《Afther I Take The Position As The Patriarch, All Of My Family Members Become The Fated Protagonists》 Chapter 1 - Ten Years of Deadly Passage, the Strongest Family System Activates! Chapter 1: Ten Years of Deadly Passage, the Strongest Family System Activates! Tianwu City. The Su Family¡¯s ancestral residence. A man dressed in a dark robe with long hair like snow currently sat with his eyes tightly shut. His handsome face was deathly pale, with a trace of blood at the corner of his mouth, and his entire aura was incomparably weak. ¡°Another failure!¡± Su Zhou opened his eyes, a hint of bitterness flashing within them. He was the patriarch of the Su Family, one of the four great families of Tianwu City. His cultivation had already reached the peak of the Nine Apertures Realm, and he was the number one expert in Tianwu City. To break through, he had chosen to return to the ancestral residence to enter secluded cultivation. Just as he was about to succeed, the vital energy within him surged¡ªand collapsed. It was as if the heavens forbade it, as though some mysterious force was obstructing his cultivation and ascension. Following that, his bloodline crumbled, and all his vitality began to dissipate! ¡°To have the chance to live another life, yet still not witness the magnificence of this world¡­¡± Su Zhou had a secret: from birth, he had carried memories of a past life¡ªhe was a transmigrator. This world he lived in was an extraordinary great world. There were supreme experts who could move mountains and fill seas, ancient beings who fished the sun and moon, and sovereign figures who ruled over entire realms and controlled fate and annihilation. But the dazzling heights of such power¡ªhe had yet to witness them with his own eyes. He didn¡¯t even know the current state of the Su Family. As the poison within him grew stronger, the breath within his body became like a candle flickering in the wind. ¡°Others transmigrate, and so did I. Heh¡­ it¡¯s been so many years, yet my cheat ability still hasn¡¯t arrived¡­¡± ¡°And now¡­ I¡¯m even about to die.¡± At that very moment¡ª An ethereal voice suddenly rang in Su Zhou¡¯s ears. [Detected host is in life-threatening danger. Activating the Strongest Family System.] [Ding!! System successfully bound. Would you like to open the beginner¡¯s gift pack?] The voice was supremely ethereal, yet to Su Zhou, it was more enticing than the most beautiful music in the world. Because he knew¡ªhis long-overdue cheat as a transmigrator had finally arrived!! ¡°Open it!!¡± Su Zhou didn¡¯t hesitate in the slightest. He immediately chose to open the beginner¡¯s gift pack. [Ding! Gift pack opened successfully. Acquired: Boundless Dao Physique!] [Ding!! Congratulations to the host for obtaining an additional reward: Golden Luck Dragon!!] [Golden Luck Dragon: Immeasurable fortune and endless blessings. Once bound to the family, it will greatly enhance the family¡¯s fate. (Usable when family¡¯s luck reaches 500)] [Boundless Dao Physique: Innately boundless, unrestricted by heaven or earth. Immune to all laws. Possesses a physical body nearing the level of Dao. Can devour and fuse all holy bodies and Dao Physique powers.] [Ding! Host meets requirements. Would you like to fuse with the Innate Boundless Dao Physique?] Seeing everything unfolding before his eyes, Su Zhou was momentarily stunned, then revealed a trace of joy on his face. ¡°Fuse it!!¡± Su Zhou swiftly chose to fuse with the Dao Physique. In the next instant, chants of the Great Dao echoed, and countless incomparably profound runes manifested across Su Zhou¡¯s body. Brilliant golden light burst forth from within him, and under that golden light, his body began to wither like crumbling sand. Strands of Dao laws descended around him, and phantoms of radiant stars began to orbit him. With a crisp crack, Su Zhou¡¯s body split apart like a clay statue. And a tall, majestic figure, filled with the aura of a primordial beast, emerged in the room. His skin resembled jade, and his already handsome face now carried an indescribable charm. As the fusion with the Boundless Dao Physique completed, the once-depleted blood energy within him surged violently. Su Zhou looked inward and saw that his blood faintly glimmered with traces of gold. However, he didn¡¯t overthink it and assumed it was a result of the Dao Physique transformation. But as his blood energy was replenished, the bottleneck in his cultivation realm was effortlessly broken. The nine apertures within his body radiated dazzling light, and streams of true qi surged forth, following the rush of blood directly toward his brow¡ª And then, the Ancestral Aperture, which he had never been able to open in his entire life¡ªOpened!! His blood energy and true qi fused into true essence, and with it, he could now shape objects outside the body. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Su Zhou raised his hand and made a grasping motion¡ªand a golden spear manifested in his palm out of thin air. As its tip touched the ground, the solid granite beneath him was pierced through like tofu. ¡°So this is the External Manifestation Realm¡­¡± Su Zhou felt the power coursing through his body, emotions surging in his heart. In this world, the cultivation stages were: Blood Tempering ¡ú Qi Transformation ¡ú Meridian Unblocking ¡ú Nine Apertures ¡ú External Manifestation ¡ú Heavenly Origin ¡ú Star Holding ¡ú Moon Grasping ¡ú Sun Veiling ¡ú Venerable ¡ú Creation ¡ú Divine Path ¡ú Immortal ¡ú Boundless ¡ú Ancient One ¡ú Great Emperor Su Zhou¡¯s current cultivation was precisely the External Manifestation Realm. In this realm, the inner vision stirs the outer reality, allowing one to wield the power of true essence. At this point, one had already surpassed mortal limits. Not only did one¡¯s lifespan extend by a hundred years, but true qi would condense into true essence, enabling one to walk on air and shape objects from qi. Su Zhou then suppressed the emotions in his heart and began inspecting the functions of the Supreme family System. A virtual panel appeared before his eyes. [Host: Su Zhou] [Cultivation: External Manifestation Stage ¨C First Layer] [Family Luck: 100 (Decline)] (Note: When luck reaches 500, a family resource gift pack will be unlocked.) [Investment Return: The host can trigger investment return rewards by investing in family members. The reward varies based on the target¡¯s potential.] [Family Mission: The Su Family Must Not Be Insulted] [Someone is attempting to shame the Su Family. As the patriarch, show the world that the Su Family must not be insulted!] [Mission Reward: Gold-Tier family Member] ¡°Looks like something major happened to the family while I was in seclusion.¡± Su Zhou frowned deeply at the family mission. Before he entered seclusion, the Su Family had been rising strongly, even showing signs of becoming the leader of the four great families. But now, their luck had declined and the family stood on the brink of collapse. Even without thinking hard, it was clear that the other great families were behind it. ¡°It¡¯s time¡­ to leave seclusion!¡± Su Zhou stood up, his aura unfathomable, and a cold glint flickered in his eyes. Chapter 2 - What Kind of Mutt Dares Bark in My Su Family? Chapter 2: What Kind of Mutt Dares Bark in My Su Family? Su Family¡¯s main hall. Su Chao sat at the head seat, gripping the armrests of the grand master¡¯s chair tightly with both hands. Bulging veins appeared on the backs of his hands as he struggled to suppress the fury in his heart. He forced a smile onto his face. ¡°Elder Li, surely you jest. The Blood Tempering Pill is Su Family¡¯s ancestral recipe¡ªit¡¯s not something we intend to sell.¡± An elder dressed in luxurious purple robes sat as a guest. He chuckled and looked at Su Chao. ¡°Hahaha, Su Family¡¯s Patriarch, I know the Blood Tempering Pill is the foundation of your Su Family¡¯s rise.¡± ¡°But the current situation in Tianwu City is unstable. Many are eyeing the Su Family. Right now, your Blood Tempering Pill recipe is a red-hot potato.¡± The elder in purple sipped his tea casually, acting as though he hadn¡¯t noticed Su Chao¡¯s increasingly dark expression, and continued. ¡°The Su Family once showed kindness to the Li Family. As long as you hand over the recipe, the Li Family is willing to provide your family protection.¡± ¡°Elder Li, I am not the Su Family¡¯s Patriarch. From beginning to end, there has only been one man qualified to bear that title!¡± Su Chao no longer hid his anger. His expression turned gloomy and cold. The insult in the other¡¯s words was as blatant as could be. Asking for the Su Family¡¯s pill recipe, all the while cloaking it in the guise of protection¡ªthis was a brazen slap across their face. ¡°We appreciate the Li Family¡¯s good intentions, but I¡¯ll say it again¡ªSu Family¡¯s pill recipe is not for sale!¡± ¡°If anyone wants it¡ªtry me. See if our Su Family¡¯s blade still has an edge!¡± Su Chao¡¯s words were resolute, and as his voice fell¡ª Dozens of Su Family youths filed in one after another. Each one exuded a killing aura, blocking the entrance to the main hall. Their expressions were united, eyes fixed on the old man. Through their actions, they conveyed one message: ¡°Hahahahaha! The Su Family¡¯s blade? Su Chao, do you still think it¡¯s ten years ago?¡± Elder Li laughed heartily, then suddenly unleashed a burst of true qi. ¡°You say the Su Family¡¯s recipe isn¡¯t for sale? Then I¡¯ll take it without paying!¡± The aura of the Meridian Unblocking Realm Great Perfection erupted in an instant, sweeping across the Su Family¡¯s main hall with tremendous force. At the Meridian Unblocking Realm, one¡¯s internal organs are fully tempered, the eight extraordinary meridians are all opened, and true qi can manifest externally¡ªkilling with invisible force. The Su Family disciples felt as though the air itself had frozen. The powerful true qi seemed to crush their bodies. That oppressive force pressed down on their heads, to the point where they couldn¡¯t even look directly at the old man. Even Su Chao, as the acting patriarch, felt his breath hitch. He tried with all his might to stand¡ª But it was as if a pair of invisible hands were pressing down on his shoulders, holding him firmly in place. ¡°You old bastard! If I hadn¡¯t fallen from Nine Apertures to Meridian Unblocking, would you dare disgrace my Su Family like this?!¡± ¡°If my little brother weren¡¯t away seeking a master, would you dare come to our doorstep?!¡± ¡°When my big brother was here, your Li Family groveled like dogs, always talking about repaying kindness¡ª Is this how you repay kindness?!¡± Su Chao¡¯s face turned scarlet with rage. Humiliation and guilt churned within him. ¡°The Su Family is no longer what it was ten years ago. Su Chao, wake up! This is no longer the era where the Three Heroes of the Su Family ruled everything!¡± ¡°To the Li Family, your Su Family now is nothing more than ants!¡± ¡°If not for our patriarch¡¯s consideration of past ties, your Su Family would have long been wiped out!¡± Elder Li no longer pretended to be affable. His expression grew haughty, and his eyes, when looking upon the Su Family, brimmed with disdain. Ten years ago, he had come here¡ªbut then, he hadn¡¯t even been qualified to enter the main hall. Like a dog, he¡¯d waited at the entrance, not even daring to lift his head to look at the then Su Patriarch. And today, simply by releasing his cultivation, he had reduced the once-proud Su Family to helpless prey. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Su Chao, hand over the recipe. Aside from the old, weak, women, and children, all you have left are these few young ones.¡± ¡°If you don¡¯t hand it over today¡ªthen I¡¯ll skin and flay them alive, right in front of your eyes!¡± A cruel glint appeared in Elder Li¡¯s eyes as he pulled out a dagger and slowly approached the nearest youth. ¡°Well then, so-called Su Family head¡­ no¡ªActing head, what¡¯ll it be?¡± He pressed the dagger to the youth¡¯s throat. The sharp blade pierced the skin, and blood began to seep out. ¡°Li Liang, you old dog! Come at me if you¡¯ve got the guts! Taking it out on them¡ªwhat kind of man are you?!¡± Su Chao roared, trying with all his strength to stand. His eyes were bloodshot, like a madman. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn¡¯t move a single inch. ¡°Don¡¯t waste your breath, Su Chao! Hand over the recipe, or watch him die!¡± Li Liang smirked and applied more pressure. The blade edged closer to the youth¡¯s artery. The cold steel felt like ice against flesh, yet the youth showed no fear. He did everything he could to resist the suppressive qi. His neck cracked under the pressure. His cultivation was merely at the Qi Transformation stage, yet he faced a Meridian Unblocking Great Perfection without flinching. ¡°Just a mere Qi Transformation ant. What makes you¡ª¡± Li Liang began to sneer. But before he could finish, he met a pair of eyes locked tightly onto his. Those eyes held no anger, no humiliation¡ªOnly one thing: pure, unadulterated killing intent. That was a killing will stripped of emotion¡ªLike hunger, like thirst¡ªjust a natural, primal instinct. Li Liang, a man who had killed countless people, felt fear for the first time. His hand trembled. The dagger inched closer to the youth¡¯s artery¡ªyet still, the youth remained stoic. At the brink of death, the youth spoke¡ªeach word slow and emotionless, as though reciting a fact: ¡°Today the Su Family will not fall. But one day¡­ the Li Family¡ªyour entire clan¡ªwill have their heads hung from the city gate.¡± The pressure of the true qi made his voice slow and hollow. It was not a threat, not hatred¡ª Just a simple statement of fact. Li Liang¡¯s heart trembled. If this boy lives¡­ the Li Family is doomed! ¡°Buke!¡± Su Chao cried out bitterly. That was his own flesh and blood¡ªhis wife¡¯s final memory. Yet he could only watch as his son faced a cruel death. His elder brother had entrusted the Su Family to him¡ª Yet now, their estates were gone, their elders deserted, and even his own son was about to bleed upon the family¡¯s doorstep. ¡°Why am I still alive¡­ What face do I have left to live with?¡± Su Chao was nearly in despair, watching that dagger pierce closer to his son. Just then¡ª A flash of golden light burst forth! A terrifying force blasted Li Liang clear across the hall. And then¡ª A voice rang out, cold and deathly calm: ¡°What kind of mutt dares bark in my Su Family¡¯s house?¡± The voice was icy and murderous, sending chills through everyone present. But when Su Chao heard that familiar voice, tears streamed down his face. ¡°Big Brother!!¡± Chapter 3 - Come Out and Suppress Everything! ! Blue-Tier Family Member! Chapter 3: Come Out and Suppress Everything! ! Blue-Tier Family Member! ¡°Second Brother, it must have been hard on you while I was away.¡± Su Zhou looked at the tearful Su Chao, his expression neither sad nor joyful. But those who knew him well understood ¡ª this was the look he had when he was at the peak of his fury. With his arrival, the surrounding air seemed to drop several degrees. Li Liang stared at Su Zhou in disbelief, his fingers trembling uncontrollably. ¡°Su¡­ Su Zhou!!! You¡¯re still alive!!¡± However, before he could finish speaking¡ª Suddenly, a long spear formed from golden light appeared out of thin air mid-air. In an instant, it pierced through Li Liang¡¯s body, the overwhelming power forcing him to his knees. Just moments ago, Li Liang had been domineering and arrogant, yet now he was nailed to the ground in utter humiliation, both knees pressed firmly to the floor. The so-called true qi was like paper before this spear¡ªcompletely powerless. Li Liang coughed up a mouthful of blood, his body trembling uncontrollably. At that moment¡­ it was as if he had returned to ten years ago, the day he first arrived at the Su family. Facing Su Zhou, he still didn¡¯t even have the right to lift his head. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Releasing true essence, condensing illusion into form¡­ You¡¯ve stepped into the External Manifestation Realm!!¡± His voice shook violently. It had to be said, ten years ago, Su Zhou swept through the entire Tianwu City with his peak Nine Apertures Realm cultivation. Let alone now that he had entered the External Manifestation Realm. To enter the External Manifestation Realm meant one could walk on air and solidify illusions¡ª It was no exaggeration to say, from a certain perspective¡ª Su Zhou could now be called¡­ An Immortal!! ¡°Big Brother!! You¡¯ve entered the External Manifestation Realm! That¡¯s amazing, Big Brother!!¡± With Li Liang pinned to the ground, the Su family disciples who had been suppressed by his true qi were finally free. They recognized Su Zhou immediately¡ªhe was the one they longed for, the patriarch of the Su family, Su Zhou!! ¡°It¡¯s the Patriarch!!¡± ¡°The Patriarch was the strongest in Tianwu ten years ago. Now that he¡¯s out of seclusion, our Su family¡¯s deathtrap has been broken!!!¡± ¡°Greetings, Patriarch!!¡± ¡°Patriarch, the Su family has suffered so much, we¡¯ve been in decline for far too long!!!¡± ¡°Patriarch, have you¡­ really entered the External Manifestation Realm?¡± They looked at Su Zhou with fervent eyes, full of excitement. Awaiting an answer. Facing their expectant gazes, Su Zhou nodded slightly. ¡°By sheer luck, I¡¯ve entered the External Manifestation Realm.¡± His body shook slightly, and a surge of powerful true essence erupted¡ª In that instant, many Su family disciples burst into tears. These very disciples who had risked their lives to resist Li Liang¡¯s suppression¡ª Now wept like children, unable to hold back. Some even collapsed from the sheer emotion. Su Chao trembled as he stood before Su Zhou. ¡°Big Brother, you¡¯re finally back.¡± ¡°Second Brother, your cultivation¡­¡± Su Zhou held his blood brother upright, his brow slightly furrowed¡ªone of the reasons he could enter closed-door cultivation with peace of mind was because Su Chao had broken through to the Nine Apertures Realm. But now, Su Chao¡¯s qi and blood were depleted, his foundation hollow, and he had dropped two entire realms. However, facing Su Zhou¡¯s inquiry, Su Chao only shook his head helplessly. ¡°Big Brother, let¡¯s talk about this later¡­ I¡¯ve failed you¡­ the Su family has¡­¡± Su Chao was overwhelmed with shame. But before he could finish, Su Zhou interrupted him. ¡°You¡¯ve never failed the Su family. From here on out¡ªleave everything to me.¡± Su Zhou¡¯s voice was warm and gentle. Su Chao felt the years of oppression weighing on his heart beginning to lift. Su Zhou formed a grasping motion with his hand, and true essence surged forth like a mighty river. ¡°No!! Patriarch Su!! Patriarch Su!! It¡¯s all a misunderstanding!! A misunderstanding!¡± ¡°It was the Ma family! They joined forces with several other clans and made us play the role of pawns. Our Li family was just putting on a show, truly¡­¡± ¡°Patriarch Su, please believe me! Our Li family has always been the Su family¡¯s most loyal dogs!!¡± Li Liang knelt on the ground crying out, blood constantly seeping from his wounds, a pitiful sight. But the Su family members looked at him with only boundless hatred in their eyes. Su Zhou didn¡¯t even glance at him. His voice calm and unhurried: ¡°I¡¯m actually very curious¡ªwhich one of you had the nerve to spy on the Su family from the shadows?¡± ¡°Have you forgotten how the Su family made its name? Have you forgotten who I am!?¡± ¡°Since you¡¯ve come¡ªthere¡¯s no need to leave!¡± Su Zhou seemed to be talking to himself. Then¡­ He slowly clenched his fist. The previously chaotic cries for mercy vanished. Golden true essence roared like an enraged dragon¡ªdetonating violently! Then, that formidable force shot into the shadows. A series of muffled thuds echoed out as several figures collapsed to the ground. They were informants from other families who had followed the Li family, trying to gauge the Su family¡¯s current strength. But the moment Su Zhou appeared, they were overwhelmed by shock, fear, and panic. They had intended to escape swiftly, yet¡­ In front of that man, they couldn¡¯t even move their feet. All they could do was watch helplessly as that terrifying true essence crushed them to death. Witnessing Su Zhou¡¯s astonishing combat power, even the Su family members couldn¡¯t help but gasp in awe¡ª Marveling at the strength of their Patriarch! Their eyes toward Su Zhou grew even more fanatical, worshipful¡ª At that moment, even if Su Zhou had asked them to die, they wouldn¡¯t hesitate! From beginning to end, Su Zhou never once spared Li Liang a proper glance. One thing the man said was true: the Li family was nothing but a dog. Over the past ten years, they had become the lapdogs of other clans, and turned to bite their former master. And such dogs¡ªDidn¡¯t even deserve to speak with Su Zhou. Just as they once had no right to even step into the Su family hall. ¡°Uncle.¡± Su Buku bowed deeply to Su Zhou, the formal greeting of a younger generation. At that moment, he no longer bore that eerie look he had when facing Li Liang¡ª But looked like an ordinary youth. ¡°Buku, you¡¯ve grown so much.¡± The last time Su Zhou had seen Su Buku, he had been a seven- or eight-year-old boy. Now, he was nearly grown. He hadn¡¯t expected his closed-door cultivation to last ten years. He gave Su Buku¡¯s shoulder a light pat. But then his expression froze. A clear and ethereal system voice echoed in his ears: [Ding!! A member of a Blue-tier family member has been detected. Investment is now possible.] Chapter 4 - Investment Return, Heaven and Earth Mourn in Autumn, All Things Wither! Chapter 4: Investment Return, Heaven and Earth Mourn in Autumn, All Things Wither! [Detected Blue-tier family member, investment available!] [Invest in the Profound-rank Lower-grade cultivation technique Falling Rosy Clouds Art, and receive reward: Earth-rank Supreme-grade cultivation technique] He couldn¡¯t help but glance at Su Buku. [Name: Su Buku] [Cultivation: Qi Transformation Realm, Great Perfection stage] [Heaven¡¯s Mandate: Blue (Note: This family member has a unique physique; if the seal is lifted, their aptitude can be upgraded to Gold)] [Comprehension: Genius] [Root Bone: Superior grade] [Cultivation Realm: Qi Transformation Realm, Great Perfection] [Aptitude: Killing-Heart Bodhi Body (Sealed)] [Killing-Heart Bodhi Body: The more one kills, the faster the cultivation increases¡ªthis is the Path of the Killing Heart. The greater one¡¯s compassion, the more insight they gain¡ªthis is the Path of the Bodhi.] [Fated Opportunities: Born a killing god, heart like a frozen pond that extinguishes all life, yet harbors a Buddha¡¯s compassion to save the masses, bearing immense killing intent.] [Quality Ranking: Mortal < Commoner < Superior < Genius < Heaven¡¯s Pride < Peerless < Monster < World-Shaking < Heaven-Ruling] Looking at Su Buku¡¯s details, Su Zhou was inwardly startled. The Heaven¡¯s Mandate grades for family members were divided into: white, green, blue, purple, gold, red, and black. Heaven¡¯s Mandate manifests as destiny or luck, and is influenced by things like innate talent and root bone. According to the system¡¯s evaluation standard, white already denotes talent above the common, green can be called ¡®genius¡®, while blue is extremely rare and could be described as Heaven¡¯s Pride or even a monster-class talent¡ªmany successors and holy sons from great sects are merely at this level. For his nephew to possess blue-grade talent was already a pleasant surprise, but the true shock was the existence of a special physique. Though it was currently sealed, once unlocked, his Heaven¡¯s Mandate could elevate to gold-grade. Gold-grade talent meant he had the qualifications to compete for the title of Child of Heaven¡¯s Mandate. As for red and black¡ªthose possessing such aptitudes, as long as they don¡¯t die prematurely, then even destiny itself would be nothing but a toy in their hands. Across countless worlds, beings with such aptitude could only number a few. That realm was still far from Su Zhou¡¯s current reach. As for what to invest¡­ Su Zhou pondered slightly. Then, with a flick of thought, he retrieved a cultivation manual from his storage ring. ¡°Buku, your performance just now was excellent. The spine of the Su family must never bend!¡± ¡°This Falling Rosy Clouds Art¡ªkeep it well!¡± Falling Rosy Clouds Art was a Profound-rank Lower-grade martial technique, passed down in the Su family as a heritage cultivation art. This technique draws on the qi of the falling evening glow to temper one¡¯s true energy and root bone. When cultivated to perfection, it could rival even Profound-rank Upper-grade techniques. Only those who had rendered great service to the family and were part of the main lineage were ever granted this technique. Looking at the Falling Rosy Clouds Art in Su Zhou¡¯s hand, Su Buku¡¯s eyes visibly trembled. ¡°Uncle! I¡¯m not worthy to accept this technique¡­ Buku has yet to contribute anything to the family.¡± ¡°Since Uncle entered seclusion, I, though being a direct-line descendant and your nephew, could only watch helplessly as our family fell into decline without the power to change a thing.¡± ¡°As a direct-line descendant of the Su family, Buku¡­¡± Su Buku spoke while suddenly dropping to his knees. He knocked his head to the ground three times with force¡ªeven Su Zhou couldn¡¯t stop him in time. ¡°Family leader! Please¡ªstrengthen the Su family!!¡± Su Buku¡¯s voice carried a trace of sobbing. Immediately after, all Su family members dropped to their knees as well, their bodies trembled slightly, eyes red, tears welling. ¡°Family leader! Please¡ªstrengthen the Su family!!¡± ¡°Family leader! Please¡ªstrengthen the Su family!!¡± S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Family leader! Please¡ªstrengthen the Su family!!¡± Three cries, thunderous and fierce¡ªthe Su family¡¯s voices hoarse and filled with emotion. All these years, they had suffered in silence like autumn leaves scattered in the wind, rootless and drifting. The Su family¡¯s former glory now seemed like fleeting smoke¡ªeven the lowliest of families dared to provoke them. They had been forced to endure, time and time again. But now Su Zhou had returned. Many among them had grown up on stories of his legend. Many had idolized him their whole lives. Some had even witnessed firsthand how high he once raised the Su family. Years of humiliation and grief now burst forth in front of Su Zhou. Because Su Zhou was their family leader¡ªthe leader of their family, and thus¡­ The pillar of their world!! These Su family members who would not yield even when faced with blades, now wept like children. Even Su Chao tried to stand up forcefully at this moment, but Su Zhou appeared behind him in a flash and pressed him back down. ¡°Family leader¡­ Su Chao is incompetent¡­ I¡¯ve failed the Su family, failed you, brother¡­ Please¡­ strengthen our Su family!!¡± Su Chao¡¯s voice was hoarse, bloodshot eyes brimming as if they would bleed. ¡°Stand up!!¡± ¡°Stand up for me!!¡± Su Zhou looked at the kneeling crowd, his voice growing hoarse and cold. The aura of an External Manifestation Realm expert erupted instantly. The immense power, like a divine presence, made everyone feel as if Su Zhou was a towering mountain. ¡°You all did very well. In you, I see the backbone of the Su family!¡± ¡°The Su family¡¯s spine has not bent!!¡± ¡°And you say the Su family has fallen?¡± ¡°No!! As long as I live, the Su family shall never fall!!¡± Su Zhou¡¯s words struck like thunder, brimming with unshakable dominance. In an instant, every Su family member felt that something they had lost deep in their hearts had returned. That thing was called¡­ Confidence!! As long as Su Zhou lived, the Su family¡¯s confidence remained!! ¡°We follow the family leader¡¯s orders!!¡± Su Buku bowed once more, then stood up respectfully. The rest of the family followed suit one after another. ¡°Throughout Su family history, we¡¯ve always produced the strongest of our generation. I don¡¯t want that title falling into another family¡¯s hands.¡± ¡°Train well.¡± Su Zhou handed the Falling Rosy Clouds Art to Su Buku. This time, Su Buku accepted it and nodded seriously, solemnly saying: ¡°I will not fail your expectations, Uncle!¡± Then, looking at the faces of the other family members, he realized he couldn¡¯t let them feel left out. ¡°From today onward, any Su family member who possesses exceptional talent and renders great service may be granted the Falling Rosy Clouds Art!¡± ¡°No longer restricted to the main lineage!!¡± Su Zhou proclaimed loudly. ¡°Long live the family leader!!!¡± ¡°Thank you, family leader!!¡± ¡°That means we too have the chance to obtain a Profound-rank technique in the future!!¡± [Ding!! Su family members are filled with hope and passion for the future. Family luck +100!] Although the use of fortune was still unclear, anything so mystical¡ªmore is always better. Besides, when family luck reached 500, resource rewards would be granted. And the Golden Luck Dragon also required 500 luck points to activate. At this moment, the Su family members were elated. A single Profound-rank Upper-grade cultivation technique could fetch millions of spirit stones at auction. Profound-rank techniques were often top secrets of major families, beyond value¡ªmany cultivators spend a lifetime without ever obtaining one. And now, any Su family member, as long as their contributions were sufficient, could obtain such a technique. It was simply unimaginable!! [Ding!!! You have invested in a Blue-tier family member with a Profound-rank Lower-grade technique: Falling Rosy Clouds Art.] [You have triggered a reward: Earth-rank technique¡ªHeaven and Earth Mourn in Autumn!] A new cultivation manual appeared in Su Zhou¡¯s system inventory. After selecting ¡®Learn¡¯, the entire technique was fully mastered in less than a breath¡¯s time. Heaven and Earth Mourn in Autumn, All Things Wither! Chapter 5 - Killing-Heart Bodhi Body, the Decline of the Su Family! Chapter 5: Killing-Heart Bodhi Body, the Decline of the Su Family! [Ding!! You have completed the mission: The Su Family Must Not Be Humiliated!] [Reward received: Gold-Tier Family Member!!] Soon after, a new item appeared in Su Zhou¡¯s system inventory. [Gold-Tier Family Member: Capable of contending for the Mandate of Heaven, with enhanced luck and profound destiny. Upon use, grants one gold-tier family member.] Su Zhou decisively chose to use it. A flash of golden light streaked past¡ªbut nothing else occurred. ¡°I wonder where this gold-ranked family member will appear from,¡± Su Zhou mused to himself. But anything from the system was sure to be of premium quality, so Su Zhou wasn¡¯t too worried about anything going wrong. He decided to stop overthinking it. ¡­ At the same time, in the Su family¡¯s inner courtyard¡ª A group of thirteen- or fourteen-year-old youths were visibly excited. ¡°The family leader has come out of seclusion!!¡± ¡°This is great! The legendary family leader¡ªthe one who swept through the entire Tianwu City¡ªhas finally returned!¡± ¡°Wuuu wuuu!! The Su family¡¯s good days are coming!¡± As he looked at the relatives around him weeping from joy, Su Yang¡¯s gaze grew dazed. ¡°I¡¯ve¡­ been reborn? Oh no, today¡¯s the day the Li family is coming!¡± ¡°The Su family wasn¡¯t destroyed??¡± ¡°What? The family leader came out from his seclusion? Wasn¡¯t he supposed to have died during a breakthrough?¡± Countless thoughts and memories rushed into Su Yang¡¯s mind, leaving him briefly disoriented. Yet Su Zhou remained unaware of everything happening in the rear courtyard. At this moment, he looked upon the disciples of the Su family who were filled with anticipation. They were waiting for the family leader¡¯s orders. ¡°Go. Take back all the Su family¡¯s former businesses.¡± ¡°You must remember, they merely our businesses. And since they borrowed them, naturally¡­¡± ¡°They owe interest.¡± Su Zhou¡¯s voice was warm and gentle, making the disciples feel as if they were bathed in a spring breeze. Without a trace of doubt, they all turned and headed out. Since the family leader said they were to be reclaimed, then reclaim them they would. There was no need for further thought¡ªonly action. ¡°Big Brother¡¯s judgment is as keen as ever. The Li family is nothing but a dog.¡± ¡°A dog of the Ma and Wang families. Now that you¡¯ve returned alive and even broken through to the External Manifestation Realm, those two old foxes won¡¯t dare make a move.¡± ¡°Our family¡¯s businesses will be returned. What I¡¯ve yearned to do all these years but couldn¡¯t¡ªBig Brother, you¡¯ll accomplish effortlessly.¡± ¡°You truly are my, Su Chao¡¯s elder brother¡­ ¡± As Su Chao spoke, he kept coughing, the qi within his body still collapsing. Yet the look in his eyes as he gazed at Su Zhou remained filled with reverence¡ªjust like when they were children. Back then, his big brother seemed capable of carrying the whole world on his shoulders. As long as you stood behind him, you could feel utterly safe, even if heaven and earth were overturning. Seeing his brother like this made Su Zhou¡¯s heart ache. This was his own brother¡ªa former peerless talent¡ªwho had stepped into the Nine Apertures Realm before the age of thirty. Yet now, he had ended up in such a miserable state. Su Zhou placed his hand on Su Chao¡¯s back, using true essence to stabilize his collapsing qi. But the moment his essence entered Su Chao¡¯s body, Su Zhou¡¯s brows furrowed tightly. Su Chao¡¯s internal state was a complete mess¡ªhis eight extraordinary meridians were all blocked, and his five viscera and six bowels were leaking qi. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He was nearly a cripple. ¡°I¡¯ve been in seclusion for years. What happened? What¡¯s with your cultivation, Second Brother? And where are the family elders and worshippers?¡± When one enters seclusion, one loses track of time. In ten years, everything can change. Su Zhou had far too many questions in his heart. ¡°It¡¯s all¡­ my fault¡­¡± Upon hearing Su Zhou¡¯s question, Su Chao began pounding his chest in anguish. Su Zhou quickly stabilized his brother¡¯s body with his essence, preventing his tattered state from deteriorating further. ¡°Second Brother, don¡¯t rush. Tell me slowly. Everything¡­¡± ¡°Will be fine¡ªwith me here.¡± Su Zhou¡¯s voice was calm, yet filled with a reassuring power. ¡°The first few years after you entered seclusion were fine. With my cultivation at the fifth stage of the Nine Apertures Realm, even though the Su family didn¡¯t expand further, we still retained our position as the top noble family in Tianwu.¡± ¡°But everything changed when Shao¡¯er went missing¡­¡± Su Chao¡¯s expression turned bleak and sorrowful. ¡°My sister-in-law disappeared?¡± Su Zhou¡¯s mind conjured up the image of a gentle woman. That woman¡¯s name was Hua Shao. She was the wife that Su Chao had brought back from his time adventuring outside¡ªand the mother of Su Buku. She had a calm disposition and had shown exceptional talent in managing the family¡¯s affairs. A full third of the Su family¡¯s development plans were crafted by her. Even Su Zhou had held great admiration for this sister-in-law. He never imagined that her disappearance would be tied to the Su family¡¯s downfall. ¡°Yes¡­ In those days, Chao¡¯er became very anxious. She tried not to show it, but after all those years together, I could sense it.¡± ¡°One morning, when I woke up, Shao¡¯er was gone¡­ and she was pregnant at the time.¡± ¡°I panicked and searched like mad, mobilizing the entire family. Even the family elders joined the search.¡± ¡°But¡­¡± Tears streamed down Su Chao¡¯s face¡ªtinged with blood. ¡°None of the elders returned.¡± ¡°And the few worshippers who survived all left the Su family. As for me, I was injured by a sword light outside the city.¡± ¡°That person¡¯s cultivation was at least¡­¡± ¡°Heaven Origin Realm!!¡± After the External Manifestation Realm comes the Heaven Origin Realm. Heaven Origin cultivators can borrow the power of the heavens and earth and turn it into divine abilities. A single one of them could obliterate a small mountain with a flick of the wrist. ¡°I always knew Shao¡¯er came from a powerful family¡­ But I never imagined that even Heaven Origin cultivators would serve as her family¡¯s slaves.¡± ¡°Big Brother¡­ I can¡¯t drag the Su family down any further.¡± Su Chao would never forget that sword light¡ªlike it could sever the very heavens. And yet, in the end, his life had been spared only because a woman had pleaded for him with her life. That person¡¯s cold, indifferent voice still echoed in his nightmares: ¡°Holy Maiden, this old slave does not wish to see you grieve. But how can a mere ant like this be worthy to accompany you?¡± ¡°Come. Return with me now.¡± Chapter 6 - Tell the World! This Tianwu’s Heaven… Is Su! Chapter 6: Tell the World! This Tianwu¡¯s Heaven¡­ Is Su! The elders of the Su family were all dead, the family¡¯s consecrated experts scattered like birds and beasts, and the acting patriarch had his cultivation crippled. Yet despite such a huge upheaval, Su Zhou, the patriarch of the Su family, had still not emerged from seclusion. Because of this, many families speculated that Su Zhou had already died. What followed then happened as a matter of course. The Li family, once a vassal of the Su family, was the first to rebel, and the Su family¡¯s industries were gradually swallowed up by various families. Their family¡¯s foundations were hollowed out bit by bit¡ª with no top-tier experts holding the fort, and no consecrated cultivators willing to join them. The long-suppressed resentment and guilt for failing to protect his people quickly caused Su Chao¡¯s body to collapse. Then, under the open and covert power struggles of the great families, less than a tenth of the Su family¡¯s former assets remained. But the Su family had once shone too brightly¡ª the name of the Three Heroes of the Su Family had once weighed so heavily that the entire Tianwu City could barely breathe beneath it. Even so, the allure of this juicy chunk of meat that was the Su family was too much to resist. Thus, the Li family became the dog that tested the waters. ¡°What I¡¯m most grateful for right now is that Xiao Mu hasn¡¯t returned all these years.¡± ¡°Otherwise, with his temperament, he¡¯d definitely have tried to clash with those at the Heaven Origin Realm, and if anything happened to him¡­ I truly wouldn¡¯t know how to face myself.¡± The ¡®Xiao Mu¡¯ Su Chao referred to was Su Mu¡ªfull name Su Mu¡ª the youngest brother of Su Zhou. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He had a fiery personality and couldn¡¯t tolerate even a grain of sand in his eye1. Aside from Su Zhou, even when the elders spoke, if he disagreed, he¡¯d still turn hostile. His talent was extraordinary, and he was fiercely fearless of death. People of that generation had once called Su Mu the Mad Dog of the Su Family. Anyone who dared to provoke the Su family¡ª even if it cost him his life¡ª he¡¯d still bite a piece of flesh from them. Before Su Zhou entered seclusion, Su Mu had gone out with a wandering expert and had not returned since. ¡°Big Brother, all of this is my fault.¡± Su Chao said, filled with pain. ¡°Hmph! Such arrogance¡ªkilling our family elders, crippling my brother, and still having the nerve to call the Su family ants?