Chapter 1, The Grudge of Ling Tian

After Ling Meng'er delivered this message, Ling Tian fell into silence. Even after Ling Meng'er left, Ling Tian remained speechless. As Ling Meng'er was about to leave, she said: "I know what you are thinking, and I also know what the only thing you want to do in your life is. This is the best opportunity. If you want to do it, make this call. No matter what you want, the person who answers the phone will take care of it for you perfectly."

Ling Tian deeply understood that any slight anomaly would be sufficient to turn this act of revenge into a mere flow of water, thus he could not afford to take this risk. Although in this incident, Ling Tian had unknowingly played the role of someone else's pawn, he was still quite satisfied with the position of this pawn

However, Ling Tian is different! The reason Ling Tian is still alive to this day is singular: revenge! Ling Tian has an irreconcilable enmity with Ling Xue'er! The humiliation and torment endured by the direct descendants of the Ling family for three long years have made it absolutely impossible for Ling Tian to coexist with them in this world! In order to send all these people to hell, he is willing to shatter himself into pieces, and Ling Tian is more than willing to do so, even finding joy in it!

In that moment, Ling Tian suddenly discovered that Ling Xue'er’s clothing was actually torn! It seemed as if someone had forcefully ripped it apart with their hands. Then, Ling Tian instinctively sensed that something was amiss. Just as he was about to break free from Ling Xue'er to reach the shore, a dense crowd had already appeared on the bank.

Ling Tian remained completely still for an entire day and night, as if he had turned into a fossil. The next morning, after a day and night of deep contemplation, Ling Tian resolutely dialed that phone number.

No wonder, when I was expelled from my home and my martial arts were stripped away, Ling Meng'er did not plead for me, nor did anyone from my family advocate on my behalf— it turns out I had long since become a mere tool, a tool for vying for power and profit! The incident involving Ling Xue'er’s framing was not only the result of the concerted efforts of the direct line, but also something that my collateral branch had long been eagerly anticipating! By stripping me of my martial arts and expelling me from the family, the direct line eliminated me as a potential greatest threat, while my own collateral branch had secretly laid a devastating atomic bomb!

If I were to capture all the individuals present at the wedding, each prominent family would suffer significant losses, especially the Ling family, which would face an almost devastating blow. In such an event, the only one who might benefit would be my sister, Ling Meng'er, along with the collateral family of the Ling family to which I belong

Perhaps Ling Tian had considered these questions, or perhaps he had not thought of them at all. However, regardless of the circumstances, he ultimately jumped down to save this cousin whom he had disliked since childhood

Ling Tian, clad in a snow-white trench coat, possesses a strikingly handsome face that is smooth and gentle, resembling a marble sculpture. He sits gracefully on the yacht, his entire being seamlessly merging with the vessel, rising and falling gently with the waves. The soft strands of hair on his forehead dance in the wind, his gaze is earnest and affectionate, and a hint of a mysterious smile plays at the corners of his mouth. He seems to be absorbed into this tranquil and beautiful natural tableau, where everything appears so harmonious and exquisite. Even the most discerning art connoisseur would find it impossible to identify any flaw in this naturally formed picture.

Ling Tian had always harbored little fondness for this cousin, feeling that she was overly vain and competitive, and had always kept her at a distance. However, it had not yet reached the point of standing by and doing nothing in the face of danger. Upon seeing Ling Xue'er struggling and calling for help in the water, Ling Tian's blood surged, and without a moment's hesitation, he jumped in.

Everything is ready

This plan has been carried out silently for at least five years! No wonder, in places where it is difficult to send someone, Ling Meng'er has chosen to go to the East Sea! Presumably, the marriage between Ling Xue'er and the young master of the Huang family was arranged at least ten years ago. Ling Xue'er and her group have been preparing for a long time, aiming for a decisive strike at the wedding!

The evidence is conclusive! Ling Tian's misconduct is not only characterized by deceitful words and flattery in pursuit of family power, but he also harbors intentions to commit impropriety against his own cousin, displaying atrocious behavior that is utterly reprehensible and beyond the pale of humanity!

