https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-569-The-Collapse-of-Wuluan-Mansion/13110661/
Chapter 568: News of the Promotion to Hua Jing Spreads
Chapter 568: News of the Promotion to Hua Jing Spreads
January 31, 2025
Within the letter, besides the apology, there was also another invitation for himself.
Qiu Ruoshuang had returned to the Qiu family and would be handling some family matters there.
This time, when Su Chen went back, he would be able to meet Qiu Ruoshuang.
In the letter, Qiu Xiuyu also mentioned that she had spoken to her younger sister, Qiu Ruoshuang, about him.
Qiu Ruoshuang was quite curious about him and wanted Su Chen to help the Qiu family inspect their array formations.
As Su Chen read the letter from Qiu Xiuyu, a smile involuntarily appeared on his face.
He wondered what expression Qiu Ruoshuang would have when they met.
Without a doubt, she would likely be surprised and then delighted.
Su Chen made his predictions and guessed what her reaction might be.
However, in reality, it was highly unlikely that Qiu Ruoshuang would feel delighted.
After some thought, Su Chen picked up his brush and replied to Qiu Xiuyu's letter.
In the letter, he first explained the reason for his departure to Qiu Xiuyu.
It was clear from her letter that she had misunderstood the situation.
Indeed, his departure was not because her father had set a test for him.
In fact, he didn't mind their arrangement of such tests.
Although he found it abrupt, he could understand their intention.
As one of the top powers in Jin Kingdom, it was normal for the Qiu family to have expectations for the friends their younger generation associated with.
After all, the younger generation of such major sects would encounter many people trying to get close to them.
Naturally, the elders of these sects would help their descendants discern who was worth befriending deeply and who was merely seeking personal gain.
Of course, it didn't mean that friends seeking mutual benefits couldn't be made.
Instead, when dealing with such friends, the Qiu family would also consider what benefits they could bring.
Mutual benefits were the only acceptable model for them.
Those who merely sought favors without offering anything in return would not be given a chance by the Qiu family.
Su Chen didn't disapprove of this situation; he understood that this was a normal mechanism for major sects.
In his reply, Su Chen expressed his sincerity.
He assured them that he wasn't angry and that his departure wasn't because of that test.
This was to clarify the misunderstanding to Qiu Xiuyu, so she wouldn't feel guilty anymore.
The truth was, he had simply left because he didn't get to meet Qiu Ruoshuang.
However, in the letter, Su Chen didn't write this directly but instead found a more polite reason.
He said that he needed to focus on cultivating his martial arts.
Although it sounded a bit fake, it was half-true and half-false.
Indeed, this was the reason he had given for his departure.
But after leaving, he did indeed concentrate on cultivating his martial arts.
In his reply to Qiu Xiuyu, Su Chen still agreed to help.
However, he had received this letter a bit late, more than a month after it was sent.
Su Chen wasn't sure if Qiu Ruoshuang was still in the Qiu family's territory.
As a Unification Realm expert, she would undoubtedly have many responsibilities if she wasn't cultivating her martial arts.
Qiu Ruoshuang was the core of the Qiu family.
Many matters required her personal attention and handling.
In the future, she was destined to become the family head.
Although she didn't need to handle everything personally, she had to be informed about the family's overall situation, leaving her with little leisure time.
Su Chen could only respond and wait for Qiu Xiuyu's reply.
To meet Qiu Ruoshuang, he could only wait until she had some free time.
After sending the reply, Su Chen continued with his own matters.
His most important goal in returning to Jin Kingdom was yet to be accomplished.
He wanted to give Wuluan Mansion another taste of their own medicine.
After all the trouble they had caused him, it was time for them to experience the fear and anxiety they had inflicted upon others.
This time, he wouldn't just target the younger generation.
Wuluan Mansion was a major sect with numerous members, not limited to disciples.
There were also many guards and attendants.
Previously, his targets were mostly the disciples who had attacked him.
The younger generation was the future of Wuluan Mansion, and their misfortunes were the greatest concern and source of distress for the sect.
Additionally, the older guards and attendants had rich experience and might have better reactions to unexpected situations.
Initially, Su Chen had only been a Five Pin expert, so he hadn't targeted the guards and attendants due to his strength limitations.
Now, with his significantly improved strength, he could easily handle a few attendants.