¡± Hearing his younger brother¡¯s words, a surge of anger rose in Su Zhou¡¯s heart, and a cold smile appeared on his face. ¡°Xiao Chao, what fault is there of yours? What¡¯s there to blame you for?¡± ¡°You don¡¯t need to blame yourself, nor be afraid. I am here. I am the patriarch of the Su family¡ªthe pillar of our family.¡± ¡°This debt¡ªI will make them pay it back in full.¡± ¡°But Big Brother¡­¡± ¡°Everything will be taken care of¡ªby me!¡± ¡°Xiao Chao, remember this¡ªbefore long, I will make them come crawling to our doorstep, begging you to bring back your sister-in-law and nephew!¡± His voice was domineering to the extreme, overflowing with absolute confidence. But from the moment Su Zhou left home and awakened his system, everything had changed. As long as he developed steadily, taking one step at a time, it wouldn¡¯t take long¡ª Su Zhou was confident he¡¯d make those who called the Su family ¡®ants¡¯ wish they were dead instead. Su Zhou¡¯s words thundered through Su Chao¡¯s heart like a bolt of lightning, causing roots to sprout once more in his decaying spirit. If someone else had said such things, he¡¯d surely have thought they were mad. But the one saying it was Su Zhou¡ªhis big brother, the Su family patriarch who once held up the heavens for them. Even if the words sounded like fantasies, like the dreams of a madman¡ª Su Chao was willing to believe! ¡°Yes! Big Brother!!¡± Su Chao exclaimed with all his might. Though his voice was still weak, it now carried a glimmer of hope. ¡°Uncle!¡± Just then, Su Buki returned to the hall. ¡°As per your instructions, the family members have begun reclaiming our former businesses. Many shops and taverns have already been taken back.¡± ¡°However, the Li family attacked some of our younger members. I¡¯ve already slain those responsible.¡± ¡°As for what comes next, I dared not act on my own, so I brought the others back to await your command.¡± Outside the hall, a crowd of Su family members stood armed, their gazes icy cold. They awaited only one word from Su Zhou¡ª even if it meant walking into fire and blades, they would follow without hesitation. ¡°The Li family¡­¡± Upon hearing this, a cold gleam flashed in Su Zhou¡¯s eyes. ¡°That dog we once fed really has forgotten who its master is.¡± ¡°I had planned to finish settling the family¡¯s internal affairs before dealing with them, but since the Li family is so eager to die¡­¡± Murderous intent surged in Su Zhou¡¯s heart. Now that he had returned, this dog that dared bite its master¡ª he¡¯d beat it to death. [Ding!! Family Quest Triggered: Annihilate the Li Family, Shake the Heavens of Tianwu!!][Quest Reward: Heaven-grade Pill ¡ª Body Refining Elixir; Earth-grade Technique ¡ª Heaven and Earth Spring Concealment Art!] Hearing that ethereal voice in his ear, Su Zhou no longer hesitated. ¡°Tianwu¡¯s winds are cold. Second Brother, go rest properly¡­¡± ¡°Big Brother, you¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s autumn now. I remember¡ªwhen I went into seclusion, it was also autumn. They say ¡®a good autumn comes with a chill in the air¡¯¡­¡± ¡°Well, the weather¡¯s turning cold¡ª time for the Li family to perish.¡± Su Zhou¡¯s voice remained calm, but the killing intent in his words surged like a tide, threatening to drown everything. ¡°All Su family disciples¡ª follow me to destroy the Li family!¡± ¡°Any who block our path¡ª shall be¡­¡± ¡°Killed without mercy!¡± With these words, the family members waiting outside felt goosebumps rise all over their bodies. It had been so many years¡­ So many years since such tyrannical and unmatched words had last echoed from the Su family. To others, this voice was like the sneer of a demon. But to them¡ª it was a rallying banner in the wind, the battle horn calling them to war. ¡°By the patriarch¡¯s will!! Destroy the Li family!!!¡± Su Zhou then strode out in great strides, the Su family disciples following closely behind. Heads held high, their momentum surged skyward. In these ten years, the Su family¡¯s spine had never bent. Now that Su Zhou had returned, he was going to let the entire Tianwu City know¡ª That the skies of Tianwu¡­ bear the surname Su. Chapter 7 - Overthrowing the Li Family, the Plot of the Ma and Wang Families!!!! Chapter 7: Overthrowing the Li Family, the Plot of the Ma and Wang Families!!!! Inside the Wang Family Council Hall. An elderly man with a tall and imposing frame sat boldly in the main seat. His left eye was covered with an eye patch, giving him a vicious and ruthless aura. This man was none other than the Wang Family Patriarch, Wang Hu. ¡°Su Zhou has emerged from seclusion and has broken through to the External Manifestation Realm.¡± Wang Hu twisted the thumb ring on his finger, his voice calm and distant. Seated across from him was a thin and sickly-looking man, his entire being exuding a chilling coldness. If Wang Hu was a ferocious beast that devoured people, this man was a venomous snake lurking in the dark. ¡°I can¡¯t believe he¡¯s still alive. Ten years without a word, how could he have survived¡­¡± His voice was hoarse to the extreme. ¡°Ma Xiao, think of a way. You know his temper.¡± ¡°With what we¡¯ve done over the years, we can¡¯t expect to hide it from him. The Li Family won¡¯t be enough to satisfy his appetite.¡± Perhaps remembering Su Zhou¡¯s old methods, Wang Hu felt a phantom pain in his blind eye. That eye had been gouged out by Su Zhou himself in front of everyone during a battle over a mineral vein between the two families. When Su Zhou was still around, who in Tianwu City didn¡¯t know of his domineering and fiercely protective nature? He even once declared publicly that every disciple of the Su family was more noble than anyone from another family! Once, for the sake of a mere branch family member, he personally visited the Ma family, one of the three great families, and right in front of the Ma elders, killed a Ma family elder on the spot. It was precisely Su Zhou¡¯s overbearing loyalty that forged deep unity within the Su family. And after his disappearance, other families dared not act too brazenly¡ª they chose instead to nibble away at the Su family bit by bit. Some didn¡¯t even change the names on the land deeds, fearing that one day, Su Zhou would return to settle accounts. ¡°The Li family is finished. Knowing Su Zhou¡¯s character, even if they were egg yolks, he¡¯d shake them to pieces.¡± Ma Xiao picked up a teacup and spoke with emotionless detachment. ¡°I really don¡¯t know how you convinced the Li family¡ªwilling to march to their death, tsk tsk tsk.¡± ¡°They knew Su Zhou had already stepped into the External Manifestation Realm, yet still dared to lay hands on the Su family.¡± ¡°I¡¯m really curious¡ªwhat kind of trick did you pull?¡± Wang Hu stared intently at Ma Xiao with his only remaining eye, trying to read something from his expression. ¡°Nothing much. If the Li family couldn¡¯t afford to offend the Su family, could they afford to offend the Ma family?¡± ¡°I promised them: obey me, and their direct descendants would be protected by my Ma family.¡± ¡°Besides, our Tianlang Ancestor woke from his deathly seclusion just three days ago!¡± A smile played across Ma Xiao¡¯s lips. ¡°Ma Family Ancestor¡ªMa Tianlang!!!¡± Upon hearing this, Wang Hu¡¯s pupil shrank violently. Back when Wang Hu was just a child, Ma Tianlang was already Tianwu City¡¯s number one expert. Seventy years ago, he had already reached the seventh level of External Manifestation Realm. It was rumored that he had mastered a top-tier Xuan-grade technique, making him unrivaled in the same realm. Who would have thought such a figure was still alive?! ¡°No¡­ something¡¯s off!¡± Wang Hu¡¯s thoughts stirred again. If Ma Tianlang was already at the seventh level of External Manifestation Realm seventy years ago, then after coming out of seclusion now, his strength would have surely grown even more. ¡°What¡¯s Ma Xiao really scheming?!¡± As the head of a family, Wang Hu was no fool. In such power games, who could deceive whom so easily? Even though his heart was full of doubts, his expression didn¡¯t betray the slightest reaction. ¡°Then I must congratulate you, Clan Master Ma.¡± ¡°It seems the title of Tianwu City¡¯s number one family is soon to fall into the Ma family¡¯s hands!¡± ¡°Since Tianlang Ancestor has returned, naturally there¡¯s no need to fear Su Zhou. How about our two families join forces to suppress the Su family? My Wang family is willing to follow the Ma family¡¯s lead!¡± Wang Hu¡¯s tone was extremely sincere, though whether it was heartfelt or a test was unclear. Ma Xiao took another sip of tea, eyes narrowing slightly. ¡°No rush, no rush. Let¡¯s allow the Li family to serve as a sacrifice to cool Su Zhou¡¯s temper first.¡± ¡°It¡¯s just a small Li family¡ªif the Su family swallows it, so be it. The real show has yet to begin.¡± He deflected lightly, his eyes gleaming like a venomous snake watching its prey. Wang Hu, seeing Ma Xiao dodge the question, turned his gaze toward the sky outside the hall. In the distant sky, black smoke was billowing. ¡°The Li family¡­ is probably already¡ª¡± Crimson blood flowed like a stream. The Li Family plaque was broken in half like trash and casually tossed on the ground. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Su family disciples, armed with sharp blades, slaughtered the Li family like chickens and ducks, cutting them down like livestock. Su Zhou sat in the Li family¡¯s grand hall, idly fanning himself with a folding fan. ¡°Keep your eyes wide open and watch carefully¡­¡± he said indifferently. On the floor of the hall knelt the Li family¡¯s elders and enshrined cultivators. Listening to the screams of their family members and watching their juniors die horribly, the elders felt as if their hearts were bleeding. One elder tried to shut his eyes, unable to watch any longer¡ª A terrifying blast of true essence formed a wind blade that directly decapitated him, his blood gushing like a fountain! ¡°I told you, watch carefully!¡± Su Zhou¡¯s voice was soft, but in the ears of those present, it was like a devil¡¯s whisper, making their skin crawl and hair stand on end. ¡°Su Zhou!! You devil!!¡± ¡°Even though our Li family annexed some of the Su family¡¯s property, we never butchered your people like this!¡± ¡°Your Su ancestors built their legacy on alchemy, healing and kindness. Yet you, the current patriarch, act like an executioner¡ªhow can you face your ancestors¡ª¡± An old man with white hair and beard couldn¡¯t contain his rage and yelled. But before he could finish¡ª A burst of violent true essence erupted, instantly sucking the air from the room. Under the crushing pressure, blood oozed from all five of the old man¡¯s senses as he collapsed lifelessly. Seeing this, the remaining Li family members trembled in terror. The might of an External Manifestation Realm cultivator was truly beyond imagination! The old man who had just died was the Li family¡¯s Grand Elder, a cultivator of the eighth level of Nine Apertures realm¡ª yet before Su Zhou, he was as helpless as livestock, killed with a mere flick of the hand. ¡°Do you still remember why the Li family even exists to this day?¡± ¡°Thirty years ago, the Li family was targeted by rival families. All your top members were poisoned with corpse toxin.¡± ¡°It was my Su family who risked everything to save you.¡± ¡°From then on, your Li family vowed to be our vassals, to follow the Su family¡¯s lead.¡± ¡°But¡­ what have you done all these years?¡± Su Zhou spoke slowly, his voice void of emotion, as though recounting a trivial story. ¡°Heh~ You led the rebellion, swallowed my family¡¯s properties, and insulted the Su family¡­¡± ¡°Mercy? Heh¡­ mercy and kindness are for our own people¡­¡± He stood up as he spoke, folding his fan with a snap. A Li elder¡¯s head exploded like a watermelon. ¡°As for enemies¡­ there is only one response¡ªslaughter!!!¡± Chapter 8 - The Family Mission Is Complete, and the Clan Is Dead! Chapter 8: The Family Mission Is Complete, and the Clan Is Dead! Hearing Su Zhou¡¯s domineering words, the members of the Su family who were in the midst of slaughter felt their hearts surge with delight. The long-suppressed resentment built up over the years was completely swept away, and each one of them charged fearlessly at the Li family disciples. Of course, it was called a ¡°battle¡±, but in reality, the only reason these Li family disciples were still alive was because Su Zhou deliberately left them for his clansmen to vent their years of fury upon. ¡°Mercy and kindness are reserved for one¡¯s own people¡­ as for enemies¡ªonly slaughter awaits¡­¡± Su Buku, listening to Su Zhou¡¯s words just now, felt as if he had an epiphany from the heavens. He twirled the broadsword in his hand and directly beheaded two enemies. In truth, over these past few years, he had long realized something different about himself. Whenever he faced combat or slaughter, he remained exceptionally calm¡ª yet beneath that calmness was an endless thirst for bloodshed. Every time he fought, he felt like a stranger to himself. In his eyes, the people he killed seemed like one delicious snack after another. This feeling terrified him, especially because his cultivation would grow far faster during his killings. But because of this, Su Buku had grown somewhat fearful. He feared others discovering his secret¡ª more so, he feared being labeled a demonic cultivator, which might implicate and drag down the entire family. Unknowingly, Su Buku had placed an invisible shackle upon himself. In fact, he had already reached the peak of the Qi Transformation Realm three years ago, but had always fallen just one step short of breaking through. Just now, however, Su Zhou¡¯s words awakened him. With a Killing-Heart Bodhi Body, where good and evil intertwine, righteousness and wickedness become one¡ª his killing intent directed at enemies, his bodhi compassion reserved for loved ones. In that instant, Su Buku¡¯s naturally kind temperament and his boundless bloodlust reached a subtle harmony. His broadsword pierced through another enemy¡¯s heart once more. Suddenly, his entire aura changed¡ª his internal blood and qi surged through the eight extraordinary meridians, followed by his true energy circulating throughout. Su Buku had entered the Meridian Unblocking Realm! Inside the house, Su Zhou noticed this change and cast a glance at his nephew. [Ding!! Congratulations, Host. Su family member Su Buku has grasped the essence of slaughter.] [Family Luck +100. Clan Leader receives bonus reward: Yellow-rank Low-grade Technique¡ªSlaughtering Heaven Secret!] [Slaughtering Heaven Secret: I cleave heaven and earth with a heart of slaughter, flooding the nine heavens in blood. Feed slaughter with slaughter¡ª turn true energy into killing force. The more you kill, the stronger you become.] [Note: This cultivation technique upgrades with the number of beings slain. It can be elevated up to Heaven-rank.] ¡°The more he kills, the stronger he becomes¡­ it¡¯s quite suited for Buku. His Killing-Heart Bodhi Body should align well with this technique.¡± Su Zhou nodded with satisfaction. This system really was considerate. Just moments ago, he had been wondering how to cultivate Su Buku, and now, the system had already delivered the perfect technique. ¡°Watching my Su family¡¯s prodigy grow stronger, stepping through Li family blood¡­ I wonder¡ªwhat are you feeling now?¡± ¡°Li Ziwen, when I was in seclusion and you chose to be someone else¡¯s dog, did you ever imagine this day would come?¡± Su Zhou spoke indifferently. His foot was stepping on the face of a middle-aged man, forcing him to watch his family fall one by one. ¡°A wise bird chooses a good tree to roost in! What right or wrong is there?¡±? ¡°It¡¯s just the law of winners and losers!!¡± Li Ziwen squeezed out these words through gritted teeth. Though the Li family was now completely finished, there was still a faint glimmer of fire in the depths of his eyes. ¡°I¡¯ve borne the consequences¡­ but my Li family isn¡¯t finished yet!¡± He kept repeating this phrase in his heart, as if it gave him boundless strength. Su Zhou¡¯s face showed a trace of curiosity, and he pressed his foot down harder¡ª rubbing Li Ziwen¡¯s face brutally against the ground. The force was so great, it crushed his facial bones. ¡°AAAAHHHH!!¡± Li Ziwen let out a soul-wrenching scream. Su Zhou, however, merely frowned. ¡°Noisy.¡± Then, with a subtle movement of his true essence, in an instant, Li Ziwen lost the ability to make sound¡ª no matter how hard he screamed, no voice came out. By now, the Li family¡¯s main hall was a scene of corpses strewn everywhere. The elders of the Li family lay discarded like trash. Many of them hadn¡¯t even been killed by Su Zhou, but by the Li family¡¯s own retainers¡ª hoping to bargain for their own lives, they had slaughtered their former masters. ¡°You still have hope in your eyes.¡± ¡°What is it that gives you hope?¡± ¡°Does your Li family have some hidden card left to play?¡± ¡°No, that¡¯s not it. The Li family isn¡¯t a branch of some great clan, and you don¡¯t have any major backers. Yet you dared to obstruct me in reclaiming my property.¡± ¡°Your behavior¡­ it¡¯s as if you were begging me to vent my fury on you.¡± ¡°To give you peace in death¡­ the Wang family may have courage, but lacks cunning. This reeks more of Ma Xiao¡¯s methods.¡± Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Su Zhou spoke with a casual tone, but the more he said, the more terrified Li Ziwen¡¯s eyes became. ¡°Indeed¡ªyou all know me.¡± ¡°For your Li family to do this, you had to know I would take vengeance. But to rush forward like this to your deaths¡­ What did the Ma family promise you?¡± ¡°Let me guess¡­¡± Su Zhou¡¯s foot twisted again on Li Ziwen¡¯s face¡ª yet more despairing than the pain was his next sentence. ¡°They promised to preserve a trace of your bloodline, didn¡¯t they?¡± Su Zhou suddenly squatted down, staring at the mangled face beneath his foot. A gentle smile curled at the corner of his lips, but to Li Ziwen, it felt like falling straight into the abyss. ¡°All these petty schemes¡­ I really can¡¯t be bothered to guess anymore.¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. No matter how many of your Li family they protect, from now on, Tianwu City needs only one voice.¡± Su Zhou¡¯s voice was like a freezing wind from the underworld, making Li Ziwen feel chilled to the bone. The defiance in his eyes was completely extinguished. At that moment, the slaughter of the Li family had come to an end. The Su family disciples, though bathed in blood, had not suffered a single casualty. They stood outside the hall, looking at Su Zhou with eyes full of reverence¡ª as if they were gazing upon a deity. ¡°Pass down the order¡ªany family associated with the Li family, leave not a single one untouched.¡± ¡°Anyone with Li family blood¡ªkill without mercy.¡± ¡°As the saying goes: wildfire cannot destroy the grass; to eliminate weeds, one must dig out the roots!¡±? Su Zhou gave the order softly, but the members of the Su family received it as divine command. ¡°As for Clan Leader Li¡­¡± ¡°Heh, such a ¡®wise bird choosing a fine tree¡¯, Take him to the dungeon.¡± ¡°Dying would be too easy¡ª I want this bird to watch firsthand how the tree he chose¡­ crumbles to dust.¡± [Ding! Family Mission: Exterminate the Li Family ¡ª Completed!] Chapter 9 - Not Everyone Is Qualified to Be the Dog of the Su Family! Chapter 9: Not Everyone Is Qualified to Be the Dog of the Su Family! [Ding! Family mission: Exterminate the Li Family ¡ª completed!] [Congratulations, Host! You have obtained a Heaven-grade Pill: Body Refining Elixir!] [Congratulations, Host! You have obtained an Earth-grade cultivation method: Heaven and Earth Spring Concealment Art!] Upon seeing the various rewards before him, Su Zhou couldn¡¯t help but feel a rush of joy. This signified that the Li Family, who had once come to the Su Family¡¯s door to humiliate them, had now been completely wiped out. Next came the task of inventorying the Li Family¡¯s assets. Growing a family clan was no easy feat¡ªfood, clothing, shelter, cultivation materials, heavenly treasures¡ªall of it required money. The rapid development of the clan needed to be supported by massive amounts of gold and silver. At Su Zhou¡¯s signal, the Su Family members began carrying out chest after chest of bloodstained gold, silver, and jewels, along with property deeds and land titles. They were preparing to bring everything back to the Su Family estate. ¡°Su¡­ Family Leader Su¡­¡± At that moment, a trembling voice reached Su Zhou¡¯s ears. He turned to see that it came from the remaining Li Family retainers. ¡°Family Leader Su¡­ now that the Li Family is no more¡­ can we leave?¡± ¡°That damn Li Family¡ªso ungrateful! They received the Su Family¡¯s kindness, only to betray it in return. Absolute beasts!¡± ¡°I just now personally chopped off the head of the Li Family¡¯s Fourth Elder. Pah! I must have been blind back then to ever join the Li Family.¡± A man with Nine Apertures, Sixth stage cultivation looked at Su Zhou, trembling with fear. His knees were nearly buckling. It wasn¡¯t that he lacked courage¡ª But the man standing before him, dressed in black robes and holding a folding fan, looked like a banished immortal from the mortal realm¡ª And yet was also a god of slaughter. In what seemed like light conversation, Su Zhou had turned the Li Family into a field of corpses. The Li Family hadn¡¯t even had a chance to fight back. The man feared that even a single wrong word might cost him his head. ¡°The retainers of the Li Family, huh¡­¡± Su Zhou gave the terrified men a sweeping look. ¡°Buku.¡± He then called for his nephew. Su Buku, who had been tallying up the Li Family¡¯s assets, quickly ran over when he heard his uncle calling. ¡°Uncle, what¡¯s the matter?¡± Su Buku asked. At this moment, Su Buku had not only broken through to the Meridian Unblocking Realm, but had advanced three minor levels within it, reaching the Third stage. ¡°This Killing-Heart Bodhi Body truly grows best through killing.¡± Seeing his nephew¡¯s progress, Su Zhou nodded in satisfaction. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He then asked, ¡°Buku, how do you think we should handle these Li Family retainers?¡± Su Buku¡¯s brow furrowed slightly at the question. He was only eighteen, and yet from the tone of his uncle, it was clear that the lives of these dozen people now rested entirely on his judgment. That realization made him ponder carefully. The surviving retainers felt an immense bitterness in their hearts. Among them were seasoned cultivators in the Nine Apertures realm, yet now their fates were held in the hands of a mere boy. ¡°Please, Young Lord Su, have mercy!!¡± ¡°So long as you spare our lives, we¡¯re willing to become dogs for the Su Family!¡± ¡°Yes, yes!! As long as you let us live, we¡¯re willing to be the Su Family¡¯s loyal dogs!!¡± One by one, the retainers groveled shamelessly for their lives, nearly falling to their knees to lick Su Buku¡¯s boots. However, the more Su Buku heard, the deeper his frown became, and the more disdain showed in his eyes. ¡°Not just anyone is worthy of being a dog for the Su Family.¡± Su Buku¡¯s voice was icy and calm¡ªfar from what one would expect of an eighteen-year-old. ¡°Uncle, these people were once retainers of the Li Family. Overtly and covertly, they¡¯ve definitely struck against us Su Family members before.¡± ¡°Look at them¡ªno loyalty whatsoever. They even killed their former masters just to survive.¡± ¡°If even one of them is pretending¡ªenduring humiliation now only to strike us later¡ª Then they¡¯ll be a hidden dagger against the Su Family¡­¡± Su Buku spoke seriously, laying out his analysis. Su Zhou nodded in approval. ¡°So, what¡¯s your decision?¡± ¡°Mercy is reserved only for our own.¡± Su Buku looked up at Su Zhou. ¡°Good! That¡¯s the spirit of a Su Family son!¡± A faint smile appeared on Su Zhou¡¯s face. The Li Family retainers began to sense that something was wrong. A few quick-witted ones began gathering their qi at their feet, planning to make a run for it. But¡ª They had barely stepped out of the hall. A gust of autumn wind swept through, bringing a sudden chill. In front of their eyes, they seemed to see withered autumn leaves fluttering down. The falling leaves struck a strange chord in their souls¡ª And then, a horrifying scene unfolded. Those who had tried to run suddenly had their muscles wither and their hair turn stark white. Their life force, like autumn leaves, decayed and fell away. They remained frozen in their running posture, unable to move another step¡ªturned into dried corpses drained of all vitality. Even the retainers still inside the hall shared the same fate¡ªdropping dead like husks. Throughout all of this, Su Zhou had not moved a single finger. Only an autumn wind had blown through¡ªone that reaped all life. ¡°This Earth-grade technique truly is powerful.¡± Looking at the corpses scattered about, Su Zhou couldn¡¯t help but mutter in awe. [Heaven and Earth Mourn in Autumn Technique: Heaven and Earth Mourn in Autumn, All Things Wither¡ª] [It drains the vitality of all, bringing death like the fall of autumn leaves.] [Though ranked as an Earth-grade method, it can rival Low Heaven-grade techniques.] [It is said to be part of a Saint-grade technique.] ¡°A part of a Saint-grade technique?¡± Su Zhou pondered the description. The cultivation method he had just received, Heaven and Earth Spring Concealment Art, also bore the name of heaven and earth. Chapter 10 - A Pill Can Bring About Strange Phenomena Between Heaven and Earth Chapter 10: A Pill Can Bring About Strange Phenomena Between Heaven and Earth, It Can Calm the Mind and Condense Into the Void! Even someone as indifferent as Su Zhou couldn¡¯t help but feel a flicker of excitement at that moment. What does a Saint-level cultivation technique mean? Even the Su family, one of the three great families of Tianwu, had only passed down a Profound-tier technique, the ¡®Falling Rosy Clouds Art¡¯. And whenever news of an Earth-tier technique emerged, countless great sects, holy lands, and even the government would swarm in like sharks that smelled blood. Heaven-tier techniques were even more mythical¡ªjust the faintest possibility of one could shake the entire Divine Xia Empire to its core. Countless unimaginably terrifying powers would descend, razing everything to the ground, leaving corpses in piles and rivers of blood! So long as a Heaven-tier technique could be obtained, even if it meant massacring the entire Divine Martial Kingdom and using hundreds of millions of lives as a sacrifice, those powerful figures wouldn¡¯t hesitate for a second. And the Saint-tier techniques¡ªthose were even above Heaven-tier, already existing only in legends. Many people even believed that Saint-tier techniques were nothing more than myths. Now, however, the techniques Su Zhou had¡ªHeaven and Earth Mourn in Autumn and Heaven and Earth Concealment Spring¡ªmight very well combine into a Saint-tier technique. Thus, even Su Zhou couldn¡¯t help but feel a surge of excitement in his heart. Meanwhile, the Su family disciples showed no fear at the strange scenes of those people dying. On the contrary, their eyes were filled with fervent admiration as they looked at Su Zhou. ¡°Our patriarch¡ªjust how powerful has he become?!¡± ¡°This is our Su family¡¯s patriarch! These people weren¡¯t even worthy of him lifting a finger!¡± ¡°Hmph! Mess with the Su family, and we¡¯ll shake even the yolk out of your eggs!¡± Having endured humiliation for years, the Su family disciples could finally hold their heads high again. After triple-checking that no treasure was left behind, they began hauling crates overflowing with gold, silver, gems, and property deeds back to the Su estate. The grand procession immediately caught the attention of many. ¡°Hey, aren¡¯t those people from the Su family? I recognize that young man¡ªthat¡¯s Su Hu from the Su family!¡± ¡°They just came out of the Li family¡¯s place? Are all those things from the Li family?¡± ¡°No way! Wasn¡¯t the Su family on the decline? Rumor had it they were about to be removed from the Three Great families!¡± ¡°Shhh! Keep your voice down! Don¡¯t you see the blood on their clothes? I knew the Su family wouldn¡¯t fall so easily!¡± ¡°Fantastic! Tianwu is finally going to be under the Su family¡¯s control. Life¡¯s going to be a lot easier from now on.¡± Passersby whispered among themselves. Many of them held great affection toward the Su family, and the Su family members greeted acquaintances warmly along the way. Since Su Zhou took charge of the family, the Su family had adhered to one principle: Be proud before the powerful, but never bully the weak. Toward other families, the Su family was uncompromising and dominant. But to common folk, they were kind and generous, with many of their policies benefiting ordinary people. Because of this, the Su family had earned great favor among the people. Even during its decline, many secretly helped them. ¡°Look quickly¡ªisn¡¯t that¡­ Su Zhou! The Su family¡¯s patriarch!¡± someone sharp-eyed exclaimed, spotting Su Zhou dressed in dark robes. Instantly, the calm crowd burst into an uproar. Many recognized this man who had once swept through all of Tianwu. ¡°My God, hasn¡¯t he been missing for ten years? He didn¡¯t show up even when the Su family was in dire straits¡ªI thought he was dead!¡± ¡°Su Zhou is still alive¡­ Tsk tsk, with his domineering and fiercely protective personality, it looks like Tianwu City is about to flip!¡± Several bold onlookers began heading toward the Li family estate, driven by curiosity. But the moment they arrived at the gates, they were met with a gruesome sight¡ªblood flowing like a stream. The Li family¡­ Annihilated. Just as Su Buku had said in the Su family hall earlier, the entire Li family was dead, their heads hanging above the gate. Those bloodied heads swayed in the wind, as if mourning their mistake in provoking the Su family. The news spread across Tianwu City like wildfire. Everyone now knew¡ª Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Su family patriarch who once had all of Tianwu under his heel¡ªSu Zhou¡ªhad returned!! At the Zhang family estate¡ª Upon hearing of the Li family¡¯s destruction and learning that Su Zhou had come out of seclusion, the Zhang family patriarch almost choked on his breath and nearly dropped dead. Just as his ¡®dutiful¡¯ son was gleefully preparing to inherit the family fortune, the old man miraculously pulled through, stood up, and gave the unfilial son a hard slap across the face. Then he barked out urgent orders to the servants: ¡°Return all the Su family property we took¡ªevery last bit! And¡­ and¡­ give them a third¡ªno, a full third of our family¡¯s assets as an apology!¡± ¡°Send that ungrateful brat over immediately!¡± ¡°No, wait!¡± the old man seemed to think better of it and changed his mind. ¡°I¡¯ll go apologize in person!¡± Scenes like this began playing out rapidly across all the major and minor families of Tianwu City. But all their reactions had already been anticipated by Su Zhou. After returning home, Su Zhou immediately rewarded family members based on merit from the earlier battle, distributing the Li family¡¯s cultivation resources accordingly. Some received Bone Cleansing Pills to enhance their physical bodies, while others got Blood Tempering Pills to increase their chances of a breakthrough. In short, each person received the reward most suited to their needs. The family members were overjoyed. Rewards were one thing¡ªbut the fact that every gift was tailored to each individual meant the patriarch had paid close attention to them all. How could they not be moved? [Ding! Su family morale surges, fighting spirit soars! Family Luck +100!] Hearing the notification in his ears, Su Zhou sighed softly. While he had been gone, the Su family had been hanging on by a thread. Now that he was back, he would never let his people suffer. Unlike a sect, a family had a bond that could never be severed¡ªblood. Su Zhou would never be stingy with his kin. After distributing the rewards, he dismissed the crowd. Su Chao sat in a chair, chuckling warmly. He couldn¡¯t even remember the last time he had smiled¡ªthree years ago? Five? Ever since he was crippled and the family declined, he hadn¡¯t smiled from the heart. Resources, strength, connections, food, clothing, the disappearance of his wife, the deaths of the family elders¡ª These burdens had piled upon him like mountains. He was at a loss. But in front of Su Zhou, all these problems were effortlessly resolved. In Su Chao¡¯s eyes, Su Zhou had always been that omnipotent older brother. ¡°Second Brother¡­ You¡¯ve suffered all these years¡­¡± Su Zhou turned around and looked at Su Chao. His gaze was clear as water, and a mysterious pill materialized in his hand. The moment the pill appeared, a strange phenomenon unfolded. In the Su family¡¯s main hall, phantom images emerged¡ª Some sat cross-legged, some moved through martial forms, some swayed their heads in contemplation. Their actions differed, but all radiated a profound Truth. Chapter 11 - The Whole Family Supports Me! The Wool Comes From the Sheep!! Chapter 11: The Whole Family Supports Me! The Wool Comes From the Sheep!! Just the fragrance of the pill alone triggered such a profound change. ¡°Second Brother, these years have been hard on you. This pill can restore your body to its original state, and may even grant you a special physique.¡± Su Zhou wrapped the pill in his true essence. Instantly, all the phenomena around them dissipated. With a warm smile, he handed the pill to Su Chao. [Hundred Refinements Body Tempering Pill: Top-tier Heaven-rank pill. It can restore any shattered body and stimulate latent potential, granting the user a unique physique.] ¡°Big Brother, you mustn¡¯t!!¡± At first, Su Chao had been marveling at the pill¡¯s extraordinary nature. But upon hearing it was meant for him, he quickly waved his hands in refusal. ¡°My meridians have long been shattered. Even if I recover, my cultivation would barely be at the Meridian Unblocking stage.¡± ¡°Even Buku has surpassed me now. A pill that causes such visions just by appearing must be incredibly rare¡ªwhy waste it on a cripple like me?¡± Su Chao gave a self-deprecating smile. Once, he had been peerless, known across the realm as one of the Three Heroes of the Su Family. But ever since his cultivation had been destroyed, he had fallen into despair. ¡°I heard the son of the Governor of Tianzhong Prefecture also had his meridians broken. If this pill can restore the body, wouldn¡¯t it be better to use it as a connection to the Governor¡¯s family¡­¡± Before Su Chao could finish, Su Zhou interrupted him with a wave of his hand. ¡°When I tell you to take it, you take it!¡± ¡°But Big Brother¡­¡± Su Chao was clearly flustered. Su Zhou¡¯s voice turned solemn and commanding. ¡°Tell me¡ªwho am I?¡± ¡°Family Leader, sir!¡± Seeing Su Zhou¡¯s stern expression, Su Chao¡¯s demeanor instantly shifted. At that moment, he was no longer speaking to his elder brother, but to the patriarch of the Su Family¡ªthe very sky above the Su Family! ¡°You once served as acting family leader. Once a duty is taken, its karma is fixed. If our former acting leader remains in such a weak state, how will others perceive the Su Family?¡± Su Zhou knew his brother all too well. Gentle in demeanor, he seemed like the mildest of the three brothers¡ªbut deep inside, he was stubborn as a mule. Once he set his mind to something, not even ten oxen could drag him back. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Su Zhou didn¡¯t want to argue with him, so he invoked his authority as family leader. ¡°This¡­¡± Su Chao froze, then began to tremble. Of course he wanted to regain his cultivation. But looking back at how the family had declined under his watch, he couldn¡¯t help but feel unworthy. ¡°If you feel guilt in your heart, then repay the family doubly in the future. Don¡¯t forget¡ªyour big brother still needs your help.¡± Su Zhou patted Su Chao¡¯s shoulder and handed him the pill. A Heaven-rank top-tier pill, powerful enough to shake heaven and earth, even destroy kingdoms¡ªyet here in the Su Family, no one even wanted to take it? ¡°By the will¡­ of the Family Leader!!¡± Hearing Su Zhou¡¯s final words, tears streamed down Su Chao¡¯s face. In his mind¡¯s eye, he saw three children once again. ¡°Being Family Leader sounds like a pain¡­¡± a young Su Zhou said with a frown. A shorter Su Chao stood on tiptoe, grabbing Su Zhou¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Big Brother, I¡¯ll help you.¡± Meanwhile, the youngest, Su Mu, lay sleeping on the grass, babbling in his dreams. Su Chao accepted the pill and swallowed it without hesitation. Immediately, a surge of immense medicinal power exploded in his dantian. ¡°AHHHHH!!!¡± Agonizing pain crashed over him like a tidal wave. Then the energy began rapidly repairing his broken body. In just a few breaths, Su Chao was physically restored. Yet the pill¡¯s power continued to circulate within him. [Ding! Congratulations, host, for altering the fate of a family member. You have gained a Purple-grade family member.] [Reward obtained: Top-tier Earth-rank cultivation technique¡ªIndestructible Body of a Hundred Deaths!] [Family Luck +100!] Hearing the system prompt in his ear, Su Zhou turned to look at Su Chao. [Name: Su Chao] [Destiny: Purple] [Comprehension: High] [Constitution: Heaven¡¯s Chosen] [Cultivation: Meridian Unblocking, First Stage] [Innate Trait: Heaven-defying Undying Body] [Heaven-defying Undying Body: One who possesses this body will suffer defeat after defeat, constantly facing stronger foes. But their spirit is indomitable¡ªthey grow stronger with every loss. All who have ever defeated them will ultimately only see their back.] [Fate Trigger: Eight meridians severed, dantian shattered. Bestowed a Heaven-rank pill by the Su Family Leader, activating a unique physique.] [Quality Ranking: Mortal < Commoner < High < Genius < Heaven¡¯s Chosen < Peerless < Monster < World-Suppressing] As the medicinal energy continued to fade, Su Chao¡¯s physique was still undergoing transformation. Yet more than his physical changes, it was his mindset that shifted the most. He became tougher, more resilient¡ªlike no hardship under heaven could shake him again. ¡°A few trials and tribulations, and I let my eyes be clouded¡­ With Big Brother around, the Su Family has a pillar of jade to hold up the heavens. If I cannot become that heavenly pillar, then I shall become the stone that supports the foundation¡ªso the Su Family may stand for a hundred generations!