Spirit Ruin, Sword Coffin, Blind Swordsman

Xiao Chen stared at the figure blocking his path, his heart pounding with emotion.

He knew that everything Ye Feng had done was to ensure no one in the hall would dare underestimate him.

These people were his elders, the ones he would normally bow to in passing. And just moments ago, when he entered the hall, nobody had greeted him or risen to welcome him. Their silence had made their attitude clear. They thought Xiao Chen was unworthy, incapable of inheriting the position of family head.

Ye Feng’s domineering stance and actions sent a clear message to everyone: Xiao Chen was not to be underestimated. He was the rightful heir of the Xiao family.

Some people, unable to withstand the mounting pressure, were the first to stand up.

The first was the elder at the entrance, only at the Nascent Soul Realm. Once he stood up, the next person followed.

Ye Feng’s oppressive aura didn’t single anyone out; it pressed down on everyone. Perhaps only Xiao Chen’s Elder Grandfather, Xiao Ding, could remain seated, unmoved.

Creak! Creak!

Chairs scraped against the floor as one by one, people rose from their seats. Some had to stand with the aid of canes, sweat streaming down their faces, their clothes clinging to their backs.

By the end, in the hall of over thirty people, only Xiao Ding remained seated. Ye Feng’s gaze settled on him, murderous intent laid bare. He watched the elder the way a predator watches its prey, eyes narrowed and unblinking.Two powerful forces collided in the void. Tables and chairs trembled. Tea in the cups rippled, spilling as the vessels shook.

Boom!

Xiao Ding’s teacup shattered, and the chair beneath him exploded. He nearly collapsed under the terrifying pressure, his cloudy eyes flashing with anger. With raised brows and a pale face, he realized the oppressive force had completely engulfed him. He couldn’t even stand up. Sweat beaded on his forehead.

Xiao Chen’s eyes narrowed as he observed from behind Ye Feng. His expression was stern. He knew he could not falter now. If he hesitated, everything Ye Feng had done for him would have been in vain. Xiao Chen recalled his father’s dying gaze and closed his eyes in pain. When he opened them again, his own mid Illusory Refinement Realm aura erupted. The combined pressure pinned the elder to the ground, completely immobile.

Stepping aside, Xiao Chen smashed the threshold in front of him. The Divine Blood Spear in his hand radiated icy killing intent. He swung the spear and hurled it forward.

Boom!

The Divine Blood Spear tore through the void, landing just beside Xiao Ding’s ear.

Tick! Tick!

Xiao Ding, still partly propped on his limbs, tried to rise, but the searing pain in his ear sent chills through his body. His throat twitched as he struggled to swallow. The calmness in his clouded eyes had vanished, replaced by sheer terror.

The hall fell so silent that one could hear a pin drop. Everyone glanced at Xiao Ding out of the corner of their eyes, then bowed deeply, cupping their fists.

“Welcome, family head!”

Ye Feng felt a surge of relief.

Xiao Chen walked with his hands at his sides, heading for the main seat that had belonged to his father, his footsteps echoing in the two sword gouges. Ye Feng trailed silently behind him.

When passing Xiao Ding, Xiao Chen turned briefly toward him without opening his eyes. He knew Xiao Ding had a grandson slightly older than him, but the man was a thoroughly spoiled playboy.

Xiao Chen could never allow the Xiao family to fall to ruin under someone like that.

Sitting in the chair, Xiao Chen gazed out across the ruined hall. Everything before him was broken and desolate. Yet the sword gouges on either side served as a kind of crimson carpet, leading him to the seat of the family head.

Still, a thread of discouragement lingered. He chose not to bring his mother out yet, preferring to wait until everything had settled.

Xiao Chen’s announcement was simple. First, the Xiao family would avoid interference from outsiders. Second, he would inherit the position of family head but leave soon after.

The hall erupted into murmurs. Even Ye Feng hadn’t expected this, but after seeing Xiao Chen’s robe soaked in blood, he understood the reasoning. Xiao Chen wouldn’t be leaving for a few years yet; at minimum, he needed to cultivate a group of loyal followers before departing. Otherwise, with only his mother to support him, the remaining members would strip the family of power.

Xiao Chen went on to address other matters, though Ye Feng didn’t pay them much mind.

At last, the elder on the ground, Xiao Ding, spoke in a deep voice. “I will leave the Xiao family and establish my own sect!”

Ye Feng drew his sword immediately.

But to everyone’s surprise, Xiao Chen replied calmly, “Fine, but you cannot take any of the Xiao family’s possessions with you.”

Xiao Ding scowled. “What right do you have to demand that?! Let me tell you, Xiao Chen! Everything the Xiao family has was earned through my unmatched effort. What I choose to take is nobody’s business, especially not some brat like yours!”

He turned to glare at everyone present, then pointed an accusing finger at Ye Feng. “This man has the same power as those devils! Perhaps the recent calamity that befell the Xiao family was caused by him! And you, Xiao Chen, are fraternizing with someone like this?!”

Before Ye Feng could react, a blood-red spear light cut through the elder’s words. The spear pierced Xiao Ding’s shoulder as he half-rose from his seat, its blade bursting through the green bricks of the floor.

The impact made the entire hall shake violently. Enraged, Xiao Ding circulated his spirit qi and drew his sword, preparing to rise and fight.

Xiao Chen’s figure vanished. With the Divine Blood Spear in hand, he pinned the enraged elder to the floor once more. The Brilliant Sunset Flame erupted into chains of fire, wrapping around Xiao Ding. The scorching flames nearly charred his flesh.

With a grimace, Xiao Chen stomped down, breaking Xiao Ding’s wrist. He slowly rotated the Divine Blood Spear, the tip scraping against bone with a chilling, grating sound.

Xiao Ding let out a pained, hoarse scream. “Ah! Xiao Chen, how dare you strike me!”

Smack!

A slap cracked across his face. Immediately after, Xiao Chen slammed a hand down on Xiao Ding’s head and smashed it into the ground.