The holy city of Gamma, the imperial capital of the Gamma Empire, is the most vibrant city in the realm, handling an astonishing volume of daily foot traffic. Yet today, despite its usual bustle, the city exudes a notably somber atmosphere—a palpable sense of impending storm. This mood stems directly from the Mitel family, one of the three most influential noble houses in the empire, which has unexpectedly announced the temporary closure of all its auction halls and retail outlets. Such a decisive move sends a clear message: significant difficulties are on the horizon for the family. Among the more informed citizens, whispers have already begun to circulate, suggesting that Yunlan Sect harbors intentions to eliminate the Mitel family. As the rumors spread, Lima experienced considerable unrest. Over the years, the Yunlan Sect's growing strength and assertiveness had become evident to everyone in the Kamara Empire. Indeed, within the Empire, only the royal family could command the current cautious demeanor of the Mitel family—now the leading family among the three noble houses—while the Yunlan Sect, located relatively close to the capital, was the only other entity capable of such influence. As figures moved swiftly throughout the manor, the atmosphere in the spacious hall at the heart of the estate was equally solemn. Present were the core members of the Mitel family, yet most of them now bore pale, strained expressions—after all, in the Gamma Empire, whoever was suddenly named a target of Yunlan Sect's campaign would hardly be able to smile. Though he had already formed a clear idea in his heart, upon hearing Yafei's confirmation, many in the hall suddenly grew pale and their faces took on a noticeably somber hue. The elder known as the Grand Elder was somewhat familiar—on closer inspection, he was none other than the former head of the Mitel family, Mitel Tengshan. However, from the way Yafei referred to him, it seemed that over the past three years, he had voluntarily stepped down from the position of family head. Upon hearing Yafei's response, Mitel Tengshan sighed slowly, remaining silent amid this near-catastrophic situation. "All of this has been caused by the people from the Xiao family! If we hadn't stepped in to help them, we wouldn't have offended Yunlan Sect, and none of this would have happened!" Under the weight of the name "Yunlan Sect," a voice, sharp and urgent, suddenly broke through. The moment it was spoken, it was immediately echoed by several others, clearly indicating that, in the face of such dire circumstances, they could no longer suppress their growing sentiments. "Enough! Shut up!" Heister Tengshan was instantly furious upon hearing the commotion in the council chamber, slamming his palm hard onto the table. The sudden roar startled everyone into silence. After calming the crowd, he glanced at the man seated in a wheelchair beside him, calm and composed, then at Haibo Dong, who had been closed-eyed but whose face was icy cold beside Yafei. He sighed, shaking his head with a smile, saying, "Mr. Xiao Ding, I'm sorry for the disorder among our kin having disturbed you." As Heister Tengshan spoke, Mr. Xiao Ding merely smiled and shook his head, his gaze slowly sweeping over the faces of the gathered guests. Anyone whose eyes met his immediately found themselves shifting away—though this man had long since lost his legs, there seemed to be an inexplicable chill in the presence of his steady, gentle smile. The entire Mi'ter family has been wiped out, and now I myself am reduced to a man who can only move with a wheelchair—changes that would drive an ordinary person mad. Yet this man remains utterly composed, as if he feels no emotion at all. Such a person is indeed quite terrifying. Hearing Xiao Ding's words, many in the hall were taken aback, gazing at the serene smile on his face and feeling an even deeper chill. With such calm and understated remarks, he had effectively handed over not only himself but half of his clan—what a bold and ruthless move. Even Mitel Tengshan, whose eyes briefly fluttered, stared intently at the smiling figure, silently thinking: "Though young, he possesses an absolute sense of rationality. The Xiao family has such talent—its future is secure. Yet, alas..." "Xiao Ding, rest assured—no one will hand you over. Should I have to sacrifice my own life or even half of the Mitel family, I will ensure your safety!" A cold voice suddenly broke the silence. Everyone turned to see Hai Bo Dong, who had been seemingly asleep, now fully awake. His eyes, once a gentle blue, now shone with icy intensity. Under this penetrating gaze, all who had voiced objections found themselves compelled to swallow their words. "Haile..." Xiao Ding was taken aback. The eyes that had always remained calm and steady now showed a slight tremor. He knew well that the Mitel family would have lost their protection long ago if it weren't for the steadfast efforts of Ya Fei and Haibo Dong. Yet he hadn't expected that, even at this stage, Haibo Dong remained so resolute—willing even to sacrifice half of the Mitel family. "Haile, are you still waiting for my third brother to return?" Xiao Ding smiled faintly, sighed, and spoke. At this moment, even he himself had little confidence. Perhaps he could only hope that, in the future, Xiao Yin would return and avenge the bloodshed suffered by the Xiao family. "Haha, I have full confidence in that young man," Haibo Dong laughed heartily. Then, glancing at Mitel Tengshan beside him, he coldly remarked, "You people always have short-sighted views. Do you really think the Yunlan Sect's actions against our Mitel family were solely due to the Xiao family?" You surely aren't unaware of their recent activities. The three noble families and even the imperial court—hmm, watch closely, see who will manage to escape. Mitel Tengshan remained silent, then sighed with a wry smile. How could he not know that the Yunlan Sect now showed a clear trend of purging imperial interests? It would indeed be favorable if this could be delayed a little. Yet, though he harbored such hopes in his heart, he dared not voice them. Haibo Dong was the senior patriarch of the family—the very foundation of Mitel's current status was his achievement. Even he could not challenge Haibo Dong's authority. Indeed, without Haibo Dong's esteemed reputation within the Mitel family, no matter how talented Lady Ya Fei might be, she would have struggled to emerge as the true leader. "Then what should we do now? Shall we seek assistance from the Mu family, the Nalan family, or the Pharmacists' Guild, or perhaps from the imperial court?" Mitel Tengshan sighed. "There's no use," Yafei shook her head, her slender fingers like jade stalks lightly tapping the table. She glanced steadily at the hall, her bright eyes sweeping over the room. "The Yunlan Sect's strength has now grown so formidable that even they dare not provoke them. If they truly wish to assist, they will send their own people without needing our request. Should they choose not to or feel unwilling, no amount of pleading will make any difference." "Then... shall we just wait to die like this?" several voices in the hall could no longer contain their growing concern. "Heard this, Mitel Tengshan was momentarily stunned—it seemed as though even he had just learned of these developments." "Surrender... I don't think that will lead to a very favorable outcome." "Boom!" Mitel Tengshan sighed, about to speak, when suddenly a thunderous explosion erupted in the sky above the city of Jama. The roar of the blast continued without ceasing, drawing everyone's gaze upward. At the very heart of the explosion, a cloud of condensed energy rose, and beside it, a long sword radiating sharp, piercing sword energy plunged straight downward. "This is the Cloud Ridge Sect's signal," Mitel Tengshan observed, as the unique energy pattern in the sky caused waves of astonishment throughout the city. Those particularly sensitive to such signs stared in sheer disbelief—was it truly the case that the Cloud Ridge Sect was now preparing to take action against the Mitel family?" Among the Mitel family members stepping into the grand hall, many had also noticed the markings in the sky, their faces now pale with shock. "Mitel family, surrender the remnants of the Xiao clan—or face the extinction of your entire lineage today!" Shortly after the appearance of the energy imprints, a calm yet resolute voice, layered with powerful aura, echoed throughout the entire city of Jama, resonating with thunderous force.