William Carter asked, “Where are you going to join the army? Not staying in the capital?”

The Great Jing Dynasty has been established for sixteen years. Internally, it is harmonious and peaceful, but external wars have never ceased. Battles have raged in the north, and every year a new batch of generals with outstanding military achievements emerges.

Thomas Carter smiled and said, “Naturally, I’m heading north. I want to sweep across the great desert and destroy that Guhan.”

Guhan is the dynasty to the north of Great Jing, vast in territory and frequently invading neighboring kingdoms. The predecessor of Great Jing, the Chu Dynasty, was once breached by Guhan, losing more than half its territory. The royal family and the people suffered endless humiliation, which has left the people of Great Jing with a deep-seated hatred for Guhan.

Besides seeking immortality, the current emperor’s greatest goal is to conquer Guhan and achieve everlasting glory.

William Carter smiled and said, “It’s not so easy for a prince to join the army. You’d better think it through.”

Thomas Carter grinned and said, “Can’t be helped. If I don’t join the army, I can’t compete with my eldest brother.”

William Carter was stunned. This was the first time Thomas Carter had revealed his ambition to him.

The faction of the false crown prince is growing ever stronger. It’s said that he already controls two of the six ministries, and he personally oversees the capital’s government offices. At sixteen, he’s already capable of handling state affairs, and many are looking forward to what kind of golden age he might bring if he ascends the throne.

As for the current emperor, there is much criticism among the people; building the canal has truly exhausted the people and wasted resources.

William Carter followed up, “Then I wish you success.”

Thomas Carter asked curiously, “If, over these years, my eldest brother or any other prince tried to win you over, would you leave the mountain?”

He seemed casual, but was actually extremely nervous inside.

William Carter shook his head and laughed, “Of course not. If I cared for fame and fortune, I would have listened to His Majesty long ago and gone to take the martial imperial exam.”

Thomas Carter smiled, turned, and left.

“Brother Changsheng, wait for me to ride back to the capital. I’ll make your martial arts shine on the battlefield!”

The laughter of the young man echoed between the buildings. At fourteen, he was full of confidence and youthful vigor.

William Carter looked at the pastries beside him, a look of regret on his face.

He wouldn’t be able to eat such delicious pastries for a long time.

……

The fourth prince’s departure from the capital did not cause a stir. There are more than ten princes, and the crown prince has already been established, so the fourth prince’s presence is not very strong.

After breaking through to the fourth level of the Daoist Natural Arts, William Carter did not slack off and continued to practice diligently every day.

Day by day passed, and the leaves in Longqi Temple began to turn yellow, signaling the coming of autumn.

Longqi Temple had returned to its former state. Every few days, high officials and nobles would come to burn incense and seek the Dao, and there were also martial artists who came to stay and cultivate their minds. Although William Carter was the third disciple, he usually did not receive guests; that was the responsibility of the other disciples. Currently, the one in charge of Longqi Temple was Second Senior Sister Grace Foster.

Charles Foster and Grace Foster are biological siblings. Their parents were killed by bandits when they were young, but they were saved by Reverend Mason and brought up the mountain together.

At noon, William Carter was meditating atop the Dao Bell Tower, facing the blazing sun, circulating his energy and absorbing the qi of heaven and earth.

Stephen Reed suddenly ran to the bottom of the tower and shouted, “Something bad has happened, Senior Brother! First Senior Brother has run away again!”

William Carter opened his eyes, got up, walked to the railing, and looked down at Stephen Reed, asking, “What do you mean? Are you talking about Senior Brother Foster or Senior Brother Thompson?”

“Of course it’s Senior Brother Foster. To be precise, another First Senior Brother has run away!”

Stephen Reed said anxiously, his tone urgent.

William Carter frowned, flipped over, and landed lightly like a white crane. Stephen Reed was already used to his movement technique and immediately led the way.

The two quickly arrived at the Hall of Clarity, where most of the disciples had gathered. Those who weren’t there were either guarding the mountain gate or entertaining guests.

Inside the hall, Reverend Mason stood with his back to them, holding a letter in his hand, silent.

Grace Foster gritted her teeth and said, “Master, let me go find him!”

William Carter was surprised. Charles Foster left the mountain without his own sister?

Reverend Mason sighed, “No need. Let’s respect his wishes. Qiuhé is different from Changqing; he hasn’t defected to the demonic sect. He just wants to seek greater strength. Perhaps you’ll meet him again in the capital in the future.”

He turned around and looked at the disciples.

William Carter saw his calm expression and realized he had already guessed this would happen.

“The position of First Disciple will be given to Qiushuang. The other disciples will be promoted in order,” Reverend Mason said.

William Carter became Second Senior Brother. He felt a bit helpless—this promotion was happening too fast.

Would he become First Senior Brother in just another two years?

“Changsheng, come with me.”

Reverend Mason waved his horsetail whisk and turned to leave. William Carter hurried to follow.

The other disciples continued discussing Charles Foster’s departure.

They passed through the Hall of Clarity and entered a long corridor. The noise from outside gradually faded. William Carter followed behind Reverend Mason, his thoughts wandering, not knowing what he was about to say.

William Carter still wanted to know whether Reverend Mason knew about his background, and what his opinion was, so he could decide how to take his revenge.

He was still unsure if there was anyone in the capital who could match him, so he had to be careful.

They arrived at a quiet courtyard. The yard was not large, with an old tree whose trunk twisted like a dragon’s body. The dense autumn leaves swayed in the wind, and a ring of yellow leaves had already piled up on the ground.

Reverend Mason stopped, looked at the old tree, and slowly said, “Changsheng, do you want to leave the mountain?”