Wharton's Predicament

The city gates of Chiyan City, the Imperial Capital, looked especially majestic in the afternoon sunlight.

Two rows of fully armored guards stood ramrod straight on either side of the archway, their spears glinting coldly in the sun. Merchants and travelers, pedestrians, carriages, and horses flowed endlessly in and out, creating a bustling scene of imperial prosperity.

Linley and his party of four rode into the city, immediately drawing quite a few gazes. There was no other reason—Delia was simply too beautiful. Her long golden hair sparkled beneath the sunlight, while her pale moon-colored dress fluttered gently with the horse's movements. Her lovely face made pedestrians along the street unable to resist stealing another look. She rode a snow-white horse, her waist slender and her bearing graceful, like a figure who had stepped out of a painting.

"What are you looking at?" Linley coughed lightly and swept his gaze over the crowd with clear displeasure.

The pedestrians immediately looked away, pretending nothing had happened. One young man was tugged by his companion, yet he still reluctantly turned back for another look, only to shrink his neck under Linley's glare.

Akes could not help laughing from behind them. Linley turned and glared at him, and he hurriedly held it in, though his shoulders still shook uncontrollably. Akes rode a chestnut warhorse, his tall, sturdy frame and resolute face accentuated by short fiery-red hair that stood out sharply in the sunlight.

Delia, on the other hand, remained perfectly composed. She raised her chin slightly, clearly pleased by Linley's possessive behavior. She glanced sideways at him, the corners of her lips lifting as a sly smile flashed through her eyes. This man, usually so steady and composed, was especially adorable at moments like this.

"Boss, where does Wharton live?" Bebe lay on Linley's shoulder, his tiny eyes darting about as he examined the unfamiliar city.

"Fushi Road," Linley answered. "The letter sent by the Dawson Chamber of Commerce said Wharton was granted the title of earl, and his residence is on that road."

The Dawson Chamber of Commerce's intelligence had always been reliable, and Linley had no doubt about it. Thinking of the younger brother he had not seen for seventeen years, warmth surged through his heart. When he had left the Fenlai Kingdom, Wharton had only been a toddler learning to walk. Now, he had become an earl of the O'Brien Empire and had fallen in love with the empire's Seventh Princess. Time had passed so quickly.

After asking for directions, the four of them soon arrived at Fushi Road. The street was about thirty feet wide, paved with neat bluestone slabs and lined with towering parasol trees whose shade covered half the road. The residences of nobles and officials filled the street, grand gatehouses standing one after another. Vermilion doors, bronze beast-head knockers, and stone lions crouching before the gates all proclaimed their owners' status. Linley looked around as he rode, finally stopping before one particular mansion.

The gates of this residence were even more imposing than those around it. Four guards stood outside, dressed in matching blue uniforms with sabers at their waists, looking sharp and alert.

"This is the place." He swung down from his horse.

The guards at the gate were about to step forward and question the visitors when their eyes suddenly widened, their mouths hanging open wide enough to fit an egg. "Y-you are Lord Linley?"

"You know me?" Linley was somewhat surprised. He had little reputation in Chiyan City, so how did this guard recognize him?

"Lord Wharton has your portrait hanging in his room!" the guard said. "He looks at it every day, and all of us brothers have seen it! I'll go report your arrival right away!"

He turned to run inside, but Linley grabbed him.

"There's no need to report it. I'll go in myself."

The guard nodded repeatedly and stepped aside, even eagerly taking Linley's horse for him.

Linley led Akes, Delia, and Bebe into the mansion. Right away, they saw a tall young man running out from inside.

The young man stood a full seven feet tall. His broad shoulders stretched his shirt tight, while his lean frame was perfectly proportioned. His square face had well-defined features, sword-like brows, bright eyes, and a heroic air. He wore a dark blue warrior's outfit, with a longsword at his waist, and wind seemed to stir in his wake as he ran. The instant he saw Linley, his eyes reddened, tears welling up within them.

"Brother!"

Wharton strode over and wrapped Linley in a fierce embrace. He stood a whole head taller than Linley, yet at that moment, he buried his face in Linley's shoulder like a child, his shoulders trembling slightly.

