Someone else said, “Henry Sullivan is nothing, even if you gave him the guts, he wouldn’t dare come here in broad daylight. Mr. Stone, if you’re scared, why not go home and hold your baby?” That person’s voice was like a drake, causing everyone around to burst into laughter. Henry Sullivan’s face turned ashen; he had already recognized the man as Gunner. No one knew his real name, but everyone knew he was a master with a staff—even Eric Stone had to be wary of him.

Eric Stone, hearing Gunner’s mockery, was a bit displeased and said, “It’s always better to be careful.”

Mr. Parker said, “Actually, we’re all just looking out for the young master. Mr. Stone, Gunner, don’t argue.” When Eric Stone and Gunner heard Mr. Parker speak, they both snorted coldly but stopped quarreling.

Matthew Clark laughed heartily and said, “Alright, then I’ll be careful. You all stay by my side these next few days. Mr. Parker, take me to see that little lady. I’ll play with her right in front of you all—should be safer that way.”

Everyone burst into lewd laughter.

Henry Sullivan could no longer hold back after hearing this. He knew that with his own skills, he probably wasn’t a match for Gunner and Eric Stone, but waiting any longer wouldn’t help either. Only by capturing Matthew Clark could things turn around. With this in mind, he let go, and before he hit the ground, he braced his wrist and rolled out from under the cart. Reaching out with both hands, he grabbed the feet in satin shoes and shouted, “Scum, prepare to die!” With a hard pull, Matthew Clark let out a strange cry and fell flat to the ground.

Although Matthew Clark had been on guard against Henry Sullivan, he never expected Henry Sullivan to appear so suddenly like a ghost. There were many people present, but none had noticed the ox cart nearby, let alone seen how Henry Sullivan emerged. As Matthew Clark screamed and fell, Henry Sullivan sprang up, just about to subdue Matthew Clark, when suddenly, with a whoosh, a fierce gust of wind swept toward the back of his head. Henry Sullivan had no choice but to dodge, and the gust stopped abruptly—a staff shadow flickered, jabbing straight at Henry Sullivan’s right eye.

Henry Sullivan had never seen such swift staff work and could only roll aside. As soon as he rolled away, he realized things were bad—the opponent was cunning, forcing him away from Matthew Clark with just two strikes. Henry Sullivan was about to charge again when a flash of gold appeared before his eyes, making him retreat another step. A spear thrust missed, but it startled Henry Sullivan into a cold sweat. While dodging the spear, he didn’t notice a staff sneaking in, striking him squarely on the calf. Henry Sullivan staggered, looked up, and saw Matthew Clark being helped up by two men. Two others stood before him, sneering—one with triangular eyes was Eric Stone, and the other, his face covered in pockmarks, was Gunner. Henry Sullivan’s heart sank.

Matthew Clark’s head throbbed with pain, but seeing the danger had passed, he shouted angrily, “Henry Sullivan, damn your ancestors, you dare try to kill me? Beat him to death! Whoever kills Henry Sullivan, I’ll reward with a hundred taels of silver!” As soon as he offered the reward, everyone was eager to try, but Henry Sullivan just glanced back. Eric Stone sneered, “Trying to run?” Before he finished speaking, Henry Sullivan suddenly turned and dashed out.

Eric Stone thought Henry Sullivan was trying to escape and was about to give chase, but unexpectedly, Henry Sullivan spun around and charged straight at him. Eric Stone tensed, flicked his chain-spear, and thrust at Henry Sullivan’s chest. At the same time, Gunner swung his staff at Henry Sullivan’s back. In an instant, Henry Sullivan was attacked from both front and back—if he dodged Gunner, he couldn’t avoid the chain-spear; even if he miraculously dodged the spear, he couldn’t escape the next killing move.

Henry Sullivan didn’t dodge either one. Gunner’s staff landed heavily on his back, and the chain-spear stabbed into his shoulder! Eric Stone even heard the sound of the spear piercing flesh, a cruel smile appearing at the corner of his mouth.

But unexpectedly, after being struck by Gunner, Henry Sullivan suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood, spraying it right into Eric Stone’s eyes. Eric Stone was blinded, startled, and just as he tried to retreat, Henry Sullivan had already drawn his axe and struck Eric Stone in the chest!

The short axe sank into his chest, blood gushing like a spring. With a thunderous roar, Eric Stone was killed by Henry Sullivan’s axe!

Hearing the scream, Gunner felt a chill in his heart and was about to swing his staff again. Henry Sullivan waved his hand, sending the axe flying straight at Gunner’s face. Gunner had faced countless opponents but had never seen such a reckless fighting style. He had no time to counter, dodging desperately. The axe flashed by, scraping Gunner’s face and leaving a bloody mark, then struck a post by the stable with a clang, humming loudly. After throwing the axe, Henry Sullivan shouted, “Anyone who blocks me dies!”

With a mighty leap, he was already in front of Matthew Clark. There had been two bodyguards at Matthew Clark’s side, but seeing Henry Sullivan so fierce and bloodied, with the two strongest guards already dead or wounded, their courage failed—they abandoned Matthew Clark and scrambled away.

Matthew Clark was so terrified he wet his pants, his legs refusing to move. Before he could react, Henry Sullivan drew the long sword from his waist and pressed it to his neck.

Henry Sullivan felt darkness before his eyes, swaying on his feet, but still managed to shout, “Matthew Clark! My head is only worth a hundred taels to you, but your dog head—I’ll chop it off for free!”

Volume One: Song of the Rainbow Dress

Chapter Two: The Heavenly King

Henry Sullivan risked his life to capture Matthew Clark, but was seriously injured in the process. He knew he was no match for Eric Stone and Gunner, so he had braced himself to take a spear and a staff blow in order to subdue Matthew Clark.