Chapter 550: Qiu Xi Yu's Wandering Mind

Chapter 550: Qiu Xi Yu's Wandering Mind

January 13th, 2025

At Zhu Ming Gong, they still held a glimmer of hope regarding Su Chen.

Overall, they felt that their chances were slim.

After the relationship with Su Chen had deteriorated to this point, it would be challenging to mend it.

If they were in Su Chen's position, would they be willing to reconcile?

They knew that the chances of winning him over were slim.

But they wanted to try.

The person they had in mind for this attempt was the granddaughter of the Second Elder, Ming Yaoyao.

Previously, the higher-ups at Zhu Ming Gong had considered having Ming Yaoyao get closer to Su Chen.

However, there were numerous obstacles and complications at the time, and the idea never materialized.

Back then, Ming Yaoyao's heart still belonged to the third senior brother of Feng Yu Lou.

When her grandfather mentioned this to her, she outright refused.

But she didn't completely reject the idea.

As a junior member of Zhu Ming Gong, if the sect encountered an insurmountable crisis, she would compromise, set aside her personal feelings, and prioritize the sect's interests.

After the Heavenly Alchemy Expo, Ming Yaoyao was summoned back to Zhu Ming Gong.

Upon receiving Su Chen's letter, the Second Elder immediately sought her out.

Ming Yaoyao also knew what her grandfather wanted to discuss with her.

In the courtyard, the Second Elder of Zhu Ming Gong wore a slightly apologetic expression.

"Yaoyao, this time, Zhu Ming Gong truly needs you to make a sacrifice.

You must have heard about what happened at the Heavenly Alchemy Expo.

To reestablish a good relationship with Elder Su, we need to show him our determination.

And the best way to do that is through a marriage alliance.

By becoming family, our interests will align.

Although we'll have to face the troubles he brings, we can also enjoy the benefits he offers."

Ming Yaoyao nodded, appearing more mature than before.

Unlike the past two years, when she would argue with the Second Elder upon hearing such suggestions, she remained calm.

This change was due to several reasons.

Firstly, Ming Yaoyao was aware that Zhu Ming Gong had recently encountered some difficulties.

Her grandfather and several other elders were deeply concerned about these issues.

Although the Second Elder didn't discuss it with her, she had heard bits and pieces from others.

As the granddaughter of the Second Elder, she had been instilled with a sense of the bigger picture from a young age.

She knew that she no longer had the luxury to cause trouble and needed to consider the sect's well-being.

Secondly, Ming Yaoyao's admiration for the third senior brother of Feng Yu Lou, Xu Junnian, had diminished.

Xu Junnian's performance at the Xuan Ying Conference wasn't particularly impressive.

In fact, he paled in comparison to Su Chen.

After returning to Feng Yu Lou, he seemed to become more petty due to Su Chen's presence.

His dignity and magnanimity faded, causing Ming Yaoyao to lose interest in him.

Zhu Ming Gong had never fully supported the idea of Ming Yaoyao and Xu Junnian being together.

Xu Junnian's family background was ordinary, and he wasn't among the top disciples at Feng Yu Lou.

As the granddaughter of a Zhu Ming Gong elder, she was naturally of a higher status.

Moreover, Xu Junnian hadn't shown remarkable progress over the years.

On the contrary, Zhu Ming Gong's influence had grown stronger.

Even with the alliance between the Odd Tower and the Crystal Pavilion, Zhu Ming Gong remained a significant force in the Jin State, not to be underestimated.

These intertwining factors collectively influenced Ming Yaoyao's decision.

When her grandfather brought up Su Chen again, she no longer displayed the stubbornness she once had.

"Grandfather, rest assured. I know what to do and what to say.

I'll do my best to help Zhu Ming Gong resolve its difficulties and fully win him over."

Ming Yaoyao exuded confidence.

However, the Second Elder of Zhu Ming Gong, upon hearing this, still frowned and shook his head.

"It's not as easy as you think, child.

The situation with Elder Su has escalated to the point where he openly declared his stance in public.

It's not as simple as arranging a marriage alliance."

The Second Elder's concerns didn't seem to bother Ming Yaoyao.

"If Elder Su still has some rationality left, he will choose me.

In terms of appearance, talent, family background, and status, I am the best choice he can find.

He is just an alchemist from the southern Zhou Kingdom, and marrying me would be his good fortune.

For him, it would be a privilege."

Ming Yaoyao's words didn't resonate with her grandfather.

