Chapter 322: The Su Family Banquet! Su Changqing's Promise!

Chapter 322: The Su Family Banquet! Su Changqing's Promise!

Above the distant horizon of Tianan City.

The prestigious top factions of the continent—Taoist Sect, the Heavenly Alchemy Pavilion, the Holy Academy, the Sword Emperor Sect, and the Little Immortal Sect—were now converging in laughter and conversation.

These factions, which usually had little connection, had gathered here because of Su Changqing. Though they had not known each other for long, they chatted merrily without the slightest hint of suspicion.

They knew very well that anyone acknowledged by Su Changqing, whether a person or a faction, was certainly not a villain.

In the battle of Zhongzhou, they had suffered some losses, but it had been a resounding victory.

While these people had gathered because of Su Changqing, fundamentally, they were also here to support the Su Family.

Thus, it was only right that the Su Family warmly welcomed them with a grand feast.

Moreover, today was Su Changqing's first day back home, and so many powerful figures had come.

At this moment, Tianan City was bustling with a grand banquet, the aroma of wine wafting through the air.

"Hey, Tianan City's 'Hundred Ferments Wine' is renowned far and wide. Looks like we'll be drinking to our heart's content today."

Seeing the grand preparations in the distance, Wu Jiuling laughed heartily, raising his wine gourd for a large gulp.

Xuanyan, Miao Ba, Ye Jingshan, and the others, seeing the Su Family's respect, also smiled broadly.

"Ha ha ha, today, our Su Family has plenty of wine. We won't stop until everyone is thoroughly drunk!"

Su Nan laughed, looking at Wu Jiuling, "Old Wu, today you'll be crawling under the tables!"

"Ha, as if."

Wu Jiuling sneered, "I've been drinking for nearly a hundred years. Do you think you can outdrink me?"

Before Su Nan could respond, Ye Jingshan teased, "You wish you could."

"Without the wine I've brewed, you'd have probably met Ancestor Wu long ago."

Everyone burst into laughter, and Su Nan added with a smirk:

"You don't know, when I asked Old Wu to take on a disciple, he was practically in tears."

"If I hadn't threatened him with the Great Azure Spear, he would have fought me to the death."

The laughter grew louder, and Su Changqing couldn't help but smile at the story.

They hadn't realized there had been such a thing back then.

"You brute!"

Noticing the teasing gazes, Wu Jiuling glared fiercely at Su Nan.

"Just wait, I'll drink you under the table!"

...

Amidst the laughter, they arrived at the entrance of Tianan City.

"So this is the Su Family."

Su Changqing looked at the grand city gates, his eyes somewhat dazed.

This was the true Su Family.

But for some reason, the dilapidated fence of Qing Shan Village in his memory felt more comforting than these magnificent gates.

"Welcome home, Young Master!"

Just as Su Changqing was lost in thought, a large crowd approached the entrance of Tianan City.

Everyone, regardless of age or gender, bowed deeply to Su Changqing.

Su Changqing looked at them.

Among them were the excited and admiring young people, the nervous and hesitant elders, and the proud and satisfied older family members.

Their expressions and actions varied, but the one thing they all shared was a deep, genuine sense of kinship.

"Blood ties..."

Su Changqing stood there, his gaze sweeping over each person in the Su Family.

It was as if he wanted to remember everyone, to engrave them in his blood.

Su Nan, Wu Jiuling, Xuanyan, Ye Jingshan, and the others remained silent, watching without interruption.

After being raised in poverty for twenty years, no one could understand Su Changqing's feelings upon returning home for the first time.

After a long while, Su Changqing finally smiled warmly and returned the bow to the Su Family members.

"Everyone, please take care of me from now on."

As he spoke, everyone laughed heartily.

The young, fearless members of the Su Family immediately surrounded Su Changqing.

"Brother Changqing, can I see your sword? The Sword God's sword, I've dreamed of touching it!"

"Go away, you don't know manners. The Sword God's sword isn't something you can touch casually, Brother Changqing... Hey, is the Sword Emperor Sect still taking new disciples?"

"Brother Changqing, tell us, how did you become so powerful at such a young age?"

These young people surrounded Su Changqing, their eyes filled with admiration and excitement, asking questions one after another.

Su Changqing felt no annoyance.

Instead, these familiar young people instantly broke down the slight barrier in his heart.

Looking at the eager young faces, his smile grew, and the tension in his heart seemed to ease.

In the past, the people he dealt with were all top-tier experts or world-renowned geniuses.

Now, mingling with these young people, he realized, somewhat dazedly, that he himself was only in his mid-twenties.

Leaving Qing Shan Village, his strength grew, and his friends gradually increased.

But the smiles on his face and the free time he had became fewer and fewer.

That carefree afternoon, when the young boy ran and laughed freely in the mountains, seems to be gradually fading away.

Now, looking at these versions of his former self, Su Changqing's smile grew wider as he answered each question one by one.

Even for the seven- or eight-year-old boy who wanted to see the Sword God's sword, Su Changqing smiled and casually handed over the Sword of Slaying Immortals.

