**Chapter Title: A Day of Intrigue at the Dongfang Estate**
Dressed impeccably, Dongfang Ling'er sat before the vanity, her gaze fixed upon her reflection in the mirror. The young woman clad in red, her cheeks flushed, eyes brimming with emotion, resembled a bud on the cusp of blooming, radiating a captivating fragrance.
"Ling'er, you are truly beautiful!"
At that moment, Zhao Yang's mother emerged from the room, her face alight with a smile. She had long known Zhao Yang and was aware of his admiration for Dongfang Ling'er over the years. His humble status had restrained him from aspiring to a matrimonial alliance.
Now, with Zhao Yang's father arranging Ling'er's marriage into the Zhao family, Zhao Yang's fortunes had ascended dramatically, as if he had been lifted to the heavens.
Zhao Yang, grinning broadly, replied, "Of course, Sister Ling'er is the most beautiful!"
Turning to his mother, he added, "Right, mother?"
His mother nodded with a smile, affirming, "Naturally."
Dongfang Ling'er then lifted her head and smilingly inquired of Zhao Yang, "Your father isn't home, is he?"
"He's gone to greet some guests," replied Zhao Yang.
"Oh…"
A hint of disappointment flickered across Ling'er's eyes. She had hoped that tonight, aided by the influence of wine and certain medicines, she might consummate her marriage with Zhao Yang. Now, it seemed her plans were dashed.
This realization brought her some concern. Though merely a girl, her pride was substantial, and she loathed the idea of compromise. Yet Zhao Yang was her betrothed, and forcing intimacy could provoke his disgust. However, rebuffing him might not end his advances either.
Sighing, Dongfang Ling'er was lost in thought when suddenly a knock at the door jolted her.
"Who is it?"
Zhao Yang hurried to answer it.
"Miss, your guest has arrived," a servant announced.
"Alright, I'll be there shortly."
Zhao Yang then said to Dongfang Ling'er, "Sister Ling'er, I'll go entertain the guests; I'll come to find you later tonight."
"Alright."
With that, Zhao Yang quickly departed, while Dongfang Ling'er frowned slightly, mulling over her options.
"It seems I must handle Zhao Yang first."
...
Meanwhile, in a luxurious mansion in the southern part of the city, several men sat in the hall. Among them was Dongfang Tianyu, the second elder of the Dongfang family, along with his brother Dongfang Tianhu, Zhao Yang, and Zhao Ling'er, the fourth and fifth elders respectively.
The atmosphere was exceptionally somber.
"Our Dongfang family faces a catastrophic threat," one of them declared.
"And Zhao Yan's prowess is formidable; not only did he kill our Zhao family's guard captain, but he also severely wounded our family's prodigy!"
"But our Zhao family is no weakling; since he dared to kill his father in front of Zhao Yang, we will certainly not let him go unavenged."
"Absolutely, he will not leave the Dongfang family alive."
The room was filled with vehement declarations.
"Uncle, do you have a plan to resolve this menace, Zhao Yan?" asked Zhao Ling'er, Dongfang Tianyu's direct granddaughter, whose cultivation talent surpassed even that of Dongfang Tianyu, who was at the late peak of the Qi-gathering realm.
Dongfang Tianyu glanced at Dongfang Tianhu, who immediately understood and walked to the door, shouting to a servant outside, "Summon someone, prepare a generous gift for Zhao Yan, and invite him to a banquet at our estate tomorrow."
"Yes, sir!"
The servant acknowledged and hurried off to make arrangements.
Hearing this, Zhao Yang looked perplexed at Dongfang Tianhu, being new to the Zhao family and unaware of Zhao Yan's true identity.
Dongfang Tianyu added, "This will not only please Dongfang Ling'er's parents but also gain us a formidable ally in Zhao Yan."
Zhao Yang nodded in agreement.
"I also support uncle's suggestion. Considering Zhao Yang's willingness to marry our Ling'er despite his father's death shows his genuine love for her. We can use this to our advantage," Zhao Ling'er noted.
Dongfang Tianyu nodded, "Very well, I'll leave this matter to Zhao Hu and Zhao Ling'er. Your father and I have other matters to discuss, so we'll head back now."
With that, Dongfang Tianyu rose and left the hall.
"Farewell, uncle."
Everyone bowed respectfully, watching as Dongfang Tianyu departed.
At that moment, outside the Dongfang estate, Zhao Yang and Dongfang Ling'er stood at the entrance.
Seeing Dongfang Ling'er emerge, Zhao Yang's eyes brightened. His gaze swept over her form, and he couldn't help but swallow, his expression turning lecherous.
"Hehe, Sister Ling'er, you've suffered during this time!"
Zhao Yan rubbed his hands eagerly.
However, Dongfang Ling'er shook her head, "Zhao Yan, brother, I don't mind the hardship, I just hope we can always be together."
"Of course, Sister Ling'er," Zhao Yan responded, "I've been working hard too."
With that, he reached out, embraced Dongfang Ling'er tightly, and pressed his lips to hers.
...
Inside the Zhao family estate, in a grand hall, the high-ranking members of the Zhao family gathered, each bearing a solemn expression.
"Elders, we must devise a plan soon, or we risk a dire predicament," Zhao Yang stated gravely.
"Yes, we've considered this carefully. Zhao Yan's attack is intended to force our surrender. If we do not, a bloody battle is inevitable. Thus, I suggest we send a small elite force to probe the Zhao family village," suggested Zhao Hu, the fourth elder.
"Excellent!"
Dongfang Tianhu nodded, "However, do not forget, Zhao Yan killed Dongfang Tianyu in a short time; I fear our Dongfang family members are no match for him."
Hearing this, Zhao Yang felt uneasy, suddenly recalling Zhao Yan's killing of Dongfang Tianyu, which stirred discomfort within him.
It felt as if someone had stolen a prized possession.
"Hmph!"
As Zhao Yang pondered, a surge of anger suddenly welled up within him.
At that moment, a chilling voice echoed through the hall, "Zhao Yang, what foolish thoughts occupy your simple mind?"
Startled by the voice, Zhao Yang turned and exclaimed in shock, "Father!"
"Hmph!"
A sneer crossed Zhao Fei's face, "Did you think I'd give you this opportunity? I've warned you not to covet the daughter of my Zhao family."
"Zhao Fei, regardless, Ling'er is already my betrothed!" Zhao Yang retorted angrily.
"Is that so?"
A cold smile curled Zhao Fei's lips, and he slowly clenched his fists, the cracking sound filling the air, "Too bad, it's not about your betrothed now, but rather, your impending death!"
As he spoke, Zhao Fei swung his right hand, unleashing a blast of black lightning towards Zhao Yan.