Chapter 2: The Appearance Of The Villain's Sister

"Brother, you're here!"

A clear and melodious voice rang out from outside the living room, as sweet as a silver bell. Ling Tian turned to see a woman in a long pink tulle dress approaching him. She had a warm, radiant smile that lit up her delicate face, and her presence seemed to bring an air of joy into the room.

It was Ling Ruoxue, the Ling family's adopted daughter. Unable to contain her excitement, she rushed forward and leaped into Ling Tian's arms.

"Brother, I've been looking for you for a long time!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with youthful exuberance.

Ling Tian, smiling warmly, reached out and gently stroked her hair, feeling a wave of affection wash over him. "Okay, Xue'er, get up! Brother has guests here," he said softly, coaxing her to stand.

Reluctantly, Ling Ruoxue complied, rising to sit beside him. She propped her arms on the table, resting her chin on her hands as she gazed adoringly at her brother's handsome face. Her eyes sparkled with admiration, and it was clear how much she cherished their bond.

Meanwhile, Ye Feng, sitting nearby, couldn't help but stare at Ling Ruoxue. She was breathtaking, with skin paler than snow, delicate and exquisite features, and a graceful figure that seemed to glide rather than walk. To him, she looked like a fairy stepping out of a painting, enchanting and ethereal.

A mischievous grin crept onto Ye Feng's face as all kinds of fantasies swirled in his mind, envisioning himself alongside Ling Ruoxue. The attraction was instant, and he felt a surge of desire.

"Ahem!"

The sound of a light cough broke the spell, and all eyes turned to Ye Wanrou, Ye Feng's mother. As the first to notice her son's rudeness, she frowned, surprised that he could be so disrespectful.

Ling Tian maintained his smile, though he couldn't help but think about how Ye Feng, ever the "human bulldozer," would have thoughts about someone as delicate as his sister.

'Brother Feng, since you're so fond of girls, I'll be sure to set you up nicely. You'll have a grand time soon enough!'

At that moment, Ling Tian felt the gears of his mind turning, plotting as he was familiar with the narrative ahead.

Ye Feng shook himself out of his reverie, realizing the awkwardness of the situation. Embarrassment colored his cheeks, and he quickly suppressed his earlier enthusiasm. How could he act so brazenly in front of everyone? Even with his thick skin, the eyes of those present bore down on him.

"I didn't expect Brother Tian's sister to be so beautiful," Ye Feng said, trying to recover his composure.

I need to deepen my bond with Ling Tian, my sworn brother!

As he thought this, an idea began to form in his mind, one that could serve his ambitions well.

However, Ling Ruoxue's expression shifted from playful to displeased as she noticed Ye Feng's behavior. She recognized him as the man in tattered clothes—he looked like he had just stepped off the streets, despite being relatively clean. But it was his gaze that unsettled her; she could feel his eyes roaming over her like a predator eyeing its prey.

Even though Ye Feng tried to mask his intentions, Ling Ruoxue could sense his lewd stares, and they filled her with disgust.

"Hmph!" She turned her back on him, her pretty face now cold and resolute. While she didn't want to cause a scene since he was a guest of her brother, she wouldn't tolerate such behavior.

Ye Feng felt the shift in the atmosphere and noticed her disdain. Embarrassment turned into irritation, and he simmered quietly, his expression souring. 

'How dare this woman look at me like I'm trash?' Ye Feng seethed inwardly. 'I'll make her pay for this slight when the opportunity arises!'

The room fell silent, tension hanging in the air as everyone absorbed the unexpected awkwardness. Ye Feng felt isolated, on edge, even as Ling Tian remained unbothered by the previous interaction.

Feeling a need to escape the uncomfortable atmosphere, Ye Feng stood up, his voice filled with false sincerity. "Brother Tian, I'll leave my mother in your care. I have other matters to attend to and will be taking my leave first!"

He walked toward Ling Tian, putting on a slightly childish but earnest expression. 

Ling Tian recognized this as the effect of the Protagonist's Halo, a charm that often led others to view Ye Feng favorably despite his shortcomings. He remained unfazed by the facade, knowing better than to trust someone who hid such intentions behind a smile.

"Don't worry, go ahead!" Ling Tian replied, returning Ye Feng's smile with one of his own, though it held deeper meaning beneath the surface.

After Ye Feng left, Ling Tian turned back to face Ye Wanrou, his expression softening. "Aunt Wanrou, please make yourself at home. If you need anything, just let the housekeeper know. You're welcome here."

Ye Wanrou smiled back, though Ling Tian noticed a hint of sadness in her eyes. She was still worried about her son after the earlier display, and it tugged at his heartstrings. 'Rest easy, Auntie. I have plans for you and your son.'

"Thank you, Young Master Ling," she replied, her voice tender as she looked at him with gratitude. 

Ling Tian continued to exude an air of calm and politeness, embodying the gentleman he appeared to be. "There's no need to be so formal; you're my elder," he said, keeping his tone warm.

Ye Wanrou's demeanor spoke volumes—she was a loving mother and a virtuous woman. Yet, Ling Tian couldn't help but let his mind wander, entertained by some rather wicked thoughts.

"About what happened just now, I apologize on behalf of my son," she said, her cheeks tinged with embarrassment as she glanced at Ling Tian and Ling Ruoxue. The incident had humiliated her, especially since they had come seeking help.

"It's alright, I'm fine!" Ling Ruoxue chimed in, her smile genuine. Although she disliked Ye Feng, she didn't want to place any blame on his mother.

"Thank you, Miss Ling!" Ye Wanrou felt a wave of relief wash over her.

Afterward, Ling Tian directed the housekeeper to ensure Ye Wanrou was comfortable. It took a few minutes to reassure Ling Ruoxue, who was still pouting and clinging to his arm, before he made his way back to his room.

"System, open the newbie gift package for me!" Ling Tian commanded in his mind.

[Ding! Congratulations, Host! You have obtained the Early stages of Profound Realm cultivation base, Heavenly Poison Scripture, Qi Regeneration Pellets x3.]

Instantly, Ling Tian felt a surge of energy flow through his limbs, as if a powerful current ignited within him. He could sense the true Qi circulating in his body, invigorating every part of him.

As black toxins purged from his system, he experienced a cleansing of his meridians. It was a breakthrough—the Early Stages of the Profound Realm had been reached, and with it, Ling Tian felt his strength multiply tenfold!