Chapter 0001: The Visit

Tianhe City, Yunshui Villa.

This was one of the most renowned luxury residences in Tianhe City, and even more so, the estate of the Jiang family, the city's most prominent financial dynasty.

“What did you just say!? Are you out of your mind?”

Miss Jiang Kongqing, the eldest daughter of the Jiang family, was flushed with anger, her proud chest heaving rapidly with each breath, her almond-shaped eyes nearly spitting fire as she glared at the young man seated across from her.

The young man looked entirely innocent. “My mind is perfectly clear, Miss Jiang. Did you not understand what I just said? Then let me repeat myself: my name is Zhang Xiao, and I’ve come to Yunshui Villa today to borrow the Jiang family’s ancestral treasure, the Tear of the Goddess.”

It was no wonder Jiang Kongqing was so furious. The so-called Tear of the Goddess, as mentioned by Zhang Xiao, was a gemstone left to her by her late mother. Beyond its sentimental value, its actual market worth had been estimated by some to be at least fifty million. For Zhang Xiao—someone she was meeting for the first time—to request such a priceless item upon his first visit was truly outrageous.

Jiang Kongqing stared at Zhang Xiao, her anger slowly giving way to a sneer of contempt. “Not only are you ill, but your condition must be quite serious. Zhao, see our guest out!”

With that, the steward Zhao promptly summoned several security guards, making it clear they intended to escort Zhang Xiao out.

Zhang Xiao waved his hand dismissively. “You know, you’re quite a pretty young lady, but why such a terrible temper? Wasn’t I perfectly clear? Don’t worry, I’m not asking for something for nothing. I’m willing to help you with one thing—anything you want, I can make it happen.”

Jiang Kongqing’s smile grew even more mocking. She wondered what kind of madness had possessed her today, allowing a complete stranger into Yunshui Villa simply because he claimed to have urgent business with the Jiang family. Out of courtesy, she’d let him in, only to be met with this absurd request.

And what was even more laughable was that this unknown man claimed he could accomplish any task for her—did he think himself a deity? Besides, with the Jiang family’s influence and wealth, what possible reason could they have for seeking help from such a lunatic?

“You must be desperate for money. Anyone with half a brain knows how valuable the Tear of the Goddess is. You think you can just ask and I’ll hand it over? Who do you think you are? Zhao, what are you waiting for? Get this madman out of my sight!”

At her command, Steward Zhao motioned for the security guards to act. Two guards quickly flanked Zhang Xiao, preparing to remove him by force. Yet, the moment their hands touched his arms, both recoiled as if struck by an electric shock, crying out and falling to the ground.

Jiang Kongqing was startled. She hadn’t seen Zhang Xiao make any move—how had both guards ended up sprawled on the floor?

Zhang Xiao spoke with a hint of exasperation. “Isn’t it better to talk things through? Why resort to violence?”

At that moment, the experienced Steward Zhao saw through the situation, sneering coldly. “I see, you’re a martial arts expert, aren’t you? No wonder you’d dare come here alone to stir up trouble. Miss Jiang, let me handle this one.”

Zhao had served the Jiang family for over thirty years. In his youth, he was said to have been a prodigy in martial arts. After being hunted by enemies, he had been saved by Jiang Kongqing’s father, Jiang Yan, and had since loyally remained with the family.

He rarely took action, but when he did, it was always remarkable. Judging by his words, he believed Zhang Xiao was a skilled martial artist, but seemed confident that he could handle him.

Zhao took two steps forward, looking at Zhang Xiao with a cold smile. “You can’t be more than eighteen or nineteen, yet you already have inner energy protecting your body. Are you at the second realm of Qi? For someone your age to generate Qi is impressive, but you’re still no match for me.”

As Zhao finished speaking, the cuffs of his sleeves swelled without wind, a palpable energy radiating outward from his body.

Yet Zhang Xiao remained seated on the sofa, legs crossed, utterly unperturbed. “Let me guess, you’re not quite sixty, perhaps fifty? And you’ve barely reached the third martial realm, able to project Qi outside the body. Not exactly something to brag about, is it?”

Zhao’s gaze immediately turned sharp, and he barked, “Insolent child, let me teach you a lesson!”

With that, he stepped forward and thrust out his palm, the very air seeming to twist as an invisible wave of force hurtled toward Zhang Xiao.

Zhang Xiao merely stretched languidly and yawned, not even bothering to dodge. Just as Zhao’s attack was about to land, something incredible happened: Zhao was suddenly flung backward by a force unseen, sliding several meters before coming to a staggering halt.

Jiang Kongqing was stunned. What just happened? Why had Zhao been thrown back so inexplicably?

Zhao, too, was completely shaken, staring in disbelief at the still-lounging Zhang Xiao. “How… how is this possible?”

Zhang Xiao chuckled, rolling his neck. “All I did was yawn—are you already scared?”

“You’re so young, yet possess such a high level of martial prowess!?” Zhao’s eyes widened. The other had not so much as lifted a finger, yet forced him back with sheer aura alone—a feat only possible at the fourth realm, the Realm of Valor!

But Zhang Xiao seemed uninterested in explanations. He only sneered, then turned his attention to the dumbstruck Jiang Kongqing. “Miss Jiang, let me be clear: I am here to borrow the Tear of the Goddess from your family. I’ve already said, I am willing to agree to one condition—anything you wish, I can accomplish. I hope you’ll reconsider.”

Jiang Kongqing’s mind was in turmoil. Even Zhao was no match for this man—just how strong was he?

Zhao quietly approached Jiang Kongqing and whispered a few words in her ear. Her expression shifted, uncertain, and after a moment she nodded lightly.

Zhao turned to Zhang Xiao. “Young sir, I must apologize for my earlier rudeness. I failed to recognize your stature. To be frank, the Tear of the Goddess is an heirloom left by our late madam for Miss Jiang as her dowry. It is not something we can lend lightly. However, Miss Jiang is willing to offer you a sum of money as compensation—a gesture of apology from our family. Though it may not equal the value of the Tear, I trust you’ll find it satisfactory. The Jiang family would be honored to befriend someone of your talents. What do you say?”

Having witnessed Zhang Xiao’s true strength, Zhao knew this was not someone to offend lightly. At present, there was no one in the Jiang family capable of surpassing him. If even Zhao himself was outmatched, what hope was there for anyone else? He reasoned that Zhang Xiao must have come for money; otherwise, why would he ask for an item worth fifty million?

Offering a sum of money, he thought, would resolve the matter amicably, and perhaps even earn the goodwill of a young martial master—a relationship that could prove useful in the future.

But Zhang Xiao simply shook his head. “I don’t want money. I only need the Tear of the Goddess.”

At this, Zhao and Jiang Kongqing exchanged glances, thinking this man was truly audacious.

Zhao pondered for a moment, then forced a smile. “To tell you the truth, the Tear of the Goddess was left by our late madam as Miss Jiang’s dowry. Such a precious item cannot be measured by money alone. Since the terms we offered do not satisfy you, perhaps we can negotiate further.”

Hearing this, Zhang Xiao fell silent, his brows furrowing in thought.

Seeing Zhang Xiao’s hesitation, Zhao felt certain that the issue was the price—surely the young man was about to make a counteroffer.

“Then I’ll marry you. That should suffice, right?”

Silence.

The atmosphere in Yunshui Villa became utterly still. Everyone stared at Zhang Xiao, dumbfounded. Jiang Kongqing looked as if she couldn’t believe her ears.

And Zhang Xiao—his expression was entirely earnest, as if his words were the most natural thing in the world.