The middle-aged man wore immaculate white scholar's robes, his face adorned with a gentle and refined smile. This was Eldon Northcourt, a close friend Frank Shaw had made during his travels through the God Realm years ago.
Standing behind Eldon Northcourt was his only son, Carter Northcourt. Though just over five hundred years old, Carter was already a mid-stage Lower Heavenly God—an exceptional talent by any measure.
After some polite greetings, Eldon Northcourt waved his hand, and two Mid Heavenly God servants nearby stepped forward, each carrying a gift box.
"Brother Northcourt, what’s all this?"
Frank Shaw looked at Eldon Northcourt in confusion.
Eldon Northcourt smiled slightly and said, "I heard today is Jade’s three-hundredth birthday, so I had my people prepare two small gifts. I hope Jade won’t find them lacking!"
As he spoke, Eldon Northcourt signaled, and the two servants opened the ornate boxes.
Inside the box on the left lay a golden bell. With a wave of his hand, Eldon Northcourt summoned the bell and explained, "This is the Flowerguard Bell. It was once used by the Life God-King before he ascended. The Flowerguard Bell combines offense and defense; if Jade refines it, even Lower Heavenly Gods will struggle to harm her!"
Hearing that the Flowerguard Bell had been used by the Life God-King, Frank Shaw’s expression grew serious.
Next, Eldon Northcourt summoned the short sword from the other box and introduced it: "This sword is called the Heart-Seeker Sword. When activated, it releases a special sword ring that pulls enemies into an illusion. This sword is also for Jade."
As he spoke, Eldon Northcourt handed both Heavenly artifacts to Carter Northcourt. "Carter, give these to Jade."
"Brother Northcourt, you really shouldn’t. These Heavenly artifacts are far too precious—Jade may not be able to accept such gifts!" Frank Shaw said hurriedly.
Eldon Northcourt’s expression darkened slightly. "Frank, you’re treating me like an outsider. We’ve been through life and death together—what are two Heavenly artifacts between friends?"
"Uh..."
A trace of hesitation flashed across Frank Shaw’s face.
"If you really consider me a friend, Frank, don’t refuse again!" Eldon Northcourt urged, his tone growing more insistent.
"Jade, please accept them!"
At that, Carter Northcourt stepped up to Jade Shaw and presented her with the two Heavenly artifacts.
Jade Shaw instinctively looked toward Frank Shaw.
"Go on, thank your Uncle Northcourt!" Frank Shaw prompted.
Frank Shaw nodded.
"Thank you, Uncle Northcourt!" Jade Shaw said politely.
Jade Shaw accepted the two Heavenly artifacts and bowed respectfully to Eldon Northcourt.
"Haha, it’s nothing! Just a couple of little trinkets!" Eldon Northcourt laughed.
Eldon Northcourt waved dismissively, clearly not bothered.
Just then—
Jade Shaw’s face lit up with surprise. "Father, Ian Song is here! I’ll go greet him!"
"Go ahead!" Frank Shaw said.
Frank Shaw waved his hand.
Very soon—
Jade Shaw led Ian Song and his group inside.
"Uncle Shaw, Ian Song greets you!"
Ian Song bowed to Frank Shaw, and Nathan Southwind and the other two naturally followed suit.
"No need for formalities! Please, sit down!" Frank Shaw said with a warm smile.
Frank Shaw smiled cheerfully. Truth be told, he had a good opinion of Ian Song. After Ian sat down, Jade Shaw naturally took the seat beside him, which made Carter Northcourt frown.
"Brother Shaw, who is this?"
Eldon Northcourt glanced at Ian Song, surprised that Frank Shaw treated a mere Upper-Rank God so courteously.
"Brother Northcourt, let me introduce you. This is Ian Song, my daughter’s friend. Ian, this is Eldon Northcourt, a respected senior and my old friend—known as the Skyblade Heavenly God. Go ahead, pay your respects!"
"Greetings, Senior Northcourt!"
Ian Song quickly bowed.
"This is Carter Northcourt, Eldon’s only son!"
"Greetings, Brother Northcourt!"
Ian Song smiled at him, but Carter Northcourt just snorted and turned his head away, clearly showing his disdain.
Seeing this, Jade Shaw was a little displeased, thinking Carter Northcourt was far too arrogant.
Eldon Northcourt frowned at his son. "Carter, don’t be rude!"
Carter Northcourt protested, "Father, I’m not being rude. It’s just that an Upper-Rank God has no right to call me brother!"
Ian Song remained calm—he could tell Carter was just a spoiled young master. Otherwise, he wouldn’t say such brainless things.
But Jade Shaw was genuinely angry, snorting, "So what if you’re a Lower Heavenly God? You might not even be a match for Ian!"
"Carter, you’ve gone too far. Apologize to Ian Song!" Eldon Northcourt’s face darkened.
Eldon Northcourt’s expression grew even more severe.
Carter Northcourt stiffened his neck. "Why should I apologize to him? If Jade says I’m no match for him, then why don’t we have a contest!"
Jade Shaw’s voice rang out again: "Sorry, I’m also just an Upper-Rank God, so please don’t call me ‘little sister,’ Young Master Northcourt. I’m really not worthy of the honor!"
"No, Jade, you’ve misunderstood—I wasn’t talking about you, I meant him!"
Carter Northcourt panicked and hurried to explain.
Seeing this, Ian Song shook his head inwardly. Carter Northcourt really had no idea how to behave.