But to have never witnessed such a strange thing! Pan Hongji stared into Qian Jin’s honest eyes and sighed repeatedly. Perhaps it was precisely because this boy’s aptitude in other areas was so terrifyingly exceptional that the God of Stars couldn't bear it and stripped him of the right to awaken his Elven King bloodline power.

Such formidable ability, combined with the awakening of the Elven King bloodline... Pan Hongji pursed his lips. How could anyone else possibly live? Baidu's Chizha Fenghun (Awe-Inspiring Power) is first published here; hand-typed by Fisherman.

Qian Jin watched Pan Hongji’s expression, which betrayed absolutely no attempt at concealment, and secretly admired him. What a formidable Family Head, truly worthy of being called one of the most outstanding heads of the Nine-Headed Serpent family. He recalled the notes left by Qian Kuangge, the Qian family member who achieved ultimate awakened power in the past.

Expressing emotions genuinely is sometimes more infectious. It wasn't that they didn't understand how to conceal themselves; rather, they had no need to.

Those who consider themselves clever yet strive to hide, attempting to feign weakness to exploit strength, are merely exhibiting a lack of self-confidence. “Impressive, truly impressive,” Pan Hongji said, lightly clapping his hands. “It seems you won’t be persuaded to join the Pan family after all.”

Pan Hongxuan nodded slightly from the side. How could Qian Jin possibly join the Pan family? With his capabilities, he would command a relatively good standing even if he returned to the Qian family. Even without being able to prepare the potion to awaken the Elven King bloodline power, he still possessed immense value.

Yet, this very person had, not long ago, assaulted three warriors within the Qian family compound at the gates of Qian City—warriors who had awakened the Elven King bloodline.

“Seeing as this is the case…” Pan Hongji spread his arms slightly. “May I speak with you alone?”

Alone? Qian Jin was momentarily stunned. Ever since meeting him, the Pan family Head had presented himself as decisive, straightforward, and utterly without superfluous actions. Why, at this moment, knowing Qian Jin would never join the Pan family, would he make such a request?

Duan Fengbuer clapped Qian Jin on the shoulder and turned to walk out of the main hall, Fentukuangge shrugging his shoulders as he followed Duan Fengbuer out.

Pan Hongji watched Qian Jin with a faint envy in his eyes. These young people were truly enviable; they needed no words, supporting each other through the most direct actions. Compared to sprawling families, these small groups were far more solid.

In the grand and imposing hall of the Pan family, in the blink of an eye, only Qian Jin and Pan Hongji remained.

Pan Hongji subtly adjusted his posture, relaxing his body more casually, appearing more like an intimate elder chatting with a junior rather than two parties negotiating over benefits.

The atmosphere in the room softened along with Pan Hongji’s change in demeanor.

“Young man, what do you think of Duan Fengbuer?”

Qian Jin hadn't expected that after dismissing everyone, Pan Hongji’s first question would be about Duan Fengbuer.

“Buer?” Qian Jin spread his hands, mimicking Pan Hongji’s earlier gesture. “He’s very good.”

Pan Hongji stared at Qian Jin for several seconds before nodding lightly. “As a warrior who awakened the Nine-Headed Serpent bloodline many years ago, I can tell you this: Duan Fengbuer possesses an aptitude beyond your imagination. If he were to return to the Pan family, I could provide him with the absolute best resources and environment.”

An aptitude beyond imagination? Qian Jin nodded slightly. Duan Fengbuer’s performance was indeed good, but to possess the top-tier aptitude Pan Hongji described was something that had not yet manifested even to this day. Support the high rise, click to subscribe and vote.

“As the Head of the Pan family, I must plan for the future of the Pan family,” Pan Hongji sighed. “This time, I can allow Buer to experience the marvel of that altar, but there cannot be a next time.”

Only one chance? Qian Jin stared at the legendary Serpent Emperor in astonishment. It seemed that even though Qian Jin hadn't brought forth any water source related to awakening powers, this Serpent Emperor was still interested in using the altar for Duan Fengbuer one time, aiming to win him over through this method.

“Regarding the matter of Buer’s mother being sent away from the Pan family—” Pan Hongji’s face showed only helplessness. “Honestly, if we had known that a young man like Buer would appear, the family would never have done such a thing.”

Qian Jin nodded slowly. “As someone who came from the Pan family, I understand many matters within large families are filled with helplessness. For the sake of the family’s interests, even the Head might make self-sacrifices, let alone sacrificing others?”

Pan Hongji let out a sigh of resignation that hadn't escaped him in a very long time. Every family, in the course of its development, would encounter such matters. Even the Zhence Imperial Clan had made sacrifices to exchange for benefits. Currently, the third prince of this younger generation, Ni Zui Zhence, was the paragon of this very mindset.

“But—” Qian Jin’s tone suddenly shifted. “Esteemed Family Head, I detest such transactions! The more one emerges from families like these, the more one witnesses such exchanges that disregard the feelings of the individuals involved, using the banner of family interest to suppress personal will and life—the more infuriated I become.”

