Ethan Carter sighed in his heart. He had shattered his own meridians, causing his adoptive father to worry. He had intended to tell his adoptive father the reason only after becoming a Martial Fate cultivator, but unexpectedly, the actions of the Bai family had stirred up such a storm, implicating even the Qin residence.

He did not know his own origins; Black Uncle had never told him, nor did he know what had happened between his ancestors. All he knew was that he could never repay Charles Carter's kindness in this lifetime.

Ethan Carter stepped down from the viewing platform and walked onto the martial arena's battle stage. He then knelt on both knees, his gaze fixed on Charles Carter, and said, “This matter started because of me, and I will resolve it myself. There is no need to use any of the Qin residence’s power. As for what the Bai family has done, it is fine if they humiliate me, but if it affects the dignity of the Qin residence, I will never allow it. This matter, I, Ethan Carter, will bear alone.”

“Father.” Ethan Carter called out heavily, then kowtowed, and there was even a faint echo.

With this kneel, he thanked his father’s kindness!

Charles Carter strolled forward and helped Ethan Carter up. Father and son looked into each other’s eyes and both smiled. This time, Ethan Carter did not call him adoptive father, but father.

“I have always believed in you. One day, you will accomplish what others cannot!” There was a look of determination in Charles Carter’s eyes.

Beside them, Mark Shaw narrowed his eyes slightly, a broad smile on his face. Compared to Bai Qiuxue, he liked the young man before him even more. With such talent and resilience, given time, he would surely achieve greatness.

Two days later, all the major powers would gather at the Bai family. The Qin residence was preparing to send troops. It looked like a good show was about to begin!

Chapter 8 Siblings

Ethan Carter had not told Charles Carter that he had already condensed a Star Soul. Two days later, when he reclaimed his honor, he believed his adoptive father would be even happier.

“Brother Qin, I’d like to take a closer look at your nephew’s condition. Would you trust him to me?” At this moment, Mark Shaw stepped forward, looking at Ethan Carter with a peculiar gleam in his eyes.

“If Brother Mo is willing, I could not ask for more.” Charles Carter had no reason to refuse. The Empyrean Star Academy was the academy everyone in Chu dreamed of attending. The academy’s upper echelons could disregard even royal authority.

Years ago, the Chu royal family, fearing the Empyrean Star Academy’s growing power, had established the Royal Academy in earnest—just as they had once supported the Ye family to suppress the Qin family.

“Ethan Carter, come with me.” Mark Shaw led Ethan Carter away, and Charles Carter said to Yvonne Carter beside him, “You go too.”

Yvonne Carter nodded and followed the two from a distance.

Ethan Carter noticed Mark Shaw’s eyes fixed on him, as brilliant as the stars, making his heart tremble. This was the power of the Star Soul—this Mark Shaw likely possessed the Celestial Eye Star Soul.

“A person with severed meridians can actually cultivate.” Mark Shaw said softly, startling Ethan Carter. As expected, it was the Celestial Eye Star Soul, able to see through the fluctuations of the stars.

“I never thought I’d see someone today who shattered his own meridians and then condensed star meridians.” Mark Shaw was secretly delighted. He had just confirmed again that Ethan Carter was indeed meridianless, but also truly a Martial Fate cultivator. There was only one possibility: destruction followed by rebirth. To achieve the most perfect Wheel Meridian—the Star Wheel Meridian—though this was only its embryonic form, it already allowed him to mobilize his internal Yuan Power ahead of others.

This young man must be brought into the Empyrean Star Academy.

“Senior, do you have any instructions?” Ethan Carter asked, looking at Mark Shaw.

“The strength of the star power in your body should be at the fifth level of the Body Refinement Realm, right?”

“What a powerful Celestial Eye. Although I am only at the fourth level of Body Refinement, because my star Yuan Power comes from the Fifth Heaven, it is even more robust and forceful. Perhaps that’s why he misjudged.” Ethan Carter thought to himself, but did not respond.

“In two days, all the powers will gather, and the renowned academies will be recruiting disciples. There will be many tests. Though your talent is outstanding, your strength still needs to improve in a short time. I have something for you. Two days from now, you must come.” As he spoke, Mark Shaw grabbed Ethan Carter’s hand, directly stuffing a book and a stone into it. With a step, he soared into the air.

Ethan Carter’s gaze sharpened. He saw Mark Shaw as light as a swallow, gliding through the air, and couldn’t help but yearn for it. This was the power of a terrifying Yuan Mansion Realm expert. One day, I too will soar above the nine heavens.

Looking at the items in his hand, Ethan Carter’s pupils contracted and his heart trembled. The stone faintly radiated a strong star power—it was an extremely precious Star Meteorite. As for the book, three large characters were written on it: Dragon Subduing Fist.

“Empyrean Star Academy.” Ethan Carter silently remembered, put the items away, and then heard footsteps approaching. A figure appeared beside him, a faint fragrance wafting over.

“I told you long ago, Bai Qingsong is a schemer. I was against this marriage from the start, but you just couldn’t resist a pretty face.”

A smile curled at the corner of Ethan Carter’s lips. He turned his gaze and saw an exceptionally beautiful profile: crescent-shaped brows, eyes smiling gently, fair and delicate features, skin so smooth it seemed it would break at a touch—making one want to steal a kiss. Like Bai Qiuxue, Yvonne Carter was also one of the four great beauties of Tianyong City, and truly stunning.

“If I were so infatuated with beauty, I’d be clinging to you every day, Sister Yvonne Carter.” Ethan Carter joked.

“Stop your nonsense.” Yvonne Carter rolled her eyes at Ethan Carter and said, “You made father and my teacher fall out. It’s going to be hard for you at the academy from now on. How do you plan to make it up to me?”