Staring coldly at Olivia Foster's stunned expression, Adam Bennett suddenly turned around, knelt before William Bennett on one knee, and bowed his head heavily to the ground. He bit his lip hard, but stubbornly remained silent...

Although, in name, it was he who expelled Olivia Foster from the family, once this matter spread, others would not see it that way. Those unaware of the situation would only think that Olivia Foster, with her powerful background, had forced the Xiao family to break off the engagement. After all, with Olivia Foster's talent, beauty, and background, she was more than a match for the Xiao family's so-called useless young master. No one would believe that Adam Bennett would have the courage to dismiss the future leader of the Yunlan Sect... And so, as Adam Bennett's father, William Bennett would inevitably become the target of endless ridicule...

Looking at the kneeling Adam Bennett, William Bennett, who understood the deep guilt in his son's heart, smiled calmly and said with a gentle laugh, "I believe my son will not be a useless person for life. Mere rumors and gossip will collapse on their own in the face of reality one day."

"Father, three years from now, I will go to the Yunlan Sect myself and personally wash away today's humiliation for you!" With the corners of his eyes slightly moist, Adam Bennett bowed his head heavily once more, then stood up straight and walked resolutely out of the hall without hesitation.

As he passed by Olivia Foster, Adam Bennett paused, and in a cool, youthful voice, spoke coldly:

"Three years from now, I will come for you!"

Bathed in sunlight, the boy's silhouette was stretched long, appearing lonely and desolate.

Olivia Foster's lips parted slightly as she stared blankly at the gradually disappearing figure, the contract in her hand suddenly feeling as heavy as a thousand pounds...

"Gentlemen, since you have achieved your goal, please leave now." Watching the departing youth, William Bennett's face was indifferent, but the fist hidden in his sleeve was clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white.

"Uncle Xiao, I apologize for what happened today. If you have time in the future, please visit the Nalan family as our guest!" Bowing respectfully to the indifferent William Bennett, Olivia Foster did not wish to linger either. She rose and headed out of the hall, with Ethan Harris and the handsome young man hurrying to follow.

"Take the Qi Gathering Powder with you as well!" With a wave of his hand, the jade box on the table was coldly flung out by William Bennett.

Ethan Harris reached back and caught the box steadily, gave a bitter smile, and put it away into his ring.

"Miss of the Nalan family, I hope you won't regret your actions today in the future. Also, don't think that just because you have the Yunlan Sect backing you, you can do whatever you please. The Dou Qi Continent is vast, and there are many people stronger than Yun Yun..." Just as Olivia Foster and her companions were about to leave, a girl's clear and cold voice suddenly rang out.

The three of them stopped abruptly, their gazes shifting to the corner where a young girl in a purple dress was quietly flipping through a book.

Sunlight streamed in through the cracks of the doors and windows, enveloping the girl. From a distance, she looked like a purple lotus blooming in the mortal world—pure, graceful, untouched by dust...

Sensing their gazes, the girl lifted her exquisite face from the ancient pages, and in her beautiful eyes, as clear as autumn water, a faint golden flame suddenly flickered...

Seeing the tiny golden flame in the girl's eyes, Ethan Harris's body trembled violently. Terror instantly covered his aged face, and his withered hand frantically grabbed the bewildered Olivia Foster and the young man, then dashed out of the hall as if fleeing for their lives...

Witnessing Ethan Harris's actions, everyone in the hall—except for a few—could not help but look utterly bewildered...

Chapter Eight: The Mysterious Elder

Expressionless, Adam Bennett left the hall, somewhat absent-mindedly climbing the family’s back mountain as he usually did. He sat atop the cliff, quietly gazing at the mist-shrouded, rugged peaks across from him—the famous Magical Beast Mountain Range of the Jia Ma Empire.

"Heh, strength... In this world, without strength, you're not even as good as a pile of dog shit. At least, no one dares to step on dog shit!" With a slight shrug, the youth's low, self-mocking laughter, tinged with grief and anger, echoed slowly atop the mountain.

Fingers buried in his black hair, Adam Bennett bit his lip tightly, letting the faint taste of blood spread at the corner of his mouth. Although he had shown no sign of distress in the hall, every word from Olivia Foster had cut into his heart like a knife, making Adam Bennett tremble all over...

"I don't want to suffer today's humiliation a second time!" Spreading open his left hand, marked with a bloody scratch, Adam Bennett's voice was hoarse but resolute.

"Heh heh, little one, looks like you need some help?"

Just as Adam Bennett was making his vow, a strange, elderly laugh suddenly sounded in his ears.

His expression changed, and Adam Bennett spun around, his sharp, eagle-like gaze sweeping behind him, but he saw no one...

"Heh heh, stop looking. I'm on your finger."

Just as Adam Bennett thought it was only his imagination, the strange laugh echoed again from nowhere.

His pupils contracted, and Adam Bennett's gaze suddenly fixed on his right hand... on the ancient, black ring.

"Was it you talking?" Adam Bennett forced down the fear in his heart, trying hard to steady his voice.