Lei Jie was his only son, and had always been spoiled and loved deeply.
That's why it was only a matter of time before Lei Jie became the next head of the Lei family.
Now that Ye Chen had received a promise from Lei Jie, it was as if he had gained the support of a powerful cultivator from the Pathwalking Realm.
"We're brothers, no need for formal words. I chose to swear brotherhood with you because we share the same ideals, we're true brothers!"
"If you ever have trouble in the future, just come find me, Brother Ye. I'll never let you down!"
Ye Chen was overjoyed, though he hid it well and acted casual, throwing his arm around Lei Jie's shoulder like they were long-time friends.
"Brother Ye!"
Lei Jie was deeply moved and speechless with emotion. The two drank and laughed together, toasting one another endlessly.
The next day, Lei Jie reluctantly set off for home.
"When I return, I'll definitely persuade my father!"
"Hmph, that so-called Infinite Demon Palace, even if it's one of the top powers in the Three Thousand Great Worlds, so what?"
"If the Demon Emperor's Son can strut around like he owns the world, maybe it's time for a new leadership!"
Lei Jie, full of youthful pride, felt a fire ignite in his blood.
With Brother Ye leading the charge, even overthrowing the Infinite Demon Palace didn't seem impossible anymore.
After a long journey, he finally returned to the Lei family.
Lei Yuan City was a massive metropolis with fifty million people.
Its city walls stood a hundred feet high. Inside, lights intertwined and warriors soared through the sky.
Tall buildings towered in all directions, glowing with the shimmer of treasures.
Prosperity and wealth filled the city.
This was the domain of the Lei family, an immortal bloodline.
On his way through the city, Lei Jie was greeted by bowing servants. He rushed home and headed straight to the main hall to meet his father.
He had planned to convince his father today!
"Huh? Where did those two demon qilins come from?"
Passing through the courtyard, he spotted two qilin-drawn carriages in the distance and frowned slightly.
But he didn't dwell on it and stepped into the main hall.
"Father, I'm back!"
Lei Jie entered with excitement.
But the moment he stepped in, he froze.
A graceful man sat at the head of the hall, chatting and laughing with his father.
Lei Jie glanced at him, and was instantly stunned.
What a striking man.
Handsome, refined, and with an extraordinary presence.
Wearing a fine robe, his entire being radiated mystery and depth.
His every move exuded a calm, noble air that inspired awe.
Lei Jie couldn't help but admire him and wish he had the same bearing.
"Jie'er, you're back."
Lei Xingshan smiled upon seeing his son, then quickly said, "Come, pay your respects to the Demon Emperor's Son."
"Huh-what?"
Lei Jie was stunned.
Then his expression changed completely.
In the Three Thousand Great Worlds, there were countless kingdoms and many who bore the title "Demon Emperor's Son."
But for his father, the powerful head of the Lei family, to use that title with such reverence and even fear…
Who else could it be but the heir of the Infinite Demon Palace?
"You're the Demon Emperor's Son from Infinite Demon Palace… Su Ming?"
Lei Jie's eyes widened in disbelief.
This calm, graceful man.... was he Brother Ye's enemy?!
"Silence!"
"You dare speak the heir's name so casually? Kneel this instant!"
Lei Xingshan's expression shifted in shock as he roared in anger.
*Smack!*
A loud slap knocked Lei Jie to the ground.
"My lord, please forgive my foolish son. He's spoiled, I've failed to discipline him. Please let this go this once."
Lei Xingshan bowed deeply, panic all over his face.
He was utterly humble, with none of the presence of a mighty Pathwalking cultivator.
Su Ming simply sipped his tea, indifferent, not even glancing at Lei Xingshan.
Time passed in heavy silence.
Sweat began to gather on Lei Xingshan's forehead.
"You're Lei Jie?"
Su Ming finally set his cup down, smiling faintly.
"I am. So what?"
Lei Jie, still defiant, raised his head and replied coldly.
"You—!"
Lei Xingshan trembled in fear.
Was his son insane or what?
He was speaking like this to the Demon Emperor's Son!
"Heh."
Su Ming didn't seem to mind. His smile even grew wider.
But if you looked closely, there was no warmth in his eyes.
"The Lei Family Head has raised quite a bold son. He certainly has a… lively personality."
"M-My Lord…"
Lei Xingshan turned pale.
As a mighty figure in the Pathwalking Realm, he had long been known throughout the Three Thousand Great Worlds.
Even the leaders of Dao Sects respected him greatly.
But after hearing just a few words from Su Ming, cold fear gripped his spine.
This heir, though only in the Myriad Laws Realm, made Lei Xingshan feel something he hadn't in ages..... dread.
"My lord, this matter…"
Lei Xingshan tried to explain.
"There's no need," Su Ming interrupted calmly. "Just remember the task I gave you."
"Yes, yes my lord!"
"Please rest assured, my lord. The Lei family will give its full effort."
"I've already sent word. Every young expert of our clan has been dispatched. We'll definitely find that Ye Chen for you!"
Lei Xingshan beat his chest in assurance, pledging loyalty.
"Ye Chen? No, wait! Father, Ye Chen is my sworn brother! How could you try to capture him?"
Lei Jie shouted angrily from the side.
"What?!"
Lei Xingshan was stunned.
Then his face changed entirely, his spine turning cold.
That Ye Chen, he had offended the Demon Emperor's Son!
Su Ming had come in person to demand his capture.
Lei Xingshan had even felt secretly pleased.
If he helped the heir, maybe the Lei family could forge ties with the Infinite Demon Palace.
It could mean huge benefits in the future.
But now… his own son said this?
Lei Xingshan felt like the world went dark.
"You motherf... You've gone mad!"
He suddenly roared, eyes bloodshot. "Kneel down!"
Lei Jie trembled in fear. It was the first time he had ever seen his father this angry.
As the only son, Lei Jie had been spoiled all his life.
Whatever he wanted, his father had given him.
This was the first time Lei Xingshan had truly lost his temper.... and it was terrifying!
"Father…"
"You unfilial son!"
Lei Xingshan, in a rage, struck down with a heavy palm.
The aura of the Pathwalking Realm surged like a tidal wave.
With a loud crash and Lei Jie's scream, he was slammed into the ground, thrown into a deep pit...