Chapter 409 – The Qin Family's Compromise

Villa, Reception Room.

Qin Qing, who had come for a visit, was invited here by Chi Qian and the others to wait temporarily.

Mu Yan had already gotten up to fetch Su Ming.

Feng Qing’er and Tong Xinyao were not present, seemingly out of consideration to avoid potential awkwardness.

Only Chi Qian remained here to entertain Qin Qing, exchanging pleasantries with her.

Both were prominent figures in Tianfeng City, so their polite conversation didn’t lack topics and proceeded quite enjoyably.

It wasn’t until about ten minutes later that Su Ming finally arrived.

“Su—”

Qin Qing was the first to spot Su Ming. She stood up, intending to speak with him, but for some reason, she suddenly stopped.

“Commander?”

Chi Qian also rose to her feet, staring blankly at Su Ming with a look of great astonishment.

The two prominent figures of Tianfeng City both watched as Su Ming entered the room, then fell into simultaneous silence.

The reason was simple.

The moment Su Ming walked through the door, the two perceptive women had felt something amiss for an instant.

That sense of unease was like an intangible pressure, or an indescribable presence, difficult to put into words.

Thus, both Qin Qing and Chi Qian couldn’t help but freeze in place, their entire bodies tensing up.

“What’s wrong? Why are you looking at me like that?”

Su Ming was the one to break the silence, his tone as casual as ever, filled with a languid air.

This caused the faint sense of unease in Qin Qing and Chi Qian’s hearts to dissipate involuntarily, as if what had just happened was merely an illusion, leaving them both somewhat bewildered and uncertain.

In the end, it was Qin Qing who reacted first, adjusting her mindset and composure.

“My apologies.” Qin Qing gave a slight bow to Su Ming and said, “I apologize for intruding unannounced. I hope you can forgive my presumption.Her words caused the subtle atmosphere that had just begun to permeate the reception room to vanish like mist.

Su Ming gave a brief glance to this Young Miss of the Qin Family and spoke calmly.

“It seems Old Qin sent you here to act as a mediator.”

Hearing this, Qin Qing knew her trip likely hadn’t been in vain.

Although Su Ming didn’t show it, since he was so well aware of the situation, it was clear he hadn’t let go of the matter from that day.

This made Qin Qing take a soft breath.

“Great-grandfather originally intended to visit in person, but he knew that Young Master Su probably wouldn’t want to see his face right now.” Qin Qing looked directly at Su Ming and said, “Under these circumstances, could I ask Young Master Su, for the sake of our past acquaintance, to hear me out for a moment?”

Qin Qing’s attitude was remarkably sincere, without any beating around the bush, making it difficult for anyone to feel hostile toward her.

Especially since this woman was as beautiful as a Heavenly Immortal—with such an attitude, hardly any man would refuse to give her face.

Although Su Ming wasn’t about to soften his stance just because of this woman’s looks and charm, considering their previous interactions and the fact that this Young Miss Qin had never treated him poorly, he didn’t shut down the conversation as definitively as last time.

However…

“Let me be clear from the start—this will be the last conversation.”

The words Su Ming spoke so lightly sent an inexplicable palpitation through Qin Qing’s heart.Instinct told her that if the outcome of this conversation still failed to satisfy Su Ming, something momentous might soon occur.

Particularly for the Qin Family, this could potentially bring about the greatest crisis they had ever faced.

This premonition sent chills down Qin Qing’s spine.

(Had Great-Grandfather’s prediction been accurate all along? Had Young Master Su never truly conceded, but instead been secretly preparing to strike against the Qin Family?)

Qin Qing couldn’t suppress her growing apprehension.

Fortunately, her presence here today might prevent a catastrophe.

Noticing the tense atmosphere between Su Ming and Qin Qing, Chi Qian immediately sensed something significant was transpiring between them.

With tactful understanding, she spoke up.

“Since the Commander has arrived, I shall take my leave. Please take your time with your discussion.”

After casting a glance at Su Ming and receiving no particular signal, Chi Qian calmly exited the reception room.

The space now contained only Su Ming and Qin Qing, the air growing palpably still.

“Have a seat.”

Su Ming’s demeanor remained consistently casual as he settled into a chair and gestured toward the seat opposite him.

Qin Qing slowly sat down, facing Su Ming directly. While not quite a confrontation, the scene unmistakably resembled a negotiation table.

