C5 Heavily Injured!

The middle-aged man, realizing the old master had arrived, decided that discretion was the better part of valor. He thought to himself, "I'll deal with these kids another time." With that, he used a forbidden technique and slipped away.

Before they saw him, they heard his voice—a kind and gentle middle-aged man appeared before them. Su Changyi and Su Rou were delighted and greeted him, "Fourth Uncle."

Su Qingxue and Su Cheng also paid their respects, not daring to be disrespectful.

"Fourth Uncle, you came just in time, but unfortunately, that man got away," Su Changyi said angrily.

"It seems this city isn't as peaceful as it should be," remarked Su Bainan, the fourth in the Su family hierarchy. The man with the mustache had fled toward Fallen Mountain City.

After sighing, Su Bainan quickly noticed the injured and unconscious Su Qianxun. He rushed over to check her pulse, and the others followed suit.

"Uncle, how is she? Junior Sister Qianxun was gravely injured saving us," Su Changyi said regretfully, and everyone fell silent.

If it weren't for Qianxun today, we might have all perished. We must repay her kindness in the future, Su Qingxue thought to herself, a sentiment shared by the other three. None of them had expected that the quiet woman, who spoke even less than the reserved Su Qingxue, would be the one to save them in the end.

"This girl is seriously injured and needs immediate attention. We must get her back to the family to heal her with the Nine Dragon Pearl. I'll take her back first; you all follow later. There's no time to waste," Su Bainan said with a stern expression as he picked up Qianxun, preparing to fly back to the Su family.

Unexpectedly, he felt a grip on his ankle. "Uncle, please, you have to save her. Without her, we wouldn't have survived today," pleaded the four who knelt before him.

Su Bainan glanced again at the frail girl in his arms, struggling to believe that someone at just the second stage of Qi Refining could have saved Su Changyi and the others. Yet, their earnest expressions confirmed it was true.

"Alright, I'll do my best," he replied, then took off.

After gathering themselves, the others prepared to leave. With their kite destroyed, they had no choice but to walk back.

When Su Bainan returned to the Su family, where fifteen brothers and ten sisters were gathered for a meeting, they were surprised to see him rush in with a young girl in his arms.

"Big brother, please help this girl," he said, placing her on a seat as the siblings stood up.

"Fourth brother, who is this girl?" asked Fifth Sister Su Luo, pointing at Qianxun.

"This is the girl who won the Lingzhuang competition. On their way back, they were ambushed. Changyi said that without her, they all would have perished," Su Bainan summarized.

"How is that possible? She's only at the second level of the Qi Refining Stage. How could she manage that?" Su Luo exclaimed, clearly in disbelief.

"It's not about whether you believe it or not. The real issue now is whether this girl can survive," Su Bainan replied, frustrated.

"Bainan, come with me to the secret chamber to heal this young girl. Everyone else, please leave for now," the head of the Su family, Su Baihan, said gently.

Su Baihan exuded a calming presence, much like a piece of smooth jade, radiating a soothing glow.

Once inside the secret chamber, the three of them sat on the cold jade bed, using its healing properties. With the help of the Nine Dragon Pearl, Su Bainan and Su Baihan worked together to heal Qianxun.

Given Qianxun's current level, she couldn't perform any spells. Typically, a practitioner needs to reach the fourth level of the Qi Refining Stage to learn spells that match their spirit root attributes. Qianxun was only at the second level, and even though the quenching fire spell was the most basic, it was too much for her. Her meridians were severely damaged, but her dantian was protected at the crucial moment by a red pearl, preventing a fatal outcome.

Su Baihan and Su Bainan were working on mending Su Qianxun's tendons and fractured bones. However, such healing couldn't be rushed and required time for gradual recovery. Hastening the process could lead to adverse effects.

Every day, Su Baihan and Su Bainan dedicated three hours to help Qianxun heal. During the rest of the time, she lay on an ice bed, which aided in her recovery.

As Su Baihan left the chamber, Su Changyi returned to report, kneeling on the ground to apologize, "Master, I failed to protect my junior brothers and sisters."

Su Rou also knelt, "Master, I am at fault too."

Su Baihan understood they were referring to Su Qianxun's injury. "It's alright, stand up. It's all in the past now. Your junior sister will be fine."

Su Changyi and Su Rou stood quietly.

"You two are the winners of the Spirit Lodge competition?" Su Baihan asked.

"Yes, Master," Su Qingxue and Su Cheng replied respectfully.

"Good. After all these years, your return shows your strong will and dedication to your training. Keep up the good work and bring honor to the Su family," Su Baihan encouraged them.

"We will not fail you!" they responded firmly.

Even the timid Su Cheng, inspired by Qianxun's selfless act to save them, realized he couldn't hide behind others. He resolved to become a true man of courage and strength.

"Everyone, you can leave now. Su Rou, arrange for them to go to the family academy. Changyi, stay. I have something to discuss with you."

The three retreated, leaving only Changyi behind. Su Baihan primarily wanted to understand the attack they encountered on the road, and Changyi was ready to report, so he recounted the events in detail to Su Baihan.

After pondering for a moment, Su Baihan said, "Changyi, send out a signal. Have all the disciples who are out training return to the family immediately. Also, notify everyone to be on high alert throughout the city."

"Yes, I'll do it right away," Su Changyi replied and left.

Su Baihan furrowed his brow. It seemed some people were getting desperate, like cornered animals.

He sat quietly for a while, then took out a painting from a hidden wall, preserved in perfect condition. When he opened it, it revealed a stunning woman. Her eyes were captivating, her smile enchanting, and her beauty was breathtaking. A golden bracelet adorned her wrist, and even from the painting, one could almost hear the melodious jingling of bells.

"Ruoling, your child has returned to the Su family. Rest assured, I will protect her well this time. But where are you?" This gentle man, with tears in his eyes, was filled with deep emotion. As he gazed at the woman in the painting, tears streamed down his face.

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