https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-553-Truly-Can-t-Forget-About-Qiu-Ruoshuang/13058701/
Chapter 552: The Autumn Family Estate
Chapter 552: The Autumn Family Estate
January 16, 2025
Ming Yaoyao, who had always looked down on Su Chen, took a while to regain her composure.
She had always thought that her interactions with Su Chen were acts of submission and humility.
But now, it seemed that these were all her own baseless assumptions.
She had been arrogant, placing herself on a high pedestal.
In reality, she didn't even register in Su Chen's mind.
What he had in mind was a top-tier heir from the Autumn Family.
Moreover, Qiu Xiyu's appearance was no less impressive than Ming Yaoyao's.
Previously, she had despised Su Chen, looking down on him for various reasons.
Even Su Chen's rejections had left her dissatisfied.
However, all of this came crashing down after Qiu Xiyu's appearance.
Ming Yaoyao had no right or ability to despise him.
Elder Ming turned his head and couldn't help but glance at his granddaughter.
Seeing the surprise and disappointment on Ming Yaoyao's face, he, as her grandfather, did not offer comfort but instead sighed audibly in front of her.
If Ming Yaoyao hadn't spoken those words, she wouldn't have lost face like this.
All that she had experienced today was self-inflicted.
Furthermore, if she hadn't said those words, she wouldn't have lost face so completely.
Zhu Ming Gong and Su Chen could have still cooperated and met amicably in the future.
Their relationship might not have been as close as before, but it wouldn't have been severed.
However, after Ming Yaoyao's words, even the most superficial relationship had been torn apart.
With no face left, it would be difficult to conduct any matters with even a shred of dignity in the future.
The chances of further communication seemed slim.
Elder Ming looked at his granddaughter, knowing that she was also feeling uncomfortable inside.
But the resentment was hard to suppress.
At this moment, Su Chen had already left Yuexi City with Qiu Xiyu.
They were heading north-central.
Su Chen had never heard a detailed description of the Autumn Family's strength.
But during his trip to the border with Qiu Ruoshuang, he witnessed the attitudes of various sect elders from major sects towards Qiu Xing Tian and Qiu Ruoshuang.
This gave Su Chen an understanding of the Autumn Family's influence.
If the Autumn Family wasn't exceptionally powerful, how could someone of Qiu Xing Tian's age command the respect of so many sect elders?
Additionally, with Qiu Ruoshuang, the Autumn Family now had two Unification Realm experts.
Many sect powers didn't even have a single Unification Realm expert.
Having two such experts was enough to prove the Autumn Family's strength and status.
Su Chen had always been somewhat worried about such a powerful family.
He feared that he wasn't good enough and couldn't match their status.
Besides the motivation to counter the crisis brought by Wuluan Mansion, this might have been another reason for his diligent cultivation.
This time, he was visiting the Autumn Family as a guest, invited by a young heir like Qiu Xiyu, which wouldn't draw too much attention.
He could remain slightly calmer and not feel as anxious.
When he visited with Qiu Ruoshuang in the future, he wouldn't be as nervous.
That would be the real crucial moment.
As they traveled towards the Autumn Family's estate, Su Chen couldn't help but smile when he thought of Qiu Ruoshuang's surprised expression.
But this small action had a different meaning in Qiu Xiyu's eyes.
In her eyes, Su Chen was probably thinking the same as her.
It took less than two days to travel from Yuexi City to the Autumn Family's estate.
For the Autumn Family, Yuexi City served as an outpost.
Many visitors would meet with members of the Autumn Family in Yuexi City before heading to the main estate.
Very few people received invitations to visit the family's main residence.
Regular cooperation and exchanges were usually concluded in Yuexi City.
From a distance, the Autumn Family's estate resembled a small town.
The surrounding area was flat, with almost no complex terrain.
Establishing a power base in such terrain required great confidence.
Most sects would rely on mountain ranges and complex terrain for their locations.
Complex terrain allowed them to conceal many sect secrets easily.
As a power grew, it would attract competition for resources.
After acquiring resources, they needed the capability to protect them.
Complex terrain played a crucial role in this regard.
Additionally, it was challenging for sect powers to conduct secret activities in such terrain.
