Chapter 5: Worse Than Trash

"If you intend to shield your second daughter, then there is no need for me to stand here any longer." Her thin lips parted, her tone cold and detached; Qumu Ningbi did not have the leisure to waste time bickering with him.

Those in the courtyard were so startled by this sudden remark that they broke out in a cold sweat. Who else would dare speak to Qumu Qingshan in such a manner? So far, only Qumu Ningbi had the nerve.

The First Madam widened her eyes, watching the show with relish. The Second Madam’s eyes were filled with hatred; it was clear how unloved this third daughter was, even despised by her own father. But she had only herself to blame—she didn't even know how to fight back when beaten. In this world where the strong prey on the weak, one could only survive in a better world by becoming powerful oneself.

"You good-for-nothing! How dare you brutally beat your own sister? Do you have any idea what the consequences of your actions will be?" Qumu Qingshan slammed the table and stood up, his voice stern and harsh. This wicked daughter was so audacious, committing such an unfilial act. He feared his poor, precious daughter’s face would be ruined. He hadn't believed it when he first heard the news, but seeing Qumu Ningbi now, he believed she was capable of it.

"Heh, I only regret not taking her life. It’s her own fault for being a bitch and provoking me first!" Ningbi said with extreme calm. She knew exactly how much force she had used; even if the face wasn't ruined, it wouldn't be healing anytime soon.

Although Ningbi was new to this strange world and wanted to avoid trouble, she didn't mind helping this body seek justice.

"Scoundrel! You beat your sister and show no respect for your elders. You truly lack upbringing! Someone, bring the family law!" Qumu Qingshan was beside himself with rage. The two madams on the side were grinning from ear to ear; Qumu Ningbi, let’s see how arrogant you can be now.

A wave of servants swarmed forward, intending to grab Ningbi and drag her to the courtyard. Before their hands could even touch her sleeves, Ningbi reversed her hands, grabbed the nearest servant, and threw him away without the slightest effort. The people in the courtyard were dumbfounded—how did she do that?

Qumu Qingshan was burning with fury. He strode down the steps and unleashed a fierce palm strike, aiming it precisely at Qumu Ningbi. Ningbi dodged quickly, and when Qumu Qingshan struck again, she evaded him with agility.

The butler and the servants were stunned. It was the first time in all these years at the Qumu estate that they had witnessed such a shocking scene.

Qumu Qingshan was deeply puzzled. How could he not know his own daughter? She was born without Xuanling. How could he, a Level 8 Xuanling master, be unable to handle a little girl? Thinking this, a massive cyan ball of light formed in Qumu Qingshan’s hand, and with a "whoosh," he launched it toward Ningbi.

"So you intend to use lethal force," Ningbi’s cold voice came through, her eyes filled with killing intent. She knew clearly that this continent was dominated by Xuanling, and her father’s Xuanling had just broken through to the eighth rank. This meant the cyan light of the eighth rank was heading straight for her face. Ningbi frowned, and her fingers, hidden within her sleeves, began to move in an irregular rhythm. Suddenly, a gale rose, and the previously clear sky became overcast with dark clouds. A bolt of lightning struck the ground in the blink of an eye, perfectly blocking the ball of Xuanling. Sparks flew everywhere. Qumu Qingshan hurriedly retreated a step, staring at this bizarre scene, his heart filled with conflict.

Originally, Ningbi had only been taking a gamble to see if her abilities from the modern world still worked. She hadn't expected them to follow her to this strange world—this was one thing worth being happy about today. Ningbi had been gifted with abilities since childhood, controlling the rain element; this was one of the reasons she had been chosen by the world’s top mercenaries.

"Forget it, let this matter end here. Treat the Third Miss well from now on; no more causing trouble," Qumu Qingshan suddenly said, as if he had undergone a change of heart. Everyone present was stunned. Only Ningbi knew in her heart that her ruthless father was plotting something else.

Not far away, a dark purple Xuan energy suddenly appeared, and an extremely enchanting figure emerged. His seductive eyes narrowed into a smile so bewitching that no man in the mortal world could compare; it was as if all things in the world lost their luster in his presence. A man—the Underworld Emperor!

"It seems this little girl has a few tricks up her sleeve." As he said this, he curled his lips into a rare, once-in-a-century smile. He had originally seen her in danger through the illusions of the Underworld. After all, she had yet to develop the fighting spirit within her. If she were to be killed by this old man, who would complete the plan he had with the Heavenly Emperor? Thus, he had been forced to come to the mortal realm himself. But the result had exceeded his expectations. "Qumu Ningbi..." he murmured, and in the blink of an eye, he vanished, as if he had never appeared at all.