Chapter 1721 - 886: Different

In the brief silence, Ji Jue, holding a teacup beside him, hesitated to speak.

Noticing the elder's solemn and serious expression, his heart tightened slightly...

If An Ran had returned home with his true identity and needs, passing the first test by this elder, then now, it was probably the time to decide how to handle Xiao An.

Just like Xiao An said, family matters should be resolved by family members.

The family doesn't need pretense, and the conversation between grandfather and grandson should be open and honest, without any disguise, yet also without any falsehood.

Under Fei Guang's watchful eyes, there is no room for lies.

Now, An Ding, as the grandfather, posed a question.

Why defy the family?

Why be so stubborn, willing to join Blade Teeth rather than take the Hunter Finger path?

"..."

Xiao An contemplated in silence, thinking seriously and putting in effort for a long time:

"...because it's different."

He finally understood the answer to this question and told the old man in front of him, "What the family does is different from what is done outside."

"How is it different?"

An Ding chuckled, shaking his head, "Aren't they both about killing people? Whether using Projection or Sword Qi, can one really be considered more noble or more base?"

To this, An Ran's response was:

"I don't know."

With no concealment, he looked earnestly and straightforwardly at the old man in front of him.

"I honestly don't quite understand that."

He carefully chose his words, answering seriously, "Those principles and such are too complicated for me to understand, Ah Gong. If you suddenly ask like this, I can't really say.

But I think... Brother Ji Jue does it better."

Suddenly, an unexpected silence fell.

In the young man's decisive words, An Ding fell silent and slowly turned his head to look at the rigid craftsman beside him, his gaze suspicious.

You rascal, what kind of potion did you give to my little kid?

Little brother, are you really that easygoing!

If Ji Jue hadn't already been a renowned Master of Glory, he would have suspected where this little thing's Heart Core had emerged from!

But regardless, both Fei Guang and the Sword Sound, with White Deer's perception being exceptionally keen, essentially pure, how could they be easily influenced by the Heart Core?

In the silence, Ji Jue gave a stiff smile, already twitching.

His toes secretly dug at the floor, trying hard to carve out a three-bedroom apartment for the old man...

Cold sweat almost couldn't be contained anymore.

This wasn't something I taught!

Really not!

"Heh, truly unaware of one's own limits..."

In the end, An Ding merely gave a futile smile, as if in a situation of extreme speechlessness, he could no longer speak.

What is happening here?

Although it's true that kids think less and might not grasp concepts well, saying whatever comes to mind is somewhat frightening. Before speaking, they don't even process it in their minds.

Is this something you can casually say?

To say in front of a contemporary Hunter Finger that Hunter Finger is not as good as Blade Teeth?

To proclaim in the family of a leader that the leader is not as good as Ji Jue?

If this got out, who knows what kind of trouble it would stir!

If it were in a certain place like the headquarters, saying something like this wouldn't end without thousands dying!

But in response... An Ding merely reached out, ruffling his hair, and advised, "Words like these, don't say them carelessly outside of family, understand?"

"Mm."

An Ran nodded, though he didn't understand, he remembered intently.

If he couldn't figure it out, he'd do as Grandpa said, and if he didn't know what to do, he'd listen to Brother Ji Jue. Anyway, these things weren't important, they didn't matter.

"But after all, he has grown up."

An Ding picked up the teacup and took a sip, suddenly glancing at Ji Jue.

"And you, what do you think?"

An Ding asked, "Don't dodge, answer honestly and straightforwardly— a rascal like you, not harboring two sets of tricks, wouldn't even step out the door.

If you're willing to come to see me, you must have some plan, right?"

"I had one initially, thought of many conditions and promises, but after meeting Mr. An, I found I couldn't say them."

Ji Jue gave a self-deprecating laugh, "Now it seems, Mr. An doesn't need my promises either, right? For the An Family, this nail won't be removed due to outsiders' demands; even if it's to make an exception, it would only be for Xiao An himself."

"Terms?"

An Ding laughed, "Let's hear it, I'm interested."

Ji Jue candidly said, "Originally, I thought of forging a sword for the An Family or making some exchanges; either would do. Besides this, if I have anything, we could discuss."

"A sword?"

An Ding's gaze fell onto Xiao An's knees, "Like this one?"

"Mm."

Ji Jue nodded.

An Ding beckoned, and Xiao An immediately presented his sword with both hands.

The scabbard in hand, the blade inside buzzed, clangs resounding as if suddenly awakened.

Like a beast, vigilant and fierce.

"A good sword, but unfortunately, it's not what I thought."

Without drawing it, feeling the aura within the scabbard, An Ding's lips curled slightly, "What's its name?"

"Li Hen."

Ji Jue answered, "Named by Xiao An himself."

"... You actually remember?"

An Ding fell silent, as if recalling past words, sighed, then unexpectedly asked, "Shouldn't it be Fish Intestines?"

Ji Jue was momentarily silent, pupils contracting.

——Nine Forms: White Deer Sword [Fish Intestines]!

This Mr. An is familiar with the Ye Family's legacy?

Truly, as Heavenly People, even in terms of sheer knowledge, he surpasses countless ordinary people.

"Ah Ran is different, and Fish Intestines is also different from other swords."

Ji Jue shook his head, straightforward in his answer.

As a White Deer Sword, there's no doubt about Fish Intestines' lethality, perfectly embodying the characteristics of White Deer Path — comet striking the moon, white rainbow piercing the sun, eagle striking at the hall roof.