Elder Thomas?

Claude turned back to look at the second elder with an innocent smile, and a bad feeling suddenly welled up in the second elder's heart.

".. I'm going to need your help, second elder!"

"Claude Rayforth!" Thomas Winfrey yelled out loudly as he dashed forward, in his direction. He immensely hated Claude and couldn't wait to rend him into pieces. He already had an idea about Claude from his nephew, Aldrich. He knew that Aldrich used to always bully Claude, but he didn't do anything about it. In fact, he always defended Aldrich whenever he was being accused of bullying others, helping him to get out of punishments. To him, this wasn't something difficult to accomplish at all, but never once did he think that his nephew would die at the hands of one of his victims.

Even before he arrived, his deadly aura was already in effect. Claude watched as Thomas approached, his body had turned stiff, and he could not move.

But when Thomas was about to succeed, a mysterious ripple appeared.

Instantly, between Claude and Elder Thomas, the scene became a blur, like they were separated by an unclean mirror.

"Mirror Shield Technique!" This change had occurred too quickly, but Elder Thomas reacted rapidly too, and retreated a few steps back.

The Second Elder moved forward, standing in front of Elder Thomas and protecting Claude who was behind him.

"Second Elder! Why are you protecting this lowly outer disciple? You may not know this, but he just murdered one of his peers in a practice match," Elder Thomas's eyes squinted as he emanated a cold aura.

'So that's it..' The Second Elder had some idea of what was going on, and he turned back to look at Claude, who still had an innocent smile on his face.

'Well, I guess I can't go back on my word,' after a short while, he sighed and turned to focus on Elder Thomas.

"Oh Elder Thomas, living beings already live in difficulty, why must we hurt each other? Why don't you stop here? Didn't you say that they were sparring? Accidents happen in a martial arts match. You know that don't you?" The Second Elder smiled as he said so.

"Second Elder! The young man he killed was my nephew! And you're telling me to just let it go? Without witnessing the person responsible for his death to receive their punishment?" Elder Thomas gritted his teeth, feeling rage and hatred.

"I am!" The Second Elder said with a calm expression, his dark blue eyes flickering with deep emotions. "I have selected this young man to be my helper, therefore he is under my supervision for now. You don't wish to disrespect me by attacking my helper now, do you?"

"No, but, Second Elder.." Elder Thomas cried out in dismay, but he could no longer talk properly. He couldn't clearly process what he had just heard.

Did the Second Elder say that he had picked Claude to be his helper? Why?

How?

When?

He had no idea. Elder Thomas was flabbergasted, but he couldn't do anything. His hands were tied.

He glanced at the Second Elder, and he stared back at him, narrowing his eyes. There was a flash of cold light in his gaze; immediately Elder Thomas felt his heart beating fast, his scalp going numb at the same time.

"Alright, Second Elder. I understand your words. I shall forget my grievances." Under the Second Elder's despotic aura, Elder Thomas could only lower his head and return home.

The Second Elder stared at Elder Thomas's gradually disappearing shadow, and then turned to look at the young man standing behind him.

"You are a sneaky little fella aren't you?" He heaved a sigh.

"I couldn't control my strength. It's really difficult to handle the Invisible Sword Technique," Claude shrugged his shoulders as he replied.

"I can't believe you tried to use my name to get you out of trouble," The Second elder lifted his eyebrows and let out a small chuckle.

"In my defense, he was a bully. The world is a better place without him in it," Claude's lips curled, revealing a smile.

The Second Elder silently looked at Claude and a hint of complication flashed in his eyes. In this world, strength was above all else. Killing someone was not something peculiar. But it was not so simple when it came to kids.

But as he was staring at the young man standing in front of him right now, the second elder came to realise that his face was calm as ice. There wasn't any fluster. There weren't any uneasy feelings. According to what Elder Thomas said, the young man dashed to his house immediately after he killed his opponent. It was as if the person who killed the young man was not him at all!

He was amazed at the young man's indifference towards life. As a martial artist and a cultivator, familiarising yourself on how to kill was an important and hard lesson that had been learned. Therefore, he was impressed by his skills and cold attitude. If he was well-nurtured, he would be every enemies' worst nightmare.

But on the other hand, he felt worried and distressed. This could all blow up on his face. He felt that Claude was way too daring.

"Claude, I'll forgive your actions this time. After all, it is only an outer disciple who was killed. But you have to be careful next time," the Second Elder used a solemn and deep voice to break the silence.

"I know." Claude nodded and replied, "Trust me Second elder. Now that I have your protection, I'll show you what I'm capable of."