Invincible Divine Sword Chapter 3 - 3 The Sister Gets Hit

Yang Xiaotian's hands tightened into white-knuckled fists upon hearing the news.

He found it hard to process the sheer scale of his grandfather’s blatant favoritism. Not only had the old man diverted Yang Xiaotian's entire allocation of Foundation Building Spiritual Liquid to Yang Zhong for his Cultivation, but he had also stripped his father of the silk trade business to hand it over to his eldest uncle.

Was this the price for awakening a mere Tortoise Martial Soul? Was it because he had become the laughingstock of Xingyue City, causing his father to suffer the consequences of his perceived failure?

Returning to his quarters, Yang Xiaotian threw himself back into his Cultivation. Since his grandfather had gifted his portion of Foundation Building Spiritual Liquid to Yang Zhong, he would prove to everyone in the Yang Family Manor that he could surpass Yang Zhong even without such resources.

While Yang Xiaotian immersed himself in his work, Yang Ming was observing his grandson in a different courtyard with a look of deep pride. Yang Zhong had lived up to his expectations. After consuming two doses of the Foundation Building Spiritual Liquid the previous night, his progress had been remarkable. The Green Phoenix, possessing the lineage of a Divine Beast, was truly exceptional.

“How do you feel?” Yang Ming questioned Yang Zhong with an affectionate smile.

Exuding arrogance, Yang Zhong replied, “Grandfather, have no fear. I will definitely break through and reach the level of a first-order martial artist before the annual Sect meeting in one month!”

One order in a single month!

Yang Ming’s eyes widened with excitement as he let out a boisterous laugh. “Excellent! If you can achieve the first order before the family gathering, I will see to it that you are rewarded magnificently!”

Achieving the rank of a first-order martial artist in such a short time would shatter the historical records of Xingyue City. He wouldn't just be the pride of their manor; he would be a sensation throughout the region.

The following days passed in a blur of activity. Yang Ming visited Yang Zhong daily to personally oversee his Cultivation. Watching his grandson’s rapid daily improvement filled the elder with joy. It seemed Yang Zhong might not even require a full month to reach his goal.

In the meantime, Yang Xiaotian remained secluded, focusing entirely on his training. One evening, as he drew in the world's spiritual essence, a sound like a silkworm emerging from its shell echoed within his body.

A surge of joy washed over him. After only four days of intense Cultivation, he had successfully broken through to the second order.

In the Martial Soul World, even prodigious talents with level-ten Martial Souls usually required three to four months to reach the second order. He had accomplished it in four days!

Yang Xiaotian struggled to contain his thrill. While he wasn't sure if anyone in the wider world had ever matched this speed, he was certain no one in the Divine Sea Country had ever achieved such a feat.

When morning broke, he ceased his training, feeling his mind sharpen and his body overflow with vitality. He stepped into the courtyard to perform the Taiji Scripture. His movements were fluid and natural, mimicking the flow of water and clouds, while a visible current of Qi swirled around him. With his breakthrough to the second order, his internal strength had also surged.

However, his practice was interrupted when his younger sister, Yang Ling’er, came running into the yard in tears. Sensing something was wrong, Yang Xiaotian moved toward her, only to see a vivid red palm print across her cheek. Her face was dangerously swollen.

The sight of his sister’s injury caused a wave of fury to wash over him. “Who did this to you?”

Yang Ling’er sobbed, shaking her head and refusing to answer. Noticing the size of the mark, Yang Xiaotian realized it was from a child. He asked sharply, “Was it Yang Zhong?”

Though she continued to cry and shake her head, her flinch at the mention of Yang Zhong’s name told him everything. Yang Xiaotian’s temper flared. “Come with me. Your brother is going to settle this debt!” He grabbed her hand to lead her away.

As he pulled her along, Yang Ling’er cried out in pain. Confused, Yang Xiaotian rolled up her sleeves, revealing horrific whip marks covering both of her arms. Though the skin hadn't broken into a bloody mess, the bruising was severe.

His rage reached a breaking point. “Yang Zhong used a whip on you?”

Tearfully, she finally nodded. “Yang Zhong called you a ‘tortoise.’ I couldn’t stand it, so I called him a name back.”

The rest was obvious. Seething with anger, Yang Xiaotian led his sister out of their yard. They hadn't gone far before they encountered Yang Zhong walking with several sons of the manor’s stewards. They were laughing together, brandishing whips.

“Yang Zhong, did you lay a hand on my sister?” Yang Xiaotian demanded as he confronted them.

Seeing Yang Xiaotian’s fury, Yang Zhong merely smirked. “That's right, I hit her. What are you going to do about it? Does the ‘tortoise’ think he can protect her?”

Before the words had fully left his mouth, Yang Xiaotian lunged forward, his hand swinging in a sharp arc. Thanks to his Taiji Scripture training, his speed was immense. Yang Zhong had no time to react before a heavy slap connected with his left cheek.

Smack!

The sound was deafening. Yang Zhong stumbled backward, nearly collapsing. He stood there dazed, his ears ringing in shock. Since his Martial Soul had awakened, he had been the golden child of the manor. His grandfather treated him like a precious treasure. He couldn't believe Yang Xiaotian—the boy with a pathetic second-grade Martial Soul—actually dared to strike him!

“You hit me!” Yang Zhong screamed, clutching his face. He turned to the other boys. “What are you waiting for? Kill him!”

The group of boys moved to surround Yang Xiaotian, but they were no match for him. With swift, precise movements, he knocked every one of them to the ground.

Seeing his lackeys fall, Yang Zhong swung his whip toward Yang Xiaotian’s face. The strike was intended to maim, but Yang Xiaotian dodged effortlessly. He snatched the whip mid-air, yanked it away, and lashed back at Yang Zhong.

The whip caught Yang Zhong’s arm, sending him into a fit of screaming and crying. “Yang Xiaotian! Just wait until I rank up! I’ll destroy you at the end-of-year clan gathering!”

The clan gathering?

Suddenly, the sound of many footsteps approached. Yang Zhong’s wailing had drawn the attention of the manor’s adults. Yang Hai was the first to arrive, finding his son in a state of hysterical tears.

Yang Zhong immediately pointed a trembling finger at Yang Xiaotian. “Father, he slapped me! He whipped me!” He pulled up his sleeve to show the marks.

Seeing his son’s bruised face and arms, Yang Hai exploded in a rage. Without seeking the truth, he snarled at Yang Xiaotian, “You are a cruel child. Since your parents haven't taught you discipline, I will do it for them!” He raised his hand to strike the boy.

“Brother, stop!” Yang Chao shouted as he rushed onto the scene, his voice filled with panic.

Yang Hai paused at his brother's arrival, but before he could speak, the patriarch, Yang Ming, appeared behind them.

“What is the meaning of this?” Yang Ming demanded from a distance.

“Father, Xiaotian has attacked Zhong’er,” Yang Hai reported quickly. “He slapped him and whipped him. Look at his face!”

“What?!” Yang Ming’s expression darkened instantly. He stepped forward, his eyes narrowing as he saw the swelling on his favorite grandson’s face.