In a dimly lit room of the Qiao family estate, the atmosphere was solemn.
"Captain Chu, you can go now." After a while, a deep voice resounding through the silent atmosphere.
[Name: Qiao Tao.]
[Age: 57.]
[Gender: Male.]
[Martial Spirit: (Peak) Mortal Rank, Green Spotted Frog.]
[Cultivations: (Initial) Stage 9 Body Refining.]
[Desciption: First elder of the Qiao family...]
"First elder, this subordinate will take his leave." Captain Chu said, then respectfully get off his knee, leaving the room quietly.
Staying alone in the darkroom, Qiao Tao pondered deeply.
'That old bastard Feng is finally gone... This could be my chance to take control of the Qiao Clan and the Blue Lake pavilion from Xue Yuying's hand.'
'Don't blame me, elder brother...'
As someone who has been vying for the position of the family head for many years, Qiao Tao would naturally not let this chance slip away.
He has always competed with his elder brother, who was the previous patriarch of the Qiao Family.
However, even after his brother died, the family head position still fell into the hand of his sister-in-law Xu Yuyin with the support of the Third Elder Feng.
Qiao Tao has always resented Xu Yuyin; she was an outsider who does not even have the blood of a Qiao member. What right does she have to take charge of this clan?
Now that the Third Elder Feng has died, he found it hard to let go of such an opportunity.
'But the problem is that Doctor Zhu. Mysterious background, unfathomable healing capability, and most importantly, his spiritual beast.'
'It seems I need to test the water first before proceeding with the next step carefully.' The first elder is then standing up from his chair.
'Wasn't he getting close to Qiao Qiuyue? Heh hehe.'
'Losing your only support, let me see how you will hold on to your position as the family head.'
"Ku ha ha Ha Ha Ha Ha..." Letting out a creepy smile, he looks through the gap in the window. There was a dangerous glint flash through his eyes.
__________
Meanwhile, after chatting with Qiao Qiuyue and her mother, Zhu Dingxiang takes his leave before saying a courtesy goodbye.
Following behind a maid, he walks while enjoying the scenery of the flower garden.
Not long after, they arrived before a well-maintained courtyard somewhere inside the Qiao estate.
This was Zhu Dingxiang's first time living in a place like this.
'Ever since I transmigrated to this world, it was always a treehouse or rundown hut in the village...'
'I suppose it is not bad to change the atmosphere a little.'
┐('～` )┌
"Thank you; you can leave now."
"B-but the courtyard is huge; I was supposed to sever you as it would be inconvenient for you, young master." The maid said to Zhu Dingxiang after hearing his words.
"No, it's fine. I can take care of myself." Shaking his head, he doesn't want to argue with the maid, so he walked away.
Venturing into the courtyard, Zhu Dingxiang saw a small bamboo garden, an artificial pond with fishes. In the back of the residence, there was also a peach tree.
'Wow~ this place is so nice!'
"Aiya... Too bad it is almost autumn. If this were spring, the peach tree would blooms, making it even more beautiful..." Zhu Dingxiang said with some disappointment.
(｡•́︿•̀｡)
"Eh? What am I even saying.'
[Fourth spirit ability: Plant manipulation.]
Zhu Dingxiang's martial spirit materializes, his hand glowing faintly as many tiny buds began to grow from the peach tree.
In a few minutes
The peach tree is blooming gracefully, bathed under the golden afternoon sunlight; it was just like a dream.
"Awesome." Zhu Dingxiang commented. He breathes in the fresh air then rests on the stone seat not far away.
Rumbling~
Lay down next to him, Little White's stomach protested, signaling that she was hungry.
"Growl..." She let out a low cry nonchalantly.
╮(︶︿︶)╭
"Let's grill some meat!" Said Zhu Dingxiang as he retrieved a cow's body from his storage ring and lit up a fire.
...
While eating roasted meats under the peach blossom tree, Zhu Dingxiang spoke to Jarvis inside his mind.
'Jarvis exchange for me one low-grade ticket.'
[You received one Karma Lottery Talisman.]
Closing his eyes, Zhu Dingxiang arrived before the familiar altar. As he ripped apart the Karma Lottery Talisman, it turns into light sparkles and seeping into the white stone.
The emotionless notification of Jarvis sounded again in his mind.
[Congratulations, master, you received the Crimson Blood Axe.]
'Oh?'
[Crimson Blood Axe: (Peak) Mortal Rank.]
[Skill: Blood Devour.]
[Description: a prized creation of a master smith, forged from Essence Blood Iron, will become tougher and heavier once feed on blood.]
Coming back to reality, with a thought, the Refined War Axe appears before him.
'This name sounds so awesome.'
"A War Axe, huh... Well, that was very, very unexpected."
"So heavy, this might easily weigh more than 1000 pounds." Holding onto the cleaver, Zhu Dingxiang was surprised by its massive density.
The Axe handle is about one point six meters long, pitch-black color, attached with two overbearing Axe blades that shine with red metallic lusters.
'How domineering!' His eyes lit up while carefully examining the Axe.
'This is it, this feeling of overwhelming strength that I'm looking for in a weapon...' Zhu Dingxiang was satisfied; he could feel his blood boil with excitement and craving for a try with the new weapon.
In this world, Swordmaster had a high social standing because the sword was considered the king of all weapons. Then comes the blade, spear, etc...
The Axe was looked down upon as it was usually a weapon only those with muscles head would consider using in battle.
However, what Zhu Dingxiang cared about the most was the feeling of holding a weapon, just like how swordman loves their sword. If he doesn't like his weapon, then what's the point of using it?
With the system, Zhu Dingxiang believes that there would be a day he will master the Axe.
"Anyway, it about to get dark; I should finish the food before going out and buy some jades."
Looking at the leaf over roasted beef, he gives them rest to Little White and Little Chibi.
"Here, have some more."