**Chapter Title: Flames and Fate**
Zhao Yan was caught off guard and desperately dodged, but he was a step too slow; the bolt of black lightning struck him squarely, scorching his body and emitting a mix of charred and rich meaty aromas.
"Ah—my hand..."
"Brother Zhao Yan!"
Both Zhao Ling'er and Dongfang Tianxue were pale with shock. They had never imagined that Zhao Yan would actually dare to kill Zhao Yang!
"Zhao Yan! You won't die a good death; I will never let you go!" roared a supporter of Zhao Yang, his eyes bloodshot as he dashed toward the grand hall.
"Stop him!"
Dongfang Tianxue and Zhao Ling'er quickly followed in pursuit.
In the grand hall, Zhao Hu also sprang into action, providing Zhao Yan with a chance to escape under his protection.
Zhao Yan glanced back fiercely at Dongfang Tianyu and the others.
"Zhao Yan, just you wait; I won't make this easy for you!"
...
After leaving the Dongfang estate, Zhao Yan made his way directly to Dongfang Ling'er's boudoir. With Zhao Yang gone, the Dongfang family had lost a key pillar, rendering the others insignificant.
"Sister Ling'er, you've finally come back!" Zhao Yan exclaimed with immense joy.
Dongfang Ling'er blushed slightly and replied, "You haven't yet taken me to Zhao family village."
"Ha, certainly, let's go right now!" With a laugh, Zhao Yan grasped Dongfang Ling'er's hand and they hurriedly set off.
Dongfang Ling'er was also beaming with happiness. Despite being the princess of the Dongfang family, she had spent years living in Zhao family village and had always harbored feelings for Zhao Yan, though she couldn't express them due to Dongfang Tianyu's wishes.
Now, with Zhao Yang dead, she finally found her outlet.
"Zhao Yan, why did you save the Dongfang family? Why not just kill them?" Dongfang Ling'er couldn't help but ask.
"The strength of the Dongfang family is formidable, and in this world, one cannot kill whoever they wish without a proper opportunity—I need the right moment to strike!"
Zhao Yan's eyes glinted coldly as he spoke.
"Oh! I see." Dongfang Ling'er nodded, her confusion gradually clearing.
Although Zhao Yan's explanation sounded far-fetched, she secretly admired his cunning. She wasn't overly curious by nature, but understood the saying: curiosity killed the cat.
Having experienced this herself, she dared not speculate wildly or ask too many questions.
"By the way, Brother Zhao Yan, where did you say you were taking me?" her curiosity rekindled.
Zhao Yan smiled mysteriously, "You'll see when we get there!"
Zhao Yan led Dongfang Ling'er away from the Dongfang estate and headed south. After half a day, they arrived at a desolate village known as Zhao Family Manor, the homeland of Zhao Yan, Zhao Hu, and the late Zhao Yang.
"Come with me, Ling'er."
Zhao Yan led her deep into the village to a small courtyard.
"Wait here for me."
After speaking, Zhao Yan entered his room and locked the door behind him. He then retrieved a storage ring, opening it to reveal a map he had obtained from the Dongfang family during his time at the Celestial Star Academy. Dongfang Ling'er was familiar with this map from her time with the Dongfang family.
"Brother Zhao Yan, what do you need the map for?" Dongfang Ling'er asked curiously.
"The other end of this map leads to the Zhao family's ancestral land, the home of my parents, though they left long ago," Zhao Yan sighed, "I've heard they are trapped there, their fate unknown."
"What should I do?" Dongfang Ling'er's face paled instantly.
Seeing her distress, Zhao Yan shook his head. Having grown up together, he cared deeply for Ling'er and felt pained seeing her worry.
"Don't worry, Ling'er, I will definitely rescue your parents."
"Okay," she nodded, her heart stirring with emotion.
"Sister Ling'er, you are at the prime of your cultivation. You've reached the fifth level of body refining, and your body harbors spiritual energy. Take this opportunity to break through to the seventh level!"
"I will try my best!" Dongfang Ling'er nodded vigorously, though she mused that this was unlike Zhao Yan's usual behavior. Normally, he would shield her from danger, but now, he was urging her to strive for a breakthrough.
"Brother Zhao Yan, what has happened?"
"Don't ask too many questions, Ling'er. Once you break through to the seventh level, I'll take you to meet your father," said Zhao Yan.
"Alright."
"I must also find your master, so for now, focus on your cultivation. Once I bring your master here, you can meet her," Zhao Yan instructed before leaving her room.
"Zhao Yan, are you really helping me?"
Once Zhao Yan left, Dongfang Ling'er's expression grew complex, her doubts deepening.
Zhao Yan took Zhao Ling'er to a towering building within the Dongfang family's grounds, a forbidden area usually off-limits to outsiders. Yet, Zhao Yan entered with ease.
This magnificent building was filled with lavish and invaluable items.
"All these resources of the Dongfang family will soon be mine!" Zhao Yan thought as he sat down to meditate, absorbing the spiritual treasures contained within the building.
The resources were abundant, and Zhao Yan quickly absorbed them, significantly enhancing his cultivation.
Exhaling deeply, he opened his eyes.
"Zhao Ling'er is still too weak. If it were Zhao Chen, this building would have been reduced to ashes!"
"Brother Zhao Yan, are you alright?" Zhao Ling'er's voice came from outside the door.
Seeing Zhao Yan unharmed, she breathed a sigh of relief, having feared he might get injured.
"I'm fine, Ling'er," Zhao Yan reassured with a smile.
"Brother Zhao Yan, this building is intended for the Dongfang family, I wish you hadn't come," she said, lowering her head.
"Is this your home? Don't you want me to be with you?" Zhao Yan's smile took on a mischievous edge.
Dongfang Ling'er's cheeks flushed, and she shyly bit her lip.
"Brother Zhao Yan, don't be like this. This is a high-security area, and others might come at any moment."
Smiling, Zhao Yan nodded, "Alright, let's go outside."
He led Dongfang Ling'er out of the room and into the main hall.