¡± As his gaze grew more determined, so too did the aura surrounding him intensify. With his body and will restored, his cultivation surged silently. Meridian Unblocking, Second Stage! Third Stage! Fourth¡­ Finally, Su Chao¡¯s aura reached the Fifth Stage of Nine Apertures. Watching his brother¡¯s transformation, Su Zhou¡¯s heart was filled with joy. But then the next system prompt sounded¡ªand this time, it brought an even greater surprise. [Ding! Sensing the Su Family¡¯s full return to operation¡ªSystem unlocks new feature: Leader of the Family!] [As the family leader, guardian of the entire family, you shall now receive the collective support of the family: The total cultivation strength of the family will now be added to the leader¡¯s own strength.] [Note: The death or downfall of family members will not weaken the host¡¯s strength. There will be no loss in power due to their deaths.] Chapter 12 - Divine Phoenix Myriad Dao Body! Stepping on Top of the Ten Thousand Realms! Chapter 12: Divine Phoenix Myriad Dao Body! Stepping on Top of the Ten Thousand Realms! [First time activating this function, gain a bonus: Triple Stacking Card] As this prompt sounded, the surrounding spiritual energy instantly began to riot. Su Zhou seemed to turn into a vortex, frantically devouring the spiritual energy around him. His cultivation level also rapidly broke through at this moment. External Manifestation Realm Stage Two! External Manifestation Realm Stage Three! External Manifestation Realm¡­ In just the span of a few breaths, Su Zhou advanced four cultivation levels in a row, reaching External Manifestation Realm Stage Five directly. The aura around him became even more magnificent and imposing. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Although Su Chao didn¡¯t know what had just happened, he could feel that the elder brother in front of him had become even more unfathomable. He was merely standing there, yet emitted an overwhelming pressure that sent chills down one¡¯s spine. And this pressure was unintentionally released¡ªif Su Zhou had done it on purpose, then with his current level of cultivation, he probably wouldn¡¯t even be able to remain standing. ¡°Interesting¡­¡± Feeling the surging true essence inside him like a raging river, a faint smile appeared on Su Zhou¡¯s lips. This Strongest Family System was truly considerate¡ªinvesting in family members would return generous rewards. And investing to strengthen family members meant the stronger they became, the stronger he himself would be. It formed a perfect feedback loop¡ªas the saying goes, ¡®The wool comes from the sheep¡¯s back,¡¯ but in this case, the sheep were ones he personally raised. One had to admit, this system was truly powerful. With the support of this system, he was bound to lead the Su Family to ascend beyond the myriad worlds of the heavens! ¡°Congratulations, Second Brother¡ªyour cultivation has recovered, and it even seems stronger than before.¡± Su Zhou pushed down the thoughts in his heart, looking at Su Chao, whose resolute gaze was now worlds apart from the lost look he had just moments ago. ¡°Thank you, Big Brother. Right now, I just feel endlessly ashamed of my earlier behavior.¡± ¡°I failed to guide our family well, failed to protect my wife. It¡¯s one thing to rely on you to clean up the mess¡ªbut I even gave in to despair like that!¡± A trace of guilt appeared in Su Chao¡¯s eyes, but the previous dispirited look was gone. In its place was a determined gaze¡ªthe kind that comes from knowing shame and striving to be better. Seeing the change in him, Su Zhou knew this was the influence of the Heaven-Defying Undying Body. ¡°You and I are brothers¡ªno need for words!¡± Su Zhou smiled and waved his hand. ¡°Helping you is helping myself.¡± Hearing this, Su Chao couldn¡¯t help but feel his eyes redden. Not only had his body recovered, his cultivation level had returned, and he had even gained a powerful physique. That pill was obviously incredibly precious¡ªyet Su Zhou had only said one sentence about it. How could he not be moved to tears? But what he didn¡¯t know was that this wasn¡¯t just Su Zhou comforting him¡ªit was Su Zhou¡¯s true thoughts. Whenever a family member¡¯s power grew, Su Zhou¡¯s own strength would grow as well. Helping you really was helping himself. However, Su Chao knew none of this. At this moment, only one thought filled his heart: Anyone in this world who dares harm my brother¡ªmust step over my dead body first! [Ding!! Purple-tier family member detected. Investment possible!] [Investing an Earth-grade Supreme Technique: Indestructible Body of a Hundred Deaths will return a Heaven-grade Supreme Technique!] ¡°Hmm?¡± Hearing the system prompt, Su Zhou¡¯s eyes flickered slightly. ¡°You can wool this sheep twice?¡±? This Undying Body of a Hundred Deaths was the technique Su Chao received from the system after awakening his special physique. Su Zhou hadn¡¯t even had time to examine it before he was able to harvest another benefit from it. Once again, he sighed at how this system was like his little padded jacket¡ªsweet, thoughtful, and warm. [Indestructible Body of a Hundred Deaths: A hundred deaths forge the path, the undying prove the divine. After cultivating this technique, the flesh and blood are tempered, the divine soul honed. When trained to the peak, as long as one breath remains, the body can return to its prime!] This technique was simply a perfect match for Su Chao¡¯s physique. His Undying Body needed to grow through defeat, and this technique maximized his survivability. ¡°This technique suits you well¡ªtake it.¡± With a thought, Su Zhou passed the technique to Su Chao. This time, Su Chao didn¡¯t refuse. In the past, he thought he was a burden and didn¡¯t want to drag Su Zhou down. But now, what he wanted most was to grow stronger, as quickly as possible, to help Su Zhou. He didn¡¯t seek to stand alongside the family leader¡ªjust to be able to catch a glimpse of Su Zhou¡¯s back. [Ding!! You have successfully invested a purple-grade family member with an Earth-grade Supreme Technique and received the reward: Heaven-grade Supreme Technique ¨C Divine Phoenix Myriad Dao Body!] Su Zhou immediately used the Divine Phoenix Myriad Dao Body from his system inventory, and also activated the Heaven and Earth Spring Concealment Technique along with it. In an instant, both profound techniques were fully mastered by Su Zhou. ¡°All right¡ªafter a long day, get some rest.¡± Su Zhou looked at the visibly excited Su Chao. Su Chao naturally agreed. He couldn¡¯t wait to return to his room and begin cultivating. The two went their separate ways. As soon as he returned to his room, Su Zhou began reviewing the techniques he had just acquired. [Heaven and Earth Spring Concealment Technique: As spring warms the flowers and heaven creates all things, Heaven and Earth hide spring¡ªcan increase spiritual energy absorption speed by tenfold. Rumored to be part of a Saint-grade technique.] The Heaven and Earth Spring Concealment Technique began operating on its own within Su Zhou¡¯s body. In a flash, his rate of spiritual energy absorption became terrifying. If his earlier absorption rate was like a gentle stream, Then now, he was like a gluttonous beast that swallowed heaven and earth¡ª The surrounding spiritual energy couldn¡¯t even keep up, and was almost depleted. Even though he had just broken through not long ago, his cultivation was already showing signs of loosening again. Moreover, Su Zhou discovered that as long as he activated the Heaven and Earth Spring Concealment Technique, his body would naturally absorb spiritual energy¡ªhe didn¡¯t even need to focus or meditate. So he continued absorbing energy while examining the Divine Phoenix Myriad Dao Body he had just acquired. ¡°Hiss¡­ I think I understand the essence of the system¡¯s rewards now!¡± ¡°This Divine Phoenix Myriad Dao Body is practically an enhanced version of the Undying Body of a Hundred Deaths¡ªand not just an upgrade, but a super multiplier upgrade!¡± ¡°No!! At least three times the boost!!¡± In Su Zhou¡¯s mind, an image of a massive divine phoenix seemed to appear. That phoenix shone across the heavens, like a blazing sun in the sky¡ª Even the sun itself seemed like the phoenix¡¯s mere accessory! Chapter 13 - Devour the Divine Phoenix Myriad Dao Body! Chapter 13: Devour the Divine Phoenix Myriad Dao Body! Step Out on a Path That Is the Only One of Its Kind in the Ancient World! The divine phoenix soared above the heavens, each of its feathers imbued with boundless divine powers, each motion midair carrying endless mysteries. It circled high above countless worlds, and with a gentle flap of its wings, innumerable worlds trembled in its wake. Then, from Su Zhou¡¯s perspective, the divine phoenix flew higher and farther¡ª That radiant phoenix, more dazzling than the sun itself, kept soaring, and yet it seemed forever trapped in place. The next moment, a scene beyond imagination unfolded before Su Zhou¡¯s eyes! Everything was being endlessly extended, stretched, and then stretched again! Su Zhou finally saw the so-called divine phoenix¡ª sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It was a single drop of blood¡­ and that phoenix was merely a lifeform within that drop of blood. Before Su Zhou could continue watching¡ª Everything vanished into nothingness! That terrifying scene, like a dream Su Zhou had. All that remained before him was the description of the Divine Phoenix Myriad Dao Body. [Divine Phoenix Myriad Dao Body: The divine phoenix is eternal, and the myriad Dao shall endure. Cultivate this body to become the divine phoenix itself, forge the myriad Dao, temper the physical form¡ªwhen cultivated to the peak, even a drop of blood can bring rebirth!] Feeling the immense power of this heaven-grade supreme technique, Su Zhou was overjoyed. The technique began circulating quietly within him. A wave of scorching heat began to surge through his blood vessels. As Su Zhou looked within, he saw a brilliant power continuously refining his blood. His strength was increasing at a rate beyond comprehension. In just a few breaths, compared to the day before, his strength had already increased by more than thirty percent. And this¡­ was only the beginning! [Ding!!! Host has cultivated the Divine Phoenix Myriad Dao Body and acquired the special physique: Sacred Radiance Divine Phoenix Body!] [Sacred Radiance Divine Phoenix Body: Upon breaking through each major realm, a divine phoenix phantom is born. Each phantom possesses thirty percent of the host¡¯s combat power.] [Ding!! The Boundless Dao Physique can devour the Myriad Dao Body. Upon devouring, all attributes of the Myriad Dao Body will be acquired and enhanced. Proceed with devouring?] Faced with this opportunity to grow stronger, Su Zhou didn¡¯t hesitate and chose to devour it. As soon as he made his choice, countless profound Dao markings emerged across Su Zhou¡¯s body. Behind him, a world seemed to manifest¡ªa world of boundless vastness! Within that world, a blazing sun rose, illuminating everything with domineering brilliance! Su Zhou¡¯s entire presence transformed. If before, he was a transcendent immortal descended to the mortal world¡ª Now, he was like a scorching sun dominating the heavens, overshadowing all celestial stars. Those weaker than him couldn¡¯t even bear to look upon him! [Boundless Dao Physique: Innately infinite, transcending heaven and earth, impervious to all laws. Possesses a physical body near equivalent to the Dao itself and can devour and fuse with all sacred bodies and Dao constitutions.] [Divine Phoenix Dao Transformation: After reaching the Nine Apertures Realm, every breakthrough into a major realm will birth two divine phoenix phantoms, each possessing fifty percent of the host¡¯s combat power!] [Current Devoured Constitution: Sacred Radiance Divine Phoenix Body] ¡°So strong!¡± Su Zhou now looked inward¡ªwithin his dantian, two divine phoenix phantoms of varying sizes were forming. The Sacred Radiance Divine Phoenix Body was already terrifying¡ªeach major breakthrough summoned a clone with 30% of his strength. Now, with the Boundless Dao Physique¡¯s devouring and evolution, every breakthrough could summon two clones, each with 50% of his power. This ability was practically heaven-defying! Su Zhou was currently at the External Manifestation Realm Stage, and the two divine phoenix phantoms were beginning to gestate. Feeling his strength rise with each passing moment, Su Zhou couldn¡¯t help but smile. This world was vast and majestic, with peerless beings who pluck stars and grasp the moon, and ancient ones who fish through the river of time. Yet Su Zhou believed¡ªone day, he would lead the Su Family to reign over all eternity! This brilliant and magnificent age¡ªSu Zhou would surely climb to its summit to witness its full glory. ¡°One step at a time.¡± Su Zhou suppressed the heat in his heart. ¡°A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. And in Tianwu City¡­ one voice is all that¡¯s needed.¡± Su Zhou slowly closed his eyes and fully immersed himself in cultivation. His mind and body became absorbed in the process. That night was destined to stir the entire city. All those in Tianwu City who had wronged the Su Family came to apologize, returning all assets they had taken. The compensation offered even risked their own survival. And for those families who stubbornly refused to listen¡ªwithout waiting for Su Zhou¡¯s command¡ªSu Buku, now enlightened, took a group of Su Family members and began settling the scores. ¡°Let¡¯s see if you dare bully the Su Family again!!¡± ¡°Nice! Now that the patriarch is out of seclusion, does that mean we¡¯ll get to eat meat every day!?¡± ¡°Where¡¯s your pride?! Look at those so-called bigshots of the past, now pissing themselves in fear. We Su Family folk are meant to stand tall!¡± ¡°The patriarch said it himself¡ªSu Family disciples are always the number one among their peers. I¡¯m gonna be number one too!¡± ¡°Me too! Me too!¡± ¡°I¡¯ll be number one! I will!!¡± A group of Su Family children, around thirteen or fourteen, were noisily playing at the front courtyard. But one child, about the same age as the others, with an unusual air about him, leaned silently against a large tree. Su Yang gazed at the small sword glowing faintly in his dantian, and muttered quietly to himself: ¡°Nine Tribulations Sword¡­ Nine Tribulations Sword¡­ is it my memory that¡¯s wrong, or is the world wrong?¡± ¡°In my memory, the Su Family was completely wiped out today¡­ and I escaped by sheer luck while playing outside.¡± ¡°The patriarch had already perished during his breakthrough¡­ What on earth is going on here?¡± Chapter 14 - Reborn? Reincarnated? Chapter 14: Reborn? Reincarnated? ¡°According to how history originally unfolded, the Su Family should have been¡­¡± Su Yang looked at the group of companions playing in front of him, his heart overwhelmed with confusion. He clearly remembered that in his past life, when the Li Family came demanding an alchemy formula and was refused, they flew into a rage out of humiliation. Afterwards, they exterminated the entire Su Family. He alone survived, merely because he had sneaked out to play and hadn¡¯t yet returned. He could still recall with piercing clarity the despair and helplessness he felt when he saw the Su Residence dyed red with blood from afar. Even though the Su Family had already been in decline for as long as Su Yang could remember¡ªbullied by the powerful families, with barely enough cultivation resources to go around¡ª As for that family leader who once suppressed all of Tianwu, he had only heard of him in old tales. Yet Su Yang still loved his family deeply, because the Su Family fiercely protected their own, and all family members stood united. Compared to those other so-called great families, only the Su Family felt like a true family¡ª They would cheer or rage together over the joy or shame of a single member. From that day onward, Su Yang went into hiding and began cultivating with almost self-torturing intensity. In less than five years, he annihilated the entire Li Family! And following the clues, he tracked down and killed every mastermind behind the scenes! Afterwards, jaded and disheartened, he wandered across heaven and earth¡ªand unexpectedly encountered the love of his life. Later, he stumbled upon fragments of the legendary treasure, the Nine Tribulations Sword, and by fate¡¯s hand, he managed to gather every single piece. But in the end, he was betrayed and slain, his Dao destroyed. He had thought he would die carrying nothing but regrets¡ª Yet when he turned to look back¡­ he found himself once again at the age of thirteen. But history had taken a shocking turn!! Not only had the Su Family not been destroyed¡ª It was now flourishing, thanks to that family leader who had forcefully come out of seclusion. In just one night, the once-declining Su Family had reclaimed its place as the dominant force in Tianwu City. That family leader, who by all rights should have died attempting a breakthrough, had not only survived but had successfully advanced to the External Manifestation Realm Stage. All of this was drastically different from his past life. ¡°Forget it¡ªwhat does it matter? The Su Family still stands, and that¡¯s all that matters!¡± A brilliant smile curved Su Yang¡¯s lips. The fall of the Su Family had been one of the deepest pains in his heart. When he first realized he had been reborn, his only thought was to change that fate. Yet now, even though he hadn¡¯t done anything¡­ the Su Family¡¯s crisis was already resolved. ¡°Qingwu¡­ just wait for me. In this life, I will never let you down again!¡± Su Yang seemed to recall something, a hint of melancholy surfacing in his eyes. At this moment, Su Zhou had finished his day¡¯s cultivation. In less than half a day, his realm had once again risen by one level. His cultivation had reached External Manifestation Realm Stage Six, and the blood in his entire body had been fully refined by the Divine Phoenix Myriad Dao Body. His body now radiated a powerful vitality. No exaggeration¡ªat this point, the life force in Su Zhou¡¯s blood alone could rival that of a supreme-grade elixir. His already terrifying physique had become even more monstrous. Even an ordinary yellow-grade treasured weapon could no longer pierce his skin. Behind him, two domineering divine phoenix phantoms would occasionally flicker into view. Each phantom carried fifty percent of Su Zhou¡¯s battle strength. Through this half-day of cultivation¡ª Su Zhou discovered that his two peak earth-grade techniques, Autumn of Sorrow and Spring Concealment, seemed to resonate with each other in some mysterious way. He decided to try running them simultaneously¡ªand sure enough, he made a discovery. Though Heaven and Earth Spring Concealment focused on absorbing spiritual energy, and Heaven and Earth Mourn in Autumn was a technique of slaughter¡ª Once activated together, they complemented each other perfectly. The vibrance of spring and the bleakness of autumn melded into one seamless force. The killing power of Autumn of Sorrow more than doubled, and the absorption speed of Spring Concealment also increased twofold. ¡°Interesting. As I suspected, these two techniques must share the same origin. Combined, their synergy is astonishing.¡± ¡°Spring Concealment, Autumn of Sorrow¡­ perhaps there¡¯s also summer and winter.¡± ¡°If that¡¯s true, then once all four techniques are combined, they might form a true saint-grade technique.¡± As Su Zhou pondered the descriptions of the two methods, he began to form a theory in his mind. Then, a semi-transparent screen appeared before his eyes: [Host: Su Zhou] [Realm: External Manifestation Realm Stage Six] [Family Luck: 400 (Average). Note: At 500, a Family Resource Gift Pack will be unlocked.] [Techniques: Heaven and Earth Mourn in Autumn, Heaven and Earth Spring Concealment Art, Divine Phoenix Myriad Dao Body] ¡°Just a hundred more fate points, and I can use the Golden Luck Dragon.¡± Su Zhou had always been very curious about the Golden Luck Dragon granted at the beginning. After all, fate or luck was one of the most mysterious and elusive things in the world. Some, blessed with great fate, seemed destined for good fortune¡ªfalling off a cliff and still discovering treasure. While others, cursed with misfortune, could die just from drinking cold water. This Golden Luck Dragon was said to significantly boost family luck and bring boundless blessings. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. All of this had completely piqued Su Zhou¡¯s curiosity. Just as Su Zhou was deep in thought, a series of knocks sounded at the door. ¡°Patriarch, the family leaders of the Wang and Ma families are here. What do you think¡­?¡± Su Buku¡¯s voice came from outside the door. ¡°Oh? The Ma Family¡­ and the Wang Family¡­¡± A cold smile appeared on Su Zhou¡¯s lips. ¡°I haven¡¯t even gone looking for them¡ªyet they¡¯re already delivering themselves to my doorstep.¡± Chapter 15 - Before You Talk to Me, Remember to Kneel Down!!! Chapter 15: Before You Talk to Me, Remember to Kneel Down!!! He then got up and opened the door. Su Buku stood at the door, dressed in white. There were still traces of blood on his clothes. Though his expression was spirited, Su Zhou could see a hint of fatigue in his soul. And his cultivation had clearly advanced another level. It was evident that this nephew of his hadn¡¯t been idle throughout the night. ¡°You brat, looks like you had a busy night,¡± Su Zhou said with a smile, patting his shoulder. ¡°Hehe, Uncle, it¡¯s nothing. All of Su Family¡¯s industries¡ªcapital and interest¡ªhave been taken back. As for those matters that couldn¡¯t be solved with money¡­¡± ¡°They¡¯ve been handled as well!¡± Ever since Su Buku was awakened to the essence of slaughter, his demeanor had acquired a distinct iron-blooded sharpness. In fact, Su Family¡¯s foundational strength had never been weak. The family held the recipe for the Blood Tempering Pill. As the name suggests, the pill could assist ordinary people in completing the blood-quenching stage, stepping into the martial path. Because of this, nearly every member of the Su Family could embark on martial cultivation, which set them apart from other families. The reason for their decline over the years was simply the lack of high-end combat power. Now that Su Zhou had emerged from seclusion, this weakness no longer existed. [Ding!! Purple-quality family member discovered. Investment available!] [Invest in: Slaughtering Heaven Secret ¨C reward: Nether River Death Blood] [Invest in: Profound-rank Pill Ancient Lotus Pill ¨C reward: Low-tier Allworld Blind Box] ¡°Oh?¡± Hearing the system prompt, Su Zhou looked toward Su Buku. [Name: Su Buku] [Destiny: Purple (Note: This family member possesses a special physique. If unsealed, potential may rise to Gold.)] [Comprehension: Genius] [Root Bone: Superior] [Realm: Meridian Unblocking Fourth Level] [Constitution: Killing-Heart Bodhi Body ¨C Enlightens Slaughter and Mercy] [Killing-Heart Bodhi Body: The more one kills, the faster one¡¯s strength increases¡ªthis is the path of killing. The stronger the benevolence, the greater the enhancement of comprehension¡ªthis is the path of Bodhi.] [Opportunity: Born a god of slaughter, heart as cold as a still pond, emanating a killing aura to suppress all life, yet also bearing a Buddha¡¯s heart to redeem the world. Carries immense murderous intent.] [Quality Rank: Mortal £¼ Commoner £¼ Superior £¼ Genius £¼ Heaven¡¯s Pride £¼ Peerless £¼ Monster £¼ World-Shaking £¼ Heaven-Ruling] Because Su Buku had awakened to the true meaning of slaughter, the seal on his Killing-Heart Bodhi Body was partially lifted, elevating his destiny tier to Purple. Looking at him, Su Zhou¡¯s gaze grew even more affectionate. ¡°You¡¯ve improved quite a bit overnight,¡± Su Zhou remarked. Su Buku scratched his head shyly. Then, with a thought, Su Zhou summoned a jade box into his hand. ¡°You¡¯ve worked hard last night. Inside is a martial technique. Though it¡¯s currently only Profound-rank Low-tier, it suits your physique very well.¡± ¡°I suppose you¡¯ve also realized your difference. This technique will evolve as your killings increase and may eventually rise to¡­¡± ¡°Heaven-rank Technique!!¡± Su Zhou¡¯s tone was calm and casual, but in Su Buku¡¯s ears, it exploded like thunder. All that echoed in his mind were Su Zhou¡¯s final words¡ª ¡°Uncle!!¡± Su Buku¡¯s eyes were filled with excitement. The usual fierce and ruthless image he had in others¡¯ eyes had completely vanished. ¡°No need for words. You¡¯ve served the family¡ªso as Family Leader, I won¡¯t treat you unfairly.¡± Su Zhou¡¯s voice was majestic and solemn, yet moments later, his expression softened slightly. He said warmly, ¡°As your uncle, kid, you¡¯d better work hard and grow stronger. The children of the Su Family must never be inferior to anyone!¡± ¡°Yes!!¡± Su Buku replied, eyes burning with passion as he accepted the jade box with reverence. ¡°Train well¡­¡± Su Zhou patted him again on the shoulder, then turned to walk toward the main hall of the Su Family. Su Buku remained rooted in place, inwardly vowing to double his efforts in cultivation so as not to disappoint the Family Leader¡¯s expectations! Yet just as he was engulfed in this fiery resolve, Su Zhou¡¯s indifferent voice floated back again¡ª ¡°The jade box also contains an Ancient Lotus Pill. It¡¯ll help accelerate your true qi refinement.¡± Ancient Lotus Pill¡ªa top-tier Profound-rank pill that enhances the qi-refinement speed for meridian-through warriors. Although it was only of the profound rank, it was extremely rare and precious. Many small families might not be able to afford even one with all their savings. What made the Ancient Lotus Pill so valuable wasn¡¯t just its refinement-boosting effects, but also its ability to stimulate all nine orifices of the body, greatly increasing the chance of a breakthrough. If Su Buku remembered correctly, the Su Family had only ever possessed one Ancient Lotus Pill¡ªand that pill had been the champion¡¯s reward when his uncle Su Zhou competed in the grand martial tournament of Tianwu City. It wasn¡¯t just a pill¡ªit was an honor, a legacy. Su Buku¡¯s expression turned incomparably determined and solemn. ¡°Uncle!! I will never let you down¡­ A child of the Su Family must never be inferior to anyone!!¡± Unaware of Su Buku¡¯s inner thoughts, Su Zhou simply smiled. With the successful investment, two rewards had already been delivered to his system¡¯s inventory. Yet he did not rush to inspect them. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Instead, he arrived at the main hall of the Su Family. At this moment, the Family Leaders of the Wang and Ma Families¡ªWang Hu and Ma Xiao¡ªwere already waiting for him inside. ¡°Hahahahaha!!! Family Leader Su! It¡¯s been too long!¡± ¡°Let me take a look at you¡ªstill so full of spirit! Truly deserving of the title Number One Prodigy of Tianwu City!!¡± The moment Su Zhou walked in, Wang Hu greeted him with hearty laughter, his tone laced with flattery. Beside him, Ma Xiao shot Wang Hu a disdainful glance, his voice cold and sharp: ¡°Congratulations, Family Leader Su, for breaking through to the External Manifestation Realm. It really has been a while¡­¡± Seeing these two with such starkly different attitudes, Su Zhou¡¯s face remained impassive as he strode directly to the seat of honor and sat down calmly. Then, looking at them, he said indifferently: ¡°It truly has been a while.¡± ¡°Ten years without seeing you both¡­ speaking to you like this still feels a bit unfamiliar.¡± ¡°How about this¡ª¡± ¡°Why don¡¯t you kneel and speak to me instead!!!¡± Chapter 16 - At This Moment, He Stepped on the Top of the Mountain, Like... a God!! Chapter 16: At This Moment, He Stepped on the Top of the Mountain, Like¡­ a God!! As soon as these words were spoken, the entire meeting hall fell into a dead silence. Wang Hu¡¯s smile froze on his face. The hand Ma Xiao used to hold his teacup bulged with veins, his expression turning extremely dark. ¡°Hahahaha! Family Leader Su is still the same as ever¡ªalways joking around.¡± Wang Hu quickly adjusted his expression, continuing to play the good guy. To outsiders, they might really look like the best of friends. ¡°Heh~¡± Su Zhou¡¯s lips curled into a cold sneer. Sitting high at the head seat, his gaze landed on Wang Hu. That look was like a bottomless abyss, a prison, as if countless icy cold pools existed within. Just one glance made one feel as if even their blood could freeze. In an instant, the smile disappeared from Wang Hu¡¯s face, and a bead of cold sweat emerged from his forehead. A baseless sense of dread surfaced in Wang Hu¡¯s heart. At that moment, Su Zhou¡ªcalm and composed¡ªseemed increasingly towering in his eyes, like the majestic heavens themselves, unreachable and awe-inspiring. There were no strange phenomena, no killing intent, and Su Zhou hadn¡¯t even revealed his cultivation. But the instincts Wang Hu had honed through countless brushes with death screamed at him: If he continued trying to muddle through in front of this man¡ª ¡°I¡¯ll die¡­ I¡¯ll die¡­¡± This thought nearly consumed his entire mind. Wang Hu wasn¡¯t the most talented of the Wang family. In fact, he came from a collateral branch. What allowed him to reach his current position was his ability to assess situations¡ªand an extremely sharp intuition. He quickly wiped away the smile from his face. Then, under Su Zhou¡¯s amused gaze¡­ He slowly knelt down. ¡°Wang Hu, you¡­!¡± Ma Xiao looked at him in disbelief. He had clearly explained everything to Wang Hu: Su Zhou had just exited seclusion, at most having reached the first level of the External Manifestation Realm. Their family¡¯s patriarch had emerged from death-seclusion and was absolutely not afraid of Su Zhou. Giving the Li family to Su Zhou was merely a move their patriarch made for deeper strategic reasons. One must understand¡ªtheir family¡¯s patriarch had already stepped into the External Manifestation Realm Level Five decades ago, and after breaking through again, his depth was now unfathomable. With his mystical methods, he had even helped Ma Xiao break through into the External Manifestation Realm. Ma Xiao had become an External Manifestation Realm cultivator himself¡ªbut due to his cautious nature, he kept this a secret and concealed his cultivation. He had come to the Su family today with Wang Hu precisely to display their strength. There only needed to be one overlord in Tianwu City! Now, not only did the Ma family have a patriarch in seclusion, but even he had entered the External Manifestation Realm¡ªone family, two External Manifestation Realm cultivators, ready to unify Tianwu! Su Zhou might be a genius, even a monster, but the Su family only had one External Manifestation Realm cultivator¡ªhim! How could they possibly stand against the Ma family? Ma Xiao had even thought out his lines. Upon learning that the Ma patriarch still lived, the Wang family had immediately chosen to submit. But now¡ªdammit! His ally had knelt right after walking through the door?? How were they supposed to proceed now?? Ma Xiao¡¯s face darkened. He could no longer hold back. ¡°Family Leader Su, what great authority you wield!¡± ¡°You¡¯ve just exited seclusion, and we came to pay you a kind visit¡ªyet this is how you treat us??¡± ¡°Heh¡ªdon¡¯t think that¡ª¡± Ma Xiao sneered. The true energy in his body began to stir. But before he could finish his words¡ª Su Zhou interrupted him. ¡°You don¡¯t seriously think that just because you¡¯ve entered the External Manifestation Realm, you can talk to me like that?¡± Su Zhou¡¯s voice exploded in Ma Xiao¡¯s ears. His Heaven Mourns in Autumn technique began to circulate. The voice carried an intense, desolate sorrow. Ma Xiao¡¯s internal true energy instantly dissipated. Before he could react¡ª ¡°AAAAHHHHHH!!!¡± A searing, soul-wrenching pain surged through his body. His ears had been ripped off, just like that. Blood splattered, like blooming flowers. ¡°If you won¡¯t listen to what I say¡ªthen you don¡¯t need these useless ears.¡± Su Zhou¡¯s tone remained indifferent. No one knew when he had appeared in front of Ma Xiao. Looking down from above, he tossed both ears to the ground like garbage. A terrifying burst of cultivation erupted, a hurricane of oppressive aura swept out in all directions. Under this pressure, Ma Xiao felt even the air freeze around him. A sense of absurd and overwhelming despair welled up in his heart. ¡°No!! This can¡¯t be¡­ Impossible!!¡± ¡°Impossible!! I clearly¡ªI¡¯ve also entered the External Manifestation Realm!!¡± ¡°Why is this happening? Why¡­ why¡­¡± Ma Xiao nearly broke down as he looked up at Su Zhou. He couldn¡¯t understand how, despite being an External Manifestation Realm cultivator himself, he was like a helpless child before this man, completely powerless. ¡°Too noisy.¡± Su Zhou said coldly. Then, with a wave of his hand, true energy slashed like a blade. Ma Xiao¡¯s arms and legs were directly severed. He collapsed to the floor. The excruciating pain contorted his face, but no matter how wide he opened his mouth to scream¡ªno sound came out. It was as if someone had pressed the mute button. Su Zhou turned his gaze to Wang Hu, still kneeling and now drenched in cold sweat. ¡°You¡¯re still as decisive as ever.¡± Wang Hu could only give a bitter smile. To outsiders, the Wang family sat proudly atop the city, one of the three great families of Tianwu. But he knew the truth. That status was built entirely on power. The Ma family had a patriarch who emerged from seclusion. The Su family now had Su Zhou rising like a comet. But the Wang family had no External Manifestation Realm cultivators. In such a situation, the so-called three great families were already a joke. The Wang family was only left with two choices: destruction, or becoming someone¡¯s vassal. And this scene now¡­ was the final answer. The Wang Family Leader knelt on the floor, sweating like rain. The Ma Family Leader had all his limbs severed, his life or death uncertain. While Su Zhou, in his black robe, remained aloof and cold, overlooking all from above like a deity¡ª sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A God!! Chapter 17 - Submission? No! I Want Blood for Blood!!!!! Chapter 17: Submission? No! I Want Blood for Blood!!!!! Ma Xiao¡¯s limbs had been severed by Su Zhou, and he now lay on the ground, life or death unknown. Meanwhile, Wang Hu trembled as he knelt on the floor. ¡°Family Leader Su, my Wang Family is willing to become a vassal to the Su Family. We only beg Family Leader Su to spare the lives of the entire Wang Family!¡± ¡°From this day forward, the Wang Family shall act as your hounds and hawks. We are willing to sign a family blood contract. Should we defy it, the bloodline of the Wang Family shall perish, and our family be wiped from existence!¡± Wang Hu reacted swiftly, biting his finger open without hesitation. He began inscribing rapidly in the air. Soon, streaks of blood formed a contract that hovered in the void. Su Zhou¡¯s gaze swept over it. The blood contract carried the auras of hundreds ¡ª the bloodline power of the entire Wang Family. The Family Blood Contract was a binding oath of lineage, and only the family leader could forge it. Those who signed it would become vassals of another family and could never disobey the orders of their liege. If they did, the bloodline of the entire family would be severed, their descendants never born. Once this blood contract was signed, it was equivalent to placing the lives of every family member in the hands of the ruling family. From the moment Wang Hu witnessed Su Zhou¡¯s power to the moment he made this decision, it had only taken a few breaths. His clarity of mind and decisiveness were outstanding. Wang Hu understood well that with Su Zhou¡¯s current strength, destroying the Wang Family would be child¡¯s play. If he wanted to preserve the Wang Family¡¯s bloodline, this was the only slim chance. Even if it meant losing dignity, losing freedom, or becoming a vassal, he had to carve out a path for the Wang Family ¡ª this was his duty as family leader! For some reason, at this very moment, Wang Hu suddenly thought of his rebellious son. ¡°Yan¡¯er, you were right. Power is the root of all things. A family that only relies on schemes and manipulation will either be destroyed or become someone¡¯s subordinate.¡± Yet, to Su Zhou, Wang Hu¡¯s thoughts were of no interest at all. He looked down at Wang Hu from above and said coldly: ¡°In the thirteenth year of Mingfeng, my fifth year in seclusion, a disturbance occurred in the Su Family¡¯s rear mountain mines. The Wang Family joined us in the exploration, but all Su Family disciples vanished without a trace.¡± ¡°In the fourteenth year of Mingfeng, Su Han, Su Luoyan, and Su Pingfeng of the Su Family went to study at the Sun and Moon Sect. On the way, they were killed by a demon beast, leaving no remains. Investigation found Wang Family members were on that same road at the same time.¡± ¡°In the fifteenth year of Mingfeng, a fire spirit-bodied infant was born in the Su Family. After drinking goat¡¯s milk, the child died. I don¡¯t need to say who owned that shop.¡± ¡°In the sixteenth year of Mingfeng¡­¡± ¡°In the seventeenth¡­¡± Su Zhou¡¯s tone remained indifferent, as if these events meant nothing to him. But hearing his words, Wang Hu¡¯s expression grew more and more desperate. ¡°One hundred and forty-three lives.¡± ¡°Either directly or indirectly, due to the Wang Family, my Su Family lost one hundred and forty-three sons and daughters.¡± A chill surfaced on Su Zhou¡¯s face. ¡°I once said, the lives of the Su Family ¡ª are simply more precious.¡± ¡°One hundred and forty-three lives!¡± ¡°We¡¯ll repay them with the entire Wang Family!¡± As Su Zhou spoke, he waved his hand. The blood contract hovering in the air disintegrated into nothingness. Seeing this, Wang Hu¡¯s expression twisted with ferocity. He now understood that no amount of groveling would save him. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°SU ZHOU!!! YOU¡¯VE GONE TOO FAR!!¡± He let out a furious roar, leaping up like a raging tiger. A massive tiger claw formed by his surging true energy lunged toward Su Zhou¡¯s head. However, Su Zhou didn¡¯t even spare him a glance. Instead, he turned to the still motionless Ma Xiao and said coldly: ¡°Old thing, still pretending? Still hoping to scavenge my ¡®leftovers¡¯?¡± Wang Hu froze for a moment upon hearing this. Then, in his eyes ¡ª A dazzling figure appeared behind Su Zhou. It was a phoenix radiating scorching heat. Each feather pulsed with divine might. With just a flick of its wings¡ª The next instant¡ª Wang Hu¡¯s vision blurred. Then he saw a corpse lying in front of him. ¡°That¡¯s¡­ my body¡­¡± He suddenly realized. A large head hit the floor. Its wide, round eyes still bulging in disbelief. It rolled all the way to Ma Xiao¡¯s side. ¡°Still playing dead, old thing?¡± ¡°Or shall I drag you out myself?¡± Su Zhou¡¯s tone remained calm. As his voice fell¡ª Ma Xiao¡¯s body began to undergo a grotesque change. Blood oozed from him as his form twisted. A massive, swollen boil rose from his stomach. Suddenly¡ªA twisted, malevolent face emerged from the skin on his belly. Then¡ª Ma Xiao¡¯s abdomen exploded! His organs flew everywhere, blood mist clouded the air. From within it, a short, hunched figure emerged before Su Zhou. But in the very next instant¡ª That figure vanished. Then a chilling voice echoed in Su Zhou¡¯s ear. It was as slimy and vile as a venomous serpent, but carried an oppressive killing aura. ¡°Descendant of the Su Family¡­ quite sharp-eyed.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you to have such strength just after breaking through. Good thing I stayed cautious. A few more years, and I truly might not be able to handle you.