C7 Someone Gave Him a Gift!
The news hit the Su family like a bolt of lightning, catching everyone off guard and instilling a sense of impending danger. Su Baihan dispatched Su Baiquan, the twelfth elder of the family, along with a small group of disciples to retrieve and care for those who were severely injured.
In addition, security was heightened. Although the source of the threat was unknown, Su Baihan could sense it lurking nearby. Meanwhile, Su Baihan and Su Bainan continued to treat Qianxun. With the help of a mysterious red pearl, Qianxun's condition began to improve, and she slowly regained consciousness, opening her weary eyes.
The first thing she saw was a familiar face she hadn't seen in a long time. Weakly, Su Qianxun called out, "Dad." Whether it was remnants of the original Su Qianxun's soul or something else, she felt an overwhelming urge to cry, her heart heavy with emotion.
Behind her, Su Bainan was utterly confused, hearing the word "Dad" and wondering when his brother had a daughter.
The two men stopped their work, and Su Baihan helped Su Qianxun sit up. "Ten years have passed, child, and you've returned to the Su family. Well done," Su Baihan said with a sigh and a smile.
"No, no way, man, is this really your daughter? When did this happen? I..." Su Bainan stammered, disbelief written all over his face.
Su Baihan, seeing his brother's shocked expression, interrupted, "Bainan, take a closer look. Who do you think she is?"
Su Bainan glanced at Su Baihan, then turned his gaze to Su Qianxun, who stood calmly under his scrutiny. "Uncle, it's me, Qianxun."
Just those few words sent a jolt through Su Bainan's heart. Her child, her child, had returned.
"I never imagined, after ten years, you'd come back to the family..." Su Bainan turned away, feeling a mix of sorrow and joy.
"Bainan, this must stay between us. If the others don't know yet, let's keep it that way. It's crucial, and you understand the consequences," Su Baihan cautioned.
"Qianxun, you don't resent your father for being so heartless, leaving you for ten years, do you?" Su Baihan's eyes glimmered.
Su Qianxun smiled, "Dad, I don't blame you. I understand this world is about survival of the fittest. As the head of the family, you had your reasons. Besides, being away from the family was the only way for me to survive, right?"
Her clear-eyed analysis struck a chord in Su Baihan's heart. Qianxun, you've grown up, truly grown up. If your mother could see you now, she'd be so proud.
"Qianxun, since you understand, make yourself stronger," Su Baihan said, gently patting Su Qianxun's head, his eyes full of hope.
"Okay," Su Qianxun nodded.
"Big brother, Qianxun can't go straight into the inner hall; it'll raise suspicion," Su Bainan considered for a moment before speaking.
Silence fell as they all pondered the best course of action.
"How about this: I'm already a disciple who excelled in the competition, so I've been placed in the family academy. I can start there and work my way up to become an inner hall disciple," Su Qianxun suggested.
"That's a good idea. In the family, reaching the third level of the Qi Refining Stage qualifies you for the outer hall, and the fifth level gets you into the inner hall. But, Qianxun, the family rules state that if you haven't reached the second level by age fifteen, you'll be expelled," Su Bainan said with some concern. Achieving the third level in just three months is something only those with a rare spirit root can do.
Su Baihan frowned, "Qianxun, don't worry. This time, no matter what, I won't let you leave Fallen Mountain City again."
"Thank you, Dad. Thank you, Uncle. I'll do my best," Su Qianxun replied with a smile.
Su Qianxun left the secret chamber, accompanied by Su Bainan, who took her to the family academy to register and arrange her accommodation.
Su Qianxun's return brought joy to Su Qingxue and Su Cheng. Even the usually reserved Su Qingxue managed a faint smile. Although Qianxun's injuries weren't severe, they weren't fully healed either, requiring her to meditate daily for a full recovery.
Qianxun joined Su Qingxue and Su Cheng to attend lectures from the family elders. It was said that she could also visit the family's library to explore relevant books, which was a great opportunity for her. Su Baihan and Su Bainan gifted her various healing pills and some money, aiding her recovery. With the help of these pills, Qianxun's skills improved day by day.
The next day, Qianxun headed to Fallen Mountain City to purchase some items. In a city where ordinary people and cultivators coexisted, transactions were typically conducted with money, except in shops catering specifically to cultivators, where spirit stones were used.
Qianxun first bought some cinnabar, talisman paper, and a fine talisman brush. The streets were bustling with activity, filled with the sounds of vendors and the mingling scents of food and perfume.
She stopped at a place called "Treasure Pavilion," where beautiful attendants, who were low-level cultivators, waited at the entrance. Qianxun stepped inside.
"Welcome! How can I assist you today?" the saleswoman asked with a warm smile.
"I'm looking for something that offers protection," Qianxun replied. In these uncertain times, it was wise to have some form of defense to ensure one's safety.
"Please, follow me," the saleswoman said, leading Qianxun through the store.
For women, protective items often came in the form of jewelry—hairpins, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.
"Do you have anything of higher quality?" Qianxun inquired.
The saleswoman hesitated, "We do, but I'm afraid they might be beyond your current budget."
Ah, that made sense. Carrying spirit stones was cumbersome, and she hadn't brought much cash or stones with her today.
"Do you have anything for storage?" Qianxun asked further.
"Certainly, miss. Would you prefer a storage bag, ring, or bracelet?" the saleswoman replied, still smiling.
"Get this lady a storage ring," a cheerful voice interjected from behind before Qianxun could respond.
"Ah, Mr. Fuqi, welcome! I apologize for not greeting you sooner," the saleswoman said respectfully. "I'll fetch the item right away."
Qianxun turned to see Fuqi, dressed in dark attire, casually fanning himself with a slight smile. He approached her with an air of confidence, saying, "A fine item for a fine lady."
"Thank you, sir. May I know where you live? Once I have the means, I'll repay you," she said, accepting the gift without hesitation, as it was something she truly needed.
"Consider it a token of our first meeting, my lady. As for where I live, it's just a humble abode, not worth mentioning. I'm sure we'll meet again if fate allows," Fuqi replied, his eyes unabashedly appraising Su Qianxun.
After the maid collected the item and Fuqi paid, Qianxun discreetly noted the amount and excused herself, saying she had matters to attend to.
Once outside the shop, she felt a sense of relief. There was something off about Fuqi that she couldn't quite pinpoint, but she knew one thing for sure—she needed to keep her distance.