Chapter 11: Acting is a skilled

Chapter 11: Acting is a skilled

Qin Ze declined.

His refusal was swift and decisive, surprising everyone who thought he would accept, especially given that it was the patriarch himself extending the invitation. Even Qin Zhantian was secretly taken aback.

Someone in the Qin family dared to turn him down!

Where was the patriarch's dignity?

However, Qin Zhantian did not get angry or insist further. Qin Ze was now a vital figure in the Qin family, with his ability to withstand Qin Xiangtian's attack being a formidable asset.

Few youngsters in Qinghe City could withstand a full-powered strike from a peak Spirit Gatherer, not even the foremost prodigy, Xiao Rufeng.

News of Qin Ze's one-hit defeat of Qin Kun and his resilience against Qin Xiangtian's Invisible Divine Skill spread rapidly throughout the city within half a day.

What seemed like an ordinary duel was, in fact, a storm brewing beneath the surface.

The rise of a prodigy naturally garnered much attention, and Qin Ze's daring rejection of Qin Zhantian only intensified the scrutiny from other families. Were there hidden motives behind his refusal? Or was Qin Ze merely seeking revenge for years of pent-up hatred against the Qin family? It was a puzzle that deserved contemplation.

This became an opportunity, akin to a pebble dropped into a still lake, causing ripples that no one dared to ignore, for they might soon grow into towering waves.

In the morning, Qin Ze and Meng Lei returned to the Lotus Restaurant.

Backyard of the Lotus Restaurant.

Zhang Dafu was kneeling on the ground, drenched in sweat, his body shivering uncontrollably with fear.

He had heard about the events at the training ground and was on the verge of soiling himself with fright. For months, he had relentlessly tormented and abused the two of them, and now the tables had turned, bringing him his just desserts.

Qin Ze sat on a grindstone, a strand of dried grass dangling from his mouth, mockingly eyeing Zhang Dafu. A sense of petty triumph welled up within him. He never considered himself a paragon of virtue but was quite content to indulge in moments of vindictiveness, such as now, when he saw Zhang Dafu bowing and scraping before him, cringing in fear.

Memories of the hardships and suffering he had endured surfaced, and Qin Ze gave Meng Lei a subtle nod.

Meng Lei understood immediately, stepping forward to deliver a resounding slap to Zhang Dafu's face.

"Slap!"

A loud smack echoed, leaving Zhang Dafu's eyes spinning with stars. He dared not resist with his qigong, knowing that resistance might lead to consequences far worse than a mere slap.

After delivering the blow, Meng Lei chuckled inanely, his first wish fulfilled.

Qin Ze approached, helping Zhang Dafu to his feet. "I've forgotten about the past. You know what to do from now on."

"Yes, yes..." Zhang Dafu bent low, nodding fervently, afraid to even glance up at Qin Ze.

"You're free to go about your business now."

"Ah, Young Master Qin, I'll be off then."

Zhang Dafu scurried away faster than he could run, his heart filled with dread. As a mere servant of the Qin Clan, entrusted with managing some of its properties, he knew that Qin Ze's restored prowess meant a status far above his own. With a single word from Qin Ze, he could easily find himself banished from Qinghe City or even sentenced to death by the Qin Clan.

Tu, an old hand at officialdom, immediately understood. He chuckled heartily, "Consider it a gift from an older brother to a younger sibling. That should suffice, right?"

"Well, well, well, how embarrassing." Qin Ze said, all the while slipping the pills into his robes, showing no sign of reluctance. He then mentally checked the properties of the Guardian Spirit Pills.

Guardian Spirit Pills

Grade: Second Tier

Function: Guards the mind, dispels evil, eases pain

HP Recovery: 400

Qi Recovery: 80

Survival Boost: 20

"Second Tier pills? Damn, how stingy." Qin Ze mentally sneered, yet his face betrayed delight as he maintained his humble demeanor.

Tu smiled contentedly, thinking, "Qin Ze really knows how to play the game."

"Brother Qin, what are your plans for the future?"

Qin Ze chuckled inwardly, "Here comes the real deal."

"What plans could I possibly have? Just to continue as a humble servant, that's all. I don't intend to return to the Qin Clan."

Tu's expression brightened, thinking, "These five Guardian Spirit Pills were well worth it."

"What do you think of becoming an official?"

"An official? I couldn't dream of it. I'm but a lowly commoner, how dare I aspire to such a position? No, no, it's unthinkable..." Qin Ze played the role of an innocent fool to perfection, amusing Tu.

"Qinghe City's defenses are weak, and I'm recruiting talented individuals. Would you be interested? If so, the position of Captain of the City Defenses is yours."

"Really?"

"Of course."

"But I can't leave. The Clan Leader would never let me go." Qin Ze feigned reluctance.

"Qin Zhantian is indeed overbearing. One day, I'll personally deal with him... Err, I mean, I'll personally meet with him and ask him to release you." Tu spoke impulsively, not realizing that his words, if overheard by Qin Zhantian, could spell trouble.

As the Lord Mayor, Tu was essentially a figurehead with little real power. It was only due to the face-saving gestures of the Four Great Families and their taxes that he managed to stay afloat.

After swindling a meal and five Guardian Spirit Pills, Qin Ze seized the opportunity to slip away. Tu was all talk and no action, his empty words echoing in Qin Ze's ears throughout the meal.

News of the secret meeting between the Lord Mayor and Qin Ze spread like wildfire, reaching the ears of the other families within half an hour.

Qin Ze wore many masks and played various roles throughout the day, ultimately amassing 13 Nourishing Spirit Pills, 25 Guardian Spirit Pills, 4,000 taels of silver, and countless promises from the various families.

As night fell, Qin Ze sighed, muttering, "Acting is also a skill worth mastering."