Deep within the Ye family estate lay a vast lake, inhabited by a colossal pangolin-like beast as massive as a small hill—a fearsome great demon at the Martial God realm.
Fond of water, it usually lay dormant in the depths of the lake, rarely venturing out. It was a great demon dispatched from the Demonic Beast Mountain Range to safeguard the Ye family's security, representing the will of the mountain range itself.
Normally, this great demon remained unmoved, its presence seldom seen. It only acted at critical moments to ensure safety and deter those with ill intentions.
But at this moment, the lake water erupted as a huge, ferocious head emerged, roaring in a low growl that was tinged with palpable fear.
For it had sensed an utterly terrifying aura appearing in the sky above Luo Feng City—unfamiliar and supremely dreadful, like a primordial beast king perched in the heavens, making its heart tremble.
The Martial God great demon's alarmed roar put the entire Ye family on high alert. Numerous powerful figures emerged. The two Martial God experts stationed in Luo Feng City by the Xia Feng Kingdom's royal family to guard the area also flew out, arriving above the Ye estate.
Even the current family head, Ye Ao, flew out. As the master of the Ye family, he naturally bore the responsibility of protecting the household. He looked toward a slender figure high in the sky—the source of the great demon's alarm—and immediately cupped his fists, shouting loudly, "May I ask which esteemed expert has arrived? Please show yourself. Our Ye family is willing to host a grand feast for our honored guest and wishes to avoid conflict. However, if you intend to harm our Ye family, I advise you to consider the might of the Demonic Beast Mountain Range."
This statement was both an invitation and an implicit warning. Who in the world did not know that the Demonic Beast Mountain Range was a major force under the command of the Supreme Divine Spirit, the Great Sage Hong Tian? Across the entire Tian Du Continent, no one dared to offend the Great Sage Hong Tian.
The many powerful members of the Ye family gathered, standing ready.
Whoosh—
The slender figure descended swiftly from the heavens, appearing before everyone. His bearing was imposing, a young talent with handsome features, sword-like eyebrows, and starry eyes. A faint Moon Mark shimmered between his brows.
Seeing everyone standing on guard, Ye Chen couldn't help but smile warmly and brightly. "Father, surely you wouldn't treat your own son like an enemy, would you?"
"Ye Chen!?"
The crowd was stunned. They had thought it was some formidable figure, but it was the Ye family's strongest member, the clan's most proud genius, returning. Cheers erupted, and everyone was overjoyed.
"Someone, prepare the finest feast to welcome my proudest child home! Quickly!" Ye Ao immediately ordered a grand feast to welcome Ye Chen's return. His subordinates naturally did not dare to delay, all snapping to attention to prepare everything.
"Roar—" The pangolin great demon let out a submissive roar before submerging back into the lake. The two Martial God experts sent by the royal family approached. Facing the now widely renowned Ye Chen, they appeared quite reserved, cupping their fists and bowing. "We pay our respects to Lord Ye Chen."
Ye Chen smiled slightly, helping the two Martial Gods up. Gently, he said, "What are you doing, Fellow Daoists? It is I who should thank the royal family for sending you to guard our family. Please, come quickly and join us for the feast."
Ye Ao also urged, "Fellow Daoists, please come quickly."
"Since that is the case, we dare not refuse," the two Martial Gods laughed and entered the Ye family estate to enjoy the feast.
The banquet was held in the main hall of the Ye family. Upon learning of Ye Chen's return, many forces came to attend, also hoping to befriend Ye Chen, the rising star and foremost figure among the younger generation.
Who in the world did not know that this youth, barely over twenty, possessed extraordinary talent and a limitless future? He was someone to befriend, not to antagonize.
That night, many guests attended the feast. Not only were there important members of the royal family, but even first-rate forces from other kingdoms sent their experts, all to curry favor with Ye Chen, astonishing the world with his current prestige.
"Brother Ye Chen, you're back."
A graceful and elegant figure appeared lightly, her figure exquisite and outstanding, with cascading black hair like a waterfall. It was his cousin, Ye Zimei.
Usually cold and aloof, lofty like a goddess, and exceptionally beautiful, she had numerous suitors within the Xia Feng Kingdom and nearby kingdoms, including members of royal families.
But she had never shown interest in anyone, maintaining a proud, cold demeanor. Now, however, she broke that icy temperament, skipping over to Ye Chen's side like a little sister. She tightly wrapped her arms around his, her full, alluring body pressing against him, carrying the captivating fragrance of a maiden, which stirred endless thoughts.
Such closeness shattered the hearts of many young talents present at the feast. They had never seen Ye Zimei act so intimately with any man before. Not even the Crown Prince of a kingdom had received such treatment from her, yet she was behaving this way now.
Ye Chen chuckled softly, reaching out to ruffle the girl's smooth, silky hair, showing some affection. "Zimei has grown up, no longer that little girl. You should think about it—sticking so close to your brother isn't good for you, nor for me. Look, if glares could kill, your suitors would have slain me, your brother, a thousand times over by now."
Ye Zimei pouted her small lips and whispered, "Who cares what they think? As long as I have Brother Ye Chen, that's enough. It'd be best if they didn't come at all."
"Hmm? What did you say?" Ye Chen asked.
"Nothing. I'm just very happy to see Brother Ye Chen. You've been gone for so long without returning. Have you forgotten Zimei?" Ye Zimei said, straightening her ruffled hair.
"How could I dare? Haven't I returned now?" Ye Chen said with a laugh.
As they spoke, another beautiful figure with graceful charm arrived. In her early thirties, elegant and dignified, she appeared and immediately took Ye Chen's hand. Her hands kept patting his chest and back, even stroking his face, much to the embarrassment of this renowned foremost figure of the younger generation. "Mother, with so many people watching, please don't do this."
Ye Ao also took his wife's hand, whispering, "Wife, think of who Chen'er is now. Acting like this will damage the dignity he should have."
Xia Wei snorted. "Who cares who he is? He's still my son. Chen'er, come here, let Mother touch you."
"Touch me?" Ye Chen was dumbfounded. Others were also taken aback; the phrasing sounded somewhat ambiguous.
Xia Wei clarified, "Touch your face. It seems you haven't been living well these days; you've lost weight. Eat more today, as much as you can, preferably finishing everything."
"..."
Ye Chen smiled wryly. He had ended up with a formidable mother, but he also felt a warmth in his heart. This was the preciousness of family bonds, truly invaluable!
That night, he ate a great deal. Whether it was his mother Xia Wei or Ye Zimei serving him, dishes piled up like a small mountain before him, diminishing a significant portion of his world-renowned dignity, leaving him somewhat amused and exasperated.
After the meal, thanks to his father Ye Ao's intervention, he finally managed to escape from the clutches of his mother Xia Wei and Ye Zimei, having to sigh at the terror of women.
Father and son appeared on the back mountain, gazing at Luo Feng City still brightly lit under the night sky. Over the years, the changes had been immense, growing ever more prosperous.
"Father," Ye Chen called softly.
"Hmm?" Ye Ao responded.
"You..." Ye Chen shook his head. "It's nothing."
Yet Ye Ao suddenly laughed. "Why so hesitant? It's not like your style. Do you want to ask if I plan to heed the call and join the Slaying the Heavens War?"
Ye Chen's heart trembled. Looking at his father, he said softly, "Father, I hope you don't participate. This war is very dangerous, a fight where nine out of ten perish."