Son, Put Your Father To The Test (FF)

A true man never looks back at explosions.

Similarly, a show-off never spares others a proper glance.

At this moment, Qin Chuan fully embodied the demeanor of a consummate show-off. His mysterious aura and the confidence of someone in complete control placed enormous pressure on the Sword Emperor.

"This person… is not simple!"

The Sword Emperor thought gravely.

He had been observing Qin Chuan in silence. This man was clearly an Eighth Heaven Saint before, so how had he suddenly become an Emperor, and even reached the level of a Three Tribulations Emperor? It was beyond comprehension.

No secret technique or divine ability should allow such a feat. Even if it did, it would come with severe backlash—but this man wielded his newfound power with perfect ease.

After considering Qin Chuan's identity and the potential dangers he posed, the Sword Emperor forced a smile and said, "Indeed, it is I."

"What do you think of today's events?" Qin Chuan saw that he had bluffed the Sword Emperor, and his tone grew even more composed.

"I already know the gist of it. My disciple, Feather Emperor, was the first to be driven by greed. The fault lies with us."

The Sword Emperor admitted.

"Hmm, it seems that living longer does give one more perspective," Qin Chuan nodded and continued, "How do you plan to resolve this today? I expect the Eastern Victory Divine Sect to give me a proper explanation."

Swish!

Feather Emperor's face turned red with anger, as if he wanted to retort, but he held back—he had lost. What right did he have to make threats?

Even as a World Emperor, one needed to maintain some dignity.

The Sword Emperor remained calm, thought for a moment, and then said, "Those dozen dragon fish… consider them my gift to you. How about that?"

"Not enough," Qin Chuan said flatly.

To catch those dragon fish, he had spent 0.1 points of Patriarch Value helping Qin Zi bypass the Emperor-level formation barrier. While it was still a net gain, the cost had reduced his profit.

"A dozen adult dragon fish aren't enough? Do you even know their value?"

The Sword Emperor frowned.

Qin Chuan smiled mockingly, his eyes flashing with scorn. "Are you suggesting… I've never seen dragon fish before?"

The Sword Emperor was taken aback.

Qin Chuan sneered and continued, "Back in the day, not to mention mere dragon fish, even true dragons… heh…"

He trailed off, as though remembering something, then shook his head with a self-deprecating smile.

It seemed as though he was recalling a painful past, or perhaps a hero unwilling to boast about his former glory.

Seeing this, the Sword Emperor's mood grew heavier.

"This man is incredibly mysterious, shrouded in layers of mist. No one in the Eastern Domain knows his background. People have gone to investigate the Decaying Lands and the Jiuyang Dynasty, but no one has uncovered the truth of his rise."

"From all indications, it's highly likely he's an ancient powerhouse who has been reborn through body possession. After all, the Decaying Lands were the site of ancient battles."

"If what he says is true, he was once a mighty figure who didn't even put true dragons in his eyes."

"Even a centipede doesn't topple over when it dies. Though he may not be at his peak now, he must have countless unimaginable means. It's better not to provoke such a person."

Having thought it through, the Sword Emperor lowered his stance and asked, "What do you suggest, then?"

"Don't ask me what to do, because if I were to make a demand… you might not be able to meet it."

Qin Chuan replied casually, sensing the subtle shift in the Sword Emperor's attitude and taking the opportunity to elevate his own position.

In human interactions, often when one weakens, the other strengthens. When you're strong, the other weakens.

It's the invisible tilting of scales.

"Don't push it too far!"

Feather Emperor's face turned dark with rage. He could see that Qin Chuan wasn't giving his master any face, and he knew this person likely wasn't strong enough to beat the Sword Emperor—not yet, at least.

"Silence!!"

The Sword Emperor barked. The silver sword shadow between his brows emitted sharp, intimidating energy.

Feather Emperor immediately fell silent.