¡± ¡°However, right now¡­ I give you two choices ¡ª Become a vassal of the Ma Family, or¡­¡± ¡°Die!!¡± Suddenly, a power far beyond the External Manifestation Realm exploded forth. Chapter 18 - Half-Step Heaven Origin Realm??Just Trash! Kneel Down and Wait for Death! Chapter 18: Half-Step Heaven Origin Realm??Just Trash! Kneel Down and Wait for Death! ¡°Have you heard? The patriarchs of the Ma and Wang families have come to visit our family leader!¡± ¡°Hmph! Let them come! Our family leader is now a great cultivator in the External Manifestation Realm¡ªwhat is there to fear?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right! Don¡¯t forget, our family leader once swept through the entire Tianwu City like a storm!¡± ¡°Family leader is the best! I want to grow up to protect our family just like him!¡± The children of the Su Family were all sneakily watching the council hall from afar. The Su Family¡¯s main hall was a restricted area; unless summoned by the patriarch, no ordinary person was allowed to approach. Therefore, with the three family leaders¡ªSu, Ma, and Wang¡ªmeeting, the area around the hall had been entirely cleared out. Many of the Su Family¡¯s disciples were secretly patrolling in the shadows. Of course, when it came to their own mischievous little ones, they chose to turn a blind eye. After all, these were their own children¡ªif they didn¡¯t spoil them, who would? Hearing the children¡¯s words of admiration for their patriarch filled their hearts with pride. Over the past decade, when had the Ma and Wang families ever come to visit the Su Family? The so-called Three Great Families had long since become an empty title¡ªmany Su Family sons had even perished at their hands through their schemes. Now, with their own patriarch finally out of seclusion and having broken through to the External Manifestation Realm, the patriarchs of the other two families were no different from dogs¡ªeagerly running over to flatter and fawn. Thinking of this, the Su Family¡¯s patrolling disciples lifted their heads with renewed pride. This was the influence of a patriarch¡ªleader of the family, ruler of the family, the sky above them all. The higher the sky, the prouder the hearts of the people; the prouder they were, the more open their minds; and with open minds, cultivation naturally progressed more swiftly. However, no matter how proud these Su disciples were, they could never have imagined what was truly happening inside the meeting hall. There was no scene of the Su Family patriarch sitting high above in authority¡ª Rather, Su Zhou stood like a god while the two other patriarchs groveled like beaten dogs. One lay prostrate on the ground, the other¡ªlife or death unknown. But not every Su Family member was overjoyed. ¡°What?! The patriarchs of the Ma and Wang families are inside the council hall?¡± ¡°This is bad!¡± ¡°That old monster from the Ma Family is not to be trusted! I must warn the patriarch immediately!¡± Su Yang¡¯s expression changed dramatically the moment he heard the news from his companions. He pumped his little legs and ran desperately toward the Su Family¡¯s main hall. ¡°That old monster from the Ma Family cultivates the Blood Demon Art¡ªhe can possess his own descendants¡¯ bodies.¡± In his previous life, after annihilating the Li Family, Su Yang discovered the true culprits behind the Su Family¡¯s extermination were the Ma and Wang families acting in secret. He then stormed the Ma Family alone. At the time, he was already at the peak of the External Manifestation Realm. Everywhere he went, corpses piled up. In Tianwu City, unless the city lord intervened, no one could match him. But just as he slew Ma Xiao and let his guard down slightly, the Ma Family¡¯s ancestor suddenly burst out of Ma Xiao¡¯s body. His cultivation¡­ had already reached Half-Step Heaven Origin. That battle nearly cost Su Yang his life. He narrowly escaped, and it took him countless efforts afterward to finally hunt down that cunning old ghost. ¡°That old ghost is cautious and ruthless¡ªthis meeting with the patriarch, he¡¯s definitely hiding inside Ma Xiao¡¯s body.¡± ¡°And Ma Xiao has already broken into the External Manifestation Realm. A Half-Step Heaven Origin and an External Manifestation Realm expert¡ªthis is serious!¡± ¡°I must get to the patriarch at once!¡± At that moment, Su Yang¡¯s heart was gripped by deep urgency. In his previous life, he had reached the Moon Grasping Realm, bearing the title ¡°Poison Marquis,¡± known for his ruthless heart and venomous tactics. Every scheme he devised became a deathtrap. He had become that way because of the annihilation of the family that once gave him warmth and love. If the patriarch died now, then the tragedy of his previous life would repeat itself. ¡°No! I won¡¯t let that happen!¡± Su Yang could already see the once warm and peaceful Su Residence drowning in deathly silence. His childhood friends¡ªthose who played with him¡ªlay in pools of blood. The acting patriarch who used to tell them stories¡ªdead with eyes open, his severed head hung above the family gates. Brother Buku, who always stood in front of them, had his meridians destroyed, reduced to a cripple, and died after being exposed on Tianwu City¡¯s gates for three days and nights. Each time these scenes surfaced, they tore Su Yang¡¯s heart apart. Blood nearly seeped from his eyes. The Nine Tribulations Sword Spirit within his dantian seemed to sense his emotion and began pulsing violently. ¡°Yang¡¯er?¡± Just then, a man noticed Su Yang running. But Su Yang felt that the entire fate of the Su Family now rested on his small shoulders. There was no time to explain¡ªhe only ran faster. Since his rebirth, he had begun secretly cultivating. With the help of the Nine Tribulations Sword, even after just one day, he had already succeeded in Blood Tempering, reaching the first level. Thus, his speed far surpassed that of an ordinary child. And thanks to the Su Family¡¯s relaxed treatment of their children, the boy had truly slipped past undetected and was about to reach the council hall. ¡°I made it!!¡± Just as Su Yang saw the gates to the main hall¡ª ¡°Ah¡ªah ah!!¡± He suddenly felt his body grow light¡ªhe had been picked up out of thin air. ¡°Yang¡¯er, the family leader is discussing important matters with the other two patriarchs. Don¡¯t go making trouble now.¡± A warm voice rang out by his ear. Su Yang turned toward the speaker. That man¡¯s face was gentle, but his eyes were filled with steadfast resolve. He was none other than the previous acting family leader¡ªSu Zhou¡¯s younger brother¡ªSu Chao. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Second Uncle!! The patriarch is in danger!!¡± Su Yang, unable to break free from his grip, hurriedly explained. ¡°Danger?¡± Su Chao narrowed his eyes in puzzlement as he looked at Su Yang. ¡°Yes!! Something is wrong with the Ma Family. Their old ancestor may be hiding inside Ma Xiao¡¯s body¡ªand his cultivation¡­¡± Su Yang was still speaking when¡ª A muffled explosion rang out. The gates of the council hall were blown open. A domineering figure in black robes strode out slowly. On the ground lay a short, sinister old man, staring in disbelief at that figure, eyes full of terror and shock. ¡°Half-Step Heaven Origin?¡± ¡°Nothing but trash!!¡± Su Zhou¡¯s voice rang out over the courtyard, overbearing and thunderous. Even the blazing sun in the sky quietly hid behind the clouds. The sky¡ª had darkened. Chapter 19 - One Punch Destroyed Heaven Origin Realm,Everyone Was Amazed!! Chapter 19: One Punch Destroyed Heaven Origin Realm,Everyone Was Amazed!! Su Yang could hardly believe his eyes. In his memory, Ma Tianlang¡¯s cultivation had already reached the half-step Heaven Origin Realm. His blood demon technique was extremely bizarre, even an ordinary expert who had stepped into the Heaven Origin Realm would have trouble taking him down. Yet now, that very Ma Tianlang was lying miserably in the courtyard, and judging by the looks of it, he was heavily injured. In contrast, the head of his own family¡ª Clad in dark robes, tall and imposing, his face expressionless, his entire being exuded an overwhelmingly domineering aura that made it hard for anyone to look him in the eye. ¡°Is the head of my Su Family actually this domineering¡­¡± Su Yang stared at Su Zhou in a daze¡ªthis was his first time seeing the legendary family leader, in both this life and his past one. Su Yang had always been curious about this family leader. In his past life, he grew up listening to stories about Su Zhou. And in this new life, the fate of the Su Family had completely changed because of him. ¡°My family leader is no ordinary man!!¡± In his past life, Su Yang reached the Moon-GraspingRealm and earned the title ¡°Poison Marquis¡±, traversing countless great domains and meeting many powerful kings and Venerables. But none of them had an aura as profound and terrifying as his own family leader. Compared to Su Yang¡¯s curiosity, Ma Tianlang was now in utter panic, his eyes filled with shock, and his gaze toward Su Zhou was thick with dread. ¡°What just happened¡­¡± ¡°What the hell just happened!!¡± Ma Tianlang remembered clearly¡ªhe had just used his Blood Demon Technique to appear behind Su Zhou. He intended to use his half-step Heaven Origin cultivation to suppress him in one fell swoop. But Su Zhou merely raised a hand, and a wave of desolate killing intent burst forth. With just a single palm strike, he was sent flying. Under that single strike, even his Blood Demon Art was shaken, and his true essence wavered. A trace of fresh blood trickled from the corner of his mouth. ¡°Half-step Heaven Origin?¡± ¡°You¡¯re nothing but trash.¡± Su Zhou looked at Ma Tianlang with indifference. He had long known of the man¡¯s existence. Not because Su Zhou could predict the future, but during the extermination of the Li Family, he had discovered strands of resentment and death energy subtly drifting toward the Ma Family. At that moment, Su Zhou already had some suspicions. Then today, when Ma Xiao had his limbs severed, a wisp of death energy flashed within him¡ª Even though it vanished quickly, Su Zhou still noticed it. Thus, he became aware of the other¡¯s presence. ¡°Heh heh¡­ brat, I admit you¡¯re strong.¡± ¡°You¡¯ve just entered the External Manifestation Realm and already have the power to repel me.¡± ¡°But don¡¯t think that means you can defeat me. Do you even know what half-step Heaven Origin means!!¡± Ma Tianlang stood up. His blood-colored robes billowed though there was no wind. In his mind, although Su Zhou had some tricks, before absolute power, those were meaningless. In an instant, waves of thick, blood-reeking murderous aura surged from his body. Crimson true essence exploded forth. With the earlier explosion, many members of the Su Family had arrived. At this moment, in their eyes, a boundless wave of blood was sweeping across the sky. Countless skulls and wailing spirits howled within it. The overwhelming pressure made many Su Family members feel like they couldn¡¯t breathe. The Heaven Origin Realm allowed one to connect the Inner and External Manifestations, invoke the power of Heaven and Earth, and manifest the true essence of their techniques! ¡°Su brat¡­ think carefully. You¡¯ve got some skills, but the methods of the Heaven Origin Realm¡ª¡± ¡°¡ªare not something a mere External Manifestation newcomer like you can comprehend. Even if you survive this move¡­¡± ¡°What about the rest of your Su Family?¡± Ma Tianlang grinned viciously, crimson essence continuously erupting. He seemed to transform into a Rakshasa demon formed of pure blood. His voice was enough to send chills down anyone¡¯s spine. Under such terrifying pressure, despair filled the faces of the Su Family members. ¡°Half-step Heaven Origin!!¡± ¡°Heavens!! A Heaven Origin expert came to destroy our Su Family!¡± ¡°Aaaah!! How unjust the heavens are!! If only our family leader had more time, he¡¯d surpass them all!!¡± Su Chao suddenly shouted, ¡°So what if he¡¯s Heaven Origin? Our entire Su Family will live and die with our family leader!!¡± ¡°The whole Su Family swears to live and die with the family leader!!¡± a tall, middle-aged man stood up and roared. Then, one after another, men of similar age stepped forward to shield the younger generation. These men were descendants of the elders who had passed, and the main pillars assisting the family leader. ¡°Heh heh¡­ what a Su Family, what a family with backbone¡­¡± Ma Tianlang heard their words, and his expression grew even more deranged. ¡°Then die, all of you!!!¡± he roared, raising his palm and slamming it down. The terrifying crimson true essence seemed to dye the heavens in blood. Yet, none of the Su Family members showed a hint of fear. They had long placed life and death beyond concern. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The surging tide of blood howled, threatening to drown the entire Su Family. But just as Ma Tianlang¡¯s mad laughter echoed across the Su estate¡ª ¡°I already said, half-step Heaven Origin¡ªjust trash!!¡± Su Zhou¡¯s utterly indifferent voice rang out once more. Then¡ª An overwhelmingly tyrannical force exploded forth, shattering the crimson true essence in the sky. The pressure that once loomed over the Su Family vanished into nothingness. No one saw when Su Zhou had appeared in front of Ma Tianlang. The terrifying physique of the Divine Phoenix Myriad Dao Body and the desolate killing intent of the Heaven and Earth Mourn in Autumn exploded in tandem. With one punch, he struck directly at Ma Tianlang¡¯s dantian. The powerful protective true essence shattered like paper before his fist. That punch landed solidly on Ma Tianlang¡¯s abdomen. The entire area fell silent, like the stillness before a coming storm. Then¡ª The ground began to fracture on a massive scale, terrifying cracks spreading like a spider web. And Ma Tianlang, who prided himself as a Heaven Origin expert, now looked like a shattered porcelain doll, his body covered in cracks. Then, under the stunned gazes of the crowd and Ma Tianlang¡¯s nearly hopeless expression¡ª The half-step Heaven Origin expert, under Su Zhou¡¯s single punch¡­ Had become a cripple!! Chapter 20 - Blood Demon Sect? If He Doesn’t Have Eyes, I Don’t Mind Destroying Him! Chapter 20: Blood Demon Sect? If He Doesn¡¯t Have Eyes, I Don¡¯t Mind Destroying Him! City Lord¡¯s Mansion. City Lord Liu Chengfeng looked toward the Su family¡¯s direction, a flicker of astonishment in his eyes. ¡°I could¡¯ve sworn I just sensed a power nearly at the Heaven Origin Realm erupt from the Su family¡­¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t expect it to settle down so quickly.¡± ¡°That aura¡­ it should have been that old ghost from the Ma family, a bastard from the Blood Demon Sect. What a hassle. But the Su family¡­ interesting.¡± Liu Chengfeng leisurely poured himself a pot of tea. ¡°I took the job in Tianwu City just to enjoy some peace and quiet, but now look at this mess. Those old geezers in the sect insist that a Heavenly Cave is about to emerge in Tianwu City.¡± ¡°I¡¯m from the Wangqi Sect too! If there really were a Heavenly Cave, how come I haven¡¯t seen a damn thing?¡± ¡°And those higher-ups actually believed that guy¡¯s nonsense? Su family, Wang family¡ªthey can fight all they want. But if they mess up things for the upper echelon¡­¡± Liu Chengfeng sneered coldly as he spoke. ¡­ Meanwhile, the Su family compound was plunged into deathly silence. Then¡ª The sound of collective breathing gradually grew manic and feverish. There, lying on the ground, the so-called Half-Step Heaven Origin expert, his body fractured and on the verge of death. And the one who brought him to such a state¡ªSu Zhou¡ªhad thrown only a single punch. Such strength, such dominance¡ªit was enough to drive one mad. Everyone knew¡ªMa Tianlang was a Half-Step Heaven Origin expert, just a breath away from true ascension. At that level, one could found a sect, be hailed as the patriarch. If he joined the imperial court, he could rule a city. Stepping into the Heaven Origin Realm meant stepping into the ranks of true powerhouses. Yet someone of that level¡ªCouldn¡¯t even take a single punch from the Su family¡¯s patriarch. How could the Su family not be ecstatic? How could they not go mad with excitement? Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°The Patriarch¡¯s divine might!! Long live the Patriarch!!¡± ¡°Heavens above! What realm has the Patriarch reached?!¡± ¡°Holy crap!! Hahahaha!! With such power, who in all of Tianwu City could rival our Su family?!¡± Countless Su family disciples stared at Su Zhou with fervent eyes, their gazes revealing absolute conviction. At this moment, even if Su Zhou asked them to die, not one would hesitate. ¡°Patriarch Su¡­ have mercy, I beg you¡­¡± Ma Tianlang lay sprawled on the ground, his meridians shattered, bones broken, skin laced with ruptures¡ª That one punch from Su Zhou had all but snuffed out his life. Such terrifying physical strength¡­ he had never encountered anything like it. Now, his only thought was survival. The arrogant executioner from before was long gone. ¡°Patriarch Su, please spare this lowly life¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯m willing to swear a blood oath on behalf of my family¡­¡± ¡°The Ma family will serve the Su family as slaves¡ªfrom this day forth, the men shall be servants, the women maids¡ªjust please, spare me¡­¡± Unlike Wang Hu, who died preserving his family¡¯s legacy, Ma Tianlang now only thought of saving his own skin. Seeing such a pitiful display, Su Zhou¡¯s eyes brimmed with disdain. ¡°Buku!¡± he called out. ¡°Yes!¡± From the crowd, Su Buku stepped forward immediately. ¡°Kill him.¡± Su Buku instantly understood his patriarch¡¯s intentions. Given his cultivation and physique, killing such a Half-Step Heaven Origin expert would bring tremendous benefits. ¡°Yes!¡± he responded, drawing the broadsword at his waist. ¡°Su Zhou!! My master is from the Blood Demon Sect, a seventh-grade sect! All the elders are Heaven Origin experts! Our sect master has reached Heaven Origin Great Perfection!¡± ¡°I emerged from seclusion carrying an important sect mission!¡± ¡°If you kill me, your Su family will face utter destruction!!¡± Seeing his groveling fail, Ma Tianlang lashed out in a final threat. Hearing this, Su Buku glanced hesitantly at Su Zhou. But Su Zhou, unbothered by the threat, simply muttered: ¡°Noisy.¡± Su Buku¡¯s expression turned cold. ¡°Wa¡ª!¡± Before Ma Tianlang could finish, a flash of cold steel, a spray of blood¡ªA head rolled to the ground. The patriarch gives the order¡ªhe obeys without question. That was Su Buku¡¯s code. As the severed head hit the earth, waves of enlightenment surged through Su Buku¡¯s body. His recently advanced cultivation was now on the brink of yet another breakthrough. What none of them knew, however¡ª Far away, in a crimson cavern, a pitch-black soul flame flickered out. In the darkness, a pair of blood-red, twisted eyes slowly opened. A chilling voice echoed through the cave: ¡°Heh heh¡­ Just a lowly family dares to kill a disciple of my Blood Demon Sect?¡± ¡°Tired of living, aren¡¯t they¡­¡± ¡°Ma Tianlang may have been trash, but I still had use for him in Tianwu City¡­¡± ¡°No matter¡­ the sect¡¯s five blood pools are still short a few bodies.¡± ¡°Since someone¡¯s seeking death¡­ we¡¯ll fill them with a city instead.¡± ¡­ ¡°Blood Demon Sect¡­¡± Su Zhou muttered with a faint smirk. ¡°If they dare overstep, I don¡¯t mind making them the Su family¡¯s next stepping stone.¡± With those words, he turned his gaze to the fervent crowd of Su family disciples. Now, with the Ma and Wang family leaders both dead¡ª ¡°Tianwu City will henceforth have only one voice!¡± ¡°Once this battle is done, there shall be rewards based on merit!¡± Just as his voice fell¡ª [Ding! Family Mission Triggered: Unify Tianwu] [Mission Reward: Nameless Sword Talisman, Family Artifact ¨C Diagram of the Supreme Heavens, Family Artifact ¨C Divine Blood Cauldron] The system once again revealed its considerate nature. ¡°Yes!!!¡± The Su family gates burst open. Disciples surged out like ferocious tigers, brandishing weapons as they charged the remnants of the Ma and Wang families. At the vanguard, a warrior carried the severed heads of both family leaders. ¡°Big brother¡­ I¡¯m heading off to oversee the battle now¡­¡± Su Chao said, heart brimming with awe as he looked at his impossibly powerful brother. The cultivation manual Su Zhou had given him earlier¡ªthough its rank was unknown¡ªhad immediately revealed its power. After just a single day of practice, his physical strength had increased by twenty percent and the technique felt perfectly suited to his body. Its profundity was beyond words¡ªSu Chao even suspected it might be a earth-rank technique of legend. But he wasn¡¯t stupid enough to ask where it came from. His big brother gave it¡ªhe¡¯d just train with it. Su Zhou nodded, then pointed to the small figure clutched by Su Chao¡ªSu Yang. ¡°Leave this little guy to me.¡± Chapter 21 - Gold-Tier Investment, Nine Tribulations Sword Master Su Yang!! Chapter 21: Gold-Tier Investment, Nine Tribulations Sword Master Su Yang!! ¡°This little one is Su Yang, a descendant of the Fifth Young Master¡¯s line¡­¡± Su Chao put Su Yang down, gently patted his head, his expression tinged with gloom. Then, he handed him over to Su Zhou. Fifth Young Master¡ªthe youngest elder of the Su Family, Fifth Elder¡ªwas only about five years older than Su Zhou and the others. Before Su Zhou entered seclusion, he had the closest relationship with the three brothers. He also belonged to the most sparsely populated branch of the Su Family, precisely because Fifth Elder¡¯s line served as the Su Family¡¯s execution and strike force. They enforced law within the family and struck down enemies outside. And everyone from that branch was a fierce character¡ªalways taking the lead in battle. Fifth Young Master¡¯s son had died in the family¡¯s early internal strife, and Fifth Young Master himself was slaughtered by that mysterious great sect while Su Zhou was in seclusion. Now, Su Yang had become the only survivor of that entire branch. Su Zhou¡¯s gaze toward Su Yang carried a trace of amusement, his long, narrow eyes like twin blazing suns illuminating everything. Even the Nine Tribulations Sword Spirit inside Su Yang trembled faintly, giving him a sense of being utterly seen through. He had been too hasty earlier. Whether it was barging into the main hall or speaking of the Ma Family¡¯s old ancestor, these were things no ordinary thirteen-year-old child could have known or done. Su Yang¡¯s mind worked at lightning speed, already preparing several explanations in his head. But in the face of his family leader¡¯s gaze¡ªdeeper than darkness¡ªhe knew that no excuse would do. His lips parted and moved a few times, but all he felt was dryness in his throat. No words would come out. While Su Yang was lost in anxious thoughts¡ª Su Zhou¡¯s warm voice reached his ears. ¡°A child should act like a child. Always frowning¡ªwhat kind of look is that?¡± Su Zhou looked at Su Yang before him, the corners of his mouth curling into a gentle smile. That smile was like a breeze, blowing away the deepest shadows in Su Yang¡¯s heart. At that moment, Su Yang recalled every tale and legend he had ever heard¡ªof his family leader, across both lifetimes. Domineering, fiercely protective, ruthless to outsiders, yet endlessly sheltering of his own. At that moment, Su Yang even had the urge to pour out everything he had experienced to the man in front of him. ¡°Not bad. Thirteen years old and already at the Blood Tempering Realm. Kids your age are usually still playing around.¡± ¡°Truly a descendant of my Su Family¡ªworthy of being called a Qilin child of the Su Family.¡± Su Zhou spoke softly, as if he hadn¡¯t noticed Su Yang¡¯s strange behavior at all. Just like an ordinary elder caring for a younger member of the family. ¡°Family Leader¡­ actually, I¡­¡± Su Yang hesitated again and again, yet didn¡¯t know how to begin. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Su Yang!¡± ¡°You are a child of the Su Family¡­¡± ¡°That fact will never change!¡± Just as Su Yang was drowning in turmoil, Su Zhou¡¯s voice struck like a ray of dawn tearing through the night. Su Zhou looked at Su Yang, his ever-burning eyes seemingly containing the vast principles of heaven and earth. Then, a jade box appeared in his hand. ¡°Fifth Elder¡¯s branch has toiled hard and rendered great service to the Su Family.¡± ¡°Now that you¡¯ve entered the Blood Tempering Realm, I¡¯ll reward you with these two cultivation techniques¡ªas recognition for your lineage in the Law Enforcement Division.¡± ¡°Train well, and remember¡ªthis world is vast, time is endless. Only strength is the foundation of all things!¡± Su Zhou placed the jade box into Su Yang¡¯s hands. ¡°Family Leader¡­¡± Holding the jade box, Su Yang felt his hands trembling slightly. Because he knew that what lay within the box was no ordinary item. Even the Nine Tribulations Sword inside him leapt excitedly because of it. Su Yang even suspected that his family leader might already know everything about him. And in truth, he wasn¡¯t wrong. Su Zhou gazed at Su Yang calmly. Before his eyes, a panel of information appeared¡ªsomething only he could see. [Name: Su Yang] [Realm: Blood Tempering, Level One] [Destiny: Gold] [Comprehension: Heaven¡¯s Chosen] [Constitution: Heaven¡¯s Chosen] [Innate Talent: Nine Tribulations Sword Heart Body] [Nine Tribulations Sword Heart Body: A physique born under the influence of the Supreme Dao Weapon. Capable of fully mastering the Nine Tribulations Sword¡¯s abilities. Its host is supremely gifted in the way of the sword.] [Opportunity: A man reborn. Holds the spirit of the Nine Tribulations Sword. Master of the Nine Tribulations Sword!] [Quality Tier: Mortal < Common < Superior < Genius < Heaven¡¯s Chosen < Peerless < Monster < World-Shaking] From the moment Su Zhou laid eyes on Su Yang, a family investment mission had been triggered. But at that time, he hadn¡¯t rushed to complete the task. Instead, he first prioritized killing the Ma Family¡¯s old ancestor. [Gold-Tier Family Member Investment Mission] [Investing ¡°Heaven and Earth Spring Concealment Art¡± yields reward: Top-Tier Heaven Rank Art ¡ª ¡°Fiery Summer Dao of Heaven and Earth¡±!] [Investing ¡°Heaven and Earth Mourn in Autumn¡± yields reward: Top-Tier Heaven Rank Art ¡ª ¡°Frozen Winter Technique of Heaven and Earth¡±!] At this moment, both of these rewards had quietly entered Su Zhou¡¯s system inventory. ¡°A textbook example of the ¡®reborn protagonist with heavenly fate¡¯ trope,¡± he mused as he reviewed Su Yang¡¯s fortuitous background. He paid no attention to Su Yang¡¯s complicated expression, instead turning and walking toward the depths of the residence. Only his warm yet distant voice drifted to Su Yang¡¯s ears: ¡°No matter what you face in the future¡­ what you endure¡­¡± ¡°No matter when, remember¡ªyour Su Family is behind you. I stand behind you.¡± ¡°Regard the suspicious stares of others as ghostly lanterns¡ªwalk your night road with courage!¡± Hearing those words, Su Yang felt the softest part of his heart struck deeply. In his past life, he had faced everything alone, not daring to show even a shred of weakness¡ªbecause he knew, there was no one behind him. But now, Su Zhou¡¯s words had filled that final void in his heart. ¡°Su Yang¡­ shall obey Family Leader¡¯s teachings with all my heart!!¡± Su Yang bowed solemnly in the direction Su Zhou had left. In his eyes, Su Zhou¡¯s departing figure appeared ever more towering¡ªbehind his form, it was as if twin suns shone, radiating divine brilliance. And for reasons he could not explain, a thought surfaced in Su Yang¡¯s mind¡ªone he found utterly absurd. ¡°Could our family leader be¡­¡± ¡°An ancient emperor of legend?!?!¡±3 Chapter 22 - Unify Tianwu! Reward According to Merit, the Su Family Is Thriving! Chapter 22: Unify Tianwu! Reward According to Merit, the Su Family Is Thriving! On a quiet autumn night, a solitary moon hung in the sky above Tianwu Street, its light spreading like a layer of frost, covering the entire Tianwu City. A faint smell of blood lingered in the air, drifting across Tianwu. When the autumn wind blew, it left nothing behind. Each family tightly shut their doors, fearing the unforeseen troubles that might come knocking. The elders of each family repeatedly reminded the younger generation. ¡°The Su family must not be provoked. If you encounter someone from the Su family, it¡¯s not shameful to lower your head, and you must not cause trouble.¡± The Ma family and the Wang family were the best lessons to learn from. Before absolute strength, any struggle seemed like a baby¡¯s cry¡ªnothing but a joke. The blood of the Ma and Wang families had almost stained all of Tianwu City. Once the three great families, they had now vanished without a trace. All that remained was the old Su family, reigning supreme over Tianwu. Who could have thought that not long ago, the Su family was on the brink of being annihilated? But the moment the family head broke through his bottle neck, the wheel of fate began to turn. [Ding!!! Congratulations to the host for completing the family task: Unifying Tianwu!] [Reward for completing the task: Nameless Sword Manual!] [Reward for completing the task: Family artifact: Diagram of the Supreme Heavens!] Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Reward for completing the task: Family artifact: Divine Blood Cauldron!] [Ding! Su family¡¯s destined child, Su Yang, is sincerely devoted, family luck +100] [Ding!! The family luck reaches 500, and the family resource reward is unlocked. When the family fortune reaches 2000, the next phase of rewards will be unlocked!] [Family resource reward automatically activated: All family members¡¯ cultivation speed permanently increased by 1%] [Chance for family members to awaken special physiques permanently increased by 5%] [All family members¡¯ lifespan +10] [All family members¡¯ constitution permanently +10] [Ding!! The family luck reaches 500, meeting the conditions for using the Golden Luck Dragon. It is automatically activated.] The system¡¯s notifications rang out in a continuous stream in Su Zhou¡¯s ears. Normally indifferent, a faint smile appeared on his face. This turn of events not only solidified the Su family¡¯s position as the ruler of Tianwu but, more importantly, the system¡¯s rich rewards. The courtyard was now piled high with all kinds of gold, silver, jewels, martial arts manuals, and land deeds. There was even some fresh blood on these treasures, and the Su family disciples, flushed with excitement, had just returned from a bloody battle. They looked at Su Zhou, their faces flushed and their eyes filled with an unspoken fervor and admiration. Once, the Su family¡¯s acting patriarch had his cultivation crippled, and all the elders of the family had perished. The Su family had been trampled by the major clans, even being forced by a small Li family to hand over pill formulas. But now, with Su Zhou breaking through his barriers, the present Tianwu¡­ Only the Su family stood in its prime! ¡°Uncle!! I will never fail your hopes!!¡± Su Buku, from the crowd, kept his eyes restrained, appearing ordinary. But if one looked closely, they would see the strong murderous intent in his eyes. He had been most instrumental in the slaughter of the Ma and Wang families, cutting down their members in battle. His recently advanced cultivation seemed to show signs of another breakthrough. Su Yang stood with a group of children in a corner, gazing at Su Zhou, the family patriarch, with a complicated expression. ¡°Patriarch, oh Patriarch, just who are you¡­ the gap between this life and the last is too great¡­¡± His hands clenched into fists, feeling his blood boil. In just one day, his cultivation had advanced from the First Stage of Blood Tempering Realm to the Fifth Stage. Such speed was astonishing, considering Su Yang was only thirteen years old. In the Divine Xia Empire, a warrior could only begin training once they reached sixteen, but Su Yang had already reached the Fifth Stage of Blood Refining by the age of thirteen. Across the entire empire, only a few could reach this level of refinement at his age, and to reach the Fifth Stage in just one day was unprecedented! If the major sects outside knew this, they would undoubtedly break down his door to recruit him. However, Su Yang knew that while his talent was extraordinary, the main reason for his rapid advancement was the martial art manual given to him by his family patriarch. The manual, ¡®Heaven and Earth Spring Concealment Art¡¯, was so mysterious that it could almost automatically refine blood once activated, and when combined with the Nine Tribulations Sword¡¯s enhancement, Su Yang¡¯s cultivation advancement felt like riding a rocket. ¡°That manual must be a high-tier Earth-grade martial art!¡± Su Yang thought. In his previous life, he had obtained a low-grade Earth martial art by chance, but compared to the one given by the patriarch, that cherished manual¡­ ¡°It¡¯s better as a table leg!¡± Su Yang often wondered if his family patriarch was a reincarnated emperor. Of course, Su Zhou didn¡¯t care about such disorganized thoughts. He instead looked up at the sky above the Su family. In the sky, a golden dragon, tens of thousands of feet long, soared through the clouds, its head held high in utter arrogance. Golden threads of fortune continuously cascaded from it, linking to the Su family¡¯s fortune, endless and unceasing. Blessings, boundless fortunes, and endless opportunities began to silently flow toward the Su family with the dragon¡¯s appearance. ¡°So, this is the Golden Luck Dragon¡­¡± Su Zhou vaguely sensed its power. A smile appeared on his lips, and he didn¡¯t regret that the Golden Luck Dragon required 500 luck to summon. As the golden dragon rose, the destinies of the Su family members began to change. To his surprise, seven or eight people in the courtyard had reached white-grade destinies, and two had reached green-grade. Only those who were granted heavenly destinies were destined for greatness. Not long ago, only Su Buku, Su Chao, and Su Yang had the qualification to show their destinies. ¡°Looks like the rise in luck will affect the family¡¯s heavenly destiny quality.¡± [Detected white-quality family members, investment possible¡­] [Detected green-quality family members, investment possible¡­] [Detected¡­] Listening to the constant notifications, Su Zhou waved his sleeve. ¡°The Ma and Wang families are eradicated.¡± ¡°You¡¯ve all worked hard. The Su family rewards and punishes clearly.¡± ¡°Next, let us distribute the rewards based on merit!¡± Chapter 23 - Saint-Level Skills, the Art of Reincarnation and Creation, the Only One in the World!! Chapter 23: Saint-Level Skills, the Art of Reincarnation and Creation, the Only One in the World!! As they spoke, Su Zhou raised his palm. Golden true essence rippled outward. ¡°Su Feng, Su Jianyang, Su Gu, Su Ye¡­¡± ¡°You all have made great contributions in this battle and, during my closed-door meditation, have worked hard to maintain the family. Now, the Su family lacks elders, so from now on, you shall manage the Su family.¡± ¡°Each of you will receive three bottles of Kongyuan Pills and a Yellow Rank weapon!¡± The individuals named by Su Zhou were descendants of the Su family¡¯s elder lineage, as well as individuals with White and Green Fate. Su Zhou¡¯s gesture not only reassured the people of these lineages but also rewarded them. ¡°Kongyuan Pills!!¡± ¡°It¡¯s actually Kongyuan Pills!!¡± They knew that, in the past, even with their annual salaries, they couldn¡¯t afford a single Kongyuan Pill. Now, they had received three whole bottles¡ªfifteen pills in total. Many of them had already reached the peak of the Meridian Unblocking Realm, but were still a step away from advancing into the Nine Aperture Realm. Now, with these Kongyuan Pills, they were certain to break through. ¡°Thank you, Patriarch!!¡± ¡°Thank you, Patriarch!!¡± They each expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Su Zhou, bowing deeply. [Ding!! You successfully invested in Green-tier family members and received a return reward¡­] [Ding!! You invested¡­] The system¡¯s reward sounds rang in Su Zhou¡¯s ears. Looking at the grateful individuals, Su Zhou waved his hand nonchalantly. ¡°The future of the Su family is just beginning. The Heavenly Origin Realm is but a starting point.¡± ¡°The countless realms of the heavens and worlds are our true stage.¡± ¡°Yes!!¡± The Su family members were filled with excitement, eagerly anticipating the future. [Ding!!! The Su family¡¯s cohesion has greatly increased, family luck +100] Next, Su Zhou began to reward his family members according to their contributions. Su Zhao, who had broken through during the battle and was now stabilizing his realm in seclusion, had his reward taken by Su Buku on his behalf. After the rewards ceremony, Su Zhou returned to his room to prepare for cultivation. Looking at the various rewards in his system inventory, Su Zhou unhesitatingly chose two manuals emitting strange light. The Fiery Summer Dao of Heaven and Earth and the Frozen Winter Technique of Heaven and Earth. In an instant, Su Zhou mastered these two powerful heaven-tier techniques. The Fiery Summer Dao of Heaven and Earth¡ªboiling and steaming the heavens and earth! Frozen Winter Technique of Heaven and Earth, the frost that kills the heavens! Once again, two terrifying techniques of killing and destruction. However, these didn¡¯t surprise Su Zhou. What truly piqued his interest was that after mastering these two techniques, the other two techniques he had learned began to operate on their own. Suddenly, four vastly different but incredibly powerful techniques resonated within Su Zhou¡¯s body. Hidden Spring, Fierce Summer, Sad Autumn, and Cold Winter. In front of Su Zhou, countless scenes rapidly flashed by. Spring arrives, and all things are born, nurturing all life¡ªeverything can grow. Summer departs, the fierce sun rises, testing all beings. Those who cannot endure the scorching heat perish! Autumn comes, and the maple leaves fall. A harvest is gained, everything returns, but it also feels desolate and dim, as if something is being foreshadowed. Finally, Cold Winter approaches! All things become desolate, the world grows still, frost kills all life, everything is buried beneath the pale cold. Yet those buried beings do not disappear completely but transform into seeds, awaiting the spring breeze to awaken. This cycle repeats, as if it¡¯s a grand cycle encompassing all the realms¡­ ¡°Reincarnation¡­¡± Su Zhou¡¯s eyes sparkled with countless profound Dao symbols. At that moment, everything in his sight was growing, decaying¡ªall things begin and end with reincarnation. The four seasons¡¯ cycle is, in essence, a reincarnation that encompasses all realms. ¡°Reincarnation Creation Art!