The family returned to the living room of Tingyu Pavilion. The servants had already prepared hot tea and snacks, their faces beaming with vicarious pride.

Fang Han briefly described his life in the Qingxuan Sect, omitting his feud with Chu Feng and the dangers of plundering the Zhou, Wu, and Deng families. He only shared some observations about the Sect and amusing anecdotes from his Cultivation.

His parents and younger sister listened with rapt attention, gasping in amazement again and again.

Especially when they heard about the Qingxuan Sect’s towering gates, powerful Elders, and various wondrous Martial Arts Cultivation Techniques, Fang Ying’s eyes filled with longing. Even Fang Zheng and Lin Wan found themselves endlessly curious about the Qingxuan Sect, one of the seven major sects.

Meanwhile, while Fang Han was spending time with his parents and sister, word of what had happened in the Fang Family’s main hall spread through Liangshui City as if it had grown wings.

At first, when people heard that the Gong Family had come to intimidate them, everyone broke into a cold sweat for the Fang Family. They believed the Fangs were doomed this time and would surely be unable to keep the newly discovered Silver Mine.

However, the news that followed left everyone who heard it dumbfounded, almost unable to believe their own ears.

Fang Han, the Fang Family clansman who had joined the Qingxuan Sect, had returned—and he had already ascended to the ranks of the Sect’s True Inheritors!

Single-handedly, he had slain over ten elite Martial Artists from the Gong Family, gravely injured the Gong Family Patriarch Gong Biao, and severed one of his arms.

He then sent a message with him, giving the Netherworld Pavilion’s True Inheritor, Gong Xing, five days to come to the Fang Family and settle their feud!

This news was like a sudden clap of thunder, setting off monstrous waves throughout Liangshui City.

"That Fang Han from the Fang Family? Hasn’t he only been an Entry Level disciple at the Qingxuan Sect for just over a year? How could he possibly have become a True Disciple?!"

"It’s absolutely true! Someone saw Fang Han return with their own eyes, wearing a Qingxuan Sect True Inheritance Robe! His presence was nothing like that of an ordinary disciple!"

"My heavens! Becoming a True Inheritor after just over a year as a disciple? How terrifying must his Talent be? To think our Liangshui City has produced such a figure..."

"No wonder the Fang Family dared to stand up to the Gong Family. So this is what they were relying on! A True Disciple! Even within the Qingxuan Sect, their status must be incredibly respected!"

"Incredible! Absolutely incredible! The Fang Family is about to soar to the heavens!"

"But... that Gong Xing is a veteran True Inheritor of the Netherworld Pavilion. Although Fang Han is also a True Inheritor, he’s a new one. Isn’t he being too reckless by acting so forcefully?"

"Exactly. As a True Inheritor of the Netherworld Pavilion, Gong Xing is no easy opponent. Fang Han may have exceptional Talent, but he hasn’t been in Cultivation for long. What are his chances of winning against Gong Xing?"

"The Gong Family definitely won’t swallow this loss. Within five days, there’s bound to be a clash of titans! Now we’ve got a good show to watch!"

Throughout Liangshui City—in taverns and teahouses, on streets and in alleys—everyone was fervently discussing the matter. Shock, envy, jealousy, anticipation, worry... all sorts of emotions were intertwined.

Fang Han’s sudden appearance had completely shattered the balance of power in Liangshui City and the surrounding areas.

Many people had already begun to re-evaluate their relationship with the Fang Family, scheming how to get on good terms with this soon-to-be-rising power.

Of course, even more people were waiting for the reaction of the Netherworld Pavilion’s True Inheritor, Gong Xing. They looked forward to the clash between the two prodigious True Inheritors. They didn’t care who won or lost; they only cared about the spectacle.

...

Four hundred li west of Liangshui City, there was a manor named the Gong Family Manor.

Inside a bedroom thick with the smell of medicine, Gong Biao’s face was sallow. His severed arm was wrapped in thick gauze, with faint bloodstains seeping through. He leaned weakly against the bed, his aura listless.

A figure burst into the room like a gust of wind, bringing a chilling aura with him.