To outsiders, the two Emperors of the Eastern Victory Divine Sect seemed equal in status. After all, to them, a World Emperor was a World Emperor—what difference could there be?

In truth, there was.

A strong World Emperor could swat them to death with one hand, but so could a weaker World Emperor. Yet, between World Emperors, the differences in strength became apparent, and the gap between the Feather Emperor and Sword Emperor was not only one of power but also of seniority.

The Sword Emperor thought for a long time, his eyes revealing hesitation and inner struggle. Finally, he seemed to reach a decision and said in a solemn voice, "Might we have a private word?"

Qin Chuan raised an eyebrow.

There's a benefit coming!

From his two lifetimes of experience, he knew that when someone asked for a private conversation, there was usually some hidden reward involved. And it was always something they couldn't disclose to others—those who've experienced it know the value, but it's never talked about openly.

Composing himself, he nodded seriously, "Very well."

Then, he followed the Sword Emperor into a forest on a nearby mountain, where they isolated themselves from any prying eyes or ears with a barrier of energy.

Qin Chuan wasn't worried about Feather Emperor doing anything to Qin Zi. If the Feather Emperor developed killing intent toward Qin Zi… that would be a good thing!

That way, Qin Chuan could break through to Ninth Heaven on the spot, cross the Emperor tribulation, and become a true World Emperor—with the strongest possible foundation!

"Take a look at this, and tell me what you think."

In the forest, the Sword Emperor handed Qin Chuan a jade pendant, green as emerald, and spoke earnestly.

Qin Chuan examined it closely.

The jade pendant seemed ordinary but exuded an aura of great subtlety and craftsmanship, as though the simplest things were often the most profound. At the center of the pendant, a small golden phoenix could be seen, lifelike and vivid.

"I stumbled upon this by chance. Its material is incredibly unique and indestructible. Not even I can damage it. However, despite years of study, I haven't been able to uncover its true nature."

"Perhaps, like all treasures, it requires the right fate. This pendant and I have no affinity. In my hands, it's no different from a piece of ordinary stone, but I believe it holds an immense secret."

The Sword Emperor explained sincerely.

On one hand, he highlighted the pendant's extraordinary qualities, while on the other, he claimed no personal connection to it, increasing his credibility.

Otherwise, Qin Chuan might have suspected it was a worthless trinket—after all, who gives away a true treasure so easily?

By invoking "affinity," the Sword Emperor avoided devaluing the item, and instead made it seem even more precious. The notion that treasure finds its rightful owner appeals to many—just as every stock buyer believes their stock will rise.

Qin Chuan grasped the jade pendant tightly. Despite the terrifying strength of a World Emperor flowing through his fingers, the pendant remained unscathed.

It was indeed a valuable object!

He examined it for a while longer before looking into the Sword Emperor's eyes and asking, "Where did you get this pendant?"

"Heh, I found it by accident," the Sword Emperor replied, feigning nonchalance, but his eyes flickered upward, betraying his unease.

It seemed he was hiding something.

As it turns out, acting skills don't necessarily improve with strength.

"You're lying," Qin Chuan said sharply, piercing through the deception.

"Alright, I'll be honest. I found it in a secret realm in the Western Domain a few years ago, and it took me great effort to obtain."

The Sword Emperor continued trying to bluff.

"You're still lying." Qin Chuan exposed him again.

"Um… actually, I found it in a pile of cow dung. But don't worry! It doesn't retain any impurities. I've cleaned it many times over."

The Sword Emperor was relentless in his fibs.

"If you continue to show such insincerity, I'll simply refuse it. However, I can't guarantee the future of the Eastern Victory Divine Sect."

Qin Chuan's eyes narrowed as he spoke calmly.

Sigh…

The Sword Emperor let out a long sigh, remaining silent for a while. At last, a bitter smile spread across his face as he shamefully admitted,

"Actually, I stole it from a newly inducted disciple named Lin Yi. His talent is extraordinary... I feel deeply ashamed, truly ashamed."