C30 Hatred

After leaving the Martial Arts Training Field, Su Xiaomei was visibly upset. Pouting her cherry-like lips, she vented to Su Ling, "Elder Brother Su, why didn't you let me give that despicable jerk the thrashing he deserved?"

Su Ling gave Su Xiaomei a look and chuckled. "Sis, you're a lady. Engaging with scum like that would only sully your hands."

"Hmph!" Su Xiaomei let out a cold snort upon hearing Su Ling's rationale, unmoved. "I don't care. If that damned jerk had the nerve to insult you, I'm going to make him pay."

"Eh..." Su Ling found himself at a loss for words. Since Su Xiaomei had joined the Su Family at the age of five, she had always been exceptionally close to him.

Their bond was strong, and even though they weren't blood-related siblings, their relationship was incredibly close.

"Little sis, you've always been the one looking out for your Elder Brother Su. From now on, let me be the one to protect you, okay?"

Su Ling was aware that Su Xiaomei's intentions were pure; she had confronted Lin Feng simply because he had insulted Su Ling. This alone spoke volumes about her loyalty and protective nature towards him.

But what Su Xiaomei didn't realize was the transformation occurring within Su Ling. He was no longer the Su Ling of the past.

"Elder Brother Su, I'm worried about you!" she exclaimed. "That damned brute is an eighth-level body refining Cultivating Warrior. Even though you've advanced to the Sixth Level of Body Refinement Stage, you're still two minor realms behind him. You won't stand a chance."

As Su Xiaomei contemplated Su Ling's impending showdown with Lin Feng on the arena stage, her eyes reddened with concern. She feared for his safety and proposed, "Elder Brother Su, maybe you should skip the Sword King Pavilion Assessment. Or let me take the exam in your place. What do you think?"

"That's not an option," Su Ling replied firmly, shaking his head with a grave look. "Attending the Sword King Pavilion Assessment is a promise I made to our father."

"But, but..."

Seeing the unwavering resolve in Su Ling's eyes, Su Xiaomei realized she couldn't sway his decision, yet the thought of him marching to his death was more than she could stand.

"Don't worry, little sister! I will emerge victorious. Whether it's Lin Feng or anyone else, no one can stop me from joining the Sword King Pavilion."

Su Ling could sense Su Xiaomei's concern for his safety. He stepped forward, gently ruffled her hair, and spoke earnestly, "Little sister, if you're still worried, then come along and take part in the Sword King Pavilion's assessment too!"

"Huh?"

At his words, Su Xiaomei blinked in surprise and asked, "Elder Brother Su, but I don't practice swordsmanship, so why should I join the Sword King Pavilion's assessment?"

"Just for fun!"

Flashing a wide smile, Su Ling took Su Xiaomei's hand, causing her cheeks to flush a rosy hue as she quietly followed him, and together they headed towards the Su Family home.

Before long, Su Ling and Su Xiaomei arrived at the Su Family estate.

In the grand hall, Su Yunshan, Su Hai, and other dignitaries sat with stern faces, seemingly awaiting Su Ling's return.

Noticing Su Ling hand in hand with Su Xiaomei, Su Yunshan narrowed his eyes and rose to his feet, his brow furrowed as he asked in a grave tone, "Ling Er, are you responsible for Steward Su's death?"

"Yes," Su Ling responded without hesitation. He glanced around the hall, realizing that all the senior members of the Su Family were present.

"Mm."

After a brief pause, Su Yunshan nodded and said calmly, "Steward Su was disloyal to our family, and his death is well-deserved. His involvement with the Phantom King's intrusion into our home cannot be overlooked. Now that you've dealt with him, I won't pursue his family for his misdeeds."

"Father, have you concluded your investigation into the Phantom King incident?"

Su Ling's question came with a tinge of surprise. As someone who had been reborn, he wasn't entirely familiar with the power dynamics of this world, and the Phantom King, a figure of dubious repute, left no trace in his current recollections.

"Exactly! The Second Elder has thoroughly investigated the matter with the Phantom King. It turns out that Zhang Jin was behind it all, with the sole purpose of taking your life."

With eyes brimming with icy resolve, Su Yunshan's right palm slammed onto the table, splintering it instantly. He bellowed, "That despicable Zhang Jin! How dare he target my son. The Su Family will have its revenge."

Su Yunshan's stance was unequivocal, mirroring the Su Family's position.

Previously, Su Ling might not have garnered such concern from the Su Family. However, now that they knew his meridians were fully unblocked and he had successfully advanced to the Sixth Level of Body Refinement Stage, the Su Family's view of Su Ling had to shift significantly.

"Yunshan speaks the truth. Ling Er is the future of our Su Family, and that malicious Zhang Jin dared to enlist the Corpse Sect to target him. We cannot let this go unchallenged," affirmed Su Hai, the Great Elder.

Upon learning of Su Ling's awakened talent, Su Hai could no longer stand by while the Zhang Family persecuted him. His expression grave, his eyes a steely cold, he declared, "The Su Family must seek retribution!"

Standing in the hall, Su Ling felt his blood surge with fervor. The words of Su Yunshan and Su Hai effectively recognized his standing within the Su Family.

The once so-called waste of the Su Family was no more! The Su Ling of today possessed the memories of a Peak Ninth Grade alchemist.

"Father, Great Elder, if the Zhang Family wishes to provoke us, then let's engage them. But our immediate priority is the recruitment by Danwu Academy and Sword King Pavilion. The representatives from Sword King Pavilion will be here in three days, and Father, I promise you, I will secure my place there."

Su Ling's calm smile reflected his newfound core status within the Su Family, where his words carried significant weight.

"Ling Er has a point!" The recruitment by Sword King Pavilion is indeed our top priority. Should Ling Er gain entry this time, it will surely elevate the Su Family's standing in Qingyang City," Su Yunshan concurred with a nod.

Su Ling's words now carried a maturity and an understanding of the bigger picture, which brought Su Yunshan immense pride.

"Father, rest assured, I will not let you down," Su Ling declared with unwavering conviction. "Moreover, Su Xiaomei will join me for the Sword King Pavilion recruitment. With her by my side during the assessments, you needn't worry about my safety."

"Hmm?" Su Yunshan paused, taken aback, and glanced at Su Xiaomei with a hint of curiosity. "Little sister, are you truly intending to take part in the Sword King Pavilion's assessments?"

"Foster father, if Elder Brother Su wishes for my participation, then participate I shall!" Su Xiaomei replied, her face brightening with a guileless smile.

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