Of course, nothing was entirely good or bad.
The Autumn Family must have had their reasons for choosing this location.
While it was challenging to conceal sect arrangements in such flat terrain, it was also difficult for others to hide their intentions upon entering this region.
As soon as they entered, they would immediately be noticed by the Autumn Family.
The Autumn Family might have great confidence in their own strength. As long as they keep an eye on all outsiders who approach, even if they carry out some plans in public, how would outsiders know?
Su Chen had actually already noticed this. When they were within fifty li, someone was already watching him. Perhaps it was because Qiu Xi Yu, a member of the Autumn Family, was by his side. These people merely observed discreetly and did not cause any further disturbance.
"Over there is the Moonlit Pond. In the summertime, the pond water is still cool. When I was little, I often played and frolicked in it. There's also a stream on the southwest side, and in the summer, there are plenty of fish and shrimp. Now, thinking back to my childhood, I feel happy."
People are like this; in front of someone they are fond of, they can't help but talk about things that make them happy.
"I used to love summer the most. Although the weather was hot, there were so many fun things to do. At that time, I hated the onset of winter the most. The elders would return and start examining our studies. Sometimes, we couldn't even sleep for two hours a day."
Great families have different expectations in these aspects. Although they allow their younger generations to act freely, they usually impose stricter requirements on their heirs.
Su Chen walked beside Qiu Xi Yu, listening attentively. This state of his made Qiu Xi Yu feel very comfortable. In recent years, the men she met were always eager to show off. They would talk incessantly in front of her, constantly boasting about themselves in their words, as if trying to portray themselves as celestial immortal princes. But Su Chen was different; he listened earnestly to her words, and she appreciated him even more for it.
Sometimes, to make others like you, you don't need to keep talking about how powerful and exceptional you are. Moreover, telling others is often useless. No matter how powerful or excellent you are, it's not something you can just say. Many times, even if you say it, others won't believe you. For a top-tier power like the Autumn Family, they don't need to boast; everyone already knows they are extraordinary.
"Now that I think about it, I finally understand the hardships of the elders. In the summer, the border is particularly active with demonic beasts. The elders in the family rarely have free time. Even when they return, they don't have much energy to spare for us younger ones. Only in the winter, when those demonic beasts hide away, do they have time and leisure."
Qiu Xi Yu spoke with a hint of sentiment as she reached this part. The two continued forward, and when they arrived at the Moonlit Pond, she waved at the clear water in the pond.
It was late February, and there were some ice chips in the pond, but it wasn't completely frozen. Jin State, located north of Zhou State, actually has a colder climate. This area was clearly a bit special; even in winter, it was warmer than many other places.
"When we were little, we often played here in the summer. Our slightly older aunts and uncles would also come and play with us. Thinking back, it was all so joyful."
As Su Chen heard this, he felt a hint of curiosity. "Would your little aunt, Qiu Ruoshuang, play with you too?"
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Upon hearing Qiu Ruoshuang's name, Qiu Xi Yu quickly shook her head. "Aunt Ruoshuang is different. She displayed extraordinary martial talent at a very young age. When we were playing, she was probably already close to the Transformation Realm. She had already started getting involved in many important matters within the clan. Where would she have the time to play with us? Now that I think about it, Aunt Ruoshuang has had a tough life since she was little, with almost no rest."
When it came to Qiu Ruoshuang, Qiu Xi Yu couldn't help but feel a bit of sympathy. Su Chen felt that Qiu Xi Yu didn't truly understand her little aunt. A top-tier genius like Qiu Ruoshuang had a different concept of rest compared to ordinary people. While ordinary people would feel exhausted after reading a cultivation manual, Qiu Ruoshuang might consider that as rest. Rest didn't necessarily mean lying down and doing nothing.
Su Chen could sense this during his time with Qiu Ruoshuang. How could someone with such extraordinary talent be the same as ordinary people? However, Qiu Ruoshuang had devoted her thoughts to cultivation and training since childhood, and indeed, she had less joy and happiness compared to others.
As they talked, the two had already reached the outskirts of the Autumn Family's manor. There were quite a few people around, and upon seeing Qiu Xi Yu, they would nod and greet her, "Miss Xi Yu."