Except for a few special attendants, most others in Wuluan Mansion probably didn't possess Hua Jing level strength.
Su Chen could injure several attendants without much effort.
In the past, Wuluan Mansion could keep their younger generation safe by restricting their movements.
But now, don't the other guards and escorts go out as well? If they don't leave the mansion, the entire operation of the mansion might face issues.
This time, Su Chen wanted to see what Wuluan Mansion was like at present.
Along the way, he would also give them a little makeover.
After the Dan Yao Exhibition, the influence of Zhiming Palace had significantly decreased.
With the union of Qilou and Liuli Pavilion, their Dan Yao cultivation had skyrocketed.
Moreover, the variety of Yu Shih Dan Yao they produced had increased significantly.
Compared to Zhiming Palace, these two sects were clearly more valuable.
After the failed negotiation with Su Chen, the Second Elder of Zhiming Palace had the entire sect make a concerted effort.
They all diligently researched Yu Shih Dan Yao together.
They wanted to take Zhiming Palace's Dan Yao cultivation to the next level and reclaim its position at the top of the Jin Kingdom's Dan Yao realm.
But after three to four months of hard work, they had nothing to show for it.
It was a complete waste of time, with no gains whatsoever.
After returning to Zhiming Palace, Ming Yaoyao did not leave again.
Her future undoubtedly lay in succeeding Zhiming Palace.
With her martial arts cultivation almost complete, she was just waiting for the right opportunity to advance to the Hua Jing realm.
Now, Ming Yaoyao had to shift her focus back to the path of Dan Yao.
As the time approached Youshi (5-7 pm), the Second Elder, who had been quite motivated earlier, Ming Yaoyao's grandfather, returned looking dejected.
Before Ming Yaoyao could ask what had happened, the Second Elder spoke up.
"The court has some news about Elder Su."
Upon hearing Su Chen's name, Ming Yaoyao couldn't help but frown.
That day, when Qiu Xiuyu from the Qiu family stood up for him, she had indeed slapped Ming Yaoyao hard.
In theory, Ming Yaoyao should not have been afraid of comparing family backgrounds and statuses.
Throughout the Jin Kingdom, how many women dared to claim that their status, appearance, and abilities surpassed hers? Regarding the woman Su Chen might have found, Ming Yaoyao had always considered herself the best candidate.
But when Qiu Xiuyu from the Qiu family stepped forward that day and even claimed to be Su Chen's partner, it was as if she was slapping Ming Yaoyao in the face.
Seeing her grandfather return looking dejected and mentioning news about Su Chen, Ming Yaoyao had a bad feeling.
It seemed like something unpleasant had happened.
"Grandfather, what's wrong?"
Seeing her grandfather sit down and remain silent, Ming Yaoyao couldn't help but ask again.
The Second Elder of Zhiming Palace wore a slightly resentful expression, and when he looked at his granddaughter, there was a hint of disappointment.
"Su Xing has advanced to the Hua Jing realm."
After hesitating for a while, the Second Elder finally spoke.
His words stunned Ming Yaoyao for a moment. When she regained her senses, her eyebrows furrowed tightly.
"Su Xing? The previous Honorary Elder, Su Xing?"
Ming Yaoyao's reaction was similar to that of others.
Upon hearing the news, her first instinct was to refute and deny it.
In her understanding, Su Chen had just entered the Fifth Realm.
How could he possibly possess Hua Jing cultivation?
"You must be thinking it's impossible, right?
But these are the facts.
He severely injured a Hua Jing martial artist in front of many people.
With this news, do you still have doubts?"
There was a hint of resentment in the Second Elder's tone.
As his most favored granddaughter, Ming Yaoyao had never experienced such an attitude from her grandfather before.
The two of them fell silent, and the sky gradually darkened.
During this summer season, people usually felt hot and stuffy.
But tonight, Ming Yaoyao and the Second Elder felt a chill.
It was that peculiar feeling of being both cold and stifled.
"I've told you before that we should find a way to get closer to Elder Su.
The Xuan Ying Assembly was a perfect opportunity.
I wonder what you were thinking at the time.
Now, others have entered the Hua Jing realm at a young age.
Their mastery of Yu Shih Dan Yao is also top-notch.
You used to be so arrogant, looking down on others.
Now, it's Elder Su who should be proud."
