Charles Foster did not try to stop him, but instead was pondering a question.

How strong is Junior Brother Changsheng now?

He should find an opportunity to spar with him.

……

Back inside the room, William Carter sat cross-legged on the bed, practicing his cultivation. The Dao Follows Nature technique was vast and profound; he didn’t even know how many levels there were. Only after mastering one level would the memory of the next be unlocked.

It wasn’t until nightfall that Stephen Reed finally returned.

Ever since his experiences in the martial world, Stephen Reed had become taciturn, usually immersing himself in martial arts. His appearance and demeanor seemed more mature than his actual age.

Stephen Reed glanced at William Carter, said nothing, and likewise sat on the bed to cultivate.

A few days later.

David Brooks came to visit William Carter again.

By the Dao Bell, David Brooks said excitedly, “Not bad, Changsheng! His Majesty actually praised you. At yesterday’s morning court, His Majesty mentioned the martial arts of Dajing, hoping to recruit martial artists to take the military examination and join the army. He even mentioned you specifically, saying that there’s a young Daoist in Longqi Temple who, at fourteen, already has the strength of a first-class expert.”

“So, what do you think? Want to take the military examination? With His Majesty’s words, no one will try any tricks on you. As long as your martial arts are strong enough, you’ll have a smooth path.”

William Carter shook his head and said, “My martial arts are not strong enough yet, and I’m still young. It’s not suitable for me to enter the world too early.”

David Brooks was taken aback, then sighed, “Changsheng, you’re so young yet so farsighted, seeing through the ways of the world. Sometimes I wonder if you’re an immortal come down to earth.”

He had never seen such a steady youth, unmoved even in the face of great benefits.

He quickly changed the subject, saying, “Your eldest senior brother has already made a name for himself in the martial world, but he’s gotten into trouble. Reverend Mason has gone down the mountain today.”

Upon hearing this, William Carter opened his eyes.

Eldest Senior Brother James Thompson was like the head of the family at Longqi Temple. Though obsessed with martial arts, he was gentle in temperament and took good care of the younger disciples. William Carter was very fond of him.

He asked curiously, “What kind of trouble?”

David Brooks replied helplessly, “Naturally, it’s a matter of romance. Somehow, he got involved with a woman from the Demonic Sect and was captured by them. The Demonic Sect has declared that Reverend Mason must come in person to retrieve him.”

William Carter frowned.

His first reaction was that this was a trap!

Could it be that some powerful figures colluded with the Demonic Sect to lure Reverend Mason away, leaving Longqi Temple without a master so they could target him?

It was possible. Even if it was a coincidence, those people wouldn’t let such an opportunity slip by.

Since William Carter had come to Longqi Temple, Reverend Mason had never left the mountain. This time, his departure was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for those powerful figures.

William Carter did not panic. In terms of inner energy alone, he was already several times stronger than Reverend Mason, and he had mastered martial arts as well. He just lacked real combat experience. As long as he was careful, it should be fine. After all, this was the capital, and the other side probably wouldn’t dare to act too openly.

David Brooks continued talking about James Thompson. James Thompson had traveled the martial world with fellow disciples, upholding justice. By chance, he saved a woman who then threw herself at him. Only later did he learn that she was a disciple of the Demonic Sect, and not just any disciple, but the daughter of the sect leader, with a special status. The woman swore to marry James Thompson. This matter had already spread throughout the martial world, even reaching the inns of the capital.

Longqi Temple was the only sect established in the capital, giving it a special status in the martial world. Anything concerning Longqi Temple naturally attracted the interest of martial artists.

David Brooks talked for half an hour, then left behind a packet of medicinal herbs before departing.

These herbs were suitable for martial artists, extremely precious, and hard to come by even for a fortune.

William Carter watched his departing figure, silently remembering this favor, then began to consider how to deal with the possible enemy attack ahead.

After Reverend Mason left, Second Senior Brother Charles Foster took charge. That night, Longqi Temple was in chaos, more lively than it had been in over a decade. The disciples were jubilant and noisy.

William Carter was practicing in his room, his mind disturbed by the commotion, but he was too embarrassed to go out and stop them.

Suddenly!

William Carter opened his eyes, squinting as he thought to himself, “So impatient, are they?”

He sensed someone’s presence on the eaves, moving without making a sound. An ordinary martial artist would never have noticed.

Soon after, a strange fragrance drifted down from above.

Knockout incense!

William Carter immediately held his breath. The Dao Follows Nature technique was an immortal cultivation method, allowing him to hold his breath for half an hour, far surpassing ordinary people.

After the time it takes for half an incense stick to burn, he pretended to collapse on the bed.

A figure leaped in from the window. The assassin was actually a disciple of Longqi Temple, just over twenty, with an ordinary appearance, nothing remarkable. He stared at William Carter on the bed, thinking to himself, “This guy’s inner strength is so high, he lasted this long.”

He drew a dagger from his sleeve, carefully approached the bed, and stabbed toward William Carter’s chest.

At that moment, William Carter’s legs suddenly shot up, locking the assassin’s arm. He flipped backward, using the momentum to throw the assassin onto the bed.

The whole sequence happened so fast that before the assassin could react, William Carter was already sitting on top of him, restraining him.

The assassin tried to channel his inner energy to shake off William Carter, but to his horror, he found he couldn’t break free at all.

“What terrifying inner strength! This kid is definitely above first-class!”

The assassin was shocked, his eyes wide with fear.