The sudden voice interrupted Xiahou Zhong’s words. For a moment, the entire hall held its breath. Everyone followed the sound, wanting to see which reckless fool had grown tired of living and dared to cause trouble in the Xiahou family.
Someone coming to pick a fight?
That was Lian Qiguang’s first thought. He tilted his head in confusion and looked up expressionlessly at Xiahou Shaoxuan.
Xiahou Shaoxuan lowered his gaze and lightly pressed a hand over Lian Qiguang’s face. “I’ll deal with him in a moment.”
So it’s someone he knows.
Lian Qiguang nodded thoughtfully, withdrew his gaze, and continued watching the show with peace of mind.
Heavy footsteps sounded. A striking red-haired youth slowly appeared in everyone’s view. He wore a military academy uniform, sleeves loosely rolled up, collar half-open and disheveled, turning the normally strict uniform into something careless and provocative.
This youth was none other than Xiahou Shaoxuan’s younger brother—Xiahou Hetian.
Behind him followed two others, both wearing expressions of helpless suffering.
This brat!
Xiahou Zhong’s face darkened instantly as he looked at Xiahou Hetian. With a sharp crack, the jade thumb ring in his hand shattered under his grip.
Chin raised, Xiahou Hetian walked into the banquet under everyone’s gaze, his expression full of disdain as he looked toward the thin figure hidden behind Xiahou Shaoxuan’s tall body.
“I object to this marriage.”
“You little bastard! You run around all day, can’t be found when I look for you, and now you suddenly appear again from who knows where!” Xiahou Zhong barked.
“Tch. Old man!” Xiahou Hetian sneered. “If I didn’t come back, my brother would’ve been sold by you, wouldn’t he?”
“Xiahou Hetian, shut up!” Xiahou Jue frowned and shouted. “Apologize to your grandfather.”
“Apologize? Why should I apologize?” Xiahou Hetian widened his eyes. “He casually agreed to someone else without even asking my brother! If he’s so willing, why doesn’t he go marry them himself? What does he take my brother for—some gift to repay a favor?”
“Xiahou Hetian!!” Xiahou Jue’s face darkened.
The banquet fell into absolute silence. Everyone shrank their necks, afraid to make a sound.
“That man was just that old man’s subordinate. Saving him was his duty! His job! What right does he have to demand conditions? What qualifications does he have?” Xiahou Hetian sneered. “All that loyalty and sacrifice—what a joke. I think he just wanted to cling to the Xiahou family. A civilian from District Three—does he even deserve it?”
District Three?
The word was like a stone thrown into a dead lake, instantly stirring massive waves. Whispered discussions erupted throughout the hall.
In a corner, Lian Yucheng clenched his fists tightly, head lowered so no one could see his expression. Xiahou Hetian’s words stabbed like poisonous needles straight into his heart, leaving him trembling with anger and pain.
His father died for Blue Star. Died for the Xiahou family.
When he was very young, his father had spoken of his comrades, his battlefield, his duty. He was a true hero.
He would not allow it. He would never allow anyone to insult his father—especially not the Xiahou family.
Just as Lian Yucheng was about to step forward—
A black shadow flashed.
Before Xiahou Hetian could react, a heavy, suffocating wave of blood-chilling killing intent struck him head-on. A sharp pain exploded in his abdomen, and his body was sent flying backward.
Silence.
An eerie silence.
The entire banquet hall froze as if time had been stopped, staring at the empty space that had suddenly cleared.
Lian Qiguang stood upright in the center of the hall.
One foot pressed against Xiahou Hetian’s stomach.
In his hand was a sheathed black dao, its tip firmly pressed against Xiahou Hetian’s throat.
A piercing alarm rang out.
Beep—beep—beep!!!
Metal sirens echoed through the entire estate as armed machines swarmed in from all directions, weapons aimed at Lian Qiguang. Steward Qi stepped forward but was stopped by Xiahou Zhong, who raised a hand with a grim expression.
“You—”
“Apologize.”
Lian Qiguang looked expressionlessly down at Xiahou Hetian. His usually calm eyes now carried a faint trace of bloodlust.
“For what you just said. To my… father. Apologize.”
His father was a soldier. A true soldier. He had dedicated his life to Blue Star and Xiahou Zhong, loyal to the end, dying on the battlefield.
He was a hero.
And he respected heroes.
“What are you?” Xiahou Hetian struggled, face pale. But some unknown force kept his abdomen in unbearable pain, his body weak and powerless.
“My name is Lian Qiguang,” he said flatly. “Five minutes ago, I was your brother’s wife. But now…”
The blade slowly rotated at Xiahou Hetian’s throat.
“…or maybe not in the future, I can’t guarantee it.”
“You bastard! Let go of me! I’ll kill you!!” Xiahou Hetian screamed.
The foot pressed down.
Another agonized cry.
“Shut up!” Xiahou Hetian roared in rage. “I think you’re the real trash! Dual waste of body and abilities! If you didn’t ambush me, let’s go one-on-one! I can crush you with one hand!”
“Are you challenging me?”
Lian Qiguang slowly bent down, face expressionless as he looked at him. His suddenly close face and lifeless eyes made Xiahou Hetian freeze. A bad premonition crept into his heart.
“I don’t usually accept challenges…” Lian Qiguang’s grip on his foot loosened slightly.
“…but congratulations.”
“Your life—I accept it.”