Family Cultivation: My entire family are Villains

Zhaoyang County, in Tongling County, had always lacked presence, especially since two years ago when the Black Ape Demon, Hou Tong, died; it had become almost as intangible as the air, most of the time people nearly forgot the county even existed.

That was until a disturbance in Zhaoyang occurred two months ago.

The new generation Black Ape Demon, the Thousand-Faced Handsome Man, Hou Yuxiao, defeated the Tiger List expert Tian Linong, causing his reputation to soar, and with the news of the Hou Clan unifying Zhaoyang and becoming an emerging force soon after, people then turned their attention towards Zhaoyang, or more precisely, to the hitherto unknown Hou Family.

There's no need to mention Hou Yuxiao; at twenty-five years of age, a martial artist in the Gathering Evil Phase, and with the incredible achievement of defeating the Tiger List expert Tian Linong, the Master of the Hou Family, Zhaoyang's number one expert, the Thousand-Faced Handsome Man, the Black Ape Demon—before arriving at the prefectural city, his name had already spread far and wide.

The Third Miss of the Hou Family, Hou Yuling, had an unmatched beauty and was skilled in dance. She made good connections with the Bai Clan in the prefectural city, and others also tried their best to abide by the principle of not offending her, coupled with her cultivation at the Open Body Ten Layers Peak, she too was somewhat renowned in the prefectural city over the past two years.

Everyone originally thought that the Hou Family, having produced two such outstanding youths, had already reached its limits, but to everyone's surprise, Hou Yucheng, the newly arrived second child of the Hou Family in the prefectural city, demonstrated astonishing talent.

Open Body Ten Layers, capable of reversing the situation against a half-step into the Gang Qi Realm.

Moreover, the one he killed was the second son of the Sect Leader of Qijue Gate, Yu Guixin—Yu Chendong!

After calming down, everyone looking at the group from the Hou Family saw a hint of schadenfreude on their faces.

A third-tier power, the Qijue Gate—and the son of its Sect Leader at that—the Hou Family seemed to have really stirred up a hornet's nest...

"Your Hou Family is finished, you just wait, my elder brother will definitely bring his men to exterminate your Hou Clan!"

The voice of Yu Guichen was filled with an intense and unforgettable hatred, and when he looked at Hou Yuxiao's group, the murderous intent in his eyes was not the least bit concealed, especially when he looked at the incredibly arrogant Hou Yucheng, wishing he could flay him alive.

However, to his chagrin, Hou Yuxiao didn't pay him any attention at all, instead turning with a smile to look at Ding Peng's companion, Gui Yutang, and spoke, "Commander Gui, my impulsive brother has damaged some things, I wonder how much compensation is required?"

Gui Yutang was startled, only then remembering that it was their Mansion Army's responsibility to claim compensation for damages caused by battles within the city.

The environment at Shengxin Residence was extensive and since the two were only at Physical Realm strength, the damage wasn't severe. It would probably cost no more than a hundred taels of silver to repair. According to Mansion Army's usual practice, it should amount to one thousand taels, as they did not support private fights within the city.

Gui Yutang, seeing Yu Guichen's voracious gaze, smiled and said to Hou Yuxiao, "It's not too serious, the Master of the Hou Family can just make a token compensation of fifty liang."

......

Everyone's face revealed a trace of strangeness—Yu Chendong was, after all, the son of the Qijue Gate Sect Leader, and fifty liang of silver...

"Thank you, Commander Gui!" Hou Yuxiao took a fifty-liang silver ingot and handed it to Gui Yutang before giving Hou Yucheng a look.

Hou Yucheng nodded slightly, a sneer emerged on the corner of his mouth, and he casually tossed the severed head he was holding onto the ground, ridiculing, "And here I thought it was something valuable. It's not even worth the price of a nag, just throw it away."

An ordinary nag would cost over a hundred liang of silver. Hearing Hou Yucheng's words, everyone wanted to laugh but dared not, their expressions strained as they looked at Yu Guichen.

Yu Guichen, flushed with rage, found his hand gripping the sword beginning to tremble. If looks could kill, the Hou brothers would have been slain millions of times over by now.

But Hou Yuxiao didn't even bother with him; instead, he approached actively and let out a snicker in front of him, then brazenly walked to the front of Hou Yucheng and the others.

"The next time some ignorant dog comes knocking, just butcher them first, or else outsiders might think my Hou Family doesn't even have fifty liang of silver to spare."

