Andrew Bennett's expression was unclear beneath the helmet. Benjamin Harris punched him on the shoulder and said, "He really is your big brother."

Andrew Bennett seemed to smile slightly, murmuring, "...Fate, huh."

Chapter 5: On the Edge

The medicinal decoction soaked William Sullivan's collar, spilling out entirely from the corner of his lips. The doctor, sweating profusely, kept wiping his temples and forehead.

"The medicine won't go in," the doctor said. "He definitely won't make it!"

Sophia Reed stood with his hand on his sword, looked at William Sullivan for a while, and said, "Is there really nothing more to be done?"

The doctor's hands trembled as he held the medicine bowl, making the spoon clatter. He kowtowed hard to Sophia Reed and said, "It's hopeless, it's hopeless! Sir, please prepare the straw mat as soon as possible."

Sophia Reed looked troubled and said, "You keep trying to feed him," then turned and walked out the door. Standing outside was Ryan Carter. Sophia Reed saluted and said, "Sir, the doctor says he won't make it."

Ryan Carter crushed a peanut shell, blew away the powder, and said, "Has he stopped breathing already?"

Sophia Reed replied, "He's still hanging on to his last breath."

Ryan Carter put his hands behind his back, turned around, and looked at Sophia Reed: "Keep an eye on him. Before he dies, make sure he signs the confession."

Sophia Reed nodded and watched Ryan Carter leave. He stood in the courtyard for a moment, then said to the subordinate beside him, "Go call the menial worker."

Before long, a hunched figure wrapped in coarse hemp cloth arrived, pushing a cart. By now, the sky was pitch black, and the imperial prison was under strict inspection. Sophia Reed lifted his lantern to check, then let the worker follow him inside.

The doctor had also left, and only an oil lamp was lit in the room. William Sullivan lay on the bed, bloodless, his hands and feet as cold as a corpse.

Sophia Reed stepped aside and said to the worker, "Uncle Ji... the person is here."

The worker slowly removed the coarse cloth, revealing a face scarred by fire. He stared at William Sullivan, took two trembling steps forward, and reached out to stroke William Sullivan's hair. Seeing how emaciated William Sullivan was, skin and bones, and the bloodstains everywhere, he couldn't help but weep bitterly.

"Chuan'er." Samuel Carter's voice was already hoarse as he called, "Master is here!"

Sophia Reed blew out the lantern and said, "Uncle Ji, don't be afraid. Ever since we learned he was your disciple, the prison has been paying special attention. The previous interrogations looked harsh, but he wasn't really hurt. During the court caning, for your sake, the brothers held back a bit—twenty strokes, but we made sure he wouldn't be crippled. It's just that the palace punishments, those eunuchs all have sharp eyes, so we couldn't slack off too much. Luckily, Miss Hua San arrived in time, or else Eunuch Pan would have gotten suspicious."

Samuel Carter's hair was already half white. He wept, his face full of hardship, and said, "I, Samuel Carter, will surely repay this kindness one day!"

Sophia Reed quickly said, "Uncle Ji! How can you say that! All of us brothers are just repaying the kindness and life-saving grace you gave us back then." He sighed again, "Who could have expected an unexpected disaster—Second Young Master of the The Bennett Family really came to deliver a death blow. Uncle Ji, is there still hope?"

Samuel Carter felt William Sullivan's pulse and forced a smile: "Good child, the method Ethan taught him, he did very well. It's not yet a hopeless situation. With Master here, my child, don't be afraid!"

William Sullivan had followed Samuel Carter since he was seven, practicing martial arts with Ethan Carter. The The Carter Boxing style started off fierce and powerful, and had to be paired with the The Carter Family Secret; only those with strong will could master it. Samuel Carter was a heavy drinker at home—he'd teach the older one and forget the younger. Ethan Carter became the elder brother, and every time he learned a move, he'd teach his younger brother one. Who would have thought that after all these years, William Sullivan would have learned so well.

Sophia Reed bent down to look and said, "But after all, he's still young. After such a calamity, I'm afraid his body will be ruined. Uncle Ji, the medicine the doctor prescribed, I had someone decoct a fresh batch. See if you can get him to take it."

William Sullivan's lips were parched from the fever.

His whole body ached, as if he were lying on the main avenue of the capital, being run over by carriages coming and going.

The pain was like an endless blaze, burning William Sullivan's body. In the darkness, he dreamed of swirling snow, Ethan Carter's blood, the cold of the sinkhole, and the kick he suffered in front of Andrew Bennett.

Ryan Carter was right—being alive now was just suffering. He had taken the flesh and blood given by David Sullivan, so he had to endure this punishment. He had taken on David Sullivan's sins, becoming the scapegoat for all the wronged and loyal souls of the world. He had put on these shackles and chains, and from now on, he would have to carry this burden forward.

But he was not resigned!

Suddenly, someone pried open his teeth, and a hot liquid rushed down his throat. The bitterness of the medicine soaked the corners of William Sullivan's eyes. He heard a familiar voice calling him and forced his eyes open.

Samuel Carter was feeding him medicine, wiping away his tears with rough fingers, and softly said, "Chuan'er, it's Master!"

A whimper escaped William Sullivan's throat, and the medicine and tears choked him together. He reached out and hooked his finger around Samuel Carter's sleeve, but clenched his teeth, afraid this was just a fever dream.

Samuel Carter's face was disfigured; he turned his head slightly, avoiding the oil lamp, and said, "Chuan'er, don't give up on life! Master is barely hanging on in this world, and you're all I have left."

At that moment, William Sullivan couldn't hold back his tears. He turned his gaze away, staring at the pitch-black ceiling, and whispered, "Master..."

Amid the howling wind, his gaze grew resolute, and a new determination arose.

"I won't die," he said hoarsely. "Master, I won't die."

* * *