Chapter 97: The Four Great Mysterious Families!

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Upon hearing Qian Mo’s words, Zhu Qingyi was utterly shocked. At first, he wondered if the young master’s speech was too harsh. However, just as Zhu Qingyi glanced sharply at Qian Mo, he suddenly understood that his initial thoughts were completely wrong. The man before him was not exaggerating at all. In his gaze, there was no hint of panic or fear—only an extraordinary calm and serenity. Those eyes were utterly still. No matter what happens, although one can hide many things, the human eyes are impossible to conceal. Even if controlled, there will be the slightest fluctuations, betraying their true feelings. But this man showed no such signs. He truly was not boasting; he was genuinely powerful. Even if his alchemy skills were not strong, his action this very morning—catching the Dan Thunder with his bare body unharmed—was enough to prove he could easily defeat Yun Lan Sect’s Dan King Gu He. Until now, Zhu Qingyi had never seen anyone, including Dan King Gu He, who could withstand thunder with their bare body unharmed. This man was the first—and the most extraordinary.

“Young master, I believe you!” Zhu Qingyi said firmly, his brows furrowing slightly as he looked at Qian Mo without hesitation, his palm clenched.

Qian Mo thought to himself, “Is this reaction a bit much?” His expectations didn’t match the resoluteness displayed. Deep inside, Qian Mo was greatly moved. If properly trained, this man would not be inferior to the descendants of the ancient noble families. His inner strength and perseverance far surpassed them. Qian Mo felt a strong desire to cultivate him, to provide him with superior knowledge. Perhaps in future dimensional wars, he could be a great help!

“Zhu Qingyi, do you want to become stronger?” Qian Mo spoke plainly without beating around the bush, directly expressing his intent, looking at Zhu Qingyi.

Of course, if Zhu Qingyi was unwilling, Qian Mo would not force him. It would just be a pity to lose a promising individual, and he would have to find someone else next time.

Hearing Qian Mo’s words, Zhu Qingyi’s heart stirred, pounding wildly. Had he heard correctly? He lowered his head briefly, then raised it again, his voice trembling: “Young master, I—did I hear you right? Can I really become stronger?” He was about to kneel, but before he could, Qian Mo caught him and pressed him back onto the sofa. “No need to kneel to me,” he said gently.

“Young master, I have been stuck at the Great Fighter level for nearly forty years! I thought this life was over for me!” Zhu Qingyi did not doubt Qian Mo’s promise to strengthen him. He did not want to miss such a rare chance. Even if it might not work... what if it did? His tone was full of pleading. He longed to become strong; he no longer wanted to be trampled underfoot. He wanted to be a powerful man. This world was cruel and unreasonable. If you are not strong, you die; if you are not strong, you suffer humiliation; if you are not strong, others can kill or toy with you at will! He wanted to be strong enough that those hateful people wouldn’t dare bully him anymore!

His voice was desperate as he swore, “Young master, as long as you make me strong, I, Zhu Qingyi, will be loyal to you for life! As long as I live, I will never betray you! I am willing to die for you!”

Although Qian Mo had reached the pinnacle of the Fighting Emperor cultivation, he still retained his heart as a twenty-year-old man. The power of the Fighting Emperor had not erased his humanity. He was genuinely moved by Zhu Qingyi’s words. Yes, he was a person too! Having reached the peak of power, he realized he had overlooked many things, missed many moments that should belong to him now. Reflecting on his pride over the years, he felt a touch of self-mockery. How laughable! Without the system, where would he be today? Qian Mo glanced at Zhu Qingyi and thought, “Am I even more pitiful than him? Without the system, would I just be an unnoticed fool on Blue Extreme Star, fatherless, motherless, a scorned nobody?”

Right. Since I have the system, I should help everyone I can help!

Qian Mo pursed his lips and said solemnly, “Becoming stronger will be painful.”

“I am not afraid of pain. I fear only losing hope! There is no such thing as easy cultivation; I understand these truths,” Zhu Qingyi replied firmly, his gaze steady.

