Helian Mei shielded her left cheek, her gaze filled with disbelief and raging anger at the person who had struck her. She muttered through gritted teeth, "You wretch, how dare you hit me, you..."
Snap!
Another sharp, resounding slap!
Helian Weiwei's attire fluttered in the wind as she stood confidently, a slight smile playing on her lips. She addressed Helian Mei with a cool tone, "Sister."
The sudden turn of events left everyone stunned, unable to react or comprehend whom Helian Weiwei was referring to.
Helian Weiwei chuckled lightly and met Helian Mei's bewildered gaze. The wind gently tousled her wet hair as she spoke with a smile, "Sister, you can go and ask around in the Four Nine Cities which foreign daughter of any family dares to question the eldest sister." If you don't want to die, it's better to speak up!"
"You! What kind of eldest sister are you? You're nothing more than a lowly creature!" Helian Mei gritted her teeth, clearly unconvinced. "You... Helian..."
Helian Weiwei swiftly turned around, her left hand gripping Helian Mei's neck tightly. A brilliant light radiated from her entire body, almost blinding the onlookers' eyes!
"It seems you don't want to speak anymore!" Helian Weiwei sneered, her long, wet hair cascading down like a water nymph, exuding an aura of genuine anger that froze the surrounding atmosphere.
None of the women present dared to step forward, their hearts filled with fear even from the mere gaze of Helian Weiwei. The chilling coldness she emanated seemed capable of instantly killing anyone!
Helian Jiao'er watched from a distance, her little face growing gloomy.
What's wrong with this useless woman?
She has no trace of martial energy and yet she still dares to act so arrogantly. She's simply seeking death!
However, before Helian Jiao'er could utter a word, a commanding voice resounded in the air, "What is the meaning of this commotion!"
Everyone turned to see the head of the Protector Mansion, Helian Guangyao, stepping forward. He was not alone; several princes of the family stood behind him. Murong Shaofeng, who had recently bid farewell to Helian Weiwei, was among them. He wore a dark blue fur robe, his fair features exuding a sense of clarity, especially his phoenix eyes that resembled ancient ink stones—deep and serene, capturing the attention of all who beheld them.
Helian Weiwei's gaze swept over the female relatives present, noticing their delicate faces and infatuated eyes fixed upon Murong Changfeng. It was no wonder that Helian Jiao'er was so infatuated with him. Even without any action, this man possessed the ability to drive people crazy for him.
However, after seeing Helian Weiwei, a clear disdain washed over Murong Changfeng's eyes.
Meanwhile, a figure sitting in the shadows by the riverside slowly set down his teacup. His robe hung partially open, and he lifted his eyelids slightly, tapping his fingertips against a fine blue and white porcelain. The cold and austere aura emanating from him, combined with the silver mask on his face, exuded a unique charm that compelled others to surrender.
The man's slender fingers brushed away the nonexistent dust from the corner of his clothes. His half-lifted phoenix eyes carried a faint playfulness that was indescribably lazy.
On the other side, half of Helian Mei's face had swollen, and she stared breathlessly at Helian Weiwei.
Helian Jiao'er's eyes turned slightly red, her expression filled with grievance.
Helian Guangyao, who cherished Helian Jiao'er the most, witnessed her distress and his pitch-black eyes turned icy, emanating a sharp coldness as he glared at Helian Weiwei with clear disgust and severity. "What is the meaning of this!"
"Father," Helian Mei covered her face and spoke viciously, "The second sister's jade pendant went missing, and the eldest sister was the only one near the river just now. It's clear that she hid the jade for herself, and she even refused to hand it over. She even dared to strike me!"
Helian Jiao'er pretended to pull her sister and shook her head, her voice tinged with sorrow. "Third sister, don't say that. It's just a jade pendant. If the eldest sister likes it, let her have it. It's just disappointing for Father. That jade pendant was brought back from the Western Regions by Father. I rarely wear it, so I ask the eldest sister to take good care of it, polishing it from time to time. As for your face, you can go back to the second sister, and she'll help you apply some ointment. Don't provoke the eldest sister. We can't afford the consequences."
The more Helian Jiao'er spoke, the more enraged Helian Guangyao became. For so many years, he had tolerated Helian Weiwei's arrogance.
To Helian Guangyao, Helian Weiwei was nothing but a disgrace he didn't even want to acknowledge.
It was because of this worthless daughter that he was constantly reminded of being a "son-in-law"!
And now, this tainted existence dared to bully his beloved daughter to such an extent!
If he didn't teach her a severe lesson today, the anger in his heart would not be quelled!
With that thought in mind, Helian Guangyao raised the whip in his hand, fully intending to strike Helian Weiwei.
However, Helian Weiwei swiftly dodged and elegantly kicked the whip away!
Helian Guangyao was visibly taken aback, never expecting his usually incompetent eldest daughter to make such a move!
"Helian Weiwei! You... Well, you are audacious enough to rebel against your father!"
Helian Weiwei let out a soft laugh. "I simply don't wish to be unjustly beaten. Why should I comply?"
"Big sister! Aren't you dead yet!" Helian Mei rushed forward, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Second sister, I saw something shiny on her!"
Helian Weiwei raised an eyebrow. "The shiny thing is the jade pendant? Then, with your flashy appearance, shouldn't you change your name to Nouveau Riche? Poof!"
The onlookers couldn't help but burst into laughter.
Helian Mei had always been fond of wearing gold and silver, and now that they looked closely, her attire was indeed quite extravagant.
"Big sister... Please stop bullying the third sister..." Helian Jiao'er's eyebrows furrowed slightly, and her beautiful face wore an expression of pity. "Our family should be harmonious and prosperous. Next time, if the eldest sister likes something, just let me know. There's no need to anger our father."
Upon hearing this, Helian Guangyao's grip on the whip tightened, his anger becoming increasingly intense. "Enough, Helian Weiwei! If you don't admit your mistake and get out of my sight, don't expect a thief like you to remain in the Protector Mansion!"
"Huh, get out?" Helian Weiwei's lips curved, her voice dripping with coldness. "If I recall correctly, hasn't everyone here forgotten one thing? I, Helian Weiwei, am the true descendant of the Helian family, while you are nothing more than a son-in-law!"