"Um..."
Lin San stood awkwardly in place, momentarily unsure of what to do.
If he didn't go, he was just boasting!
But if he did go, he was just feeding the enemy!
After weighing the pros and cons, Lin San ultimately decided his life was more important. Shamefaced, he ran away with Qin Feng.
Seeing this, Zi Yuan's eyes filled with disappointment.
There wasn't a maiden who didn't dream of romance or admire heroes. She had thought she'd met her destined one, only to discover he was just a boastful boy.
Ding Dong! Congratulations, Host, for interrupting the Chosen One's show-off moment, preventing him from gaining the goddess's favor. Reward: 500 Villain Points!
"This actually works too?!"
Qin Feng's spirits immediately lifted, like an old pervert unlocking a new position.
Lin San tried to salvage his image. "Brother Qin, I don't understand. With your status, why run?"
"Simple!"
Qin Feng said seriously, "I'm not some spoiled rich heir who bullies others on my family's name. Relying on ancestors' glory doesn't make a real man. Everything I have today, Qin Feng earned himself. I'll carve my own path with my own hands!"
"Brother Qin!"
Lin San began to feel genuine admiration for Qin Feng—a second-generation heir unlike any he'd ever met.
"He…"
Zi Yuan's beautiful eyes flickered with a strange light. She hadn't expected this little brat to have such lofty ambitions.
---
The Qin Family Residence
The Qin family elders were in a meeting.
After Qin Feng's departure, they discovered 30 million spirit stones were missing from the vault.
These weren't ordinary stones, but refined supreme-grade spirit stones—each worth a thousand ordinary ones. Even for the Qin family, absolute rulers of Eastern Xia, this represented five years of savings.
The Tenth Ancestor reported, "According to the vault keeper, Feng'er was the only one who entered the vault that day."
"Then it must be him."
The First Ancestor showed no surprise; he'd clearly already guessed the culprit.
Tenth Ancestor frowned, "But how did he move 30 million supreme-grade stones? It was a mountain! Even the largest storage bags would require hundreds to hold it all."
"If he lacked ability, he wouldn't dare propose such an audacious plan."
The First Ancestor waved dismissively. "Enough. They're for our own child. Let the matter rest."
"Understood."
Tenth Ancestor nodded, then hesitated. "One more thing… After vomiting blood, Xiao Tian remains deeply depressed. Xi Yue cries constantly too…"
"Ah, parenthood is hard."
The First Ancestor sighed. "Given Xiao Tian's current state, he's unfit to lead. Find someone to take over as Family Head. Ensure no one disturbs them. Let them live quietly… may they find peace soon."
"I'll arrange it."
Tenth Ancestor bowed and left.
Soon—
The Qin family announced a new Family Head. Everyone suspected Qin Feng was involved.
Losing two prodigies consecutively, Qin Tian, as father and leader, bore responsibility. The once-bustling main residence grew cold and silent. No one visited anymore.
"Big Tree, I'm here."
Qin Hao, his small face pale, approached the crooked-neck tree. His tenacious will to live had pulled him through. He seemed less childish now, his eyes holding newfound resolve.
I'll prove my brother wrong. Utterly wrong!
True strength comes from unshakable belief, not doubting your own power!
"Look! Isn't that the useless Second Young Master?"
A group of children spotted Qin Hao and sneered.
Once beyond their reach, now fallen into the mud—why not step on him?
Rage flared in Qin Hao's heart. He wanted to teach them a lesson, but then he remembered his brother's words: A dragon in shallow water is still a true dragon. It will soar through the heavens again.
"Brother… why?"
Qin Hao's lips trembled, holding back tears as memories of that night surfaced.
---
Meanwhile—
Qin Feng, unable to contain his curiosity, asked Lin San why he hadn't returned to Skyheart City with Lin Xin'er.
"I plan to gain experience before returning!"
Lin San answered quickly, as if rehearsed.
"Experience?"
Qin Feng narrowed his eyes, unconvinced.
As a ten-year veteran novel reader, I can confidently say: the protagonist's mouth spews lies.
They claim to seek 'experience,' but it's always for ruins, treasures, or girls. They never return empty-handed.
"I-I'm out gaining experience too!" Zi Yuan chimed in, sounding guilty.
"You too?"
Qin Feng shot her a skeptical glance.
My decade of novel-reading tells me: beauties 'saved' by the protagonist are usually runaway rich girls, utterly helpless in practical matters.
And because the dog-protagonist sticks by this useless beauty, he earns his shameless soft-life later.
"It's getting late. Let's find a place to rest."
Seeing Qin Feng showed no sign of leaving, Lin San suggested finding a cave for the night.
"Great!"
Zi Yuan clapped happily.
After witnessing the Jianghu's darkness, she knew how weak she was.
Yet her dream of being a wandering heroine remained. She had to cling to these two.
A classic case of 'all ambition, no skill.'
Soon—
Night fell. A campfire crackled.
As the Chosen One, Lin San remained aloof. He caught some nameless bird, roasted it alone, oblivious to Zi Yuan's utter helplessness.
As Zi Yuan stood awkwardly, twisting her fingers, Qin Feng handed her his roasted chicken, playing the gentleman: "Have my chicken."
"Thank you!"
Zi Yuan thanked him profusely, abandoning all ladylike grace as she devoured it.
Clearly starving, any chicken was delicious now.
She ate my chicken. Future soft-meal secured, right?
Qin Feng felt optimistic about this investment. He then opened his system, ready to use the lottery chance gained from taking his brother's Supreme Bone.
Whoosh!
The lottery wheel appeared, spinning slowly.
Ding Dong! Congratulations, Host, for drawing the Divine Stealing Art: Remote Retrieval!
Qin Feng's mind blurred. He sensed the space around him shifting. It felt like he could grasp anything he desired, even items under heavy guard.
"An epiphany?!"
Lin San sensed the change, genuinely shocked.
I became his servant out of worldly detachment, confident in my unparalleled talent and pride.
But since meeting this Qin heir… my pride feels laughable.
Ding Dong! Congratulations, Host, for crushing the Chosen One's confidence. Reward: 10,000 Villain Points!
Qin Feng seemed oblivious, still dazed. When he snapped back, Lin San and Zi Yuan had finished eating and were meditating.
Whether from curiosity or a desire to test his new skill, he stretched his hand toward Zi Yuan.
Instantly, a red bellyband with an embroidered duck appeared in his palm, still warm from her body…