Fortune, Misfortune, Vice Versa.

"You poor child," The only words that escaped the Madam's mouth after a moment of silence.

She said those words as Yang Lin was busy breaking her shackles, only after he cast a large blanket over her body. Not a spot on her body was unscathed, and Yang Lin knew this was going to impact Xuan'er heavily.

However, he was aware that his upcoming actions will completely subvert the girl's opinion of him. Was killing easy? Not, it wasn't. However, he had long decided.

Those who do not value the life of another being, only because they are drunk on some ego and meaningless pride, deserved not to live. Those who bask in the misfortune of others to find their fortune, deserve not to live.

And the heavens know-how packed this village is with such people. One day he made a silent vow to himself that if he had the power, he will uplift this entire village and rid this world of such scum. Today he has such strength, and being viewed as a devil incarnate in the eyes of those he loved would not stop him from avenging his mother's suffering. Perhaps if she was alive by the time he returned, he would forgive them. However, she was already gone, her shadow carrying nothing but the scars this place placed upon her.

For that, and only that, mercy wasn't an option.

"Will you really do it?" The Madam asked.

"Do what?" Yang Lin asked, as well.

"You already have your answer." The Madam said, her eyebrows creased.

"And you already have yours." Yang Lin said in return.

-

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Unbeknownst to Yang Lin, through his eyes, the fox had seen and projected everything to a place far across space-time. It was a glorious hall, the word extravagance wouldn't do it justice in a description.

In this hall sat three women, their features striking the heart. To no one's surprise, The Heavenly Archerss was present, but the one occupying the seat of power was her Palace Mistress, and the third individual was a woman with a fluctuating aura.

She was mad, very mad.

"Calm down, Junior Sister Yang." Said The Heavenly Archress, she could understand the woman's feeling. But, she had no idea why would her Palace Mistress block her Junior Sister from observing Yang Lin's growth, but allow that despicable woman to do so instead.

The woman address Junior Sister Yang said nothing, but the armlet of her chair was crumbling to dust under her palm, obviously enraged.

"Dai'er." Spoke the Palace Mistress softly, and she repeated the call thrice to no avail. Then, she sighed and said, "Yang Daiyu!" She called with the woman's full name, albeit in a stern tone.

This once, the woman calmed down but did not respond. Notably, a tear stemmed from her clear eyes as she observed her younger brother through the projection.

"Mo Rong is a treacherous woman, and I know of the feud between you two. However, that way she will sculpt your brother into a ruthless gem. In fortune lays misfortune and vice versa. Spoiled brats will go nowhere in life." The Palace Mistress said.

"Indeed," The Heavenly Archerss added, "If he is your brother, Mo Rong will hold no reign over him. Surely, he will suffer through her scheme. Every path he takes will lead to either death or despair. This despair will become a catalyst for his growth, manifesting when he has things to protect."

"So I should just sit here and bet on who will kill my brother first, Mo Rong's schemes? Or will he take his own life, driven by despair, when she gives him things to protect by then strip them away one by one?" Yang Daiyu said coldly. She didn't give her Senior Sister and Palace Mistress room to speak.

She added, "She lured in that girl so he could fall in love, fully knowing the girl's fate. She provided the thugs, she handed him to a disabled woman, she sent him the Silver Coin, she set up everything! From the very begging, she controlled him like a puppet!" She was losing her cool once again, but her Mistress intersected.

"So? Sooner or later he will realize it. He is no idiot, he can put two and two together."

"Yeah he will," Yang Daiyu said, "Mo Rong better pray to god that by the time he finds out, he would be more than an empty shell controlled by despair. Because on my mother's grave if that happens, may the heaven be my witness, not even my own death will save her from my wrath."