"Brother, you finally came!"

Linley patted his back, his own eyes growing warm. The young man in his arms was no longer the little child who used to chase after him, calling him big brother. He was now a man who could stand tall beneath the heavens. Yet in Linley's heart, Wharton would forever be the younger brother he needed to protect.

"Seventeen years. You've grown so much."

"Brother, I thought about you every day." Wharton released him and stepped back, carefully studying Linley from face to body, as though he wanted to engrave his brother's appearance into his heart. "You're thinner than before. Did you suffer a lot?"

"All right, don't just stand here being happy." Linley patted his shoulder. He was moved, but unused to such sentimental scenes, so he turned and indicated the people behind him. "Let me introduce you. This is Akes, my brother. He's a fire-style Holy Archmage."

"A Holy Archmage?" Wharton was shocked again, his eyes filled with admiration as he looked at Akes. A Holy Archmage stood at the pinnacle of magicians; there were only a few in the entire O'Brien Empire. He hurriedly bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Brother Akes!"

Akes smiled and nodded, reaching out to pat Wharton's shoulder. Feeling the other man's solid muscles, he said approvingly, "I've long heard Linley mention you. You truly are an impressive young man. Your physique, your bearing—you truly are worthy of the Baruch Clan bloodline."

"This is Delia, your sister-in-law," Linley said naturally, as though it were the most obvious thing in the world.

Delia's face immediately flushed red, from her cheeks all the way to her ears. She had not expected Linley to introduce her so directly, and she felt both shy and delighted. However, she came from the Yulan Clan, so she quickly regained her composure and nodded gracefully to Wharton. "Hello. I've often heard Linley speak of you. Now that I've met you, you truly are as valiant and extraordinary as he said."

"Hello, Sister-in-law!" Wharton's voice was sweet and clear as he called her that. Delia felt as though she had eaten honey, and the smile in her eyes could not be hidden.

Bebe squeaked twice and waved his tiny paws in greeting.

Wharton greeted them all in turn, then excitedly pulled Linley inside with large, hurried strides. "Brother, come in quickly! Grandpa Hiri and Uncle Hillman will be thrilled to know you've come! They talk about you every day."

Sure enough, the butler Hiri and Hillman immediately came out from inside when they received the news.

Hiri was already over seventy. His hair was gray, and his back had become somewhat bent, but he remained spirited and vigorous, his steps steady. He wore a neat gray robe and leaned on a cane. The moment he saw Linley, tears flooded his cloudy old eyes.

"Young Master Linley!" Hiri looked at the young man before him, now even more composed than before, and his voice choked with emotion. He had watched Linley grow up since childhood, and after Linley's father Hogg died, he had devoted himself to caring for everything related to the Baruch Clan. Seeing Linley grow to this point filled the old man's heart with comfort.

The mention of his father made Linley's heart ache. Hogg's stern yet loving face appeared in his mind. His father had spent his entire life striving to revive the clan, yet he had not lived to see this day. Linley quickly suppressed his emotions, stepped forward to support Hiri's arm, and smiled. "Grandpa Hiri, are you in good health?"

"Good, good!" Hiri nodded over and over, tears streaming down his face as he wiped his eyes with his sleeve. "Seeing you has made these old bones of mine even better! Young Master, you've grown up. You look exactly like your father did when he was young—no, you're even more outstanding than he was!"

Hillman also came over and gave Linley's shoulder a firm pat.

Everyone chatted and laughed as they entered the reception hall together. It was decorated with elegant grandeur, with a huge oil painting hanging in the center. Rosewood furniture, crystal chandeliers, and thick carpets gave the place all the splendor expected of an Earl's Mansion.

Wharton ordered the servants to prepare food and wine, and the table was soon filled. Roast suckling pig, braised beefsteak, steamed perch, all kinds of seasonal vegetables, and several bottles of excellent red wine. Everyone sat around the table in a lively, harmonious atmosphere, raising cups and drinking together.

After several rounds of wine, Linley finally brought up the important matter. "Wharton, how are things between you and the Seventh Princess now?"