"Wow!"

"Is this the Sword God's sword? It's so cool!"

The young boy, looking up at the black-and-white Sword of Slaying Immortals, which was taller than he was, had eyes that shone like the sun.

He picked up the sword, pretending to be a master, and swung it casually, making the other boys around him envious.

"Damn."

But at that moment, the boy's father happened to see this and instantly broke out in a cold sweat.

"Damn it, quickly return the sword to Brother Changqing."

"This is an Imperial Weapon."

Seeing his son playing with an Imperial Weapon, the father was nearly terrified.

At this moment, even Su Nan and Xuanyan, who were standing behind, couldn't help but twitch their lips.

Handing over an Imperial Weapon to a child to play with was something even they wouldn't dare to do.

After all, the Imperial Weapons they held were merely inherited, not crafted by themselves.

Even if they tried to suppress the weapon's aura, it wasn't something a child could lift.

But the Sword of Slaying Immortals was different.

It was crafted by Su Changqing himself, perfectly attuned to him, and extended from his body like a limb.

Su Changqing didn't need to suppress the weapon's aura; with just a thought, the Imperial Weapon would restrain all its aura, becoming as ordinary as any other weapon.

His control over the Imperial Weapon far exceeded anyone's imagination.

...

Amidst laughter and a relaxed atmosphere, the Su Family and the powerful guests present took their seats.

Loud laughter filled the air, and the aroma of wine wafted high into the sky.

Su Changqing didn't sit with Su Nan, Xuanyan, and others.

Although he was a junior, his current status was enough to sit on equal terms with anyone.

However, compared to the elders, he preferred to be with his peers.

At Su Changqing's table were all familiar faces.

Niuniu, Shu Han, Ling Si, Chu Xi, and Miao Feng, who had recently emerged from seclusion and followed Miao Ba.

As for Su Zi'an and Su Moyan, they didn't even have the chance to sit down.

There were too many powerful guests from the Su Family today, and they had a lot to handle.

"Thinking back a few years, Changqing's wish was just to become an outer disciple of the Little Immortal Sect."

Niuniu took a sip of wine and teased, "I wonder what you think about it now."

Everyone at the table burst into laughter.

Especially Shu Han and Ling Si, who knew the inside story, wore peculiar smiles.

"It's all because you guys kept it so well hidden back then."

Su Changqing smiled wryly, "Back then, I had no idea about my talent."

"Being able to become an outer disciple and succeed in cultivation was enough to make me feel blessed."

"Who would have thought..."

Su Changqing shook his head and laughed, "On the day I joined, I was ranked first on the Heavenly Pride list."

Everyone's smiles were tinged with nostalgia, as if the past events were just yesterday.

In a few years, everyone had undergone many changes.

"How is Master doing?"

Su Changqing drank a cup of wine and asked Shu Han.

Back then in Zhongzhou, he left in a hurry and didn't have the chance to catch up with his master.

"Master..."

Shu Han sighed, "After helping Master Wei Cang break through, Master left."

"I and my two seniors wanted to follow, but..."

Shu Han shook his head and didn't continue, instead drinking a full cup of strong wine.

Su Changqing fell silent upon hearing this.

He understood his master's thoughts.

Sunk in darkness, tormented by endless desires every day.

He didn't want his former disciples, who once revered him, to see his pitiful state.

With Qingchen Li's departure, it might be hard to see him again.

"No rush."

Su Changqing looked into the distance, "Darkness will eventually dissipate, and I will find a way to cure Master!"

Shu Han nodded heavily, knowing that with the Heavenly Doctor's inheritance, Changqing was Qingchen Li's last hope.

"Alright, it's a joyous occasion, let's talk about something happier."

Niuniu grinned and looked at Miao Feng and Chu Xi, "Shall we introduce these two?"

"Little Immortal Sect, Miao Feng."

"Heavenly Alchemy Pavilion, Chu Xi."

Both were extremely proud, and though they sat together, neither spoke to the other.

They had the same thought.

You won't talk to me? Hmph, I won't talk to you either.

No one could understand the inner world of women, especially proud women.

"Chu Xi is a direct disciple of Dan Sheng."

Su Changqing smiled and said, "Don't underestimate her; her combat strength is formidable."

"She is a born Melting Furnace Imperial Body, with great potential."

Niuniu, Shu Han, and others all expressed their admiration upon hearing this.

At the Fenyuntaif, they had witnessed Chu Xi's strength.

She had held off four top Divine Beasts, a heroic defeat that promised great achievements in the future.

"This is Miao Feng, the direct daughter of the Little Immortal Sect's leader."

Su Changqing looked at Miao Feng and introduced her with a light smile, "She has a natural Phoenix Bloodline."

"Though it was incomplete..."

Miao Feng raised an eyebrow, "My bloodline is now complete."

"I must thank you for protecting me from that Fiend in the Phoenix Secret Realm."

Su Changqing looked surprised, while Niuniu and Shu Han were inwardly startled.

Complete Phoenix Bloodline?

