Chapter 262: Grandpa, You’re a Spy, Right?!
The Su family of Wang Gu City once had a dark and shameful history that was locked away in the family’s secret vault, unseen by the younger generations.
This scandal was tightly sealed by the Su family’s upper echelon with an iron grip, ensuring most members remained unaware. Only a handful of elderly men, with their snow-white beards and hair, in the oldest temple of the family, might still recall that incident from their faded memories.
Once, they were almost wiped out by a single individual!
Back when the Su family of Wang Gu City was at its peak, it was on the verge of becoming a fifth-rate aristocratic family. All because some young cultivator was looking for his fellow female disciple, the family fell from grace overnight and dropped to a third-rate status. The past glory was but a memory.
If not for the intervention of the Immortal Alliance, the Su family might have vanished entirely into the annals of history.
Everything started with a woman.
That tragic event nearly exterminated the Su family, casting a long shadow over Old Master Su’s heart.
Had he known that young cultivator was so deranged, he wouldn’t have insisted on fighting him, leading to such a dismal outcome for the Su family.
If they hadn’t absorbed the Suzhou branch, they wouldn’t have returned to being a fourth-rate family so quickly.
Sure, now they were back on the fourth-rate list, but they were still far from their former glory.
In Old Master Su’s lifetime, his greatest wish was to see the Su family rise to the pinnacle of aristocratic families once again and regain its former splendor.
…
The courtyard of the Su family estate was massive, sprawling and grand with an elegant yet imposing style. Every detail conveyed the owner’s refined taste and deep roots.
The layout was meticulous, with pavilions, terraces, and lush water features complementing the seasonal flowers. Small bridges and running water created a serene and secluded living environment.
As Qin Wushuang strolled through, eyes casually surveying the surroundings, he couldn’t help but shake his head and sigh, “Quite a bit smaller than before.”
Su Xinghe couldn’t help but feel curious.
Has the Master never visited the Su family?
Before coming, Qin Wushuang had already been briefed on Su Xiaoxiao’s situation. Now, stepping into the threshold of the Su family’s compound, seeing the current state and the sisters’ misfortunes firsthand, he felt a sense of responsibility, believing part of what happened was his fault too.
He had to do something about this.
Yun Zhonghe noticed Qin Wushuang’s sighs, mistaking them for him complaining about the inadequacy of the Su mansion.
Though it’s a fourth-rate aristocratic family, the scale and layout here are quite impressive even by cultivation standards, far beyond what Yun Zhonghe could boast of his own residence.
Moreover, the spiritual energy here is plentiful despite not being comparable to a celestial sect like Xuantian Sect. Compared to a place like Cangzhou City, this could be considered a training paradise.
But they weren’t there to marvel at the luxury.
As they walked through the courtyard, they frequently encountered young boys and girls.
These youngsters, seeing Su Xinghe and Su Xiaoxiao, were surprised, whispering among themselves.
“Look, it’s Su Xinghe!”
“That’s her sister, Su Xiaoxiao?”
“She’s so creepy.”
They seemed to be put there purposefully; their words full of mockery aimed to subtly pressure Su Xiaoxiao.
Listening to these whispers, Su Xiaoxiao lowered her head, her hands clenching her clothes tightly, her fingertips turning pale.
“Only these few people?”
“Haha, think just because they advanced to the Yuan Ying stage, they can get away with anything?”
“You’ll see the comedy later; it’ll be messy for them.”
Yun Zhonghe and Su Xinghe frowned slightly.
“It seems the Su family hasn’t changed much over the years,” Qin Wushuang observed quietly.
Meanwhile, in the guest hall, two figures stood quietly waiting.
The white-bearded elder stood at the door, hands behind his back, deep in thought, appearing confident and collected.
Beside him stood his grandson, a gifted youth similar in age to Su Xinghe.
Wearing a spotless white robe embroidered with a black lotus, he exuded an air of sharpness and depth. His figure tall and robust, like a pine tree standing against the wind, his piercing eyes reflecting a sense of superiority.
“Grandfather, they’re here!”