The smile on Wharton's face immediately faded somewhat. He set down his wine cup and sighed. "Not very good."

"What happened?" Linley put down his cup as well, his expression turning serious.

Wharton recounted everything from beginning to end. He spoke of his first meeting with Nina at the royal hunting grounds, how they had fallen in love at first sight, then secretly met and pledged themselves to each other. Then Blumer had interfered. After Blumer was accepted as the War God's personal disciple, he publicly proposed in the Martial Arts Hall, leaving Emperor Joanne in a difficult position. The emperor's attitude had remained ambiguous, and no decision had been made. The matter had simply dragged on.

"Blumer?" Akes frowned, lightly tapping his fingers against the tabletop. "That younger brother of the genius Sword Saint Olivier?"

"That's him." Wharton nodded, a flash of unwillingness in his eyes. "His brother Olivier defeated the Starry Sky Sword Saint Tyrone ten years ago and was hailed as the empire's greatest genius Sword Saint in a thousand years. Now Blumer has become the War God's personal disciple as well, so naturally the emperor thinks more highly of him. After all, in the O'Brien Empire, the War God Sect's word carries more weight than anything else."

Linley fell silent for a moment, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the table. "What does Nina say?"

At the mention of Nina, a gentle smile appeared on Wharton's face, and the gloom in his eyes vanished. "Of course she wants to marry me. She even went to find Kailan and asked him to give up on his own. Nina said she would marry no one but me in this life."

"Kailan?"

"The son of the empire's Left Chancellor. He was also one of her suitors," Wharton explained. "Nina grew up with him and sees him as an older brother. Kailan likes Nina, but once he learned how she felt, he withdrew voluntarily. He understands. He doesn't want to put Nina in a difficult position."

"This Kailan is a sensible man," Akes praised, lifting his cup for a sip. "A person capable of that either has a broad heart or loves deeply."

"Yes." Wharton nodded, then gave a bitter smile. "But Blumer is different. He doesn't truly want Nina; he's doing this entirely to prove something. He wants to be first in everything. He had to win the registered disciple selection, and he has to win Nina too. To him, losing to me would be the greatest humiliation."

"So that's why he publicly proposed in the Martial Arts Hall?" Delia frowned and set down her chopsticks. "Wasn't that forcing the emperor to make a decision?"

"He was forcing him." Wharton sighed, clenching his fists. "He's betting that the emperor doesn't dare offend the War God Sect. After all, being the War God's personal disciple is more useful than anything in the O'Brien Empire. Blumer relies on that status to act so arrogantly."

Linley lightly tapped the table with his fingers, seemingly deep in thought. His gaze was profound, giving no hint of what he was thinking.

Akes knew what was on his mind. The War God Sect held an extraordinary position within the O'Brien Empire, nearly standing above imperial authority. The disciples of War God O'Brien were spread throughout the empire's military and political circles. Blumer had seen this clearly, which was why he dared act so recklessly.

"What did the emperor say?" Linley asked.

"He keeps delaying it." Wharton said helplessly, "He says Nina is still young and there's no hurry. But Nina is already twenty-one. How is that young? Anyone can see that he can't make up his mind. He doesn't want to offend the War God Sect, but he also doesn't want to chill my heart."

"So you're just going to wait?" Linley looked at his brother with a scrutinizing gaze.

Wharton straightened his back, his eyes firm. "Of course not. I've already formally submitted a marriage proposal to the emperor, and I'm prepared to duel Blumer. No matter what happens, I will not give up Nina. Even if I die, I'll die in the duel arena. I will never retreat a single step."

Linley looked at the determination in his brother's eyes and nodded inwardly. This was what a man of the Baruch Clan should be. The men of the Baruch Clan never bowed before hardship, nor did they retreat in the face of love. Their father Hogg had been just as willing to risk everything for their mother.

"Good!" He slapped the table and rose, his voice resounding. "If you're going to fight, then fight to the end. Blumer has the War God Sect backing him, but you have your big brother backing you!"

Wharton's eyes lit up, and he rose excitedly. "Brother, you're willing to help me?"

