While Tang Wulin and Gu Yue worked together to heal their injuries at the bottom of the Lake of Life, the atmosphere in the conference room of the Qiangu Family, affiliated with the Spirit Pagoda, was one of drawn swords and strung bows, ready to ignite at the slightest spark.
The heavy, carved wooden doors were thrust open, and a biting gust of cold wind swept into the enclosed room with the newcomer. The man who entered was tall and slender, his features cold and stern. He was none other than the newly returned Qiangu Qingfeng.
At the far end of the conference table, Qiangu Dongfeng sat just below his father, Qiangu Dieting. At the sight of the man in the doorway, Qiangu Dongfeng's already gloomy expression darkened further, undisguised disgust and hostility filling his eyes.
"Well, if it isn't my all-powerful big brother," Qiangu Dongfeng sneered, his smile never reaching his eyes. "What obscure little hole did you crawl out of this time? Don't tell me you've caused trouble outside again and need the family to wipe your ass."
Qiangu Qingfeng kept walking, heading straight to the long table as he coldly retorted, "Qiangu Dongfeng, keeping your own mess in order is more than enough for you. Father wanted me back. It's not your place to stand here pointing fingers."
"You!" Qiangu Dongfeng slammed his hand onto the table and sprang to his feet, glaring at his older half brother.
Their gazes clashed fiercely in midair, as though tangible sparks might fly. Ever since their brawl at thirteen over legitimate and illegitimate birth and the right to inherit the family, the brothers' relationship had plunged below freezing. One resented their father's favoritism; the other despised his younger brother's arrogance. Their grievances had run deep for years.
**"Both of you,