Those Who Betray Me, I Will Return it Ten Thousand Fold

Hearing his sister say she wanted him by her side, MingHao smiled. For a long time, he had thought she was avoiding him—that she didn't accept him as her little brother. But now, that doubt melted away. Of course, MingYue hadn't thought that deeply about it. She simply wanted him to stay with her because she didn't trust that he could keep everything hidden from their uncle's family.

Still, seeing his reaction made her pause. With a thought, she checked his information.

***

Name: MingHao Xueqi

Power Level: 2.5

Life Force: 96/110

Cultivation Level: Foundation Stage - Mid-Level

[Feeling happy, probably from his sister's recognition.]

***

MingYue's eyes softened. 'Foundation Stage—Mid-Level… Not bad. At least he hasn't been slacking.' Her gaze lingered on the status description. The fact that her recognition made it there... It made something warm bloom in her chest. Pushing those thoughts aside, she focused on confirming more details with MingHao— Who was still in the family mansion? What was their uncle's situation? 

MingHao answered immediately. "Uncle Jianfeng only has five people in his family—his son, his wife, his newborn granddaughter, and his wife's sister." He hesitated before adding, "Uncle has always kept his distance from the main family. After your… disappearance, things got worse."

MingYue's fingers tapped against the pendant in her palm. "How worse?"

"He openly argued with an elder. Then he got attacked when he forcefully took me back to his house." 

Her eyes narrowed slightly. "Uncle told me the patriarch killed Dad. What do you think?"

MingHao shook his head. "I don't believe it. It's true that after Mom caused a scene, Dad was last seen entering the patriarch's hall… And he never came out. But I don't think he's dead."

MingYue clicked her tongue. "It doesn't matter." She slowly turned her head, gazing toward the ancestral building. Her eyes darkened, and the air around her grew heavy— Her killing intent seeped into the air.

The Xueqi Family. Even if her parents had their reasons, it didn't erase the fact that the rest of the family had done nothing when she was reported dead. She had worked so hard to raise her cultivation, to bring honor to their name— And they discarded her. Unforgivable. A slow, cold smile curved her lips. 'Those who help me, I will return tenfold. Those who betray me, I will make sure to return it ten thousandfold.'

The setting sun kissed the sky goodbye, painting it in hues of deep orange and violet. MingYue stood at the edge of the ancestral ground, just beyond the protective array. MingHao was beside her. Behind them, A line of armed subordinates stood at attention, sleek black guns in hand. And at their feet Chains rattled. Several people knelt on the ground, bound and restrained.

Among them, a group of youngsters and teenagers stared daggers at MingHao. One of them, a boy around MingHao's age, sneered. "How dare you rebel?! Just wait until the patriarch returns from the ancestral ground!" 

Another spat on the ground. "I knew it. You're just like your mother! A traitor to the family!"

MingHao clenched his fists. His nails bit into his palms. He didn't understand why his sister had brought these people here. Why did she make him listen to this?

MingYue, meanwhile, watched the scene with amusement. She glanced at the children cursing at MingHao, unaware of their own situation. Then, she let out a soft chuckle. 'They're just young master trash.' Her amber eyes scanned the captives, her amusement turning into realization. 'So that's why. The ones left behind are just the useless ones.' Her smile widened. "How interesting."

MingYue scanned the surroundings. The younger generation she once knew were nowhere to be found. As for those from her own generation, they had likely been sent to other sects. Her gaze shifted to the Ancestral Hall, her frown deepening. Something felt off. 'This place… it's not just some grave, is it?' She had a nagging suspicion that whatever was inside was far more significant than anyone let on. 

For now, she had left Jianfeng and his family at the inn. With the main Xueqi Family inside the ancestral grounds, her forces—led by ZanLu—had swiftly taken over the city and the mansion. The air in the city was different now. The people who had once bowed their heads whenever a Xueqi walked past were now standing taller, their eyes filled with pride and reverence. They had just trampled over the family that had ruled over them for generations.

Even if this seemed like an internal struggle, since MingHao was with them— It still meant something. For as long as they could remember, they had been taught one thing… Do not provoke the Xueqi Family. Not only were they the rulers of this city, but they were untouchable. Even if a Xueqi killed one of them, no one would seek justice for it. They were second-class citizens at best.

MingYue had never noticed this before. She had been too focused on cultivating, trying to earn her family's recognition. But now, she was finally seeing it. The true ugliness of the Xueqi Family. Because the real problem wasn't just the elders or the patriarch, It was the trash of the family. The worthless ones. They had no talent for cultivation. They knew it. Their own family knew it. And because of that, They had no future.

Even the lowest-tier sects refused to take them. After all, what was the point? It wasn't like they had any influence within their family. No one cared about them. Even if they got killed in a sect, their family wouldn't bother seeking revenge. That was why, They vented their frustrations elsewhere. On commoners. The ones who couldn't fight back. They bullied them, harassed them, ruined their lives Because hurting people weaker than them was the only way they could feel strong. And now? Now, those same spoiled young masters were kneeling before her. Bound. Helpless. But still—they didn't get it.

She looked at them as if they were insects beneath her feet. "Still so arrogant." Her gaze flickered to the city guards— Unlike the 'Young Masters' who had been caught off guard in the middle of their debauchery, the guards had actually fought back. And now? Now, they were standing in place, drenched in cold sweat.

They didn't dare utter a single word. Because they understood. Unlike the spoiled brats who still clung to their delusions, the guards had seen the truth firsthand. This wasn't just some internal struggle. This wasn't just some power grab. Whoever was behind this attack… was a force beyond their comprehension.

They had given out artifacts that could be used by anyone. And those artifacts, Could kill cultivators in the Foundation Stage with ease. Even their captain, a Core Formation cultivator— Had been slaughtered without mercy.

The guards exchanged nervous glances. Even if the patriarch and elders returned— Would they even stand a chance?