Chapter 2: Return of the "Dead" Young MasterThe Xiao Family Estate was bustling with activity as the first light of dawn broke over Linfun City. Servants scurried across the courtyard, preparing for the morning family assembly, where the clan elders would discuss important matters.

    No one paid attention to the bloodstained ground in the outer courtyard.

    To them, Xiao Li was dead.

    A cripple, discarded like trash. Not worth remembering.

    Yet, as the sun rose higher into the sky, a shadow slowly approached the Xiao Family’s Main Hall—his black robes tattered, his body radiating an eerie presence.

    Inside the Main Hall, dozens of Xiao family members sat in an orderly fashion.

    At the highest seat, Xiao Zhen, the Patriarch of the Xiao Family, sat with a stern expression. His deep blue robes, embroidered with golden cloud patterns, signified his status as the clan head.

    To his left, several elders were gathered, whispering amongst themselves.

    And at the center of attention—

    Xiao Feng, the second young master of the Xiao Family.

    A proud smirk played on his lips as he spoke.

    "Father, I have done what was necessary. That cripple was a disgrace to our family. His death is a blessing."

    The gathered members nodded in agreement.

    "Xiao Li was a waste of resources."

    "Better that he died than continue shaming our bloodline."

    "Even if he had lived, his cultivation was crippled. He was finished."

    Xiao Zhen’s expression remained unreadable, but there was no sadness in his eyes.

    The once-talented Xiao Li had fallen. That was simply the law of the strong.

    "It is unfortunate," the Patriarch finally said, "but you are correct. He was no longer worthy of the Xiao name."

    Xiao Feng’s smirk widened.

    "Then as his rightful successor, I will take his position as the first young master of the Xiao Family."

    Murmurs of approval swept through the hall.

    Xiao Li was dead.

    Xiao Feng would be the next ruler of the clan.

    Or so they thought.

    THUD. THUD. THUD.

    The sound of slow footsteps echoed outside the hall.

    The main doors creaked open.

    A figure stepped inside.

    His long black hair flowed freely down his back. His eyes, once dull and lifeless, now gleamed with chilling intensity. His posture straight, unwavering—like a war god stepping onto the battlefield.

    And on his face… a smile.

    A smile that sent shivers down the spine of everyone present.

    "You talk about my death so casually, yet here I am."

    The hall fell into dead silence.

    Xiao Li had returned. sea??h thё N?vel(F)ire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "I… Impossible!"

    Xiao Feng’s voice trembled, his eyes widening in disbelief.

    He had personally shattered Xiao Li’s dantian. He had personally watched him bleed out in the courtyard.

    There was no way he could have survived!

    Xiao Zhen’s sharp gaze narrowed as he examined Xiao Li.

    His son should have been crippled. Weak. On the verge of death.

    Yet, the aura surrounding Xiao Li was calm… powerful.

    Something was different.

    One of the elders, Xiao Yuan, rose from his seat.

    "Xiao Li, how are you standing?"

    Xiao Li’s gaze swept across the room, his calm smirk never fading.

    "Disappointed?"

    Xiao Yuan froze, unable to speak.

    The Xiao family members whispered anxiously.

    "How did he survive?"

    "He shouldn''t even be able to walk, let alone stand with such confidence!"

    "Could it be that… he regained his cultivation?"

    Xiao Feng gritted his teeth.

    He had already taken his brother’s position, already declared him dead.

    He could not allow this humiliation.

    "Father!" he shouted, pointing at Xiao Li. "He is faking it! His dantian was destroyed—he’s just putting on an act to embarrass me!"

    Xiao Li chuckled.

    "Oh? You believe I’m still crippled?"

    Xiao Feng’s face twisted in anger.

    "Of course! If you’re so confident, then prove it!"

    A flicker of amusement flashed through Xiao Li’s eyes.

    "Fine."

    He took a single step forward.

    And then—

    BOOM!

    A terrifying wave of energy erupted from his body, shaking the very foundations of the hall.

    The Xiao Family Elders instantly turned pale.

    "This… This is the Qi Refining Stage!"

    "No, not just the first level! He''s at least at the third!"

    Xiao Zhen’s eyes widened in disbelief.

    "Impossible! His cultivation was crippled! How did he recover… and advance so quickly?"

    Xiao Feng stumbled back, his confidence shattering.

    He had expected his brother to crawl back in shame.

    Instead, Xiao Li stood before them stronger than ever.

    "H-How…?!"

    Xiao Li took another step forward, his smirk deepening.

    "Xiao Feng, do you still believe I am a cripple?"

    Xiao Feng’s body trembled.

    But before he could speak—

    WHOOSH!

    Xiao Li’s figure blurred as he suddenly vanished.

    Before anyone could react—

    CRACK!

    A slap echoed across the hall.

    Xiao Feng was sent flying backward, crashing into the stone floor with a sickening thud.

    The entire hall fell into stunned silence.

    Xiao Feng clutched his burning cheek, his eyes wide with shock and humiliation.

    "Y-You… hit me?!"

    Xiao Li tilted his head, amused.

    "It seems your hearing is still working."

    He took another step forward, his cold gaze locking onto his brother.

    "I once tolerated your arrogance, thinking you were just a fool."

    "But you took advantage of that and tried to kill me."

    "Now, it''s my turn."

    Xiao Feng’s face drained of color.

    For the first time in his life—he felt fear.

    And from the looks of Xiao Li’s eyes, he knew—

    This was just the beginning.