“Dong, dong, dong.” Suddenly, the earth began to tremble, the sound of horse hooves quivering. The people of The Carter Family narrowed their eyes, their expressions cold—who dared to ride horses within the Carter Residence?

Soon, they saw a group of knights wielding long spears and clad in armor, charging forward. The leader wore a black robe over his armor, fluttering in the wind. His eyes were as sharp as blades, exuding a chilling aura.

“Leon Young.” On the viewing platform, Charles Carter's pupils contracted. He hadn't expected the Carter Residence to be so lively today. This Leon Young was once his father's deputy general, a man known for his sinister and ruthless nature, never favored by his father. As expected, he later followed the The Carter Family's mortal enemy, the The Lee Family, and suppressed the Carter Residence.

“Young master, long time no see.” Leon Young's gaze was as sharp as a hawk's, fixed on Charles Carter as he spoke.

“Leon Young, you actually dared to lead men on horseback into the Carter Residence. Your courage grows by the day.” Charles Carter's eyes were extremely unfriendly, icy and indifferent.

Leon Young paid no heed to Charles Carter's words. The Carter Residence had long since fallen into decline, and His Majesty himself had allowed all factions to suppress the Carter Residence. As long as Charles Carter's father, Howard Carter, was still alive, His Majesty would never be at ease. Therefore, whoever stepped on the Carter Residence, His Majesty would simply turn a blind eye—this was exactly what he wanted.

“I have come to the Carter Residence for two reasons: first, to see if the old master is still alive; second, to inform the Carter Residence that in two days, all the major powers of York will gather at the Baker Residence. Ashley Baker will surely enter either the Star Academy or the Royal Academy. At that time, the two families will discuss the so-called marriage. The Carter Residence must be present—do not hide away here.”

With that, Leon Young pulled on his warhorse, the sound of hooves thundering as he galloped away. He only turned back to give Charles Carter a cold smile. Having experienced countless battles, his eyes were like a sharp sword, able to pierce the heart.

The people of The Carter Family all stared at the departing figure. Charles Carter's body even trembled with anger. If Ashley Baker used the prestige of being accepted as a disciple by the Star Academy to break off the engagement, then everyone would think it only natural. His The Carter Family, Ethan Carter, would be deemed unworthy. This was a humiliation to the Carter Residence, a humiliation to Ethan Carter.

“The The Baker Family has gone too far.” Charles Carter had never expected the The Baker Family to repay kindness with enmity. In two days, he would go and see for himself.

“So that's how it is.” Thomas Green sneered and said, “Charles Carter, just wait to be humiliated. Farewell.”

With that, he too mounted his giant eagle and soared into the sky. The giant eagle circled in the air, its cry carrying a hint of mockery.

The entire The Carter Family fell silent. Ever since His Majesty began to suppress the The Carter Family, the Carter Residence had been in decline, yet they still stood tall and proud, never before suffering such humiliation.

“Big brother.” Suddenly, Harry Carter spoke up. “You see the situation for yourself. The The Baker Family has clearly joined forces with the The Lee Family to deal with our The Carter Family. With the added prestige of Ashley Baker's genius, in two days, if our Carter Residence attends, we will surely lose all face.”

“You mean our Carter Residence should really do as Leon Young said and hide away?” Charles Carter said coldly.

“All these years, Ethan Carter has consumed so many resources of the Carter Residence, used several star meteorites. Though I have my opinions, have I ever said a word? However, this matter concerns the reputation of the Carter Residence. I suggest we expel Ethan Carter from the Carter Residence. Over the years, we have done all we could.” Harry Carter's voice was low, making the atmosphere oppressive.

Over the years, many in the Carter Residence indeed had opinions about Ethan Carter. Charles Carter had spoiled this adopted son too much, yet he was a useless person unable to cultivate, unable to support the family.

“Third brother, what do you think?” Charles Carter asked another person, the third son of the The Carter Family, Neil Carter.

“Ethan Carter is more suited to an ordinary life.” Neil Carter said quietly.

Charles Carter was silent for a moment, then swept his gaze over everyone and slowly said, “In the past, our ancestor was favored by the late emperor, fought on the battlefield for eighty years, was gravely wounded eighteen times. During the alliance of the ten kingdoms, when the late emperor was trapped, he rode alone for a thousand miles, bearing eight arrows, yet still rescued the emperor. When he returned, he was beyond saving—what spirit that was.”

“And now, our Carter Residence is in decline. Just because of some humiliation, we would expel the descendant of our ancestor’s benefactor from the Carter Residence? Such an act shames me and disgraces our ancestors. In the afterlife, I would have no face to meet their spirits.”

“As long as the Carter Residence stands, Ethan Carter stays… In two days, gather the men and soldiers of the Carter Residence, and march on the The Baker Family. If anyone brings up expelling Ethan Carter from the Carter Residence again, I will personally execute them.”

With that, Charles Carter slammed his palm down on the seat beneath him. Instantly, a cracking sound rang out as the seat shattered, and the space fell silent.

Charles Carter's voice echoed in the air. He stood tall and straight, and as everyone looked at Charles Carter, it was as if they saw the figure of their ancestor in days past.

“What kind of favor did Ethan Carter's forebears grant the Carter Residence to make Charles Carter act like this?” Everyone was secretly in awe. They only knew that Charles Carter had adopted Ethan Carter as his son and treated him so well, all to repay the kindness of Ethan Carter's ancestors.

For this kindness, Charles Carter was willing to sacrifice everything. This spirit moved them, and his iron-blooded loyalty commanded their respect. Each and every one of them stood up straight.

“Ethan, you need not worry about this. Stay at home and rest easy. Your foster father will see that justice is done for you.” When Charles Carter looked at Ethan Carter, his gaze softened considerably.