Zhou Xian, who hadn't seen Xiao Chen for many years, was genuinely shocked by his sister's transformation.
He had been ordered around and used by others while he was outside.
And what was the result?
He was at the same level as his sister.
In fact, he was even a little weaker in terms of strength.
After all, his sister possessed a low-grade spirit sword!
Zhou Xian wouldn't even dare to dream of such a high-end item.
"Sister, you truly make your brother feel like 'one should look at a scholar with new eyes after three days apart'."
Zhou Xian rubbed his hands, not without envy.
"Don't even think about it."
Xiao Chen scolded, "This was given to me by Second Master."
Zhou Xian said with a fawning smile, "How could your brother covet your things? Tell me, is Second Master very wealthy? When we met yesterday, he directly gave me a High-Grade Spirit Stone. That's a High-Grade Spirit Stone, a rare item!"
Xiao Chen looked at Zhou Xian warily, "What do you want to do?"
Zhou Xian chuckled, "What could I do? Isn't this just to gain a better understanding and get closer to Second Master?"
Xiao Chen snorted, "If I remember correctly, when Second Master just returned, Father should have sent you a message. You were the one who delayed coming back, weren't you?"
"No way."
Zhou Xian laughed, "Didn't I run into this Lin Family business as soon as I came back? And I was beaten half to death, wasn't I? Tell me, which sect is Second Master from? I just feel like he's unbelievably rich."
Xiao Chen frowned, "Second Master is very generous, but that's not a reason for us to demand things."
"We're all family."
Zhou Xian chuckled, "Why be so distant?"
After he spoke, his eyes darted around, "Second Master casually gave you a low-grade spirit sword, so that sword he's wearing... even if it looks unassuming, even a bit old, it couldn't be a high-grade spirit sword, could it?"
When he said this, his lips were trembling.
A high-grade spirit sword!
The Hua Xing Sect definitely didn't have one; only the Sect Master possessed a mid-grade spirit sword, and that was the only one in the entire sect.
The value of spirit artifacts was extremely high; not only were they expensive, but they were also difficult to acquire.
Even with money, one would still need nine parts luck.
After all, cultivators who possessed spirit artifacts usually weren't short of money, and if they weren't short of money, they wouldn't sell their weapons to the secular world.
Xiao Chen's face sank, "Big Brother, don't have any improper thoughts. Second Master's sword is something no one can touch. If you dare to have any ill intentions, you'll be expelled from the family, and perhaps... you'll die without a burial place."
Zhou Xian burst into laughter, "You, you, after only a few years, you're already wary of your Big Brother?"
Xiao Chen's expression showed a hint of anxiety, "Big Brother, I don't know what you've experienced outside. But I truly hope you understand that without Second Master, our Zhou Family might have been gone long ago..."
"Alright, alright."
Zhou Xian waved his hand, "I remember, am I that kind of person? Really."
Heaven-grade cultivation technique, White Jade Heavenly Profound Skill.
Weapon, a low-grade spirit sword.
Zhou Xian pursed his lips, also being his grand-nephew, why was the difference so great?
"That sword..."
Zhou Xian turned and walked towards his small courtyard, the smile on his face completely gone.
If that was truly a high-grade spirit sword, its value would be immeasurable to him.
And also, Second Master's storage ring!
Although he had suffered all kinds of bullying outside, he still had some knowledge.
Unlike his father, Zhou An, Zhou An couldn't realize the preciousness of the storage ring.
It was a symbol of identity, status, and strength.
It was also an essential item for home and travel!
"You will never understand."
Zhou Xian secretly gritted his teeth, "So-called 'clinging to a strong patron' is just a temporary show. What can truly control destiny is absolute power. His things are ultimately his; he gives if he wants, and doesn't if he doesn't. And I can't wait like a dog for him to bestow things upon me."
As long as he could obtain that sword and that storage ring.
Then his future would be hopeful.
After so many years outside, he understood the importance of strength too well.
Second Master?
What Second Master?
He'd only just met him for the first time in his life, alright?
Where did all this nonsense 'affection' come from?
Furthermore, if he truly cared about the Zhou Family, would he have waited a hundred years to return? Would he have allowed himself to suffer so much injustice outside?
Slap!
Suddenly, a hand slapped Zhou Xian on the head.
Zhou Xian involuntarily stopped, only to see Zhou An's face darken, "What are you thinking about? I've called you several times."
Zhou Xian quickly put on a fawning smile, "I was just lost in thought, Father. Do you need something?"
Zhou An said in a deep voice, "I just came to remind you, boy. Now that you've returned, follow Second Master and learn more from him, and put away your petty thoughts. Others might not understand you, but I do, don't I?"
Zhou Xian chuckled, "Look at what you're saying, I don't have any ideas at all."
Zhou An glared at Zhou Xian, "Don't give me that grinning face. I'm telling you something very seriously, don't have any ill intentions."
The smile on Zhou Xian's face gradually faded, "From Father's words, does that mean the Zhou Family is going to change hands in the future?"
Zhou An raised an eyebrow, "What nonsense are you talking about?"
"Isn't it?"
Zhou Xian sneered, "In the circle of cultivators, there's always a group of people who, unable to break through their cultivation, choose to enjoy life. They have children if they want, and retire if they want. I think Second Master is still very young, it's normal for him to have ten or eight children. By then, who knows who will be the direct lineage of the Zhou Family, and who will be the one in charge."
Zhou An was furious, "Shut up! Even if your Second Master wants to be the Family Head, you have no right to interfere."
"Yes, everything you say is right."
Zhou Xian sneered, "You've endured humiliation your whole life, and you've taught Xiao Chen and me not to stir up trouble. To put it bluntly, aren't you just cowardly?"
Zhou An pointed angrily at Zhou Xian, "Immediately take back what you just said!"
Zhou Xian scoffed, "Why hide something that's an open secret? The Hua Xing Sect isn't strong, but it's truly a mixed bag. Just a few days before I came back, three young masters from aristocratic families directly dug a pit and buried a disciple from the sect alive, and what happened? Everyone knows, but who can say anything? Father, your thinking can't keep up with the times. These days, when you're out and about, it's all about whose strength is greater. Most importantly, it's about whose heart is ruthless and venomous!"
Slap!
Zhou An, furious beyond measure, slapped him, "How could I raise such a defiant scoundrel!"
Zhou Xian raised his hand to wipe away the nosebleed, his face full of self-mockery, "What good is it to hit me? Does Second Uncle respect you? Does Third Uncle respect you? When something happened to the family, wasn't it me who rushed back from a thousand miles away? The Zhou Family has fallen to this point because those two privatized all the family's assets! You're still here daydreaming every day, you believe them when they say they lost money? Lost what money? They've long been raking in profits and squandering their days outside!"