¡± The four techniques merged into one and became a Saint-tier technique. The description of this technique was simple yet profound: [Reincarnation Creation Art: The only technique in the world, capable of controlling the cycle of time!] Su Zhou¡¯s expression brightened at this moment. Su Zhou raised his hand, holding a seed he had summoned with his mind. The next moment, a radiant glow appeared around him. In an instant, the seed rapidly transformed into a medicinal herb, and its medicinal properties grew stronger. A hundred years, five hundred years, a thousand years¡­ In just a few breaths, an ordinary seed had turned into a thousand-year-old spiritual herb. This was simply beyond belief. ¡°Not bad.¡± Su Zhou was quite pleased with the effects of the Reincarnation Creation Art. Next, he took out a bit of scarlet blood from his system inventory. As the crimson blood materialized, the entire room was instantly enveloped in countless terrifying laws. Endless sounds of slaughter filled Su Zhou¡¯s ears. Everything in the surrounding world seemed to turn black and white, with all colors, including time, gradually fading away. Only that scarlet blood exuded an aura of killing that made all beings tremble¡­ S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This was the reward from the investment he received from his nephew¡ªthe Blood of the River Styx*! [Blood of the River Styx: A drop of the heart¡¯s blood from the ancient being, the River Styx, containing boundless killing intent. After consumption, the host¡¯s body gains a significant boost, obtains a trace of the ancient being¡¯s comprehension, and becomes immune to all killing techniques¡¯ oppression. An invisible layer of blood will form on the body¡¯s surface, capable of devouring attacks and gathering boundless killing intent for retaliation.] Su Zhou¡¯s eyes lit up as he read the description of the Blood of the River Styx. This was a drop of the heart¡¯s blood from an ancient being. ¡°A trace of an ancient being¡¯s comprehension¡­¡± Just a trace of such a powerful being¡¯s understanding could benefit someone tremendously. Looking at the description of the Blood of the River Styx, Su Zhou hesitated no longer and immediately consumed the drop of heart¡¯s blood. Chapter 24 - A Pawn That Once Trampled Through the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths! Chapter 24: A Pawn That Once Trampled Through the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths! At the very moment he swallowed that Blood of the River Styx, everything in the world began to change before Su Zhou¡¯s eyes. All so-called matter began to dissolve into its essence. The source of everything, the beginning of everything, had but one name¡ª Dao!! In that instant, he entered a realm both mysterious and profound. All things in the world were nothing but fleeting moments; under the passage of time, all things decay. Su Zhou raised his head and gazed upon the sky. Those indifferent eyes looked upon the heavens, as though they could pierce through all illusions. His perspective continued to rise. He saw family members of the Su family transporting chests of bloodstained treasures back to the family. He saw Su Buku sitting in the courtyard, bitterly cultivating his technique. He saw Su Chao, gazing into the distance, full of longing. He saw Su Yang, cautiously exploring the mysteries of the Nine Tribulations Sword Spirit. His vision continued to ascend¡ªeverything in his gaze quickly became insignificant, minuscule. Eventually, he saw a meandering, flowing great river. The waters drifted gently, occasionally sending up splashes¡ªwithin those splashes existed endless lifeforms and boundless ages¡­ ¡°So it turns out, within the long river of time, all sentient beings are but a speck of dust¡­ a single drop of dew.¡± Su Zhou spoke softly, his aura growing ever more ancient, desolate. At last, he saw the silhouettes of a mere few figures sitting calmly by the river¡¯s edge. They looked at Su Zhou¡ªand Su Zhou looked at them. In that moment, their gazes crossed the boundless ages and met from afar. Then¡­ Everything shattered like a mirror. That sliver of insight from the Ancients¡­ dispersed. Yet the aura of desolation and antiquity remained upon Su Zhou, making his whole being appear even more enigmatic and ancient, like an unfathomable abyss. So profound that one dared not gaze directly at him, and yet so intriguing that it stirred a voyeuristic desire to peek within¡ªbut anyone who stared too long would inevitably fall into that abyss, unable to extricate themselves. ¡°This world¡­ truly is incomparably wondrous¡­¡± Only after a long while did Su Zhou speak again, slowly. As his voice fell, the originally silent space seemed to come alive once more. ¡°The insights of an Ancient are no joke¡­ even though it was but a sliver, the benefits are endless.¡± He murmured with some emotion¡ªit had been too mystical. Though it had lasted less than a breath, his entire being had undergone a complete transformation inside and out. The true essence within his body became even deeper and more profound; the strength of his flesh had been elevated by several levels. Even the newly acquired Reincarnation Creation Art was now as easy to wield as his own limbs. Moreover, within Su Zhou¡¯s ancestral aperture, a faint golden bridge manifested from his true essence. Unbeknownst to him, his cultivation had broken through to the Eighth Stage of the External Manifestation Realm. Next, he began to assess his other rewards. [Nameless Sword Talisman: Originating from beyond the stars. Bears a single sword scar. Upon shattering, grants mastery of Sword Intent.] With a subtle motion of his palm, Su Zhou crushed the sword talisman. Instantly, his aura turned incomparably sharp¡ªcountless invisible sword qi interwove and slashed through the air around him. In mere moments, his comprehension of Sword Intent reached Perfection. [Family Artifact ¨C Diagram of Supreme Heavens: Contains the mysteries of the heavens, infinite insights. Allows those of great fortune in the family to comprehend their own potential. Can record the Life Flames of family members with Purple Destiny or above. As long as the Life Flame endures, even in death, revival is possible through the Diagram.] [Family Artifact ¨C Divine Blood Cauldron: Crafted from divine bone, inscribed with divine blood patterns. Can enhance the physique of the family¡¯s disciples. Any beast blood or medicinal herbs placed inside will receive a hundredfold amplification. For disciples under the age of 18, there is a small chance to awaken a special constitution.] These two family artifacts brought monumental benefits to the family. The Diagram of Supreme Heavens recorded the Life Flames of family members¡ªessentially granting Su family elites a second life. Even if they died, they could be resurrected from the Diagram, while also helping them understand their latent potential. The Divine Blood Cauldron enhanced the physiques of the family¡¯s younger generation with a hundredfold amplification. And in a family, the most crucial asset was precisely that¡ªits promising descendants. Only with endless waves of newcomers and pioneers blazing the trail could a family grow stronger and stronger. With the Divine Blood Cauldron, even the bones and tendons of children could be refined from an early age. The benefits and profundities of such a tool were unimaginable. ¡°Not bad. This finally has some semblance of a great family.¡± Su Zhou swept his sleeve. The profundity of the Heavenly Origin Realm manifested¡ªthe two family artifacts vanished instantly. Then, within the Su Family¡¯s ancestral compound¡ª A massive black bronze cauldron quietly emerged. With four pillars and eight handles, it was engraved on the outside with vicious beasts, and within, inscribed with immortal herbs and sacred medicine. And in the deepest part of the ancestral hall, a calligraphy scroll materialized out of thin air. It bore no characters, no images, not even a single brushstroke¡ªbut in the eyes of ten thousand people, it appeared as ten thousand different forms. After placing the two family artifacts, Su Zhou turned his attention to the Allworld Blind Box he had plucked from Su Buk¨³¡¯s possessions. [Low-Grade Allworld Blind Box: Upon use, randomly grants various rewards from the myriad realms.] ¡°I wonder what kind of surprise this blind box will bring me.¡± Su Zhou chose to activate the box. [Ding!!! First time opening a low-grade blind box¡ªmysterious grand gift obtained!] [Ding! Congratulations, Host has acquired an Epic-grade Companion!!] sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Dao Protector: Zu (Epic) ¨C A warrior who once slaughtered in the chaotic ancient era. He bore witness to the darkness and chaos, followed Emperors into battle against the unknown. He was one of the eight hundred old soldiers. He was a Zu¡ªa nameless pawn, a foot soldier with no path back across the river, and one who once shattered a forbidden land¡­ a Zu!] Chapter 25 - Could It Be That the Su Family Is Some Ancient Imperial Family?! Chapter 25: Could It Be That the Su Family Is Some Ancient Imperial Family?! [Do you wish to summon a follower?] ¡°Summon!¡± Upon hearing the system prompt, Su Zhou chose to summon without any hesitation. [Ding!! Summoning successful. Epic-grade follower ¡®Zu¡¯ is on the way!] Soon after, the system panel slowly faded away. Su Zhou had already begun to form a few guesses in his mind. Just like how, after he used a golden-quality family member earlier, he encountered the reborn Su Yang. It was evident that some of the rewards drawn from the system wouldn¡¯t simply materialize out of nowhere, but would arrive around him through plausible means. ¡°But this system is getting more and more considerate.¡± When rewarding his family members earlier, Su Zhou had used his divine sense to inspect the cultivation level of all members of the Su family. At present, aside from himself, the most powerful cultivator in the Su family was Su Chao, who had reached the seventh level of the Nine Apertures Realm. Among the stewards he had just promoted, the strongest had only just completed the Meridian Unblocking Realm, and even if they took pills to break through, they¡¯d barely reach the first level of the Nine Apertures Realm. The Su family was severely lacking in high-end combat power. Su Zhou had originally planned to recruit some retainers. But unexpectedly, the system had given him an even better solution. That was: followers. Anything produced by the system was guaranteed to be of premium quality. The summoned followers would not only be absolutely loyal but also immensely powerful. What¡¯s more¡ª The follower Su Zhou had just summoned wasn¡¯t some ordinary follower. That much was clear not only from its epic-grade classification, but also from the detailed description that followed. ¡°Zu¡­ a pawn that once shattered forbidden grounds¡­ interesting.¡± Su Zhou murmured softly to himself. A rare trace of intrigue arose in his usually indifferent eyes. But soon, he gently closed his eyes and immersed himself in cultivation. All else was illusion¡ªonly by strengthening oneself was there true foundation. Two days passed in the blink of an eye. During these two days, Su Zhou¡¯s comprehension of the ancient being¡¯s insights had grown even more profound. His understanding of the Dao had become markedly deeper. The sword intent he gained from the Nameless Sword Talisman was now fully mastered. His eyes moved slightly, turning to look outside the door. ¡°What¡¯s this brat wandering around out there for?¡± Su Zhou looked toward the door with some amusement. Golden light flickered in his pupils¡ªas he peered through the room¡¯s entrance, he saw a small youth pacing back and forth in front of it. ¡°Aiya¡­ how should I tell the family leader?¡± Su Yang scratched his head, looking rather troubled outside the door. In his past life, not long after the Su family fell, a hidden realm of heavenly cave appeared in Tianwu City. That hidden realm contained numerous opportunities. Major families, noble families, and even royalty came and went in pursuit of them. Su Yang didn¡¯t get the chance to enter it himself, but from what he had heard, many heaven-gifted talents emerged from that hidden realm¡ªfigures who would later become dazzling giants. Among them, two stood above all other prodigies and ascended to the level of Sun Veiling experts, even earning double-character royal titles. Sun Veiling, Sun Veiling! To blot out the sky with one hand, to obscure the sun with a thought! That realm represented unimaginable power. Heaven and earth could no longer constrain their bodies; laws could not restrict their souls. They had broken the shackles of life itself and could live up to five thousand years! They were true old monsters¡ªgenuine supreme powerhouses. Moreover, Sun Veiling experts were recognized by the heavens and crowned with honorific titles, revered by all races! To reach such a level, not only was immense talent and opportunity required, but the necessary resources were of an astronomical scale. Some sects and families would exhaust their entire wealth and still fail to nurture even one such king-level expert¡ªbut if one did arise, the entire power would ascend to a new tier and become a royal-path-tier force! The fact that Tianwu City¡¯s hidden realm produced two such king-level experts showed just how unfathomably rich in resources it must be. Su Yang wanted to report this matter to Su Zhou, but he didn¡¯t know how to bring it up. So, he kept pacing in front of Su Zhou¡¯s door since early morning. Just as Su Yang was still pacing, the door suddenly swung open. Su Zhou strode out of the room with the bearing of a dragon or tiger. ¡°What are you pacing around for this early in the morning?¡± Su Zhou looked at Su Yang with slight surprise. Though it had only been three days since they last met, the boy already had a trace of true qi in his body¡ªa sign that he was about to step into the Qi Transformation Realm. ¡°As expected of a golden-tier talent. Advancing this quickly¡­ he truly lives up to the title ¡®Child of Destiny.¡¯¡± Su Zhou thought to himself. ¡°Cough, cough¡­¡± S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Seeing Su Zhou emerge, Su Yang coughed repeatedly, then spoke with some hesitation: ¡°Family Leader¡­ um¡­ I was out buying breakfast this morning¡­¡± ¡°I ran into an old beggar who was muttering about some big event happening in Tianwu City¡­ something about a hidden realm appearing, huge opportunities, and all that.¡± ¡°I¡¯m still young and didn¡¯t understand much of it, but I thought I should let you know¡­¡± Su Yang put on a look of innocent sincerity. ¡°Hidden realm? Old beggar?¡± Su Zhou looked at Su Yang with a faint, amused expression. ¡°Mhm mhm mhm, that¡¯s right¡­¡± Su Yang nodded seriously. Su Zhou knew well this must be information Su Yang had acquired in his previous life. Since the boy didn¡¯t want to say it directly, he didn¡¯t bother exposing him. But he did keep the matter in mind. Since leaving seclusion, he had felt something off about the atmosphere in Tianwu City. Leaving other things aside¡ª After the Su family devoured both the Ma and Wang families to become the city¡¯s sole noble power, the City Lord Liu Chengfeng didn¡¯t even come to inquire once. That was beyond unreasonable. ¡°Oh? A guest arrives.¡± Su Zhou seemed to sense something. His deep gaze turned toward the outside of the building. At that moment, outside the Su residence, Liu Chengfeng stood frozen as if struck by lightning. Within his eyes appeared the imagery of the Nine Palaces and Eight Trigrams. Looking up at the sky above the Su estate, Liu Chengfeng felt his breath catch in his throat. ¡°Fortune turns to dragon form¡­ a golden dragon soaring through the heavens¡­ Th-this¡­ what on earth is going on with the Su family¡­¡± His mind was completely blank. To ordinary people, the Su estate looked merely luxurious. But to Liu Chengfeng, what he saw was¡ª A golden dragon, tens of thousands of feet long, coiling above the heavens. Its golden claws overshadowed all below, Its profound eyes locked firmly onto him, and those golden vertical pupils emanated an ancient, majestic aura beyond words. ¡°Could it be¡­ the Su family¡­ are they truly descendants of some ancient imperial family¡­ or a supreme sacred land¡­?¡± Chapter 26 - Why Call Me City Lord? Just Call Me Xiao Liu! Chapter 26: Why Call Me City Lord? Just Call Me Xiao Liu! Liu Chengfeng had a secret¡ªhe was not only a cultivator but also a feng shui master*, and he possessed the Feng Shui Transformative Eye, born with the ability to observe the flow of feng shui. In his eyes, intangible feng shui and luck appeared as tangible objects. When it came to the Wang Family¡¯s annihilation by the Ma Family, he had known about it the moment it happened. The reason he had kept silent all this time was because he was waiting for Su Zhou to come and give him an explanation. Moreover, Ma Tianlang of the Ma Family was a disciple of the Blood Demon Sect. The Blood Demon Sect was not a sect that was easy to deal with¡ªtheir Blood Demon Arts absorbed death aura and resentment. Its disciples were far more powerful than others of the same level, but correspondingly, each of them had extremely radical personalities. The Su Family had killed one of their disciples, which was tantamount to slapping them in the face. That bunch of lunatics had already ¡®informed¡¯ Liu Chengfeng a few days ago. They called it a notice, but it was really a threat: ¡°We¡¯re going to Tianwu City to wipe out a family, stay out of it if you know what¡¯s good for you.¡± He had originally intended to inform the Su Family, but three days had passed and there was still no reaction from them. As a result, Liu Chengfeng had no choice but to come in person. After all, a major event was looming¡ªhe couldn¡¯t afford any mishaps. As soon as he reached the gate of the Su Residence, his feng shui master instincts sensed something was off. A thought stirred in his heart, and he activated the Feng Shui Transformative Eye. And then, he saw a terrifying scene before his eyes. A golden dragon sat above the residence, overseeing all, with auspicious qi falling like rain. Such grand fortune¡ªhe had never seen the likes of it, not even when following his sect into the Sacred Land of Creation during his youth. This made Liu Chengfeng, who had come with ill intent, suddenly hesitate. He even had the urge to retreat. ¡°This Su Family¡­ is too strange¡­¡± ¡°With fortune like this¡­ if you told me they were an ancient imperial clan, I¡¯d believe it¡­¡± S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Damn it. Among the ancient imperial clans¡­ could there be one that reveres ¡®Su¡¯?¡± A thousand chaotic thoughts whirled in Liu Chengfeng¡¯s mind. Suddenly!!! His body trembled involuntarily, goosebumps covering him from head to toe. Footsteps echoed beside Liu Chengfeng¡¯s ears. The steps were soft, yet each one felt as though it was trampling on his heart. He couldn¡¯t help but raise his head¡ªonly to see an old man dressed in black, his face withered with age, standing before him without him even noticing. On the old man¡¯s back was a sword, broken more than halfway. The blade was a mess¡ªunclear whether it was rust or¡­ dried blood. The old man bore no trace of cultivation, like an ordinary veteran soldier. But Liu Chengfeng knew¡ªthis old man could kill him as easily as squashing an ant. Just seeing the sword on his back was enough to leave him breathless, even halting the flow of true essence in his body. His Feng Shui Transformative Eye activated on its own, and then he saw¡ª Countless dead spirits wailing behind the old man, corpses piled like mountains, a blood sea roaring as if to drown the heavens, and high above, towering, terrifying beings who once dominated the heavens¡­ All fell like rain before that broken sword. Gods fell like raindrops¡­ Liu Chengfeng felt as if his breath had completely stopped. Sweat poured uncontrollably, drenching his robes. Fortunately, the old man paid him no mind. He disappeared before Liu Chengfeng¡¯s horrified eyes, as though he had never been there at all. With his disappearance, the suffocating pressure vanished. Liu Chengfeng opened his mouth wide, greedily gasping for air like a drowning man breaking the surface. He dared not think further. A being of that level could probably wipe out the Divine Xia Empire with ease. Liu Chengfeng forced himself to calm down. He looked at the Su Residence before him and the golden dragon of fortune coiled atop it. An absurd thought surfaced in his heart. He dared not provoke a clan with such fortune¡ªlet alone after meeting that terrifying old man. But just as he was about to leave¡ª A desolate autumn wind swept by. A cold, dignified voice slowly echoed in Liu Chengfeng¡¯s ears. ¡°City Lord Liu, since you¡¯re already here, why not come in for a chat?¡± Liu Chengfeng¡¯s face twisted into a smile uglier than crying. He recognized that voice¡ªit was Su Zhou. ¡°Heh¡­ Family Leader Su, I came empty-handed, you see¡­¡± ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter.¡± The voice carried an unquestionable authority, freezing Liu Chengfeng in place. ¡°Then¡­ I shall trouble you, Family Leader Su¡­¡± he said, walking into the Su Residence with limbs seemingly out of sync. The moment he stepped inside, his gaze was immediately drawn to a figure standing with hands behind his back. Su Zhou was dressed in dark robes, long black hair like a waterfall, deep eyes, and surrounded by strands of mysterious Dao runes. Before Liu Chengfeng could greet him, his peripheral vision caught another figure¡ªand suddenly, his knees nearly gave out. He saw it. That same old man in black, with the broken sword on his back, the one whose mere glance had nearly suffocated him to death. Now, that very same man stood humbly behind Su Zhou, his manner¡­ Like a servant!!! Su Zhou looked at the dumbfounded Liu Chengfeng and smiled faintly. ¡°Zu, you¡¯ve scared City Lord Liu.¡± ¡°This subordinate admits his mistake¡­¡± the old man¡¯s voice was hollow and hoarse. This black-robed elder was none other than the epic-ranked follower Su Zhou had drawn a few days ago¡ªone of the 800 ancient veterans who had once waged war across the heavens and trampled forbidden lands: Zu. [Follower: Zu] [Rarity: Epic] [Realm: (In this world, he can crush everything with a single palm!)] [Zu, awakened from the endless years, with his soul shattered and his realm unstable, is coveted by an unspeakable existence. For now, he can only act within family territory.] Although Zu¡¯s exact realm was unknown, the system¡¯s thoughtful description said it all. Even if Zu could not fight outside the Su Family¡¯s domain, within it¡ªhe was invincible! That line ¡®In this world, he can crush everything with a single palm¡¯ was the ultimate proof! And this supreme being¡­ was merely Su Zhou¡¯s servant! ¡°Heavens¡­ Family Leader Su¡­ what are you saying, calling me City Lord¡­¡± ¡°Just call me Xiao Liu¡­¡± Liu Chengfeng forced a flattering smile, suppressing his desire to run. The once-imposing City Lord Liu, who had come to the Su Family intending to throw his weight around, now only hoped¡­ ¡­he could hold himself together and not kneel. Chapter 27 - City Lord Liu’s Final Insistence, Kneel Down Later... Chapter 27: City Lord Liu¡¯s Final Insistence, Kneel Down Later¡­ Liu Chengfeng only felt that his current mood was complicated to an indescribable degree. He originally came to the Su family intending to assert his dominance, but now his biggest wish was simply to protect his knees in front of Su Zhou. The reason was nothing else. Damn it, didn¡¯t he see that ferocious and majestic Golden Luck Dragon in the sky, glaring at him like a tiger watching its prey? And that blood-stained, taboo-shrouded old man standing respectfully behind Su Zhou! With this kind of setup, calling the Su family an ordinary clan¡ªLiu Chengfeng wouldn¡¯t believe it even if you beat him to death. Right now, he was growing increasingly nervous inside. ¡°Would Su Zhou hold a grudge against me for not visiting him these past few days?¡± ¡°He probably wouldn¡¯t¡­ right?¡± He thought to himself with a guilty conscience. That so-called intent to intimidate had already completely vanished. He was now visibly uneasy. Wearing a fawning smile on his face, he no longer carried any of the lofty bearing of a city lord. Those who knew might recognize him as the city lord. Those who didn¡¯t might think he was Su Zhou¡¯s servant. However, Su Zhou was well aware of Liu Chengfeng¡¯s thoughts¡ªand didn¡¯t care at all. As for Liu Chengfeng¡¯s flattery, Su Zhou didn¡¯t bother to respond, instead speaking calmly: ¡°City Lord Liu, is there some important matter that brings you to the Su family today?¡± ¡°Ah¡­ ah¡­ yes¡­¡± Liu Chengfeng stammered briefly before responding. ¡°Patriarch Su, I came today to inform you of a matter. In about two months, in Tianwu City, there will be a¡ª¡± ¡°Secret Realm* emerging into the world?¡± Before Liu Chengfeng could finish his sentence, Su Zhou cut him off. ¡°Yes yes yes¡ªwait, how do you know???¡± Liu Chengfeng hadn¡¯t yet realized what had happened and just continued Su Zhou¡¯s sentence. But once he did, his expression changed drastically. The emergence of a Secret Realm was considered a state secret in the Divine Xia Empire. Although many major sects and clans were already aware, families from remote border cities like Tianwu City shouldn¡¯t be privy to information of this level. But Liu Chengfeng quickly figured it out. ¡°Qualification??¡± ¡°Was I out of my mind just now? With the Su family¡¯s ten-thousand-zhang-long Golden Luck Dragon and that terrifying old man who¡¯s likely above the Sun Veiling Realm acting as a servant¡ªwho the hell needs qualifications?¡± You had to admit, Liu Chengfeng¡¯s imagination was impressively vivid. Su Zhou hadn¡¯t said anything, yet this guy had already mentally mapped out his own surrender. In his mind, the so-called ¡®three great families¡¯ of Tianwu City were probably just the Su family joking around. Now, with the Secret Realm about to appear and opportunities arising, the Su family simply waved their hand and crushed the Ma and Wang families. As for Liu Chengfeng¡¯s doubts, Su Zhou offered no response, only gave him a faintly smiling glance. Liu Chengfeng immediately pushed aside his messy thoughts and became even more respectful. ¡°For a figure like Patriarch Su, knowing of the Secret Realm¡¯s emergence must be as easy as breathing. I was being presumptuous.¡± sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Not at all. I merely heard rumors about the Secret Realm. As for the specifics, I¡¯ll still have to trouble City Lord Liu to enlighten me.¡± Su Zhou wore a warm smile, gentle as a flawless piece of jade. But in Liu Chengfeng¡¯s eyes, this made Su Zhou appear all the more unfathomable. ¡°Patriarch Su must be dissatisfied with me for not reporting this to him earlier.¡± ¡°This is a warning!¡± Unconsciously, this city lord actually used the word report in his mind when referring to the Su family. Immediately, Liu Chengfeng began spilling every piece of intel he had, like a child confessing. ¡°Recently, fourteen elders of the Wangqi Sect performed a secret ritual, observing celestial phenomena and divining the stars. They predicted that a Secret Realm inheritance would emerge a year and a half from now just outside Tianwu City.¡± ¡°All the major clans and sects who heard of this sent their prodigies to compete for opportunities within it.¡± Su Zhou nodded upon hearing this. A Secret Realm inheritance would only permit prodigies under the age of eighteen to enter. Such realms were often left behind by ancient powerhouses, intending to choose a worthy successor from among the strongest young talents. The resources and opportunities inside were extremely rich¡ªjust entering could bring great rewards. Now that the realm was about to appear practically on his doorstep, how could Su Zhou possibly let it go? ¡°I see. Then City Lord Liu, your visit to the Su family today wasn¡¯t just to inform me of this matter, was it?¡± Su Zhou looked at Liu Chengfeng and asked lightly. At once, Liu Chengfeng was stumped again. The higher-ups intended for small local clans to serve the incoming major sects and clans well. But how could he dare say that out loud? His gaze accidentally swept past the black-clad old soldier at the side. The man just happened to nonchalantly stroke the broken sword in his hand, sending a jolt of terror through Liu Chengfeng. He made up his mind and quickly said, ¡°I came this time to deliver entry slots to Patriarch Su!¡± ¡°Every clan and noble family is allocated three slots. Naturally, the Su family is no exception!¡± ¡°Three?¡± Su Zhou¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly. ¡°Of course the Su family deserves an extra one! That¡¯s only fitting for a family of your status!!¡± Liu Chengfeng replied with a frightening level of survival instinct, barely missing a beat. ¡°Oh? Then I must thank City Lord Liu.¡± Su Zhou gave a faint smile, and even the old soldier behind him curled his lips, smiling slightly at Liu Chengfeng. Only then did Liu Chengfeng breathe a sigh of relief. The conversation that followed was a pleasant exchange. Su Zhou casually brought up the topic of taxes, while Liu Chengfeng adopted the attitude of ¡°if you bring up taxes, you¡¯re insulting me.¡± A while later, Liu Chengfeng clasped his hands and took his leave. Just as he was about to exit the Su residence, he heard Su Zhou mutter as if to himself: ¡°Knows his place¡­ Less bloodshed that way.¡± ¡°Your Excellency is merciful¡­¡± the black-clad old soldier replied respectfully. The two lines were spoken lightly, like a passing breeze¡ªbut when Liu Chengfeng heard them, his knees buckled just as he was stepping out the main gate of the Su residence, and he fell to his knees. ¡°F**k me¡­ I still ended up kneeling after all.¡± Chapter 28 - Pass It On, the City Lord Will Be the Dog of Patriarch Su!! Chapter 28: Pass It On, the City Lord Will Be the Dog of Patriarch Su!! As soon as Liu Chengfeng knelt down, his true essence rippled, and he immediately straightened his body again, trying to act like nothing had happened. But this scene was still witnessed by the townspeople on the street. ¡°The Su family really is overbearing beyond compare!¡± ¡°Yeah! The Ma and Wang families were both wiped out by them, and even the City Lord knelt at their gates!¡± ¡°What! The City Lord kowtowed three times and bowed nine times in front of the Su residence!¡± ¡°What!!! The City Lord wants to become the Su Family Leader¡¯s dog!¡± ¡°What? The Su Family Leader married off his dog to the City Lord?¡± ¡°Huh?? A dog became the City Lord of Tianwu City???¡± Hearing these increasingly off-track rumors, Liu Chengfeng¡¯s face turned darker than the bottom of a pot. But in front of the Su residence, he dared not act rashly. ¡°Damn it!! When I get back, I¡¯ll hang all you rumor-spreaders from the trees!!¡± Liu Chengfeng cursed silently in his heart, then fled the Su residence as if running for his life. But as he left, he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that he¡¯d forgotten to say something important? Inside the Su residence, many of the family members had seen the City Lord¡¯s respectful demeanor toward their family leader just now. Each and every one of them felt a swell of pride and couldn¡¯t help but hold their heads a little higher. ¡°The strength of the Family Leader is such that even the City Lord bows down¡ªI must cultivate diligently so I don¡¯t shame the family!!¡± ¡°To be born into the Su Family and receive the Family Leader¡¯s protection, truly an honor. If I don¡¯t cultivate properly to repay the family, what kind of person would I be!?¡± The Su Family disciples became even more motivated in their cultivation. ¡°Big Brother, the City Lord Su came just now,¡± Su Chao walked up to Su Zhou. He curiously glanced at the black-robed old guard, but didn¡¯t ask much¡ªsince he was Big Brother¡¯s man, he was surely trustworthy. ¡°Mm. In a year and a half, a certain legacy Secret Realm will open outside Tianwu City. The Su family is eligible to enter.¡± Su Zhou spoke casually. But while his tone was light, what Su Chao heard struck him like a thunderclap. ¡°What!! Our Su Family qualifies too?!¡± Su Chao¡¯s face was filled with shock, his mouth gaping open. Within a Secret Realm, opportunities abound and fortunes lie everywhere. This was well-known across the entire continent. But not just anyone could enter a Secret Realm. The forces eligible to enter were, without exception, incomparably powerful. Even the so-called Three Great Families of Tianwu were honored just to maintain order at the outer edges of such places. Yet now, their Big Brother had somehow obtained entry rights for the Su Family. What Su Chao didn¡¯t realize, however, was that this wasn¡¯t something Su Zhou had fought for¡ª The other side had been scared out of their wits and was practically begging Su Zhou to accept it. ¡°No need to be so surprised. The Su Family¡¯s future doesn¡¯t end here,¡± Su Zhou smiled at Su Chao¡¯s exaggerated expression. Su Chao forcibly suppressed his excitement and nodded vigorously. ¡°By the way, pass down my instructions: from now on, all children in the family between the ages of seven and eighteen are to be placed into the black cauldron inside the ancestral residence, using the inscribed pill recipes to temper their bones and sinews.¡± ¡°Those who perform outstandingly are to be sent deeper into the ancestral residence to comprehend that diagram.¡± Those two ancestral artifacts had appeared out of nowhere inside the ancestral grounds. The family members had long noticed, but all assumed they were the Family Leader¡¯s doing and dared not tamper with them. ¡°Understood, Big Brother.¡± Su Chao nodded, then turned to go carry out the orders. He didn¡¯t ask more¡ªhe knew that whatever Su Zhou arranged must have deeper meaning. Over the past few days, the family members¡¯ cultivation speed had mysteriously increased. Many had reached the Meridian-Unblocking realm, and those stewards who had been given pills by Su Zhou had successfully advanced to the Nine Apertures realm. The entire Su Family was thriving. [Ding!!! The Su family members¡¯ respect for the Family Leader has deepened. Family Luck +100] [Ding!! With the blessing of the Fortune Golden Dragon, additional luck +200] ¡°So the Fortune Golden Dragon has this kind of effect too? Not bad!¡± Hearing the system notification in his ears, Su Zhou nodded in satisfaction. Just then, two bickering voices reached his ears. ¡°Brother Buku, dragging me into the mountains for training is useless!!¡± ¡°Yang¡¯er, with your talent, how can you afford to be so lazy? Do you not realize how well the Family Leader treats you??¡± ¡°Pah! Of course I know the Family Leader treats me well¡ªI revere him as if he were a god!¡± ¡°Then how can you still be so lazy? How can you face the Family Leader like this?¡± Su Buku scolded, angry at his lack of motivation. Su Yang looked completely helpless. At this moment, Su Yang was only a step away from the Qi Transformation Realm. With such talent, there was no one in the entire Divine Xia Empire who could match him at such a young age¡ªhe was only thirteen. Of course, on ordinary days, Su Yang masked his cultivation with the Nine Tribulations Sword, so no one but Su Zhou knew his freakish cultivation speed. Recently, Su Buku had discovered his own unique physique due to constantly training with beasts in the mountains, tempering his killing intent. By coincidence, the day before yesterday, Su Yang had broken through to the peak of the Blood Tempering realm just as Su Buku returned from one of his battles. Only then did Su Buku realize what kind of genius this younger family member was. Hence, the current scene. Su Yang, however, was full of unspoken grievances. In his past life, he was the Poison Marquis¡ªhis killing techniques were top-tier, and the Nine Tribulations Sword allowed him to restore his cultivation. What he needed was pills¡ªconstant pill consumption to raise his realm. Other people suffered from side effects like blocked meridians, talent degradation, or pill toxicity, But Su Yang had none of those issues¡ª The Nine Tribulations Sword perfectly absorbed the medicinal effects of pills without any backlash. Combined with the Heaven and Earth Spring Concealment Art gifted by the Family Leader, his spiritual energy absorption was terrifying. That¡¯s how he had achieved such a realm in just a few days. He also noticed that his Brother Buku was different from his past life. That terrifying killing aura, though hidden deep inside, was obvious to someone like him¡ªsomeone who had once been the Poison Marquis who killed without blinking. The two of them walked entirely different paths: Su Buku needed to constantly undergo life-and-death battles to comprehend the intent of slaughter and grow stronger. Whereas Su Yang simply needed to take pills to raise his realm¡ªhis combat instincts were already engraved into his soul. The former burned his life force. The latter simply popped pills. So, following Su Buku into the mountains was a complete waste of time for Su Yang. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Su Zhou turned and saw the two of them bickering, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. ¡°Wool comes from the sheep, after all.¡± Two ethereal and beautiful voices echoed in Su Zhou¡¯s ears. [Ding!! Current target can trigger Gold-tier Investment Return!!] [Ding!! Current target can trigger Purple-tier Investment Return!!] ¡­ Chapter 29 - The Pair of Eyes Watching the Su Family From Nowhere!! Chapter 29: The Pair of Eyes Watching the Su Family From Nowhere!! [Ding!! Current target can trigger golden-tier investment return!] [Invest a Profound rank Pill ¡®Gathering Spirit Pill¡¯ to obtain a Heaven-rank Pill ¡®Divine Guard Pill¡¯!] [Invest a Profound rank treasure weapon to obtain a Heaven-rank treasure weapon ¡®Tai¡¯a Sword¡¯!] [Invest in letting him comprehend Sword Intent to obtain the supreme sword technique: One Sword Opens the Heavenly Gate!] [Ding!! Current target can trigger purple-tier investment return!] [Invest in letting him comprehend the True Meaning of Reincarnation to obtain a Heaven-rank treasure artifact ¡®Divine Dao Glazed Lamp¡¯!] [Invest a Profound rank Pill ¡®Tranquil Heart Pill¡¯ to obtain a Heaven-rank Pill ¡°Soul Reflection Pill¡¯!] Su Zhou listened to the prompts ringing in his ears and looked at Su Yang and Su Buku with even more benevolent eyes. ¡°What¡¯s with all the noise so early in the morning?¡± ¡°Family Leader!!¡± ¡°Family Leader!!¡± The two of them bowed respectfully toward Su Zhou. Su Zhou waved his hand, signaling them not to bother with such tedious formalities, then continued: ¡°You two are qilin seeds of the Su Family. You should naturally encourage each other.¡± ¡°Little Su Yang has already stepped into the peak of the Blood Tempering Realm, not bad. Keep working hard.¡± ¡°As a Su Family genius, resources will naturally not be lacking for you¡ªhere, take this.