After Su Chen successfully refined the Cicada Pupa Pill, his value was evident.

However, marrying into a powerful family's direct lineage wasn't an easy task.

Arranging a marriage with another sect might only result in a side branch member marrying Su Chen.

Ming Yaoyao was indeed a suitable match for Su Chen.

"Let's talk to Elder Su first and see how it goes.

Perhaps he has already made up his mind and is unwilling to get close to us again.

Even if you are willing to sacrifice yourself for him, he might still refuse to reconcile with us."

Grandfather and granddaughter, each with their own thoughts, were in different states of mind.

Ming Yaoyao was evidently more optimistic and confident in herself.

In comparison, Elder Ming was more worried.

He had met Su Chen in Xia Yu City and knew the challenges ahead.

Su Chen could be reasonable at times.

However, when it came to crucial matters and fundamental interests, Su Chen was difficult to persuade.

Nevertheless, Elder Ming felt slightly relieved.

His granddaughter had finally matured.

She was no longer like before, always being unyielding and uncommunicative.

Now, she would consider and solve problems with him.

After preparations, the two set off for Yuexi City that very night, accompanied by a few bodyguards.

The bodyguards were unaware of their mission.

On the other hand, Second Elder received repeated instructions from Palace Lord Yao Wen.

He emphasized several times that even if negotiations didn't go well, they must not corner Su Chen or cause him trouble.

Palace Lord Yao Wen felt guilty.

He owed Su Chen an apology.

Furthermore, Su Chen had been injured and endangered due to their actions.

The entire Jin State might change its opinion of Zhu Ming Gong.

After the commotion at the Odd Tower and Crystal Pavilion, Zhu Ming Gong had remained silent.

Everyone already knew the truth.

The Jade Essence Pill alchemy techniques in Zhu Ming Gong's possession were originally from Su Chen.

After receiving such immense benefits, they were now turning against him.

This behavior was shameful to many.

Zhu Ming Gong's reputation might suffer and be likened to that of Wuluan Mansion.

Su Chen stayed in Yuexi City for about six days.

Zhu Ming Gong didn't show up, but Qiu Xi Yu arrived ahead of them.

She seemed to have dressed up specially for the occasion.

Already a delicate and beautiful young lady, she now exuded an even brighter aura.

Not only was her appearance more dazzling, but a faint fragrance also trailed behind her.

As she walked towards the tavern to find Su Chen, she attracted countless gazes along the way.

It was only natural for a fairy-like beauty to draw attention.

Of course, there were no foolish young masters from wealthy or official families trying to flirt with her, as depicted in operas.

The locals merely dared to glance at her with awe.

There were no foolish or impulsive people.

Those young masters were not that stupid.

They wouldn't randomly approach and harass others, let alone use force.

If they intended to cause trouble, they would first investigate the identity and strength of their target.

They wouldn't be foolish enough to offend people indiscriminately.

"Senior Brother Su, have you been waiting long?" Qiu Xi Yu asked, her face involuntarily breaking into a smile upon seeing Su Chen.

Her tone was slightly cheerful.

Anyone familiar with Qiu Xi Yu would notice her unusual behavior.

Su Chen was usually perceptive in such situations.

However, Qiu Xi Yu had been cold and distant when they first met, and she continued to be so during their interactions.

As a result, Su Chen didn't think much of it.

"I've been here for a few days, but I still have some matters to attend to here," Su Chen replied.

He invited Qiu Xi Yu to dine with him at the tavern and took the opportunity to explain the situation.

Hearing that Su Chen had arranged to meet here, Qiu Xi Yu felt valued.

Concerned that she might have to wait too long, Su Chen even changed the meeting location to accommodate her.

"I might have to wait a few more days in Yuexi City. Does Sister Qiu have any urgent matters? Or should I go there directly later?" Su Chen asked apologetically.

Qiu Xi Yu readily agreed to wait with Su Chen.

She was delighted to have more time with him.

Over the next two days, Su Chen felt somewhat apologetic.

He did his best to provide Qiu Xi Yu with more guidance on array formations.

Qiu Xi Yu gained a lot from this trip to the border.

She improved her techniques and also acquired many questions.

Su Chen promptly answered all her queries.

He not only provided answers but also concealed certain information.

Occasionally, Su Chen and Qiu Xi Yu would venture outside the city to practice in an open area.

Through verbal and practical guidance, Qiu Xi Yu resolved the doubts that had been troubling her.

