At this moment, within an elegantly antique study in the Montgomary Palace.
Eugene Montgomary, the Prince of a different surname, was personally pouring tea for two young people.
The atmosphere here was completely different from outside—less of the Palace's imposing majesty, more of the caution and courtesy one shows when facing superiors.
Qin Hao remained expressionless, only giving a slight nod at Eugene Montgomary's attentiveness.
Qin Xue held up her teacup and gently inhaled the tea's fragrance. Her posture was elegant, yet carried a natural aloofness.
"The tea is quite good." Qin Xue took a sip, quite satisfied.
"This is Tianshan Spirit Tea, extremely rare. If the two esteemed ones enjoy it, I'll immediately have some prepared for you." Eugene Montgomary smiled.
"Prince Montgomary need not be so courteous." Qin Hao set down his teacup and got straight to the point: "Our time is limited. Have you considered what we discussed last time?"
Eugene Montgomary spoke solemnly: "To receive the Qin family's favor is an enormous fortune for me. However... I still have one doubt in my heart. I wonder if I may ask it."
"Speak." Qin Hao's expression remained unchanged.
"The Qin family has been passed down for a thousand years, transcending worldly affairs, cultivating immortality and seeking the Dao, never concerning yourselves with the rise and fall of mortal dynasties. Why have you chosen me, intending to interfere in the matter of the Dragon Kingdom's throne?" Eugene Montgomary's gaze was sincere, yet concealed a sharp glint, attempting to catch any flicker of emotion from the other party.
Qin Hao and Qin Xue exchanged a glance. Qin Xue shook her head lightly.
Qin Hao turned his gaze back to Eugene Montgomary, his eyes deep as an ancient well: "This is not something you should concern yourself with. You only need to know that the Qin family acts with reason. If you're willing, the Qin family will help you ascend to the supreme position, enjoying ten years of ultimate worldly power. In exchange, for those ten years, you must follow the Qin family's commands and work for our clan. If you're unwilling..."
He paused, his tone flat yet heavy as a thousand pounds: "The Qin family can also support someone else. I hear the Dragon Kingdom's three princes each have their own merits. We could simply choose any one of them. What is a lifelong pursuit for you is merely switching to a slightly more troublesome chess piece for the Qin family."
Eugene Montgomary's heart trembled, cold sweat instantly seeping from his back.
The indifference and absolute control in the other party's tone made him truly feel the terror of a thousand-year hidden clan.
In their eyes, so-called royalty and power were perhaps truly no different from ants.
He immediately abandoned all thoughts of probing and bowed: "Young Master Qin speaks too seriously. To receive the Qin family's regard is already the greatest honor for me. How could I dare have any more doubts? Everything shall be as the Qin family commands. I am willing to do everything in my power to serve the Qin family!"
Only then did a faint trace of a smile appear on Qin Hao's face: "Very good. Prince Montgomary is a wise man. Cooperating with wise men is always pleasant."
He flicked his finger lightly, and a token carved with strange cloud patterns silently landed on the table before Eugene Montgomary.
"This is both a token of faith and a means of contact. When we need you to do something, we will inform you through it. There's no need to contact us on your own initiative normally—just do what you should do. In particular, take care not to attract attention, and do not provoke people you shouldn't provoke."
This last sentence, Qin Hao spoke with deep meaning.
Eugene Montgomary held up the slightly cool token with both hands, feeling it weigh as heavy as Mount Tai. He said repeatedly: "Yes, I understand! I will remember this well!"
"For now, just stabilize your situation and secretly accumulate strength. When the time comes, we will naturally tell you the next step." Having finished speaking, Qin Hao rose along with Qin Xue.
Without any visible movement, their figures faded like wisps of smoke, disappearing from the study as if they had never been there.
Eugene Montgomary stood in place holding the token for a long time before slowly straightening up, his eyes becoming complicated.
The Qin family, who had remained hidden from the world, suddenly interfering in royal affairs—whether this was fortune or disaster, he could not tell.
However, with the supreme position right before his eyes, he had no reason to refuse.
As long as he could obtain the Qin family's support, he could rule the Dragon Kingdom, even the entire world.
Knock, knock, knock...
At that moment, there was a knock at the door.
"Enter."
Eugene Montgomary composed himself.
Soon, Mark Montgomary pushed open the door and entered, bowing to Eugene Montgomary: "Foster Father, the task you assigned has been completed."
"Very good. You've worked hard." Eugene Montgomary nodded.
"To serve Foster Father, how could it be hard work? I just don't understand—why would a small Chenfei Group warrant Foster Father's attention?" Mark Montgomary found it rather strange.
"Suppressing Chenfei Group was not my intention. I was also acting on someone's orders." Eugene Montgomary said lightly.
"Oh?" Mark Montgomary was startled: "Who in this world could give orders to you, Foster Father?"
"Have you heard of the Qin family?" Eugene Montgomary suddenly asked.
"The Qin family?" Mark Montgomary was slightly taken aback, then seemed to recall something, his expression suddenly becoming grave: "Is the Qin family Foster Father speaks of that legendary immortal cultivation clan that remains hidden from the world?"
"Correct." Eugene Montgomary nodded: "The Qin family has been passed down for a thousand years. Very few know of them. If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I too would not have believed that immortal cultivation clans still exist in this world."
"Foster Father means the Qin family has already approached you?" Mark Montgomary's face showed astonishment.
"Mm..." Eugene Montgomary did not conceal anything: "The Qin family sent envoys, saying they want to support my ascension. But the price is that for ten years, I must follow the Qin family's commands."
"Did you agree?" Mark Montgomary asked tentatively.
If one could ascend to the throne, working for the Qin family wouldn't be unacceptable.
"Of course." Eugene Montgomary nodded: "If I don't agree, they'll support someone else. At that point, our Montgomary Palace would face catastrophe. An immortal cultivation clan is not something we can afford to offend."
"Foster Father is wise!" Mark Montgomary clasped his hands.
"I'm getting old. Even if I take the supreme position, I won't enjoy glory for many years. When that time comes, everything I have will be yours. So from now on, you must do your work well and absolutely must not make any mistakes." Eugene Montgomary instructed.
"Rest assured, Foster Father. Your son will absolutely not disappoint you!" Mark Montgomary's face showed delight.
Finally, the time had come!
This was a once-in-a-millennium opportunity!
If he could bypass Eugene Montgomary and make direct contact with the Qin family, might there be a different outcome?
– Marinien
Comments