Chapter 179: Chapter 179

A taxi came to a stop.

A beautiful figure stepped out and walked toward the Xu family villa nearby.

Pausing at the entrance, Xu Qingxue gazed at the familiar surroundings, overwhelmed with emotion. After bidding farewell to her master and leaving the mountain, she had taken her time on the journey, but now she had finally returned to the Xu household.

The thought of reuniting with her sisters and her glamorous stepmother, Su Wanqiu, stirred excitement in her heart.

But she quickly steadied herself.

Her purpose for returning today wasn’t just to catch up with her sisters.

They had fallen under Xu Hao’s spell—she wasn’t sure how—but now that she had mastered medicine, she was determined to rescue them from his clutches.

At the thought of Xu Hao, her eyes darkened.

No matter what tricks you’ve used, I’ll expose you.

After what you did to us… I’ll never forgive you.

Feeling the weight of her mission, she strode toward the villa with resolve.

Yet, just as she was about to step inside, a female bodyguard blocked her path.

“Who are you? What’s your business here? This is private property.”

“If you’re a guest, provide proof of invitation.”

Xu Qingxue’s momentum faltered.

She had been ready for a confrontation, but she hadn’t expected to be stopped by her own family’s security.

Realizing that the guards had been replaced during her two-year absence, she softened her tone.

“I’m a member of the Xu family.”

“Nonsense. The Xu family only has four daughters, and they’re all inside.”

“Who exactly are you? Can you prove it?”

The bodyguard remained cold and unyielding.

In truth, she had been personally assigned by Xu Hao to guard the villa.

She was highly trained and had memorized every detail of the Xu family, including the fact that Xu Hao had seven daughters.

She had even studied their photos.

She recognized Xu Qingxue immediately—but she still stopped her.

Xu Hao had given strict orders: these returning daughters were too stubborn. They needed to be humbled first.

Xu Qingxue was stunned.

Did that mean she, along with her eldest and second sisters, had been erased from the family?

Furious, she snapped, “My name is Xu Qingxue!”

The bodyguard scoffed.

“So what if you’re Xu Qingxue? Just because you share the surname doesn’t mean you’re part of the family.”

“Leave now, or I’ll make you.”

As she spoke, an aura of power—Ming Jin Peak-level strength—radiated from her.

Xu Qingxue’s eyes widened.

A bodyguard at Ming Jin Peak?

The same level as her?

But then again, considering Xu Hao’s status as a billionaire and the Xu family’s rise to prominence in Shanghai, hiring a top-tier martial artist as security wasn’t surprising.

What she didn’t know was that the villa’s protection didn’t end with this guard.

The real experts lurked in the shadows.

Anyone foolish enough to force their way in would meet a swift end.

Regaining her composure, Xu Qingxue’s anger flared.

She had been polite, but now the guard was using martial pressure against her.

Instead of lashing out, she pulled out her phone and opened the group chat—

“Seven Fairies, Radiant and Lovely”

[Traditional Medicine FTW]: @LittleGirlSellingNukes, I’m back, but your bodyguard won’t let me in. Come get me.

The quiet group instantly buzzed to life.

[LittleGirlSellingNukes]: Wow! Fourth Sis is finally home!

[CursingYouInMyHeart]: Fourth Sis, why didn’t you just tell the guard who you are?

[CallMeYourQueen]: Pfft—Fourth Sis gets stopped by her own family’s security. How does it feel?

[Traditional Medicine FTW]: Don’t even talk about “family.” The guard says the Xu family only has four daughters now. I guess I’ve been disowned.

[TechnologyIsPower]: Tsk. The “Four Xu Sisters.” Seems we’ve been quietly kicked out.

[MoneyIsMyOnlyLove]: …

[LittleGirlSellingNukes]: Haha, someone sounds jealous. Relax, I’ll come get you right now.

[CursingYouInMyHeart]: Well, you did disappear for over two years. Dad changed the guards six months ago—they wouldn’t know you.

Xu Qingxue knew her sisters were just teasing.

Their group was always full of banter, but no one took it seriously.

A new notification popped up—

“Three Sisters, Loving and United” (Private Group)

[TechnologyIsPower]: Fourth Sis, you’re home? What’s the situation there? Observe carefully and report back.