By choosing to wait, she gained much more than expected.

Within two days, Su Chen answered all her initial questions.

During a break, Su Chen summarized his observations:

"Sister Qiu has an innate talent for array formations, and her hands are very dexterous."

Whatever was in her heart, she could express through her hands.

Such a talent was truly rare and hard to come by.

However, much of your knowledge about array formations comes from books, and not from actual experience.

There are many things that books can't accurately convey.

The errors in the written word can greatly influence your understanding.

It's best to verify things yourself before fully trusting what you read.

Also, why have you been so absent-minded lately, Qiu Xi Yu?

When setting up arrays, you need to be fully focused, and you should know that.

During the array master assessment, I observed that you were quite concentrated.

Why are you now easily distracted and daydreaming?

Even when I'm talking to you, I can sense your mind wandering.

When you look at me, it's clear you're not listening to my words. What are you thinking about?"

Qiu Xi Yu felt embarrassed and lowered her head at Su Chen's words.

Su Chen was right; in the few days she had been with him, she had indeed been rather absent-minded.

The more she listened, the more she couldn't help but daydream.

Previously, when she was studying array formations, she had never been like this.

Qiu Xi Yu had tried to adjust herself, but she still found it hard to stay focused.

Su Chen, still disguised, did not reveal his true appearance.

As she looked at his face, Qiu Xi Yu couldn't help but let her imagination run wild.

Especially when she thought about what her aunt had said, that Su Chen had an ordinary appearance.

She wondered what her aunt's expression would be if she saw Su Chen's true face.

As she thought about this, she drifted off again.

Su Chen couldn't help but tap her shoulder.

"Qiu Xi Yu, your habit of daydreaming seems to be getting worse.

Even when I'm talking to you, you're not paying attention.

As an array master, you must be focused and vigilant!"

As Su Chen spoke, his tone carried a hint of sternness.

This was indeed crucial for an array master.

Hearing this reprimand, Qiu Xi Yu nodded in agreement.

"Don't worry, Brother Su. When I'm studying arrays, I can stay focused."

Hearing Qiu Xi Yu's explanation, Su Chen shook his head helplessly.

He was somewhat skeptical.

Breaking this habit of daydreaming wouldn't be easy.

Even with his supervision, she still lost focus.

Without his constant reminders, she would surely daydream even more.

Su Chen knew that top talents didn't need constant reminders.

Too many reminders would be pointless.

There was only so much he could do; there was no need to beat a drum that already resounded.

"It's good that you can focus. If you want to improve your array skills, concentration is essential."

On the fourth day of waiting.

The Second Elder of Zhu Ming Gong and his group had arrived and settled in Yuexi City.

Elder Ming asked his granddaughter to freshen up and prepare before meeting Su Chen.

After about half an hour.

Elder Ming, waiting downstairs, saw his meticulously dressed granddaughter and nodded in satisfaction.

"Young people do care about appearances to some extent.

No matter how much resentment one holds, seeing my precious granddaughter's appearance will give them pause."

Elder Ming's words were filled with praise for his granddaughter.

In terms of looks, he truly believed Ming Yaoyao was exceptionally beautiful.

To be honest, many had admired Ming Yaoyao over the years, including some of the top sects in Jin State.

This time, Elder Ming had taken the initiative to bring his granddaughter to meet Su Chen and even intended to recommend them to each other.

Elder Ming believed he had given Su Chen enough face.

Ming Yaoyao accepted her grandfather's praise with ease.

In fact, she also believed she deserved the compliments.

"Grandfather, rest assured. As long as he has the slightest interest, he won't have any reason to refuse me.

In all of Jin State, he won't find a better companion than me.

Before I returned last month, I even tested myself.

I'm just one step away from reaching the intermediate stage of the Fifth Rank.

It won't be long before I can advance to the Fifth Rank.

My achievements at my age should be enough to impress him."

Ming Yaoyao shared her thoughts.

Although Elder Ming, standing beside her, agreed, his brows furrowed as he contemplated.

"Yaoyao, it's best to be a little more humble.

Currently, we feel a sense of guilt for not handling things well.

Don't go there with an arrogant attitude."

Elder Ming lacked confidence in his heart.

His lack of confidence stemmed from his own judgment, not from his granddaughter's unworthiness or lack of qualifications.

After everything was prepared, Elder Ming finally took her to the agreed-upon meeting place.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end