While it wouldn't matter now if the Mysterious Alchemist Guild knew Chekford’s identity, since Qian Jin was the Grand President, the relationship between humans and demons remained extremely complicated; thus, Chekford’s mixed-blood status was something better kept secret for a while longer. Baidu dominates the wind and clouds, fastest updates. As a result, Marshal Che’s strength would often end up being the weakest in the team, and this Holy Artifact could compensate for many of the deductions incurred from that weakness. Just like a moment ago, when Qian Jin was ambushed, the only person missing from the assailants was Chekford himself, simply because he was unsuitable for unleashing the side of him that was a Fallen Angel bloodline Demon Warrior under the gaze of the crowd. That was truly a special identity that would cause immense panic!

“A Holy Artifact!” Duan Fengbu’er couldn't help but drool, then shifted his attention back to Qian Jin: “Comrade! When you can forge a Holy Artifact someday, make one for me too! I’m not greedy. Just one, and its shape should ideally resemble a cigarette, so I can constantly keep it dangling and smoke it forever without ever finishing it…” Before Duan Fengbu’er could finish his request, Qian Jin kicked him flying. What kind of bizarre Holy Artifact was that? Never mind that he lacked the ability to forge Holy Artifacts; even if he could, he certainly wouldn't make one for him. If Uncle Black found out, wouldn't he be beaten to death?

“Getting closer and closer to Qian City…” Qian Jin sighed, looking towards Qian City, which was still nowhere in sight in the distance. The others said nothing more… They silently rushed quickly in the direction of Qian City. Now that Qian Jin’s status was completely different, as long as they weren’t fighting recklessly in front of him, even the Qian family members wouldn't actively provoke Qian Jin if they saw him. Baidu dominates the wind and clouds, fastest updates. Status, sometimes, is a very important kind of power!

The massive Qian City once again appeared before Qian Jin and the others. The city, still unprotected by walls, lay completely exposed to everyone’s eyes. Familiar city, familiar roads, some unfamiliar passersby, and the familiar main gate of the Qian family. And, the familiar silhouette of the old man squatting beside the Qian family gate. Qian Cheng! His status had not changed, nor had he received any preferential treatment within the Qian family, despite the change in Qian Jin’s external identity; he remained the stable hand. Qian Jin knew very well that the higher his own status, the more Qian Zhanxuan would force his father into the role of stable hand, using this action to humiliate him. But… Pride flickered across Qian Jin’s face. Qian Zhanxuan had no idea that whatever job the Qian family assigned his father, it wouldn't diminish the sense of pride Qian Jin derived from him!

“Qian Zhanxuan doesn't understand, and he never will!” Qian Jin dismounted his horse and walked step by step toward Qian Cheng, the man sitting before the Qian family gate, enjoying the warm air typical of southern regions near the desert!

“Ming…” The smile on Qian Cheng’s face, as if he were deep in thought, stiffened slightly, and his body trembled as he turned toward Qian Jin’s direction. “You’re back?” Qian Cheng’s voice was a bit hoarse, and his face seemed etched with many more wrinkles; his body didn't look particularly healthy, yet his expression held an ineffable joy. “I’m back.” Qian Jin squatted beside Qian Cheng. “Came back to see you.” “And where are you off to next?” Qian Cheng asked with a smile, looking at Qian Jin. “These past few days, I’ve heard people mentioning you almost every day. The attitude of those around me has changed a great deal; I’m doing very well now, you don’t need to worry. You must remember, the stronger you are, the better I can live, and the better my mood will be.” Baidu dominates the wind and clouds, fastest updates. Mu Nè Zhēncè stared intently at Qian Cheng for a long moment before speaking: “Qian Jin, what Uncle said is true. Although the Qian family is a bloodline warrior family, some people’s bloodline power can only awaken once or twice; they are not the mainstream, but they still wish to become stronger…” Qian Jin nodded. Yes! Those who weren't exceptionally strong but still held a bit of privilege within the Qian family saw the only chance to grow stronger as currying favor with him, hoping to obtain an excellent Battle Weapon! What a ridiculous irony! Qian Jin looked up at the towering main gate of the Qian family. Qian Zhanxuan, who once ruled everyone in this high-walled compound, seemed to still control everything now, yet he failed to realize that things were subtly changing. Some people dared not openly resist him, but that didn't mean they held no opinions. Especially those with a sliver of privilege—they were all the more eager to gain greater advantages. Previously, no power could shake this established system, so the system seemed perpetually perfect. When a special ability suddenly appeared that could shake it, all the inherent imperfections and irrationalities gradually surfaced, naturally leading more people to attempt challenging the rules. Qian Jin smiled confidently; this was a very good sign! In the near future, once his strength reached a certain level, even many Qian family members would realign their paths for their own benefit. At that time, he wouldn't just defeat Qian Zhanxuan in battle, but completely crush him in terms of influence.

