Liu Yichen abruptly sat up in bed, his eyes widening instantly, a sharp glint flashing within them like a meteor streaking across the night sky. His vision felt as though it had been pierced by an electric current, becoming instantly bright and sharp, as if he could see through the darkness.
Breaking off the engagement?
This was a heaven-sent opportunity!
He grabbed a piece of rice paper from the table, his arm swinging forcefully as he began to write furiously. The brush tip scratched against the paper, producing a soft rustling sound, like silkworms devouring mulberry leaves. With bold, sweeping strokes, he wrote two large characters: Divorce Letter!
After finishing, he raised an eyebrow in satisfaction, a faint smile playing on his lips. He handed the paper to Xun'er, who was still standing frozen in place. "Come, take me to the council hall!"
Xun'er took the paper, her eyes widening slightly as a cold sensation spread from her fingertips, like icicles in winter. The two bright red characters, "Divorce Letter," seemed to stab at her heart like sharp knives. Her heartbeat grew erratic, her lips trembling slightly as she glanced at Liu Yichen with concern. The young master's behavior today is so unusual... Could it be...
Could it be that the news of the Mo family breaking off the engagement has driven him mad?
Xun'er's heart tightened. She carefully supported Liu Yichen, feeling the warmth and slight tremors of his body. Her palms grew damp with sweat, making her grip slippery as she guided him step by step toward the council hall.
The atmosphere in the council hall was heavy, like a boulder pressing down on everyone's hearts.
The Liu family members had gathered, their gazes filled with disdain and scorn as they looked at Liu Yichen. Their eyes were like icy arrows, piercing toward him.
Whispers filled the air, buzzing like mosquitoes, but Liu Yichen filtered them out as if they were nothing more than the annoying hum of distant flies.
"Well, well, if it isn't our young city lord? What, has the Mo family come to break off the engagement, and you've come to deliver yourself to us?" A sharp, mocking voice rang out. Liu Yichen turned to see a middle-aged man in a brocade robe, his figure portly, his face glistening with oil under the light. The man's lips curled into a sneer, revealing yellowed teeth as his body swayed slightly with laughter.
"Exactly! A waste like you, how could you possibly be worthy of the Third Lady of the Mo family? A toad lusting after swan meat!" Another thin man chimed in, his voice dripping with contempt. His tone was shrill, like nails scraping against a chalkboard, and he pursed his lips disdainfully, crossing his arms.
"I heard that the Third Lady of the Mo family is a prodigy, not only stunningly beautiful but also a genius in cultivation. She's already at the fifth level of the Qi Condensation stage! And what about our young city lord? Still a useless waste who can't even cultivate!" A sharp-faced old man added, his voice dripping with sarcasm. His tone was hoarse, like the creaking of an old bellows, and he squinted as he spoke, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes deepening.
The hall erupted in laughter, the sound crashing over Liu Yichen like waves, as if he were a clown performing for their amusement.
Liu Yichen's gaze swept across the room, taking in the mockery and disdain. His eyes moved slowly, like a broom sweeping away the unfriendly stares.
A playful smile tugged at the corners of his lips, like a candle suddenly lighting up in the darkness. His eyes narrowed slightly.
"You all seem quite happy," he said slowly, his voice low and powerful, echoing through the hall like the tolling of an ancient bell. His eyes locked onto the crowd, his expression calm.
"In that case, I can't possibly disappoint you..."
As soon as Liu Yichen's words fell, the laughter in the council hall came to an abrupt halt. The air seemed to freeze, as if turned to ice. Everyone stared at him in disbelief, their eyes bulging as if they had seen something unimaginable.
The once meek and ridiculed young city lord now seemed like a completely different person.
"Your joy is built on my suffering. How laughable," Liu Yichen said with a sneer, his lips curling into a mocking arc. His eyes were filled with disdain as he tilted his head slightly. "A bunch of clowns who only know how to gossip behind people's backs, yet you dare to chatter in front of me?" With each word, his tone grew colder, like a biting wind scraping against their eardrums. The crowd felt a sharp pain in their ears, as if needles had been driven into them.
As Liu Yichen spoke, a powerful aura emanated from him, spreading outward like a tangible force. Liu Yichen could feel this energy surging from within his body, and he instinctively straightened his posture. The family members who had mocked him were forced to take several steps back under the pressure of this aura. Some of the weaker ones even fell to the ground with a thud, their faces filled with terror, their bodies trembling uncontrollably.
"Ding! Verbal combat successful. Anger Points +100. Additional skill unlocked: Intimidating Voice. This skill instills fear in opponents when they hear the host's voice."
Liu Yichen's heart swelled with excitement. He clenched his fists, immediately activating the Intimidating Voice skill. His low, powerful voice reverberated through the hall: "Today, I, Liu Yichen, will show you who the true powerhouse is. All of you who have bullied and humiliated me, listen well—this is just the beginning!"
The family members' faces twisted in fear, their bodies trembling uncontrollably. Their teeth chattered, producing faint clattering sounds, and some even crouched down, covering their heads.