"Hahaha, got it, big brother."

"Ling Er is a bit reluctant to part with fifty liang of silver~"

"We obey!"

Hou Yucheng and the others laughed and responded, their spirits instantly lifted.

However, the mood of Yu Guichen was completely the opposite. Looking at his nephew's corpse and being humiliated like this, he felt rage building up in his chest, his blade already drawn an inch out.

Just as he was about to lash out in a reckless attempt to strike at Hou Yucheng, the critical moment arrived, and upon seeing the back of Hou Yuxiao, a deep sense of dread flashed through his eyes, and he managed to hold back his anger, retracting the blade.

The reputation of defeating the Tiger List expert Tian Linong was too resounding. Even though Yu Guichen's cultivation was on par with Hou Yuxiao's, he still lacked the courage to take action.

"Enough, let's go!"

Hou Yuxiao noticed Yu Guichen's subtle move, a hint of disappointment flickering in his eyes, then he called the group together, bid farewell to Ding Peng and the other three, and headed downstairs, intending to leave the Shengxin Residence.

Passing by Yu Guichen, Hou Yuxiao turned his head to look at him, just as disdainfully as Yu Chendong had looked at Hou Yucheng and the others earlier, and said softly, "Being humiliated like this and yet not daring to draw your sword, you might as well rename it the Seven Turtle Sect..."

Though he whispered, Hou Yuxiao deliberately infused his words with a bit of Gang Qi, allowing them to reach the ears of all the bystanders instantly, causing a wave of laughter, particularly from Ding Peng and his companions who laughed the loudest and most unrestrained.

Yu Guichen clenched his fists tightly, ultimately leaving in a disheveled state carrying his nephew's corpse, his face as cold as ice, exiting Shengxin Residence.

He could already foresee that the day's events at Shengxin Residence would spread rapidly throughout the prefecture, and their Qijue Gate would become the first stepping stone for the Hou Clan's rise to fame.

He needed to rush back to report to his brother and figure out a way to deal with the Hou Clan.

......

At the Marquis's Mansion, despite returning a while ago, everyone was still unable to calm their excited emotions, their demeanors vibrant and uplifted.

Only Hou Yuling, who had spent a long time in the prefecture, knew how significant today's events were, her face showing a trace of concern.

"What, worried about Qijue Gate seeking revenge?"

Hou Yuxiao immediately discerned Hou Yuling's mood and inquired.

"Black Blade Ghost Yu Guixin, possessing Dan Embracing Phase cultivation, after all, we killed his own son. With Qijue Gate being only a third-rate power, I worry..."

"What are we here in the county for this time?"

Hou Yuxiao's gaze swept over everyone before he spoke, "We are here not only to qualify for an elevated status but also to make it clear, crystal clear, to the people of Tongling County.

The Zhaoyang Hou Family, henceforth is also considered a third-rate power, on equal footing with Qijue Gate. The reason Yu Chendong dared to provoke you is that he does not believe that the Hou Family is qualified to be on equal terms with his Qijue Gate!"

On hearing this, everyone's faces showed thoughtful expressions.

"If we're afraid of a mere Qijue Gate, why would the Hou Clan even bother trying to rise in rank? We might as well honestly go back to Zhaoyang County and continue to be our own kings there.

Since we came to the county, in the future all matters, big and small, the Hou Clan will have a hand in them. Every aspect of business, the Hou Clan will also want a share. If we don't show our strength, these people won't give it to us willingly."

Hou Yuxiao's tone carried a hint of fierceness as he said, "From now on, if any disciples from third-rate forces in the county dare to provoke you, if they can be killed, kill them, without mercy!"

"Understood, Family Head!"

"What the Hou Family wants is not just to be honored in Zhaoyang, there will come a day, sooner or later, when Tongling County will also be under my control!"

These seemingly delusional words from Hou Yuxiao stirred up the ambition in Hou Yucheng, Hou Yuling, and everyone present.

For a moment, everyone forgot to reply, and only the gradually heavy breathing indicated the unrest in their hearts.

"Gao Cheng, how is the location for Happy Forest coming along?"

Gao Cheng bowed slightly, nodding and saying, "It has been selected, in the southwestern corner, close to Qijue Gate. Qijue Gate only has a branch in the county, so there are not many experts in that area. I found a very inconspicuous dwelling in a civilian alley, if the Happy Forest is set there and we do not reveal it carelessly, there should be no trouble."

