!”

Hearing this, the young man immediately lowered his head and fell silent.

Ethan Woods glanced sideways at Henry Sutton and said, “Besides, I’m not alone, am I? Isn’t he here?”

“Him?” The young man looked surprised. “What help can he offer?”

“Me?” Henry Sutton wanted to stay by his cousin’s side and was prepared to remain, but hearing Ethan Woods call him out, he couldn’t help but be surprised.

“Of course you.” Ethan Woods said in a low voice, “I am old and weak; there are many things that need someone’s help. This William Green lad has nothing to do with this matter and can stay out of it, but your cousin is the key to all this. It’s only right for you to stay.”

Before Henry Sutton could reply, Ethan Woods turned away, busying himself with something, and said, “Of course, if you’re afraid, I won’t force you. But if that’s the case, I won’t care about your cousin’s life either.”

Henry Sutton took a deep breath and said in a firm voice, “As long as I can save her, even if I have to walk through fire and blades, I will not be afraid.”

Chapter Four: Is He a Virgin Boy?

The temple.

After settling his cousin, Henry Sutton left the quiet room to await Ethan Woods’s instructions.

After a flurry of activity, it was already evening.

Only now did Henry Sutton truly get a good look at the temple.

It was ancient and simple, weathered by time, filled with the scent of incense.

The temple was quite small—not grand or imposing—but it was well-kept, with everything in its proper place. All the necessary arrangements and furnishings were present, nothing was missing. With the incense burning strong and the lingering scent of candles, the place seemed to be filled with an indescribable air of mystery.

After drinking the talisman water and activating the Lu Ya inheritance, Henry Sutton knew that this temple was not a sham, but truly had something supernatural about it. He dared not take it lightly. Looking around carefully, he noticed a plaque in the main hall that read: Divine Firmament Thunder Mansion.

“Divine Firmament Thunder Mansion?”

Henry Sutton looked at the statue inside.

It was a tall, ancient statue, hands clasped behind its back, resembling an elderly man in his sixties. He seemed to be wearing a Daoist robe and a crown with a stone bead on top. The robe was inscribed with many runes symbolizing thunder.

For some reason, Henry Sutton felt there was something odd about this statue.

Just then, he heard Ethan Woods say, “Did you bring the black dog’s blood?”

Henry Sutton snapped out of his thoughts and quickly said, “It’s right here.”

The black dog’s blood had been bought by William Green from someone, and there was almost a full basin of it.

According to Ethan Woods, black dog’s blood wards off evil and can counter the Gu master’s dark arts.