Brian Zane smiled and said, “That depends on the situation. Choosing between one death and the extermination of his entire clan—he’ll make that choice easily.”

As he spoke, Brian Zane continued, “Although his kind of fearless courage is indeed rare, the reason he’s unafraid of death is simply because he’s calm enough to willingly face it. For someone this calm, as long as he understands one thing—that I can wipe out the entire Qian clan—he’ll definitely obey.”

“The reason leverage is leverage is because only we know about it. This time, I’ll have Eric Lane personally go over and oversee things, set up a false trail. We can’t let the Song family get their hands on this leverage, nor let him think he can use the Song family to save his life.”

“If it were the old Song family head, it would be easy to handle. Though he was ruthless in his youth, he’s old now—his spirit is weak, and he lacks resolve. But this young Terry Song is truly a formidable and bold character.”

After a pause, Brian Zane finally said, “Actually, I still can’t figure him out. I need to be more cautious.”

Old Butler nodded and said, “This old servant understands.”

Chapter 007: All Trades Are Inferior

Morning.

Brian Zane took a deep breath and slowly exhaled.

He could no longer cultivate the techniques of Jusheng Mountain, and could only use the most basic Qi-nourishing formula to maintain a breath of true Qi.

However, his dantian had been pierced years ago, and the injury had never healed. Now, even if he switched to another technique, he could never again break through to a realm above Qi-nourishing.

The spot that was pierced was about seventy percent up from the bottom.

It was like a bucket filled with water, ten units high, but with a hole at the seven-unit mark.

From then on, the water in the bucket could only ever reach up to seven units high.

No matter how much Brian Zane cultivated, the true Qi in his body could only ever retain seventy percent of the peak Qi-nourishing realm.

Any further cultivation and accumulation of true Qi would simply overflow and dissipate.

But today was different.

“This ancient book is truly a rare find.”

The ancient book in Brian Zane’s hand was none other than the classic passed down by Frank Ford Sr..

It was a travelogue, telling the story of a young Daoist’s wandering journey.

But hidden within was a spell.

Most people would only see the story.

As a cultivator, Brian Zane saw a formula on the very first page, which was why he was willing to pay twenty taels of silver to buy the ancient book from Frank Ford.

“The formula is broken up and woven into the story.”

“The author is indeed quite accomplished.”

“I spent two days and one night to finally sort out the hidden formula in this book.”

Looking at the formula he had already copied down, Brian Zane muttered to himself, “This Daoist art will be of great use to me.”

This formula was not a cultivation technique, but a Daoist art.

Not particularly advanced, but extremely rare.

The art was called the Primordial Unity Qi Sword.

Store Qi in the abdomen, accumulate it in the center, and after a long time, use it—passing through twelve levels, the Qi becomes as sharp as a sword, and with a single breath, one can kill.

Every time Brian Zane practiced the Qi-nourishing formula, his Qi would overflow and be wasted. But with this Daoist art, he could store the excess Qi in his body and, when needed, spit it out as sharp as a sword—giving him a measure of self-defense.

“The longer it’s stored, the stronger it becomes.”

“What a pleasant surprise.”

Brian Zane was in a great mood. With a mere thought, the young dragon in his sleeve stirred slightly, poking its head out, its eyes lively.

…

“Master.” Old Mr. White’s voice came from outside the room.

“What is it?” Brian Zane’s voice drifted out slowly.

“There is a guest visiting, bringing an ancient book and three rare herbs.”

“What price do they offer?”

“They do not seek gold or silver.”

“What do they want?”

“In Yancheng, Mr. Turner Sr.’s son, relying on his own talent, offended the Prefect. He wishes for you to intercede on his behalf.”

“That’s no small matter,” Brian Zane said slowly. “But no matter how big or small, there’s always a way to resolve things. It just depends on whether his ancient book and rare herbs are valuable enough.”

“This old servant will invite them into the manor at once.”

…

At the foot of the mountain.

Mr. Turner Sr. and his son were waiting.

Both father and son were dressed in luxurious clothes.

Mr. Turner Sr. was over fifty, with the bearing of a wealthy man. His only son, not yet twenty, had an arrogant look between his brows.

Behind them stood several servants, each holding an item.

“Mr. Thirteen’s fondness for ancient books is well known. If you want him to do something, you must cater to his interests. I hope this ancient book and these three herbs are enough for Mr. Thirteen to write a letter on your behalf,” Mr. Turner Sr. said with a complicated expression, sighing.

“This man is so unreasonable. Our family is acquainted with him, and asking him to write a letter is just a matter of a few strokes of the brush, yet he demands our ancient book and rare herbs as a gift,” the young man complained.

“When seeking help, it’s only right to bring a generous gift. Besides, Mr. Thirteen is a businessman—it’s just a transaction,” Mr. Turner Sr. sighed. “You’ve offended someone and your path forward is blocked. Whether you have any hope for an official career now depends on whether Mr. Thirteen is willing to accept.”

“He’s just a mere merchant,” the young man scoffed. “All trades are inferior; only studying is noble. When I rise to high office in the future, and become a top-ranking official, I’ll make him return everything he’s taken from our family, one way or another.”