Rebellion! (1)

In a spacious chamber within the confines of the Wei family estate, a group of men sat in front of each other. However, instead of the dusty and old place one would expect to find, the chamber was beautifully decorated with many flowers and not a single speck of dust could be found.

The chamber's illumination was solely provided by a small wooden window, yet the midday sun's rays danced upon the pristine white petals of the surrounding flowers, casting a bright and vivid ambience. That atmosphere would be perfect were it not for the attire of the Wei family members – the same red robes they had worn for generations. However, today the robes exuded a deep red, it seemed that they were fresh new. 

In the center of the room, an ancient wooden table stood as the focal point, bearing the marks of time through its antique craftsmanship. Its aged surface bore the graceful scars of time, the once-vibrant luster of the wood retained an undeniable elegance. The table's legs, adorned with intricate designs, spoke of craftsmanship from an era long past. Each knot in the wood seemed to tell tales of the Wei family's history, its resilience a symbol of endurance against the march of years.

Positioned around the table were four men, forming a peculiar yet noteworthy group. At either side of the table, an older man and a younger counterpart sat in tandem. The older man, known as head of Wei family, had his lustrous bald head that gleamed in the sunlight. At his left side sat a strong and imposing young man no older than twenty. His broad shoulders, small lips, and dark eyes hinted at a powerful presence, establishing him as the grandson of the family's headmaster, Wei Tian. 

Seated on the opposite side were two men dressed in refined suits, adorned with rich accessories like golden watches. The elder, in his fifties, had a few strands of white hair, small eyes, and a chubby appearance acquired over years of office work. The younger man, Wang Lingxing, bore a resemblance to his father but with a leaner physique. Behind them, two sturdy men stood as vigilant guards.

On top of the table lay a cultivation book and a closed bag.

"It's great that you have finally decided to marry Mei into our family." Said the older man, his chubby hands patting his son's shoulders. "In fact, if not for the pleas of my son Lingxin here, that would have been resolved much sooner." He added, not hiding the disdain in his small eyes.

"Our family, with its ancient lineage, always treats weddings with great care," the older man spoke slowly, a light smile on his face giving off a monk-like tranquility. "Certain rites must be observed to honor and not offend our ancestors."

"It's so ancient that it remains shrouded in the mists of time, Wei Fang," Lingxin's father mockingly joked, showing little regard for the Wei family's traditions. "But, as the governor, I can certainly assist with that. As a gesture of goodwill, here is the dowry we agreed upon."

In a swift motion, the chubby governor opened the bag, revealing its contents that gleamed brightly – it was filled with golden bars!

Wei Tian struggled to maintain his composure, not due to the display of wealth, but rather the disrespectful manners exhibited. Despite the struggle, he forced a rigid smile on his face. On the other hand, his grandfather, an experienced figure, remained unfazed, his countenance calm.

"Indeed, that will come in handy," he remarked, reaching for the bag and the cultivation book, drawing them closer to him and his grandson.

"Okay, now call my fiance, I want to see her!" ordered Lingxin with a lustful face. Lingxin sneered and mimicked his father's disrespectful demeanor, further fueling Wei Tian's frustration. Unable to tolerate another act of disrespect, Wei Tian's anger simmered beneath the surface. 

"That's my sister we are talking about!" Wei Tian got up and punched at the table hard. The sound was loud and echoed throughout the chamber.

The old table shook hard but wasn't destroyed, yet it was enough to scare Lingxin who cowered back in his chair. The two bodyguards behind the governor swiftly drew their guns, on high alert.

"Let's calm our nerves, please. There's no need for that," Wei Fang intervened, patting Wei Tian's shoulder and compelling him to sit down. Simultaneously, he gestured at the bodyguards, signaling them that they meant no harm.

"Senior is wise." Said the governor and signaled for the bodyguards to stop. "Actually, my son was rude, but I also want to see what kind of girl Miss Mei he talks about so much is."

Wei Tian resumed his seat, his face still flushed with anger. The bodyguards, sensing a temporary lull in the tension, took a step back. Meanwhile, the old monk's smile remained steadfast.

"Sure, but she won't be coming today," he announced calmly.

"What!? Is this some kind of joke?" the chubby governor fumed. "Don't you realize I could obliterate your family with a single order?"

"We are well aware, but the truth is, you're not going anywhere," Wei Fang declared with a blunt certainty.