The Second Elder, who was usually rational and pragmatic, surprisingly started to complain.
In the past, he would let things go once they were over.
He was a practical man and wouldn't dwell on past events.
The Second Elder would usually focus on finding solutions.
After all, complaining was pointless and could hinder problem-solving.
But today, this rational man was full of complaints.
Ming Yaoyao's face turned slightly pale.
She didn't refute her grandfather; she understood him well.
Her grandfather's behavior revealed much about the hardships he endured outside.
"Grandpa, did the Palace Master scold you?" Mingyao asked, concerned about her grandfather's well-being.
Hearing his granddaughter's words, Elder Ming seemed to calm down.
"The Palace Master instructed me to bring Su Xing back, and he wants to have a serious talk with him."
"The other elders blamed me for the rift between Su Xing and us, pushing all the responsibility onto me."
"They are quick to shift blame. Initially, we all agreed on the decision together, but now that it's time to take responsibility, they pin all the fault on you, Grandpa."
Mingyao's defense of her grandfather somewhat eased his troubled mind.
Elder Ming was holding in his frustration, and he needed someone to speak up for him.
"Now, Su Xing has become powerful, and his pill refining skills are highly regarded. I can't even guarantee that I can meet him smoothly. It's been so long since I sent out those letters, and there hasn't been a single reply. How can I possibly bring him here when I lack such capabilities?" Elder Ming's face showed regret.
Seeing this, Mingyao felt a sense of unreality.
Once, Zhu Ming Palace had chosen to abandon Su Chen, but now, even a simple reunion seemed difficult.
The grandfather and granddaughter sighed for a long time, eventually resorting to self-comfort.
For Zhu Ming Palace, at least there was some consolation.
The worst-hit was undoubtedly Wuluan Mansion.
After Su Chen's advancement to the Hua Jing realm, Wuluan Mansion had to carefully consider their next move.
As the grandfather and granddaughter discussed, Su Chen was nearing Wuluan Mansion.
Wuluan Mansion had invested significant effort into searching for Su Chen's whereabouts, but to no avail.
They feared that Su Chen might still be lurking near their sect, but despite pouring in resources, they found nothing.
Now, they had stopped searching, yet Su Chen had returned.
This presented a significant challenge.
Defense required far more attention than an attack.
An attack could be planned at any time and place, with the form and strategy chosen freely.
However, for defense, it had to be comprehensive, leaving no vulnerabilities.
Su Chen arrived at Yangchun City and easily found accommodation.
The previous surveillance and inspections had disappeared.
As he conversed with the locals, he hoped to gather information about Wuluan Mansion.
But after numerous exchanges, he barely heard any useful news.
The only slightly useful information was that over the past year, Wuluan Mansion's younger generation had become less inclined to go out.
In the past, during festivals and temple fairs, the young disciples of Wuluan Mansion would spend lavishly in Yangchun City.
Now, with their absence, many local businesses suffered a significant decline in sales.
Su Chen wasn't surprised by this news, but it was likely outdated.
After his encounter with Wuluan Mansion's younger generation, they probably lacked the courage to venture out again.
He had heard about this incident long ago.
The locals seemed unaware of any recent developments.
Su Chen didn't engage in further conversation, knowing that capturing a few Wuluan Mansion disciples would provide him with the information he needed.
With his current abilities, capturing a few disciples would be effortless.
At this moment, Su Chen hadn't taken action against Wuluan Mansion, but the entire sect was already in disarray.
The news of Su Chen's advancement to the Hua Jing realm had spread.
The elders, as part of the Mansion's upper echelon, tried their best to conceal it.
However, no matter how they tried, it was challenging to prevent the news from spreading.
Wuluan Mansion had a large population, and the court was already aware of the situation.
The news had spread throughout Wuluan Mansion eight days ago.
The Mansion's leadership had devised a plan and was now implementing it.
During this time, the younger generation of Wuluan Mansion was in a state of panic.
The western hillside was a popular gathering spot for many young disciples.
Every day, a large group of them would congregate there, but instead of discussing martial arts cultivation, they wore worried expressions and talked about Su Chen.
"The Mansion is making preparations. A fifth-grade Formation Master has been invited to set up a formation ten li away from our Mansion. There's no need to worry too much."
(End of Chapter)
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