"You... How dare you insult us like this!" The portly middle-aged man was the first to react, pointing a shaking finger at Liu Yichen. His face turned beet red with anger, his body leaning forward, his eyes wide with fury.
"Insult?" Liu Yichen scoffed, a glint of disdain flashing in his eyes. His gaze was like two icy swords, his lips curling into a mocking smile as he shook his head. "Am I not speaking the truth? All of you, so righteous on the surface, yet scheming and petty behind the scenes. For the sake of a few crumbs, you'd gladly trample me underfoot. Isn't such behavior utterly disgusting?"
His words were like sharp knives, stabbing into the hearts of every Liu family member present. Their faces grew even uglier, as if they had eaten something bitter. Some lowered their heads, while others clenched their fists but could not refute him. They could only glare at Liu Yichen with eyes filled with rage, as if they wanted to set him on fire.
"Ding! Verbal combat successful. Anger Points +100!"
"Ding! Verbal combat successful. Anger Points +120!"
"Ding! Verbal combat successful. Anger Points +150!"
A series of notifications rang out in Liu Yichen's mind, like the clear chime of bells. He felt a warm current surge through his body, like a hot spring, instantly filling his once-weak body with strength. His face lit up with excitement, his eyes sparkling.
He was ecstatic. Who knew that verbal combat could be so rewarding? This system was tailor-made for him!
"Ding! Congratulations, host. Anger Points have reached the upgrade threshold. System upgrading..."
"Ding! System upgrade complete. You have reached Level 1 of Qi Condensation Realm!"
Liu Yichen's heart raced with excitement. He clenched his fists, feeling the newfound strength coursing through his veins. His body, once weak and frail, now felt alive with power. He could sense the subtle energy fluctuations in the air, the faint hum of life around him. It was as if he had been blind his entire life and was now seeing the world for the first time.
The upgrade notifications kept coming, making Liu Yichen even more excited. His eyes shone with anticipation, and his body trembled slightly.
He felt subtle changes in his body—his senses became sharper, his strength greater. His muscles seemed to have been infused with new vitality, becoming more firm. He clenched his fists unconsciously.
He couldn't help but shout inwardly: The thrill of leveling up through verbal combat is simply unbeatable!
"Ding! System upgrade successful. You have received one lottery draw. Would you like to draw now?"
"Lottery?" Liu Yichen's heart stirred, though his face remained cold and composed. His expression was like a block of ice, his eyes narrowing slightly.
He glanced again at the family members who had been rendered speechless by his verbal assault, a meaningful smile playing on his lips. His eyes gleamed with cunning.
"It seems the real show is just beginning."
At that moment, a clear, melodious voice broke the silence in the council hall: "Oh, isn't this the young city lord of the Liu family? Quite the temper you have today." The voice was like the chirping of birds at dawn. Everyone turned to look.
Liu Yichen silently activated the lottery in his mind.
"Ding! Unfortunately, you did not win this time. Better luck next time!" The system's voice rang out, tinged with regret.
Liu Yichen raised an eyebrow, a flicker of disappointment in his eyes. No luck this time? "Draw again!"
"Ding! Congratulations, host. You have obtained the Divine Eye of Verbal Combat!"
Liu Yichen's heart leaped with joy. The Divine Eye of Verbal Combat? The name alone sounded impressive!
The system explained: The Divine Eye of Verbal Combat can see through all illusions and peer into the hearts of others!
He immediately activated the Divine Eye. The world before him seemed to be bathed in a faint golden light, everything becoming clearer. He could see the dust particles in the air, like tiny golden specks dancing around, and even sense the subtle energy fluctuations in the atmosphere, like a gentle breeze brushing against his face. His eyes sparkled with curiosity.
He turned his gaze toward the speaker and saw a young woman in a light blue dress walking gracefully toward him. Her footsteps were light, like a cat's, her features delicate and fair-skinned. This was none other than the Third Lady of the Mo family—Mo Wanqing.
"Miss Mo, what brings you here today?" Liu Yichen asked with a cold smile, his eyes scanning her up and down. His gaze was like a scanner, his eyes narrowing slightly.
Mo Wanqing's attire today was slightly different from usual. Her light blue dress was embroidered with exquisite lotus flowers, so lifelike they seemed real, enhancing her ethereal beauty. Her long black hair was tied up with a white jade hairpin, which glowed softly under the light, exuding elegance. Every gesture and smile carried an air of nobility, the demeanor of a well-bred lady.
However, with the Divine Eye of Verbal Combat activated, Liu Yichen saw through her elegant facade, revealing the hypocrisy and arrogance hidden beneath. He could sense the faint trace of darkness lurking in her heart, his eyes glinting with insight.
Through the light blue dress, Liu Yichen "saw" the pale pink undergarment Mo Wanqing was wearing. He couldn't help but chuckle inwardly, a mischievous smile tugging at his lips. This little lady, putting on such a prim and proper act, yet so secretly provocative inside.
His smile widened, his eyes filled with amusement.
"Young City Lord Liu, I heard you caused quite a scene in the council hall today. Was it because of the Mo family breaking off the engagement?" Mo Wanqing's voice was clear and melodious, like a mountain spring, but Liu Yichen detected a hint of hidden smugness. She tilted her head slightly, her eyes fixed on Liu Yichen, a faint smile on her lips.