The newcomer was around twenty-five years old, with a long, narrow face and eyes as sharp as an eagle’s, exuding a grim and untamable aura. He wore the True Inheritor Disciple Robe of the Netherworld Pavilion. It was none other than Gong Xing.

"Father! What happened to the family? An urgent message told me to return at once. How did you get injured so badly? And where is Brother Leopard?"

Seeing his father in such a miserable state, Gong Xing’s heart sank, and he asked a flurry of urgent questions.

He had received an urgent message from the family, only knowing that something had happened and his father was seriously injured. He had rushed back immediately without stopping, but he didn’t know the specific details.

"Xing’er! You... you must avenge your younger brother and our fallen clansmen!"

Seeing his son return, tears streamed from Gong Biao’s cloudy eyes, and his voice was hoarse and mournful.

He forced himself to sit up and recounted the whole story, embellished and exaggerated: how the Fang Family had discovered the Silver Mine, how their own family had gone to intimidate them, how Fang Han had returned, displayed the strength of a True Inheritor, mercilessly slain Gong Bao and numerous family experts, crippled his arm, and left a five-day challenge.

Naturally, he portrayed the Gong Family’s extortion and plunder as a rightful claim, and painted Fang Han’s counterattack as a cruel, bloodthirsty massacre.

"Fang Han... a newly promoted True Inheritor of the Qingxuan Sect..."

As Gong Xing listened to his father’s tearful account, his expression grew increasingly grim. The killing intent radiating from him caused the room’s temperature to drop, and a murderous glint flashed in his eyes.

"What a Fang Han! What a Qingxuan Sect True Inheritor! How dare he kill my brother, injure my father, and slaughter my clansmen!"

He clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles crackled, his heart ablaze with fury.

Fang Han’s actions were a direct provocation and humiliation to him, Gong Xing, and to the entire Gong Family.

He conveniently chose to ignore whether his family’s actions were justified.

"Xing’er, although that Fang Han is a newly promoted True Inheritor, his strength is immense. Your father couldn’t even last a single move against him! Are you... are you confident?"

Seeing his son’s rage gave Gong Biao some peace of mind, but he couldn’t help but worry.

The terrifying power Fang Han had displayed that day had left him with deep psychological scars.

"Hmph!"

Gong Xing snorted coldly, his face a mask of disdain and arrogance.

"Father, rest assured! It’s true that the Qingxuan Sect and my Netherworld Pavilion are evenly matched, but the gap between one True Inheritor and another can be as wide as the heavens and the earth!"

His gaze was disdainful, brimming with confidence.

"I achieved the rank of True Inheritor over two years ago. How can a rookie like Fang Han, who has just become one, possibly compare to me?"

"He’s just a frog in a well, ignorant of the vastness of the world! Since he dared to issue a challenge, I will go and cut him down."

"I’ll use his head to make a name for myself, Gong Xing, and to let the Qingxuan Sect know that not just any random stray can be called a True Inheritor!"

Gong Xing’s words were filled with absolute confidence in his own strength and utter contempt for the "newly promoted" Fang Han.

In his eyes, the foundation of a veteran True Inheritor was something a newcomer who had only been a disciple for just over a year could never hope to match.

...

Fang Family, Tingyu Pavilion.

For the next four days, Fang Han remained in seclusion, rarely venturing out.

He didn’t engage in high-intensity Martial Technique training. Instead, he only practiced at a low intensity each day to avoid excessive consumption of his Inner Qi in case Gong Xing launched a sudden attack.

Most of his time was spent in Tingyu Pavilion with his parents and younger sister.

The warmth of being reunited with his family greatly soothed the tension that had built up from his constant Cultivation.

He told his little sister, Fang Ying, strange and wonderful stories about the Qingxuan Sect, making the little girl so happy that she stuck to his side all day.

He discussed family business and the situation in the commandery with his father, Fang Zheng, and chatted about everyday matters with his mother, Lin Wan.

This simple, real, and down-to-earth atmosphere made him feel exceptionally at ease.

「On the morning of the fifth day.」

SWISH SWISH SWISH—

Inside Tingyu Pavilion, Fang Han’s figure moved like the Gentle Breeze Brushing the Willows, leaving behind nearly imperceptible afterimages in a small area. His understanding of "Transforming Solid into Void, Melt into the Wind" was growing ever deeper.

