Volume One: Storms over the Small Town Chapter 38: The Final Settlement (Part 1)

The world only knew that there were spatial turbulences within the Dragon Burial Abyss, and that these chaotic flows vanished once every century, but no one knew why they appeared or disappeared. Yet, this seemingly unreliable system knew all of it?

Hey, you useless system, are you just making things up?

Zhang Heng was deeply suspicious.

Ding. If the host does not believe, you may choose not to go. However, whether Dugu Bai and Qian Muyun will let you go, this system cannot guarantee.

The mechanical voice of the "Super Golden Thigh System" rang out.

Zhang Heng now seriously doubted the reliability of this damned system, but he had no choice but to trust it. The system was right—if he didn’t give Dugu Bai and Qian Muyun an explanation, he might meet a miserable end.

Upon returning to the Zhang family, after inquiring about Zhang Lie’s residence, Zhang Heng decided to visit the old man first. After all, the old man was his grandfather and had once saved his life.

Outside the house, Zhang Heng saw his uncle Zhang Qingcang drinking and discussing philosophy in the courtyard with a middle-aged man. That must be Murong Hai, Murong Qingxue’s father. The man was tall and handsome; no wonder Murong Qingxue was so beautiful.

Zhang Heng approached the two, cupping his hands in greeting. “Nephew Zhang Heng greets Uncle and Uncle Murong.”

“Come, get up,” Murong Hai said, reaching out to help Zhang Heng rise.

Seeing Zhang Heng return safely, Zhang Qingcang finally let out a long-held breath. “Heng’er, are you alright?” he asked with genuine concern.

“Uncle, I’m fine now,” Zhang Heng replied as he stood.

“Please, you two carry on. I’ll go visit Grandfather first.” Time was short, and he had to settle all matters quickly.

“As you should, go on,” Zhang Qingcang encouraged him, relieved to see Zhang Heng’s affection for the family was deeper than he’d feared.

Zhang Heng bowed slightly to the two before turning away.

Inside the house, an old man sat on the bed, drinking wine—and, shockingly, picking at his feet.

Just as he’d expected. He always knew the old man wasn’t exactly dignified.

Approaching Zhang Lie, Zhang Heng, though unwilling, prepared to pay his respects. But Zhang Lie hoisted him up without ceremony.

“Boy, don’t be so formal.”

As Zhang Lie’s hand touched him, Zhang Heng felt nothing but disgust—it was the same hand that had just been picking his feet.

Seeing Zhang Heng’s displeasure, Zhang Lie grinned mischievously. “Kid, I told you I’m your grandfather. See? I wasn’t lying.”

So this was the Zhang family’s number one?

No matter what, the old man had once saved his life, so he decided to be courteous.

“Um, Grandfather, since you’re injured, perhaps you shouldn’t drink,” Zhang Heng said helplessly.

At these words, Zhang Lie became agitated, clutching Zhang Heng’s collar. “Do you even know what kind of pill you gave me?”

“A fourth-tier Clear Spirit Pill! Even selling the whole Zhang family couldn’t buy one, and you just gave it to me like that? What a waste! Sure, my body’s healed, but my heart is broken,” Zhang Lie lamented.

It was Zhang Heng who should be heartbroken—he’d given away a fourth-tier Clear Mind Pill, and now he’d have to compensate Murong Qingxue as well. Two pills, gone just like that.

Forget it, he wouldn’t argue.

“Grandfather, I came to say goodbye and to thank you for saving my life,” Zhang Heng said solemnly.

Zhang Lie was taken aback, then smiled. “You little rascal, I’m your grandfather. Saving you is only right.”

He paused, gazing at Zhang Heng with gravity. “A man’s ambition should reach far and wide—Liunan City is far too small.”

He raised the wine flask and took a swig. “Remember, whatever happens, keeping yourself alive is the most important thing.”

Zhang Heng truly was leaving.

Having returned from the Dragon Burial Abyss, he was preparing to travel elsewhere. Liunan City was too small, and the martial artists here were weak—no one could aid his cultivation. Staying would only waste precious time.

Only by venturing out into the vast world could he encounter true powerhouses, change his fate, and make use of his all-knowing system.

Perhaps, one day, when he was weary, he would return to this little city and live out his days as the young master of a small clan, enjoying a leisurely life...

Since he had no intention of returning soon, he needed to settle everything before his departure, leaving with no regrets.

Outside, Zhang Qingcang and Murong Hai were still in the courtyard. Zhang Heng walked toward them.

“Uncle Murong, please accept a bow from Zhang Heng,” he said, kneeling and bowing deeply to Murong Hai.

Murong Hai was a good man, and from now on, the Zhang family would depend on him. Most importantly, he might even become his father-in-law one day—this bow was well worth it.

“Heng’er, quickly, get up,” Murong Hai said, hurriedly helping him up. Once Zhang Heng was standing, Murong Hai praised him, “Well done, Heng’er. Your deeds surpass even your father’s—you truly are his son.”

Zhang Heng replied earnestly, “Your nephew is unworthy. In the future, the Zhang family must rely on Uncle’s guidance and care.”

Murong Hai grew slightly angry. “Your uncle and I are as close as brothers. His affairs are my affairs. If you say that, you treat me as an outsider.”

Zhang Heng poured a cup of wine and presented it to Murong Hai. “Uncle, I meant no such thing. I will punish myself with this cup.”

Though he had never drunk in his previous life, this cup was necessary—to cut ties.

Seeing his sincerity, Murong Hai nodded in satisfaction.

“Heng’er, you possess remarkable bearing and a calmness far beyond your peers. You face even the most powerful adversaries with composure. In the future, your name will surely resound throughout the world,” he said.

He sighed. “Alas, it’s a pity things between you and Qingxue must come to nothing.”

At the mention of Murong Qingxue, Zhang Heng felt a pang. She was now the Saintess of Linglong, while he was but a first-stage body refiner—a nobody.

If he ever wished to win her, the road ahead was still long.

“Uncle, Miss Qingxue is a woman of extraordinary destiny. Perhaps she will one day stand atop the continent as a great leader. It is enough for me to have met her—I dare not hope for more,” Zhang Heng said quietly.

“Yet you, Uncle, as her father, will one day be revered by all cultivators. And yet, at such a critical time, you come to assist the Zhang family. This integrity commands my deepest respect.”

Murong Hai laughed. “I am old now and have no grand ambitions. I can only do what little I can. The world belongs to you young people,” he said with gravity.

“Heng’er, rest assured. As long as I am here, the Zhang family will endure.”