The white-robed youth spoke suddenly, his voice smug and haughty, lifting his chin high as if Su Xinghe were beneath him.
The white-bearded elder nodded slightly, calm and composed, yet his mind churned with hidden tumult.
Originally, he didn’t want to appear at this moment. But since Su Xinghe brought a Yuan Ying-stage protector, he had no choice but to adjust his plan.
If that red-clothed imbecile wants to meddle, he’ll learn the true power of a strong Yuan Ying cultivator!
Being a senior elder of the Su family, he had absolute confidence in his strength. A random Yuan Ying cultivator was nothing to him.
With the Su family’s deep resources, he possessed many potent magic treasures to crush ordinary cultivators, reducing them to ants.
To humiliate and crush Su Xinghe’s dignity, he prepared adequately.
He had to win, win decisively, making sure Su Xinghe would never recover.
As Su Xinghe’s four figures appeared, the white-bearded elder smirked cruelly, his eyes gleaming with cruelty, imagining her defeated state.
The white-robed youth clenched his fists, eager to witness her humiliation.
Their malicious intent was unmistakable.
Su Xinghe’s gaze narrowed, her eyes glinting with anger.
Indeed, she knew today’s turmoil wouldn’t easily subside.
At the same time, Yun Zhonghe was ready for any challenge.
Today, he would stand up for Su Xinghe!
His determination unshakable as a rock.
Just as he was about to step forward, a black shadow streaked across, breaking the tension.
“Ruffians! What do you want?”
Accompanied by a furious shout, Old Master Su appeared as a celestial warrior, flying angrily toward them!
The white-bearded elder saw Old Master’s sudden arrival, and his heart filled with joy, thinking the patriarch was finally going to intervene on Su Xinghe’s behalf.
But…
Smack, smack, smack!
Old Master Su moved swiftly, landing three decisive blows on the pair.
This spectacle stunned even the old man and his grandson. The others, including Yun Zhonghe, were utterly perplexed.
Wait, am I in the wrong scene?
Only Qin Wushuang observed with a cryptic smile.
Old Master Su panted, thankful for his timely intervention which prevented any major catastrophe.
Gaze fierce, he scolded the fallen men, “How dare you violate our family’s traditions, attacking our kin!”
The white-bearded elder: ?!?
This rebuke completely confused the old man.
No way… Grandpa, what’s happening?
Suddenly feeling rather foolish.
Grandpa, I’m merely following your orders!
He couldn’t comprehend why Old Master would suddenly turn against him, his confusion overwhelming.
As he struggled to rise, Old Master Su prevented him with a kick.
Just stay down, why make things worse?
Old Master Su struggled to articulate his thoughts.
Smack, smack, another two impacts, and the white-robed elder finally fell silent.
Old Master Su wiped his forehead, sweating profusely. He hurriedly ordered servants to drag the unconscious duo away, still shaken.
Turning to face everyone, he bowed apologetically, attempting a forced smile, “My apologies, guests. This dishonor in my household is truly embarrassing.”
Then, he assumed an affectionate demeanor, as if the entire incident had never occurred, warmly welcoming Su Xinghe, “Xinghe, come inside. Outside is windy, don’t catch a cold.” He urged the guests to join them, “Please, no formalities.”
Su Xinghe: ?!?
She didn’t respond, leading everyone into the guest hall and settling.
Old Master Su sat down, still a bit flustered from the earlier incident.
Carefully, he glanced at Qin Wushuang, who smiled politely—though his smile carried a chilling cold.
Qin Wushuang! The current master of Xuantian Sect!
The mere thought sent a chill down Old Master Su’s spine. He wondered how Su Xinghe managed to bring such a heavy-hitter with them.
Even though Qin Wushuang was an Inner Gate disciple of Xuantian Sect, internal family disputes shouldn’t involve Xuantian Sect and had no reason to interfere.
Taking a deep breath to calm himself, he feigned ignorance, asking, “Xinghe, who are these guests?”
Su Xinghe introduced Qin Wushuang first.
Qin Wushuang interrupted, “I’m Qin, a protection cultivator for Miss Xinghe, just a commoner.”
