“Young master, in this old man’s opinion, His Majesty must have discovered your value, so he’s reconsidered his decision.”

“What do you mean?” Henry Brooks pressed.

Edward Grant said seriously, “The old Duke once privately warned me that the imperial family is heartless and only cares about interests. If the young master is weak, even if His Majesty remembers old ties and favors you, it will only go so far. For the sake of interests, he could even abandon you. He told me to persuade you, if necessary, not to fight, not to compete, not to take, and to live a peaceful life. But now, since you excel at forging and weapons are crucial to the Tang’s military strength, His Majesty naturally has to reconsider.”

“My father really sees things clearly.”

“Of course. After the founding of the Tang, the old Duke took leave and stayed home, focusing on teaching you. Wasn’t that also a way to stay away from the political whirlpool and protect himself? The old Duke once said that the Qin family is thin in numbers and can’t afford to be tossed about. He often told me to remind you to take more concubines, to have children early, and to bring glory to the family.”

“Young master.”

A servant rushed in and, after saluting, said, “Young master, word has spread outside that there were three groups who tried to attack the residence last night. One group was the Three Demons of the Yellow River, another is unidentified. The magistrate of Chang’an County has brought his constables and is waiting at the gate to see you.”

“What did you say, the Three Demons of the Yellow River?”

Edward Grant’s face changed dramatically. Seeing the servant nod in confirmation, he quickly looked at Henry Brooks: “Young master, the Three Demons of the Yellow River are infamous assassins with countless murders to their name. The court has been hunting them for over three years, and the bounty is up to a thousand taels of silver. It must be the Wang family who hired them to steal the divine weapon. Last night, you…”

Henry Brooks saw that things had developed to this point and there was no need to hide it anymore—otherwise, it would look like he was covering things up. Anyway, the survivors had already been interrogated; they were sent by the Wang and Cui families. This was a good chance to see how the authorities and Li Er would handle the survivors. With a flash of inspiration, he said, “There were indeed two groups last night. The bodies are in the big vat in the backyard. Take some men and hand them over to the authorities.”

“Young master, did the Three Demons of the Yellow River really die at your hands? They’re top-tier assassins, your strength…” Edward Grant was full of shock.

“Don’t ask what you shouldn’t.”

“Yes, sir!”

Edward Grant quickly agreed, his heart full of shock, then excitement. Being able to kill the Three Demons of the Yellow River meant the young master’s martial prowess had improved greatly. He asked, “Young master, if the authorities ask about the cause of death, what should I say?”

“Just say I killed them. Also, make sure to mention that the divine weapon was left by a pre-Qin sorcerer. I secluded myself for three days and comprehended a peerless sword technique from the weapon, and used this technique to slay the killers. No need to say more.” Henry Brooks instructed, then turned and left.

This explanation had five major benefits. First, if he used modern fighting techniques in the future, he could claim to have created them by studying the divine weapon. Though the reason was a bit far-fetched, it was still an explanation. Second, it could intimidate some petty villains. As for the Five Surnames and Seven Clans and the great families, whether his strength was exposed or not, they would cause trouble anyway, so it didn’t matter. Third, it would unite the people in the household. Fourth, it would attract Li Er’s attention.

As long as Li Er paid attention and became interested in his wealth, he wouldn’t be abandoned outright when trouble arose in the future. As for working for Li Er, that was impossible, but for now, he still needed to borrow some power and influence.

The fifth benefit was to dig the pit even bigger and deeper. Once outsiders learned that he had comprehended a peerless sword technique from the treasured sword, they would flock to him, and the value of the sword would skyrocket. The Wang family would have to pay dearly if they wanted to get it.

Killing five birds with one stone—why not?

And by handing over the bodies and survivors to stir things up and test everyone’s reactions, it was killing six birds with one stone.

As for using the survivors to confront the Wang and Cui families in court, it was pointless. The Wang and Cui families could easily wash their hands of it, or even turn the tables and accuse him, wasting time.

After walking a few steps, Henry Brooks suddenly stopped and instructed, “Uncle Grant, spread the word that I’ve reached a critical point in comprehending the peerless sword technique, so the auction will be postponed for ten days. The location remains the same.”

Ten days was enough time for the news to ferment and attract more attention. If the Wang family wanted to play, then let the bullets fly a little longer.

As for danger—whoever comes, I’ll just kill them!

Chapter 9: Gathering Storm

Chang’an City, Wang family residence.

In the study, George Thompson sat at the head seat, his expression calm, but a cold light flickered deep in his eyes, like a venomous snake waiting to strike, quietly watching the brocaded-robed man in front of him.

The brocaded-robed man looked a bit troubled and respectfully said, “Father, I know the trusted aide sent by the Chang’an County magistrate, so it can’t be fake. He said only Robert Howard survived among those we sent. According to Robert Howard, everyone else was killed in direct combat. I know that brat’s strength—he’s got skills, being personally taught by Qin Qiong, but he can’t possibly be that strong. Could he really have comprehended some peerless sword technique?”

“What did Robert Howard say? Tell me word for word.”

“Robert Howard said that bastard’s martial arts were bizarre, never seen before. Clearly, his moves were wide and open, like military techniques, but every strike was lethal, with the shadow of an assassin—ever-changing, unpredictable, impossible to guard against. You know Robert Howard’s ability and temperament—he’s proud and rarely admires others. For him to speak so highly, the opponent must be extraordinary. But it doesn’t match the facts. There’s only one explanation: he really did comprehend some peerless sword technique.”

George Thompson remained silent, cold light surging in his eyes. No one knew what he was thinking.