My Ares Son-in-Law

"Ni Lin..."

Qin Fang's pupils suddenly contracted, his body swayed, and he almost stood up from his chair!
He remained silent for a long time, the shock on his face gradually fading, replaced by a complex solemnity.

Finally, he let out a long sigh, as if he had unloaded a burden that had weighed on his heart for hundreds of years, and slowly said, "Since Mr. Xiao has already found out to this extent... this old man dares not hide anything."

"This matter is indeed true."

“My Qin family ancestors were collateral descendants of Master Qin Tie, and the forging tradition of this lineage of the Qin family is indeed inherited from the ancient methods of Master Qin Tie.”

He paused, looking troubled. "As for the remaining Starfall Cold Iron and Seven Luminaries Gold Essence from back then... to be honest, Mr. Xiao, these items were indeed personally managed by successive clan leaders, hidden in the clan's forbidden area, and regarded as heirlooms, with extraordinary significance."

"Let alone outsiders, even ordinary members of the clan rarely get to see one."

"The current clan leader is strong-willed and stubborn. He is a person who strictly adheres to ancestral teachings and values ​​the family's heritage more than his own life."

Qin Fang shook his head, his tone tinged with helplessness, "Trying to get this item from him is like pulling teeth from a tiger's mouth, it's harder than climbing to heaven."

Xiao Chen sensed the reluctance and difficulty in his words, but his expression remained unchanged. His fingertips tapped lightly on the smooth tabletop, making soft "tap, tap" sounds, each sound like a tap on Qin Fang's heartstrings: "What if we barter?"

He raised his eyes, his gaze sharp as a sword: "The Qin family has been passed down to this day, and all it seeks is for the family to prosper and for its lineage to continue."

"I may possess something that might catch the eye of Patriarch Qin... perhaps a method to elevate the Qin family's weapon-forging skills to a higher level."

"Or perhaps, it's enough to give the Qin family a firm foothold in the provincial capital and the confidence to face any suppression from any force."

Upon hearing this, a violent fluctuation flashed in Qin Fang's eyes!

Hesitation, longing, fear... a mix of emotions swirled in his eyes.

He knew that Xiao Chen was mysterious and unpredictable, possessing many incredible abilities, and might actually be able to produce something that would tempt the clan leader.

But he knew the clan chief's temperament all too well... He was an old stubborn man who wouldn't listen to reason and only believed in ancestral precepts.

The aroma of tea in the private room seemed to grow even more intense.

"What Mr. Xiao said...is not without merit."

Qin Fang stroked his beard and pondered, "In the end, large families cannot escape the balance of interests when they act."

"However... I am ultimately just a collateral branch of the Qin family, and my words carry little weight."

"I am not entirely sure whether the clan chief is willing to see you."

"Furthermore, the annual clan meeting is currently underway, and clan affairs are numerous and complicated. The clan leader and elders have been discussing matters for days on end, so I'm afraid they won't have time to spare..."

"It doesn't matter."

Xiao Chen interrupted him calmly, his tone undisturbed, "Manager Qin only needs to make an introduction for me. Whether it succeeds or not is up to fate. I will not force it."

"Even if it doesn't work out today, Xiao Chen will still appreciate Manager Qin's honesty."

Seeing Xiao Chen's resolute attitude and earnest words, Qin Fang stopped trying to persuade him and finally nodded: "In that case... I will do my best to try."

"Mr. Xiao, please wait a moment while I make arrangements."

...

About half an hour later, in the western suburbs of the provincial capital.

A vast complex of traditional Chinese garden buildings stands quietly amidst the bustling city.

With its white walls and black tiles, upturned eaves, and sprawling courtyards nestled among meticulously tended exotic flowers and plants, a winding stream flows through the area, and rockeries and pavilions are scattered in a harmonious arrangement. The courtyards possess both the grandeur of a noble mansion and the refined tranquility accumulated over centuries. At this moment, due to the annual clan gathering, people move about the garden, and the faint sounds of conversation can be heard, adding a touch of solemnity and liveliness unlike any other day.

Qin Fang led Xiao Chen through the winding garden paths to the gate of a relatively independent and heavily guarded courtyard.

This is the core area of ​​the Qin family. At the entrance, two burly men dressed in black stand like javelins, their figures upright, their aura calm and powerful, their eyes sharp as eagles, scanning everyone who approaches, exuding a wary vigilance that keeps strangers at bay.

“Two deacons,”

Qin Fang stepped forward quickly, cupped his hands in greeting, and said respectfully, "I am Qin Fang from the ancient city. I have important matters to report to the clan leader. Please inform him."

The square-faced deacon on the left glanced at Qin Fang, then at Xiao Chen behind him... The young man was dressed in simple casual clothes, but he had an extraordinary air about him. However, he was too young, which made Qin Fang frown subconsciously. He spoke in a cold and distant tone: "Manager Qin, the clan leader is discussing the core matters of the clan council with the elders. He specifically instructed that we should not disturb him during this time."

"If there is anything, you can inform us first, and the clan leader will report it to you when he has time."

Qin Fang quickly replied, "It's not official clan business. This Mr. Xiao has something important to discuss with the clan leader. It concerns... a family matter, and it's very important."

He carefully chose his words, not daring to mention the forging materials directly, for fear of attracting attention.

"Mr. Xiao?"

The square-faced deacon's gaze fell on Xiao Chen again, his scrutiny even more intense.

So young, yet Qin Fang is so respectful in introducing him, he must have some background, but what kind of status does the clan leader have?

How could just any young man possibly meet the helmsman of the Qin family, a family that has been passed down for hundreds of years?

Especially during clan gatherings that concern the future of the family.

"Manager Qin,"

Another round-faced deacon spoke impatiently, his tone clearly dismissive, "During the clan assembly, it is strictly forbidden to bring outsiders into the core area. This is a rule set by our ancestors."

"Besides, the clan leader is busy with countless affairs of state, in charge of the rise and fall of the entire clan. How could he have time to meet with an unknown junior?"

"If there is nothing else important, please go back and don't delay our duty."

The implication of dismissing him was undisguised in his words, even carrying a hint of condescending arrogance.

Qin Fang's face stiffened slightly, and he looked embarrassed, but he didn't dare to make a scene... These two stewards were both trusted confidants of the clan leader. Although their status was not top-notch, they were not people that a member of a collateral branch could easily offend.

He awkwardly retreated to Xiao Chen's side and said with a wry smile, "Mr. Xiao, you see... today is really unfortunate."

"How about we arrange another day, after the clan gathering, when I can find an opportunity to introduce you?"

Xiao Chen remained calm and showed no anger at the gatekeeper's negligence.

He never expected to meet the Qin family patriarch so easily. It was normal for a family of this caliber to have strict rules and extremely high entry requirements.

Just as he was about to nod in agreement to leave, the heavy, black lacquered wooden door behind him creaked open slowly from the inside.

A slender figure walked out gracefully with light yet dignified steps.

She was a woman who was about twenty-three or twenty-four years old.

Wearing a moon-white modified cheongsam with a few elegant orchids embroidered on the neckline, the well-tailored fabric accentuated her slender waist and long, straight legs, perfectly showcasing the gentleness and curves of an Eastern woman.

Her long, jet-black hair wasn't styled into an elaborate bun; it was simply loosely held up with a single jade hairpin, a few stray strands falling beside her neck, adding a touch of languid charm. (End of Chapter)