Fox Spirit: One Sword Sweeps the World

Page 16

"I've only been drinking water for a short while, and you're already daydreaming."

He paused, and the old man's gaze deepened, as if he could see through the young man before him and perceive the future of the Zhang family.

“However…” he began slowly, his tone resolute, “one day, you will surely defeat me, take over the Zhang family’s responsibilities, and become the new head of the family.”

"Moreover, you will do a better job than me and lead the Zhang family to unprecedented heights."

His eyes were filled with heavy expectations, and his gaze toward Zhang Zheng seemed to sparkle with starlight.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Zheng unconsciously straightened his chest a little, and the playfulness on his face faded, replaced by the arrogance and confidence unique to young people.

He slammed his hand on the table and declared loudly, "Of course! Not only will I defeat you, but I will make sure the entire Dao Alliance knows my name, Zhang Zheng. At that time, the Zhang family will surely enjoy boundless glory!"

"Haha, you little rascal, you've got a thick skin."

The Zhang family patriarch was amused by his smug look and laughed heartily, "Even if you can beat us old men who are half-buried in the ground, you're not really that great."

"Don't forget, there are quite a few geniuses in your generation. There are many hidden talents out there, and any one of them is not someone to be trifled with."

Zhang Zheng curled his lip indifferently, tapping his fingers lightly on the armrest of the chair.

"So what? If we can't win, we can't win. It's no big deal."

He changed the subject, a sly glint in his eyes.

"Anyway, I'll have sons in the future, and my sons will have grandsons. What I can't do in my generation, let them continue. Eventually, one generation will be able to accomplish it. Old man, isn't that what you think too?"

"Haha, you little rascal, you seem to know everything."

The Zhang family patriarch was amused by him and burst into laughter, even the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes smoothing out.

"That's right, that's exactly the point. Life goes on and on, without worrying about short-term gains or losses. The reason our Zhang family has been able to survive for hundreds of years is because of this tenacity. One day, we will usher in our most glorious moment."

He looked at Zhang Zheng, his tone filled with anticipation, "But I'm old and don't have much time left. I really hope that I can see that day with my own eyes, and that you are the one who created all of this."

The nonchalant attitude on Zhang Zheng's face gradually faded, and he frowned slightly as he looked at the expectation in the old man's eyes.

He stood up, solemnly cupped his hands to the Zhang family patriarch, and said in a firm voice, "Alright, alright, old man, stop being so sentimental. Don't worry, I will work hard and make sure you see the glory of the Zhang family with your own eyes."

"Hahaha, okay, okay!"

The Zhang family patriarch smiled even more contentedly, picked up his teacup, and took another sip.

"Hahaha! Zhang Zheng, my dear brother, I've come all this way to find you!"

A distinctive laugh echoed into the Zhang family's hall.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Zheng, who was talking to the head of the family, instantly lost his smugness. His lips twitched, and he turned to look at the open door with a helpless expression.

It's obvious who's coming.

Mu Shenqi walked in with a bright smile on his face, and affectionately put his arm around Mu Qinghan's arm.

But when his gaze swept over the Zhang family patriarch sitting in the main seat of the hall, his arrogant demeanor instantly subsided.

His smile froze on his face. He coughed twice, composed himself, and respectfully bowed with his hands clasped.

"Ahem, Mu Shenqi of the Mu family greets Patriarch Zhang."

Mu Qinghan was pulled along by her older brother, and followed behind with steady steps.

Looking at Mu Shenqi's silly appearance as he instantly "switched modes," a faint smile flashed across his eyes.

He then nodded slightly, his voice clear and gentle yet perfectly polite.

"Mu Qinghan greets Patriarch Zhang."

The young man was tall and straight, with a cool and aloof demeanor like a pine tree under the moon. Even when facing the head of the Zhang family, he showed no sign of unease.

"Haha, no need for formalities."

The head of the Zhang family put down his teacup, his gaze sweeping gently over the two of them with the affection of an elder for a younger generation.

"These two little ones look travel-worn; did they come all this way to see our Zhang Zheng?"

At this moment, Zhang Zheng had already focused his attention on Mu Qinghan.

He stood up from his chair, walked around to the two of them, and looked Mu Qinghan up and down, his bright eyes full of undisguised curiosity.

Is this the legendary young master of the Mu family, who is exceptionally talented but has a cold personality?

He has a slender figure, but a really good temperament, like a piece of warm and smooth jade with sharp edges, completely different from his loud and boisterous older brother.

Mu Qinghan's eyes followed Zhang Zheng's movements.

What is he doing?

