Not to mention anything else, the method of refining artifacts with the inner crystal furnace brought back to the world by Eric Dawson is very likely to elevate the overall strength and status of the entire Guangcheng Mountain. Such a contribution is far beyond what a mere young grandmaster can compare to.

Even if Ethan Clark's potential is astonishing, only a genius who truly grows up can be considered a real genius—before that, there are too many possibilities.

What's more, Eric Dawson himself is also a prodigious genius.

While they are all preoccupied with how to stand out within the sect, what Eric Dawson seeks is the possibility for the entire sect to advance further.

Elder Bennett resumed his smiling expression: “Nephew Dawson, you truly are the pillar and backbone of our Guangcheng Mountain, a young prodigy!”

“However, this news should still be reported to the sect leader as soon as possible…”

Eric Dawson directly interrupted him: “There's no need for you to worry about that, Elder Bennett. I already reported it yesterday. Both Grandmaster and my father are aware. In fact, my father has already taken over the development of the inner crystal furnace.”

“This inner crystal furnace here is actually a replica. There's an even better one, which is now in my father's hands. I kept this one just to tinker with on my own.”

Elder Bennett's white beard twitched as he forced a smile: “This is indeed wonderful news, but it should be kept secret. If word spreads and other sects or holy lands find out, it might not be good for our Guangcheng Mountain. Nephew Dawson, you are being a bit careless…”

Eric Dawson chuckled: “The official notice will be issued soon. At your level, Elder Bennett, you’ll probably receive it tomorrow.”

“As for why Grandmaster made this decision, I won’t presume to guess, and you’d best not either.”

Elder Bennett's expression stiffened slightly, only to see Eric Dawson walk right up to him.

The smile on Eric Dawson's face gradually turned cold: “Elder in charge? Ha, what a lofty title, what a high position. To the younger disciples, it’s easy to overlook your role in all this, and afterward, you can continue to play the benevolent elder.”

“You think that after embarrassing me in front of everyone, I’ll hold a grudge against that Junior Brother Clark, but have no thoughts about you?”

Chapter 6: Take Life and Death Lightly—If You Disagree, Just Fight

Elder Bennett regained his composure and shook his head with a smile: “I merely praised a junior disciple a few times—what of it?”

He looked at Eric Dawson: “But you, though you come from a distinguished background, must remember that you are still a junior disciple.”

“Just for those few words you said, I could charge you with disrespecting your elders and being arrogant and immoral—even Elder Dawson would have nothing to say.”

“Young man, regardless of whether this inner crystal furnace is real or fake, or whether you discovered it, even if you have some merit, you should still be cautious in your words and actions, and remain humble!”

Although Elder Bennett still wore a kindly smile, his aura had become imposing, pressing down on the young disciples present so much that they dared not even breathe loudly, watching Elder Bennett in fear and trembling.

Things had developed far beyond their imagination.

Yet the smile on Eric Dawson's face was even more serene than Elder Bennett's: “You’re an elder? Our sect does value seniority, and I have always respected the old and esteemed.”

“However, if I want to find a few people who don’t regard you as an elder, I don’t even need my father’s help—it’s quite easy.”

“You may not have done anything wrong today, but have you always kept your hands clean? You know that best yourself.”

“My respect for elders is premised on the other party not abusing their seniority.”

Elder Bennett glared at Eric Dawson: “You…”

Eric Dawson glanced at him sideways: “What about me?”

Elder Bennett was speechless. Only now did he realize that this young man before him was even more domineering and petty than he had imagined!

At this moment, he wanted to turn hostile and teach Eric Dawson a lesson, but found he had no leverage over Eric Dawson.

If he wanted to act, Jack beside him bared his teeth in a menacing grin, making him freeze on the spot, unable to advance or retreat.

Eric Dawson said calmly, “You think you’re using some foolish kid as a pawn, but you’re just a pawn in someone else’s hand yourself.”

“If you had succeeded in setting me up this time, the people behind you would have gone to great lengths to protect you. But now, if the people behind me want to deal with you, do you think your backers will still protect you? How much effort will they put in?”

With that, Eric Dawson turned away, ignoring the old man surnamed Cui, swept a glance at Ethan Clark, Alice Warren, and the others, and took the lead out of the side hall: “Everyone, take your treasured weapons. We’re leaving—our destination is Zhenlong Abyss.”

Jack, carrying the inner crystal furnace, followed closely and sent a voice transmission with a grin: “Young master, is this killing the chicken to scare the monkey?”

“You don’t understand.” Eric Dawson shook his head, then turned to look at Ethan Clark, who had followed him out. Ethan Clark was no longer so angry, but instead wore a thoughtful expression.

Eric Dawson was calm. Although he had taken the blame for the original owner of this body, the current Eric Dawson himself had no real enmity with Ethan Clark, so he wouldn’t deliberately target or suppress him.

The road is wide enough for everyone; it’s best if we each go our own way in peace.

“But if you choose to stand against me, I won’t back down. Let’s have a good contest and see whether I, the transmigrator, or you, the native chosen one, can come out on top!”