Ethan stepped forward, his voice calm but resolute. "Isabella, you need not be troubled. Helping Noah with this matter will be the last gift I give to Amelia. I won't count it as anything more."
Isabella studied Ethan thoughtfully. If he weren't blind, he might have made a fine son-in-law. She nodded. "Very well."
Noah, standing nearby, raised an eyebrow. "Helping me? That depends on whether you're capable enough."
*Clang!* Ethan drew his sword. "Why don't you test my strength yourself?"
This was exactly what Noah wanted. Amelia, watching from the side, began to worry. Her cousin was renowned in the martial world, but Ethan's strength was an enigma. She couldn't gauge his true power, and that made her uneasy. Isabella, however, looked on with interest. She, too, wanted to see if Ethan had the strength to fulfill her final request.
Ethan was no stranger to swordplay. He had mastered the Nine Swords of Dugu, though he hadn't yet achieved the level of sword intent. Techniques like the Sword-Breaking Style and Saber-Breaking Style were second nature to him, and he feared no one.
Without hesitation, Ethan thrust his sword toward Noah's throat. Before Noah could react, Amelia called out, "Noah, he's aiming for your lower stance. It's a feint!"
Noah already knew it was a feint, but having it pointed out so bluntly by Amelia was irritating. He didn't respond verbally but instead pressed forward with a fierce attack.
Ethan countered with a swift slash.
"That's a technique from the Western Regions, Noah. He's trying to force a direct clash," Amelia interjected again.
Ethan couldn't help but smile wryly. Amelia's favoritism was showing. Noah, seizing the opportunity, didn't change his stance and met Ethan's blade head-on. The moment their swords clashed, both men were pushed back.
A trickle of blood escaped from the corner of Ethan's mouth. Noah looked at him with an unreadable expression before turning to Isabella. "Aunt Isabella, could you allow him to assist me with my task before he helps you?"
Isabella was surprised. She had expected Noah to reject Ethan's help outright, but instead, he was asking for it. This confirmed her belief in Ethan's strength. All he needed now was a capable assistant.
She smiled. "Very well, Ethan. Once you've finished helping Noah, return to assist me."
Ethan nodded, then glanced at Amelia, as if to say, *I've let your cousin win. Now, can I have the final volume of the Nine Yin Manual?*
Amelia, however, remained silent, her gaze lingering on Noah with a hint of sadness. In her heart, she thought, *Noah is leaving again.*
"Here, the final volume of the Nine Yin Manual." A small booklet flew into Ethan's arms. He couldn't help but chuckle. Amelia always took her frustrations out on him.
Though he had grown wiser from his past experiences, such situations were still uncomfortable. Ethan spoke softly, "Amelia, have you ever considered me? I care for you far more than Noah does."
Though he was clearly joking, Amelia's distaste for his words hadn't faded over the years. "I'd rather die than be with you," she retorted.
Ethan laughed, recalling memories from his past life. Back then, a woman had said the same thing. Though she had eventually stayed with him, she had always harbored resentment. Perhaps he had made a mistake back then. He shouldn't have acted the way he did.
"Alright, Amelia," Ethan said, his tone calm. "I'll rest now. You should too."
Amelia sensed that Ethan had changed since his return, but she said nothing as she left.