The man in brocade waited a moment before saying, “Father, The Clark Family also sent people—The Three Demons of the Yellow River—who entered ahead of our men. Robert Howard said that when they arrived, those people had already been killed, also by that little bastard. Without comprehending a peerless sword technique, he couldn’t have done it. The secret of the divine weapon combined with the peerless sword technique is enough to shake the world. In ten days, I’m afraid many people will flood into Chang’an.”

Warriors crave divine weapons and secret manuals, just as scholars love poetry and the Analects. George Thompson naturally understood that a single divine weapon was enough to drive many mad, let alone the possibility of comprehending a peerless sword technique. He said coldly, “What’s your view on this?”

The man in brocade quickly replied, “We must obtain the divine weapon before the auction. Once it goes to bidding, the price will be unimaginable. If we give up, our Thompson Family will lose all face.”

“This boy, so calculating!” George Thompson said bitterly.

“Father, do you mean all of this is his scheme, and his target is our Thompson Family?”

George Thompson nodded and said in a deep voice, “He’s not stupid. First, he made a name for himself through competition, then deliberately exposed the Xuan Bird to attract our attention, then set up an inescapable net to capture those we sent, and finally left Robert Howard alive to deliver a message. There’s only one purpose: to tell the world that he comprehended a peerless sword technique from the divine weapon. Deliberately delaying the auction for ten days is to attract more contenders. If our Thompson Family wants to win, we’ll have to pay dearly; if we don’t, we’ll lose our thousand-year reputation and become a laughingstock. Who would have thought that at fourteen or fifteen, he’d be so shrewd? He’ll be a great threat in the future. He must be eliminated at all costs!”

“Hiss—”

The man in brocade’s gaze turned icy as he said coldly, “This boy already regards the Thompson Family as an enemy. If we don’t kill him, there will be endless trouble. Fortunately, we still have ten days—enough to make preparations.”

“Besides our Thompson Family, I’m afraid many others will seize the opportunity to act. Be extremely careful in all dealings—leave no evidence. That one in the Hall of Supreme Harmony is not a soft-hearted person; he may be laying a great net as we speak.”

“Understood. I’ll go prepare at once!”

……

Prince Wei’s residence.

The fourth prince, Thomas Thompson, was composing poetry and drinking merrily with his trusted followers. Suddenly, a man in splendid clothes said, “Prince Wei, I’ve heard that the Duke of Yi’s residence has produced a divine weapon, which once shattered the Clark Family’s treasured Crimson Blood Blade. The Young lord of the Brooks residence even claimed that the weapon was left by a pre-Qin sorcerer, and that he created a peerless sword technique from it. He also killed the invading The Three Demons of the Yellow River and several others, which shows this divine weapon is truly extraordinary.”

“I’ve heard of this as well. What do you intend?” Thomas Thompson asked, holding his wine cup, his expression calm. His chubby face and narrowed eyes concealed his thoughts.

“Your Highness, in my opinion, you have countless civil officials and capable administrators at your side, but are somewhat lacking in military generals. Generals love to fight, and love weapons even more. If you acquire the divine weapon and befriend a great general, there may be unexpected rewards.”

Thomas Thompson’s narrowed eyes suddenly lit up, and he smiled.

The others instantly understood the deeper meaning behind “unexpected rewards” and smiled as well.

One person chimed in, “Prince Wei, this is an excellent suggestion. If the Young lord of the Brooks residence could create a peerless sword technique from the divine weapon, so could other generals. What you’re offering is not just a divine weapon, but also peerless martial arts. This will surely win the loyalty of famous generals. With military support, it truly would be an unexpected reward. Let’s drink to that!”

“Come, let’s drink!”

Prince Wei raised his wine cup with a delighted smile. Though he didn’t say it outright, his meaning was clear.

Everyone present knowingly raised their cups.

“A toast to Prince Wei!”

……

The Crown Prince’s residence.

In the bedroom, the crown prince Matthew Thompson was rolling in the clouds with someone in his arms when a voice came from outside the door: “Your Highness, Lord Hall requests an audience, saying there’s an urgent matter.”

Interrupted halfway through, anyone would be annoyed. Thinking of the great cause, Matthew Thompson could only suppress his anger, get up, and casually tidy his clothes before coming to the outer hall, where he saw his confidant Douglas Hall enter. He asked, “What’s the matter, so flustered?”

“Your Highness, I deserve to die a thousand times, but I had no choice but to disturb you.”

“Speak.” Matthew Thompson sat at the head seat, waved his hand to dismiss the servants, and looked at Douglas Hall.

After the servants left, Douglas Hall quickly whispered, “Your Highness, I have reliable information that Prince Wei is preparing to acquire the Duke of Yi’s divine weapon to befriend military generals. If he gains military support, the consequences will be dire.”

“What… he dares?”

Matthew Thompson’s face changed dramatically. He shot to his feet and said, “Go to the Brooks residence at once and say that this crown prince has taken a fancy to that divine weapon—any terms are acceptable. Also, pass on a message that this crown prince greatly appreciates him!”

“Duke Brooks is deceased, the Brooks residence has lost its pillar, and Henry Brooks is now like duckweed on water, without roots. If the crown prince offers a heavy promise, he will surely win his loyalty. With a fierce general, the great cause is within reach. I will go at once.” Douglas Hall bowed excitedly and hurried off.

Matthew Thompson looked out the window, pondered for a moment, and then muttered to himself, “Henry Brooks… Who would have thought a single divine weapon could stir up such a storm in Chang’an? It seems everyone has underestimated you. I hope you know what’s good for you.”

……

Prince Jiangxia’s residence.

Stephen Thompson led the visiting Samuel Thompson into the study, dismissed the servants, and asked, “It’s rare for you to visit, brother. You must have something important today?”

“Have you heard about the Brooks residence’s divine weapon?” Samuel Thompson got straight to the point.

“I’ve heard a little. Why?” Stephen Thompson asked curiously.

“Can you make a comeback with this opportunity?”