Son, Put Your Father To The Test (FF)

As Qin Zi thought about having an invincible father and the vast, exciting world outside, he was filled with anticipation.

Having a powerful father is truly wonderful! "Please wait a moment, you two."

At this moment, a polite voice called out.

Qin Chuan turned to see an elderly man dressed in neat attire, accompanied by several maids and servants.

"Steward Mu?"

Qin Chuan recognized the old man as the steward of the City Lord's Mansion.

The City Lord's Mansion was under the jurisdiction of the Jiuyang Royal Family, and every city of significant size had one to assist the royal family in managing their territories.

Their main duty was...

To collect taxes!! As the former head of the Qin family, Qin Chuan had been one of the biggest taxpayers in Xunyang City and had some dealings with the City Lord's Mansion.

"Master Qin, the City Lord wishes to see you."

Steward Mu said with a smile.

"I'm no longer the head of the Qin family."

Qin Chuan shook his head.

"No matter, it's just a title. In all of Xunyang City, no one but you is worthy of being called the head of the Qin family."

Steward Mu flattered with a mix of respect and sincerity.

To be fair, Qin Chuan's contributions to the Qin family ranked among the top in the family's history.

During his tenure, Qin Chuan had worked tirelessly, expanding the family's businesses and influence by more than half.

This was part of why Qin Chuan was so disappointed in the Qin family.

They had lived off his efforts, spent the money he earned, yet treated him with such indifference—what was the point of keeping them around?! "Does the City Lord wish to see us for a specific reason?"

Qin Chuan asked.

"Hehe, the City Lord heard that you were leaving Xunyang City and wished to see you off, as a gesture of the years of friendship."

Steward Mu replied with a smile.

Hearing this, Qin Chuan recalled his memories of the City Lord.

The City Lord of Xunyang City was named Mu Yuncang, a cultivator at the half-step Pure Yang stage, and considered the strongest in Xunyang City! In the past, the former head of the Qin family, Qin Chuan, and the City Lord had maintained a distant but respectful relationship.

"Since the City Lord is so kind, my son and I will accept his invitation."

Qin Chuan calculated Mu Yuncang's strength and then smiled, cupping his hands in agreement.

If the other party were weaker than him, he wouldn't bother, but since Mu Yuncang appeared slightly stronger, there was room to maneuver…

"Master Qin, please."

Steward Mu, unaware of Qin Chuan's thoughts, politely gestured for them to proceed.

...

Soon, the group arrived at the City Lord's Mansion.

The City Lord's Mansion was quite grand.

But overall, it wasn't much different from the Qin family estate—after all, the Qin family was one of the most prestigious families in Xunyang City, already quite luxurious.

"Brother Qin, it's been a long time."

City Lord Mu Yuncang personally came out to greet them, his face full of smiles, giving Qin Chuan ample respect.

"Brother Mu, you're too kind."

Qin Chuan smiled and returned the greeting.

"I heard that Brother Qin plans to leave Xunyang City, so I've prepared a modest banquet to see you off."

Mu Yuncang said with a smile.

"Thank you."

Qin Chuan replied.

"Greetings, Uncle Qin."

At this moment, a young girl in a white dress, about Qin Zi's age, stepped forward and greeted him gently.

"This must be Qianyun?"

Qin Chuan asked with a smile, recalling that Mu Yuncang had a daughter named Mu Qianyun, whom he had met a few years ago.

"Haha, my daughter rarely leaves the house, so it's a surprise that Brother Qin remembers her."

Mu Yuncang chuckled, then turned to Qin Zi and said, "I heard that Qin Zi has recovered from his illness and has even grown strong enough to defeat Qin Meng. His future is truly limitless."

"Brother Mu overpraises him."

Qin Chuan replied modestly.

Mu Yuncang glanced at the sky and said, "It's almost time for lunch. Let's go inside and eat first."

With that, he warmly led Qin Chuan inside.

Meanwhile, the young girl, Mu Qianyun, was secretly observing Qin Zi, seemingly curious about this boy of the same age…

...

After some time, the meal ended.

City Lord Mu Yuncang was so hospitable that he insisted Qin Chuan and his son stay the night at the mansion and leave the next day.

Qin Chuan naturally didn't refuse.

This played right into his hands!!

He hadn't achieved his goal yet, so how could he leave now?

In a luxurious two-bedroom suite.

Qin Zi was in one of the rooms, cultivating.

Qin Chuan sat in the living room.

First, he gave a meaningful look toward the room, warning any potential "peeping" onlookers with a glance.

Then, calmly, he took out a small black pill and dropped it into the teapot.

Afterward, he began brewing tea.

