"Father, Mother—your son is leaving the mountain."In the main hall of the manor, Qin Ren stood tall, facing his parents who sat with poise upon their grand armchairs.
"Hmm," Qin Xiaoyao gave a thoughtful nod. "Shouldn't we host a banquet before you go? Celebrate your birthday, invite the martial world's heroes, make it official that you're stepping into Jianghu. It'll give you a bit of clout when handling matters down the line."
"That won't be necessary," Qin Ren replied, shaking his head. "I've waited long enough. And there's no need to alert the martial world. I'm not planning to stir up any grand waves."
Truth be told, Qin Ren was going down the mountain to become a flower thief. Low-key was the way to go.
"Then should we send along the Three Killing Deities, the Four Guardian Kings, the Five Wanderers, the Five Elemental Banners, the Seven Star Sword Saints, the Eight Directional Gate Gods, the Nine Celestial Lords, the Twelve Rakshasas, the Thirteen Young Protectors, the Eighteen Arhats, the Thirty-Six Heavenly Generals, and the Seventy-Two Earthly Fiends?"
"Old man, I'm going into Jianghu, not starting a clan war. What would I even do with two hundred people tagging along?"
Qin Xiaoyao took a sip of tea. "Ah Ren, since you've made your choice, I won't stop you. The men of the Qin family are all heroes of spine and honor. Once you're out in the world, be sharp, be steady."
"Jianghu is a place of blades and blood. Fighting is inevitable. When you run into trouble you can't settle, go find your brothers—they're respected, skilled, and few would dare cross them. If even they can't help, go to your uncle. And if your uncle can't fix it, come back to me. There's no shame in that."
"Also, remember the one thing Jianghu runs on: money. Life out there is perilous and fast. Here—one million silver taels, and one hundred thousand in gold notes—accepted across the empire. For emergencies."
"This—Imperishable Golden Silk Armor—was once worn by the Undying Monk Long. Soft, comfortable, impenetrable by blades or fire. Unless you're struck by a grandmaster with a century's worth of power at full force, it'll keep you safe."
"This is the Nine Heavens Evil-Banisher Pill—grants immunity to all poisons. And this is the Resurrection Elixir. It won't revive the dead, but if you're still breathing, it'll drag you back from the brink."
"This folding fan once belonged to Liu Sui-Feng, the most charming man to ever walk the martial world. It's more than just elegant—it's deadly. The fan bears his paintings, calligraphy, signature, and personal seal. Its silk is woven from celestial and ice silkworm thread, and its frame forged from millennial cold iron from the North Sea Dragon Abyss. Sharp enough to cut steel, light enough to dance in the wind. Liu Sui-Feng wooed thousands of maidens with this fan and his legendary footwork—you'll find it useful."
"This belt—Heaven-Mixing Sash—was used by the most beautiful woman in the world, Fairy Yun. Made from silks of four elemental silkworms—sky, ice, fire, and thunder—it's strong, elastic, and versatile. Perfect for binding, strangling, swinging, and more. If your inner strength is strong enough, it transforms into a sword or a staff. Light to carry. Deadly in action. Keep it close."
Qin Ren glanced at the growing pile of items on the table, which now resembled a small mountain. His head throbbed."Are you done yet?" he groaned.
"Almost. Be patient. Jianghu's no joke. When your brothers left, their gear filled two whole wagons."
"This robe is special—once worn by the legendary pervert Zhong Botong. It's the Cloak of Invisibility—blade-proof, fireproof, and it blends with the environment. Perfect for ambush, infiltration… and flower-picking."
"This bag contains 108 Thunderbombs, crafted by the South Sea Thunder Sect. Each one can destroy everything within ten feet. Even masters of iron body arts can't walk away unscathed."
"These—boots, insoles, socks, underwear, and robes—were all stitched by your mother, three pairs of each."
"Do they… have any special attributes?" Qin Ren asked with care.
"Of course," Qin Xiaoyao said, solemn now. "Each was sewn with her pricked fingertips, sleepless nights, and a heart full of worry for a son venturing into the world. I gave you power and protection. But what your mother gave… is love. You tell me—that's not the rarest magic of all?"
A lump rose in Qin Ren's throat. His chest tightened. He dropped to his knees, bowed deeply three times, his voice ringing out:"Father! Mother! I'm sorry I can't stay to care for you. But I swear—I'll come back often. I'll bring you many lovely daughters-in-law and a house full of grandkids. The manor may be quiet now, but soon it'll be full of life! The East Wing's thirty-three empty rooms will be overflowing with brides. Don't rent them out, please! Also, could you start making me a bed—twenty feet long, ten wide? I might need more sleeping space in the future…"
At first, his parents were deeply moved. But as he rambled on, their expressions darkened. Qin Xiaoyao quickly interrupted—Qin Ren was already making plans for the South Wing's twenty-seven rooms.
"Ah Ren! We are the righteous leaders of Jiangnan's white path! There's no place in our house for… depravity! If you're chasing girls, you better win their hearts fairly. No tricks. No force."
"Please," Qin Ren scoffed. "With my talent, my family name, and these looks? A flick of the finger and the girls will come crying for me. Didn't you do the same back in your day? One little gesture and girls came running, right?"
"Pffft—!" Qin Xiaoyao sprayed his tea, throwing a quick glance at the gently smiling Tie Linger. His heart sank. From experience, the sweeter she smiled, the worse the fallout."Nonsense! Your father was a gentleman. A righteous one!"
"Alright, that's enough chit-chat. I've got a tight schedule—need to reach the capital of Yunzhao by nightfall. I'm off!"
And just like that, Qin Ren bid farewell to his parents. Clad in his imperishable armor, wearing the clothes his mother had sewn with love, the legendary sash around his waist, a massive pack on his back—he stepped away from the only home he had known for fifteen years.
Alongside all the "essentials" forced on him, he also carried over a dozen vials of the finest spring powders and sleeping mists. After all, for a flower thief walking Jianghu, the most important character wasn't "sword"...It was "powder."