*SLASH*

*Thud* *Thud*

The governor heard two muffled thuds behind him, and a chill ran down his spine. When he turned around, his once-flushed face turned an ashen white with fear. His eyes widened in terror as he comprehended the gruesome reality before him. His once-loyal bodyguards now lay lifeless, their heads severed from their bodies, their vacant stares fixed upon him. To his shock, five figures, shrouded in red robes, stood behind the fallen enforcers, their presence seemingly materializing out of thin air. Since when they had arrived, he couldn't discern.

The corpulent governor, though overweight, was not stupid and immediately understood the dire implications of this act. Snapping out of his stupor, he fumbled to retrieve his phone from within his suit.

Slash!

A chilling whisper reached his ears as the seemingly benign old monk morphed into a deadly serpent, striking with lethal precision. The blade found its mark, penetrating the governor's throat. "Bye bye," echoed the ominous farewell, the last thing he heard before his vision turned black.

"W-What are you guys doing!?" screamed Lingxin, only now awakened from his own shock. The young man quickly rose from his chair, but no one moved to stop him.

"Bastards, I'm going to make you pay for this!" Lingxin bellowed, channeling the energy within him. Muscles bulged, and a fierce aura surrounded him. "Let me show you the might of a First Stage Body Tempering Cultivator!"

"Hahaha!" Wei Tian laughed aloud and rose from his seat. Calmly approaching Lingxin, he smiled. "Do you know why our robes are red but used to be worn out?"

"Because you guys can't buy a new one?" Lingxin sneered, certain of his victory.

Wei Tian moved a step closer. 

PACK!

Lingxin launched a quick punch at Wei Tian's face, expecting to catch him off guard. But contrary to his expectations, his fist was effortlessly intercepted by Wei Tian's left hand.

"Release it!" Lingxin exerted all the strength and Qi he could summon, yet his hand remained trapped. A sudden realization dawned on him, and his eyes widened in terror as fear crept into his mind.

"That's because our ancestors decreed that our garments must be washed in the blood of our enemies to turn red!" Wei Tian declared, concluding his statement with an ominous tone.

*CRUNCH!*

Wei Tian clenched his fists with the full force of his Fifth Stage of Body Tempering, shattering Lingxin's bones with ease. Before the boy could utter a scream, Wei Tian seized his throat with his free hand.

"You have no idea how long I've waited for this!" A sinister smile was the last thing Lingxin saw before dying.

**********

Hours later in a bigger hall, the whole family was reunited. 

The spacious hall was adorned with ancient tapestries that depicted the glorious history of the Wei family. Intricate carvings adorned the wooden pillars that supported the high ceiling. The walls were painted with scenes of battles won and landscapes that showcased the family's former prosperity.

Three long, rectangular tables, covered with vibrant red tablecloths, stood in the center of the hall. Around forty people, of various ages and genders, were seated and scattered across each table, indulging in the festive atmosphere. This marked the first celebration in a long time, a significant event for the Wei family. For that event, the family used bright new red robes with black embroidery. 

Filled to the brim with food and alcohol, the air carried the rich aromas of roasted meats, steamed vegetables, and various delicacies. A lively chatter also filled the air, blending with the clinking of glasses and the occasional burst of laughter. It was a celebration, a rare moment of joy and abundance for the Wei family in their once-diminished state.

At the central table, the head of the family Wei stood. To his left stood the family's martial master, a middle-aged man responsible for shaping the skills of the younger generation And at his right side, the strongest cultivator of the Wei family, Wei Tian!

Wei Tian, a prodigy from a young age, achieved the first level of Body Tempering even when Earth had limited Qi. This success restored the family's faith in their ancient writings, inspiring a revival of cultivation. Unfortunately, only Wei Tian was capable of this remarkable feat at that time.

With the restoration of Qi on the Earth, the Wei family experienced an unprecedented surge in energy. Like parched soil absorbing water, they swiftly assimilated the abundant Qi, quickly increasing their strength. Because of that many members had already advanced to the Third Level of Body Tempering!

Near Wei Tian, sat a stunning beauty. Her long black hair complemented her fair skin, while her large eyes and petite lips added to her allure. With a slim figure and delicate hands, she possessed an enchanting grace that would captivate any man. She was Tian's sister, Wei Mei.

"Ahem!" Wei Tian's strong cough echoed through the hall, bolstered by the Qi that resonated in his voice, effectively silencing everyone in attendance.

"Thank you, grandson," Wei Fang smiled. "This celebration marks the official commencement of our plans, the rebirth of our family! But first, let me explain a few things…"