Vincent's Scheme

"Knock, knock, knock!"

Just as Zhao Nan was teasing Ace, a knock sounded at the door. Zhao Nan swept his soul power across the area and discovered it was Vincent, so he immediately called out, "Please, come in!"

"Creeak!"

With the sound of the door hinges, Vincent pushed the door open and walked in.

"Mr. Zhao Nan."

After entering the room, Vincent first greeted Zhao Nan, then reached out and waved his palm toward Ace.

Seeing Vincent's gesture, Ace also reached out both hands, clearly wanting to go to him.

Seeing Ace's reaction, Vincent scooped him up into his arms. After teasing the boy for a moment, he turned to Zhao Nan and said, "Mr. Zhao Nan, I wonder if you would be willing to stay here in the Hyde Clan? Our clan is prepared to offer you the status of an honored guest!"

Upon hearing Vincent's words, Zhao Nan shook his head directly. "I appreciate your kindness, Mr. Vincent, but my heart is set on cultivation, and I have other matters to attend to. Therefore, I cannot stay in one place for too long."

As Zhao Nan's voice fell, the look of hope in Vincent's eyes vanished. However, he quickly gathered his thoughts and said to Zhao Nan, "Then, I ask that you take my youngest son with you and provide him with guidance!"

Although Zhao Nan had been thinking the same thing—after all, there was no mention of Ace Hyde in the original story, and the Hyde Clan itself wasn't this prosperous, consisting of only a handful of people—it was clear that something had happened within the clan.

Still, Zhao Nan asked, "I wonder why you would say that, Mr. Vincent. You must know that Ace is only four years old. Isn't it a bit too early to let him leave the family?"

"Mr. Zhao Nan, you have seen that the Hyde Clan is quite large now. But in truth, only those who truly possess the bloodline of the Violet Flame Warrior are considered the real Hyde Clan. Therefore, this massive clan is not a true family of Violet Flame Warriors; it is merely a large-scale weapon-forging facility that happens to carry the Hyde name! Ace is only four, but his mother passed away early, so he is not safe within the family. That is precisely why I want you to take him away!"

After pondering for a moment, Vincent explained some of the internal affairs of the Hyde Clan and the reasons why he wanted Zhao Nan to take Ace.

Zhao Nan nodded noncommittally after hearing Vincent's words and said, "Very well, I will take Ace with me when I leave."

Zhao Nan understood Vincent's intent, but he did not care about the affairs of the Hyde Clan. In this world where the strong prey on the weak, it is not about who is pitiful being right; it is about being powerful. Therefore, Zhao Nan would not help Vincent with anything.

When Zhao Nan spoke without the slightest hint of commitment, Vincent's expression shifted slightly, though he quickly recovered. Indeed, Vincent had come today hoping to get Zhao Nan to help him clean up the internal issues of the Hyde Clan. After all, as Ace's teacher and a powerful expert, Zhao Nan had both the motive and the strength to intervene. Unfortunately, Zhao Nan showed no intention of doing so.

However, Vincent understood Zhao Nan's approach; it was the common practice of all experts on the Yulan Continent. Just like the War God of War God Mountain, he had no opinion on who sat on the imperial throne, as long as it was his descendant. Knowing he would get no help from Zhao Nan, Vincent still bowed respectfully, left Ace in the room, and retreated.

Just as Vincent stepped out of Zhao Nan's room, he saw his eldest and second sons waiting not far away. Vincent walked over to them without a word, ignored their bows, and said in a low voice, "Let's go, we'll talk in the study!"

"Yes, Father!"

The two replied in unison and followed behind Vincent toward the study.

The study of the Hyde Clan was built using special methods to prevent it from being permeated by spiritual energy, allowing them to speak freely inside. As soon as they entered the study, the eldest son asked anxiously, "Father, what did that lord say?"

Vincent knew what his eldest son wanted to ask; he wasn't asking about anything else, but whether Vincent could take him as a disciple. The second son also looked at Vincent with anticipation. Although Vincent hadn't asked that specific question, he understood from his earlier probing that Zhao Nan would only take Ace as a disciple and no one else.

Therefore, Vincent said with an ugly expression, "He did not agree!"

"Why? I am eighteen years old and already a fourth-rank warrior. Does my strength not catch his eye?"

"That's right, little Ace is only four. Why does he get such an opportunity!" the second son said with a vicious look.

Hearing his sons' words, Vincent frowned and whispered sharply, "If you want to die, then keep shouting. I can tell you clearly: I have five sons, and I will absolutely not go against a powerful expert for the sake of you two!"

The two were stunned by Vincent's words, then lowered their heads and apologized. In truth, Vincent himself didn't understand how Zhao Nan judged and selected his disciples. After all, could one really see through a person's talent with just a glance? Subsequently, Vincent wondered if his youngest son possessed some unknown talent. As he thought about this, the first thing that came to mind was the bloodline of the Violet Flame Warrior that had been passed down through their clan.

"Little Ace, could he really possess the bloodline?" Vincent muttered to himself, but he quickly began to shake his head. After all, the test for bloodline concentration could only be performed at the age of eight!