"Early death fate!"
Qin Chuan was taken aback. The so-called early death fate implied great misfortune.
From a perspective of luck, it meant that misfortune overshadowed good fortune, leaving almost no way out.
"Is there a way to fix this?"
Qin Chuan quickly asked, feeling an inexplicable sense of anticipation in his heart.
"Well..."
The White Crane King hesitated, his expression growing more serious as he spoke in a low voice, "To be honest, there is a way, but it comes with a cost so high that it's practically meaningless."
"I've never mentioned this before because I was afraid my daughter might do something foolish if she knew."
Qin Chuan looked at him, signaling for him to continue.
The White Crane King went on, "The early death fate can actually be averted by transferring the misfortune to someone else. In other words, someone else can share his misfortune, increasing his chance of survival."
"But the price for this is… the person taking on the misfortune will also be at risk of an early death."
Qin Chuan's eyes lit up!
His heart raced, but his face remained calm. "What is the method for transferring the misfortune?"
The White Crane King was startled, staring at Qin Chuan in disbelief, exclaiming, "Are you suggesting, brother, that you intend to take on his misfortune yourself?!"
He couldn't help but feel a deep respect for Qin Chuan.
This man, with his immense strength, was willing to risk his life for the sake of the younger generation. It was clear that he was a true hero, full of responsibility and honor.
"Why not?"
Qin Chuan replied calmly.
In truth, he felt no pressure at all, because even if the misfortune was to be transferred, it would be passed on to Qin Zi. What did it have to do with him?
At this moment, the White Crane King let out a bitter laugh, saying, "I'm afraid even if you're willing, brother, it's beyond your power."
"Oh?"
Qin Chuan frowned at him.
The White Crane King explained solemnly, "Transferring misfortune isn't something that can be done with just anyone. If that were the case, I wouldn't hesitate to sacrifice tens of thousands of people to save my daughter's happiness."
"The real challenge with transferring misfortune is that the one who shares the burden must be of similar age and cultivation level to the person in question. Moreover, they must do so willingly, without any resistance in their heart."
"Only the closest of friends or true lovers could achieve this. If someone is forced to bear the misfortune, they'll naturally resist deep down. This is an instinct of human nature, beyond our control."
"That's why I've kept this from my daughter. If she found out, she would undoubtedly try to make it happen."
Qin Chuan listened in silence.
He seemed to show a conflicted expression, as if struggling with a painful decision. Yet, ultimately, it appeared he mustered great determination to overcome this inner turmoil.
"Can Qin Zi do it?"
He asked seriously, looking at the White Crane King.
"Brother! Are you really going to… let your son take on this risk? Can you bear to do that?"
The White Crane King was shocked.
"Jin Zhi has shown kindness to my son and me. We cannot forget that. Since he is in grave danger, it is only right that we help."
Qin Chuan's voice was low but firm, his expression resolute. With his serious demeanor, he exuded an air of noble righteousness.
The White Crane King stared at Qin Chuan for a long time, then sighed with a bitter smile, saying, "Brother, you are truly righteous! I must admit, I haven't reached such a level. Though Jin Zhi has been kind to my daughter and me, I've had to prioritize her safety and couldn't help him."
"Ultimately, it's because I still look down on him. Despite his kindness, I still see him as beneath me, thinking his life is less valuable than my daughter's."
"But you, brother, have reached another level. No matter how small or weak your benefactor may be, you treat them with equal respect."
"I am deeply impressed!"
By the end of his speech, the White Crane King's eyes were filled with admiration, and he lowered his head in respect to Qin Chuan.
Witnessing this, Qin Chuan couldn't help but feel a little strange inside.
"Brother, I was just trying to set my son up, and now you're turning me into some noble hero?!"
"Please, stop overthinking it."
"You're making this really awkward for me!"
He could sense a moral force hovering around him, as if waiting to bind him at any moment…
Why do people feel morally obligated? It's because they don't want to tarnish the image others hold of them.
When someone looks at you with stars in their eyes, filled with admiration, it becomes hard to turn around and do something wrong.
Of course, that doesn't apply to those with thick skin.
And coincidentally, Qin Chuan was one of those thick-skinned people—so thick that it could probably wrap around the Earth twice.
He took a deep breath and solemnly said, "You surely know the method for transferring misfortune, right? Please tell me."
"Hmm."
The White Crane King nodded gravely.
Given the conversation had reached this point, there was no way he could refuse. Moreover, from a personal standpoint, if Qin Zi shared the misfortune, the biggest beneficiary would be his daughter!
As long as Jin Zhi didn't die early, his daughter would certainly live a happy life—there was no doubt about that!
Though he didn't want to admit it, Jin Zhi's 'gifts' were remarkable, rare even among the strongest. Even he could only sigh in envy...
...
"What? There's such a thing?!"
When Qin Zi learned the truth about Jin Zhi's misfortune, he was shocked, nearly jumping in surprise.
"So, what will you do?"
Qin Chuan asked seriously.
In his mind, Qin Zi didn't actually have a choice—everything had been arranged perfectly.
Still, he had to go through the motions and ask.
"Father, I…"
Seeing his father's stern expression, Qin Zi thought his father was worried he might hurt himself, and he felt guilty.
But thinking of how much Jin Zhi had done for him, he took a deep breath, mustering the courage to say:
"Father, this body and life are gifts from you and mother. I shouldn't be selfish. But Senior Brother Jin has always been there for me, like a brother. I cannot stand by and do nothing when he's in danger."
To make his point more convincing, Qin Zi quoted some wisdom, "Besides, you've always taught me that we must repay kindness. A drop of kindness should be returned with a fountain of gratitude, and I, as a man, I…"
"Enough."
Before he could finish, Qin Chuan nodded.
He wasn't particularly concerned about what fountains and men had to do with each other—such trivial details were unimportant.
"Father, you agree?!"
Qin Zi was still ready to continue persuading, but seeing his father had already agreed, he was overjoyed, nearly jumping in excitement.
"Yes. Our family repays favors. If someone helps us, we'll return it even if it costs our lives."
Qin Chuan said earnestly.
He gazed upward at a 45-degree angle, his handsome profile radiating the brilliance of human virtue.
Soon after.
Qin Chuan handed the method for transferring misfortune to Qin Zi. After studying it briefly, Qin Zi went to find Jin Zhi.
Jin Zhi was not well-educated.
He was ignorant.
Under Qin Zi's persuasion, they quickly completed the misfortune transfer. Instantly, the skies above the White Crane Palace changed dramatically.
"Boom!"
A massive gathering of black clouds formed a colossal, swirling vortex above the palace.
Thunder rumbled and lightning flashed!
Amidst the flashes of lightning, one could vaguely see a black mist rising from Jin Zhi's body.
The black mist gathered, forming a massive black skull in the sky. The skull split into two, each part entering the bodies of Qin Zi and Jin Zhi.
"Those who have stolen my essence… must die…"
A faint, malicious, and ancient wail echoed, as if coming from the depths of the Nine Hells, distant and ethereal.