At the Dantian, Da Chang and the old librarian mercilessly struck him, leaving no room for leniency in his martial arts. If he wished to seek revenge, relying on martial arts was already hopeless. Over the years, apart from eating, drinking, and sleeping, Ling Tian devoted all his time to firearms. The cold guns had become the only means he could utilize.

Ling Meng'er left a card with a phone number written on it, then disappeared from Ling Tian's sight, departing with great elegance and assurance

Ling Xue'er was certainly rescued! She then publicly recounted how Ling Tian attempted to assault her, stating her firm refusal to comply, and described the process in which Ling Tian, in a fit of rage and humiliation, pushed her into the lake. The torn clothing on her body serves as strong evidence! At this moment, the crowd of no less than fifty people by the lakeside has all become witnesses!

Upon thinking of this, Ling Tian's eyes revealed a hint of bitterness. Ling Tian was from the second branch of a prominent family, not a direct descendant. Therefore, ever since he gained fame and prominence at the age of fifteen during the family competition, the entire second branch not only failed to receive the expected attention, but instead faced a series of ruthless suppressions from the direct line.

Just three months ago, Ling Meng'er last came here to inform that Ling Xue'er, who had once framed Ling Tian, was to marry the eldest son of the Huang family from Donghai, with the wedding to be held at sea. She subtly mentioned that it would be an ultra-luxurious wedding, where prominent families and social elites would gather to witness the happiness of the extraordinary woman, Ling Xue'er. Furthermore, the talented youth of the Ling family would be accompanied by three elders.

In the distance, a vast flock of seagulls suddenly soared into the sky, circling in the heavens, lingering for a long time without descending

Ling Tian understood that this was his best opportunity; if he missed this chance, he might never be able to avenge himself! However, this was undoubtedly the final ultimatum given to him by Ling Meng'er

As Ling Tian just jumped into the water and approached Ling Xue'er, the previously faint Ling Xue'er suddenly became lively and energetic, unexpectedly engaging in a struggle with him in the water, while loudly calling for help, her voice piercing, tragic, and filled with extreme panic

At the age of sixteen, Ling Tian found it increasingly difficult for the second branch of the family to survive. If it were not for the strong support of several elders from the first generation and the scholarly lineage within the family, the second branch would likely have been completely erased from the family due to Ling Tian's circumstances.

Ling Tian's expression was neither surprised nor joyful, as if he were quietly appreciating the beauty of nature. In reality, his heart was a tumultuous sea, churning endlessly. Memories of the past flowed through his mind without omission.

Meng'er, my sister, although your intention is merely to use me, I am grateful to you! Ling Tian silently made a resolution in his heart: since you desire that family and wish to attain that position, then I will assist you

When Ling Tian was thrown out of his family like a pile of mud, he was still in a daze, as if in a dream

Ling Tian's mind was a blank. These people were all direct descendants! This was a trap! A trap that could ruin his reputation and lead to his utter downfall! How ridiculous that he had jumped in without any defenses!

The conspiracy finally unfolded quietly and without a sound

Although he had been expelled from the family, Ling Tian's cousins had no intention of letting him go. Humiliating a once unattainable powerhouse seemed to be their greatest pleasure; they constantly appeared in Ling Tian's life like shadows. They employed various insulting methods to relentlessly torment this man they once admired. For three whole years, this former prodigy struggled in a life far more brutal than hell itself. Until three years later, his sister Ling Meng'er, who had always sympathized with him, seized the opportunity to rescue Ling Tian and sent him to the East Sea, far away from the family. Only then did the hellish torment come to an end

Although Ling Tian is intelligent and possesses considerable depth of thought, this genius-like youth is still merely a seventeen-year-old child. Having never been exposed to the outside world, Ling Tian feels quite oppressed within his family, yet his thoughts remain remarkably innocent. He is still far from realizing the lengths to which people will go for power.

The red sun rises, and the morning breeze is vast

At that moment, Ling Tian had no idea why Ling Xueer, who was usually accustomed to a life of luxury and surrounded by attendants, had come alone to the lakeside to play today, which was so out of character for her. How could a girl who had lived by the water since childhood not know how to swim? How could the skilled martial artist Ling Xueer have fallen into the water without making a sound? Would the usually proud and self-assured Ling Xueer suddenly cry out for help in such an unusual manner?

