Son, Put Your Father To The Test (FF)

After some time, Qin Chuan and his son, led by the steward Lu Ming, arrived at the chosen courtyard.

As they opened the gate, the first thing that caught their eye was a clear, circular pond with a white jade bridge carved with intricate dragon and phoenix designs arching over it.

Crossing the jade bridge, they entered a garden filled with bamboo and various flowers, complete with a pavilion for enjoying the cool breeze.

Deeper into the garden, a grand structure stood tall—it was the main residence.

"My lord, the paperwork for this courtyard has been completed. From now on, this estate is yours."

"As for the maids and servants to accompany the estate, the trading company will send them over shortly."

"Of course, if you're not comfortable with that, you can purchase your own servants from the slave market," Lu Ming said politely.

"Thank you, but we'll buy our own servants. We appreciate your assistance." Qin Chuan cupped his hands in gratitude.

"Cough, cough, no need to be so formal, my lord."

Lu Ming seemed slightly flustered by the gesture. He then said, "If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."

"Go ahead."

Qin Chuan nodded.

Lu Ming respectfully turned and left.

"Wow! This courtyard is so luxurious! It's much better than the one we lived in back at the Qin family estate!"

As soon as Lu Ming was gone, Qin Zi could no longer contain his excitement, nearly jumping for joy.

"Smack!"

Qin Chuan lightly slapped him on the head and said calmly, "Don't be so easily impressed. This is just a courtyard meant for Pure Yang Realm warriors."

"One day, you'll see that truly powerful beings live in celestial palaces and divine temples, even…"

Even what? Not telling! Leaving it as a mystery.

Mystery always adds more prestige.

"Oh."

Qin Zi's excitement was dampened, but his admiration for his father only deepened.

His father truly had seen the world—able to remain unruffled in any situation!

"Come on, let's check out our new home. You can choose which room you want to live in. I'm fine with whatever," Qin Chuan said with a gentle tone.

Although his son was a "bargain" from a prior situation, and indeed a cheap one, as long as it didn't harm his own interests, Qin Chuan was willing to treat him well.

After all, he wasn't made of stone.

The two spent a long time familiarizing themselves with the layout of the courtyard.

Though no one had lived there for some time, it was spotless because the Wanbao Trading Company had a team that cleaned it regularly.

In the spacious and bright hall, Qin Chuan spoke, "We don't have any servants here yet, and I don't feel comfortable using the ones from Wanbao Trading Company."

"Especially since you have secrets—although they may not be major, exposure could still be detrimental…"

"So, it's better if you go and buy a few servants yourself."

Qin Zi's eyes lit up at this!

"Really?"

He was surprised that his father would trust him with such a task after the mess he made buying the house. His father must really have faith in him!

"Indeed. It's more about what you prefer, and if you choose the servants yourself, you'll be more comfortable with them," Qin Chuan explained.

Qin Zi's face showed a hint of emotion—his father was thinking of him after all.

He took a deep breath, clenched his fists, and promised, "Father, don't worry. I'll make sure to bring back obedient servants!"

With that, he headed out the door, determined to accomplish his task.

Qin Chuan watched his son's departing figure with a warm smile.

This time, he didn't plan on setting his son up for failure.

After all, even in a world where the protagonist is a supposed "useless trash," they don't always get into trouble every time they go out, right?

Usually, when a protagonist strolls through the marketplace, they might stumble upon some ancient artifact at a roadside stall.

Or, they might find a dirty little girl with a rare bloodline or physique, and after bringing her home and cleaning her up, she turns out to be beautiful…

In short, these were his son's opportunities.

Qin Chuan had no intention of stealing his son's opportunities—not out of some moral high ground, but simply because it wasn't necessary.

After all, the stronger his son became, the more trouble he could attract, which in turn would make Qin Chuan stronger.

He and his son were actually in a situation where they would rise and fall together.

If, one day, his son were truly killed, well… Qin Chuan could always have more children.

But he wouldn't do that. He didn't want his children to be brought into this world as mere tools.

If it's not out of love, then why bring a child into the world at all?

He wouldn't have children lightly.

And the "bargain son" who now called him father—he wouldn't truly harm him either. He was simply making reasonable use of him.

He had no choice but to use him!!

Because in this world, without power, you have nothing!

If he were to soften up today, become sentimental, and spare his son from hardship, then in the future, when his son faced despair, lost his wife, watched his master sacrifice themselves, and saw his friends die tragically… what could he do? Nothing.

He refused to be someone who was powerless at a critical moment, or someone who was insignificant. So, he had to become stronger.

The system was his only chance.

Without it, how could he ever rise?

His memories as a transmigrator offered no real advantage. This world wasn't one where he could rise to power with inventions, poetry, or science.

He had to make full use of the system if he wanted to survive in this world! "An emissary from the City Lord's Mansion requests an audience with Lord Qin!"

Just then, a clear voice rang out from outside the courtyard.

"Come in," Qin Chuan said calmly.

A Pure Yang Realm expert's heartbeat was like thunder, so even though he spoke softly, his voice carried far.

Soon, a group of city guards in silver armor jogged in, lining up outside the house to form a welcoming corridor.

A handsome young man in white entered, his face carrying a warm smile.

"Bai Yichen from the City Lord's Mansion greets Lord Qin."

The young man bowed slightly, his tone respectful.

"So it's the young city lord. I apologize for not welcoming you earlier."

Qin Chuan was slightly surprised to see this polite young man—he was the son of Minghao City's Lord Bai Chen.

Qin Chuan knew a bit about Minghao City, being the superior city to Xunyang City, at least enough to grasp the general situation.

"Lord Qin is too kind. I heard you had arrived in Minghao City, so I came to pay my respects."

Bai Yichen smiled as he spoke.

"Haha, I'm not anyone important. You're being too polite, young city lord—this is more attention than I deserve."

Qin Chuan chuckled and shook his head, then said apologetically, "I just moved in and have no tea to offer, please forgive the lack of hospitality."

"No need for that."

Bai Yichen waved his hand, then got to the point. "I came here mainly to ask if you have any interest in joining the city guard. The City Lord's Mansion is willing to offer you the position of fifth commander."

"Are you recruiting me?" Qin Chuan asked with a smile.

"You misunderstand, my lord. It's not recruitment—it's about serving the royal family, nothing more," Bai Yichen replied modestly.

"And what if I don't want to serve the royal family?" Qin Chuan asked.

Bai Yichen hesitated for a moment, then sighed with a wry smile, "I had a feeling you might say that…"

With that, he took out an exquisitely crafted long box from his spatial ring and presented it to Qin Chuan with both hands.

"My father said that if you're not willing to join the City Lord's Mansion, then please accept this Pure Yang Spirit Sword as a token of friendship."

Qin Chuan looked at the box, pondered for a moment, and asked, "Is this just for me, or do all Pure Yang Realm experts who come to Minghao City receive one?"

Bai Yichen smiled at Qin Chuan and replied, "Everyone receives one."

Hearing this, Qin Chuan immediately understood.

Today, this sword was something he should take—refusing it would be foolish, and possibly dangerous!

This was the City Lord's Mansion's way of bribing Pure Yang Realm experts, but it was also a subtle warning, a caution.

The message was clear: you can come to Minghao City without joining the City Lord's Mansion, but don't cause trouble! They were offering goodwill first, but if you disrupted the order… don't blame the City Lord's Mansion for taking action!!