The Gathering Storm

Grace ushered them inside with a warm smile. "Noah, please come in. Amelia, you too—everyone, make yourselves comfortable. I'll fetch some tea." 

As Grace hurried off to prepare refreshments, Lucas, who had encountered Noah on the way, took a seat. He had recognized Noah largely because Henry had called out to him. Once everyone was settled, Lucas frowned slightly. "Noah, where's your man Elliott? I don't see him." 

Noah's expression darkened at the mention of his subordinate. Why does Lucas care more about my servant than me? "He's returned to Vanderbilt," Noah replied curtly. "He was injured." 

Lucas raised an eyebrow. "Injured? By whom? I didn't think anyone here could best him." 

Henry spoke up. "It was Gabriel—one of the Four Evils. And..." 

As Henry recounted the events, Lucas grew even more puzzled. In his estimation, only Victor among the Four Evils stood a chance against Elliott. Yet, according to Henry, Elliott had suffered severe wounds—far worse than a mere stalemate. Amelia's involvement might have played a role, but the extent of the damage didn't add up. 

"Was Elliott already injured before the fight?" Lucas pressed. 

Henry glanced at Amelia, recalling that she had been with Elliott earlier. She shook her head. "No internal injuries." 

Lucas stored the mystery away for now—but then Amelia remembered something. Elliott was channeling his energy into me when I interrupted him. The manuals warn against disrupting internal energy flow—it can cripple a martial artist. 

A pang of guilt struck her. Worse still, she hadn't realized Elliott had sacrificed a year's worth of his cultivation to strengthen her meridians. Next time I see him, I must thank him properly. 

Lucas turned back to Noah. "So, will you join me? It's a chance to clear the air between us and avoid unnecessary conflict." 

Noah's reluctance was palpable, but the opportunity was too valuable. Dispelling the rumors was crucial, and the Beggar Sect's influence could prove useful later. If he helped them now, they might stay neutral when the time came for his own ambitions. 

After a tense silence, Noah nodded. "Very well. When do we leave?" 

Lucas brightened. With Noah, Logan, and Ethan at his side, the odds against the Four Evils and the Western Xia forces improved dramatically. 

Then Henry spoke again. "Lucas, may I come as well?" 

Lucas studied him. "You're of the Duan lineage. What's your relation to Emperor Duan Zhengming of Dali?" 

Henry—Duan Yu—answered plainly, "My father is William, the emperor's younger brother." 

Noah's eyes flickered with surprise. A prince of Dali? This changed things. Another potential ally. 

Lucas inclined his head respectfully. "So it's Young Prince Duan. My apologies for not recognizing you earlier."