Night in Fengyun City was greeted by the dazzling flicker of red lanterns hanging all along the gates of the Xiao Family Residence. The plucked strings of zithers and the guests' rippling laughter rang out in celebration. A grand feast was underway to celebrate Xiao Yiran's official appointment as the clan's sole heir apparent, while also celebrating the clan's "purge" of those deemed trash.
Inside the magnificent main hall, teak tables were laden with delicacies and small cups filled with the finest wine. The Great Elder, Xiao Tianhai, sat in the highest throne-like seat, beaming as he accepted congratulations from the heads of neighboring clans and representatives of outside sects.
"Congratulations, Great Elder! With Young Master Xiao Yiran's extraordinary talent, the future of the Xiao Family in Fengyun City will be truly unmatched!" one of the distinguished guests praised, raising his wine cup.
"Hahaha! You're exaggerating, Chairman Zhang," Xiao Tianhai replied with feigned humility, though the glint of arrogance in his eyes was impossible to hide. "Yiran is merely lucky enough to possess a little talent and discipline."
Beside Xiao Tianhai, Xiao Yiran stood tall in a blue silk robe embroidered with genuine gold thread. His face wore a triumphant smile. Today was the best day of his life—he had eliminated Xiao Chen, seized the clan's resources, and been hailed as the number-one genius.
"Father," Xiao Yiran whispered. "The guards have confirmed that the trash Xiao Chen was thrown to the bottom of Shenmo Death Valley three days ago. To this moment, there hasn't been the slightest sign of life from him."
"Good," Xiao Tianhai answered coldly without taking his eyes off the guests. "That source of misery is finally gone. Starting tomorrow, we'll begin dismantling the remaining heirlooms left behind by his mother."
However, just as Xiao Tianhai was about to take a sip of wine, an intensely frigid wind suddenly blasted through the main hall's front door.
*Crash!*
The massive, sturdy wooden door carved with dragons tore free from its hinges, shattering into splinters that hung suspended in the air. Waves of dark aura and golden aura erupted simultaneously, sending dozens of banquet tables flying and making the guests scream in hysterics!
The red lanterns went out in an instant, replacing the festive atmosphere with terrifying darkness.
"Who dares cause trouble at the Xiao Family's feast?!" Xiao Tianhai roared furiously, springing to his feet and sending his chair tumbling backward.
Amid the billowing dust and black mist rising in the doorway, calm footsteps sounded as someone approached.
*Tap... Tap... Tap...*
A young man wrapped in a black robe streaked with gold stepped inside. His silver-gold hair fluttered in the dense aura, while his golden eyes radiated a murderous glint capable of freezing the soul of anyone who met his gaze. A massive sword carved with symbols of gods and demons rested calmly across his back.
Everyone in the hall froze. Xiao Yiran and Xiao Tianhai's faces abruptly turned deathly pale, as though they were looking at a ghost risen from the grave.
"You... That's impossible...!" Xiao Yiran's voice trembled violently, his eyes widening in disbelief. "Xiao Chen?!"
That cry threw the entire room into an uproar.
"Xiao Chen? Wasn't he the good-for-nothing who was thrown into Death Valley three days ago?!"
"How could anyone come out of Shenmo Death Valley alive?!"
Xiao Chen swept his gaze across the suddenly silent hall. His eyes stopped directly on Xiao Yiran and Xiao Tianhai. A faint smile brimming with destruction curved his lips.
"Great Elder... Cousin Yiran..." Xiao Chen's voice echoed twice over, shaking the foundations of the main hall. "What a lively feast. Did you prepare it to welcome the return of the ones who'll reap your lives?"