The thunderous sound of drums echoed through the air as the entire Henderson Family estate was adorned with lanterns and festive decorations. Villagers from nearby flocked to Henderson Manor, hoping to share in the good fortune. Today, the Henderson Family was hosting a grand banquet for everyone in the surrounding area.
It seemed that the miraculous resurrection of John Chou, the young master of the Henderson Family, was the reason for the celebration. Just three days ago, Henry Henderson, the family patriarch, had been overjoyed to hear that his son, who was believed dead, had come back to life. Not only was John Chou alive, but his health was steadily improving—his wrinkled, elderly-looking skin had smoothed out, and the pallor in his cheeks had given way to a healthy flush.
In just three short days, John Chou had gained considerable strength. The Henderson Family attributed this miracle entirely to their days of nonstop prayers and rituals. The entire household was immersed in joyful celebration.
During the banquet, Victor Fan shared a table with Henry Henderson. The patriarch spoke happily about his son's miraculous return to life, his mental and emotional state completely transformed.
Victor Fan drank alone, joy evident on his face. He knew it was Zane Zhuang's supernatural intervention that had revived the child. Tonight, Zane Zhuang was absent from the banquet; word had it he had fallen ill three days ago and was now bedridden. Henry Henderson had already visited him.
"Julian Potter, I have a presumptuous request to make of you."
At this moment, Henry Henderson spoke in front of all the guests—each one a prominent figure in Dingtown, from the county sheriff to merchants. Julian Potter was also renowned in Dingtown, and everyone knew the close ties between the Henderson Family and him.
"Henry Henderson, go ahead—no need to stand."
As Victor Fan spoke, he stood up.
"I hope Julian Potter can take my son as his disciple."
At nearly fifty, Julian Potter remained healthy and vigorous, his knowledge extensive. Once a legendary local merchant, he had already handed the family business over to his two children and now enjoyed a leisurely life. He had also previously served as the tutor to the Henderson family's youngest son, Eugene Henderson.
But at this moment, Victor Fan felt conflicted and hesitant. To become John Chou's teacher meant taking responsibility for his full education—in essence, raising him to be heir to the Henderson family's legacy.
Victor Fan felt a certain aversion to all this, especially the matter of power. Henry Henderson was fully aware of Victor Fan's true identity, and the Henderson Family itself had long operated as multifaceted spies, maintaining close ties with rulers of multiple nations.
Judging by Henry Henderson's demeanor, he intended to push John Chou once again toward the side of kings, which was precisely what Victor Fan disliked most. His past was well known, especially the incident with Wen Zhong. When Victor Fan settled in Dingtown, he wrote to his close friend Wen Zhong, urging him to leave the King of Yue, but the outcome was as Victor Fan had foreseen—Wen Zhong was ordered to commit suicide by the king.
Victor Fan already felt exhausted by power struggles, and now Henry Henderson wanted to push his son into the whirlpool of power. Victor Fan regretted his earlier choices: of his two students, Zane Zhuang had shown little interest in power—Victor Fan recognized this early and taught him only the ways of humanity. The other student was destined for the vortex of power, so Victor Fan spared no effort to teach Eugene Henderson the ways of power, and the results were impressive. Yet the Henderson Family had allowed someone, Jian Hai, to blind themselves, leading to Eugene Henderson's death.
"What is it, Julian Potter? Are you unwilling? I, this old man..."
Before Henry Henderson could finish, Victor Fan shook his head with a broad smile.
"It's not that I'm unwilling. I'm getting old; when the boy John Chou can read and remember things, it won't be too late to make it official."
Though he claimed to be old, Henry Henderson was actually ten years his senior, and the Henderson Family had indeed helped Victor Fan many times. Still, Victor Fan's words quickly eased the awkward atmosphere and preserved Henry Henderson's dignity.
At the back of the Henderson Family's main courtyard, near the woods, were the servants' quarters. In one of the three-story buildings, Zane Zhuang lay on a bed on the second floor, trembling violently, his face pale and covered in cold sweat. Beside him stood Three-Eyes.
"It seems all this has really taken a toll on you. Your soul has been injured, and it will take some time to recover. There's no need to worry so much—after all, that guy won't let you die just yet."
Zane Zhuang didn't know who Three-Eyes was referring to, but inside he felt a surge of joy. After three days, his health had improved greatly—much better than the day he returned. He could already get out of bed.
"Just eat and drink and you'll be fine."
Zane Zhuang got up, wobbling as he walked to the table. The dishes had already gone cold; he grabbed a bowl of wine and gulped it down, then exhaled deeply. Warmth spread through his body, and he gradually began to recover.
