"Hahaha, what's so amusing? Let your Grandpa Logan join the fun." A voice carried from outside before a brawny man strode in, his hawkish eyes scanning everyone present.
The crowd visibly flinched upon seeing him. Logan's gaze landed on Amelia. "So Miss Wang is here too," he remarked with mock formality, executing an exaggerated bow. "Logan pays his respects to the Young Mistress."
Amelia's lips curved slightly. "Yuyan greets Third Brother Logan. Where has Cousin Noah gone?"
"Patience, Young Mistress," Logan waved dismissively. "Let me deal with these nuisances first." His finger jabbed toward the intruders. "You, you, and you—scram before Grandpa Logan loses his temper!"
The two sect leaders bristled at such disrespect. "Logan," one growled, "we respected your reputation, but this is beyond insult!"
"Oh? Want a taste of my fists then?" The challenge carried not a shred of fear—only the confidence of overwhelming strength.
As blades hissed from scabbards and underlings tightened grips on weapons, Amelia rapidly analyzed their stances. "Third Brother Logan," she warned, "the Qingcheng fighter specializes in 'Thunder God's Roar' hidden weapons and qinggong. The other practices Yunzhou Qin Family's Five Tigers Saber Technique. Be cautious."
Logan chuckled. "Young Mistress Amelia, these ants aren't worth my attention." His figure blurred.
*Slap! Slap!* Twin impacts echoed as both leaders staggered, cheeks burning crimson before their brains registered the strikes. The sheer speed terrified them.
"Fools!" Logan boomed as the echoes faded. "Daring to challenge Swallow Manor? Know your place!"
Pride demanded retaliation. As the humiliated leaders lunged, steel flashed—only to clatter to the floor seconds later beneath Logan's contemptuous parries. "Must I educate you twice? Neither your pustule of a brother nor his cowardly father were killed by our Young Master Noah. Investigate properly—since when does Swallow Manor bother crushing insects?"
The logic pierced their rage. Combined with terror of Logan's martial prowess, the leaders beat a hasty retreat—all except one youth frozen near the doorway.
"Young Henry," Logan barked at the dazed scholar, "need an engraved invitation to leave?"
Grace intervened swiftly. "Third Brother Logan, this gentleman saved our lives earlier. We owe him hospitality."
Logan's eyes narrowed at Henry's lingering glances toward Amelia. *This lovesick puppy needs removing,* he thought, but held his tongue as Grace ushered everyone to the dining table.
Mid-meal, Logan finally broached his concern. "Young Mistress Amelia, that so-called 'blind swordsman' Rain What's-His-Name—how capable is he really?" He'd endured her endless questions about Noah first; now came his turn.
"His name is Julian," Amelia corrected. "A second-rate fighter at best."
Logan's chopsticks clattered onto the table. "Then he's become Young Master Noah's burden! I must assist him immediately."
Amelia seized his sleeve. "Take me with you, Third Brother Logan. I've nowhere else to go since leaving home."