Nothing but a Fart

"Could it be that our ancestral decree is related to this lamp?" Qin Zhiyu couldn't help but ask.

"Exactly!" Qin Yi nodded solemnly. "To be more precise, it's connected to the person this lamp represents."

Before anyone could question further, Qin Yi continued, "To explain this, we must first delve into the founding history of our Qin family."

"Over a hundred thousand years ago, the island we now call Heaven-Earth Island had a different name. Back then, our founding ancestor, Qin Xian, was merely an obscure figure on this island."

"Due to the turbulent nature of the Heavenly Domain, islands frequently changed hands, and our ancestor struggled to survive in the chaos. But one day, he encountered a mysterious man."

"Every item this mysterious man casually produced was at least a sacred artifact. Even the slightest remnants from his fingertips could benefit someone for a lifetime."

"Thanks to his grace, our ancestor transformed from an ordinary man into a mighty overlord. In a short time, he pacified the Heavenly Domain, established Heaven-Earth Island, and became a legendary figure in its history."

"But our ancestor understood clearly—everything the Qin family possessed was bestowed by this mysterious man. Though he longed to repay the kindness, he didn’t know how. Just as he was tormented by guilt, he learned that this revered figure had a passion for delicacies, especially wild game."

"From then on, our ancestor devoted himself to perfecting culinary arts, crafting exquisite dishes for the mysterious man. His sincerity and skill moved the man deeply, and he grew fond of our ancestor’s creations."

"However, the mysterious man was preoccupied with grand affairs and couldn’t remain in the Heavenly Domain for long. Before departing, he gifted our ancestor a soul lamp."

As he spoke, Qin Yi gazed reverently at the lamp on the stone table and declared solemnly, "This very lamp!"

"Qin Xian was my father."

Beside him, Qin Lan added with emotion, "My father once recounted the man’s exact words: ‘From now on, you are my personal chef. Take this soul lamp—when it lights up, it means I’ve returned to the Heavenly Domain. Be ready to prepare a feast for me!’"

"My father was overjoyed by this gift. To him, the lamp symbolized recognition—proof of his worth."

"From then on, he lived for this purpose, refining his culinary arts daily. Through cooking, he attained enlightenment and ascended to sainthood!"

"But one day, my father said he had urgent matters to attend to. Before leaving, he entrusted this lamp to me with a final command: ‘As long as the lamp exists, the Qin family will thrive. If it is ever lost, the Qin family will perish.’"

"For this lamp embodies the spirit of our family—the very reason for our existence."

"It reminds us never to forget that without that revered figure, our Qin family would have perished long ago in the chaos of the Heavenly Domain’s wars. We would never have achieved what we have today."

"Our duty as the Qin family is to serve that man—to remain his personal chefs."

"Thus, the most sacred tenet of our family is culinary mastery, so that when the day comes and he returns, we may still be worthy of fulfilling our role!"

By now, even Qin Lan, a mighty saint, was moved to tears.

Hearing this, Qin Nan and the other younger generations fell into silence, their hearts roiling with shock.

Only now did they learn of this hidden chapter in their family’s history.

Their ancestral decree had stemmed from this very purpose.

Even more astonishing was the revelation that their founding ancestor, Qin Xian, had been a saint—a true saint, no less!

"And today, I’ve summoned you all to deliver this news: the soul lamp has lit up."

"At last, our Qin family can fulfill its duty," Qin Lan declared fervently.

"But Ancestor, it’s been a hundred thousand years. Do we still need to do this?"

Among the younger generation who had entered with Qin Nan, a richly dressed youth couldn’t resist voicing his skepticism. "In terms of repaying kindness, our ancestor already did so long ago. For over a hundred thousand years, our family has kept this lamp enshrined—we’ve done more than enough. Now that Heaven-Earth Island stands as the foremost power in the Heavenly Domain, serving someone else and cooking for them would only tarnish our reputation!"

"Hmm?"

Qin Lan’s expression darkened instantly.

The oppressive aura of a saint surged forth as he raised his hand, yanking the youth toward him and gripping him tightly.

"Say that again?" Qin Lan demanded, his voice laced with killing intent.

The overwhelming pressure left everyone breathless. Even the other half-saints present were forced to their knees, trembling in fear.

The young man’s face twisted in terror as he began pleading desperately.

"Ancestor, I was wrong! I misspoke! Spare me—I’ll never dare again!"

Clutching Qin Lan’s hand, the youth kicked his legs frantically, his voice strained.

He never imagined his words would provoke such a reaction.

"Such insolence! Give me one reason not to kill you!" Qin Lan growled, his murderous intent palpable.

"A-Ancestor, I rank among the top ten of the younger generation in the Heavenly Domain! If you spare me, I’ll be of great use to the Qin family in the future. Killing me would only be a loss!" The youth gasped, his face flushed from the suffocating grip.

His pride lay in his status—one of the top ten talents of his generation.

"Ha!"

"Top ten among the younger generation?"

Qin Lan’s lips curled in disdain. "You think that makes you impressive?"

"Do you believe your identity, your status, your so-called talent, and every resource you’ve ever cultivated with weren’t bestowed by that revered figure?"

"Let me make this clear—everything our Qin family possesses is a gift from him."

"Even my ascension to sainthood, the divine favor shielding Heaven-Earth Island, and the so-called ‘talents’ and ‘special physiques’ of you juniors—all of it stems from the blessings he left behind."

"Without him, every one of us—especially you—would be nothing!"

"And yet, a mere whelp like you dares to spout such arrogance?"

"Strip him of his status, cripple his cultivation, and cast him out of the Qin family!"

With a cold snort, Qin Lan hurled the youth to the ground.

"No! Ancestor, have mercy!"

Seeing Qin Lan’s verdict, the young man’s father immediately kowtowed in desperation. "Please, Ancestor, show leniency! Fang may have spoken out of turn, but he’s learned his lesson! Don’t do this—it will ruin his entire life!"

"You dare plead for him?"

"A failure as a father—banish him as well!"

Qin Lan waved his hand, his expression unyielding.

The father and son froze as if struck by lightning, collapsing limply like lifeless husks.

Never had they imagined that a single remark could bring such calamity.

The others remained kneeling, not daring to even breathe.

No one had expected this seemingly kind old man to show such merciless fury when angered.

"Do any of the rest of you share the same thoughts?"

Qin Lan's gaze swept over the crowd as he spoke in a heavy tone, his sharp eyes seemingly piercing through their hearts.

"We wouldn't dare."

Meeting Qin Lan's gaze, the others immediately kowtowed. Under that piercing stare, it felt as though all their hidden thoughts were laid bare.

Fortunately, they truly harbored no ulterior motives. They knew their place all too well.

Especially after hearing the accounts from Qin Lan and Qin Yi, they understood deeply—without that existence, there would be no Qin family today, much less their current standing.