"You're my brother. Who else would I help if not you?" Linley smiled and patted Wharton's shoulder. "Besides, your big brother is a Saint-level expert now. What the hell is Blumer, some personal disciple of the War God, in front of your big brother? He's only a ninth-rank swordsman. He hasn't even touched the threshold of the Saint-level. What does he have to be arrogant about?"

The words were crude, but Wharton felt his blood boil when he heard them, and his eyes reddened again. With his big brother here, what was there to fear?

"By the way," Akes suddenly said, his expression becoming serious, "how is Blumer's swordsmanship? Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated."

Wharton recalled the details, his brows knitting slightly. "He specializes in the Light Shadow Sword. He's incredibly fast, and the angles of his attacks are tricky as well. During the registered disciple selection, I lost to that fast sword of his. I'm stronger than him, but I simply couldn't keep up with his speed. He had me completely under his control."

"A fast sword?" Akes's lips curved into a confident smile. "Then that's easy enough. Your brother's Earth Profound Truth happens to counter opponents who rely on speed. Earth Pulse emphasizes using stillness to overcome movement, using constancy to respond to all changes. As long as you master its essence, Blumer's fast sword will be nothing but empty flourishes before you."

Linley nodded. "During this time, I'll train you personally. I'll use the Earth Profound Truth to imitate Blumer's attacking rhythm, so you can adapt to the style of a fast sword in actual combat."

Wharton was overjoyed and nearly jumped up. "That's wonderful! With Big Brother teaching me, I'll definitely beat Blumer until he's crawling around looking for his teeth!"

As they spoke, a burst of commotion suddenly came from outside, mixed with hurried footsteps and guards shouting questions.

"Lord Earl!" A guard rushed in, panting heavily with a pale face. "Marquis Blumer is here. He says he wants to see you!"

Wharton's expression changed, and he abruptly stood. "Why is he here?"

The guard hesitated, secretly glancing at Linley before speaking carefully. "He said he wanted to see your 'helper,' and he also said..."

"What else did he say?" Linley asked calmly.

The guard swallowed, his voice growing quieter and quieter. "He said not to think a few country bumpkins could change anything. In the O'Brien Empire, the War God Sect is heaven."

The reception hall fell instantly silent. A needle dropping would have been heard.

Wharton's face flushed red, veins bulging on his forehead. He grabbed the longsword from the table and was about to rush out. Linley pressed down on his shoulder, his palm as firm as an iron clamp, and said lightly, "I'll take a look."

He rose and walked outside, neither hurried nor slow. Akes and Bebe followed behind him. Delia was worried and wanted to follow as well, but Linley calmed her with a single look.

At the mansion gate, a young man in luxurious robes stood with his hands behind his back. His features were handsome, his skin fair, and his long black hair was tied beneath a golden crown. He had a slender figure, a gem-studded sword at his waist, and an air of innate arrogance radiating from every part of him. His chin was slightly raised, and his gaze was disdainful, as though nothing in the world was worthy of his attention.

Blumer.

Two guards stood behind him, both seventh-rank warriors. They were broad and imposing, positioned to Blumer's left and right with hands resting on their sword hilts as they warily surveyed the surroundings.

Linley stepped out of the mansion and looked at him calmly, with no emotion visible on his face. He stood there casually, yet gave off the steady, immovable feeling of a mountain.

Blumer looked back at him, and his arrogant expression changed slightly. He felt it—the young man before him, who seemed only a little older than himself, radiated an aura that made his heart tremble. He had only felt such an aura from several Saint-level senior brothers in the War God Sect.

Linley looked at him indifferently. "What are you here for?"

Blumer curled his lips, barely maintaining his outward composure. "I heard Earl Wharton's older brother had arrived, so I came to pay my respects. After all, in the Imperial Capital, we nobles ought to observe certain courtesies."

"Pay your respects?" Linley smiled faintly. "Finished paying them?"

Blumer's expression changed slightly, but he still forced a smile. "I presume Wharton has already told you about my marriage to Princess Nina. Although it has not yet been decided, His Majesty will make a wise choice sooner or later."

Linley stared at him for a moment, then suddenly smiled. The smile was faint, yet it made Blumer feel an inexplicable chill.