¡± As he spoke, a jade box floated into Su Zhou¡¯s hand. He handed it over to Su Yang. Su Yang was stunned at first. He had already received those two miraculous cultivation techniques from Su Zhou and was deeply grateful¡ªhow could he dare ask for more resources? He was well aware that he was no mere child, but a reborn Poison Marquis. He had his own methods¡ª even without relying on the family¡¯s resources, with the Nine Tribulation Sword in hand, he could still grow rapidly. Now that the family was being rebuilt from the ground up, resources should be given to those who needed them more. Just as Su Yang was about to refuse, a voice echoed in his mind¡ªit was Su Zhou. ¡°All things, leave them to the Su Family. Behind you stands me, holding up the heavens. Little Su Yang, just do the things a ¡®child¡¯ ought to do!¡± Hearing these words, Su Yang¡¯s heart was struck once more. A reward from the family leader¡ªhe dared not decline. ¡°Perhaps¡­ Family Leader had already seen through my so-called¡­¡± ¡°¡­rebirth¡­¡± Su Yang was filled with emotion and felt a little embarrassed for having spoken cryptically about the cave-world earlier that morning. Yet his hands still accepted the jade box. ¡°Many thanks for the family leader¡¯s grace!¡± ¡°Hmm? You have some talent in the way of the sword. Seeing how quick-witted you are, there¡¯s no need for you to use a wooden sword anymore. Take this Profound rank weapon, the Xuanyang Sword.¡± As he spoke, a trace of cold light flickered in Su Zhou¡¯s hand, and a Profound rank treasure weapon appeared. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Profound rank treasure weapon!! This is¡­¡± Su Yang¡¯s pupils suddenly contracted as he stared at the weapon. Profound rank treasure weapons were extremely rare¡ªthe Su Family had only one. Even after annexing the Ma and Wang families, the Su Family only had five such treasure weapons in total. Such a precious weapon, used by the family leader himself, would clearly bring more benefit than giving it to him. Just as Su Yang was thinking this, his gaze inadvertently fell upon the old man behind Su Zhou. Just one glance froze him in place¡ªa deeply buried memory surfaced, and his body trembled almost imperceptibly. ¡°This person¡­ this person¡­¡± He swallowed hard, then respectfully accepted the Profound rank weapon. ¡°Family leader¡¯s gift¡ªI dare not refuse!¡± Su Yang said as he received the weapon. [Ding! Investment successful! Congratulations to host for obtaining Heaven-rank top-grade treasure weapon: Tai¡¯a Sword!] [Ding! Investment successful! Congratulations to host for obtaining Heaven-rank top-grade Pill: Divine Guard Pill!] Off to the side, Su Buku saw his cousin receive such rewards, yet instead of a trace of jealousy, he felt sincere joy from the heart. ¡°Hahahaha!! Brother Yang, look at how much the family leader values you¡ªyou must not slack off in the future!¡± In Su Buku¡¯s eyes, a member of the Su Family is one of their own. If someone of the family gains benefits, it¡¯s a joyous matter. Those direct-line family members who schemed against others or harbored jealousy¡ªhe considered them worse than beasts. ¡°You brat!¡± Su Zhou chuckled and knocked Su Buku lightly on the head. ¡°Ow!¡± Su Buku pretended to cover his forehead, making a pained expression. But as soon as he recovered, he found a jade box had appeared in his hand. ¡°This box contains Tranquil Heart Pills. It¡¯s a good thing that you have become aware of your killing intent¡ªbut your path is not solely one of slaughter.¡± ¡°Buku, there are many roads ahead for you. Don¡¯t think yourself inferior to little Su Yang. Everyone has their own fate. You, as a member of the Su Family, should not be lesser than anyone!¡± ¡°Why should you voluntarily resign yourself to being just a supporting leaf?¡± Su Zhou looked at his nephew and said softly. Hearing this, Su Buku was stunned. The reason he had been so disheartened about Su Yang¡¯s cultivation was not only because he truly didn¡¯t want his younger cousin to waste his talent¡ª More importantly, his own physique was suited for killing, and the Slaughtering Heaven Secret he cultivated was the same. Using slaughter to pave the road, taking destruction as the bridge¡ªif he continued on this path, it would be a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood, full of karmic entanglement. He could even foresee himself being branded a demon in the future. Su Buku didn¡¯t care personally¡ªbut he cared about the word ¡®Su¡¯ being shamed because of him. Therefore, upon seeing Su Yang, he had such a strong urge to help the other grow strong¡ªto be the supporting leaf, to highlight the blossoming flower. But Su Zhou knew¡ªSu Buku¡¯s special physique had not yet fully awakened. His words ¡®you are not inferior to Su Yang¡¯ were no flattery. Su Yang had a golden destiny, yes¡ªbut if Su Buku¡¯s talents were fully awakened, he too would be of golden destiny. In the end, who would be stronger between the ¡®life-burning¡¯ and the ¡®pill-popping¡¯ was still uncertain! ¡°Tranquil Heart Pill will help you remain clear-headed amid slaughter. Buku, you must understand¡ªslaughter is not inherently evil, and guilt is not inherent in action.¡± ¡°Buku understands!!¡± Su Buku felt the family leader¡¯s expectations and subconsciously tightened his grip on the jade box. His left eye seemed to blaze with a trace of blood-red flame¡ªsinister and bewitching. While in his right eye, a lotus bud seemed ready to bloom¡ªlonely, yet filled with mercy. [Ding! Investment successful! Congratulations to host for obtaining Heaven-rank top-grade Pill: Soul Reflection Pill!] ¡°All right. Since I came out of seclusion, I¡¯ve yet to give you two a proper lesson. Today is a good opportunity.¡± Su Zhou smiled at the two of them, then narrowed his eyes slightly. Within his pitch-black pupils, a sharp gleam exploded. He brought two fingers together to form a sword gesture, then drew crisscrossing lines in the air. A brilliant and endlessly ancient sword intent suddenly erupted out of thin air. ¡°Still enjoying the show?¡± Su Zhou¡¯s voice was icy cold. The sword intent was ethereal, yet murderous aura soared to the heavens. Su Zhou pointed his sword-fingers toward a spot in the air. The next moment¡ª It was as if something was pierced¡ªabove a corner of the Su residence, a smear of crimson light flashed, then disappeared. And in the depths of the void, a faint and miserable scream echoed. Chapter 30 - The Great Dao of Sword, Today Su Zhou Will Open the Gate of Heaven With One Sword!! Chapter 30: The Great Dao of Sword, Today Su Zhou Will Open the Gate of Heaven With One Sword!! ¡°Sword intent!! That¡¯s sword intent!!¡± ¡°The family leader has actually comprehended sword intent!!¡± ¡°And this sword intent¡­ it descended directly from the Dao of the Sword itself, without being tainted by any other Dao!¡± Su Yang¡¯s attention was instantly captured by the overwhelming and pure sword intent. Amidst the crisscrossing slashes, countless sword marks appeared from thin air. The sword intent was incredibly pure, as if it sought to cut down everything in existence. Even in his past life, Su Yang had never seen such pure sword intent. In his previous life, Su Yang had also been a cultivator who had comprehended sword intent, cultivating the Ruthless Sword Intent¡ªa sword intent embodying the notion that the Heavenly Dao is heartless. Among the myriad sword intents, the Ruthless Sword Intent ranked among the top ten and could be considered a supreme sword Dao. But compared to the sword intent Su Zhou now exhibited, the Ruthless Sword Intent was utterly inferior. Because whether it was the Ruthless Sword Intent, the Azure Lotus Sword Intent, or any other, they were all branches under the Dao of the Sword, formed through combination with other Daos. Yet, the sword intent that now manifested from Su Zhou bore no traces of any other Dao¡ª It was the purest sword intent between heaven and earth, untainted and unmerged. It descended straight from the Dao of the Sword itself and stood as the head of all sword intents. Wherever the Dao of the Sword was present, all sword intents bowed before it. In other words¡ª Before Su Zhou, all other sword intents were but vassals, subject to his will. This was the sword intent Su Zhou had mastered. Looking at that sword intent, the Nine Tribulations Sword inside Su Yang trembled violently. Then, his eyes turned vacant as he entered a profound state of epiphany. [Ding!! Congratulations, host¡¯s investment succeeded. Reward obtained: One Sword Opens the Heavenly Gate!] As the system notification fell, countless chaotic and complex messages surged forth, ultimately converging into a single, most unadorned strike. That strike was plain and simple, no more than a horizontal slash. Yet beneath that slash¡­ gods fell like rain¡­ and immortals wept tears. In an instant, Su Zhou had fully grasped this immensely powerful sword technique. He raised his eyes indifferently, the Dao of the Sword seeming to swirl within his gaze. ¡°Did you not hear what I just said?¡± His voice was calm, neither sad nor joyful¡ªbut it sent chills down the spine. At that moment, a brown-robed elder in the skies above trembled with cold. One of his eyes was bleeding, and aside from fear, his face also held confusion. ¡°I¡¯m carrying my sect¡¯s secret treasure to conceal my presence¡ª Even a peak Heavenly Origin cultivator shouldn¡¯t be able to detect me so easily!¡± ¡°Could it be¡­ that slash earlier was just a coincidence? Is this brat bluffing¡­?¡± ¡°Absurd! I¡¯m a Heavenly Origin elder! How could I be frightened by this strange kid?!¡± Thoughts surged in the elder¡¯s mind. He was an elder of the Blood Demon Sect, and had come today to investigate the Su Family, who had killed one of their disciples. Cautious by nature, he hadn¡¯t revealed himself directly and instead used a treasure to hide his form. But still, he had been struck by Su Zhou¡¯s seemingly casual sword strike. Just as he was reeling from the realization that the Su Family¡¯s leader had mastered sword intent¡ª Su Zhou¡¯s cold voice once again rang out, as though echoing directly in his heart. ¡°Since you don¡¯t want to speak¡­ then stay silent forever.¡± Su Zhou flicked his wrist, and a longsword appeared in response. A black dragon coiled around its blade; four divine beasts were carved into its hilt. The pitch-black blade was engraved with countless divine runes. It was none other than the top-grade Heaven-rank weapon¡ªTai¡¯a Sword, the Sword of Mighty Dao! Brimming with boundless might and capable of suppressing all directions, Su Zhou lifted it with one hand, smiling faintly, then gave the sword a light flick. That sword strike seemed effortless, even playful, but the terrifying sword intent it contained¡ªeven someone like Su Buku, who knew nothing about sword intent, was overwhelmed with dread. ¡°Just how powerful has Uncle become¡­?¡± Under Su Buku¡¯s stunned gaze, Su Zhou¡¯s sword slashed out. ¡°One Sword Opens the Heavenly Gate¡­¡± ¡­ Meanwhile, Liu Chengfeng returned to his residence with a face full of worry. ¡°Sigh¡­ What now? I gave the Su Family not just one quota, but an extra one too¡­¡± ¡°The sect¡¯s old geezers are gonna eat me alive¡­¡± He sighed again and, sensing something, looked in the Su Family¡¯s direction. Then, his mouth dropped open uncontrollably, and his eyes bulged like pigeon eggs. ¡°The f*ck¡­¡± ¡°Family Leader Su¡­ are you shaving the sky¡¯s head or what??¡± In Tianwu City¡ª All martial artists, bystanders, and even toddlers turned simultaneously toward the Su Family. Their faces were stiff with shock, as though they¡¯d seen a ghost in broad daylight. ¡°Sword sect¡­ Grand Sword Sect¡­¡± ¡°The Su Family has an unrivaled Sword Sovereign!!¡± ¡°Holy crap!! What happened?! Why is the sky¡­ split??¡± The Su Family disciples were already on their knees in awe, dry-mouthed and trembling with reverence, their gazes toward Su Zhou akin to those worshipping a god. Before everyone¡¯s stunned eyes¡ª In the sky above the Su Family, a single sword intent burst forth, piercing the heavens. And then¡­ the heavens¡ªsplit. The entire sky cracked like a mirror, sliced in two. Dark space fissures sparkled with black lightning, desperately trying to mend the severed firmament. ¡°How¡­ is this possible¡­¡± Terror was etched into the eyes of the brown-robed elder. He tried to escape with all his might¡ªbut¡ª He found¡­ he couldn¡¯t even move. ¡°Are you really¡­ only at the External Manifestation Realm?¡± He looked at Su Zhou, face twisted with sorrow and despair, as if realizing something. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°The Blood Demon Sect¡­ is doomed~¡± In the next instant, that Heavenly Origin cultivator was consumed by the rampant black light. Even Su Zhou himself was momentarily stunned by the sheer power of One Sword Opens the Heavenly Gate. That hidden figure in the sky didn¡¯t even leave behind a trace of blood before being annihilated. Above the Su Family, the space rift slowly began to heal¡ª But the residual force of One Sword Opens the Heavenly Gate didn¡¯t dissipate. Instead, it scattered into countless threads of sword intent, falling softly upon the Su Family. They landed on the hearts of the Su Family¡¯s disciples, each of whom felt as though something had begun blooming in their souls. [Ding!! Congratulations, host used One Sword Opens the Heavenly Gate, sword intent scattered through the world. Su Family disciples comprehend sword intent! Family Luck +100] [Ding!! Ten Su Family disciples have planted Sword Dao Seeds in their hearts. Potential to comprehend sword intent in the future! Family Luck +1000] [Ding!¡­] Chapter 31 - I Bestow Fortune—What Has It to Do With Heaven! My Words Are the Will of Heaven! Chapter 31: I Bestow Fortune¡ªWhat Has It to Do With Heaven! My Words Are the Will of Heaven! [Ding!! Congratulations to the host for opening the Heavenly Gate with a single sword; sword intent spreads across the world, and Su Family disciples comprehend the sword intent! Family Luck +100] [Ding!! Ten Su Family disciples have had the seeds of the Sword Dao planted in their hearts. They may comprehend sword intent in the future. Family fortune +1000] [Ding! Blessed by the Golden Luck Dragon, additional family luck +1000] [Ding!! Congratulations to the host, family luck has reached 3000. Family Resource Pack unlocked!] [Family luck of 30,000 will unlock the next tier Resource Pack!] Hearing the system prompts in his ears, Su Zhou willed it and opened the Family Resource Pack. [Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining a boost in comprehension ¡ª comprehension +10 for all family members!] [Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining a Tier-Six Spirit Gathering Formation!!] [Ding!! Family Mission Issued: Family Expansion. A broader world is needed¡ªplease seek out a land with a spiritual vein to settle the Su Family!] [Mission Rewards: Favor from the Holy Dao, Red Destiny family members, Forbidden Bloodline Techniques, Desolate Ancient Sacred Body, 9 Mounts at the External Manifestation Realm, 1 Mount at the Heaven Origin Realm, 1 Family-guarding Divine Beast, Family luck +10,000] A series of prompts echoed beside Su Zhou¡¯s ears, like the most beautiful chorus. The richness of the rewards for this mission left even Su Zhou sighing in awe. At present, the Su Family was thriving, and the disciples within the family were growing stronger at an astonishing rate. But after all, Tianwu City was a mundane place with thin spiritual energy. If the Su Family could settle in a land with a spiritual vein, coupled with the system¡¯s rewards, their strength would surely see a major leap. Su Zhou had been planning this not long ago. He hadn¡¯t expected the system to so considerately issue a mission for it. ¡°Seems like finding a land with a spiritual vein and relocating the family needs to be pushed to the top of the agenda,¡± Su Zhou thought to himself. As for that sneaky figure earlier in the sky¡ª Though he had been instantly cut down by Su Zhou¡¯s sword, His aura was filthy and dark, practically identical to Ma Tianlang¡¯s. It must be someone from the Blood Demon Sect. ¡°Heh¡­ Blood Demon Sect¡­ truly ignorant of life and death. If I remember correctly, their sect is located on quite a good spiritual vein¡­¡± A cold smile appeared on Su Zhou¡¯s face. A thought began forming in his heart. ¡°Uncle really is unfathomable¡­¡± Su Buku sighed. He had been the closest to Su Zhou and had personally felt the sword that split open the Heavenly Gate¡ªhis heart was still too shocked for words. However, though he already worshiped Su Zhou to the extreme, after this moment, no matter how earth-shaking Su Zhou¡¯s actions might be, he would no longer be surprised! Hearing Su Buku¡¯s praise, Su Zhou gave a faint smile and looked toward Su Yang, who was comprehending sword intent. ¡°Yang¡¯er¡¯s talent in the Sword Dao is unexpectedly this high!¡± Su Buku said with emotion. His voice carried only joy, without the slightest hint of jealousy. Su Zhou couldn¡¯t help but nod slightly¡ªhis nephew¡¯s mindset was indeed rare. ¡°Everyone has their own fortune,¡± Su Zhou said softly. Su Buku nodded in agreement. ¡°Yes¡­ this is all destiny¡­¡± ¡°Destiny?¡± Su Zhou looked at Su Buku with a half-smile: ¡°What need is there for destiny? What is destiny?¡± ¡°Buku, in this world, the only so-called destiny¡ª is absolute strength!¡± ¡°For example¡­¡± Su Zhou¡¯s fingertip radiated an ancient aura of time and reincarnation. Then, it floated slowly toward Su Buku. ¡°I bestow fortune¡ªwhat has it to do with Heaven!!¡± That trace of reincarnation intent entered between Su Buku¡¯s brows. In that instant, the world before Su Buku¡¯s eyes began to peel away at rapid speed¡ªspring, summer, autumn, and winter, the seasons cycling. Countless enemies appeared before him. He fought and fought, as if the battles would never end! He didn¡¯t even understand what he was fighting for. But whenever he was so exhausted he wanted to give up, a towering figure would rise in his heart and reignite his will to fight. [Ding! Investment successful!! Obtained Divine-Tier Treasure: Divine Dao Glazed Lamp!] Su Yang was comprehending sword intent, with sword energy within him continuously elevating. Su Buku had fallen into the true meaning of reincarnation, comprehending the Dao of Slaughter. Once the two awoke, their strength would undergo a qualitative leap. ¡°Not bad¡ªnot a waste of my efforts.¡± With the disciples of the Su Family receiving all kinds of blessings, their cultivation speed had greatly accelerated. And because of that one sword that split open the Heavenly Gate, a dozen sword Dao seeds had been born. Given more time to develop, the Su Family¡¯s foundation and strength would definitely rise to a terrifying level. ¡°Blood Demon Sect¡­ heh¡­¡± Su Zhou murmured softly, his gaze turning to the horizon. His abyss-like eyes seemed to pierce through layers of space to a distant crimson land. ¡­ At the Blood Demon Sect, several elders had gathered to discuss candidates for the soon-to-open Secret Realm. Each elder was recommending disciples from their own lineages. Suddenly, several of them shuddered at the same time. The Grand Elder opened his mouth as if to speak, but his expression changed drastically. ¡°Old Sixth¡­ has fallen¡­¡± At those words, silence fell over the entire Blood Demon Sect. The Sixth Elder of the Blood Demon Sect¡ªa third-stage Heaven Origin Realm expert¡ªhad perished. He carried the sect¡¯s secret treasure, the Mirror of Hidden Heaven. His ability to preserve his own life was extremely formidable. When the Mirror of Hidden Heaven was activated, even someone at the peak of Heaven Origin Realm couldn¡¯t detect his presence. And yet, such a survival master had perished? The elders were all shaken. ¡°The Sixth Elder¡¯s disciple was from the Ma Family in Tianwu City. Originally, the plan was to help the Ma Family gain control of Tianwu to aid our sect¡¯s exploration of the Secret Realm, but his disciple was killed.¡± S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°So the Sixth Elder went to Tianwu, intending to avenge his disciple and bring the Su Family under our banner¡ªbut from the looks of it now¡­ this Su Family is no simple matter¡­¡± The Grand Elder¡¯s expression twisted into a grimace. Though the Blood Demon Sect was full of lunatics, they weren¡¯t fools. The Sixth Elder wasn¡¯t the strongest Heaven Origin expert in the sect, but he was undoubtedly the best at staying alive. In a sparring match, many of them could beat him bloody, but in a life-and-death struggle, even four or five Heaven Origin experts might not be able to pin him down. And yet such a man had been killed cleanly and swiftly by a small Su Family in Tianwu City¡ªhow could they not be wary? ¡°Send someone to investigate in secret. Do not act rashly. With the Secret Realm about to open, proceed slowly. If a chance arises¡­ act with full force,¡± the Blood Demon Sect¡¯s Sect Master, who had been silent until now, finally spoke. The others all nodded in agreement. Chapter 33 - Broken Engagement? Abandoned? A Member of the Golden Destiny Tribe? Chapter 33: Broken Engagement? Abandoned? A Member of the Golden Destiny Tribe? ¡°Wudan Su family¡­¡± Looking at the kneeling clansman, Su Zhou was slightly stunned. The Su family¡¯s ancestors had gone through countless upheavals and were well aware of the wisdom that one should not put all their eggs in one basket. Thus, the Su family had set up branches in many cities. These branches were established in various locations to ensure that if the Su family ever faced a disaster, their bloodline could be preserved. However¡­ times have changed. Now, Su Zhou controlled the most powerful family system. The stronger his clansmen became, the stronger the benefits he received. According to Su Zhou¡¯s memories, the Su family had at least ten branches outside, and the number of descendants from these branches combined was quite substantial. This definitely had a significant impact on his own strength. Since the main family had not been in contact with the branches for many years, Su Zhou had actually forgotten about them. ¡°It seems it¡¯s time to bring all these branches back together,¡± Su Zhou thought to himself, while on the surface, he remained calm, looking at the man kneeling on the ground. ¡°Su Zhan requests the Patriarch to uphold justice for my family!!¡± The man, Su Zhan, knelt respectfully on the ground. ¡°Rise,¡± Su Zhou said softly, then used his true essence to help Su Zhan up. Upon feeling Su Zhou¡¯s overwhelming true essence, Su Zhan¡¯s face showed a hint of joy. ¡°So the rumors were true¡­ Our clan¡¯s patriarch really has become a cultivator at the External Manifestation Realm!¡± ¡°Perhaps, Yan¡¯er is saved! The Su family is saved!¡± Thinking of this, Su Zhan¡¯s expression became even more respectful. ¡°Please, Patriarch, uphold justice for us.¡± Su Zhou calmly looked at him. ¡°There¡¯s no need to be so polite. We are of the same family, bound by blood. As the patriarch of the Su family, any injustice will be resolved by me on your behalf.¡± Hearing Su Zhou¡¯s words, Su Zhan¡¯s heart, which had been hanging in suspense, finally relaxed. He organized his thoughts and then spoke. ¡°The Blood Demon Sect has gone too far. The Nalan family is shameless as well. Please, Patriarch, avenge my son Yan¡¯er, and protect the Su family¡¯s dignity¡­¡± As Su Zhan spoke, the tall man seemed to choke up a little, as if he was deeply pained by the injustice done to his son. From Su Zhan¡¯s account, Su Zhou gradually understood the situation. More than a decade ago, Su Zhan had been training in the Beast Mountain Range when he met Nalan Mo, the young master of the Nalan family. The two went through life-and-death trials together and became sworn brothers. They made a vow that if either had children in the future, all boys would be brothers and all girls would be sisters. If one had a boy and the other a girl, they would be betrothed. Later, both of them became the patriarchs of their respective families, and this arrangement became a beautiful bond between the families. Furthermore, Su Zhan¡¯s son, Su Yan, was incredibly gifted and hailed as the greatest genius of Wudan. The Nalan family frequently expressed their admiration. However, as fate would have it, over the past two years, Su Yan, who had once been so gifted, was unable to form true qi, and his cultivation began to regress, eventually falling to the third stage of Blood Tempering. Meanwhile, Nalan Yanran, the Nalan family¡¯s legitimate daughter, joined the Blood Demon Sect and quickly gained attention. She even publicly expressed her disdain for Su Yan on multiple occasions. Su Yan had never had a favorable view of her, and he didn¡¯t care much for the engagement arranged by the previous generation. But fate took a cruel turn when the Nalan family spread news of wanting to break the engagement. This seemingly trivial matter actually carried much deeper implications. Otherwise, Su Zhan wouldn¡¯t have come all the way to the main family seeking help. The great families fought for resources, power, and schemes. The Nalan family and the Su family were originally the two strongest families in Wudan City. Even if Su Yan had become a cripple, the Nalan family wouldn¡¯t have acted so arrogantly out of fear of the Su family¡¯s power. This act was not just an insult to Su Yan but to the Su family itself. Anyone with a discerning eye could see that this was a test, a test of the Su family¡¯s strength. The so-called breakup of the engagement was just a pretense; the Nalan family had allied with the Blood Demon Sect and was aiming to swallow up the Su family of Wudan City. The truth behind the engagement breaking off was to test the Su family¡¯s capabilities, to find a way to take over the Su family. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Su Zhou instantly understood this. This was how it worked between powerful families¡ªdeception, manipulation, and competition. There was no such thing as spontaneous decisions or mutual agreements between families. It was all about survival of the fittest. However, what truly intrigued Su Zhou wasn¡¯t the relationship between the Wudan Su family and the Nalan family, but rather the once-great genius, Su Yan¡­ Listening to Su Zhan talk about his son, Su Zhou felt something strange in his heart. The engagement-breaking ¡®buff¡¯, the genius turned cripple ¡®buff¡¯, the protective father ¡®buff¡¯, the big sect bullying ¡®buff¡¯¡ªwith all these buffs stacked up, he was almost certain Su Yan had some mysterious ¡®ring-grandfather¡¯ to assist him. ¡°I understand now. The Blood Demon Sect and the Nalan family have quite the audacity¡­¡± ¡°They¡¯ve come to bully the Su family¡­¡± Su Zhou¡¯s eyes were deep, as if he could see through space itself, gazing at the distant Blood Demon Sect. The Blood Demon Sect had been making an appearance quite frequently¡ªjust recently, the Ma family had connections to them, and it was the Blood Demon Sect that had been spying on the Su family. Now, they were targeting the Su family¡¯s branches. Such frequent appearances of stepping stones would indeed be a waste if he didn¡¯t use them¡­ ¡°Patriarch¡­ Forget about the Nalan family for now. Their backing, the sect master of the Blood Demon Sect, has reached the peak of the Heaven Origin Realm, and their elders are all at the Heaven Origin level. I¡¯m afraid¡­¡± Su Zhan¡¯s face was full of worry as he glanced at Su Zhou. Right now, Wudan City appeared peaceful, but Su Zhan understood that beneath this calm, a storm was brewing. If Su Zhou didn¡¯t intervene, the entire Wudan Su family would be wiped out. But just thinking about the monstrous Blood Demon Sect behind the Nalan family made Su Zhan uneasy. ¡°A mere Blood Demon Sect¡­ not worth mentioning¡­¡± Su Zhou¡¯s indifferent voice slowly rang out, and for some reason, Su Zhan, upon hearing this, felt a surge of confidence rise in his heart. He had explained all the important details, yet his patriarch remained calm and collected. Throughout their journey, Su Zhan had seen how powerful the main family was now. Many of the clansmen could easily suppress him, the patriarch of Wudan, with one hand. Thinking of all these changes, Su Zhan couldn¡¯t help but feel a surge of warmth toward the mysterious patriarch. ¡°This matter concerns the Su family¡¯s honor. I will handle it.¡± ¡°Thank you, Patriarch!!¡± Su Zhan said tearfully, bowing deeply with heartfelt gratitude. Afterward, Su Zhou, unfazed, spoke casually, ¡°No need to thank me. This is a family matter. By the way, I want to know¡­¡± ¡°Has your son Yan¡¯er ever said anything like¡­¡± ¡°Thirty years in the east, thirty years in the west, don¡¯t bully the young when they¡¯re poor?¡± Chapter 33 - Broken Engagement? Abandoned? A Member of the Golden Destiny Tribe? Chapter 33: Broken Engagement? Abandoned? A Member of the Golden Destiny Tribe? ¡°Wudan Su family¡­¡± Looking at the kneeling clansman, Su Zhou was slightly stunned. The Su family¡¯s ancestors had gone through countless upheavals and were well aware of the wisdom that one should not put all their eggs in one basket. Thus, the Su family had set up branches in many cities. These branches were established in various locations to ensure that if the Su family ever faced a disaster, their bloodline could be preserved. However¡­ times have changed. Now, Su Zhou controlled the most powerful family system. The stronger his clansmen became, the stronger the benefits he received. According to Su Zhou¡¯s memories, the Su family had at least ten branches outside, and the number of descendants from these branches combined was quite substantial. This definitely had a significant impact on his own strength. Since the main family had not been in contact with the branches for many years, Su Zhou had actually forgotten about them. ¡°It seems it¡¯s time to bring all these branches back together,¡± Su Zhou thought to himself, while on the surface, he remained calm, looking at the man kneeling on the ground. ¡°Su Zhan requests the Patriarch to uphold justice for my family!!¡± The man, Su Zhan, knelt respectfully on the ground. ¡°Rise,¡± Su Zhou said softly, then used his true essence to help Su Zhan up. Upon feeling Su Zhou¡¯s overwhelming true essence, Su Zhan¡¯s face showed a hint of joy. ¡°So the rumors were true¡­ Our clan¡¯s patriarch really has become a cultivator at the External Manifestation Realm!¡± ¡°Perhaps, Yan¡¯er is saved! The Su family is saved!¡± Thinking of this, Su Zhan¡¯s expression became even more respectful. ¡°Please, Patriarch, uphold justice for us.¡± Su Zhou calmly looked at him. ¡°There¡¯s no need to be so polite. We are of the same family, bound by blood. As the patriarch of the Su family, any injustice will be resolved by me on your behalf.¡± Hearing Su Zhou¡¯s words, Su Zhan¡¯s heart, which had been hanging in suspense, finally relaxed. He organized his thoughts and then spoke. ¡°The Blood Demon Sect has gone too far. The Nalan family is shameless as well. Please, Patriarch, avenge my son Yan¡¯er, and protect the Su family¡¯s dignity¡­¡± As Su Zhan spoke, the tall man seemed to choke up a little, as if he was deeply pained by the injustice done to his son. From Su Zhan¡¯s account, Su Zhou gradually understood the situation. More than a decade ago, Su Zhan had been training in the Beast Mountain Range when he met Nalan Mo, the young master of the Nalan family. The two went through life-and-death trials together and became sworn brothers. They made a vow that if either had children in the future, all boys would be brothers and all girls would be sisters. If one had a boy and the other a girl, they would be betrothed. Later, both of them became the patriarchs of their respective families, and this arrangement became a beautiful bond between the families. Furthermore, Su Zhan¡¯s son, Su Yan, was incredibly gifted and hailed as the greatest genius of Wudan. The Nalan family frequently expressed their admiration. However, as fate would have it, over the past two years, Su Yan, who had once been so gifted, was unable to form true qi, and his cultivation began to regress, eventually falling to the third stage of Blood Tempering. Meanwhile, Nalan Yanran, the Nalan family¡¯s legitimate daughter, joined the Blood Demon Sect and quickly gained attention. She even publicly expressed her disdain for Su Yan on multiple occasions. Su Yan had never had a favorable view of her, and he didn¡¯t care much for the engagement arranged by the previous generation. But fate took a cruel turn when the Nalan family spread news of wanting to break the engagement. This seemingly trivial matter actually carried much deeper implications. Otherwise, Su Zhan wouldn¡¯t have come all the way to the main family seeking help. The great families fought for resources, power, and schemes. The Nalan family and the Su family were originally the two strongest families in Wudan City. Even if Su Yan had become a cripple, the Nalan family wouldn¡¯t have acted so arrogantly out of fear of the Su family¡¯s power. This act was not just an insult to Su Yan but to the Su family itself. Anyone with a discerning eye could see that this was a test, a test of the Su family¡¯s strength. The so-called breakup of the engagement was just a pretense; the Nalan family had allied with the Blood Demon Sect and was aiming to swallow up the Su family of Wudan City. The truth behind the engagement breaking off was to test the Su family¡¯s capabilities, to find a way to take over the Su family. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Su Zhou instantly understood this. This was how it worked between powerful families¡ªdeception, manipulation, and competition. There was no such thing as spontaneous decisions or mutual agreements between families. It was all about survival of the fittest. However, what truly intrigued Su Zhou wasn¡¯t the relationship between the Wudan Su family and the Nalan family, but rather the once-great genius, Su Yan¡­ Listening to Su Zhan talk about his son, Su Zhou felt something strange in his heart. The engagement-breaking ¡®buff¡¯, the genius turned cripple ¡®buff¡¯, the protective father ¡®buff¡¯, the big sect bullying ¡®buff¡¯¡ªwith all these buffs stacked up, he was almost certain Su Yan had some mysterious ¡®ring-grandfather¡¯ to assist him. ¡°I understand now. The Blood Demon Sect and the Nalan family have quite the audacity¡­¡± ¡°They¡¯ve come to bully the Su family¡­¡± Su Zhou¡¯s eyes were deep, as if he could see through space itself, gazing at the distant Blood Demon Sect. The Blood Demon Sect had been making an appearance quite frequently¡ªjust recently, the Ma family had connections to them, and it was the Blood Demon Sect that had been spying on the Su family. Now, they were targeting the Su family¡¯s branches. Such frequent appearances of stepping stones would indeed be a waste if he didn¡¯t use them¡­ ¡°Patriarch¡­ Forget about the Nalan family for now. Their backing, the sect master of the Blood Demon Sect, has reached the peak of the Heaven Origin Realm, and their elders are all at the Heaven Origin level. I¡¯m afraid¡­¡± Su Zhan¡¯s face was full of worry as he glanced at Su Zhou. Right now, Wudan City appeared peaceful, but Su Zhan understood that beneath this calm, a storm was brewing. If Su Zhou didn¡¯t intervene, the entire Wudan Su family would be wiped out. But just thinking about the monstrous Blood Demon Sect behind the Nalan family made Su Zhan uneasy. ¡°A mere Blood Demon Sect¡­ not worth mentioning¡­¡± Su Zhou¡¯s indifferent voice slowly rang out, and for some reason, Su Zhan, upon hearing this, felt a surge of confidence rise in his heart. He had explained all the important details, yet his patriarch remained calm and collected. Throughout their journey, Su Zhan had seen how powerful the main family was now. Many of the clansmen could easily suppress him, the patriarch of Wudan, with one hand. Thinking of all these changes, Su Zhan couldn¡¯t help but feel a surge of warmth toward the mysterious patriarch. ¡°This matter concerns the Su family¡¯s honor. I will handle it.¡± ¡°Thank you, Patriarch!!¡± Su Zhan said tearfully, bowing deeply with heartfelt gratitude. Afterward, Su Zhou, unfazed, spoke casually, ¡°No need to thank me. This is a family matter. By the way, I want to know¡­¡± ¡°Has your son Yan¡¯er ever said anything like¡­¡± ¡°Thirty years in the east, thirty years in the west, don¡¯t bully the young when they¡¯re poor?¡± Chapter 34 - The Blood Demon Elder Has Arrived! The Su Family... Must Be Destroyed Chapter 34: The Blood Demon Elder Has Arrived! The Su Family¡­ Must Be Destroyed ¡°Uh¡­¡± Hearing Su Zhou¡¯s words, Su Zhan was momentarily stunned. ¡°Yan¡¯er did indeed say that.¡± Su Zhou thought to himself. Su Zhan, on the other hand, only felt that this family leader of theirs was truly unfathomable. When Su Yan had said those words that day, only he himself had been present. Logically, only the two of them should have known. Yet now, those words had somehow come to Su Zhou¡¯s attention. It seemed that even though the main family hadn¡¯t been in touch with the branch families over the years, this family leader was likely aware of all affairs within the family, big and small. Even the private conversation between him and his son hadn¡¯t escaped notice. Clearly, this family leader not only held control over the main household, but had also, without anyone noticing, seized command over the situation of the branch families as well. Such insight and means truly filled Su Zhan with admiration. ¡°When will the family leader accompany me to Wudan City?¡± Thinking of the current plight of the family members in Wudan City and the bitter, downcast expression on his son¡¯s face, Su Zhan couldn¡¯t help but feel anxious. ¡°Why should I go to Wudan City?¡± Su Zhou asked in return. ¡°Ah¡­¡± That question caught Su Zhan completely off guard. ¡°The strength of the Wudan Su family and the Nalan family should be evenly matched. The real issue isn¡¯t the annulled engagement, nor the Nalan family, but the Blood Demon Sect behind them¡­¡± ¡°I like to do things cleanly and efficiently, and I don¡¯t like wasting effort on meaningless actions¡­¡± ¡°If that¡¯s the case, then we might as well eliminate the problem at its root¡­ Sever it cleanly from the very beginning¡­ Don¡¯t you think so¡­¡± ¡°Zu¡­¡± Su Zhou said calmly. Under the stunned and bewildered gazes of the steward and Su Zhan, an old man dressed in black stepped slowly out from the shadows. ¡°What the Supreme One says is divine decree.¡± sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Even though Zu spoke at this moment, Su Zhan still felt a bit dazed. Clearly, the old man was standing right before him, yet Su Zhan had a feeling as if he were seeing through a veil¡ªlike the man didn¡¯t belong to this world. ¡°The Blood Demon Sect, huh¡­ Blood Demon Sect¡­¡± Su Zhou murmured. ¡°I didn¡¯t seek you out, yet you¡¯ve come knocking yourselves¡­¡± ¡°Since you¡¯re here¡­ you might as well stay.¡± ¡­ Blood Demon Sect Inside the sect. Sect Master Liu Wang looked coldly at a disciple kneeling on the ground. ¡°Is the information accurate?¡± ¡°Reporting to the Sect Master, the intel was purchased from Tianji Tower. It includes everything about the Su family¡ªtheir intelligence network, the family leader¡¯s cultivation level, the family¡¯s prodigies, their external relations¡ªall of it is complete!¡± the disciple replied respectfully. ¡°Good¡­¡± Liu Wang opened a dossier beside him. The more he read, the more peculiar his expression became. ¡°No alliance with any powerful families, internal upheaval, all family elders deceased, the acting family leader has only just recovered his cultivation¡­¡± ¡°The current family leader is just an External Manifestation Realm cultivator who¡¯s recently emerged from seclusion?