"I won't stay here any longer. Zane Zhuang, if anything happens, just send me a message with your mind. I'll come immediately. Take care of this."
With that, Three-Eyes pulled a green ghost-thread from his body and handed it to Zane Zhuang. It felt light as silk in his hand. After looking around, Zane Zhuang locked the ghost-thread in a large chest beside his bed.
"Thank you."
Zane Zhuang stood up and bowed. Three-Eyes smiled and shook his head.
"This is the result of your own efforts. You don't need to thank me, Zane Zhuang. You're quite interesting—I hope we won't become enemies in the future."
Zane Zhuang looked at Three-Eyes in confusion, then smiled.
"You're a ghost, I'm human. When I die, I'll definitely go to hell—after all, I've done things like this. Besides, I don't want to become a ghost; it's pointless. If I did and ended up like you, living through endless years, I'd be bored to death."
"Hahaha, I hope so. When you die, I'll come visit you. If you don't want to go to hell, I can take care of the ghost officers who come to seize you."
With that, Three-Eyes left. Zane Zhuang drank alone, the sounds of celebration from the front courtyard drifting over. Though he wanted to join them, he could barely walk.
It wasn't until late at night, when all was quiet, that Zane Zhuang fell asleep drunk.
With a creak, Zane Zhuang woke up startled from his bed, his body much recovered. He immediately looked toward the door—it was Victor Fan.
"Teacher, why did you come so late?"
Victor Fan looked a bit helpless as he got up and pulled out a jar of wine.
"Should I go heat up the food?"
"Sit down, Xian'er—I want to talk with you."
Before long, the two had already drunk quite a bit. Victor Fan walked to the window and opened it, gazing at the moonlight outside. He seemed in low spirits.
"Today, Mr. Henderson asked me to take John Chou as my disciple."
Zane Zhuang immediately broke into a joyful smile.
"That's wonderful, Teacher. I hope you'll teach John Chou well—he's the Henderson Family's last hope, so..."
Suddenly, Zane Zhuang stopped speaking—he noticed Victor Fan's face had changed, a flash of anger in his expression.
"Have you ever thought about what burdens this child must bear from birth, Xian'er?"
Zane Zhuang put down his wine bowl, lowered his head, and nodded.
"It's true—John Chou has borne the entire Henderson Family's legacy since birth. For a child who knows nothing, it's meaningless, even cruel. But Teacher, he has no choice."
Zane Zhuang knew his teacher well—Victor Fan hated power and had told Zane Zhuang his whole story.
In his youth, Victor Fan was a scholar-official, like many others, chasing power and hoping to serve the king. He succeeded—helped Goujian destroy Wu and became a great hero. But when Xi Shi died, he realized something: even at the height of power, he had changed completely. His original hope to bring peace to the people was gone—he was lost in the whirlpool of power.
Even now, when Victor Fan thinks back, he feels a dull pain in his chest. He abandoned his original ideals, gave up his greatest love, and lost the sense of justice a person should have—all to serve power, to be its pawn.
After meeting Wu Zheng, Victor Fan shared many things with him. This world offers more than power to pursue; there are greater things worth chasing. Now, Victor Fan prefers a life of peace and simplicity. The ambitions of youth drowned once he achieved fame and success. No matter how much a conscience is worn down, a person can never be completely cold-blooded.
"It's inevitable, Teacher—because John Chou bears the Henderson name, he was born into this family. He has no choice but to inherit everything. That's why I think you should teach him well."
Victor Fan turned, glaring angrily at Zane Zhuang. Zane Zhuang immediately stood and bowed.
"Precisely because he's in this environment, John Chou has no choice. If he lacks wisdom or strategy, he might end up like Eugene Henderson did. That's not what I want, nor what Eugene wanted. Teacher, nurture John Chou well—the future is long. He might have no choice now, but what about the future? I still believe that human will can triumph over fate."
Victor Fan's eyes widened in surprise at Zane Zhuang, then he smiled—a bitter smile.
"Then teach him well!"
Early the next morning, Zane Zhuang was fully recovered and immediately went to Aunt Mute's courtyard to see the young master.
Aunt Mute was already holding John Chou in the courtyard, basking in the sun. Her face was full of smiles. Zane Zhuang walked over, and at that moment, John Chou in her arms smiled brightly—so cute and radiant. Zane Zhuang looked at the child with delight.
"One day, you'll make it, young master—you'll choose your own path."
Aunt Mute glanced at Zane Zhuang in confusion, but still reached out and handed the child to him. He took John Chou in his arms and looked at him with great affection.