Chapter 673: The Disaster is Someone Close to You
Lin Nuo had spent some time at the Su family, enjoying what they called a reunion dinner.
I must say, the atmosphere here was much better than the one at the Lin household—there was a slight semblance of a family meal.
If only his mother, Xia Hanmo, were present, the vibe would be even more intense.
However, there was one issue: the incessant chatter. These ladies loved to nag, and whenever they met, it was a torrent of words.
Moreover, they always seemed to fixate on one theme: marriage and childbirth. If you weren’t married, it was all about getting married; once you were engaged, the next topic was babies.
The reunion dinner revolved around Lin Nuo, starting with inquiries about Su Lingjiang’s affairs, recognizing Lin Nuo’s contributions, a wave of flattery amid the dining and insults.
He just bowed his head and ate, ignoring their banter. Go ahead and scold, I’ll just enjoy my meal; everyone can mind their own business.
It was all part of getting accustomed to things. As a top-notch villain, one should have a strong psychological resilience. Ever since his rebirth, being insulted daily had become the norm.
Keep talking; all this food is mine!
Lin Nuo piled the plate of braised pork into his bowl and dug in. Su family’s braised pork was truly a delectable delight.
“I’d like to know, son-in-law, what martial art you practice. From what I see, you don’t exude the aura of a strong practitioner. Yet, I know your cultivation level must be considerable. What is your current level? Can you share?”
Su Lingjiang inquired while sitting next to Lin Nuo. Lin Nuo shot him a glance and lazily said a few words:
“Spiritual Realm, Stage Four.”
“Stage Four? How is that possible? I am at Stage Eight, and if you were at Stage Four, you would have lost your life in our earlier encounter. But that didn’t happen; you could even give me a run for my money, and sometimes even outdo me. That’s hardly Stage Four level.”
Su Lingjiang thought Lin Nuo was joking. He was quite clear about the cultivation levels; Stage Four was a world apart from Stage Eight. A Stage Four could barely match ten to thirty percent of an Stage Eight’s strength. To last through three exchanges in a direct confrontation was no small feat.
Yet Lin Nuo had consistently come up with surprises, managing to hold his own against him back then.
However, when facing a Demon Spirit, he was utterly defeated, left dazed while Lin Nuo wiped it out.
Could a Stage Four really pull off something like that?
To be honest, he felt a Stage Four cultivator wasn’t even worthy of picking up his sword.
Let alone to talk about marrying off his daughter; he had no regard for Stage Four.
Of course, his daughter’s cultivation level wasn’t that high either, but she desired a powerful husband to inherit his legacy of chivalry.
Lin Nuo responded nonchalantly:
“That’s the truth; I have no need to deceive you.”
No way, are there still people who judge a person by their cultivation level nowadays?
If you want to assess, how about checking out the neighboring Su Kexin? She’s probably around Stage Three or Four; with her explosive strength, she could take you down.
You’re just short-sighted and unaware; your daughter is the true prodigy here.
“But I just can’t fathom how a Stage Four could defeat a Demon Spirit… and a Phoenix divine beast—these are feats beyond a mere Stage Four.”
“The facts are as they are; believe it or not. If this meal is over, I’m going for more rice.”
“I’ll get it! Leave it to me~ Brother, just relax~”
Su Kexin was quick-witted, taking Lin Nuo’s bowl to refill it. She filled it back up with braised pork, bok choy, and other dishes until it was overflowing.
I must say, Lin Nuo’s family status in the Su household was quite high—everyone was tending to him.
Yet he didn’t act high and mighty; he was down-to-earth, a villain at heart who often roamed the marketplaces and lived like a commoner.
“Mm… that truly exceeds my expectations…”
Su Lingjiang stroked his chin, pondering. He had seen quite a bit, but it felt like he was brushing against a blind spot in his knowledge.
Had the younger generation risen to such levels while he was in seclusion?
What a terrifying thought.
“Perhaps my perspective was limited. I really should learn more from my son-in-law. Son-in-law, I’m sorry I couldn’t be there when you and Kexin got married; I missed your most beautiful day.”
“Ah, Lingjiang, don’t mention it. I wasn’t there either; my mother and I didn’t get to witness it. They were quite low-key and suddenly informed us, leaving everyone in the dark. But that’s okay; although I missed their wedding day, I’m looking forward to their child. Surely, it will be a lovely, smart little one.”
Su Nian, Xiao Yulan, started rambling, causing Lin Nuo to choke.
Cough… we’re talking about kids now? Should the protagonist and the archenemy have a child? Would this child be a hero or a villain?
“Ah, mother, we can’t rush this; it all depends on brother’s wishes…”
Su Kexin covered her flushed face, feeling a bit shy. After all, she was also thinking about kids, but she needed Lin Nuo’s cooperation, as it was a joint matter, right?
She had heard her mother say that having a child required effort from both sides.
“Kexin, you guys are still training. If you’re worried that having a child will affect your training, I can help take care of the baby. I raised you; I have experience, so don’t worry. I’d love to hold my grandchild.”
Su Nian smiled kindly, and when Lin Nuo heard this, it felt just like his own mother, always going on about wanting to hold her grandchild.
Shouldn’t starting a family and having kids be something this villain does? Besides, the target is the protagonist; they’re both way too busy!
If they really paired up, wouldn’t that consolidate the world line, and the protagonist and villain wouldn’t need to operate anymore?
An unexpected development.
“Children are still a long way off; let’s not talk about it.”
Lin Nuo placed his chopsticks down and said seriously. This was no joke; such talks shouldn’t happen. What if a monster were born? That would incur heavenly punishment.
“Mm… it’s not that I’m forcing you. Alright, it’s really your young folks’ matter. We old folks won’t meddle much. But we do need to meet our in-laws; son-in-law, where is your mother?”
“She’s currently away traveling and will take some time to return. There will be opportunities later.”
Lin Nuo quickly found an excuse to deflect; how could he let them meet? If they did, wouldn’t they nag him to death? Even if things didn’t work out, they’d end up with Su Kexin that night.
If that happened, she might explode; Lin Nuo might as well just give in, where’s his dignity?
“I’m full; I’m going for a walk.”
After finishing the last few bites, Lin Nuo set down his dishes and stepped outside.
It was already late at night as he gazed up at the dazzling stars, lost in thought.
The Heavenly Martial Star had fallen; how far off could the Demon Star be?
At that moment, Su Lingjiang also stepped out, and the two men stood together in the courtyard, gazing at the starry night sky.
“Son-in-law, what are you thinking about?”
Su Lingjiang approached, and Lin Nuo turned his gaze towards him.
“Did you inform Su Kexin about the Disaster Star?” he asked quietly.
“No, I still prefer she not get involved.”
“Then don’t tell her; I wouldn’t want that either. Let her be at ease.”
Lin Nuo suddenly became serious and asked another question:
“What would you do if that disaster was someone close to you?”