It was raining cats and dogs.
After a day of hard work, Norton, the head of the Vias family, finally had a chance to take a breather.
When his father was holding the position as the head of the family, Norton always admired how impressive he was in his role.
He was regarded as someone with absolute power and had everyone's life and death right in his palms. A very powerful man, indeed!
However, now that he had succeeded his father, Norton realized just how much he had judged a book by its cover. Apart from the glory that came with the position, there were actually a series of tedious tasks to manage and a list of unending social events to attend.
Lo and behold, there isn't one easy role to play in this world. Each title given comes with its own fair share of requirements and responsibilities. I bet it's the same for kingship in China. Heavy is the head that wears the crown.
Just when Norton was resting, the door was pushed
open abruptly.
The bitter wind swept the room with menacing intent, and the cold woke Norton up.
Enraged, he bellowed, “Who the h*ll barged in without my permission?”
However, a long silence ensued.
The puzzled Norton got up from the couch and turned around to take a peek.
Swoosh!
A bolt of lightning flashed outside the door at that moment, giving him a dim light source to catch a glimpse of what was before him.
He saw a pair of blood-stained hands holding the doorframe.
“W-Who is it?”
A shiver ran down Norton's spine as his face turned ghastly.
At that moment, a figure dragged himself into the room and tried hard to crawl forward.
“Mr... Mr. Vias, run... Quick!”
The man collapsed onto the ground lifelessly after spitting out his last words with all his might.
Norton was completely baffled by the bizarre and mind-boggling scene.
He dashed over and pushed the door open, only to be greeted by the pitch-black night.
The pitter-patter of the rain on the roof was the only thing that could be heard.
Right then, another lightning struck, and the entire backyard of the castle was awash in light.
At last, he saw it!
The stairs were scattered with dead bodies.
As the rain poured down on them, the whole place was dyed red.
He gazed down and realized that a corpse was lying at his feet.
Immediately, he was frightened out of his wits.
A buzzing sound appeared in his head due to extreme shock and panic.
He almost slumped to the ground in despair.
It was hard to believe that a massacre had happened during the mere few minutes while he was taking a rest.
Vaguely, he saw a silhouette through the thick rain curtain. The shadow was swinging a sickle mercilessly, seemingly culling the likes of men like a Grim Reaper.
In a split second, he appeared right in front of Norton, a step away from cutting the latter's throat.
Strangely, the person retreated like a bolt from the blue.
Why did he go away? Did he finally come to his senses?
Anyhow, it was not the time for Norton to ponder over these things.
With a life and death matter at hand, he quickly gave an order and called upon all the leaders of the Vias family for an urgent meeting.
“Everyone is to meet at the family conference hall in half an hour. Attendance is compulsory, or you don't have to come anymore.”
Norton was resolute about having all of them attend the meeting.
Some of the leaders used the rainy day as an excuse not to be present, and it made Norton livid.
He rebuked, “Get yourselves here at once even if it's raining knives and swords! The survival of the Vias family is at stake. I shall see who dares to be absent!”
At his command, the tranquil city was transformed into a vibrant one with hustle and bustle going on in different areas.
A number of flashy cars set off from various places, braving the rain and other challenges to get to the Vias family conference hall in thirty minutes.
Within the stipulated duration, many elders who had been leading a life of luxury showed up one after another.
Normally, the gatherings involving all the leaders of the Vias family would be merry, with lots of drinking, laughter, and chatters about women and the good
old days.
The slender man carried weapons behind his back and walked in casually with a straight face.
He was holding the hand of a curvy lady who was sashaying along in a long dress. She looked utterly stunning.
Thousands of water droplets fell on them, only to be seen evaporating into thin air, creating a foggy scene.
The two silhouettes lingered amidst the fog, building the suspense.
As they slowly walked toward the hall, the crowd finally saw who that lady was.
“Noa?”
“Ms. Vias?”
Everyone was stupefied.
“How dare you defile our hallowed grounds? Who let you in without my permission? You, the black sheep of the family, get out of here now!” Norton went ballistic and shouted at the top of his lungs upon snapping back to his senses.
However, her brother's rebuke fell on Noa's deaf ear as she continued walking with her hand still holding the man's arm. They marched past the crowd, heading toward the highest spot in the entire hall.
At last, Ye Fan led Noa to where Norton was seated.
He waved his arm and cast a ball of energy which sent Norton flying.
Then, he gazed at Noa and gave her a nod.
Upon receiving his signal, Noa took the most revered seat in the household.
Ye Fan stood next to her, looming over the leaders of the Vias family.
“Henceforth, Noa shall be the head of the Vias family. Is anyone dissatisfied?” His cold and stern voice resonated across the hall.
Norton propped himself up from the floor and refuted, “What a joke! Who do you think you are to challenge my authority as the head of the Viases? Someone, please get him—”
Whoosh!
While Norton was still roaring furiously, Ye Fan made a slight gesture and launched a scarlet sword he carried on his back out of its sheath.
The next moment, a rumbling sound was heard as the sword flew a few feet across the hall and slashed Norton's head!
The most bizarre thing happened thereafter.
As soon as Norton's head fell off, his body was engulfed by flames.
The reflection of the blazing flame on the scarlet sword made its color even more pronounced.
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