Hou Yuxiao nodded and said, "Planning to get back to the old business, then the name of Happy Forest needs to be changed. If it keeps that name, those with intent will easily trace it back to Zhaoyang County. Think of a new name yourself, and you can set up the stall in advance to take orders for Body Opening Warriors, that shouldn't be a problem, right?

After the matters of Zhaoyang are settled, then we can start taking orders for Warriors of the Gang Qi Realm!"

Gao Cheng nodded excitedly, his face alight. Assassination was his trade, and he was well aware of the profits of this business. If indeed they could start taking orders for warriors of the Gang Qi Realm, it would be a hugely profitable enterprise.

"Remember, it must be concealed, especially the connection with the Hou Family. The assassination business is profitable but can also easily arouse public outrage. If you handle it improperly and implicate the family, it could lead to trouble."

"Your subordinate understands!"

Hou Yuxiao nodded, then suddenly remembered that since he came out of seclusion, he had not seen Wang Gong and suddenly inquired, "Where's Wang Gong?"

"These past few days, he's been busy negotiating with the two escort agencies in the prefectural city. Since Zhaoyang County is already dominated by us, even if we don't get involved, they can't ignore us. So Wang Gong went to talk to them in advance."

On hearing Gao Cheng's words, Hou Yuxiao sighed slightly. It had been a wise decision to let the Fourth Elder recruit Wang Gong, who had half a lifetime's experience in the escort business; Wang Gong knew the ins and outs all too well.

"Alright then, the day after tomorrow, I'm going to face off with Cheng Yue. I'll take these two days to prepare. Continue with your affairs; elixirs and Yuan Gang Beads should all be purchased by now. Second Elder, Third Lady, Gao Cheng, and Gao Hu, the four of you need to focus on your cultivation. It's best if you can break through to the Gang Qi Realm ahead of time."

"Yes!"

..........

The duel between Cheng Yue and Hou Yuxiao was scheduled for the day after tomorrow, the 24th of February. With the date of the duel approaching, the atmosphere in the prefectural city became noticeably more lively.

At the same time, the event that had taken place at Shengxin Residence during the day spread throughout the prefectural city at an abnormally fast rate.

Hou Yucheng of the Hou Family, in front of the Deputy Sect Leader Yu Guichen of the Qijue Gate, killed the sect leader's son, Yu Chendong.

Not only that, the Master of the Hou Family, the Thousand-Faced Handsome Man Hou Yuxiao, in front of many people at Shengxin Residence, suggested to Yu Guichen that the Qijue Gate should change its name to the Seven Turtle Sect, mockingly suggesting he didn't even have the courage to take action.

Once the news started spreading, the entire prefectural city was boiling with excitement...

With a population of nearly 4 million in Tongling County, there were only seven third-rate powers, and among them, Qijue Gate alone dominated Baiye County. Its sect strength was definitely among the top in the seven houses. Just what was Hou Yuxiao's confidence in being so bold?

Many were waiting for the people of Qijue Gate to come from Baiye County to seek trouble from the Hou Family. Some even found out where the Hou Clan's mansion was located, deliberately loitering outside, just to see the excitement.

Regrettably, after a full day and almost the entirety of February 23 had passed, Yu Guixin, whose son was killed, had yet to show up...

But in the Hou Clan's mansion, someone was unexpectedly carried in on a stretcher. Some people who did not know what had happened thought someone from the Hou Family had been beaten up. Unfortunately, after waiting for half a day, no further commotion came from the mansion...

......

In the great hall of the Hou Clan's mansion

Hou Yuxiao looked at the severely injured and unconscious Wang Gong on the stretcher, his face as grim as still water. Beside him, Hou Yucheng and the others were also filled with uncontrollable rage.

"Family Head, Ling Cheng Escort Agency has gone too far. We haven't even provoked them!"

"To negotiate a deal is one thing, but to refuse would have been enough; how dare they beat someone almost to death? These damned mongrels, we cannot swallow this insult."

Hou Yuxiao took a deep breath, shaking his head, and said in a cold voice, "Calm down. Since they dared to provoke us, they'll be chopped down sooner or later. Let's wait until Head Escort Wang wakes up before we decide!"

Upon hearing this, everyone could only calm down for the moment, fed Wang Gong an elixir for healing internal injuries, and silently waited for him to regain consciousness...