Last night, I had already pried the address from that third young master's mouth and used the bloodline detection method to sense the location of his closest kin. Though I didn't know the address he gave, the bloodline coordinates wouldn't lie. I teleported along those coordinates and instantly arrived deep in the suburbs at a private mountain path. It seemed the Kē family's lair was hidden in the mountains. Since this planet's technology surpassed Earth's, cameras, sensors, and the like were surely plentiful. The two of us cast invisibility magic and strolled leisurely as if in an empty realm. Soon, we walked the entire mountain path. Before us stood a magnificent multi-story building, palace-like in grandeur. As expected, numerous guards patrolled the perimeter, but they couldn't see us. I led Kui Yi slowly inside; she didn't dare make a sound and could only quicken her tiny steps to keep up.The main gate was open, so we walked straight in. It appeared to be a mansion. Through bloodline sensing, I could tell two individuals closely related to the third young master were upstairs—most likely his elders. I activated x-ray vision and looked toward the top floor. Sure enough, I saw two men conversing. One carried himself with clear authority, very likely the family head. It seemed I'd found him without lifting a finger. I took Kui Yi's hand, teleported, and appeared right outside the upstairs reception room. We dispelled the invisibility—after all, we'd need to interact with them soon."Father, you heard what Gebos said yesterday. The resource development on Yin Ci Star can't be snatched by the other families first, or our status will plummet. Second Brother's two thousand laborers are already in training; next month they'll board the mining ships to extract resources on Yin Ci Star. Even if they work themselves to death, it doesn't matter—just recruit another batch. We must stay ahead of the Hanshe and Feinilong families to keep mining dominance in our hands," the eldest son, Xinluo, said.Knock knock. The knock interrupted their conversation."Sorry to disturb you both—I seem to have overheard an interesting topic," I said, pushing the door open with Kui Yi in tow."Who are you?! Unfamiliar faces… Hmph, assassins?" Xinluo stared in shock, then his expression calmed."That lowly title doesn't suit me. I'm merely an insignificant interstellar traveler. It's common knowledge that this planet is controlled by your five great families. Before this planet is destroyed, I hope to persuade you," I replied calmly."Oh? Quite the heavy responsibility. May I ask your name, friend, and your purpose?" Xinluo gave a cold laugh."A nobody. But when needed, I'll show the necessary deterrence. I hope it doesn't come to that. To the point: I've heard a bit about the five families ruling this world. Morality here has collapsed; the people suffer in dire straits. As members of the five families, I hope you'll consider making even slight changes—any small act of kindness could revitalize this planet. Please weigh my advice carefully, or divine punishment will be catastrophic," I said, sitting on the sofa."Though I don't know where you're from, slipping past all those security personnel shows some skill. If you were an assassin sent by rivals, fine—but your rambling makes it unclear what you even want," Xinluo said, sipping from his glass."From what this kid says, you want the five families to play savior with great benevolence? This is the balance we've maintained for centuries. We understand this world's condition far better than you. The bloated population only consumes dwindling resources without restraint. Our current tech barely allows off-world mining. Without strict population control, we'll hit chaos before resources arrive. You, with only surface knowledge, dare lecture us?" the elder finally spoke."True, I understand your point—control population for a healthy global cycle. Sounds like heartfelt concern for humanity. But which of you just said you'd sacrifice thousands of lives, no matter the cost, to mine and secure your family's status? I'm sure that has nothing to do with the world's well-being," I shot back, crossing my legs."Heh, what's wrong with a merchant prioritizing profit? Those low-end masses just waste resources anyway. Better they contribute to the world's future—recycling trash," Xinluo laughed."Conversation ends here. Shall I invite you to die, or will you do it yourself? Ten seconds to decide." With that, Xinluo pressed a hidden bell. Moments later, a swarm of security rushed in, surrounding us."So this is your family's response. The others probably aren't much better," I said, rubbing my temples."Take them elsewhere for execution. Don't dirty the place," Xinluo ordered.Kui Yi grabbed my arm in fear. "I warned you—any hostility, and I'll show deterrence," I said coldly. Then I cast mind control on everyone in the room."Greetings, Master! We were disrespectful earlier—death is too good for us!" they chorused, kneeling in unison.Kui Yi stared, dumbfounded. I remained unfazed, issuing commands. Using bloodline detection again, I located every family member's coordinates and applied long-range mind control. The Kē family fell completely under my sway with ease.Looking at the kneeling servants, I said softly, "Rise. From now on, execute the policies I just gave. No mistakes.""Yes, Master!" they answered in perfect unison."Let's go. Next family." Without looking back, I led Kui Yi and teleported toward the second clan, the Feinilong family.