Chapter 22 Sneak attack!

"What are you looking at, Zhang Zheng?"

"Look at your brother, he's quite amusing."

"It's just so interesting."

The air around them seemed to freeze instantly.

Without any warning, Zhang Zheng suddenly drew the sword hanging at his side with his right hand. With a flash of cold light, his figure instantly darted out and closed in on Mu Qinghan.

The sword tip was aimed directly at his shoulder, the movement so fast that no one else had time to react.

But Mu Qinghan seemed to have anticipated this, and the moment his gaze narrowed slightly, he spun half a circle around.

His right leg lashed out like a steel whip, striking him precisely in the abdomen.

With a muffled thud, Zhang Zheng felt a tremendous force and was sent flying out of the door, crashing heavily to the ground and raising a cloud of dust.

"Ouch—it hurts, it hurts, it hurts, it hurts!"

Zhang Zheng grimaced and rubbed his stomach, lying on the ground groaning.

"Damn... I told you it would be fun. Ouch... Ouch... Ouch..."

Mu Shenqi was somewhat dazed. He first stared blankly at Mu Qinghan, who had stopped standing and was breathing steadily, and then suddenly turned to look at Zhang Zheng, who had fallen to the ground in a disheveled state. His brain went blank for a few seconds before he came back to his senses.

"What the hell?! Are you crazy?!"

Mu Shen roared and rushed to Zhang Zheng in the next second, grabbed him by the collar, lifted him up from the ground and shook him hard, his tone full of urgency and anger.

"What's wrong with you all of a sudden? What if you hurt my brother?"

"Hey, hey, hey, don't get excited, don't get excited!"

Zhang Zheng was dizzy from being shaken, so he quickly raised his hand to press down on Mu Shenqi's arm and hurriedly explained, "This sword is fake, look—"

He gestured for Mu Shenqi to look at the sword lying on the ground not far away. The blade had no sharpness and was made of specially made hardwood.

"It's just for practice, it won't hurt anyone at all. But your Mu Qinghan, that kick really didn't hold back, damn, it was so powerful, I feel like I'm going to vomit my food."

"Did you get beaten so badly you shit yourself?"

"Get lost, I was just vomiting, you idiot, go play somewhere else."

"Ha ha ha ha--"

With a gentle smile on his face, the Zhang family head slowly walked up to Mu Qinghan.

As he passed Zhang Zheng on the ground, he glanced down at him sideways and lightly nudged his calf with his toe.

"You were the one who provoked us first, so you can only take this kick obediently and stop whining and acting pitiful."

"Oh... I didn't say anything."

Zhang Zheng pushed Mu Shenqi away, got up from the ground, and muttered under his breath.

His eyes, however, unconsciously drifted toward Mu Qinghan.

I'm a little unconvinced and want to try again.

The Zhang family head ignored him and turned to look at Mu Qinghan, who was standing in place. His admiration was undisguised, and his tone became even more gentle.

"Little Qinghan, you really are just like that guy Wang Quan Shouzhuo said, very thoughtful."

As soon as he finished speaking, he turned his head to Zhang Zheng and analyzed in a deep voice.

"When you were staring at him just now, he subtly turned his body slightly to the side, seemingly casually, but actually he was already on guard."

"The moment your hand touched the hilt of the sword, he had already secretly gathered his strength and begun to move."

He paused, then emphasized his words: "From beginning to end, every glance and every movement of yours was clearly seen by Xiao Qinghan. You didn't escape his prediction at all."

Huh? Really? Why are you being so cautious with me? I'm not a murderer.

Zhang Zheng frowned slightly and looked Mu Qinghan up and down again.

Is it really that strange?

The Zhang family head also subtly observed the rather thin-looking boy before him, secretly surprised.

Is this child only ten years old?

This composure, keen observation, and quick reflexes.

Even the elders of the clan who have practiced martial arts for many years may not be able to match it.

That's really surprising...

These young people are really getting more and more impressive...

This seems to be just a child, not a young person, right?

Forget it, it doesn’t matter.

A corner of Wang Quan's backyard

Several weeping willows sway gently in the breeze, their slender branches brushing against the wind.

Wang Quanzui, dressed in a pink silk dress, ran happily to the swing and sat down lightly.

She gripped the rope tightly with both hands, her eyes sparkling.

"Sister Qing, push me! Push me!"

Aoki Hime smiled gently, her eyes were soft, and her light green dress swayed slightly with her movements.

She stepped forward, reached out and gently pushed the swing. The swing began to sway slowly, and Wang Quanzui's laughter rang out.