¡± ¡°Nearly wiped out both the Ma and Wang families¡­¡± ¡°How could such a family be capable of killing our Sixth Elder¡­¡± Liu Wang¡¯s brows furrowed slightly. He sensed many suspicious points regarding the Su family. Though he flipped through the current intel on the Su family, a part of him was still relieved. A cold sneer emerged on his face. ¡°An External Manifestation Realm cultivator, a dozen Nine Aperture cultivators, the rest are all ants. That one move, ¡®One Sword Opens the Heavenly Gate,¡¯ is indeed terrifying¡ªhe must have comprehended an extremely lethal sword intent. He could be considered a genius.¡± ¡°Sixth Elder was not adept in combat, and coupled with underestimating Su Zhou, being caught off guard and killed is plausible.¡± ¡°But this time, several elders will act together. No matter how peerless your swordplay is, it¡¯ll be meaningless.¡± ¡°Only that Su Yang from the family warrants any attention¡ªa prodigy who comprehended sword intent at the age of thirteen.¡± ¡°The Songshan Sword Sect, the Taiyao Sword Sect, and the Qingshan Sect¡­ Sword elders from these sects have all expressed interest in recruiting Su Yang from the Su family, and are already on their way¡­¡± ¡°They haven¡¯t sent formal invitations, and no emissaries have arrived¡ªso there¡¯s no official contact yet¡­¡± ¡°Looks like we need to act fast. Deal with them cleanly before they arrive¡­ and there will be no trouble afterward¡­¡± Liu Wang kept muttering to himself, while crimson blood energy slowly rose from his palm. ¡°To personally eliminate such a prodigy¡­ that would truly be a delight for both body and mind¡­¡± He chuckled softly, feeling as though his luck had been improving lately. Not only had the Blood Demon Sect produced a few promising disciples to compete for the legacy of the cave realm, He had even recently acquired a fine furnace. That woman wanted to use the power of the Blood Demon Sect to swallow up a family. As for her fianc¨¦¡­ just a useless trash¡­ Once he was done using that woman, he¡¯d devour her entire family too¡ªthat was the true path to domination. ¡°Where are the other elders right now?¡± Liu Wang asked. ¡°The elders are already waiting for orders in Tianwu City, per your instructions¡­¡± ¡°Good¡­ tell them¡ªmake your move!!¡± With that, Liu Wang suddenly stood up. With a thought, crimson blood qi around Liu Wang transformed into mist and surged rapidly toward Tianwu City. Meanwhile, in the Tianwu City. The moment Liu Wang¡¯s order was received¡ª A few black-robed figures exchanged glances, their faces twisting into sinister smiles. ¡°Kekeke!! The Sect Master is just overly cautious!!¡± ¡°Better safe than sorry¡ªbut today, the Su family shall be annihilated!!¡± ¡°There are a few beautiful little girls in the Su family¡ªjust right for this lord¡¯s furnace!!¡± They stepped into the air, terrifying cultivation power erupting from their bodies. In an instant, boundless blood-colored energy surged across the sky¡ªthese people were all grand cultivators of the Heavenly Origin Realm. They sneered while strolling through the skies, neither fast nor slow, heading directly for the Su family. Wherever they passed, the blood energy rotted and devoured everything around it. ¡°Heavens!! Those are the Blood Demon Sect¡¯s Grand Elders!!¡± ¡°The Su family has offended the Blood Demon Sect!!¡± ¡°It¡¯s over! The Su family is finished! The Blood Demon Sect is an Eighth-Grade Sect!!¡± ¡°They had just begun to rise, and now they¡¯re about to be wiped out!!¡± Chapter 35 - His Excellency’s Words Are the Words of Heaven! Kneel Down!! Chapter 35: His Excellency¡¯s Words Are the Words of Heaven! Kneel Down!! ¡°Heavens!! Those are several elders of the Blood Demon Sect!!¡± ¡°The Su Family has offended the Blood Demon Sect!!¡± ¡°It¡¯s over, the Su Family is finished this time. The Blood Demon Sect is an eighth-grade sect!!¡± ¡°The Su Family just rose to prominence, and now they¡¯re about to face annihilation!¡± The martial artists in Tianwu City all cried out in alarm. The notorious reputation of the Blood Demon Sect was known throughout all of Divine Xia Empire¡ª No sect or aristocratic family that had ever opposed them came to a good end. People looked at the few black-robed men with pity. Although the Su Family had risen rapidly, compared to the Blood Demon Sect, they still lacked deep foundations. A full five Heaven Origin-level experts¡ª With such a lineup, never mind just the Su Family¡ªeven razing the entire Tianwu City wouldn¡¯t be a challenge. ¡°The Su Family¡­ A lowly family like ants dares to kill disciples of our sect, and even slaughter elders of our order¡­¡± ¡°Today¡­ the Su Family must perish!¡± The leading grand elder unleashed the terrifying aura of a Heaven Origin Seventh Realm cultivator. Thick blood energy materialized like a tangible force. High in the sky, it condensed into a massive, blood-colored skull that blocked out the sun and sky. It hovered above the entire Su Manor, looking down like a god of death. The oppressive pressure caused many of the martial artists watching to go weak at the knees. But¡ª Just as they were lamenting the impending doom of the Su Family, the next scene nearly stopped their brains from functioning. ¡°Lowly ants¡­ You dare bark like dogs before the presence of His Excellence¡­¡± An ancient, aged voice echoed as if from across the ages. ¡°Your crime¡­ is worthy of annihilation.¡± The voice was calm, distant, carrying an unfathomable weight. The next moment¡ª A blood mist exploded across the sky. Under the sunlight, it looked like a sea of crimson blossoms. Before the eyes of all, the grand elder of the Blood Demon Sect¡ª a Heaven Origin Eighth Realm powerhouse¡ª was reduced to a mist of blood by a single sentence¡­ his body and soul utterly obliterated!! Everything had happened far too strangely¡ª The other elders hadn¡¯t even had time to react. The vicious sneers still hung on their faces¡­ But terror had already surfaced in their eyes¡ª Two utterly opposing emotions¡ªarrogance and fear¡ªappeared on them simultaneously. As for the disciples of the Su Family, who had been preparing for a desperate last stand, they all stood dumbfounded. Each held their weapons, standing at the gates of the Su Manor, not yet having shouted out any grand oaths of dying with the family. Instead, what they saw was¡­ the grand elder of the Blood Demon Sect putting on a ¡®fireworks show¡¯ for them. ¡°It was¡­ that old man behind the Patriarch!!¡± The family members suddenly recalled that the voice just now sounded familiar. In the entire Su Family, only that old man who always followed behind Su Zhou would call him His Excellence. Everyone had thought the elder was just a most ordinary attendant. No one had expected¡­ That unremarkable elder, who had always gone unnoticed¡ª had just slain a Heaven Origin expert with a single sentence!! What kind of terrifying power was this?! Compared to the others¡¯ shock, Su Yang was much calmer¡ª because he had already been through the shock long ago. When he first met the old guard, memories from his previous life began to resurface. Su Yang remembered that while searching for the shards of the Nine Tribulations Sword, he once entered a secret realm. Aside from a fragment of the sword, there was also a preserved projection. Its content was simple, yet unforgettable. Even after reincarnation, he couldn¡¯t erase it from memory. In that projection: Countless gods fell from the sky, a dark taboo force descended, a decaying, monstrous hand covered the heavens, annihilating domain after domain. All living beings wailed in despair. Even exalted beings were like ants beneath that hand. Then¡ª A broken sword. An old soldier stepped forward. As his sword descended¡ªheaven and earth were cleansed. And the appearance of that old guard¡ªwas identical to the elder behind Su Zhou! Su Yang, who once thought their family leader might be a reincarnated ancient emperor, now had a new opinion. ¡°Perhaps¡­ the Patriarch is not the reincarnation of a great emperor¡­ ¡°Maybe he¡¯s beyond even that¡ªbeyond the galaxy itself.¡± ¡°He might¡¯ve even touched upon ¡®One.¡¯¡± S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. At this moment, the Su Family members, now fully recovered from shock, reached a fever pitch in emotion. ¡°Even the Patriarch¡¯s attendant possesses such divine might!!¡± ¡°Heavenly might of the Patriarch!!! Heavenly might of the Patriarch!!!¡± ¡°Hmph! And the measly Blood Demon Sect dares speak so arrogantly at our Su Manor¡¯s gates!¡± The Blood Demon Sect elders, who had caused Tianwu City to brace for war, were silenced by a single sentence at the gates of Su Manor. The other noble families in Tianwu City were completely stunned. Inside the City Lord¡¯s Manor, Liu Chengfeng glanced disdainfully at the sky and sneered: ¡°A bunch of fools¡­ You think you can mess with the Su Family? Even I¡¯d kneel to them¡­¡± Compared to everyone else¡¯s reactions, the expressions of the remaining Blood Demon Sect elders turned deathly pale. They had thought about fleeing¡ª but a terrifying aura locked them in place. Any sudden move, and they¡¯d meet the same fate as the grand elder. A set of slow, deliberate footsteps echoed. Su Zhou slowly stepped out from Su Manor. Wherever he passed, everyone bowed in respect, eyes full of reverence. ¡°Kneel¡­¡± Su Zhou said softly. His voice wasn¡¯t loud¡ª but in the ears of the Blood Demon Sect elders, it sent a chill through their bones. It was as if a cold wind from the netherworld swept through their souls. They blanked out. Two more muffled pops¡ª Two more blood mist fireworks bloomed in the sky. ¡°Did you not hear what His Excellence commanded?¡± The old soldier¡¯s voice was like a summons from the underworld. Chapter 36 - If You Offend the Su Family, Even Death Is the Biggest Luxury! Chapter 36: If You Offend the Su Family, Even Death Is the Biggest Luxury! The last two remaining elders finally came to their senses, their faces full of terror and panic. Like madmen, they charged toward the ground, trying to kneel. They were truly terrified¡ªfrom the bottom of their hearts. Terrified of the old soldier in black, and even more terrified of the always-indifferent Su Zhou. ¡°Heh¡­ You talk so righteously about exterminating my family¡­¡± ¡°And now, just to live, you¡¯re desperately trying to kneel¡­ You look just like dogs¡­¡± Su Zhou said disdainfully. Then¡ª The two of them exploded as well. The five mighty experts of the Tianyuan Realm had not even had a chance to resist. They died like crushed ants. But this was still not the end!! ¡°To offend the Su Family¡­ Even death cannot atone¡­¡± Su Zhou said coldly, raising one hand. A jade cup, entirely made of glazed crystal, slowly emerged. A heavenly-ranked treasured artifact¡ªDivine Dao Glazed Lamp! It could draw the surroundings into a cycle of divine law! A wave of ancient and profound Dao rhythm surfaced¡ª A power even older than the ancients descended in an instant. In the blink of an eye, that Dao rhythm enveloped the skies. Then¡ªthe five figures that had previously perished in the sky reappeared once more. Everyone was stunned. Even those elders themselves were utterly confused. And the next moment¡­ history seemed to repeat. ¡°We¡¯re not dead??¡± ¡°I¡¯m alive again!!¡± Before they could rejoice¡ª The Grand Elder who had just been resurrected once again exploded into a blood mist. Then, the rest followed in the same sequence, exploding one after another. That pain, worse than death, shrouded them again. It was as if a pair of invisible hands crushed them all over again. Then¡­ the Dao rhythm reappeared¡ªthey revived again¡ªthen died once more. A never-ending cycle of rebirth and destruction, over and over again. This was the terrifying effect of combining the Divine Dao Glazed Lamp with the True Meaning of Reincarnation! ¡°No!!!¡± ¡°Aaaargh¡­ Kill me! Just kill me already!!¡± ¡°Please, Family Leader Su! Please, we beg you, just end us for good!!¡± Their voices were filled with sorrow and despair. At this moment, Tianwu City was deathly silent. Everyone felt a chill down their spine. ¡°This Su Family is terrifyingly overbearing!!¡± ¡°They must not be provoked!! Absolutely not!!¡± ¡°We were all wrong¡ªSu Family¡¯s foundation is immeasurable!!!¡± Inside a restaurant across from the Su Residence, a swordsman in a green robe raised his wine cup, expression solemn. ¡°It seems that the Su Sword Sect doesn¡¯t just have heaven-shaking sword intent, they also possess divine powers of unimaginable terror¡­¡± Su Zhou had once cleaved open the Heavenly Gate with a single sword. His sword aura fell like rain. The name of the Sword Sect had long spread across the cities and sects around. ¡°The rumors were false after all¡ªThey said he only reached the External Manifestation Realm after ten years of seclusion, but these divine powers¡­ even a Star Holding Lord might not possess such ability.¡± ¡°It seems that even if I can¡¯t take in his disciple, I must not make an enemy of the Su Family¡­¡± He had come from the Taiyin Sword Pavilion, hoping to witness the famed sword genius Su Yang, who had grasped sword intent at just thirteen. But upon entering Tianwu City, he encountered the incident with the Blood Demon Sect. Originally, he wanted to observe in secret¡ªand if needed, lend the Su Family a hand as a favor. Yet he never expected to witness such a horrifying scene. Just then¡ª A change occurred once more in the sky! ¡°HAHAHAHAHA!! Daring to provoke the Blood Demon Sect¡ª The Su Family shall be annihilated¡­¡± Liu Wang arrived, treading on blood mist, descending from the sky. He expected to see a scene of carnage, a painting of despair and dread that would make countless people tremble in awe at the Blood Demon Sect. But the moment he appeared in Tianwu City¡ª He knew something was wrong. His arrogant laughter came to an abrupt halt. The sight before him chilled him to the bone¡ª It was as if ice shards were mixed in his blood. A sensation he hadn¡¯t felt in hundreds of years came rushing back. That sensation was¡ªfear. The elders of the Blood Demon Sect, who had managed the sect alongside him, were exploding repeatedly before his eyes¡ªresurrecting, then exploding again¡ª an endless reincarnation. The miserable wails echoed endlessly. Liu Wang dared not hesitate even a moment. He turned to flee. But just as he turned around¡ª Reflected in his eyes was a terrifying figure in dark robes. Su Zhou stood calmly in the sky, dressed in black robes, his face like carved jade. With every movement, the surrounding space trembled slightly. ¡°You¡­ you¡¯re not at the External Manifestation Realm!!¡± Liu Wang felt as if he couldn¡¯t breathe under the pressure of Su Zhou¡¯s presence. He cursed silently¡ªhis intelligence was wrong. ¡°The Blood Demon Sect¡­ what an impressive show of power,¡± Su Zhou said with a smile that wasn¡¯t a smile. ¡°Su¡­ Su Sword Sect¡­ this is all a misunderstanding¡­ Our Blood Demon Sect is willing to offer compensation¡­¡± A flattering smile appeared on Liu Wang¡¯s face. Su Zhou¡¯s body was cloaked in the Boundless Dao Body, his realm obscured by countless Dao runes¡ª Unless someone was two great realms above him, they could not see through his cultivation. Liu Wang could not discern Su Zhou¡¯s strength. But he could feel his terrifying might. Coupled with that horrifying scene earlier, his courage had long since crumbled. He didn¡¯t dare fight Su Zhou¡ªhe only wanted to survive. ¡°Compensation? That can be arranged¡­¡± Su Zhou said. Hearing this, Liu Wang¡¯s face lit up with joy¡ªAs long as there was a price, things could be negotiated! ¡°I just need to stay alive. After paying those bastards membership dues all these years, I deserve a return. Once I get back, it¡¯ll be the Su Family¡¯s doomsday!¡± This was Liu Wang¡¯s inner thought. But on the surface, his expression grew more fawning. ¡°You say it! Lord Su! Whatever you want¡­¡± But before he could finish¡ªSu Zhou¡¯s figure suddenly magnified in his vision. The next moment¡ª He felt an overwhelming force erupt. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In a panic, he summoned his treasured artifact¡ªBut something unthinkable happened¡ª Su Zhou reached out a hand and grabbed his treasured artifact, and with just one squeeze¡ªcrushed his precious Profound-tier artifact! ¡°Mon¡ªMonster¡­!!¡± Liu Wang was stunned¡ª Then felt his body suddenly lighten. ¡°Compensation¡­ For condoning your disciples to bully the Su Family, for spying on us from the shadows, for plotting to seize the Su Family¡¯s branch family¡­¡± These words became the last thing Liu Wang ever heard. ¡°Damn it¡­ When did I ever plan to seize your branch family¡­¡± That question became Liu Wang¡¯s final thought. Su Zhou raised his hand¡ª Liu Wang¡¯s head was ripped clean off. Red and yellow fluids splattered across the sky. ¡°All of this¡­ Will be repaid¡ªwith your life¡­ And the complete annihilation of the Blood Demon Sect!¡± Chapter 37 - The Blood Devil Will Be Destroyed Today! Chapter 37: The Blood Devil Will Be Destroyed Today! The Su Family Will Rise! The Dragon Soars in the Sky! [Ding!! Family Mission Triggered: Annihilate the Blood Demon Sect, eliminate the first hostile force of recognized grade! Mission Reward: Contribution Pavilion, Martial Arts Tower, Grade-Five Spiritual Field, Spiritual Vein Ascension Card!] A clear, ethereal voice rang in his ears, yet Su Zhou paid it no mind. The Su Family members below were already immune to Su Zhou¡¯s astonishing actions. In their hearts, their family leader was practically omnipotent. One after another, they gazed at Su Zhou with fervent, borderline fanatical eyes. They would die for him without hesitation!! There was a time when a small family like the Su Family didn¡¯t even qualify to serve as a vassal to the Blood Demon Sect. Back then, the Sect loomed like an untouchable deity, looking down upon the Su Family with disdain. But now, the Sect Master of the Blood Demon Sect had been slain by a single punch from Su Zhou, while the remaining elders were caught in a never-ending cycle of life and death. It was all something they would have never dared to imagine. Among the crowd, Su Zhan had long since been dumbfounded. He had once hoped that the main family might be able to help his child with cultivation. He had also wished the main family would lend a hand to preserve the Su Family¡¯s dignity¡ªor at the very least, protect the younger generation. But what unfolded before his eyes was something he had never dared to consider¡ªthe family leader had forcibly ripped off the Blood Demon Sect Master¡¯s head. Such terrifying power. Such overwhelming might. The Blood Demon Sect Master was a Great Perfection of the Heavenly Origin Realm cultivator, and yet in front of Su Zhou, he was no different from an ant. In that moment, Su Zhan¡¯s reverence for the family leader reached its peak. Just then, Su Zhou¡¯s voice slowly fell into his ears. ¡°From this day forth, all Su Family branches shall be summoned back!¡± ¡°You are all welcome to return to the main family!¡± ¡°As for the matter in Wudan City¡ªSu Family¡¯s honor must not be tarnished. Su Yang, Su Buku, you two lead our disciples and accompany Su Zhan to Wudan City!¡± ¡°A broken engagement¡­ heh¡­ what a laughable ploy. The Nalan Family has no reason to continue existing!¡± Su Yang and Su Buku responded at once. Hearing Su Zhou¡¯s words, Su Zhan was swept with overwhelming emotion. The division of the family had always been a stopgap measure. Now that the main family had grown so powerful, to be welcomed back¡ªit was the highest honor imaginable. Looking at the main family¡¯s disciples, all brimming with vitality and talent, with family resources clearly abundant, he had assumed the main branch would no longer care about the branch families. Yet this mysterious and unfathomable family leader had declared the recall of all branches. ¡°Su Zhan gives his utmost thanks to the family leader!!¡± ¡ªThe seven-foot-tall man couldn¡¯t help but choke up. Afterward, Su Zhou¡¯s voice echoed throughout the entire family. ¡°All family members, prepare yourselves. In the coming days, the Su Family shall relocate¡­¡± Su Chao, hearing this, was struck by a sudden thought. ¡°Big Brother!! Could it be that you plan to¡­¡± His voice trembled slightly, as if he dared not believe what he was thinking. ¡°The Blood Demon Sect shall be destroyed.¡± ¡°And that spiritual vein¡­¡± ¡°Shall return to the Su Family!!¡± Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As his words fell, Su Zhou¡¯s figure surged upward like a thunderbolt, vanishing into the horizon like a meteor. ¡°Today, our Su Family will ascend to the heavens under the family leader¡¯s guidance!!¡± ¡°Long live the family leader!!!¡± ¡°Our family leader bears the might of a future Great Emperor!!¡± ¡°The heavens have eyes! Under the family leader, we shall become a legendary family!!¡± ¡°Our family shall actually own a spiritual vein one day~!¡± The family was swept with unmatched emotion. Many elders even wept, covering their faces. They had never imagined such glory for the Su Family. Su Buku looked at Su Zhou¡¯s retreating back, his heart ablaze with passion. ¡°When will I ever be like Uncle¡ªsuppressing all beneath heaven¡­¡± Su Yang¡¯s mouth was slightly agape, a hint of indescribable joy in his eyes. ¡°The family leader is truly unfathomable. If this continues, I may yet overturn the fate of my past¡­ Xiaowu, this life¡ªwill not be the same. A life without regret, for a single dance.*¡± Su Chao, too, was overwhelmed with emotion. The bottleneck that had once blocked his cultivation loosened, and his once-lifeless heart stirred back to life. Just days ago, under Su Zhou¡¯s lead, the Su Family had unified Tianwu City. Now, not even a week later, his older brother had annihilated the entire Blood Demon Sect leadership! Perhaps soon, he might truly be able to bring his wife home! That sacred land that had once stood high above, that had treated him as an insect, and massacred the elders of the Su Family¡ªwould soon pay a terrible price!! That thought ignited Su Chao¡¯s heart even more. The next instant, an incomparably powerful aura erupted from within him!! The heart demon that had blocked his breakthrough finally loosened. Su Chao broke through the Nine Apertures and entered the External Manifestation Realm!!! It was truly a day of double joy for the Su Family. Meanwhile, Su Zhou stood atop the Blood Demon Sect, still holding Liu Wang¡¯s severed head, when he suddenly felt his own aura surge. His recently advanced cultivation had actually risen once more, bolstered by the collective enhancement from his family members. He had reached the Second Stage of the Heavenly Origin Realm. ¡°So Second Brother must¡¯ve broken through¡­¡± Su Zhou speculated inwardly. But he didn¡¯t dwell on it. His gaze turned icy as he stared down at the Blood Demon Sect. Countless spiritual peaks pierced the sky, spiritual energy so dense it seemed tangible. In the sky above, spiritual light flickered like strokes of a heavenly painting. ¡°Such a spiritual paradise¡­ it¡¯s indeed worthy of my Su Family.¡± Su Zhou nodded in satisfaction. He looked down from above at the thousands of disciples¡ªeach one tainted with blood and evil qi. ¡°They have fouled this blessed land.¡± Su Zhou¡¯s mighty voice boomed like the voice of a god. Some of the weaker cultivators immediately felt their blood and qi collapse, blood trickling from their lips. Then the crowd saw the head in Su Zhou¡¯s hand¡ªthe head of their sect master. Chaos erupted. ¡°The Blood Demon Sect shall be eradicated today¡­!¡± ¡ªHis thunderous voice exploded across the mountains like divine judgment. Su Zhou had always followed one creed: Eliminate the root when cutting the weed. Letting the disciples go softheartedly and only killing the higher-ups¡ªif one of these sect descendants sought revenge later, it wouldn¡¯t truly threaten him, but it would be annoying. So why not¡­ wipe them all out in one fell swoop? Su Zhou swept his sleeve. The Reincarnation Creation Art burst forth, and a beam of ancient, weathered light of reincarnation enveloped the entire sect. Countless disciples were instantly consumed by fear. ¡°We¡¯re doomed!!! RUN!!!¡± ¡°The sect master is dead, we must flee!!¡± ¡°Aaahhh!! Spare me, my lord¡ªI just joined the sect!!¡± Cries of terror and despair rang out through the spiritual land, a chaotic storm of fear. ¡°Summon¡ªthe Phantom of Reincarnation. Let ten thousand return to the cycle!!¡± Su Zhou¡¯s eyes burst open, divine light exploding from within. In that moment, his vast and boundless true essence was completely emptied. Then, the light of reincarnation flared with blinding brilliance, as if contending with the sun itself. A phantom wheel emanating a timeless aura slowly began to manifest. Chapter 38 - Killing Intent Arise, a Thought of Reincarnation! Annihilation of All Living Beings! Chapter 38: Killing Intent Arise, a Thought of Reincarnation! Annihilation of All Living Beings! The phantom of the wheel hung upside down in the sky. It wasn¡¯t dazzling, nor radiant¡ªonly exuding an ancient and mysterious aura, yet it somehow felt even more unbearable to look at than the sun that illuminates the heavens. Countless Blood Demon Sect disciples looked on in despair at that wheel¡¯s phantom. They had no idea what kind of technique this was. But inexplicably, deep within their souls, in a past far more distant than the span of this life, there seemed to dwell a fear of this wheel. A fear that surpassed even the dread of life and death. Then, the wheel moved. Yet it turned only ever so slightly¡­ before slowly fading away. And then, a bizarre scene unfolded. As the wheel turned, the once-noisy Blood Demon Sect fell into silence. Tens of thousands of disciples within the sect were erased on the spot¡ªvanished without a trace. Not a single hint of their presence remained, as though they had never existed. Only Su Zhou knew that those countless Blood Demon Sect disciples had all been forcibly cast into reincarnation and nothingness by him! This was a divine ability Su Zhou had comprehended from the deepest mysteries of the Reincarnation Creation Art. With supreme technique, he summoned a phantom of reincarnation slumbering beneath the ages. Under the illumination of reincarnation, flesh, soul¡ªany form of existence¡ªwas erased, all things obliterated! This move consumed an immense amount of energy. Even Su Zhou himself was instantly drained of all his true essence. Yet the terrifying might of this attack was enough to send shivers down one¡¯s spine. Beneath the phantom of reincarnation, all cultivators within the Blood Demon Sect were annihilated¡ªAnd this was merely a sliver of the wheel¡¯s shadow that Su Zhou had drawn forth. As his cultivation increased, in the future, when he could fully summon that wheel, it might only take a single thought to extinguish an entire vast domain! [Ding!! Unclaimed spiritual vein detected. Family relocation mission completed!!] [Ding!! Blood Demon Sect annihilated. Family mission completed!!] [Congratulations, Host! Reward acquired: Contribution Pavilion!] [Congratulations, Host! Reward acquired: Grade-Five Spiritual Field!] [Congratulations, Host! Reward acquired: Martial Arts Tower!!] [Congratulations, Host! Reward acquired: Spiritual Vein Ascension Card!] [Mission complete! Family luck +10,000] [Due to the influence of the Golden Luck Dragon, family luck increases by an additional +10,000] A series of system rewards echoed beside Su Zhou¡¯s ears. He slowly descended to the ground, his entire being transformed into a swirling vortex of spiritual energy. Within the Reincarnation Creation Art, the effects of the original Spring Concealment Technique were also included¡ª And not just included, but amplified dozens of times over. In just a few breaths, Su Zhou¡¯s inner secret realm was once again filled with true essence. He walked through the Blood Demon Sect, wiping out many of the evil and heretical things they had left behind¡ª Things like the blood pool, walls of white bones, and the like. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Su Zhou knew in his heart that all of it was ultimately illusion. Be it righteous path or demonic path, everything was just a means to grow stronger. But Su Zhou possessed more profound methods and longer-term strategies. These trifling remnants weren¡¯t worth keeping. He stood atop the tallest spiritual peak, overlooking the entire spiritual vein-blessed land. This blessed land had once been filled with waves of demonic energy from the Blood Demon Sect. But after Su Zhou cleansed it, it now pulsed with boundless spiritual energy. Looking down from above, it seemed that the countless peaks were bowing toward the tallest one, creating a vision like the heavens themselves being surveyed from a throne. On the map, this place was named Lingxiao Blessed Land. ¡°From now on, the Su Family shall be¡­ the Lingxiao Su Family,¡± Su Zhou chuckled softly. This kind of title, with a place-name prefix before the family name, was one that only families possessing a spiritual vein territory were qualified to bear. For example, although the Su Family once dominated Tianwu City, they could not be called the ¡°Tianwu Su Family¡± because they had no spiritual vein, and thus were unworthy of a territorial prefix. After that, he sat atop the highest peak and began placing down the rewards he had just received. The placement process was rather interesting. Su Zhou simply selected a building in his inventory¡ª And in front of him appeared a 3D schematic-like interface. He chose the location to place the building, and in that location, the corresponding building would rise up. Under Su Zhou¡¯s arrangements, buildings sprang up one after another! The towering Martial Arts Tower, the grand Contribution Pavilion, and spirit fields brimming with rich energy were all arranged in an orderly fashion throughout the area. [Martial Arts Tower: Contains countless ancient battle souls. The higher one climbs, the better the rewards!] [Contribution Pavilion: Assists the Host in family management. Rewards contribution points with absolute fairness!] [Grade-five Spiritual Field: Can upgrade mundane crops into spiritual plants. Long-term consumption of spiritual plants improves bloodline and talent.] These three rewards offered massive improvements to the current Su Family. The Martial Arts Tower could enhance the combat experience of family members. Battling ancient battle souls would surely bring immense benefits. Coupled with the stage rewards, it would perfectly stimulate their fighting spirit. The Contribution Pavilion could flawlessly execute the family contribution system Su Zhou had envisioned. And the benefits of the spirit fields went without saying¡ª Just the ability to cultivate Spiritual plants alone was enough to make others green with envy. Spiritual plants were filled with spiritual energy, capable of enhancing bloodlines and innate talent. Outside, just a single pound of spiritual plant could fetch sky-high prices. Many noble families would draw blades over even a small patch of spiritual field¡ªThat was a common occurrence. And now, the spiritual fields laid out by Su Zhou spanned an entire spiritual peak¡ª Simply unimaginable. Know that such a large patch of spirit field, across the vast regions, was something only the most elite aristocratic families could possibly possess. Then, Su Zhou used the Spiritual Vein Ascension Card. The surrounding space trembled, the ground letting out groaning sounds. In an instant, the entire Lingxiao Blessed Land¡¯s spiritual peaks rose even higher. The spiritual energy, once dense, now became nearly tangible¡ªFaint traces of spiritual radiance flickered within it. Just a single breath taken here was equivalent to an hour of cultivation outside! And that was just for ordinary people. For prodigies, the effect would be even greater! Speaking of prodigies, Su Zhou suddenly thought of that buff-stacked Su Yan. ¡°I wonder how things are going in Wudan City right now¡­¡± At the same time¡ª In the Su Family of Wudan City¡ª A thin, pale-faced youth was trembling all over. He stared at the emotionless girl before him, a nameless fire blazing in his heart. ¡°Nalan Yanran¡­ must you truly be this heartless?¡± Su Yan clenched his teeth, glaring at the somewhat attractive young woman in front of him. His eyes were filled with indignation and fury, while the black ring on his hand glowed faintly with an eerie light. Chapter 39 - The Fallen Genius, Su Yan, the Third Stage of the Blood Tempering Realm~!! Chapter 39: The Fallen Genius, Su Yan, the Third Stage of the Blood Tempering Realm~!! Su Yan¡¯s face was full of unwillingness, full of anger. His pitch-black eyes seemed to be burning with flames. However, that radiant young girl showed nothing but disdain toward his display. Nalan Yanran lounged lazily on a chair, her eyes sizing up the entire Su Residence. Her careless demeanor clearly indicated she held no regard for the Su family. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Even the servant behind her wore an expression of superiority, eyes looking down on everything. The surrounding Su family members all had flushed faces, yet dared not voice their anger. ¡°Hmph!! Su Yan! Just look at what you¡¯ve become!¡± ¡°A pheasant wants to match with a phoenix???¡±* ¡°My lady is now a true disciple of the Blood Demon Sect, even admired by the Sect Master himself.¡± ¡°Being rejected by my lady¡ªconsider it your honor!!¡± That servant mocked Su Yan without the slightest restraint. Clearly, they were in the Su Residence, in the Su family¡¯s own hall, yet they trampled the Su family¡¯s dignity underfoot. A bright red marriage contract was casually thrown onto the ground by her. ¡°You and I no longer belong to the same world,¡± Nalan Yanran said arrogantly. The members of the Su family glared angrily, but knowing the power imbalance, there was nothing they could do but endure. ¡°You all should know why I¡¯m here today. Since that¡¯s the case, just accept it.¡± ¡°Hahahahahaha!!!! What a joke¡ª¡®not from the same world¡¯!¡± ¡°What a fine Nalan Yanran!!¡± Su Yan strode toward Nalan Yanran, rage bursting in his eyes. ¡°Hmph!¡± A black-robed old man seated beside Nalan Yanran snorted coldly. In an instant, a wave-like pressure surged toward Su Yan. His body instinctively bent under the pressure, yet in the next second, Su Yan clenched his teeth and withstood the overwhelming force, forcing himself upright. Even blood seeped from the corners of his mouth. Yet he stood tall and firm, like a long spear planted in the earth. ¡°Interesting¡­¡± A glint of intrigue flickered in the old man¡¯s eyes. He had heard of Su Yan¡¯s exploits: blood tempering at fifteen, entering Qi Transformation at sixteen, and reaching the peak of Qi Transformation at seventeen¡ªhis talent once shocked many sects. But at eighteen, this genius fell from grace, his cultivation dispersing like a meteor, leaving no trace behind. ¡°With just Third Stage of Blood Tempering, you¡¯re still able to withstand my pressure¡ªworthy of being a former genius¡­¡± ¡°But a fallen genius is no different from a dog!¡± The black-robed elder withdrew his gaze and spoke coldly. In the next moment, an overwhelming aura erupted without restraint. It was unmistakably the Great Perfection of Nine Apertures Realm. In that instant, every member of the Su family felt like a heavy boulder had pressed upon their hearts¡ªeven breathing became difficult. ¡°Take the withdrawal letter!¡± ¡°Then crawl back and lick your wounds, or wail like a dog¡ªact like the dog you¡¯ve become!!¡± ¡°A family of trash should behave like trash!¡± The old man¡¯s voice was full of contempt. His gaze swept across the Su family as if surveying his playthings. But within Wudan City, not a single member of the Su family could even speak up. In this small city, their patriarch Su Zhan had only reached the half-step Nine Apertures Realm. A full Nine Apertures Great Perfection expert could wipe them all out with ease. Dignity¡­ in the face of true power, dignity was nothing more than dust in the corner of a shop. Yet in the face of this immense pressure, Su Yan still stood tall. Even though his eyes were bloodshot. ¡°Teacher¡­ do you have confidence in killing him¡­¡± he whispered in his heart. A hoarse voice responded helplessly, ¡°No¡­ the true qi you provide is still insufficient. My soul cannot act for now¡ªwe must remain dormant¡­¡± Bitterness filled Su Yan¡¯s heart. A year ago, his qi began to collapse, and his cultivation continually declined¡ªbut he had never given up. Though some in the family whispered behind his back, his father still believed in him. Finally, not long ago, he discovered the reason for his decline¡ª It turned out that hidden within the ring he always wore was the soul of a powerful Venerable Realm expert named Yao Chen. And his cultivation and qi were being drained by that very soul. As compensation, the soul offered to take him as a disciple. Su Yan had naturally agreed. He thought things would soon turn for the better. But then, the Nalan family arrived with the Blood Demon Sect¡ªa behemoth¡ªTo withdraw from the marriage. Su Yan had never felt much for Nalan Yanran, and her desire to call off the engagement was understandable. But their attitude and actions were a blatant, unrestrained humiliation of the Su family. And today! She had brought a divorce letter, and even used brute force to suppress the entire Su family. A naked insult to the entire Su family!! ¡°Elder Wang, there¡¯s no need to waste words on this useless family,¡± Nalan Yanran said, her tone devoid of emotion. In her eyes, the Su family would soon become property of the Blood Demon Sect, another merit under the Nalan name. Now that she had latched onto the Sect Master, even as just a furnace, she could command a Nine Apertures expert. This was the life she desired¡ªas for Su Yan, the Su family, they were now nothing but shameful remnants of her past. She seemed to have forgotten how she once took the initiative to court Su Yan. Hearing Nalan Yanran¡¯s unabashed insults, the entire Su family became furious. Their eyes turned bloodshot, wishing to kill this woman on the spot. But the oppressive might of a Nine Apertures expert pinned them down¡ªthey couldn¡¯t even speak. An elderly family elder even passed out under the immense pressure. Witnessing all this, Su Yan felt like his heart was bleeding. Veins bulged from his neck. He forcefully withstood the pressure of a Nine Apertures Great Perfection cultivator, raised his head, and roared at the top of his lungs¡ª ¡°Thirty years east of the river!!!¡± ¡°Thirty years west of the river!!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t bully a poor young man!!!¡± ¡°Nalan Yanran!!! Today, it¡¯s not you calling off the engagement¡ª It¡¯s I, Su Yan, who divorces you!!¡± As he spoke, Su Yan grabbed the marriage contract and tore it to shreds. Seeing this young man, the old man¡¯s heart skipped a beat. Then, an even greater fury swept through him. He¡ªa dignified Nine Apertures Great Perfection expert¡ªhad been shaken by the words of this lowly Blood Tempering ant. ¡°How dare you! Miss Nalan is a disciple of my Blood Demon Sect, and you dare behave so outrageously?! Today, this Su family¡­ must be destroyed!!