A strange little tune gradually faded as the boat drifted away, disappearing over the Great Nether River.
"Your daughter, You Qin, pays her respects to the clan leader."
Standing before You Qin was a tall woman dressed in sheer black. She faced the Great Nether River. "Thanks for your hard work." Her voice was gentle and lovely, and she radiated mature beauty, though a veil hid her face. She was You Kexin, clan leader of the You Family.
You Qin bowed without a word.
"What are your thoughts after this trip to the Shanhai Realm?" You Kexin asked mildly.
You Qin's gaze dimmed. "Your daughter is still too weak—so weak she could barely touch that highest stage. I've brought shame on the family."
You Kexin slowly turned to face You Qin. "It's all right. You were never the You Family's first successor. Getting this far wasn't easy. Your task is simply to stay alive and carry on the You Family's legacy."
You Qin clenched her fist, her gaze full of resentment.
You Kexin sighed. "Did you see your elder brother?"
You Qin's body trembled. She nodded. "I did."
"Is he... well?" You Kexin asked hesitantly.
You Qin smiled bitterly. "Are you asking about my elder brother's physical condition, Mother? He's a dead man."
You Kexin suddenly shouted, "He isn't dead!"
"The one revived in the Burial Garden was my elder brother's body and talent. He himself died long ago!" You Qin could no longer hold back and screamed.
You Kexin raised her hand and slapped her. With a sharp smack, You Qin was knocked to the ground.
You Qin was used to it. She immediately stood back up, a trickle of blood at the corner of her mouth.
You Kexin regretted it as soon as she struck her. She parted