Eight Years

Scarlett gazed at Ethan's peacefully sleeping face, a sinister smile creeping across her lips. "William," she murmured, "just you wait. Once I've personally trained him, your demise will be inevitable." With that, she left Ethan's chamber.

Eight years later, in the rear courtyard of a grand estate, a young man wielded a sword with remarkable agility. His movements were fluid, as if the blade were an extension of his very being.

Beside him stood a woman dressed in simple attire, her beauty ethereal, like a goddess descended from the heavens. Her eyes were fixed on the young man, filled with adoration.

The young man, handsome and focused, seemed oblivious to the world around him, his entire being consumed by the sword in his hand.

A beautiful woman watched the scene, her thoughts drifting to another young man, her capable subordinate, Ethan. A smile played on her lips as she remembered.

Eight years had passed since Ethan began practicing the Nine Yin Manual, yet his inner strength had not progressed beyond that of a second-rate master. However, his swordsmanship had improved significantly. Though he hadn't fully grasped the essence of the Dugu Nine Swords, he had mastered its forms.

An elderly woman sat in a chair in the courtyard, watching him practice, then glanced at her daughter.

Suddenly, a shadowy figure appeared in the yard. The beautiful woman smiled meaningfully. "Ethan, you're back. How did it go?"

A young man clad in black handed her a package. "Scarlett, it's done."

The woman smiled. "Come, rest for a while." Amelia and Noah frowned, sensing the heavy aura of malevolence emanating from the young man, who had worn a ghost mask for seven years.

Since he had unblocked one of his Ren and Du meridians, Scarlett had made him wear the mask. Seven years had passed in the blink of an eye. Hearing the breathing of the two beside him, Ethan knew who they were. "Amelia, Noah," he greeted.

Neither responded, but Ethan was used to it. "Scarlett, please assign me the next task," he said.

Scarlett smiled. "Why the hurry? You usually wait for my instructions."

Ethan smiled back. "Scarlett, after this, I only have one more task before I can leave. That was our agreement."

Scarlett's expression changed. She remembered the promise she had made when she gave him the mask: "If Ethan helps me with a hundred tasks, he will have repaid his debt of gratitude, and I will let him roam the martial world freely."

Scarlett smiled. "So, you've already completed ninety-nine tasks. I'll assign you the final one."

"Wait, Aunt Scarlett," Noah interjected. "Before he does your task, could he help me with something?"

Scarlett was puzzled by Noah's sudden request. Amelia, seeing her cousin speak up, immediately said to Ethan, "Ethan, I don't need any more gifts. Just help Noah, and that will be my gift."

Ethan chuckled inwardly. He had been bringing Amelia gifts every time he completed a task for Scarlett, but it seemed futile. She was too infatuated with her cousin.

Scarlett looked troubled. If Ethan helped Noah, her own task might be delayed, and William might escape his fate.