Qian Mo looked at him seriously and laughed heartily. “Good! I accept you as my disciple!”

“Disciple?” Zhu Qingyi was confused, unfamiliar with this sudden title. Could this person be from one of the big forces? If so, then there was hope for his strength!

Qian Mo smiled, “You’ll soon find out.” With a wave of his hand, an ancient white parchment appeared before Zhu Qingyi.

“Young master, what is this?” Zhu Qingyi pointed at the parchment, puzzled.

Qian Mo explained, “This is called the Oath. Anyone who enters my Reincarnation Hall must sign it. As long as one lives, no one may betray the Reincarnation Hall. Betrayers, no matter where or how protected, will be utterly destroyed—body and soul wiped from existence.”

“Such a powerful oath?” Zhu Qingyi had never heard of anything like it.

Qian Mo frowned slightly. “Do you want to sign it? Think carefully. You can still regret it now, but once signed, there’s no turning back. However, I assure you, anyone who enters my Reincarnation Hall will have their personal freedom guaranteed and their family’s safety protected through all life’s trials.”

Every condition Qian Mo laid out struck deeply into Zhu Qingyi’s heart. Without hesitation, he chose to trust, biting his lip, “Young master, I sign!”

“Any regrets?” Qian Mo asked.

“No regrets!” Zhu Qingyi nodded resolutely.

“Good! Just drip a drop of your blood on it to seal the oath.” Qian Mo pointed to the parchment.

Without hesitation, Zhu Qingyi bit his finger, causing blood to appear, then pressed it onto the parchment.

Qian Mo smiled slightly as the blood was absorbed. The parchment floated upward, shimmering like particles of light before dissipating. Suddenly, a thunderclap roared across the sky!

Boom! Boom!

The thunder startled Zhu Qingyi, who murmured, “This is...?”

He ran to the transparent window, staring up at the sky.

“The oath has been sealed. This is the principle of heaven and earth recognizing it. The thunder signifies your official induction into the Reincarnation Hall,” Qian Mo approached, patting Zhu Qingyi’s shoulder to calm him. “Don’t be so alarmed. If you’re startled now, just wait until you really enter the Hall—you might be scared to death.”

“Heaven and earth’s principle?” Zhu Qingyi had never heard of this before but found it quite formal.

“All right, prepare for the auction. After it’s over, come find me,” Qian Mo said, glancing at the nearly full hall, where all eyes were on Zhu Qingyi.

“Understood, Hall Master. I’ll go host the auction.” Zhu Qingyi nodded and removed his hand from the window panel.

Qian Mo lightly patted his back and smiled, “Go ahead.”

———

Watching Zhu Qingyi leave, Qian Mo returned to the sofa, a ghostly smile playing on his lips. “The days ahead will only get more exciting! How exciting? Well, that remains to be seen.”

He picked up a cigarette from the table, pulled one out, lit it, and inhaled slowly. “Ah, tobacco is truly a good thing. Not perfect for everything, but in some ways, it’s an unmatched remedy—for example, calming my worries right now.” He took another puff.

Soon, the door sounded again. Zhu Qingyi had sent servants with auction samples and some exotic fruits, which were laid out on the wooden table.

“Young master, please enjoy.” After bidding farewell, the two left, closing the door behind.

“Oh, not bad. The new recruit knows how to behave,” Qian Mo said approvingly, picking up a reddish-purple fruit. “What is this? Edible? Well, probably won’t kill me.” Without overthinking, he bit into it with a smack. “Hmm, not bad! Tasty! But what fruit is this? I’ll ask Zhu later.”

As Qian Mo enjoyed the fruit, the auction below officially began. The eagerly waiting crowd was restless with anticipation.

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“Finally starting! I’ve been waiting forever,” a man in the crowd said, arms crossed.

“Oh, it’s starting at last!”

Voices echoed one after another.

On the grand stage, Zhu Qingyi walked out politely and upright, appearing before the crowd. Arriving center stage, he cleared his throat, smiling warmly and loudly, “Sorry to keep you all waiting! I, Zhu Qingyi, sincerely apologize to everyone who has been waiting.”