¡± He roared, his powerful qi erupting wildly without restraint. That terrifying power made all the Su family members feel utter despair. It was as if a scene from hell itself was about to unfold. Hopelessness flooded everyone¡¯s hearts. But then¡ª A dazzling sword light sliced through everything, severing the old man¡¯s qi. ¡°Hmph!! Destroy my Su family¡­ what big words!!¡± Chapter 40 - Killing You Is Your Supreme Glory! Dare to Fight Back? Chapter 40: Killing You Is Your Supreme Glory! Dare to Fight Back? ¡°Quite the arrogant boast!¡± ¡°Destroy the Su Family?? And you dare speak such words aloud!!¡± A somewhat childish voice rang out. With the appearance of this voice¡ª An incredibly sharp sword intent exploded forth. It was as if a longsword capable of severing all emerged from its sheath in that moment, its unstoppable edge dispersing all of the black-robed elder¡¯s true qi. ¡°Sword intent!!¡± A trace of dread surfaced on Elder Wang¡¯s face. ¡°How is the Su Family connected with someone like this?!¡± He possessed the cultivation of Nine Apertures Perfection and was one of the guest elders of the Blood Demon Sect. His status in the sect was far from low. This time, accompanying Nalan Yanran to the Su Family was partly to give face to the sect master. As for the other reason¡ªwell, Nalan Yanran¡¯s skills in certain areas were indeed excellent. On the journey here, she had served him quite well. He had thought that annihilating a minor family from a backwater city like Wudan would be a breeze, just something to pass the time. Who would have expected the other side to be assisted by a sword cultivator who had mastered sword intent¡ªand judging from the tone, was even a member of the Su Family? ¡°May I ask who you are, esteemed one?!¡± Elder Wang asked cautiously, his previous arrogance now nowhere to be seen. All the Su Family members, including Su Yan, looked toward the source of the voice with hope in their eyes. As that figure gradually appeared¡ª Shock was written across every face. Su Yang held a long sword, his tender face cold and emotionless. His entire being radiated a bone-chilling sword intent. After receiving the fortune granted by Su Zhou, Su Yang¡¯s sword intent had begun to evolve. His sword intent was no longer the Emotionless Sword Intent he had comprehended in his previous life¡ª But a level higher¡­ Heavenly Dao Sword Intent!! Originally, he had always kept a low profile. But from the day he awakened and his sword light pierced the heavens, he had become known as a genius throughout the world. Since it could no longer be hidden, Su Yang saw no reason to keep his brilliance concealed. The reason he had previously hidden his strength was due to the influence of his past life¡ªafraid that standing out would invite disaster. Yet now, Su Yang believed that the patriarch of his family might very well be one of those legendary beings approaching the realm of ¡®One¡¯. In this life, with such a background, such a lineage¡ªwhy should he continue hiding? This was the first task entrusted to him by the family leader. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It had to be executed flawlessly¡ª Only then could he live up to the trust the patriarch had placed in him. Su Yang understood: all his current strength had been bestowed by that mysterious and unfathomable family leader! ¡°Old dog!! You really dare speak of exterminating my Su Family?¡± Su Yang¡¯s voice was sharp and severe. Elder Wang was dumbfounded. Elder Wang himself was a sword cultivator and knew all too well how difficult it was to master sword intent. So many prodigies once hailed as youthful sword saints had been stuck at that threshold for life. Yet here was this child who had mastered sword intent¡ªit was simply unbelievable. Countless thoughts flashed through his mind in an instant. At last, he recalled the recent rumors that were spreading like wildfire¡ª ¡°The Su Family of Tianwu City!¡± Elder Wang fixed his gaze on Su Yang. Su Yang, however, couldn¡¯t be bothered to acknowledge him. Instead, he turned to the astonished Su Family members with a wide grin and offered a respectful bow befitting a junior. ¡°I, Su Yang, come by order of the Family Patriarch, to visit the branch family.¡± ¡°This must be Brother Su Yan? Truly a man of noble bearing.¡± Su Yang took a few easy steps to Su Yan¡¯s side, smiling brightly as he spoke. Su Yan, on the other hand, stared in disbelief at the child before him. Compared to him, even Su Yan¡¯s once-proud self now felt no better than a mediocrity. Su Yan¡¯s heart surged with emotion. ¡°This child harbors something terrifying within¡­¡± Even the remnant soul in his ring couldn¡¯t help but sigh. Though it was only a fragment of a soul, it had once belonged to a terrifying powerhouse of the Venerable level. It could faintly sense the sharpness of the Nine Tribulations Sword within Su Yang¡¯s body. ¡°This¡­ younger cousin?¡± Su Yan¡¯s voice was somewhat awkward. Anyone who comprehended sword intent¡ªregardless of age or cultivation¡ªcould be called a Sword Sovereign. And now he was the elder cousin of a Sword Sovereign. It all felt somewhat unreal to Su Yan. ¡°Brother, let me deal with this old dog first. Then we¡¯ll talk!¡± Su Yang still smiled cheerfully. Elder Wang¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°You little brat, such arrogant words!!¡± he bellowed, his robe billowing despite no wind. Yet Su Yang remained unfazed. The sword in his hand emitted a faint glow. His figure moved like a dragon, charging straight at Elder Wang. Sword intent surged from his body, and a faint white glow flickered in his eyes. Heavenly Dao Sword Intent¡ªHeavenly Dao is emotionless!! Though this intent had yet to reach the level of Sword Dao itself, it still ranked among the most powerful sword intents. What shocked Elder Wang even more was that Su Yang¡¯s cultivation was¡­ Such cultivation at such an age¡ªplus mastery of sword intent¡ª This youth must surely be backed by an unimaginably powerful lineage! Rumor had it that the Su Family of Tianwu City had produced a sword genius. Countless Sword Sovereigns had sought to take him as a disciple. Elder Wang panicked. He understood well¡ªin this world, lives were cheaper than weeds. In the eyes of true prodigies and great lineages, he was no different from an ant. In his panic, he dared not strike back, only defend desperately. But Su Yang¡¯s sword intent was far too tyrannical¡ª Forcing him to retreat again and again. However, his every thought and intention had long been grasped by Su Yang, who had lived an entire lifetime before. In his past life, he had risen from the very bottom through slaughter¡ªhe naturally understood what lurked in these people¡¯s hearts. During this period, thanks to the massive supply of pills bestowed by Su Zhou, he had madly advanced in cultivation. An ordinary person would have had their meridians blocked or been poisoned to death from such reckless consumption. But he, thanks to the Nine Tribulations Sword, could ignore all of it. Today, he would use this Nine Apertures Perfection elder as his whetstone. As for his own safety¡­ A faint smile curled Su Yang¡¯s lips. Sword intent surged once more from his blade, aimed directly at Elder Wang¡¯s face. Within his dantian, the sword spirit of the Nine Tribulations Sword stirred. ¡°One Sword, Nine Tribulations!!¡± This strike carried the might of the Nine Tribulations Sword¡ªit made Elder Wang feel as though his soul had flown out of his body. This strike¡ªhe couldn¡¯t dodge. If it landed, he¡¯d be severely injured if not killed outright. In his panic, Elder Wang could no longer care about Su Yang¡¯s mysterious background. He unleashed his true qi recklessly. ¡°Blood Demon Palm!!¡± A tide of blood-colored true qi formed a demonic hand, reaching to strike. ¡°Careful!!¡± Su Yan cried out, stepping forward instinctively¡ªactually trying to shield Su Yang from the blow. However¡­ Su Yang remained completely calm in the face of this terrifying strike. ¡°For the descendant of the Honored One to desire your death¡ªit is your greatest honor. And yet you dare resist¡­?¡± A voice ancient beyond imagination slowly rang out. Chapter 41 - Su Yan’s Decision! Kill Nalan Yanran! Chapter 41: Su Yan¡¯s Decision! Kill Nalan Yanran! ¡°Being targeted by a descendant of the Honored One should already be your greatest glory. You dare to retaliate instead of being grateful to the heavens?!¡± An ancient voice, so old it seemed to have spanned countless eras, slowly echoed through the air. A moment later, an old soldier clad in black stood silently behind Elder Wang¡ªno one saw when he had appeared. This was Su Yang¡¯s trump card! It was also a hidden contingency Su Zhou had secretly placed here. After all, Wudan City was the first branch family to be reintegrated; naturally, the main family couldn¡¯t afford to lose face. As for why the old soldier was allowed to act here¡­ a branch family¡­ is still Su Family. Like a withered tree, the old soldier placed his gnarled hand on Elder Wang¡¯s shoulder, and then¡ª Under the horrified gazes of all present¡­ Elder Wang¡¯s flesh and blood began to dissolve within the old soldier¡¯s palm, his skin shriveling¡ª This once overbearing Nine Apertures Realm grand completion expert turned into a dried-up corpse, just like that. Even more terrifying was¡ª Though the old soldier clearly stood there in plain sight, no one could remember what he looked like. They saw him distinctly, but the moment their attention wavered even slightly, they would instantly forget his appearance. Only when Elder Wang¡¯s corpse fell to the ground did everyone snap back to their senses. The black-clad old soldier had already vanished. Only that cold, withered corpse remained, like garbage, gathering dust on the ground. ¡°Ahhh!!!¡± Seeing this, Nalan Yanran, who had always looked down on everyone, let out a piercing scream. ¡°You all!! How dare you!! Elder Wang!! Elder Wang, you must be playing a trick on them, right? Right?!¡± ¡°No, impossible! Impossible! Elder Wang is a Nine Apertures grand completion expert!! A Nine Apertures grand completion expert!!¡± Nalan Yanran was completely unable to accept what had just happened. It was all too bizarre. According to her plan, by now the entire Su Family should have been slaughtered by Elder Wang, and all their assets devoured by her. Yet now everything felt like a nightmare. Her greatest trump card had been killed like a dog, casually erased. ¡°Noisy!¡± Su Yang¡¯s brows furrowed. A heavy slap landed squarely on the woman¡¯s face. The immense force instantly sent Nalan Yanran flying. Her delicate face immediately swelled, and eerily, her entire cultivation was sealed. ¡°Bastard!! How dare you strike our young lady! Do you know she is the Sect Master¡¯s¡ª¡± The servant shrieked, attempting to threaten Su Yang. But before he could finish, a flash of cold light streaked by, followed by a chill at his throat. Blood gushed out in torrents. A terrified, wide-eyed head thudded to the floor. ¡°Brother Su Yan, by order of the family leader, this woman is yours to deal with,¡± Su Yang said, not even sparing the corpse a glance, instead turning to Su Yan. ¡°Brother Su Yang¡­ this Nalan Yanran is the direct daughter of the Nalan family, and a personal disciple of the Blood Demon Sect¡­¡± ¡°If something happens to her¡­ I fear it might bring harm to the main house¡­¡± Su Yan appeared a bit dazed at the moment. ¡°That¡¯s right!! I¡¯m a personal disciple of the Blood Demon Sect! You have no right to judge me!!¡± ¡°My sect master is a grand completion expert in the Heaven Origin Realm! If he learns of this, he¡¯ll definitely exterminate your Su Family down to the ninth generation!!¡± ¡°He¡¯ll ensure your entire family knows no peace and lives a life worse than death! Let me go now, and perhaps you¡¯ll keep a dog¡¯s life!!¡± Clutching her swollen face, Nalan Yanran¡¯s eyes were filled with venomous hatred. ¡°Blood Demon Sect¡­ hahaha!¡± Hearing this, Su Yang burst out laughing, as if he had just heard the world¡¯s greatest joke. ¡°You¡­ what are you laughing at¡­¡± This laughter made Nalan Yanran uneasy, and even left Su Yan puzzled. ¡°He¡¯s laughing¡­ at your ignorance of death,¡± It wasn¡¯t Su Yang who responded, but a cold, detached voice. As the voice sounded¡ª Something was thrown in from outside the door. Everyone turned to look, and their faces instantly changed. When Nalan Yanran saw what it was, she looked like she had utterly broken down. ¡°F-Father!!¡± ¡°No!!! You! How dare you!!¡± What had been thrown in¡ªwas none other than Nalan Yanran¡¯s father¡¯s severed head. Su Buku, bathed in blood, stepped inside. Behind him followed a group of Su Family disciples, each one radiating killing intent. Su Zhan entered alongside Su Buku. ¡°Family leader! What is the meaning of this!?¡± ¡°Yes!!¡± The Wudan branch family, upon seeing their family leader, couldn¡¯t suppress their questions any longer. Looking at each and every one of his family members, Su Zhan forcefully held back the emotions welling in his heart. Facing the direction of Tianwu City, he respectfully cupped his fists and declared, ¡°By order of the Su Family leader¡ªNalan Family¡ªannihilated!¡± After leaving Tianwu City, Su Yang and Su Buku had split into two groups: Su Yang went to the Wudan branch family, while the battle maniac Su Buku went straight for a family extermination. ¡°The five Grand Elders of the Blood Demon Sect are trapped in the reincarnation of Life and Death atop Tianwu City, unable to live or die, eternally bound to endless torment!¡± ¡°The sect master Liu Wang¡ªkilled in one blow by the family leader. The Blood Demon Sect is annihilated as of today, their spiritual land now belongs to the Su Family.¡± Su Buku¡¯s indifferent voice carried no emotion whatsoever. Since awakening from his slaughter-filled reincarnation, Su Buku had changed. Toward Su Family members, he remained warm and enthusiastic. Toward outsiders, however, he had become utterly cold and merciless. Yet all the members of the Wudan branch stared at Su Zhan in utter disbelief. Su Yan stared hard at his father. Su Zhan nodded solemnly, ¡°That¡¯s right! And the family leader has decreed¡ªfrom this day forward, the Wudan branch family shall return to the main house and relocate to the spiritual land!!¡± ¡°What!!! We¡¯re truly allowed to return to the main house!?¡± ¡°Heavens!!! Supreme honor, supreme honor!!¡± ¡°The land of spirit veins!! I never thought we¡¯d be blessed with such fortune!!¡± ¡°Long live the family leader, long live the family leader!!!¡± The family members were wild with joy. ¡°No¡­ it can¡¯t be¡­ this can¡¯t be happening¡­¡± In contrast to the jubilant Su Family members, Nalan Yanran was utterly devastated. ¡°Yan¡¯er, how do you intend to deal with this woman?¡± Su Zhan asked Su Yan. Both Su Buku and Su Yang also looked to this once-glorious prodigy. Su Yan said nothing and silently walked up to Nalan Yanran. ¡°Su Yan!! Please let me go! Su Yan!!¡± ¡°Su Yan, I¡¯m your fianc¨¦e! I never wanted to break the engagement, they forced me! It was all their fault! Su Yan!! I beg you!! I beg you!¡± ¡°I¡¯ll do anything if you spare me!!¡± Nalan Yanran pleaded with a fawning smile, but deep within her eyes lurked an unspeakable hatred. Su Yan remained silent. He gently placed his hand atop Nalan Yanran¡¯s head. ¡°I know how close you were to your father.¡± ¡°Now, acting like this¡­ what are you hoping to do? Live on and seek revenge someday?¡± ¡°Sorry¡­ but a family should stay whole, even in death¡­¡± Su Yan said softly. Blazing heat erupted in an instant, piercing through Nalan Yanran¡¯s skull. She collapsed, dead on the spot. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 42 - Lingxiao Su Family, Desolate Ancient Sacred Body, Red Destiny! Chapter 42: Lingxiao Su Family, Desolate Ancient Sacred Body, Red Destiny! ¡°Hm?¡± ¡°This is¡­!!¡± Su Buku and Su Yang exchanged a glance. Both of them could sense the extraordinary nature of Su Yan¡¯s strike. It seemed that this once-crippled genius was far from simple. But since everyone had their own opportunities and secrets, no one would pry too much. Deep down, however, they felt an increased sense of admiration for this decisive and ruthless family brother. ¡°Cousin Su Yan truly lives up to his reputation!¡± Su Yang said aloud. Su Buku also revealed a smile. Toward his family, he always acted like a gentle elder brother. ¡°Su Yan, my younger cousin, you¡¯ve suffered much these past years.¡± Su Yan looked at Su Buku, startled once again. This elder cousin might not possess Su Yang¡¯s profound sword intent, but it was as if he carried an endless sea of blood on his back¡ªoppressive to the extreme. And that was with him still holding back. If he were to go all out, just the murderous aura alone would be unbearable. ¡°The main branch¡­ truly produces one monster after another¡­¡± Su Yan sighed inwardly, his face showing a hint of melancholy. ¡°What suffering? The current Su Yan is just a martial cultivator at the third level of Blood Tempering.¡± ¡°Hahaha!!! Crippled?!¡± Su Buku burst into hearty laughter, shedding all trace of his former coldness. ¡°Why demean yourself, younger cousin?¡± ¡°With our family leader around, every member of the Su Family will rise like dragons!¡±1 By now, Su Yan had already figured out the reason behind his lost cultivation. But he couldn¡¯t help being curious¡ªwhy was the other party so confident? Suddenly, he thought of that mysterious old servant from earlier. ¡°That black-robed elder¡­¡± Just as Su Yan began to speak, a slow, ancient voice echoed directly within his heart. ¡°I¡­ am merely the most insignificant of the ones who serve the Honored One¡­¡± The old servant¡¯s voice was impossibly aged, yet it sent an even greater shock through the hearts of all Su Family members in Wudan. Even though none of them had seen Su Zhou in person yet, in everyone¡¯s mind, this mysterious and unfathomable family leader had already become a towering, awe-inspiring figure. ¡°Master¡­ What cultivation realm has that man reached?¡± Su Yan asked inwardly. But he received no reply, which left him puzzled. ¡°Enough!!¡± ¡°Sort the assets, take over the Nalan family¡¯s businesses¡ªwe¡¯re preparing to return to the main branch!¡± Su Zhan waved his arm with majesty befitting a patriarch, issuing one order after another. The members of the Su Family in Wudan were filled with excitement, and they worked at blazing speed, eager to find out what their mysterious family leader was really like. Meanwhile, Su Yang and the others led their disciples and Su Yan ahead to the new family base. ¡­ At that time, the members of the Su Family in Tianwu City had also begun relocating. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Tianwu properties were left to older family members who were less adept at cultivation, and they received generous monthly stipends. As for the rest, they all moved to Lingxiao Blessed Land. Upon arrival, they were all dumbfounded by the scene before them. Here, the mountain peaks surged like oceans, spiritual peaks rose like tides, spiritual beasts roamed in herds, and the landscape was beautiful and pristine. Even more astonishing was the aura of spiritual energy¡ªit felt almost tangible. Some family members who had been stuck at bottlenecks felt signs of breakthrough after just a few breaths. Meanwhile, Su Chao and the other stewards were completely overwhelmed, organizing the treasures left behind by the Blood Demon Sect, categorizing all the techniques, assigning each branch of the family to a spiritual peak, and demarcating the peaks accordingly. The process was endlessly complicated. Atop the highest peak¡ªLingxiao Peak¡ªSu Zhou overlooked his busy family members. [Ding!! Congratulations, host, for completing the family mission!] [Reward: Favor from the Holy Dao] [Reward: Red-grade Destiny Family Member!] [Reward: Forbidden Bloodline Technique] [Reward: Desolate Ancient Sacred Body] [Reward: Nine External Manifestation Realm Mounts, One Heaven Origin Realm Mount, One Family-Guardian Divine Beast] [Reward: Family Luck +10,000] [Ding!! Due to the influence of the Golden Luck Dragon, an additional 10,000 Luck has been granted] A cascade of system notifications rang in Su Zhou¡¯s ears. The rewards from this mission were the most generous since he unlocked the system. Su Zhou couldn¡¯t help but show some delight. These rewards wouldn¡¯t just dramatically increase the strength of his family members¡ªthey would also significantly boost his own cultivation. [Favor from the Holy Dao: All family members¡¯ innate talent and comprehension will be raised by one grade!] Low-grade becomes mid-grade, mid-grade becomes high-grade¡ª for prodigies like Su Buku and Su Yang, the result would be unimaginable. As for the red-grade family member, there was no need to elaborate. Once used, it would summon a family member with red destiny. Such beings carried unparalleled fortune, but were also surrounded by endless crises and deadly traps. Yet once they matured, the nine heavens and ten earths would be nothing more than toys in their hands. And the stronger the family members, the stronger Su Zhou would become. Thinking of this, Su Zhou¡¯s heart burned with excitement. Without hesitation, he used the red-grade destiny family member reward. He knew that this family member would appear in a logical manner, so he didn¡¯t worry about it and instead turned his attention to the other rewards. Chapter 45 - Shocked Yao Chen, 100,000 Divine Origin, Black Dragon Mystic Robe! Chapter 45: Shocked Yao Chen, 100,000 Divine Origin, Black Dragon Mystic Robe! Su Yan felt an indescribable sorrow in his heart. He had once been lifted high, only to fall hard, and now, in the dust, he sought a glimmer of light¡ªbut that light turned out to be nothing more than an illusion. Such disparity was something he couldn¡¯t accept. ¡°All things under heaven must break before they can be rebuilt. Isn¡¯t today¡¯s event also a kind of trial?¡± ¡°I believe in you. Do not disgrace yourself¡­¡± Listening to Su Zhou¡¯s gentle voice, Su Yan almost broke into tears. All these years, aside from his own father, no one had ever believed he could rise again. The rest of the family hadn¡¯t said anything, but their eyes had already spoken volumes. Yet he hadn¡¯t expected that this family leader¡ªwhom he had never even met¡ªwould trust him so deeply. Then, Su Zhou raised one hand. Without any visible motion, a pitch-black giant ruler appeared in his grasp. ¡°Take this Heaven-Holding Ruler. You can use it for weighted body training, or in battle.¡± S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Also, take this cultivation manual and this pill.¡± Looking at everything in front of him, Su Yan felt dazed. He considered himself a cripple¡ªhow could he possibly be valued so highly by the family leader? ¡°You must understand¡ª¡®Heaven is vigorous and a gentleman should strive for self-improvement¡¯!¡± Su Zhou placed the items into Su Yan¡¯s hands. He gently patted Su Yan¡¯s shoulder. Then, his figure flashed¡ªand in just a few breaths, disappeared from Su Yan¡¯s sight. ¡°Sigh¡­ I thought you were just a guy from some minor family¡­¡± ¡°But I never expected¡­ never expected that you would have such a terrifying origin¡­¡± That aged voice once again echoed in Su Yan¡¯s ears. Su Yan was overjoyed. ¡°Teacher! Where have you been all this time!¡± ¡°I¡­ I didn¡¯t dare show myself¡­¡± Yao Chen¡¯s voice carried a hint of bitterness. ¡°What!?¡± Su Yan was startled upon hearing that. His teacher had once been a terrifying being at the Venerable Realm. ¡°Do you remember¡­ that day in Wudan City¡­ the person who appeared there¡­¡± Yao Chen asked cautiously. ¡°That old soldier?¡± ¡°Yes¡­ Even at my peak¡­ he could¡¯ve killed me with ease¡­¡± Yao Chen¡¯s voice trembled with fear. On the broken sword behind that old soldier, he had sensed countless wailing souls¡ªand among those souls, no fewer than dozens were of the Venerable Realm. In other words, that man had at least slain dozens of Venerable Realm cultivators. Even at his peak, Yao Chen figured he would be cut down with a single stroke. ¡°Then Teacher, why do you dare show yourself now¡­¡± Su Yan asked curiously. ¡°Because¡­ your family leader has already discovered my existence.¡± Yao Chen gave a bitter smile and pointed to that pill. ¡°Soul Reflection Pill¡ªa top-tier Heaven-grade pill. Its refinement quality is flawless. Even at my prime, I may not have been able to craft such a thing.¡± ¡°This pill nourishes the soul and helps it solidify¡­ Your family leader is sending me a message¡­¡± ¡°This family leader of yours is no ordinary man¡­ To already possess Heaven Origin cultivation at such a young age¡­ and his body¡­¡± Yao Chen recalled the earlier scene when he saw Su Zhou, and involuntarily shivered. That manifestation¡ªhe had only seen once in his entire life. Stars from the heavens clustered behind him, a divine phoenix circled, and ancient Dao intent descended, exuding a primordial aura more ancient than the ancients themselves. Such a terrifying anomaly had never been seen in the annals of history. ¡°This man¡­ might be¡­ an Emperor wandering the mortal world¡­¡± Yao Chen couldn¡¯t help but speculate. Yet regardless of what this master and disciple were thinking, Su Zhou paid it no mind. [Ding!! Congratulations to the Host for a successful investment!] [Reward obtained: 100,000 Divine Origins!] [Reward obtained: Heaven-tier Flame¡ªPure Lotus Demon Flame!] [Pure Lotus Demon Flame: A mysterious flame that can purify all things. It has the special effect of cleansing everything it touches. Anything that comes into contact with even a trace of it will be reduced to absolute nothingness.] [Reward obtained: Heaven-tier Treasure Equipment¡ªBlack Dragon Mystic Robe] [Black Dragon Mystic Robe: A robe once worn by an Emperor who unified the ages. It contains a trace of the Emperor¡¯s aura. When worn, all damage dealt is doubled!] Looking at the newly obtained rewards, Su Zhou¡¯s eyes lit up. The rarity of Heaven-tier treasures aside, just the 100,000 Divine Origins alone were unimaginably precious. What are ¡°Origins¡±? Origins are a condensed material form of spiritual energy, created only from the purest of energies. Absorbing one Source is equivalent to three days of cultivation! And Divine Origins are the finest among Origins¡ªone Divine Origin equals five regular Origins. That means absorbing one Divine Origin equals fifteen days of cultivation! One Divine Origin fetches a price of 150,000 spirit stones on the market. But Divine Origins are mostly monopolized by supreme holy lands. They rarely enter the open market, and once they do, they¡¯re snatched up instantly. This is because Divine Origins can not only accelerate cultivation¡ªthey can even seal time. Some dying old monsters can use Divine Origins to extend their lives. One can only imagine the preciousness of Divine Origins¡ªand Su Zhou had just obtained a staggering 100,000 of them. That was a mind-boggling amount of resources. Even the entire Divine Xia Empire¡¯s total wealth amounted to only 10,000 Divine Origins. But Su Zhou now had ten times that¡ª100,000! It was unimaginable how terrifying Su Zhou¡¯s current wealth had become. Chapter 44 - Gold-Tier Investment Reappears, the Son of Destiny Su Yan! Chapter 44: Gold-Tier Investment Reappears, the Son of Destiny Su Yan! Upon hearing this, Liu Chengfeng¡¯s expression also grew a bit more serious. ¡°What happened?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll explain,¡± a crisp voice rang out. The speaker was dressed in luxurious attire, with stunning features and a graceful figure. It was none other than the Princess of Divine Xia Empire, Ji Ruoyun. ¡°Your Highness!¡± Everyone quickly stood up. ¡°No need for such formality,¡± Ji Ruoyun said with a gentle smile. She then looked at Liu Chengfeng and said, ¡°A few days ago, the Tianhan Empire challenged us under the pretense of a national war.¡± ¡°They¡¯re using this inheritance secret realm as the premise¡ªwhoever gains the inheritance can strip the opposing nation of its ¡®conferred character¡¯.¡± ¡°You should know that within the Tiandu Domain where we reside, many nations have long coveted our lands. If the Divine Xia Empire loses its ¡®conferred character¡¯, we will become the target of all sides!¡± ¡°If the Su Family truly has a Star-Holding powerhouse, perhaps they can help us win this match.¡± At this moment, the unrestrained look Liu Chengfeng had earlier was long gone. ¡°I can go and give it a try¡­¡± Liu Chengfeng said. Because Liu Chengfeng had decisively given the Su Family four entry slots before, the Su Family had always treated him quite well. ¡°What is your view of the Su Family¡­?¡± Ji Ruoyun looked toward him. Ji Ruoyun knew Liu Chengfeng¡¯s capabilities. But ever since he left the Su Family, he had never explained why he gave them four entry slots. One must know, even the royal family only had three. What qualifications did the Su Family have to get an extra one? Liu Chengfeng, who had always kept silent about the Su Family, furrowed his brows slightly. He had seen the mountain of corpses and sea of blood behind that old black-robed soldier. He had seen the Golden Luck Dragon above the Su Residence, its claws pressing down upon the heavens. In his heart, the Su Family was like a giant dragon¡ªnot something to speak of lightly. Faced with the princess¡¯s inquiry, he simply replied, ¡°If the Su Family agrees, there will be nothing to worry about¡­¡± As soon as those words were spoken, everyone looked at each other. The meaning behind those words¡­ ran deep. ¡­ Over the past few days, Su Zhou had also been extremely busy, relocating the Spirit Gathering Formation that had originally been placed in Tianwu City. This made the already dense spiritual energy even more terrifying. He also improved various internal systems, restructured the personnel of each peak, and summoned the other branch families to return. It kept him bustling non-stop. Wudan City was quite far from the Lingxiao Blessed Land, and it was only today that they finally made it back. As soon as they entered the blessed land, Su Buku and the others were completely shocked by what they saw. The spiritual energy, almost tangible, constantly stimulated their dantians. Above the sky, a faintly discernible coiling figure drifted through the clouds. Su Yang even spotted several sacred, noble Heavenly Horses lounging contentedly at the roadside. Not even the sacred lands of his past life had sights like these. Su Yan and Su Buku were already stunned. They had never seen anything like this before. The moment they stepped into the Lingxiao Blessed Land¡ª A soft, ethereal voice rang in Su Zhou¡¯s ears. [Ding!! Gold-tier family member detected. Investment possible!] ¡°Oh? Another gold-quality family member!¡± Curiosity rose in his eyes, and then with a thought¡ª His figure, like azure lightning, appeared in front of Su Yan in the blink of an eye. By then, Su Buku and the others had already gone to report their tasks, leaving only Su Yan behind. ¡°You¡­ are Su Yan,¡± Su Zhou said softly as he looked at the thin young man before him. Facing this towering figure, Su Yan instantly guessed the man¡¯s identity. There was only one person who could come and go freely in the Su Family and exude such a presence¡­ ¡°Family Leader, I am indeed Su Yan¡­¡± Su Yan bowed hurriedly. At the same time, he carefully observed the family leader before him. Along the way, he had heard many things about this family leader from Su Yang and Su Buku. From near destruction to the founding of a blessed land. Everything the family now had was lifted single-handedly by this man. It could be said that the Su Family owed everything to this mysterious and unpredictable family leader. ¡°A heart with blazing fire, capable of burning the heavens, yet able to hide in dust¡­¡± ¡°Not bad!¡± Su Zhou said, as a semi-transparent panel appeared before him. [Name: Su Yan] [Destiny: Gold] [Comprehension: Heaven¡¯s Chosen] [Constitution: Heaven¡¯s Chosen] [Realm: Blood Tempering, Third Stage] [Aptitude: Ten Thousand Fire Dao Spirit Body] [Ten Thousand Fire Dao Spirit Body: Naturally attuned to exotic flames, with innate perception of the Dao of Fire. Can ascend through special means.] [Fortune: Within his ring lies the hidden divine soul of a fallen Venerable, now awakened.] [Quality Rank: Mortal £¼ Commoner £¼ Superior £¼ Genius £¼ Heaven¡¯s Chosen £¼ Peerless £¼ Monster £¼ World-Suppressing £¼ Heaven-Grasping] ¡°So the ring really does have an old grandpa inside¡­¡± Looking at the panel, Su Zhou couldn¡¯t help but think to himself. [Ding!! Gold-tier family member detected. Investment possible!] [Invest in Soul Reflection Pill to receive: 100,000 Divine Origin!] [Invest in Dao of Fiery Heaven and Earth to receive: Pure Lotus Demon Flame!] [Invest in Profound-grade treasure Heaven-Holding Ruler to receive Heaven-grade treasure: Black Dragon Mystic Robe!] ¡°Family Leader¡­ Right now, I¡¯m nothing more than a useless third-stage Blood Tempering cultivator¡­¡± Su Yan said with a hint of bitterness. He had once thought he could rise again, but for some reason, the divine soul in his ring had gone silent for a long time. Once again, he had become¡­ a failure. Time and again he was given hope, only to be cast into despair. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 45 - Shocked Yao Chen, 100,000 Divine Origin, Black Dragon Mystic Robe! Chapter 45: Shocked Yao Chen, 100,000 Divine Origin, Black Dragon Mystic Robe! Su Yan felt an indescribable sorrow in his heart. He had once been lifted high, only to fall hard, and now, in the dust, he sought a glimmer of light¡ªbut that light turned out to be nothing more than an illusion. Such disparity was something he couldn¡¯t accept. ¡°All things under heaven must break before they can be rebuilt. Isn¡¯t today¡¯s event also a kind of trial?¡± ¡°I believe in you. Do not disgrace yourself¡­¡± Listening to Su Zhou¡¯s gentle voice, Su Yan almost broke into tears. All these years, aside from his own father, no one had ever believed he could rise again. The rest of the family hadn¡¯t said anything, but their eyes had already spoken volumes. Yet he hadn¡¯t expected that this family leader¡ªwhom he had never even met¡ªwould trust him so deeply. Then, Su Zhou raised one hand. Without any visible motion, a pitch-black giant ruler appeared in his grasp. ¡°Take this Heaven-Holding Ruler. You can use it for weighted body training, or in battle.¡± S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Also, take this cultivation manual and this pill.¡± Looking at everything in front of him, Su Yan felt dazed. He considered himself a cripple¡ªhow could he possibly be valued so highly by the family leader? ¡°You must understand¡ª¡®Heaven is vigorous and a gentleman should strive for self-improvement¡¯!¡± Su Zhou placed the items into Su Yan¡¯s hands. He gently patted Su Yan¡¯s shoulder. Then, his figure flashed¡ªand in just a few breaths, disappeared from Su Yan¡¯s sight. ¡°Sigh¡­ I thought you were just a guy from some minor family¡­¡± ¡°But I never expected¡­ never expected that you would have such a terrifying origin¡­¡± That aged voice once again echoed in Su Yan¡¯s ears. Su Yan was overjoyed. ¡°Teacher! Where have you been all this time!¡± ¡°I¡­ I didn¡¯t dare show myself¡­¡± Yao Chen¡¯s voice carried a hint of bitterness. ¡°What!?¡± Su Yan was startled upon hearing that. His teacher had once been a terrifying being at the Venerable Realm. ¡°Do you remember¡­ that day in Wudan City¡­ the person who appeared there¡­¡± Yao Chen asked cautiously. ¡°That old soldier?¡± ¡°Yes¡­ Even at my peak¡­ he could¡¯ve killed me with ease¡­¡± Yao Chen¡¯s voice trembled with fear. On the broken sword behind that old soldier, he had sensed countless wailing souls¡ªand among those souls, no fewer than dozens were of the Venerable Realm. In other words, that man had at least slain dozens of Venerable Realm cultivators. Even at his peak, Yao Chen figured he would be cut down with a single stroke. ¡°Then Teacher, why do you dare show yourself now¡­¡± Su Yan asked curiously. ¡°Because¡­ your family leader has already discovered my existence.¡± Yao Chen gave a bitter smile and pointed to that pill. ¡°Soul Reflection Pill¡ªa top-tier Heaven-grade pill. Its refinement quality is flawless. Even at my prime, I may not have been able to craft such a thing.¡± ¡°This pill nourishes the soul and helps it solidify¡­ Your family leader is sending me a message¡­¡± ¡°This family leader of yours is no ordinary man¡­ To already possess Heaven Origin cultivation at such a young age¡­ and his body¡­¡± Yao Chen recalled the earlier scene when he saw Su Zhou, and involuntarily shivered. That manifestation¡ªhe had only seen once in his entire life. Stars from the heavens clustered behind him, a divine phoenix circled, and ancient Dao intent descended, exuding a primordial aura more ancient than the ancients themselves. Such a terrifying anomaly had never been seen in the annals of history. ¡°This man¡­ might be¡­ an Emperor wandering the mortal world¡­¡± Yao Chen couldn¡¯t help but speculate. Yet regardless of what this master and disciple were thinking, Su Zhou paid it no mind. [Ding!! Congratulations to the Host for a successful investment!] [Reward obtained: 100,000 Divine Origins!] [Reward obtained: Heaven-tier Flame¡ªPure Lotus Demon Flame!] [Pure Lotus Demon Flame: A mysterious flame that can purify all things. It has the special effect of cleansing everything it touches. Anything that comes into contact with even a trace of it will be reduced to absolute nothingness.] [Reward obtained: Heaven-tier Treasure Equipment¡ªBlack Dragon Mystic Robe] [Black Dragon Mystic Robe: A robe once worn by an Emperor who unified the ages. It contains a trace of the Emperor¡¯s aura. When worn, all damage dealt is doubled!] Looking at the newly obtained rewards, Su Zhou¡¯s eyes lit up. The rarity of Heaven-tier treasures aside, just the 100,000 Divine Origins alone were unimaginably precious. What are ¡°Origins¡±? Origins are a condensed material form of spiritual energy, created only from the purest of energies. Absorbing one Source is equivalent to three days of cultivation! And Divine Origins are the finest among Origins¡ªone Divine Origin equals five regular Origins. That means absorbing one Divine Origin equals fifteen days of cultivation! One Divine Origin fetches a price of 150,000 spirit stones on the market. But Divine Origins are mostly monopolized by supreme holy lands. They rarely enter the open market, and once they do, they¡¯re snatched up instantly. This is because Divine Origins can not only accelerate cultivation¡ªthey can even seal time. Some dying old monsters can use Divine Origins to extend their lives. One can only imagine the preciousness of Divine Origins¡ªand Su Zhou had just obtained a staggering 100,000 of them. That was a mind-boggling amount of resources. Even the entire Divine Xia Empire¡¯s total wealth amounted to only 10,000 Divine Origins. But Su Zhou now had ten times that¡ª100,000! It was unimaginable how terrifying Su Zhou¡¯s current wealth had become.