“Young Master!”
Kong Zhanghong suddenly burst into Bai Zihan’s courtyard, sweat on his face.
“What’s up?”
“Young Master, Han Shenwu is coming here!”
Kong Zhanghong said in a panicky voice.
It had only been one day since Bai Zihan asked him about Han Shenwu, and now the man himself was coming to his door.
“Oh!”
(He really came himself?)
Bai Zihan didn’t actually expect Han Shenwu to show up, even though he did tell his minion to have him come in person.
Soon enough, Han Shenwu arrived with his lackeys, including Yuan Jie, whom Bai Zihan had met yesterday.
Kong Zhanghong looked nervously between Han Shenwu and Bai Zihan as they drew closer, panic clear on his face.
“You must be Bai Zihan!”
Han Shenwu said, staring straight into Bai Zihan’s eyes.
“And you must be Han… something!”
Bai Zihan replied, keeping his gaze steady on Han Shenwu.
“YOU!”
One of Han Shenwu’s lackeys erupted in anger at the blatant disrespect.
But Han Shenwu raised his hand, silencing the man, his expression calm.
“Han Shenwu! That’s my name.”
Han Shenwu introduced himself without a hint of anger.
Bai Zihan was pleasantly surprised that Han Shenwu could still keep his cool after being disrespected.
Whether he was genuinely good-tempered or just desperately wanted something from Bai Zihan was still unclear.
But at least he was better than Shen Liang, who would rather focus on his fragile ego than look at the bigger picture.
“Oh, sorry, I forgot. So, Han Shenwu, what brings you here?”
Bai Zihan asked casually.
“If possible, I would like to have a private conversation with you.”
“Be my guest!”
Bai Zihan didn’t see any problem with listening to what Han Shenwu had to say.
If he had any tricks planned, well, he better have the strength to back them up.
With his current strength, there weren’t many people of his generation Bai Zihan feared.
Bai Zihan gestured for Han Shenwu to follow him inside.
They entered the main hall of his courtyard, where Bai Zihan casually sat down on a comfortable chair, leaning back with a relaxed expression.
Han Shenwu, maintaining his composure, chose the seat opposite him.
Kong Zhanghong and the other lackeys were left outside, the door shutting with a soft click, leaving the two young men alone.
Han Shenwu was the first to break the silence.
“Straight to the point, Bai Zihan,” Han Shenwu’s voice was calm, but there was a sharp edge beneath it.
“What do you really seek?”
Bai Zihan raised an eyebrow.
“Power!”
He answered without a moment’s hesitation.
“What else is worth seeking?”
In this world, as long as one is powerful, there is nothing one cannot obtain—from fame to wealth.
Even one’s lifespan depends entirely on cultivation. One could even achieve immortality if they reach the pinnacle of cultivation.
So, shouldn’t everyone desire true power?
Han Shenwu chuckled, the corners of his lips curling into a smile.
“Haha… Of course! Power is everything in this world. Strength, status, influence—it all comes down to power. The strong dictate the fate of the weak.”
“I’m glad you understand that.”
“Which is why I’m here.” Han Shenwu leaned forward, his gaze sharp and calculating.
“I’m here to invite you to join me—or rather, to join the faction led by my father.”
Bai Zihan’s expression didn’t change, but now he knew the purpose of Han Shenwu’s visit.
“If you join us,” Han Shenwu continued, a confident smile on his face, “you’ll have my support, and my father’s as well. Resources, cultivation techniques, allies—though I know you may not need them. But there’s one thing we can guarantee you—your future as the Clan Leader of the Bai Clan.”
Han Shenwu had clearly done his homework. Even though Bai Zihan was the heir to the Bai Clan, his position was anything but secure.
Threats surrounded him from all sides.
And in powerful clans like the Bai Clan, heirs could be replaced.
Without solid support from within and outside the clan, becoming the Clan Leader was never guaranteed.
Han Shenwu was essentially offering himself as an outside ally—a force that could tilt the balance in Bai Zihan’s favor when needed.
“I know there are many who are dissatisfied with you in the Bai Clan. Enemies who would love to see you fail. Your cousin Bai Xinyue, for one.”
Han Shenwu’s confidence was clear. He had done his research, and he knew about the grudge between Bai Zihan and Bai Xinyue, even if he didn’t know the full details.
But one thing was certain—Bai Xinyue was a major threat to Bai Zihan’s future, not just because of her talent but because of her influence.
“How about this? If you agree to join me, I will take care of Bai Xinyue for you!”
Han Shenwu offered, his voice filled with confidence.
At that, Bai Zihan’s calm demeanor broke. He leaned back in his chair and burst into laughter, his voice echoing around the room.
“Hahaha… You take care of Bai Xinyue?” he managed between laughs. “You… you think you can deal with Bai Xinyue for me? Haha!”
To Bai Zihan, this was hilarious. Han Shenwu was just a nobody at best—a stepping stone for protagonists.
Meanwhile, Bai Xinyue was a Five-Star Heaven’s Chosen, a child seemingly favored by the heavens themselves.
Sure, Han Shenwu had some influence, and his father’s support meant he could rally some elders.
But against Heaven’s Chosen? Against someone with the Heavenly Phoenix Constitution?
Heaven’s Chosen had countless trump cards.
Even a One-Star Heaven’s Chosen almost killed him.
So thinking a Five-Star Heaven’s Chosen like Bai Xinyue could be dealt with so easily was laughable.
The idea of Han Shenwu thinking he could “take care” of Bai Xinyue was like a child boasting about catching a dragon.
Han Shenwu’s smile faltered for just a moment before he quickly recovered.
“I know about the grudge between you two. It’s not exactly a secret. With our faction’s power, we can easily take care of her.”
Bai Zihan’s laughter gradually faded, and he gave Han Shenwu an almost pitying look.
“You really don’t get it, do you? Bai Xinyue isn’t someone you can just ’take care of.’ If you really think you can, then maybe I’d consider your proposal.”
Though he said that, Bai Zihan didn’t think it was possible, nor was he interested in any of the things Han Shenwu mentioned.
After all, his concept of power and Han Shenwu were completely different.
To Han Shenwu, power seemed to be limited to status.
But Bai Zihan didn’t care much.
Bai Clan Leader? Was his goal really that small?
Such a temporary and insignificant title meant little to him.
Not that he didn’t enjoy his status as the Heir, but even without it, Bai Zihan didn’t think much would change.
He didn’t need such temporary, illusory power.
What he wanted was absolute strength—a strength that could make even Heaven bend to his will.
Han Shenwu’s expression hardened slightly at the way Bai Zihan was looking down on him. But at the same time, there was a hint of hope.
If Bai Zihan believed that Bai Xinyue was such a problem, then all Han Shenwu needed to do was prove his faction could neutralize her.
He didn’t particularly care about Bai Zihan’s strength, despite the recent rumors.
What he wanted was Bai Zihan’s status—the position of heir to the Bai Clan, a seat of power with massive potential.
“Okay then!! I’ll deal with Bai Xinyue for you, and in return, you will seriously consider joining my father’s faction.”