"Blumer, I've heard of you."

Blumer was slightly stunned, unsure what Linley intended to say.

"Your brother Olivier is a true genius." Linley spoke unhurriedly, his tone calm as though merely stating a fact. "He reached where he is today through his own strength. I respect him. As for you..."

He did not continue, but that meaningful pause hurt more than any words could have. The meaning was obvious—you were unworthy of being compared with your brother.

Blumer's face changed, first red, then pale. His hand unconsciously closed around his sword hilt. The two guards behind him tensed as well, prepared to act.

Yet Linley seemed not to notice their reactions. He turned and walked back inside, leaving only his back to Blumer.

"Go back and tell your brother that I'll be waiting to spar with him," Linley said without looking back. His calm voice clearly reached every ear. "As for you, master your swordsmanship first. Borrowing the War God's disciple title to bully others is not the proper path."

The mansion gates slammed shut. Blumer stood rooted to the spot, his expression a remarkable mixture of humiliation, rage, unwillingness, and a trace of fear he himself refused to acknowledge.

"Arrogant!" he ground out through clenched teeth. "He's just some country noble, and he dares to..."

He stopped halfway through the sentence. He remembered that when Linley had stood there, he had been unable to sense even the slightest aura from him. That unfathomable feeling was something he had only experienced from several senior brothers in the War God Sect. And those men were all Saint-level experts.

Could it be... that Linley was Saint-level too?

Blumer's face darkened. Without saying another word, he turned and left, his footsteps much faster than when he had arrived.

Inside the mansion, Wharton came forward. "Brother, he left?"

"He left." Linley patted his shoulder, his tone relaxed. "Someone like that isn't worth keeping in mind. He's just a spoiled young master, throwing his weight around because of his brother and teacher. Train hard. Beating him in the duel will mean more than anything else."

Wharton nodded heavily, blazing fighting spirit rising in his eyes. "Brother, I definitely won't let you down!"

Over the following days, Linley and Akes took turns training Wharton. Every day, Wharton rose before dawn to practice swordsmanship in the courtyard, resting only late at night.

Linley taught him the defensive methods of Earth Pulse, helping Wharton grow accustomed to the attack rhythm of fast swords. He made Wharton close his eyes and sense the tremors of the ground, judge the direction of attacks through the movement of air, and cultivate his awareness. Again and again, tirelessly.

Akes used flames to imitate Blumer's speed, allowing Wharton to adapt through actual combat. His flaming sword was swift and fierce, attacking from tricky angles and forcing Wharton to give everything he had. Every training session left Wharton bruised and battered, but he never complained. He simply got back up and continued fighting.

Wharton had always possessed exceptional talent. Under their careful guidance, his strength advanced by leaps and bounds. His Earth Pulse became increasingly refined, and his reaction speed grew ever faster. From barely managing to defend at first, he eventually became capable of exchanging dozens of moves with Akes without falling behind.

Delia and Nina became good friends. The two girls often chatted together, and each time Nina came, she brought the latest news about Emperor Joanne. She was lively and cheerful, her eyes curving like beautiful crescent moons whenever she smiled. Her feelings for Wharton were sincere and passionate, and she made no attempt to hide them.

"Father is still hesitating." Nina rested her chin in her hands, looking troubled. "Blumer enters the palace every day, and he has even asked his senior brothers from the War God Sect to speak on his behalf. Father is under great pressure. He hasn't been sleeping well these past few days."

"Don't worry." Delia comforted her, taking her hand. "Linley is here. Things will definitely be resolved. He has never let down the people around him."

Nina looked at Wharton training in the distance, her eyes filled with tenderness and trust. "I believe in him. No matter what happens, I'll wait for him."

Day after day passed, and the atmosphere in the Imperial Capital grew increasingly tense. People in streets and alleys alike discussed the Seventh Princess's marriage. Some favored Blumer, while others supported Wharton, and the arguments never stopped.

Everyone knew that the duel concerning the Seventh Princess's marriage would begin soon. Linley's arrival added even more uncertainty to it, turning what had once been a one-sided situation into something impossible to predict.