"Miss Mo, you flatter me," Liu Yichen sneered, his eyes filled with disdain. "Do you think I, Liu Yichen, am the type to be troubled by matters of the heart? The Mo family breaking off the engagement suits me just fine!" He deliberately feigned indifference, but his tone carried a hint of provocation. He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms.
"Oh? Is that so?" Mo Wanqing smiled, a glint of coldness flashing in her eyes. Her gaze was like a deep, unfathomable lake, her lips pursed slightly. "Then why did you lose your temper today and publicly insult your family members?"
"Lose my temper? Insult?" Liu Yichen threw his head back and laughed, the sound filled with mockery. His laughter was like rolling thunder, his body leaning forward as he stared at Mo Wanqing. "Miss Mo, have you forgotten who started the mockery and humiliation?"
"You..." Mo Wanqing's expression changed, her face darkening like a sudden overcast sky. A flicker of anger flashed in her eyes, her lips trembling slightly.
Liu Yichen's smile widened, his eyes gleaming with triumph. "What's wrong? Did I hit a nerve?" He stared intently at Mo Wanqing.
Liu Yichen's laughter echoed through the council hall, his voice carrying a sharp edge that seemed to cut through the tension in the air. The Liu family members, who had been mocking him moments ago, now stood frozen, their faces pale and their bodies trembling under the weight of his newfound aura.
Mo Wanqing, the Third Lady of the Mo family, narrowed her eyes, her delicate features tightening as she studied Liu Yichen. She had expected him to crumble under the pressure, to beg for mercy or at least show some semblance of weakness. But instead, he stood tall, his eyes gleaming with a confidence she had never seen before.
"Young City Lord Liu," she said, her voice cold and measured, "you seem... different today."
Liu Yichen smirked, his gaze locking onto hers. "Different? Perhaps. Or perhaps you're finally seeing me for who I truly am."
As he spoke, a surge of energy coursed through his body, like a river breaking through a dam. His muscles tightened, his senses sharpened, and he felt a profound change within himself. It was as if a veil had been lifted, revealing a world of possibilities he had never imagined.
"Ding! Congratulations, host. You have reached Level 1 of the Qi Condensation Realm!" the system's voice chimed in his mind, clear and triumphant.
Liu Yichen's heart raced with excitement. He clenched his fists, feeling the newfound strength coursing through his veins. His body, once weak and frail, now felt alive with power. He could sense the subtle energy fluctuations in the air, the faint hum of life around him. It was as if he had been blind his entire life and was now seeing the world for the first time.
Level 1 of the Qi Condensation Realm marked the beginning of his cultivation journey. While it was the lowest level, it was a crucial step—one that separated him from ordinary mortals. He was no longer just a young city lord with no talent for cultivation. He was now a cultivator, someone who could harness the energy of the world and shape it to his will.
The system continued: "As a reward for reaching Level 1 of the Qi Condensation Realm, you have gained Basic Qi Control. This skill allows you to sense and manipulate the faint traces of Qi in your surroundings. Use it wisely."
Liu Yichen's smile widened. He could feel the faint currents of Qi swirling around him, like invisible threads waiting to be woven into something greater. He extended his hand, and a small wisp of Qi gathered in his palm, glowing faintly like a tiny star.
The council hall fell silent. The Liu family members stared in shock, their mouths agape. Even Mo Wanqing's composure faltered, her eyes widening as she took a step back.
"You... you can cultivate now?" she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.
Liu Yichen chuckled, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Surprised? You shouldn't be. After all, I am the young city lord of the Liu family. Did you really think I would remain a waste forever?"
He took a step forward, the Qi in his palm growing brighter. The family members who had mocked him earlier now cowered, their faces filled with fear. Even the portly middle-aged man who had been so vocal earlier now looked as if he wanted to disappear into the ground.
"Ding! Verbal combat successful. Anger Points +200!" the system announced.
Liu Yichen's grin widened. He was just getting started.
"Miss Mo," he said, turning his attention back to her, "since you're so concerned about the engagement, let me make one thing clear: I, Liu Yichen, no longer have any interest in being tied down by such trivial matters. Consider the engagement broken. From this day forward, I will walk my own path."
Mo Wanqing's face flushed with anger, but she said nothing. She could feel the power radiating from Liu Yichen, a power she had never sensed in him before. It was as if he had been reborn, transformed into someone entirely new.
Liu Yichen turned to Xun'er, who was still standing by his side, her eyes wide with awe. "Come, Xun'er. Let's leave these clowns to their petty squabbles. We have bigger things to attend to."
As they walked out of the council hall, Liu Yichen couldn't help but feel a sense of exhilaration. He had reached Level 1 of the Qi Condensation Realm, and with it, he had taken the first step toward greatness. The path ahead would be long and arduous, but he was ready.
The system's voice echoed in his mind: "Host, your journey has only just begun. The stars await."
Liu Yichen smiled, his eyes fixed on the horizon. "Indeed they do."