These people were likely servants and subordinates of the Qiu Clan.
As a member of the heir lineage of the Qiu Clan, Qiu Xi Yu naturally commanded respect.
But when they looked at Su Chen, their expressions turned peculiar.
Mostly, it was a mix of surprise and curiosity.
Qiu Xi Yu, alone, was leading a man back to the Qiu Clan.
This was something they never expected.
Moreover, they had reached this location.
It seemed that some of the Qiu Clan's elders had already given their approval.
The two walked into the Qiu Clan's manor.
The entire Qiu Clan was like a small town.
The area where Su Chen and Qiu Xi Yu currently stood was just a small part of the Qiu Clan's territory.
Most likely, it was the residence of Qiu Xi Yu's branch.
Inside the manor, it was indeed like a city.
There were wide roads all around.
Along the way, some of the courtyards were residential, while others served specific functions.
For example, there were pharmacies and equipment rooms.
Qiu Xi Yu led Su Chen through a slightly roundabout route.
Instead of taking the main road, she chose a less-traveled path.
Qiu Xi Yu herself didn't mind.
She just wanted to help Su Chen avoid some embarrassment and unnecessary explanations.
Otherwise, they might encounter other elders, leading to a lengthy conversation.
It would waste time, and Su Chen would likely feel awkward and struggle to respond.
Furthermore, Qiu Xi Yu didn't consider these matters important.
As long as her direct elders were satisfied with Su Chen, that was enough.
Whether the other elders of the Qiu Clan were pleased or not didn't matter.
At most, they could only offer suggestions.
In the end, the only thing that mattered was satisfying her direct elders.
After turning a few corners, Su Chen and Qiu Xi Yu arrived at a spot before a road.
To ordinary people, it might not seem like anything special.
But Su Chen clearly saw the situation before him.
There was an array formation blocking the way, and it was set up discreetly.
There were many types of array formations, and most array masters' formations were easily discernible.
In fact, many array masters intentionally made their formations visible to others.
This visibility helped prevent accidental intrusions.
Most array formations were designed to counter demonic beasts.
But the formations here were incredibly discreet, blending seamlessly with the surroundings.
This indicated that these formations were meant to deter humans.
Su Chen paused for a moment, and before he could speak, an old man emerged from the shadows.
"Elder Ding."
Qiu Xi Yu smiled slightly; the old man before her seemed to be someone she was close to.
However, on this day, facing Qiu Xi Yu, Elder Ding appeared stern.
"Xi Yu, you go back first. I have a few words for this young man, Su."
"Elder Ding, about Su..."
"You go back first. I know how to handle this."
Elder Ding was stern, leaving no room for negotiation with Qiu Xi Yu.
Usually, he was very kind to her.
Only when she indulged in playfulness would he offer gentle reminders.
But these reminders were always gentle and well-intentioned.
The clan often said that Elder Ding's indulgence would spoil Qiu Xi Yu.
So, while he was her primary teacher in array formations, the task of overseeing her studies fell to her aunt, Qiu Yinan.
This arrangement further indicated that Elder Ding was somewhat indulgent towards Qiu Xi Yu.
But today, Elder Ding was not showing any leniency.
Qiu Xi Yu wanted to say something more, but with Elder Ding's stern insistence on her departure, she found it hard to persist.
Several maidservants by her side stepped forward and, at Elder Ding's instruction, led her away into the depths of the courtyard.
As Qiu Xi Yu walked away, Elder Ding's gaze finally settled on Su Chen.
"I've heard that you, young Su, have a profound understanding of array formations.
Your performance in Pebble City was astounding, leaving everyone in awe.
Even the array masters of the Array Alliance were impressed by you.
Is this true?"
Elder Ding's tone was stern, almost interrogative.
Upon hearing this, Su Chen respectfully bowed to Elder Ding.
"I have a basic understanding of array formations.
The elders of the Array Alliance are overly praising me; they have a high opinion of me."
Su Chen's response didn't please Elder Ding.
Such humble words held no value for him.
"I hope your words are a show of humility and not a lack of skill.
There are array formations blocking the way here.
Let's discuss other matters after you pass through them."
With that, Elder Ding turned and left.
(End of Chapter)
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