The evening sky was pitch black. It was ten o'clock at night. After the youngest sister, Zhu Xiaoying, returned, the family enjoyed a meal together without any tension. Zhu Junze and Madam Cai didn't make things difficult for Zhu Mingzhang and Su Ruiqi.
A moment later, Zhu Mingzhang was called aside by Zhu Yuanjie for a private conversation.
"Ming, are you working in the same field as your brother Junze?"
"Yes, Dad," Zhu Mingzhang nodded. There was nothing to hide about this. Even if he revealed his identity as a Spirit Warden, it wouldn't matter. However, there was no need to elaborate since the memory barriers created by the Soul Masters with the Supreme Divine Pearl ensured that ordinary people would lose any memories related to the Spirit Wardens past midnight.
"I see. I've heard from Junze that your job can be quite dangerous. Is that true?"
"There's some danger, but don't worry, Dad. I'll make sure to protect my brother."
"Good." Zhu Yuanjie patted Zhu Mingzhang's shoulder and handed him a stack of bank cards. "Here, take these cards. The PIN is… If you ever run short of money, just call me. We don't lack funds in this family."
"Thank you, Dad!" Zhu Mingzhang smiled brightly. Though he had the Crown Prince System, having additional resources wouldn't hurt.
"Go chat with your siblings for a bit. I'm off to bed. Getting old, you know." Zhu Yuanjie yawned and headed back to his room.
After some casual conversation with his stepmother, siblings, and the others, the family dispersed. Zhu Mingzhang prepared to leave with Su Ruiqi, intending to return to Hongtian Street. The primary reason for this visit was curiosity—both his and Su Ruiqi's.
While leaving, Zhu Mingzhang was stopped at the villa gate by approaching footsteps.
"Brother, leaving so soon? Why not stay a bit longer?" Zhu Junze appeared with four towering bodyguards in tow.
"No, we have things to attend to," Zhu Mingzhang replied, noticing Zhu Junze's unfriendly demeanor. Strange, shouldn't Spirit Wardens sense each other's presence? Could my foolish brother really not detect that I'm one as well?
[Ding! The host's Spirit Warden identity is in a concealed state in the human world. This state is immutable!]
Damn! What kind of nonsense is this? Zhu Mingzhang thought but quickly shifted gears. Though, keeping it hidden might have its advantages.
"Wait," Zhu Junze called out, pressing a firm hand on Zhu Mingzhang's shoulder.
"Mingzhang, you seem pretty full of yourself today. Tell me, how much did Dad give you?"
The friendly "brother" from earlier was nowhere to be found.
"Junze, I'm tolerating your antics because we share the same father. Don't push your luck."
"Oh, I'm here specifically to push my luck!" Zhu Junze's tone was filled with hostility, and the next second, he swung his fist toward Zhu Mingzhang.
His punch was swift, but Zhu Mingzhang easily sidestepped it, pulling Su Ruiqi away with him.
How is this possible?! Zhu Junze was stunned. As a Spirit Warden, his physical capabilities far exceeded those of an average human. He even sparred in boxing with their second sister during his free time. Not even a trained soldier could have dodged that blow so effortlessly.
Could it be… no, it must have been luck!
"Do you want to fight? I'm warning you, you'll end up regretting it." Zhu Mingzhang's tone was taunting, his eyes calm yet piercing.
"Hmph, if I don't teach you a lesson today, I might as well change my surname!" Zhu Junze rolled up his sleeves and charged at him again.
"You dare challenge my brother?" Su Ruiqi scoffed from the sidelines.
One punch, two punches, three punches—Zhu Junze's attacks were swift and fierce, but not a single one landed.
With a thud, Zhu Mingzhang delivered a precise kick, sending Zhu Junze sprawling onto the ground.
"Argh!" Zhu Junze clutched his foot in pain.
"Young Master!" The four bodyguards rushed forward.
"Stay back!" Zhu Junze barked, his pride wounded. "I don't believe this! I'll show him my true strength!"
"Young Master, you're not thinking of summoning your Guardian Spirit, are you?" one of the bodyguards asked nervously.
"Do you have a problem with that?"
"Forgive me, Young Master, but summoning your Guardian Spirit against an ordinary person seems excessive. If you want him taken care of, let me do it. I can handle the consequences."
The bodyguards were all Spirit Wardens themselves, but their auras were weak, something Zhu Mingzhang had sensed long ago. He wasn't concerned.
"Step aside. This is personal." Zhu Junze dismissed their objections.
"Guardian Spirit, appear!" At his command, a towering three-meter figure manifested—a spirit clad in a long robe, holding a sword, with ghostly blue flames flickering in its eyes.
"Zhu Biao, teach him a lesson. Make sure he regrets crossing me!" Zhu Junze's arrogance surged.
"You think you can fight me with that?" Zhu Mingzhang's voice boomed. "Tang He, come forth!"
A seven-meter-tall figure appeared, and with its arrival, Zhu Mingzhang's hidden Spirit Warden aura erupted.
"You… you're also a Spirit Warden?! Why couldn't I sense it?!" Zhu Junze's face twisted in shock.
"Stop, Junze!" Zhu Junze stammered, fear creeping into his voice. Tang He's imposing presence left him pale. Even Zhu Biao, once steadfast, visibly recoiled.
"Your Guardian Spirit looks scared. Do you still want to continue this fight?" Zhu Mingzhang smirked.
"Zhu Biao, come back!" Zhu Junze hastily withdrew his Guardian Spirit, his bravado crumbling. For all his bluster, he knew he couldn't risk destroying the spirit that granted him status and power in the human world.
Zhu Mingzhang scoffed as he turned to leave. Ignorant fool. Next time, think twice before challenging someone out of your league.