Fang Han’s expression instantly darkened, his eyes turning ice-cold.

He knew the Fang Family’s conflict with the Lin Family started because the Lin Family had bribed Zhao Qianjun to secretly harm him.

But he hadn’t expected the conflict to become so intense. The two sides were now constantly fighting, with many Martial Artists being killed or injured.

An irrepressible rage surged from the bottom of his heart, rushing straight to his head.

He clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white.

The warm anticipation of returning home was now replaced by a chilling killing intent.

’This Lin Family menace... It’s time to deal with them!’

Fang Han took a deep breath, suppressed his churning anger, and quickly headed back toward the Fang Mansion.

’With my return, it’s time to eradicate the Lin Family menace. With my current strength, I have the confidence to do it!’

In wintery Liangshui City, a frigid wind swept through the streets, carrying a bone-chilling cold.

Fang Han, dressed in a Qingxuan Sect Disciple’s Robe, walked with a steady gait on the familiar bluestone road, the Cyan Blade Sword at his waist swaying slightly with his steps.

The closer he got to the Fang Mansion, the more the chill in his heart intensified—a cold born from the news of the conflict between the Fang and Lin Families.

The familiar vermilion-lacquered main gate of the Fang Mansion came into view. The two guards on duty had sharp eyes, their hands resting on their sword hilts as they warily sized up the approaching Fang Han.

One of the younger guards even subconsciously took half a step forward and shouted in a deep voice.

"Halt! This is the Fang Mansion. Stay away!"

Nearly a year of friction and fighting had left these guards completely on edge.

Fang Han paused and looked up at the guard. Before he could speak, the slightly older, scarred guard beside him suddenly widened his eyes.

He grabbed his companion, his face instantly filling with surprise and respect.

"It’s... It’s Young Master Han! Young Master Han is back! Quick, open the main gate!"

The young guard froze for a moment, then it dawned on him.

Looking at Fang Han’s conspicuous Qingxuan Sect attire, his face lit up with excitement. He and his companion hurriedly pushed open the heavy main gate.

Normally, the Fang Mansion only opened its side gates for people coming and going.

The main gate was opened only for visitors of considerable status or for the return of a family member holding an extremely high position.

Now, as a disciple of the Qingxuan Sect, Fang Han’s status was nearly on par with the Patriarch’s. He was naturally qualified to have the main gate opened and to pass through it.

"Young Master Han, you’re finally back!"

The older guard bowed, his tone filled with an excitement born of shared honor.

Having joined the Qingxuan Sect, Fang Han was now the pride of the entire Fang Family.

"Yes, I’m back."

Fang Han nodded slightly. His gaze swept over the heavily guarded mansion interior, and the heavy feeling in his heart intensified.

He strode into the mansion and headed straight for Tingyu Pavilion, following his memory.

The courtyard outside Tingyu Pavilion was more exquisite than he remembered, having clearly undergone some renovations in the past year.

Under the covered walkway, there were a few more maids and male servants with unfamiliar faces, sweeping. They must have been assigned here by the family over the past year.

Seeing a young man in green robes with an extraordinary air barge straight into the inner courtyard, they all showed surprise and a hint of wariness.

A round-faced maid was about to step forward and ask who he was when the most senior maid, a woman named Chun Xing, happened to emerge from behind a corridor pillar.

Chun Xing recognized Fang Han at a glance. She froze for a second, and then an irrepressible, joyous surprise bloomed on her face.

She practically ran over to greet him, her voice filled with excitement.

"Young Master Han, you’re back!"

As she spoke, she hurriedly whispered to the new, still-confused servants behind her.

"What are you standing around for? Hurry and take Young Master Han’s luggage! This is our Tingyu Pavilion’s Young Master Han, the one who joined the Qingxuan Sect!"

At her shout, the new servants finally understood. Their expressions instantly changed to a mixture of awe and curiosity as they scrambled forward to take the parcel Fang Han was carrying.

Chun Xing herself stepped forward and carefully helped Fang Han take off the pack on his back, her movements showing a heartfelt eagerness to please.

In the past year, because Fang Han had joined the Qingxuan Sect, one of the Seven Sects, her status as a "veteran" of Tingyu Pavilion had risen accordingly.

Not only was her monthly allowance raised to the highest tier among the maids, but even the steward was much more polite to her. She had countless times congratulated herself on her decision to come to Tingyu Pavilion.

Fang Han handed her the pack, his gaze already looking past the courtyard toward the main house.

The commotion in the courtyard had already alerted those inside.

The door swung open with a CREAK. The first to run out was a little girl in a pink padded jacket with her hair in two topknots. It was his little sister, Fang Ying.

She blinked her big eyes, staring at the familiar yet somewhat strange figure in the courtyard. Uncertain, she subconsciously rubbed her eyes.

Immediately after, his father, Fang Zheng, and his mother, Lin Wan, also walked out quickly.

"Han’er!"

Upon seeing Fang Han standing in the courtyard with a smile, Lin Wan’s eyes instantly turned red, and her voice was choked with emotion.

"Dad, Mom, Little Sis, I’m back."

Fang Han looked at his parents rushing toward him and his still somewhat timid little sister, and a warm current flowed through his heart.

"Good, good! It’s good that you’re back! You’ve grown taller, and stronger too!"

Fang Zheng clapped Fang Han’s shoulder firmly. Although he tried his best to remain composed, his slightly trembling hand betrayed his inner excitement.

"Brother, Brother, did you bring me any tasty treats?"

Fang Ying finally confirmed that the person before her was indeed her brother. With a cheer, she darted over like a little swallow, tilted her head up, and asked expectantly.