He bowed slightly with genuine sincerity.

The crowd, seeing his earnestness, quieted down, no longer causing trouble.

Once calm returned, Zhu Qingyi continued, “Now, let’s get straight to the point. This auction will feature many items. Those interested may bid; those not, just enjoy the spectacle.”

With a wave, he signaled the handlers. The first item was brought forward and placed on a rosewood table. Zhu Qingyi nodded, then pulled off the crimson cloth covering it.

Before everyone appeared an ancient bamboo scroll. Zhu Qingyi announced loudly, “The first auction item: a Profound Grade Advanced Fighting Skill—‘Zhen Yang Rending Profundity Palm.’ Starting bid: 200,000 gold coins, no upper limit. Each raise must be at least 10,000 gold coins! Auction begins!”

With a wave, the auction started.

“A Profound Grade Advanced Fighting Skill?!”

“We want it for our Xuan Nan family!”

The crowd reacted with excitement and frenzy. The first item was so powerful—what would come next?

Four prominent families from Blackrock City and its surroundings had come: Xuan Nan, Xuan Bei, Xuan Dong, and Xuan Xi—the four major clans—each represented by their family heads:

The Xuan Nan family’s representative, Nan Tian.

The Xuan Bei family’s representative, Bei Long.

The Xuan Dong family’s representative, Dong Yang.

The Xuan Xi family’s representative, Xi Hu.

“What? The famed Xuan Nan family from Blackrock City?”

“Looks like we stand no chance. If we compete with them, we’ll only bring disaster upon ourselves.”

The crowd murmured with helplessness, their faces bitter. Quiet discussions ensued.

“Well, if we can’t get it, let’s just watch the show.”

“True. That’s all we can do.”

The crowd nodded in agreement, unwilling to contest further.

“Hmph! The Xuan Nan family, such arrogance! Do they think we Xuan Bei family are nothing?!” Bei Long slammed a stone bench, frowning fiercely as he shouted at Nan Tian.

“Ha! What about us, the Xuan Dong family?” Dong Yang laughed loudly at their quarrel.

“Don’t forget the Xuan Xi family!” came a heavy voice from a corner, dripping with sarcasm.

The auction hall’s four corners were each occupied by one of the four families—Xuan Nan, Xuan Bei, Xuan Dong, and Xuan Xi—east, west, south, and north.

“What? The heads of all four major families have come? And from their tone, definitely the family heads themselves!”

“The Four Great Xuan Families!”

“The Four Great Xuan Families!”

The crowd was shocked, whispering among themselves.

These were the families guarding Blackrock City’s four directions. Each family head had reached the Fighting King level!

Fighting King! That was a formidable rank, godlike in their eyes, far beyond mere mortals. They could extinguish others with a single breath. Clashing with them was suicidal—imprudent and not worth it. Survival meant hope, growth, and strength.

“I didn’t expect all four family heads to be here,” Zhu Qingyi murmured, surprised by the unexpected dark horses. But powerful families were also wealthy. As a businessman, money was logic. Though shocked, he was secretly pleased. “Good! Good! You four families, do your bidding and push the price up! Then I’ll make a big profit! Ha ha!”

In the VIP room, Qian Mo lay on the sofa smoking, annoyed by the noise below. “What the hell is going on down there? So noisy—can’t a person rest?”

He summoned a waiter and learned the four famous families had arrived for the auction.

“Xuan Nan, Xuan Bei, Xuan Dong, Xuan Xi? What’s this nonsense? I thought these were fake...”

Qian Mo was momentarily dazed, recalling his past life’s knowledge. But shaking it off, he thought, “Well, this kind of thing isn’t the first time. Let’s see what kind of show you put on.”

He shifted position and reclined, watching the auction with a spectator’s attitude. Looking at the first item, his brow furrowed slightly. “Profound Grade Advanced Fighting Skill? Zhen Yang Rending Profundity Palm? What nonsense is that? I even have a Zhen Yang Panda Palm.”