After Ling Tian dialed that number, he only requested some necessary tools. Ling Tian sternly warned them that no one was allowed to act rashly! This operation, before detonating the explosives, would belong solely to him!

Thus, in an instant, Ling Tian transformed from the hope of the family into its disgrace! The second branch of the family to which Ling Tian belonged was implicated, and for ten years, it was prohibited from intervening in any internal family matters, big or small! Ling Tian's parents, having failed in their upbringing, were confined by the family and were never allowed to step outside for the rest of their lives

Every once in a while, Ling Meng'er would come to visit, bringing the latest changes in the family and all the necessities for Ling Tian's life. Time quietly slipped away, and the Ling family seemed to have forgotten that such a genius boy once existed among them. Yet, Ling Tian could never forget everything he had endured. Revenge had become the only goal that sustained his will to live

The surface of the sea shimmers with light, and the gently undulating waves resemble a mother's tender cradle. One wave subsides, another rises, in a continuous cycle, endlessly and without rest

Having understood this point, Ling Tian has found answers to many things that he previously could not comprehend! Ling Meng'er, this sister who has always appeared innocent and pure in his eyes, and who has cared for him in countless ways, actually harbors such profound intentions and is so far-sighted! Moreover, her ambitions are so grand!

From this point on, Ling Tian began his life shrouded in darkness

All of this cannot be established if any link is missing; however, Ling Meng'er has finally waited for this day! Now, the timing, the location, and the people are all favorable!

Ling Tian hails from the most mysterious ancient martial arts family in China, the Ling family. From a young age, he underwent the harshest training in the world. Exceptionally intelligent, he had already distinguished himself within the family by the age of fifteen. Among his peers, whether in internal and external martial arts, or in the arts such as music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, there was no one in the entire family who could surpass him. He is regarded as the hope of the new generation of the Ling family and the most outstanding representative.

Having come to terms with it all, Ling Tian felt a chilling coldness rise from the depths of his heart, as if even his limbs had been frozen. The last remaining shred of beauty in his heart vanished completely. The deep gratitude he once felt for Ling Meng'er suddenly transformed into genuine loathing

No matter who it is, igniting these explosives guarantees no chance of survival for oneself. Moreover, in this world, the number of individuals willing to easily sacrifice their lives for an ideal is dwindling. Not everyone possesses such courage for self-sacrifice.

As the main culprit and a disgrace to the family, Ling Tian naturally faced the most severe punishment: the complete destruction of his martial arts, expulsion from the family, and a lifetime ban from ever returning to the family again

The head of the household personally convened the five elders to conduct a trial of Ling Tian. During this process, Ling Tian did not utter a single word; in fact, it was no longer necessary for him to speak.

Now, beneath the Huang family's Donghai villa, where a wedding is about to take place, a large quantity of explosives has already been buried! Powerful enough to turn a small mountain into a small lake, these explosives lie quietly underground, ready to be triggered. What is lacking is merely the person to ignite the explosives.

Ling Tian clearly remembered that it was the summer when he was seventeen, one month and eleven days away from the Mid-Autumn Festival in August. Feeling extremely depressed, he went to the lakeside to relax, only to inadvertently discover that his cousin Ling Xue'er had accidentally fallen into the water

Undoubtedly, Ling Meng'er has been planning the Donghai Project for at least five years! After being expelled from the Ling family, she had countless opportunities to rescue herself quietly, yet she chose to endure the humiliation from those people for a full three years! Perhaps it was only on the eve of her self-rescue that she completed the planning of this matter. The most crucial element in this plan, which was indispensable, is none other than myself. Perhaps it was only on the eve of her self-rescue that she completed the planning of this matter. The most crucial element in this plan, which was indispensable, is none other than myself. Ling Tian, a rare genius in my family, with my extraordinary calculations and my exquisite skills in setting up mechanisms! Along with my precise calculations and understanding of explosives. Additionally, there is my unwavering determination for revenge!