Charles Foster and a group of disciples were waiting on the emperor’s usual path. This was a small stream running through Longqi Mountain, with a little bridge spanning it. The flowers and grass on both sides of the stream were lush and dense. The group, numbering more than a dozen, gathered in a stone pavilion beside the bridge, so many that the small pavilion could barely hold them all.

Charles Foster was boasting about his experiences during their last training, and when he saw William Carter approaching, his eyes lit up. He said, “What a rare guest, Junior Brother Carter, what brings you here? Come in, everyone, make some room.”

The three seated disciples quickly stood up, and the others who were standing also made way.

William Carter was the only disciple whom Reverend Mason had ever said could cultivate freely without attending lectures, giving him a special status. Coupled with his usual solitary nature, this made the other disciples keep their distance, not daring to offend him lightly.

William Carter entered the pavilion and sat down, smiling as he asked, “Second Senior Brother, what brings you here to tell stories today?”

The three senior disciples of Longqi Temple were all martial arts fanatics. The eldest, James Thompson, was exceptionally talented, while Charles Foster was of average talent but made up for it with diligence, and had even bested James Thompson in their sparring matches on occasion.

Charles Foster laughed and said, “Of course, I’m here to witness the aura of a true dragon. It’s said that His Majesty is accompanied by the spirit of a dragon—how could I not come to pay my respects?”

The way he said “pay respects” was quite something.

William Carter began to chat idly with his senior brothers. The other disciples found his presence novel, and Charles Foster was especially so.

Charles Foster was very curious about William Carter’s current strength. He had sought out William Carter last year, proposing a spar, but William Carter had simply conceded, saying he wasn’t qualified yet. As a senior brother, Charles Foster couldn’t force the issue, so he had to let it go.

Half an hour later.

A group of golden-armored imperial guards approached, and the figures of Reverend Mason and Samuel Carter appeared in the disciples’ line of sight. The disciples all left the pavilion, kneeling in salute. William Carter did the same—there was nothing wrong with bowing to his own father.

As Samuel Carter drew near, William Carter couldn’t help but look up, meeting Samuel Carter’s gaze directly.

Samuel Carter wore a golden dragon robe and a light imperial crown. His face was stern, and his temples were already streaked with gray. He happened to be walking by, his gaze lowered, and it met William Carter’s just as he looked up. William Carter froze and quickly bowed his head.

He had imagined countless scenarios of meeting Samuel Carter, even considered revealing everything directly, but how could he make Samuel Carter believe him?

There were no witnesses.

Reverend Mason had only happened to save him outside the palace.

“This little Daoist, raise your head.”

Just as William Carter’s mind was in turmoil, Samuel Carter’s voice sounded. He didn’t look up, thinking Samuel Carter was addressing another disciple.

Reverend Mason’s voice followed: “William, His Majesty is calling you.”

William Carter instinctively looked up, once again meeting Samuel Carter’s gaze. He didn’t hide his nervousness—who wouldn’t be nervous in front of the emperor?

He noticed an old eunuch behind Samuel Carter, head bowed, back hunched, his body frail as if half in the grave already.

Such powerful true qi—stronger even than Reverend Mason!

William Carter remembered him. It was this old dog who had taken him out of the palace back then, though it wasn’t this old dog who had fought Reverend Mason; he had been passed through many hands along the way.

William Carter didn’t pay much attention to the old eunuch, instead lowering his eyes and saying, “Greetings, Your Majesty.”

Chapter 5: The Life and Death Seal, The Prince Becomes a Disciple

The Dao Follows Nature technique is an immortal cultivation method. Although William Carter currently cultivated true qi, the Dao Follows Nature emphasized unity with nature, so his true qi aura was undetectable to martial artists—they could at most sense that he possessed a faint trace of true qi.

Samuel Carter gazed at the kneeling William Carter in front of the pavilion, momentarily lost in thought. He sighed, “I’ve heard from David Brooks that, little Daoist, you possess outstanding martial skills at such a young age—clearly, you are exceptionally gifted. The Great Jing needs talents like you.”

William Carter replied, “Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty.”

So it was David Brooks who had spoken well of him. David Brooks had already suggested more than once that he take the martial arts exam. Though he didn’t know how strong he was, at twelve years old, he had already impressed David Brooks.

Samuel Carter smiled, then continued on his way.

William Carter kept his head bowed. He felt the urge to stand up and acknowledge his father, but reason told him the time wasn’t right—it was too dangerous.

After more than ten years apart, how could he prove his identity? Blood recognition?

Even if successful, the palace was rife with intrigue. If he revealed his true identity, Samuel Carter’s wrath and the enemies he’d made would only bring more trouble. If he returned to the palace, how would he survive?

He’d have to live in constant fear—how could he cultivate like that?

He needed the strength to fear nothing before revealing his true identity!

Suddenly, William Carter felt a gaze upon him. Without looking up, he knew it was the old eunuch.

There was a traitor in Longqi Temple; the old eunuch naturally knew his identity.

The gaze didn’t linger long. After they left, William Carter and the others finally stood up.

Charles Foster said excitedly, “Not bad, Junior Brother William, even His Majesty remembers you.”

The other disciples were also excited. The female disciples looked at him with admiration—at their age, it was natural for young girls to have crushes, and William Carter’s good looks were unmatched in Longqi Temple.

William Carter shook his head and laughed, “It’s not much, might even bring trouble. I’ll take my leave, you all carry on.”

With that, he left on his own.