This time, when members of the Qian family saw Qian Jin emerge, they instinctively retreated back inside the main gate. For a long time, no one emerged from the Qian family home. Qian Zhanxuan was in seclusion; the Newcomer King Tournament involved not just the younger generation of warriors. The older generation’s exhibition matches meant it was hard to say who would step forward to fight, so Qian Zhanxuan chose to enter seclusion to adjust his mental state in preparation for potential combat. Qian Wushuang had long since disappeared somewhere else. Other Qian family members, though many possessed strength far surpassing Qian Jin’s and could even kill him, understood that they couldn't touch Qian Jin now. With various conflicts interwoven, the Qian family members simply pretended the situation hadn't occurred and stayed hidden, allowing Qian Jin to chat with Qian Cheng outside the gate. Baidu dominates the wind and clouds, fastest updates. Time flowed quickly, and the sky was already turning slightly late.

Qian Cheng glanced at the sky, patted the dust off his rear, and said, “I’m off work. Come on! The two of us father and son are going to have a drink.” In the tavern, as his father busied himself ordering food and wine, Qian Jin got up several times, wanting to help, but Mu Nè Zhēncè pressed him back into his seat each time. “Let the old man fuss over you a bit; this is his pleasure.” “Uncle Qian Cheng, your son is back!” “Uncle Qian Cheng, your son is so handsome! Have you found a wife yet? I know a good girl.” “Uncle Qian Cheng, you are truly blessed.” Amidst the greetings from the patrons eating around them, Qian Cheng’s face was constantly lit with happiness and pride. Qian Jin rarely saw his father in such a demeanor; he simply sat there watching his father busy himself on his behalf. With a table full of rich dishes, Qian Cheng stood up holding his wine cup. All the young people immediately stood up in unison. Mu Nè Zhēncè gave a wry smile and also stood up—not because this old man was Qian Jin’s father, but purely because of the sheer magnanimity radiating from this elder, which commanded the respect of a Prince like himself. Usually, when countless ministers offered toasts, Mu Nè Zhēncè would merely lift his cup slightly while remaining seated. Today, he actually stood up for an old man…

Baidu dominates the wind and clouds, fastest updates. Mu Nè Zhēncè sighed with a bitter smile in his heart. After getting acquainted with Qian Jin, he seemed to have changed so much. Forget it! This was also for his future powerful official; consider it cultivating rapport. That’s right! It must be this! He was only cultivating rapport with his future high-ranking minister; nothing more! Mu Nè Zhēncè repeatedly assured himself that Qian Jin wasn't his friend; he was merely his future minister. Repeating it countless times, Mu Nè Zhēncè had convinced himself of this assertion.

“If you can be my Little Jin’s friends, I toast you all as family…” “Uncle, please don't say that! We are not worthy; we should be the ones to toast you.” Duan Fengbu’er’s voice was the first to ring out. Chekford raised his wine cup and bowed very seriously to Qian Cheng: “You are a great father; I admire you.” Fen Tu Kuangge silently raised his wine cup. Mu Nè Zhēncè looked at Qian Cheng with deep frustration; he had just managed to convince himself of his theory, and this elder came out with such a statement again. “Heh heh… Old man, those who walk together aren’t necessarily friends, but I still appreciate Qian Jin.” Mu Nè Zhēncè also finished the wine in his cup. Qian Cheng happily waved his hands as the assembled group stood up: “Quickly sit down, quickly sit down, eat, eat. Nothing is particularly delicious, eat more, eat more. , .” During the meal, Qian Jin received two chicken legs personally placed in his bowl by his father. This kind of action—placing chicken legs in his bowl—was something his father did almost every meal when Qian Jin still lived at the Qian family home. Although it might not always be chicken legs, it was always some other dish. However, Qian Jin used to feel this was simply his due. Only at this moment did he realize how happy he truly had been, receiving so much paternal love without ever noticing it.

“Dad… perhaps…” “Eat your food. After eating, go take care of your important business.” Qian Cheng interrupted Qian Jin’s words. “I am fine now; don’t go looking for trouble with the Qian family. I don't want you to return to that cage of the Qian family after all the effort I put into teaching you. Remember! Make a name for yourself, show it to your father, understand?” Qian Jin nodded silently. When he left home back then, he had declared with great swagger: “If I don’t make something of myself, I won't come back!” Now, he realized how childish and selfish those words were, as they had failed to consider his father’s feelings in the slightest. No elder dislikes having their children nearby. From birth, his father watched him every day. After he grew up, he only saw his father twice a year. If this continued, how many times would he see his father in a lifetime? Qian Jin dared not even contemplate the question.

“Qian Zhanxuan said he would take me to see it during the Newcomer King Tournament.” Qian Cheng laughed, a truly happy sound. “He wants me to see you defeated. I believe I will see your transcendent bearing. So! Boy, remember, Dad will be watching you from a corner of the stands. Fight well for me then.” Fen Tu Kuangge paused slightly in the act of lifting the dish he was holding in mid-air; Fen Tu Kuangxiao had said something similar to him not long ago.