This small pill was something he had purchased at a high price from a pharmacy as the shop's prized item. It was said to be made from a rare spiritual herb ruined by an ignorant apprentice, resulting in a pill.

The pill's only effect was to make someone temporarily lose their reason, causing them to lash out in a violent rage! It was a slow-acting drug.

And it only took effect an hour after drinking alcohol, but once it did, it was as unstoppable as a flood! Before, he hadn't known exactly how to use this drug, but now he had found the perfect opportunity.

It was designed to set his son up for trouble!

As long as his son fell into a berserk state and injured Mu Qianyun, even if it was just a minor injury, it would be enough for the doting father, Mu Yuncang, to string him up and beat him!

That way, wouldn't he level up?

He had observed that Mu Qianyun's cultivation wasn't weak; she was on par with his son. Even if his son attacked suddenly, he wouldn't cause any severe injury.

Moreover, the City Lord's Mansion wasn't that big. As soon as a fight broke out, it would be noticed immediately, and they'd have time to intervene.

So, Mu Qianyun wouldn't suffer any serious harm.

Qin Chuan was a man of clear principles. The City Lord had invited them as guests, so he wouldn't truly let Qin Zi seriously injure the man's daughter.

"Now, just wait for the banquet."

Qin Chuan smiled faintly and then closed his eyes to rest.

Time passed slowly.

In the evening, Qin Zi finished his cultivation and stepped out of the room, looking refreshed.

"You've been cultivating all day. Have some tea."

Qin Chuan poured a cup of tea and handed it to him.

"Thanks, Dad."

Qin Zi took the cup without hesitation, drank it in one gulp, and then remarked, "This tea is a bit sweet."

Qin Chuan smiled slightly.

He guessed it must have been a psychological effect because the pill he used was for kidney health and didn't contain sugar!

What really made his son feel the sweetness was fatherly love…

"Knock knock knock!"

At that moment, there was a knock at the door.

A maid's respectful voice followed, "Master Qin, Young Master Qin, the evening meal is ready. Please allow me to guide you to the table."

"Alright, thank you."

Qin Chuan responded politely.

"Ah… no need to thank me, Master Qin…"

The maid outside made a strange sound, as if flustered or perhaps just missing a few words.

Soon.

The father and son followed the maid to the dinner location, which was on a rooftop terrace.

This was a stone-built structure, the highest point in the City Lord's Mansion, and even the highest in Xunyang City.

Standing there, one could overlook the entire city, see the Xunyang River outside the city, and even the distant evening clouds.

"Hahaha, Brother Qin, you're here. Please, take a seat."

City Lord Mu Yuncang warmly invited them.

Once everyone was seated, he added, "Last month, I acquired a bottle of rare fine wine. Let's enjoy it together tonight."

With that, he clapped his hands.

Soon, a group of maids began serving dishes, quickly filling the table with a dazzling array of delicacies.

Finally, a maid brought out a wine jar, sealed with clay and seemingly aged.

"Pop!"

Mu Yuncang broke the seal on the jar and handed it to his daughter, saying, "Qianyun, pour the wine."

"Yes, Father."

Mu Qianyun replied obediently. She poured wine for Qin Chuan, then Qin Zi, and finally for her father, but she didn't pour any for herself—being a well-bred lady, she refrained from drinking in front of guests to preserve her image.

"Brother Qin, let's begin. The food won't taste as good once it's cold."

Mu Yuncang said with a smile.

And so, the evening banquet began.

The meal was lavish, and Qin Zi indulged in the delicious food. Even when the dishes cooled, maids replaced them with hot ones.

Mu Qianyun, meanwhile, obediently refilled the wine cups, which greatly increased Qin Zi's affection for this beautiful and well-mannered girl of the same age!

The meal lasted over half an hour.

Finally, everyone was full and satisfied.

"Brother Qin, are you pleased with the banquet?"

Mu Yuncang asked.

"Very much so. Thank you, Brother Mu, for your hospitality."

Qin Chuan said with a smile, cupping his hands in thanks.

"Hmm… Brother Qin, with your intelligence, you must have guessed that I have something important to discuss today."

Mu Yuncang said.

Qin Chuan inwardly laughed.

I was waiting for this moment!! Otherwise, how could my son get a chance to be alone with your daughter and cause trouble?

"I understand."

Qin Chuan nodded calmly, then suggested, "Why don't we have Qianyun show Qin Zi around the mansion while we discuss things here?"

"That sounds perfect!"

Mu Yuncang's eyes lit up, and he smiled as he turned to his daughter, "Qianyun, take Young Master Qin to the garden for a walk."

"Yes, Father."

Mu Qianyun nodded, then bowed slightly to Qin Chuan before leading the blushing Qin Zi away.