“Must it be this person who is traded? Can’t someone else be substituted? How about the one making the decision!” Qian Jin’s face was etched with intense dissatisfaction. “That should also be possible, right? But why is it always someone else? Because the decision-makers always believe it’s an exchange of equal value, and if they were to do it, they would be the ones losing out. I despise this kind of thing the most…”

A rare look of shock flickered across Pan Hongji’s face, and a trace of benevolent amusement gradually appeared in his eyes—the kind of affectionate smile an elder has when hearing a junior say something incorrect, finding it amusing rather than provoking anger. “That is because you have never sat in that position.” Qian Jin ceased his condemnation, quietly observing Pan Hongji. When stances differ, even the wisest cannot fully arrive at the same perception.

“Let’s discuss Buer’s situation again,” Pan Hongji slightly adjusted his posture once more. “He should possess an immensely bright future. If everything proceeds normally, he might even have a chance to challenge the future Three Ultimate Bloodline Warriors. You are his friend; you must consider his future, mustn't you?”

“Persuade him,” Pan Hongji rose and looked at Qian Jin. “Persuade him to return to the Pan family. I am willing to offer the maximum compensation for the mistakes made by the previous generation’s Family Head. This is not the Pan family Head speaking to you, but an elder who wishes to reclaim his kin, making a request.” Qian Jin stared blankly at Pan Hongji. This combination of gentle firmness, familial affection, and future prospects pushed the atmosphere to its peak, and coupled with the sincere gaze, it was difficult to refuse.

Silence… silence… In the hall, there was nothing but silence… Qian Jin let out a sigh, slowly rising to look at Pan Hongji. “Esteemed Family Head, do you wish to turn Buer into someone like you? How long has it been since you laughed happily? Have you ever seen Buer smile? As his friend, I rejoice that he can have the greatest prospects, and I hope he has the happiest, most joyous future. I will relay your thoughts, but I absolutely will not persuade him. I truly do not want his future life filled with calculations, having lost happiness and joy.” Pan Hongji’s earnestness did not diminish in the slightest, and he nodded lightly. “Very well, I understand. Then please pass on another message for me: the doors of the Pan family will forever be open to him. If any difficulty arises, he can come to me. I believe that you relaying this message will make him listen more readily than if I were to tell him myself.” Qian Jin nodded slightly. Duan Fengbuer held an instinctive repulsion toward the Pan family, just as he felt toward the Qian family. Even if Qian Zhanxuan had said the same words to him as Pan Hongji, the only response would have been a cold sneer. Baidu’s Chizha Fenghun updates fastest, everyone come and join!

“Then—” Pan Hongji stopped speaking, his eyes holding a faint displeasure as he looked towards the slowly opening doorway. “Mr. Situ Lei, why are you here?” Situ Lei? Qian Jin looked at the old man standing outside the door, dressed in the typical robe of a mysterious alchemist, his hair, eyebrows, and beard all white, yet his bearing was still quite upright. “Mysterious Alchemy?” “Esteemed Family Head.” Situ Lei stood at the doorway, slowly bowing deeply. “Please forgive Situ Lei’s rudeness, but I heard the Pan family has acquired a charlatan!” “Charlatan?” Pan Hongji chuckled, glancing around. “Where is this charlatan?” Situ Lei’s grayish-white pupils slowly rotated, and he raised a hand—the palm of which had turned jet black for some unknown reason—to point directly at Qian Jin and declare loudly, “This is the charlatan! I heard he is widely proclaiming that he possesses a mysterious potion capable of unlocking the Nine-Headed Serpent bloodline power! So I specifically came to see. The moment I saw him, I knew he was a fraud!” Pan Hongji remained silent. Whether in terms of economics, family development, or combat, he was top-tier, but when it came to this mysterious alchemy, he was truly clueless. Situ Lei, as the Second Guest Elder of the Pan family’s Mysterious Alchemy division, held considerable authority!

Years ago, even the Zhence Imperial Clan had extended an invitation to Situ Lei, offering extremely generous terms and benefits. However, this figure in mysterious alchemy, due to his close relationship with Pan Hongxuan, ultimately rejected the Empire’s most favorable offer and joined the Pan family’s ranks instead.

Over the years, Situ Lei had hardly involved himself in family affairs, dedicating himself solely to researching mysterious alchemy. Whenever the Pan family needed assistance, he never refused, always helping to the utmost of his ability.

“Esteemed Family Head, as a Guest Elder of the Pan family, I have utilized the best resources here over the years without having truly benefited the family much. Today, I cannot stand by and watch you be deceived.” Seeing the look in Pan Hongji’s eyes that granted him entry, Situ Lei stepped into the room and stood before Qian Jin. “How old are you? Not yet twenty?” Twenty? Qian Jin nodded. If the time spent in the Endless World was disregarded, he was indeed under twenty. If that time was counted, his actual age surpassed twenty by a considerable margin.

“It’s possible for a young swindler like you to deceive a Family Head completely ignorant of mysterious alchemy. But trying to trick me?” Situ Lei straightened his back even further, his pair of hazy eyes radiating resolute confidence. “That is impossible!”

ps: I’ve been meaning to advertise two new books for friends these past few days, but due to some recent family matters, I’ve been extremely busy every time I upload and kept forgetting.

Ni Cangtian’s new book, Killing God, from an author whose three books broke ten thousand subscriptions.

Zhang Junbao’s Dating Master, currently the strongest author of urban novels on Qidian.

Additionally, yesterday I saw a friend had written a side story for Chizha Fenghun and thought it was good. I took the liberty of transplanting it into the 'Work Information' section. Those who wish to read it may do so.