Henry Clark's age has already reached the limit. If he cannot advance to become a core disciple, he will have to become either a steward disciple or an outer disciple, which is something Henry Clark cannot accept.

Only core disciples can obtain higher-level martial arts and have a better chance of reaching the peak of martial cultivation. This year is Henry Clark's last chance to become a core disciple.

In this world, supreme experts can even decide the fate of nations. Henry Clark has no ambition to dominate the world; he has only the simplest goal: to survive.

With over twenty years of experience and wisdom from his previous life, plus ten years of accumulation in this one, Henry Clark knows very clearly that there is no room for the slightest weakness or hesitation in the Red Lotus Temple. To leave the Red Lotus Temple also requires great strength. Power is the foundation.

Yitian Peak towers over a thousand zhang, steep and perilous, like a solitary sword piercing the sky. It is the highest peak within a hundred li and the best place to enjoy a panoramic view. At this moment, the brilliant red sun rises slowly from the vast mountains, casting billions of golden rays over the land, creating a magnificent scene.

As Henry Clark was absorbing the purple energy from the east, he suddenly sensed something and turned to look. Two figures were flickering along the path halfway up the mountain. Judging by their clothing, they were disciples of the Red Lotus Temple.

During the autumn hunt, all inner disciples enter the Black Dragon Mountains to hunt demon beasts. In the wild mountains with no restrictions, encountering other inner disciples is never a good thing.

The two moved quickly. The tall, thin one waved his sleeves gracefully like a crane. However, his movements were lively but not agile, light but not steady—clearly a second-rank martial artist.

The other, a thin, weak-looking youth in black, moved as gracefully as the wind yet maintained a steady rhythm throughout—obviously a third-rank martial artist who had opened his acupoints.

There is only one rank difference between a second-rank and a third-rank martial artist, but the gap is vast. Second-rank martial artists can only cultivate internal energy, while third-rank martial artists, having opened their acupoints, can absorb the vital energy of heaven and earth.

Human strength is limited, but the vital energy of heaven and earth is infinite. Although the amount a third-rank martial artist can use is limited, it still gives them an absolute advantage over those who can only use their own internal energy.

Although Henry Clark's cultivation is profound, facing a third-rank martial artist head-on would still be an uncertain battle.

Among the more than three hundred inner disciples of the Red Lotus Temple, fewer than ten have reached the third rank. Henry Clark has mingled among the inner disciples for six years and knows all the experts well.

The youth coming up from below moved like the wind, graceful and unrestrained. Although his face was unclear, Henry Clark knew it must be that scoundrel, the Gale Sword Susan Baker.

Henry Clark had met Susan Baker a few times and knew that he was ruthless, scheming, and liked to hide a dagger behind a smile. Knowing who was coming, Henry Clark actually felt relieved.

Since it was Susan Baker, it must be about that matter!

“Whew…” Henry Clark took a deep breath, and inside his body, it was as if firecrackers were going off, producing a series of crisp, rapid pops.

Henry Clark's bronze body suddenly swelled in size, and his previously smooth muscles became as sharply defined as rocks. His physique looked even more powerful and fierce, but his muscles inevitably became somewhat stiff. Even the expression on his face turned wooden.

Before long, the two figures reached the mountaintop. The one in front laughed when he saw Henry Clark. The smile on his sallow, narrow face was clearly malicious. When his gaze swept over Henry Clark's fierce, powerful muscles, his smile grew even more mocking. “I knew it had to be you at the foot of the mountain. Among the hundreds of inner disciples, no one else has such a robust and powerful body!”

Henry Clark remained silent, casually picking up the eight-foot-long black iron staff stuck beside him and holding it across his chest, showing a guarded stance.

There is no talk of unity or friendship in the Red Lotus Temple. Henry Clark's wary posture was the most normal reaction.

The delicate and handsome Susan Baker spoke softly, “No need to be nervous. We mean no harm. We just know you’re familiar with the Black Dragon Mountains and have a lot of experience, so we wanted to team up with you…”

Susan Baker was young and handsome, but his voice was going through puberty—sharp and dry, which sounded somewhat comical. But he and George Carter stood to the left and right, forming a pincer, their auras chilling and murderous intent hidden. If Henry Clark showed any sign of refusal, they would attack immediately.

Henry Clark pretended to hesitate and said hoarsely, “How will we split it?”

Susan Baker wasn’t afraid of Henry Clark refusing, but didn’t want to push too hard either. He raised a finger and said leisurely, “There are five of us. You can have ten percent of the spoils.”

Henry Clark thought for a moment, then said decisively, “Deal.”

Chapter 002 Hostility

In late autumn, the sky was clear and the midday sun was bright.

The vast, undulating mountains were tinged with yellow and red, the layers of autumn colors stretching endlessly into the distance. The crisp autumn air and the sweeping view from the heights made admiring the magnificent scenery of the forests below a truly refreshing experience.

However, the few youths standing atop the peak were solemnly gathered in a circle, paying no attention to the autumn landscape. Deep in the Black Dragon Mountains, where demon beasts abound, no sane person would have the leisure to care about such irrelevant things.

“This time, we must kill at least two mid-grade third-rank demon beasts. The dangers involved, I need not say more—you all know them well!” The handsome, delicate-featured Susan Baker looked around the group and spoke slowly. Though he tried to sound steady, his sharp voice still lacked sufficient authority.