One by one, the disciples of the Five Thunder Sect looked at Ethan Carter, whispering among themselves. Most of these disciples were usually in secluded cultivation, and only about forty or fifty percent could be seen on the mountain at any given time. But today, there were at least twice as many as usual. Even many disciples who had already gone down the mountain for training rushed back urgently upon hearing the news.

Ethan Carter's position as the young sect master had been abolished, and the successor spot for the Five Thunder Sect's leader was now vacant. For many core disciples of the sect, this was a tremendous opportunity.

“When the wall falls, everyone pushes; when the drum breaks, everyone beats it! Such is human nature!”

Ethan Carter listened to these rumors, thinking back to the glory of the past eleven years. Comparing it to his current predicament, he couldn't help but feel the fickleness of human relationships and the coldness of the world:

“In this world, only true strength can earn genuine respect!”

“For now, I won’t hold it against you. Sooner or later, you’ll realize just how big a mistake you’ve made!”

Without stopping, Ethan Carter made his way toward the sect leader’s hall at the mountain’s peak.

On Five Thunder Mountain, the divisions were clear. According to the six elders, all the disciples were split into groups, bustling about. When they saw Ethan Carter pass by, their eyes showed either pity, mockery, or schadenfreude.

With several elders of the Five Thunder Sect present, these people restrained themselves somewhat and didn’t openly target Ethan Carter. However, after the elders’ council, things might be different.

The six elders of the Five Thunder Sect did not all reside on the mountain. Two had established caves outside the mountain, one was in charge of the sect’s business dealings in the secular world, two oversaw the mountain, and one cultivated deep in the mountains.

“The Fifth Elder has arrived!”

A loud voice echoed through the air. The bell in the great hall of the mountain rang out long and clear. The crowd parted, and an old man in a blue Daoist robe strode forward with the bearing of a dragon or tiger, surrounded by disciples, heading swiftly toward the mountain peak.

This old man had jet-black hair and a vigorous spirit. His eyes flashed with electric light, sharp and unmatched, like two knives stabbing forward, making people instinctively fearful and unable to meet his gaze.

His steps were extremely heavy; with each one, the ground within several meters trembled and buzzed. It was as if, rather than a man, a giant beast was approaching.

“Greetings, Elder!”

Upon seeing this old man, the disciples on Five Thunder Mountain immediately lowered their heads, showing respect and bowing in salute.

“The Fifth Elder, Edward Harris, a powerhouse at the eighth level of the Vajra Realm! He manages all the sect’s external business affairs and holds a very high status.”

Ethan Carter looked at the old man and immediately recognized him.

As the young sect master of the Five Thunder Sect, he was not required to bow to any elder. Therefore, while everyone else bowed, Ethan Carter stood out conspicuously.

The Fifth Elder, Edward Harris, glanced over and immediately noticed Ethan Carter. With a single step, he covered several meters, and in a few swift movements, he was standing right in front of Ethan Carter.

Ethan Carter felt a blur before his eyes, and suddenly a burly figure appeared. A powerful pressure radiated from him, making it almost impossible to breathe.

“Useless wretch!”

Edward Harris stared at Ethan Carter, his gaze icy and sharp, the chill in his eyes penetrating to the bone:

“Like father, like son! Back then, your father abandoned the sect’s foundation for a woman and ended up dying in the Savage Beast Mountains. Now you, this disgrace, have caused a catastrophe. Both father and son are worthless! The Five Thunder Sect is vast and prosperous, but there’s no place for the likes of you!”

Ethan Carter's body trembled, a surge of intense anger and hatred rising in his heart. The merging of memories did not mean acceptance in his soul, but this Fifth Elder had successfully provoked Ethan Carter's murderous intent.

No matter what, to insult and trample on the parents of a youth who died young was something Ethan Carter deeply despised and hated. Edward Harris had successfully stirred up Ethan Carter's hatred.

“This old bastard—deserves to die!”

Ethan Carter thought bitterly. His fists clenched, making cracking sounds. However, after hesitating for a while, he slowly relaxed his grip, forcibly suppressing his murderous urge.

From Edward Harris, Ethan Carter sensed a deeply hidden killing intent. Clearly, he was waiting for Ethan Carter to lose his temper and strike. Ethan Carter did want to kill this old man, but the gap in strength was enormous—a chasm that could not be crossed.

Ethan Carter knew well that if he acted rashly, it would be courting death!

“Revenge is a dish best served cold. Sooner or later, I’ll deal with this old bastard.”

Ethan Carter lowered his head, using it to hide the hatred in his eyes.

Seeing Ethan Carter’s clenched fists slowly relax, Edward Harris couldn’t hide a trace of disappointment on his face, as if his prey had slipped away.

“Disgrace!”

Edward Harris snorted coldly, swept his sleeve, and immediately left Ethan Carter behind, striding toward the sect leader’s hall.

“Clang!”

Just as Edward Harris disappeared at the mountain peak, another loud bell rang out:

“The Second Elder has arrived!”

“It’s him!”

Ethan Carter’s expression changed, his body trembling violently.

As for the Second Elder, David Foster, Ethan Carter hated him even more than Edward Harris. Ethan Carter’s father could be said to have died directly because of this man. The gathering of the six elders to impeach Ethan Carter was also orchestrated by David Foster, who personally made it happen.