[MoneyIsMyOnlyLove]: Stay alert.

[Traditional Medicine FTW]: Eldest Sis, Second Sis, don’t worry. I’ll drag our sisters out of this mess. We three stand united—we’ll never yield to Xu Hao.

Soon, hurried footsteps approached.

Xu Feiyan, Xu Shiqing, and Xu Huayi appeared at the entrance.

After more than two years apart, the sisters were overjoyed to reunite.

“Fourth Sis! It’s really you!”

Xu Huayi rushed forward and hugged her tightly.

Xu Qingxue returned the embrace warmly, then hugged Xu Feiyan and Xu Shiqing in turn.

“Fourth Sis, you’re finally back! We’ve been waiting forever!”

“Where have you been? You said you’d return ages ago!”

Facing their excited questions, Xu Qingxue smiled.

“I took my time traveling back.”

“Come inside! Let us show you how much the house has changed!”

Xu Shiqing grabbed her hand, pulling her toward the villa.

Xu Qingxue stopped and turned to the bodyguard with a smirk.

“Well? Told you I was family.”

“My apologies, Miss Qingxue. I was only doing my job.”

The guard bowed slightly, unruffled.

“Fourth Sis, you can’t blame her. She was following protocol—you should’ve shown proof.”

Xu Shiqing also defended the guard.

“Fifth Sis is right. Don’t hold it against her. Now that she knows you, she won’t stop you next time.”

Xu Qingxue was amused.

Did they really think she’d make a big deal out of this?

With that, the four sisters—a lively, chattering group—entered the villa.

Xu Qingxue glanced around.

“Where’s Third Sis? I don’t see her.”

“She’s here, just practicing piano in the study. She doesn’t know you’ve arrived yet.”

Xu Qingxue nodded, then studied her sisters closely.

Their skin was flawless—smooth, radiant, almost glowing.

After two years of medical training, she had mastered at least half of her master’s skills, enough to be called a top-tier physician.

Yet even with her knowledge, such perfect skin was impossible to achieve through conventional means.

And yet, here it was—undeniable.

Her sisters’ cheeks were rosy, their eyes bright, their steps steady.

Their energy was vibrant.

Then she remembered her mission—to check if they had been brainwashed by Xu Hao.

She quickly took Xu Shiqing’s wrist, pressing her fingers to her pulse.

“Fourth Sis, what are you doing?”

The others paused, watching curiously as she examined Xu Shiqing.

Seeing her focused expression, they understood—she was checking her pulse.

Xu Hao often did the same for them, so they weren’t surprised.

The sisters suddenly remembered—Xu Qingxue had spent two years studying medicine on the mountain.

Now that she was back, she must have mastered her skills.

Let’s see if her medical knowledge is as good as Dad’s.

They waited quietly as Xu Qingxue checked Xu Shiqing’s pulse.

Gradually, her frown deepened.

Xu Shiqing grew nervous.

“Fourth Sis… do I have some incurable disease?”

Xu Qingxue released her wrist.

Noticing their anxious expressions, she rolled her eyes.

“What are you worried about? Shiqing isn’t sick—she’s ridiculously healthy.”

That was exactly why she frowned.

Xu Shiqing’s health surpassed normal limits.

Even for a healthy person, there’s a threshold.

Exceeding it should cause problems.

But the strange thing was—Xu Shiqing’s condition was flawless.

Her vitality was overflowing, her physique far stronger than an average person’s.

Xu Hao must have given them something to enhance their health.

But it definitely wasn’t any kind of “brainwashing potion.”

The sisters exhaled in relief, shooting Xu Qingxue annoyed looks.

“Fourth Sis, if you’re just checking pulses, why the scary frown?”

“We thought it was something terminal!”

Still unconvinced, Xu Qingxue grabbed Xu Huayi’s wrist next.

After another examination, she confirmed—all her sisters were in peak condition.

“Fourth Sis, look! Isn’t our villa beautiful now?”

After the Xu family became a billion-dollar dynasty, Xu Hao had renovated the estate again.

It was now grander yet still elegantly understated.

