The four of them moved stealthily towards the inner chambers, where they found a group of men loudly drinking wine. They were consuming the floral wine that Sophia had painstakingly brewed, which made her face pale with anger. One of the men, with a northern accent, sneered, "Damn it, is there no one in the Murong family? Just an old cook left here?"
Another man, with a Sichuan accent, added, "That Noah must be a coward, hiding from us like this."
The stream of curses that followed infuriated the four eavesdroppers. One of them, in particular, looked extremely displeased.
"Sophia, these country bumpkins are indeed vulgar!" Amelia, unable to tolerate the insults directed at her cousin, spoke up.
Hearing the commotion inside, Grace decided to reveal herself. "Perhaps it's just ignorance that makes them act this way."
"Who goes there?" Both groups inside simultaneously drew their weapons and demanded.
Grace stepped forward, "Who are you? I am the mistress of this house." As she entered, Henry and Amelia followed her.
Upon seeing Amelia's breathtaking beauty, the men were momentarily stunned but quickly regained their composure. "We are from the Qin family of Yunzhou, here to see James. Take us to him at once."
Grace replied, "I have no idea who you're talking about. Our master passed away long ago. Your search is in vain."
The Sichuan man interjected, "I'm here to see your young master. Bring him out to face me and return my brother's life to me."
Grace laughed, "Why should our young master return your brother's life? That's absurd."
The Sichuan man threatened, "Little girl, if you don't call Noah out, I'll take matters into my own hands." He pulled out a weapon from his sleeve.
Amelia immediately recognized it, "Sir, are you from the Qingcheng Sect?"
The man was surprised, "How do you know?"
"The weapon you're using is the 'Thunder God's Roar,' a signature of the Qingcheng Sect in Sichuan. You're also skilled in light-footed martial arts and hidden weapons."
The Sichuan man chuckled, "You have sharp eyes, miss. It's said that the Murong family possesses all the martial arts of the martial world. It seems true. May I ask your relationship with Noah?"
Amelia replied, "He is my cousin."
Hearing this, the man said, "I am Daniel from the Qingcheng Sect. May I know your esteemed name?"
"Hold on, Sichuan man. Put your petty matter aside. I have a more pressing issue," the northern man interrupted. "My father died by his own signature technique. In the Central Plains, only the Gusu Murong family knows 'The Art of Returning the Favor.' So, bring out someone who can take responsibility."
Upon hearing this, Amelia, Grace, and Sophia were all shocked. Had Noah really killed his father? Henry asked, "What is 'The Art of Returning the Favor?'"
The others were dumbfounded. They had never met someone so ignorant of martial world common knowledge. The Sichuan man mocked, "Kid, you know nothing. Go home and drink milk."
This comment made everyone burst into laughter, including Amelia and the others. Henry's face turned red with embarrassment, and he fell silent.