In the hall of the Qin family.
Several figures sat, and at the head of the room was a middle-aged man sitting upright. His eyes glowed with golden light, his aura deep and vast, giving off an imposing, awe-inspiring presence. His body radiated divine light, exuding an authority that demanded respect without anger.
This man was none other than the current Family Head of the Qin family—Qin Tianhai.
Qin Tianhai had led the Qin family for 500 years. During his rule, the family rose from being the third most powerful in Luoye City to becoming the top family. His contributions were undeniable.
Originally, he thought the Qin family would continue to thrive indefinitely. Unfortunately, fate did not go as planned. His youngest son was born with all his meridians blocked, rendering him unable to cultivate.
While his daughter was exceptionally talented, a daughter would eventually marry, becoming part of another family. Qin Tianhai couldn't entrust the entire Qin family to her.
At this moment, several large families from the surrounding cities had caught wind that the Qin family lacked a male heir. They all set their sights on the Qin family, hoping to snatch a piece of the pie. The Chen family was just one of them.
Qin Tianhai glanced at the young man sitting to his right, then calmly sipped his tea before saying slowly, "Young Master Chen, how many times have you visited the Qin residence?"
There was an unspoken custom in this world that, after serving a guest tea, it was a subtle way of asking them to leave.
But despite having had three cups of tea, the young man showed no signs of taking the hint and remained seated, as steady as a mountain.
"Uncle Qin, this is merely my fourth visit," Chen Youshang said with a smile.
"No need to call me 'Uncle', The Qin family and the Chen family do not share such close ties. 'Family Head Qin' will suffice," Qin Tianhai said with a wave of his hand, his tone indifferent.
"I apologize for my presumptuousness. Please forgive me, Family Head Qin," Chen Youshang said, still smiling, though a flicker of darkness passed through his eyes.
The Chen family was no weakling. Like the Qin family, they had a long-standing presence in Luoye City, though they had fallen from the top spot to second place over the centuries.
However, even a declining camel was bigger than a horse.
Although the Chen family had seen better days, it still held more foundation than an upstart like the Qin family.
To Chen Youshang, he had shown ample courtesy by visiting the Qin family several times.
If Qin Tianhai was smart, things could proceed smoothly.
But if he didn't understand this, Chen Youshang wouldn't hesitate to take action after Qin Tianhai's demise, eradicating the Qin family himself.
"Family Head Qin, regarding the matter I brought up earlier, have you given it any more thought?" Chen Youshang asked, his smile widening.
There were many rumors in Luoye City about Qin Xueyi, the Qin family's eldest daughter, who was said to be as beautiful as a fairy.
However, few people had actually seen her, including Chen Youshang.
But her looks didn't concern him.
His only goal was to swallow up the Qin family and, in turn, take control of Luoye City.
It didn't matter whether Qin Xueyi was ugly or stunning; once the Qin family was in his hands, he could easily marry her and later discard her if necessary, after absorbing the Qin family's power, of course.
"If Young Master Chen has come today regarding the marriage proposal, then you may return. My daughter will soon be betrothed to the eldest son of the Li family," Qin Tianhai said solemnly.
"The Li family?" Chen Youshang frowned. "The Li family of Tianyuan City?"
"Indeed," Qin Tianhai nodded.
Chen Youshang's heart sank.
The worst-case scenario had come true.
At this critical juncture, the Li family had swooped in and stolen the opportunity.
The Li family of Tianyuan City was no small force.
They were an old, powerful family that had stood strong for thousands of years.
Even the Chen family would hesitate to provoke them.
But now, with the Qin family at stake, they had no choice.
If the Qin family was absorbed, the Chen family would have to confront the Li family, whether they liked it or not.
Thinking this through, Chen Youshang's eyes turned cold. "Does Family Head Qin forget that Tianyuan City is tens of thousands of miles from Luoye City?" he said with a hint of menace. "Or does Family Head Qin truly believe the Li family can protect the Qin family?"
"What do you mean by that?" Qin Tianhai's eyes flared with anger, and a powerful aura surged from him, pressing down on everyone in the hall like a mountain.
Chen Youshang's face paled under the pressure. But before anything further could happen, the black-clad elder behind him stepped forward, neutralizing Qin Tianhai's aura.
This elder was a guardian of the Chen family, not as powerful as Qin Tianhai, but capable of holding his ground.
"I meant it literally," Chen Youshang said calmly, regaining his composure.
"Are you threatening me?" Qin Tianhai's face darkened.
His hands trembled as he fought the urge to strike Chen Youshang down on the spot.
But knowing they were in the Qin family's hall, and with the elder present, he restrained himself.
Meanwhile, outside the hall, behind a rockery, Qin Xueyi stood quietly in a white dress. Her ethereal presence and clear eyes observed the situation within the hall.
"Chen Youshang must die." Qin Xueyi muttered softly.
Although her voice was calm, the murderous intent within was chilling.
"Miss, be careful with your words. We're too close. What if they overhear?" her maid, Xiao Huan, cautioned.
"Don't worry," Qin Xueyi replied, pointing to a few spirit stones she had just placed. "They can't see or hear us."
After ten thousand years of cultivation in her past life, she had more than enough experience to set up a simple illusion formation.
She was confident that no one in Luoye City, not even her father, could detect it.
"Since when does Miss know how to set up formations?" Xiao Huan scratched her head, puzzled.
Ever since the previous night, her mistress seemed different, though she couldn't pinpoint how.
Considering her mistress's earlier words, Xiao Huan thought it best to remind her. "Miss, in a few days, the eldest son of the Li family will arrive. Once you're married, the Li family will extend their support to us. Then—"
Before she could finish her sentence, a servant rushed into the hall.
"Family Head, the eldest young master of the Li family has arrived!"
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