Xu Qingxue glanced around—it truly was stunning, surpassing even famous scenic spots.

Passing an open area, she paused.

“What’s this space for?”

Xu Shiqing explained, “Dad built this training ground specially for Fifth Sis.”

Knowing Xu Qingxue still resented Xu Hao, she subtly defended him.

See? Dad went to such lengths for Fifth Sis.

If you accepted him, he’d treat you just as well.

Xu Qingxue scoffed, eyeing Xu Feiyan.

“With her level of skill, she needs this much space to practice?”

“Hey! Who are you looking down on?” Xu Feiyan protested.

“What do you mean ‘my level’? As if you’re so impressive!”

“I’m at Ming Jin Peak. You’re just Ming Jin Beginner—doesn’t that make you trash in comparison?”

The sisters exchanged odd glances.

Xu Shiqing and Xu Huayi weren’t martial artists, but after Xu Feiyan’s recent sparring sessions with Xu Hao, they’d learned the ranks.

After Ming Jin comes An Jin.

And Fourth Sis, a Ming Jin practitioner, just called Fifth Sis—an An Jin expert—trash…

Xu Huayi’s eyes sparkled—this was going to be good.

Xu Feiyan nearly laughed aloud.

Before returning home, she would have been no match for Xu Qingxue.

But under their father’s guidance…

She’d once fought Yan Wumei—the “Queen Sister” at An Jin Late Stage—to a draw.

Yet she played along, pretending indignation.

“So what if you’re Ming Jin Peak? Big deal. Let’s spar and see who’s stronger!”

Xu Huayi egged them on. “Fight! Fight! Fourth Sis, teach Fifth Sis a lesson!”

Xu Shiqing chided her quietly—this little troublemaker loved stirring drama.

Unaware of their strange reactions, Xu Qingxue considered the challenge.

She hadn’t forgotten how Xu Feiyan had deceived them in the group chat—

“I’d rather die than forgive Xu Hao!”

Yet she’d turned around, dressed in a maid outfit, pampering her “dear dad.”

She’d even tried spying in their “Three Sisters, Loving and United” private group.

Xu Qingxue had been itching to discipline her.

Now, with Xu Huayi cheering, she made up her mind.

“Fifth Sis, you really want to fight? I wasn’t lying—I am Ming Jin Peak. Don’t cry foul later.”

“Of course not!” Xu Feiyan waved dismissively.

“How could I possibly beat you? Let’s just spar—consider it you teaching me.”

“Fine.” Xu Qingxue tilted her chin up.

“I’ll show you what I’ve learned these two years. Consider it a free lesson.”

Xu Shiqing and Xu Huayi stifled giggles.

Having seen Xu Feiyan’s real skills, they knew who would be teaching whom.

Xu Feiyan led her to the training ground, barely hiding her amusement.

The two stood facing each other—both breathtakingly beautiful, radiating confidence.

Xu Qingxue clasped her hands behind her back and beckoned lazily.

“If you so much as touch my sleeve, I’ll admit defeat.”

Xu Huayi covered her mouth, shoulders shaking with suppressed laughter.

Xu Shiqing elbowed her—Be respectful! She’s still Fourth Sis!

(Though she was struggling not to laugh too.)

Xu Feiyan was delighted internally but feigned hesitation.

“Fourth Sis, this isn’t fair… You’re going too easy on me.”

Xu Qingxue waved her off.

“Enough talk. Today, you’ll learn the gap between Ming Jin Beginner and Peak.”

“Alright then… Don’t blame me!”

With that, Xu Feiyan unleashed her An Jin Beginner aura—controlled but overwhelming.

The moment the pressure hit, Xu Qingxue’s face paled.

She stumbled back two steps.

Staring at Xu Feiyan in shock, she barely managed:

“H-How?! You broke through to An Jin?!”

Then fury took over. She glared.

“You’re An Jin, and you still challenged me?! Were you just mocking me?!”

“You’re the one who assumed I was Ming Jin Beginner. I only showed you the truth—since you looked down on me.”

Xu Qingxue had no retort.

Suddenly, Xu Feiyan’s expression changed.

“Oh no, I can’t hold back anymore!”