Indeed, her visit essentially constituted exactly that.

“Young Master Su,” Qin Qing maintained direct eye contact, speaking with sincerity. “You must be aware that my primary purpose here concerns Zijin’s situation.”

“Oh?” Su Ming arched an eyebrow, his expression hovering between amusement and skepticism. “Has the Qin Family decided to abandon little Zijin?”

“Young Master Su,” Qin Qing responded with a pained smile. “You know perfectly well that’s impossible.”

“If it’s impossible, then what remains to discuss?” Su Ming replied without surprise, his tone measured. “Your family refuses to release little Zijin, while I cannot stand idly by regarding her safety. This represents an irreconcilable conflict.”

“Unless one side yields, further discussion is pointless.”

“And I will not compromise, nor will your family.”

“So what else is there to say?”

Su Ming rose to his feet.

“Please inform your patriarch, Chief Qin, that Su Ming will visit the Qin Family at an appointed date.”

Having said this, he prepared to depart.

“Wait!” Qin Qing quickly stood and grasped his arm, her bitter smile deepening. “I haven’t finished speaking, Young Master Su. Please hear me out before making your decision.”

“Very well.” Su Ming frowned slightly before resuming his seat. “Let’s hear what the Qin Family proposes to do.”

Su Ming now possessed the confidence to speak so assertively.

The transformation he had undergone these past few days was so profound it astonished even himself.

Following this astonishment came an unshakable, deeply rooted self-assurance.

To put it bluntly, he now wielded power sufficient to disregard any threat, confront any faction, and effortlessly overturn any situation.

Consequently, the Qin Family’s existence no longer intimidated him.

Were he so inclined, he could visit the Qin Family at any moment and bring An Zijin away with him.Had Qin Qing not visited today, Su Ming would have likely gone to the Qin Family himself—either tonight or tomorrow—where he would have met Qin Qing.

However, by then, his attitude would not have been as calm or devoid of hostility as it was now.

Just as Su Ming had stated, this was the final conversation.

Whether he and the Qin Family would become enemies or allies hinged entirely on the outcome of this discussion.

Of course, Su Ming did not expect the conversation to go well.

As he had said before, there was a fundamental conflict between his wishes and the Qin Family’s.

Given that, it would be difficult for both sides to reach an agreement, and conflict seemed inevitable.

In any case, Su Ming had already mentally prepared himself to cause a scene at the Qin Family.

What Su Ming did not realize was that nothing in this world was absolute.

The outcome of this conversation would undoubtedly take him by surprise.

The reason was simple.

“The Qin Family will never abandon the grand plan we have pursued for a thousand years.”

Qin Qing reiterated this point, then quickly continued, as if to prevent Su Ming from losing his temper.

“However, after several days of family meetings, the Qin Family has unanimously concluded that there is no absolute necessity for us to be enemies with Young Master Su.”

Over the past few days, under Qin Yue’s leadership, the Qin Family had indeed held a lengthy family meeting, engaging in intense discussions.

Upon learning of the fundamental conflict between Su Ming and their family, some radical members argued that since they could not befriend Su Ming, they should eliminate this potential threat while he was still vulnerable.

Even if it meant offending the Guardian Deity, the Qin Family should not allow Su Ming, as an enemy, to continue growing, lest he become an even greater threat than the Guardian Deity in the future.

When faced with two evils, one must choose the lesser. Since the conflict between the Qin Family and Su Ming was irreconcilable, they had to act in a way that minimized losses.

This proposal gained support from many impassioned Qin Family elders but was strongly opposed by Qin Yue.

Qin Qing, who was also present, cast a dissenting vote.

However, unlike Qin Yue—who deeply recognized Su Ming’s capabilities and sought to avoid provoking him—Qin Qing’s reason for opposing was straightforward.

“If we harm Su Ming, Zijin will likely sever all ties with us, creating a major obstacle to the Qin Family’s thousand-year plan. I urge everyone to act wisely.”

With just this one statement, Qin Qing left the radical faction of the Qin Family speechless.

As high-ranking members of the Qin Family, they had gathered intelligence on Su Ming and An Zijin and were well aware of An Zijin’s feelings for him.

Thus, they knew Qin Qing’s words were not an empty threat.

If anything were to happen to Su Ming because of the Qin Family, An Zijin would undoubtedly develop a deep rift with them.