“Cough, cough! Everyone below, please quiet down. The Four Great Families, let’s continue the auction. Highest bid wins. I believe everyone here understands this principle. Let the prices speak,” Zhu Qingyi said, skillfully smoothing things over.

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The noisy crowd calmed down. The four family heads heard a unanimous thought: “Yes, Boss Zhu makes sense. Auction is about the highest bid!”

Dong Yang of the Xuan Dong family spoke first, “Hmph! Then let’s see who’s stronger.”

The other three heads agreed.

Nan Tian raised his paddle first: “Xuan Nan family, 250,000!”

“Hmph! Arrogant! Wanting a Profound Grade Advanced Fighting Skill for only 200,000? Ridiculous! Xuan Bei family, 300,000!” Bei Long sneered, raising his paddle.

“350,000!”

“400,000!”

“450,000!”

“500,000!”

“Keep bidding, keep bidding! The more you fight, the more money I make!” Zhu Qingyi chuckled to himself.

“Hmph! Xuan Nan and Xuan Bei families think they’re the only ones here? We haven’t even bid!” Dong Yang snorted, raising his paddle. “Xuan Dong family, 600,000!”

Xi Hu remained silent. He wasn’t here for this skill—it was just the appetizer. These people fought fiercely over a Profound Grade, but the real treasures were yet to come. He shook his head, pulling out a faintly glowing stone, speaking quietly: “Brother Dong, no need to argue. The good stuff is still ahead. Their bickering only benefits the auctioneer.”

The stone was a Telepathic Stone, allowing communication between holders.

Dong Yang nodded, “Understood, Brother Hu.” Smiling slyly, he whispered into his own stone, “Let them fight if they want. At our age, still so clueless. Xuan Nan and Xuan Bei should retire.”

Xi Hu smiled faintly, pocketed the stone, and reclined, closing his eyes to rest.

Nan Tian and Bei Long continued bidding:

“Xuan Nan family, 620,000!” Nan Tian gritted his teeth.

“Hmph! Xuan Bei family, 650,000!” Bei Long also bit his lip and raised his paddle.

“Damn, does Xuan Bei want to make enemies of us?” A man beside Nan Tian angrily pounded the table.

“Second brother, calm down. I never intended to win this. Remember, the good stuff is still coming. It’s not time yet,” Nan Tian smiled faintly, whispering to his second brother.

“Big brother, you mean... you’re acting? Seriously?” The second brother relaxed, sighing with relief.

“Of course. Don’t think I’m stupid. Look at Xuan Dong and Xuan Xi families—especially Xi Hu hasn’t bid. That says it all. You know what I mean, don’t you?” Nan Tian pointed at his brother’s head.

“Oh? I see now, big brother!” The second brother nodded cunningly.

“65,000? Wow, making a killing here,” Zhu Qingyi thought, rubbing his hands.

“Cough, cough, anyone willing to bid higher than 650,000?”

“Alright!”

“650,000, once!”

“650,000, twice!”

“650,000, thrice! Sold! Congratulations to the Xuan Bei family for winning the Profound Grade Advanced Fighting Skill, Zhen Yang Rending Profundity Palm!”

Zhu Qingyi slammed down the wooden hammer.

Bang!

The first item was concluded. Now the second item was brought forward.

“Clan leader, is 650,000 too much for a Profound Grade skill?” an elder of the Xuan Bei family asked.

“Hmph! We must have it. We can recoup the cost later, but if we miss this, there won’t be another chance. Our family’s Xiao Pei will use it to quickly improve cultivation. Our morale must not falter!” Bei Long snorted, explaining to the elder.

“I see, I underestimated the family’s considerations,” the elder apologized.

“Look, the second item is coming,” Bei Long said, watching the handlers unveil the next treasure.

“Wonder what it is? Makes one impatient,” the elder murmured.

“Who knows? Zhu Qingyi wouldn’t auction junk. Let’s wait and see.” Bei Long rapped the table and narrowed his eyes.

(The chapter ends)