Chapter 261: Big Trouble Looms!
Finally, the day had arrived to prepare for their trip to the Su family.
The sky on that day was as clear and blue as a fresh wash, with just the right amount of breeze to keep the air from feeling stifling. It seemed even nature was adding a touch of peacefulness to this crucial moment, blessing them with its tranquility and harmony.
Yun Zhonghe walked steadily, while the Su sisters, Su Xiaoxiao and Su Xinghe, gathered at the outer gate entrance of the mountain, filled with nervous anticipation.
Su Xiaoxiao’s eyes were bloodshot, clearly having had restless nights due to anxiety. Her eyes were slightly red, and her little nose quivered now and then as she gently rubbed her face with her fingers.
Yun Zhonghe looked at her tenderly, understanding her unease. This step could determine her future.
Yun Zhonghe couldn’t help but reach out and gently pat her shoulder: “Don’t think too much, Xiaoxiao. We have done our best and made all the necessary preparations. Everything will be fine.”
As soon as he finished speaking, Su Xinghe squeezed Su Xiaoxiao’s hand tightly: “Sister, don’t worry. I’ve already advanced to the Yuan Ying stage. If anything goes wrong, we’ll just leave the Su family together!”
Su Xinghe’s early advancement to the Yuan Ying stage made the sect highly optimistic about her, considering her for a teaching position like Master Wang Hao’s. With the formidable backing of Xuantian Sect, the Su family hardly posed a threat.
But both Su sisters still cared deeply for their parents’ efforts. If possible, they would strive to reclaim what was lost through their own power. However, if they failed, they would not be bound by such constraints – and Su Xinghe prioritized the present.
In the worst-case scenario, Su Xinghe would leave the Su family entirely, distancing herself from that clan once and for all. