William Carter thought for a moment. With the connection to the prince, at least he wouldn't be so passive in the future. He didn't need to hide at all, since his enemies all knew he was here.

"Since it is His Majesty's order, I naturally cannot refuse. Being able to teach His Highness martial arts is also my honor. But let me make it clear first: the martial arts I teach are all my own creations, not the martial arts of Longqi Temple."

William Carter said seriously. Thomas Carter was overjoyed and immediately tried to kneel and kowtow, startling the two guards. Fortunately, William Carter quickly supported Thomas Carter.

This kid is really reckless...

Letting a prince kowtow is a capital offense!

William Carter said helplessly, "I am not your master, just teaching you martial arts. From now on, you can just call me by my name."

Thomas Carter straightened his back and grinned, "Alright, Brother Changsheng!"

He urged eagerly, "Brother Changsheng, teach me quickly! My goal is to master peerless martial arts, expand the territory of Great Jing, and pacify the wilds. I just turned twelve a few days ago. Before that, my father wouldn't allow me to practice martial arts. You are the first person to teach me martial arts."

William Carter thought for a moment and decided to teach Thomas Carter the Divine Shadow Kick.

The Divine Shadow Kick was the first martial art he learned. Its power was fierce—one kick could shatter tendons and break bones. He had already reached the powerful level of projecting true qi and creating phenomena with his kicks.

William Carter began to teach the cultivation method of the Divine Shadow Kick. The two guards, to avoid suspicion, retreated outside the door and closed it behind them.

Thomas Carter listened very attentively.

An hour later, Thomas Carter left in high spirits. He had to return to the palace to practice; a prince could not stay out overnight.

Stephen Reed returned to the room, excitedly asking, "Senior brother, are you the prince's master now?"

William Carter shook his head and said with a smile, "I'm just teaching His Highness martial arts, not his master. Don't talk nonsense."

Stephen Reed didn't care. "That's still impressive! From now on, the prince will be your backer. When I traveled the martial world before, I found that this world runs on connections. The same thing, done with different identities and relationships, leads to completely different results."

He seemed to recall something sad, and his smile faded.

William Carter had always been curious about what he had gone through, but he never spoke of it.

The room fell silent.

After a while, Stephen Reed took his leave, leaving William Carter alone in the room. He could finally practice in peace.

After the first assassination attempt failed, his enemies would surely try again. William Carter had to become as strong as possible.

With his third-level Daoist cultivation, William Carter was already unrivaled in Longqi Temple. For now, he hadn't met anyone with more true qi than him, but better safe than sorry—he couldn't let his guard down.

How could a cultivator be killed by a bunch of mortal martial artists?

...

Dusk fell, dark clouds shrouded the bustling capital, and a fine drizzle began to fall.

Vendors on both sides of the street started packing up their stalls. The rows of vermilion buildings were veiled in mist, making the whole city appear hazy.

In the western district of the capital, in front of the main gate of the Sky Prison.

Michael Bolton, clad in armor, frowned as he gazed at the sky, worry written all over his face.

A middle-aged officer beside him patted his shoulder and said with a smile, "Young man, don't always look so troubled. The boss has already submitted your name. Next year, you can take the martial arts imperial exam."

Michael Bolton had just turned eighteen this year. His mother was already pregnant with him when she was imprisoned. After giving birth, she was beheaded. He was raised by the prison guards of the Sky Prison. The older generation of guards treated him like their own son, teaching him all kinds of martial arts. He had indeed lived up to their expectations, achieving merit time and again.

Michael Bolton withdrew his gaze and shook his head. "I just have a feeling something is going to happen at the Sky Prison."

"Nonsense! Under the emperor's nose, who would dare attempt a prison break?"

The middle-aged officer scolded with a laugh, and the other guards nearby all burst out laughing.

In the capital, the Sky Prison was the safest place. Their duties were simple, and they enjoyed their current lives—not tiring, but with high pay.

Michael Bolton smiled helplessly. He also felt he might be overthinking.

Since the founding of Great Jing, although there had been several rebellions in the capital, the Sky Prison had always been the most secure place.

Night gradually fell, the rain stopped, and the trees beside the Sky Prison dripped with raindrops, sending ripples across the puddles on the ground.

Michael Bolton was chatting with his brothers about what to eat for dinner when suddenly a melodious flute sound drifted over.

He looked up. The pavilions on both sides of the street in front of the Sky Prison were tightly shut, with no one in sight.

"What is that sound?"

"I don't see anyone."

"How come I can't hear it?"

"Two years ago, when you went to Fragrant Pavilion and your shrew of a wife found out, she slapped your ear so hard you can't hear well anymore. Of course you can't hear it."

The guards joked among themselves. The middle-aged officer's face suddenly changed, and he shouted, "Not good! Cover your ears!"

At his words, the guards, though startled, instinctively covered their ears, including Michael Bolton.

Michael Bolton suddenly saw a thick fog rolling in from the end of the street. Within the mist, a figure could be vaguely seen, and from the silhouette, it was clear he was playing the flute.

"Is someone trying to break into the prison?"

This thought flashed through Michael Bolton's mind. Just as he was about to speak, the ground shook violently.

Boom——

Everyone struggled to keep their footing. Michael Bolton sensed something and instinctively turned his head to look.