Even if they could force An Zijin to proceed with the plan—to adapt to the Phantom Demon Bloodline and become a Dual Professional—what would it achieve?

If An Zijin resisted fiercely and refused to cooperate, she might abandon the adaptation process altogether, allowing the Phantom Demon Potion’s power to ravage her body and undo all the Qin Family’s efforts over the years.If An Zijin were to succeed, after becoming a Dual Professional, this super prodigy—who possessed both the Nightmare Species Bloodline capable of reaching Seven-Star and was a natural-born Upper-Rank Sorcerer—would likely have potential comparable to Su Ming’s, wouldn’t she?

At that point, if she intended to harm the Qin Family, not only would the Qin Family suffer losses without gaining anything, but they would also have gained an enemy with terrifyingly extreme potential.

Such a grave threat forced even the radical elders of the Qin Family to seriously consider how to resolve the issue with Su Ming.

Finally, after several days of deliberation, everyone decided to make some compromises that would be beneficial without causing harm.

What were these beneficial and harmless compromises?

It was simple.

“Young Master Su opposes the Qin Family’s plan fundamentally because he’s worried Zijin can’t withstand the pitifully low success rate, right?” Qin Qing stated: “Then if we have a relatively high probability of allowing Zijin to successfully adapt to the Phantom Demon Bloodline and become a Dual Professional, Young Master Su would have no reason to oppose it, would he?”

Hearing this, Su Ming was momentarily stunned.

“Relatively high probability?” Su Ming fixed his intense gaze on Qin Qing and said: “Your Qin Family has a method to significantly increase the success rate of adapting to become a Dual Professional?”

Was this for real?

If the Qin Family truly had such a method, they wouldn’t have previously sacrificed several Spirit Bearers’ lives, repeatedly failing to produce Dual Professionals.

Though he thought this, Su Ming didn’t completely dismiss Qin Qing’s claim.

After all, he himself was a living example.

“First, I must apologize to Young Master Su,” Qin Qing said apologetically. “We’ve investigated you, so we have some understanding of your successful transformation into a Dual Professional.”

“Is that so?” Su Ming narrowed his eyes, unsurprised, and slowly responded: “To what extent have you understood?”

“We’ve learned that the time you became a Dual Professional was most likely during the Huaming Campaign in Longyao City,” Qin Qing observed Su Ming’s expression before continuing: “Our people found Master Shi Lin and used methods similar to hypnosis to extract some information.”

Su Ming remained silent, quietly watching Qin Qing.

This made Qin Qing somewhat uneasy, but she steeled herself and continued.

“From what we know, the main reason you successfully became a Dual Professional was because of the Verdant Potion, correct?”

The Verdant Potion—an alchemical concoction that can dramatically enhance the user’s adaptability.

With it, when taken alongside the Phantom Demon Potion, it could indeed significantly increase the adaptation rate to the Phantom Demon Bloodline.

Even for a Sorcerer wanting to become a Dual Professional, assistance from the Verdant Potion could greatly boost the success rate.

Back then, Su Ming indeed owed his successful adaptation to the Nightmare Species Bloodline and becoming a Dual Professional to that bottle of Verdant Potion.

Without the Verdant Potion, even Su Ming wouldn’t have dared to casually aspire to become a Dual Professional.

The Qin Family seemed to have investigated this matter.

“In the past, our Qin Family also searched for the Verdant Potion, but unfortunately, we never succeeded,” Qin Qing said. “The main Materials for the Verdant Potion are just too rare. Even the Qin Family, over these thousand years, has never managed to obtain them even once.”To concoct the Cyan-Green Potion, an extremely rare material is required.

This material is exceptionally scarce even within the Spirit Demon Abyss, and in the mortal world, it is practically unheard of. It is so rare that it might not appear for decades, or even centuries without a single trace.

Even if it does appear, it would be used by others immediately.

The potion can significantly enhance adaptability, allowing one to successfully assimilate the Phantom Demon Bloodline. This has made many individuals and factions crave this alchemical concoction.

Although the Qin Family is powerful and holds immense influence, obtaining such a precious natural treasure is still no easy feat for them.

But this time, the Qin Family had no choice but to strive for it.

“The Qin Family is willing to wait until we obtain the Cyan-Green Potion before proceeding to make Zijing a Dual Professional,” Qin Qing stated.

“I wonder if this arrangement satisfies you, Young Master Su?”

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(End of Chapter)