n the vast expanse of the Tianyi Continent lies the Eastern Cloud Kingdom, home to the inconspicuous Zhao family. Although seemingly ordinary, unable to claim any significant status within the kingdom, the Zhao lineage is woven with countless legendary tales.

Legend speaks of Zhao Yan's father, Zhao Wudi, who once was a favored prince in the royal courts of the Eastern Cloud Empire. Zhao Wudi, a mighty spirit realm warrior, was mysteriously sealed within a hidden sanctum for reasons unknown.

Despite years passing without a trace of him, the search for Zhao Wudi never ceased. In preparation for his return, the elders of the Zhao family have already begun arranging a grand wedding for Zhao Yang, awaiting only the arrival of the bride to escort her to the palace.

Dongfang Ling'er, the legitimate daughter born of the Empress of the Eastern Cloud Empire, was cherished and adored since childhood, living a life free from worries. Little did she know that she was destined to marry Zhao Wudi's brother, Zhao Yan's uncle, Zhao Yang.

"Sister Ling'er, in that white gown embroidered with golden flowers, you look ethereal, far surpassing Princess Lingyue in beauty by tenfold, even a hundredfold…" Zhao Yang exclaimed with a broad smile, admiring Dongfang Ling'er in his room.

"Brother Zhao Yang, please, no more words, I'm so nervous…" Dongfang Ling'er shyly murmured, lowering her head.

Suddenly, a knock on the door interrupted them.

"Who is it?" Dongfang Ling'er asked, puzzled.

Zhao Yang quickly opened the door, only to see a servant holding a wooden plaque entering: "Miss Dongfang, this is an invitation from the master, requesting your and the young master's presence at the banquet…"

"Oh, alright." Dongfang Ling'er nodded, accepting the wooden plaque, and followed the servant out of the room.

"Wait for me, Sister Ling'er, let's go together shortly…"

As Dongfang Ling'er departed, a sinister smile crept across Zhao Yang's face. Just as he pocketed the invitation, he noticed the servant pausing abruptly.

"What's the matter?" Zhao Yang inquired hastily.

"My lord, that lady… she doesn't seem to be the young mistress of the Dongfang residence," the servant replied respectfully.

"She isn't from the Dongfang residence?" Zhao Yang frowned, "Could she be that wretched creature hiding in secret?"

With a scoff, anger surged within him.

"I knew that wretch was trying to escape! I must capture him and sell him to a brothel, ensuring he'll never rise again!"

With this thought, Zhao Yang hurried towards the center of his courtyard. His residence, known as the West Wing, housed his friends and servants, with Zhao Yang emerging from there daily.

However, as he approached the door to the West Wing, ready to push it open, he suddenly heard hurried breathing inside.

"There's someone here!" Zhao Yang's eyes narrowed slightly.

In the next moment, he burst through the door!

The door swung open, and Zhao Yang was met with a shocking sight: inside the West Wing, a man and a woman lay disheveled on the bed—it was Dongfang Ling'er and Zhao Yan!

"What is this?" Zhao Yang was stunned by the scene before him.

As Zhao Yan and Dongfang Ling'er woke, realizing the situation, Zhao Yan struggled to get up. But his powers were sealed; he couldn't move an inch.

Dongfang Ling'er was equally panic-stricken, having not expected Zhao Yan's presence. She closed her eyes in despair, pretending to be dead.

"You wretched beast, dare to show your face here? Do you believe I could kill you?" Zhao Yang shouted, his eyes filled with a brutal rage.

He longed to tear Zhao Yan to pieces. But just as Zhao Yang was about to attack, a shadow suddenly appeared on the wall of the West Wing.

In a flash, the shadow struck, sending Zhao Yang flying back, crashing to the ground, blood spewing from his mouth.

"What?"

Scrambling to his feet, Zhao Yang glared at the tall figure in black robes who had intervened, "Who are you to meddle in my affairs?"

With a cold snort, the man in black robes sent another powerful palm strike, hurling Zhao Yang against a distant beam. Zhao Yang's ribs cracked, his organs shifted, pain engulfing his body, making it hard to even stand.

"Who are you? Why have you suddenly barged into my courtyard?" Zhao Yang grunted in pain.

The strength of the man in black was terrifying; Zhao Yang was no match. Yet, Zhao Yang believed this man must be from the Dongfang family, surely here to save Dongfang Ling'er.

As expected, the man in black spoke slowly: "Dongfang Ling'er is my concubine, and today marks her coming-of-age celebration. I am here to honor her…"

What?

Hearing this, Zhao Yang nearly choked on his own rage.

He had been plotting to deceive Dongfang Ling'er, yet this man had preempted him!

"Damn it! I must eliminate him!" Zhao Yang gritted his teeth in fury.

"Zhao Yang, you better leave now!" the man in black barked coldly.

Zhao Yang's face paled, and he quickly scrambled up, retreating from the West Wing. He knew well that this man, a demi-saint powerhouse, was far beyond his capabilities, and staying meant certain death.

As Zhao Yang left the West Wing, the man at the door turned around. It was none other than Dongfang Tianyu, Dongfang Ling'er's mentor and father, the second elder of the Dongfang family.

Dongfang Tianyu's eyes gleamed with joy as he looked at Dongfang Ling'er.

"My dear daughter is finally of age…"

With a tender glance at Dongfang Ling'er, he gently covered her with a blanket, then left the room, softly closing the door behind him.

Dongfang Tianyu exited the courtyard, walked for a while, then reached another estate.

"Zhao Yang, come out!"

The courtyard door opened, and Dongfang Tianyu spoke indifferently.

Zhao Yang emerged from the shadows, his face a picture of respect: "Brother, you called for me?"

"I have informed your father, Zhao Tianhu; he will arrive at the Dongfang residence tomorrow. And Zhao Yan must be taken away by Zhao Tianhu," Dongfang Tianyu declared.

"Understood," Zhao Yang nodded.

"Also, keep a close eye on Dongfang Ling'er's safety! If you can capture Zhao Yan, I might consider granting you Dongfang Ling'er as a wife, bestowing her the title of family head."

"Thank you, brother."