This means that Miao Feng, like the Little Peng King, has experienced a return to her ancestral bloodline!

"Which is stronger, the Phoenix Bloodline or the Heavenly Peng Bloodline?" Niuniu asked curiously.

"It's hard to say", Miao Feng mused. "In terms of offensive power, the Heavenly Peng is stronger."

"But when it comes to recovery and sustained combat, the Phoenix is superior!"

Having undergone the complete lineage, Miao Feng had been completely transformed. She was once just a Heavenly Pride, but now, she could even rival an Imperial Body!

"Strong recovery? How strong?"

"Your flames aren't that impressive either."

Chu Xi raised her head, speaking proudly.

Miao Feng glanced at Chu Xi and said coolly, "Recovery is just average, it can only bring me back to life."

"As for flames, they're also average, but they can revive the dead and regrow bones."

"Whoa!"

The others at the table all drew in a sharp breath at her words.

They hadn't seen Miao Feng in action, but just from her simple description, they could feel the power of the Phoenix Bloodline.

"Revive? That's too unfair."

Chu Xi muttered, her eyes filled with envy.

...

Su Changqing looked at his friends at the table, a smile on his face.

The darkness was strong, but the human race was not weak. In just a few years, everyone had their own opportunities and had transformed, becoming even stronger.

Now, with the Emperor's Path about to open, they would gradually reach their peak!

"By the way, where's Wu Yong? Why haven't I seen him?"

Niuniu looked around, smiling. "That kid did a great job this time."

"When the Great Imperial Killing Array was activated, it helped us hold back many enemies."

Shu Han nodded in agreement. "Indeed, if not for the Wu Family's efforts, we would have lost many more people."

Everyone chimed in, praising the Wu Family and Wu Yong.

In group battles, the role of formations far exceeded that of individual cultivators. Without the Wu Family's assistance, their losses this time would have been even greater.

However, no one noticed that Su Changqing had fallen silent at this topic.

Since his return, he hadn't yet discussed this matter with the Wu Family. The many elders and the family head, Wu De, were still laughing and drinking at a nearby table.

But Wu Yong, his cultivation completely stripped, his foundation utterly ruined, lay quietly in his inner world.

He felt guilty towards the Wu Family. Wu Yong, their cherished heir, had become a cripple because of him.

"Junior Brother Wu Yong."

After a long silence, Su Changqing was about to explain when his divine consciousness sensed something in his inner world.

He saw the previously unconscious Wu Yong slowly waking up, looking around at the unfamiliar surroundings in confusion.

"Let Junior Brother Wu Yong tell you himself."

Su Changqing sighed, and with a wave of his sleeve, Wu Yong disappeared from the inner world and appeared at the table.

"What is this?"

Shu Han and the others were taken aback, not understanding why Wu Yong suddenly appeared.

Wu Yong, who had been confused, understood the situation as soon as he saw Niuniu and the others.

He first checked his own body, then clenched his weak, powerless fist.

"Senior Brother Changqing, why save me?"

Wu Yong laughed bitterly and sat down dejectedly.

"Your cultivation—"

Niuniu's expression changed instantly, and he spoke with a cold, stern voice, "Who did this!"

Chu Xi, Miao Feng, and Shu Han, among others, also immediately stood up, their eyes filled with fury.

The Wu Family had done a great service this time!

But their young master had been stripped of his cultivation and his foundation destroyed, a slap in the face to everyone!

This was not just a matter for the Wu Family; the Su Family would not stand by idly.

"The Buddhist Sect ambushed us."

Wu Yong shook his head bitterly. "And because of me, Senior Brother Changqing lost a magical treasure."

As he spoke, he glanced at everyone, a look of sadness crossing his face.

Once, he had been just like the rest, a son of heaven. But now, sitting among them, he was a mere mortal, weak and powerless.

The stark contrast made Wu Yong feel suffocated, and he wanted to escape as quickly as possible.

"Senior Brother Changqing."

Wu Yong turned to Su Changqing, speaking bitterly, "I want to—"

Before Wu Yong could finish, Su Changqing firmly interrupted, "Junior Brother Wu Yong, do you trust me?"

Su Changqing could see that Wu Yong had given up on life.

If he let Wu Yong leave now, he might never see him again.

"Senior Brother, don't try to comfort me."

"I know my own body."

Wu Yong laughed bitterly. "My cultivation can be rebuilt, and my physical injuries can be healed."

"But the loss of my dantian and the damage to my foundation cannot be fixed by any medicine."

"My body is too thoroughly ruined."

Niuniu and Shu Han's eyes flashed with endless anger and killing intent.

The person who did this was extremely ruthless, leaving Wu Yong without any hope.

"Ordinary methods may not work, but have you forgotten who I am?"

Su Changqing's voice was filled with boundless confidence. "I am the Heavenly Doctor of this world!"

"I can even mend the deficiencies of the Heavenly Dao, let alone a mere physical body."

He looked at Wu Yong and declared firmly, "Trust me. Even if it goes against the will of heaven, I will help you rebuild your foundation, and even surpass your previous self!"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end