Jingang Roar is a martial art that stimulates the throat meridians with true qi, allowing the voice to become exceptionally loud, thereby injuring enemies with sound. When mastered, it can even drive away evil spirits.

The words “evil spirits” made his heart tighten. Could there really be ghosts and monsters in this world?

Well, he had already reincarnated, so it wouldn’t be strange if ghosts and monsters existed.

If this life truly resembled the game he designed in his previous life, then his lifespan would be unlimited. He only needed to avoid disasters and keep cultivating, and sooner or later, he would become immortal!

Once immortal, what was there to fear from demons and ghosts?

……

In the days that followed, William Carter was thoroughly annoyed. The disciples were extremely curious about him. He spent almost all his daytime dealing with fellow disciples, and at night, some would even try to spy on him. The junior disciple who shared his room, a year younger than William Carter, kept pestering him. Helpless, he taught him the basic steps of the Nine-Seeking Heavenly Dragon Step, and only then did the pestering stop.

Life finally quieted down. William Carter was cultivating the Daoist Natural Arts in his room.

Bang—

Junior brother Stephen Reed ran in excitedly and said, “Senior brother, that top scholar has come again. He specifically asked to thank you. Master has already agreed, and he’s waiting outside the courtyard. Will you see him?”

William Carter frowned and said, “No. Just tell him he doesn’t need to thank me.”

Stephen Reed was stunned for a moment. He had grown up with William Carter and still listened to him on important matters, so he nodded and turned to leave the room.

“Hahaha, little Daoist, it seems you’re holding a grudge. Indeed, I was rude last time. I’ve come to apologize and brought along a martial arts manual from my The Brooks Family as a gift. I hope you’ll accept it.”

David Brooks stepped in with a warm smile. The eleven-year-old Stephen Reed was no match to stop him.

William Carter said helplessly, “You’re being quite rude now as well.”

David Brooks sat down on his own, took out a blue-covered manual with golden threads from his robe, and placed it on the table.

“This martial art is called Qi Finger. You need to cultivate true qi before you can practice it. Unfortunately, my The Brooks Family switched from martial to literary pursuits a hundred years ago, and since then, there have been no martial prodigies. Today, I present it to you, little Daoist.”

David Brooks introduced with a smile. When mentioning his family’s history, his tone was tinged with emotion.

In the martial-valuing Jing Dynasty, the The Brooks Family struggled to survive.

Chapter 3: Affairs of the Jianghu, Spies Within the Temple

“Since Benefactor Brooks is sincere, why not gift it directly to Longqi Temple? Why give it to me alone?”

William Carter asked, eyes fixed on David Brooks.

David Brooks was taken aback. Although he had already experienced this boy’s unusual maturity, he was still surprised. Shaking his head with a wry smile, he said, “What status does Longqi Temple have? How could I befriend it alone? It’s improper by etiquette and insincere emotionally. I simply wish to befriend you, little Daoist. With your martial skills at such a young age, you’ll surely become a leader in the martial world, perhaps even a martial top scholar, serving the court.”

He had passed the imperial exam last year, but his background sparked public debate. Books, being the core of heritage, were mostly held by the gentry, so commoners rarely outperformed them. This year, the emperor specially instituted dual top scholars—one in literature, one in martial arts.

The cost of martial arts training in this world was not high. There were many sects recruiting disciples, but martial arts required talent, as did studying. Comparatively, commoners had a better chance in martial arts.

Longqi Temple was an imperial Daoist temple. The The Brooks Family dared not directly befriend Daoist Master Qingxu, lest they arouse the emperor’s suspicion.

William Carter felt his words made sense. In life, simply hiding wasn’t enough to ensure safety. Befriending some powerful people could be beneficial.

More importantly, though William Carter accepted his fate, he was still indignant. The fake crown prince had to be dealt with, and the powerful figures behind him couldn’t be let off either.

He recalled memories from twelve years ago. Among the influential families he’d heard of, there was indeed no Brooks.

William Carter nodded and said, “Then I’ll accept it. As a young Daoist, I can’t slight the top scholar’s goodwill.”

David Brooks smiled, not feeling mocked. As long as the other party accepted, it was a good start.

His enthusiasm was also influenced by his family. The The Brooks Family desperately needed powerful martial artists. They had tried to recruit many, but all were swayed by profit. William Carter was different—still young, and with proper support, would eventually side with the The Brooks Family.

David Brooks began to talk about the murder case. It turned out Robert Harris had intended to assassinate him, but he had always stayed with Daoist Master Qingxu, seeking Daoist teachings. Robert Harris was caught sneaking around by the victim, and, with the mentality that officials outrank merchants, interrogated Robert Harris, who became irritated and killed him. As for William Carter, he was completely framed—Robert Harris had seen William Carter practicing leg techniques from afar at night.

William Carter recalled that he had indeed felt watched, but it was fleeting. He hadn’t actually seen anyone, so he hadn’t paid it any mind.

“I was too inexperienced, misled by Robert Harris’s words, and thought myself clever for seeing through the truth.” David Brooks sighed, looking quite ashamed.

Seeing him admit his mistake, William Carter’s impression of him improved. He then curiously asked, “Why did Robert Harris want to kill you?”

David Brooks glanced at Stephen Reed. Stephen Reed paused, then sensibly left the room and closed the door.