"I did! I brought lots of candies and pastries unique to Qingxuan City. I guarantee you’ll love them!"

Fang Han laughed heartily and bent down to pick up his little sister.

The family of four returned to the room, which was as warm as spring. Fang Han opened his pack and first took out a fine-quality Jade Hairpin for his mother, Lin Wan, and a box of Warm Sun Tea for his father, Fang Zheng, which helped to nourish the body.

Finally, he took out a large paper-wrapped bundle. Inside were all sorts of candies and pastries unique to Qingxuan City, their fragrance tantalizing.

Fang Ying cheered and eagerly unwrapped the paper, her eyes sparkling.

Lin Wan gave her daughter a smiling, chiding look, carefully put away the Jade Hairpin, and gazed at Fang Han with a look full of motherly love.

Fang Zheng stroked the tea box, a hint of gratification flashing in his eyes.

At dinnertime, the kitchen prepared a sumptuous feast, mostly consisting of Fang Han’s favorite dishes from the past.

The atmosphere at the dinner table was warm. Lin Wan continuously put food on Fang Han’s plate, asking about his life at the Qingxuan Sect, if it was difficult, and if anyone had bullied him.

Fang Han answered each question, choosing only to talk about lighthearted and interesting things. He didn’t mention a single word about Chu Feng’s provocations or the deadly fights on his journey home.

Fang Ying, meanwhile, chattered away about the interesting things that had happened at home and in the city over the past year, trying to cheer her brother up.

However, Fang Han could sense that beneath this warmth, a lingering trace of worry always haunted his parents’ faces.

He knew where this worry came from.

The Fang Family had been in constant conflict with the Lin Family for the past year. As Fang Clan Members, his parents were naturally filled with anxiety.

After dinner, the family drank tea and chatted in a heated chamber, listening to Fang Han recount his experiences at the Qingxuan Sect.

Fang Ying, meanwhile, eagerly tore open a pack of candy, her mouth filled with its sweet fragrance.

Just then, the steward, Fang Zhong, came to Tingyu Pavilion and bowed respectfully to Fang Zheng and Fang Han inside the room.

"Master Zheng, Young Master Han, the Patriarch and several Elders have requested Young Master Han’s presence for a discussion."

Fang Han exchanged a look with his father, knowing that the Patriarch’s summons at this hour must be related to the Lin Family.

He nodded and stood up, saying to his parents, "Dad, Mom, I’ll be right back."

Following Fang Zhong, Fang Han arrived at a hall.

The hall was brightly lit, but the atmosphere was completely different from the warmth of Tingyu Pavilion. It was filled with a solemn gravity.

The Patriarch, Fang Lingyuan, was seated in the main seat. He had a lean face and a sharp gaze. Having long held a high position, he naturally possessed an air of authority.

Seated on either side below him were four people, the four strongest Core Elders of the Fang Family.

The first on the left was Guard Elder Fang Tu. He had coarse features and his eyes were as placid as an old well, without a single ripple. He commanded the Fang Family’s guard forces.

Next to him was Instructor Elder Fang Yuan. His hair and beard were completely white, and he wore a long green robe. With a lean face and a gentle, peaceful gaze, at first glance he looked like a scholar.

He was also the Core Elder Fang Han was most familiar with. After all, Fang Han had spent a full year in the family’s Inner Hall and had interacted with Elder Fang Yuan quite a bit, receiving considerable care from him.

The first on the right was Foreign Affairs Elder Fang Mingde. He was slightly plump and often wore the slick smile of a businessman. He was in charge of the Fang Family’s external trade.

Previously, his uncle Fang Ye had worked under him, but after he was injured, the family transferred him to a safer position out of consideration for Fang Han.

The last one was Law Enforcement Elder Fang Zhenshan. He had a cold, stern expression, a knife scar on his left cheek, and was a man of few words. He was in charge of the Fang Family’s laws and punishments.

These five men formed the highest decision-making body of the Fang Family. Before Fang Han’s rise, they were also the five strongest individuals in the family.

When Fang Han entered, the gazes of all five men instantly focused on him.

"Fang Han, you’re back. Sit. It must have been a long journey."

A slight smile appeared on Fang Lingyuan’s face as he pointed to a reserved, empty seat.

"Thank you, Patriarch."

Fang Han bowed and then took his seat. His gaze swept over the five elders before he asked.

"Patriarch, Elders, on my way back, I heard that our family has been in constant conflict with the Lin Family over the past year and has suffered considerable losses?"

"That’s right. For nearly a year, our family has been in constant conflict with the Lin Family. The two sides have had dozens of clashes, large and small, at the mines outside the city, at our shops, and in other places."

"Our Fang Family... has already lost thirty-seven Martial Artists. Among them... were five Ninth Grade Elders."

Although he had been mentally prepared, hearing the exact number—especially the fall of five Ninth Grade Elders—made Fang Han’s heart sink. A surge of fury shot to his head, and he silently clenched his fists inside his sleeves.

A Ninth Grade Martial Artist might not be much in the Qingxuan Sect, but in a small-city family like the Fang Family, they were pillars of strength. For the Fang Family to lose five at once was a crippling blow.

He took a deep breath, suppressing the roiling killing intent within him. He looked up, his gaze as sharp as a sword, and said in a low, heavy voice.

"Patriarch, Elders, the Lin Family first hired someone to assassinate me, and now they have caused such heavy casualties to our Fang Family."

"The hatred between our families can no longer be resolved. I suggest we strike first. While I’m home for my annual leave and can participate, we should eradicate the Lin Family menace in one fell swoop!"