C18 [martial Sect Stage Expert]

The Zhao Family Mansion, once a symbol of opulence, was now a scene of carnage, drenched in blood.

Several bodies lay sprawled at the entrance, their eyes wide with terror, creating a chilling sight.

City guards encircled the mansion, preventing onlookers from getting too close.

"City Lord!" The guards, spotting the City Lord's approach, promptly knelt on one knee.

Dismissing them with a wave, the City Lord's gaze was drawn to a particular corpse. If his memory served him right, this was the body of a Zhao Family Elder.

The strength of this elder was believed to have been at the pinnacle of the Martial Master realm.

"Incredible," the City Lord murmured, inspecting the body. The elder had been struck through the heart from behind—a lethal, swift blow that left no chance for a reaction. Clearly, the assailant's power far exceeded that of the victim.

"Where is the Zhao Family Patriarch's body?" the City Lord demanded.

"Master, the Patriarch's body is inside," replied a servant, leading the way to the grim site.

The City Lord was momentarily taken aback. The Patriarch's head, once intact, was now gruesomely half-destroyed.

"This is the Zhao Family Patriarch?" He stepped closer, scrutinizing the remains. There were no visible injuries on the body, but the head bore the unmistakable mark of a forceful punch.

"Martial Sect Stage!"

The exclamation startled the old butler at his side.

"City Lord, you mean a Martial Sect Stage master did this?" the butler asked, incredulous.

The City Lord nodded solemnly. "Only a Martial Sect Stage master could wield such might, to end the Patriarch with a single punch. And not just any master—this one stands out even among those of the Martial Sect Stage, a truly formidable force."

As dawn broke the next day, Qin Ming rose early and opened his door to find Qin Qing hurrying toward him.

"Brother, there's been a major incident in Liu City. Have you heard?" Qin Qing's eyes were wide with excitement.

Qin Ming affectionately patted her head. "What's happened?"

"The Zhao Family... they've been wiped out. The whole of Liu City is abuzz, and there are even fireworks in the streets!" Qin Qing's voice was tinged with both excitement and disbelief.

"Really?" Qin Ming feigned surprise, playing along. "You must be the most relieved about the Zhao Family's downfall!"

"Yes! Now I won't have to marry into the Zhao Family. But it's so sad, all those lives lost..." Her expression softened with compassion.

He stroked her head again, touched by her innate kindness. Despite the Zhao Family's mistreatment, she could still feel for their plight. Qin Ming vowed then to always protect his family fiercely.

A sudden thought struck his sister, and she huffed, "Zhao Kuo even hit you. Those who bully you deserve what they get. No sympathy for such people."

Qin Ming chuckled, rubbing his nose at her swift change of heart.

"Brother, Father and the rest are in the council hall discussing something about a pill. Should we go and listen in?" Qin Qing suggested.

"Hmm? Something about a pill?" Qin Ming was taken aback and inquired, "What exactly is going on?"

Qin Qing dismissed the question with a wave of her hand, "How should I know? I rushed here to inform you as soon as I heard about the Zhao Family's downfall. On my way, I overheard some of the elders and our father discussing it in the meeting hall.

I'm not privy to the details either."

Qin Ming gave a nod of understanding. In his past life, he had paid no attention to the family's affairs.

This time around, he was determined to stand by his father and keep the family afloat.

Being at the Pill God level made this task a simple one for him.

"Come on, let's go check it out."