The silent Henry Clark stood up, and was half a head taller than even the tallest George Carter. His muscles bulged, making his black long robe swell tightly. Even the outermost layer, that dark purple leather armor, was stretched taut. His bronze skin made William Grant look as if he were cast from steel, his whole body exuding strength and toughness.

Bald and holding an eight-foot-long black iron staff, Henry Clark looked fierce, but his forehead was broad, his eyes deep, brows absent, nose straight, and mouth well-shaped. Especially those clear, black-and-white eyes, which appeared bright and calm, softening the harsh and ferocious aura about him. The lack of eyebrows gave him a somewhat comical air.

To others, Henry Clark was like an ox or a horse—though strong and tall, he could only be driven and ordered about, never showing any resistance.

Watching Henry Clark and George Carter walk far away, Susan Baker finally said softly, “Edward Reed, why bother with William Grant? He’s just a human shield. If there’s danger, he’ll be the first to take it. When it comes to dividing spoils, he gets the least. Besides, in the end, we can…” As Susan Baker spoke, he gave Edward Reed a knowing smile.

To win over Edward Reed, Henry Clark was of no consequence at all. Besides, even a ten percent share was quite valuable, and Susan Baker never intended to give it to Henry Clark. Even if Edward Reed didn’t kill him, he would—just a convenient way to do someone a favor.

Edward Reed grinned and said, “Brother Baker, you’re so ruthless!”

With a smile as radiant as a flower, Edward Reed’s beauty dazzled Susan Baker, making his heart race as he thought, “What a little enchantress.” Still, he dared not act rashly. In terms of cultivation, Edward Reed was the best among them. Moreover, Edward Reed was not just a simple sorcerer; her martial arts were also profound. Though she looked cute and charming, she was an absolutely dangerous little enchantress—not to be trifled with.

Linda Cooper listened from the side, never interrupting, just wearing a simple, honest smile, showing unconditional submission to the two.

The harshly competitive environment of Honglian Temple had made these youths unusually mature. The law of “survival of the fittest” made everyone who survived understand what attitude to take toward the strong.

Meanwhile, walking side by side with Henry Clark, George Carter couldn’t help but ask, “William Grant, how did you offend Edward Reed? Why does she always like to target you?”

Henry Clark was silent for a while before slowly saying, “That was a long time ago.” Henry Clark’s voice was extremely low and hoarse, as if his throat were completely ruined, lacking the normal tonal changes and emotional fluctuations of others. His very distinctive accent left a deep impression.

George Carter knew Henry Clark wasn’t pretending to be deep; his lungs had once been severely injured, and he always spoke this way. Because of this, William Grant rarely spoke.

Moreover, the lung injury had affected Henry Clark’s cultivation. Even now, his internal energy couldn’t complete a minor circulation, stuck at the lower second tier, unable to advance.

George Carter patted Henry Clark’s shoulder sympathetically and said, “Edward Reed is sharp-tongued, just ignore her. If anything happens, I’ve got your back!” Although George Carter tried to act loyal, his sly face was hardly convincing.

Henry Clark gave a sincere smile and said gratefully, “Thank you.”

George Carter wanted to say more, but Henry Clark raised a finger in a gesture for silence and whispered, “Demonic beasts have sharp senses. Don’t talk too much here.” William Grant’s voice was already low and hoarse; when he lowered it further, it was almost inaudible.

George Carter felt a bit frustrated, but dared not say more. After all, William Grant had ventured deep into the Black Dragon Mountains several times and was far more experienced than he was.

Deeper into the mountains, even the narrow paths disappeared. They could only force their way through gaps between the trees.

It was late autumn; the grass and trees were withered, the branches and leaves fallen, making the view much more open.

Even so, George Carter and Henry Clark still had to use their long knives from time to time to hack away branches and weeds, clearing a path. Fortunately, the mosquitoes were gone by now, and though the air was filled with the scent of dry vegetation, it wasn’t unpleasant.

Standing atop the mountain and looking down, one could see apes crying, eagles soaring, wolves running, and rabbits darting—quite lively. But the deeper they went, the quieter and more secluded the forest became. The only sounds were their “swish, swish” footsteps. Occasionally, a bird’s cry would pierce the silence, sharp and jarring, as if it were an ominous sign.

The relaxed look on George Carter’s face disappeared. His brows furrowed, his triangular eyes darted about, his ears twitched constantly, his muscles tensed, and his footsteps became light and silent, showing he was on full alert.

Henry Clark found George Carter’s nervousness a bit amusing. Strictly speaking, this was still the outer edge of the Black Dragon Mountains. Unless their luck was extraordinary, they wouldn’t encounter high-level demonic beasts. Even beasts below the third tier were rare here.

With the strength of five people, they had more than enough power to handle anything in this area. Just now, Henry Clark had only wanted to avoid chatting with George Carter, so he’d scared him a little.

“Waaah…” Amid a shrill cry like a child wailing, a white shadow suddenly swooped down from above.

Chapter 003: The Limitless Star God Pearl

The sudden danger shattered the forest’s tranquility.

George Carter, who had been tense all along, became calm in the face of real danger. It’s the unknown that makes people afraid. Besides, what swooped down was just a white ape, small in size. Though it bared its teeth and clawed fiercely, it was only a first-tier demonic beast.