Qin Wushuang intentionally feigned unfamiliarity.
Old Master Su reddened further.
Seriously, he announced his name himself, isn’t that a total giveaway?
But he only dared to protest inwardly.
Su Xinghe briefly introduced Yun Zhonghe’s identity. For Su Xiaoxiao, Old Master Su was already extremely familiar.
Had Qin Wushuang not arrived, Old Master Su might have ignored Su Xiaoxiao entirely, feeling burdened by her existence. But now, to maintain the situation, he feigned concern, his false affection more pitiful than real.
Forcing a fake smile.
Yun Zhonghe and co. fell silent, the atmosphere turning bizarre.
They anticipated a tough negotiation, yet the appearance of Qin Wushuang turned everything unpredictable.
Old Master Su feigned curiosity, “Xinghe, Xiaoxiao, why return now instead of continuing your cultivation in Xuantian Sect? What’s the urgency?”
“There’s a matter,” Yun Zhonghe seized the opportunity, explaining earnestly, “Lord Su, I have a close bond with both Xiaoxiao. Thus, I wish to invite her to join me in my cloud residence.”
Before considering any oddities, Yun Zhonghe pushed ahead with his plan.
“Regarding compensation, we propose ten million spirit stones to ensure it doesn’t affect the Su family.”
Ten million spirit stones?
Old Master Su was taken aback, albeit not entirely surprised. But he couldn’t believe Qin Wushuang would show up in such a sudden manner.
At that moment, Qin Wushuang calmly pulled out a beautifully ornate box from his sleeve, smiling and presenting it to Old Master Su.
Old Master Su’s expression twitched. Could he accept this money?
Just then, a mocking laughter erupted from behind the guest hall.
“Ten million spirit stones? Well, let’s see…”
Crash!
Old Master Su recoiled, realizing another scheme was unfolding. Originally, they intended to swap out the wealth, but swapping with Qin Wushuang? That’s s*icide!
Without hesitation, Old Master Su leaped instantly, rushing toward the back. His moves exaggerated, shocking even Yun Zhonghe.
Old Master Su darted forward, and heavy thudding sounds ensued, quickly followed by the drag.
As others reacted, Old Master Su had the laughing man pinned and dragged out of the audience’s sight.
“…” Everyone stared in shock.
Laughing heartily, Old Master Su returned to the group, bl**d on his face, “Misunderstanding, folks. Nothing to worry about.”
Yun Zhonghe asked quizzically, “What about the…?”
Old Master Su waved dismissively, “Absolutely fine! We’re open-minded. Xiaoxiao can go wherever she wishes.”
To this easy resolution, Yun Zhonghe, Su Xinghe, and Su Xiaoxiao exchanged glances, disbelief in their eyes.
They had envisioned various scenarios but none like this one.
Could it be that Old Master Su recognized Qin Wushuang?
However, the whole affair still left a weird aftertaste.
Whatever, as long as Xiaoxiao gets out of the Su family smoothly.
In front of Qin Wushuang, Old Master Su commanded the servants publicly to handle Su Xiaoxiao’s separation from the family.
Quickly, they complied.
Finally, Old Master Su escorted Yun Zhonghe, Su Xinghe, Su Xiaoxiao, and Qin Wushuang out.
The crowd outside the gate gaped, mouths agape, their expectations shattered.
All had unfolded unexpectedly, with Old Master Su showing no resistance and even discouraging Su Xiaoxiao from returning.
A smooth exit without a glitch.
“Young Master, don’t you recognize Old Master Su?”
Having witnessed such events, Yun Zhonghe remained puzzled.
Qin Wushuang laughed lightly, shrugging, “Of course not. And I didn’t say anything.”
“How peculiar,” Yun Zhonghe muttered, puzzlement deepening.
“Child, life is strange; often inexplicable. We needn’t dwell on it, as long as our final goal is achieved.”
Qin Wushuang patted Yun Zhonghe’s shoulder.
At last, having freed Xiaoxiao from the Su family, there was little the family could do.
—
This translation maintains the comedic tone requested while capturing the essence of the original text.
