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Keep it up, Host!

Just after Zhang Qiming had mastered the Arrow-Breaking Technique, Zhang Nian immediately offered to let him test it on him. Zhang Qiming gladly accepted, and seeing the newly updated task prompt, he knew that his recent slash and chop had thoroughly convinced Zhang Nian of his skill.

"Looks like my good grandson finally knows who’s boss now."

The young guy next to Zhang Qiming glanced at him, unfazed by his ridiculous self-praise. Both of them were orphans, and they naturally clung together for support in the Zhang Clan’s territory, so they spent a lot of time together. Over the years, the young man had long since grown used to Zhang Qiming's thick-skinned personality.

"That slash just now... it looked a lot like the former clan leader’s style."

Hearing this, Zhang Qiming was a bit surprised. Could it be that the former clan leader had also practiced the Qi family's blade techniques? It wouldn’t be too surprising; after all, the Zhang family had long lifespans, and this technique, dating back to a famed general of the Ming Dynasty, might not seem that ancient to them. After all, the Zhang family had been guarding their ultimate secret since the Warring States period.

"Your blade… not bad."

Seeing the rare compliment from the young guy, Zhang Qiming felt a bit pleased.

"Like it? Well, I’m not giving it to you."

The young guy shot him a blank look, knowing Zhang Qiming’s cheeky nature well enough not to get annoyed by his teasing, and continued walking deeper into the Zhang fortress. Meanwhile, Zhang Jiuri jogged over.

"Zhang Qiming, where’d you get that blade?"

Zhang Qiming shot him a glance. "Why, you want it?"

Zhang Jiuri shook his head. "Nah, I don’t need your blade. You found that treasure out in the wild. My scorpion darts are enough for me. But I’m curious how you dodged Zhang Nian’s dart just now."

He had seen the young guy turn back suddenly, and although he’d tried to catch up, he wasn’t as fast. By the time he arrived, Zhang Qiming had already slashed the dart out of the air, and the young guy was blocking Zhang Nian from above.

"Oh, want to learn, huh?" Zhang Qiming smirked.

Zhang Jiuri nodded, and Zhang Qiming continued, "Alright, call me Big Brother, and I’ll teach you. Easy enough, right?"

Zhang Jiuri rolled his eyes. "Pfft, you’re younger than me, and you want me to call you Big Brother? Keep dreaming."

With that, he walked off, still admiringly trailing after the young guy. Although the young guy didn’t speak to him much, it was still better than being near Zhang Qiming, who only took advantage of him.

Following along, Zhang Haixing had overheard the conversation between Zhang Qiming and Zhang Jiuri.

"Wow, you’re stingy. It’s just a blade technique—why make such a big deal?"

Zhang Qiming chuckled. "Hey, since you’re so generous, how about you teach me something, Haixing?"

Among the group, Zhang Haixing was known for her speed, Zhang Jiuri for his fighting skills, Zhang Nian for his hidden weapons, and Zhang Haike for his leadership and versatility. But Zhang Haixing had already seen Zhang Qiming’s abilities in action, and he was clearly faster and more skilled than them. She paused, realizing she really didn’t have much to teach him.

"Ugh, you’re just picking the easy targets."

"Why don’t you go ask that young guy to teach you something?"

Zhang Qiming shrugged. "Does he look like someone who’s great at chatting?"

Looking ahead, Zhang Haixing noticed Zhang Jiuri circling the young guy, trying to strike up a conversation, but the young guy remained silent, making the scene somewhat funny.

"Compared to him, you’re at least relatively normal," Zhang Haixing remarked, finding Zhang Qiming more agreeable by the moment.

"See, Haixing? Now you’re starting to see my good side."

Zhang Haixing frowned. She was a year older than Zhang Qiming, but she didn’t like him calling her “big sister.”

"Don’t call me big sister. It sounds weird."

Seeing her a bit bashful, Zhang Qiming chuckled. This girl was probably warming up to him already. After all, girls from this generation tended to be conservative, and little gestures like offering help could be a winning move.

"Oh, by the way, you could’ve waited outside, so why’d you come in to save us?"

To change the subject, Zhang Haixing asked, expecting him to say something about the Zhang family looking after each other. But unexpectedly, Zhang Qiming pulled out an old, nearly disintegrated sketch.

Zhang Haixing could just make out three stick figures on it, simple yet clearly smiling, like a family portrait.

"I found this at the entrance of the first tomb. You know, I drew this when I was six."

Zhang Qiming gazed ahead. His face showed no emotion, but Zhang Haixing sensed a hint of sadness. Growing up together in the Zhang Clan grounds, she knew his background well.

"Are you saying your parents once came here on a mission?"

Zhang Qiming nodded, then shook his head. "I’m not sure. This sketch is definitely mine, but I didn’t find my parents’ bodies."

He smiled suddenly. "So maybe my parents are still alive, right?"

Zhang Haixing wasn’t sure what to say. Both her parents were alive, and she even had a brother, so she couldn’t truly understand how Zhang Qiming felt. But she still hoped he could be happy.

"Yes, I hope you can reunite with them soon. I think they’re still out there."

Meanwhile, Zhang Nian, following behind, glanced toward Zhang Qiming and Zhang Haixing with displeasure. It wasn’t because he liked Zhang Haixing; he simply didn’t like seeing Zhang Qiming happy.

"Look, your sister’s getting close to Zhang Qiming," Zhang Nian said slyly, revealing his talent for stirring up trouble.

"Mind your own business! Walk properly!" Zhang Haike, Zhang Haixing’s older brother, clearly disliked seeing his sister close to Zhang Qiming. Zhang Qiming was the family’s underdog, so what future could she have with him?

"It’s pitiful, really. Your sister’s practically falling for him, and here you are, still following behind like a fool. Are you hoping that kid and Zhang Qiming will lead us out?"

Zhang Haike punched him. "If you keep stirring the pot, I’ll shut you up for good."

Zhang Nian glared at him, wiped the blood from his mouth, and continued following the group in silence.

"So, are we looking for the Sky Staff, or the way out?" Zhang Haike asked, catching up to Zhang Haixing. He gave Zhang Qiming a hostile look.

Naturally, Zhang Qiming wasn’t going to back down, so he glared back.

"What’s up with you two…?" Zhang Haixing looked back and forth, caught in the middle of their silent battle, utterly clueless.