He came to a stop, his breathing steady.

His mother, Lin Wan, brought him a cup of warm ginseng tea. His little sister, Fang Ying, chattered away beside him, asking all sorts of wild questions, while his father, Fang Zheng, sat on a stone bench, watching the scene with a smile.

Suddenly—

"Enemy attack!"

A sharp, urgent cry laced with panic suddenly rang out from the front courtyard, shattering the tranquility of the Fang Family Mansion.

The hand Fang Han was using to hold his teacup paused slightly. A glint as sharp as a sword flashed in his eyes before vanishing.

’What was coming has finally arrived.’

"Father, Mother, Xiaoying, you all stay here in Tingyu Pavilion. No matter what you hear, do not go outside!"

Fang Han set down his teacup, his tone steady and unquestionable as he gave the order.

At the same time, his gaze swept over the few skilled family guards who had been stationed in the courtyard.

The men understood immediately. They nodded gravely, tightened their grip on their weapons, and moved to protect Mr. and Mrs. Fang Zheng and Fang Ying.

The color drained from Fang Zheng’s and Lin Wan’s faces in an instant, replaced by deep worry. But they knew they absolutely could not be a burden to their son at this moment.

Lin Wan’s voice trembled as she spoke.

"Han’er, be careful!"

"Brother, go beat up the bad guys!"

Fang Ying also clenched her small fists, her little face tense with nervousness.

"Don’t worry."

Fang Han gave his parents and sister a reassuring smile and gently patted his mother’s hand.

The next moment, his figure flickered and vanished from the spot like a phantom, leaving only a faint breeze behind.

...

The main gate of the Fang Mansion.

The large, crimson-lacquered gates were open. A few guards on duty stood as if facing a great enemy, gripping their weapons tightly as they nervously watched the figure slowly approaching from outside.

The newcomer was dressed in a tight-fitting black outfit. The cuffs and lapels were embroidered with a dark, silver flame pattern—the attire of a Netherworld Pavilion True Inheritor.

He had a long, narrow face, cold eyes, and a cruel smirk playing on his lips.

On his hands, he wore a pair of metal claws that emanated a ghastly chill. The blades were razor-sharp and had faint crimson patterns, as if they had drunk the blood of countless victims.

It was Gong Xing!

"Halt! This is the Fang Mansion! State your name!"

One of the guards suppressed the fear in his heart and shouted sternly.

Gong Xing acted as if he hadn’t heard, his steps never faltering as he walked straight toward the gate.

In the instant he passed the guards, he made a seemingly casual swipe with his clawed hands.

SHNK! SHNK! SHNK!

Several barely audible whooshes cut through the air.

The guards’ bodies suddenly went rigid. Their eyes bulged, their faces filled with utter terror.

At the same time, an extremely fine line of blood appeared on each of their necks, and then blood spurted out like a fountain!

Before they could even scream, they collapsed limply to the ground, their lives instantly extinguished.

Without so much as a glance at the bodies on the ground, as if he had just crushed a few ants, Gong Xing stepped over the threshold and entered the Fang Mansion.

"Fang Han, get out here and die!"

His cold gaze, like a viper’s tongue, swept over the members of the Fang Family who had rushed over upon hearing the commotion. They held their weapons, their faces a mixture of fear and grim determination.

The cruel curve on his lips grew more pronounced.

"It’s a True Disciple from the Netherworld Pavilion... It must be Gong Xing!"

Fang Lingyuan, Fang Tu, Fang Mingde, Fang Zhenshan, and the other core figures of the Fang Family stood at the very front. Behind them were dozens of skilled family members, blocking the front courtyard completely.

However, faced with the palpable, chilling killing intent and immense pressure radiating from Gong Xing, the Netherworld Pavilion’s True Disciple, everyone felt their breath catch in their throats. Their hearts pounded, and their palms began to sweat.

They were well aware of how terrifying Gong Xing’s power was. He was an expert far beyond their level. Even with their superior numbers, they had no chance of victory.

No one dared to rashly attack. They could only stand in a standoff with Gong Xing, trying to buy time until Fang Han arrived.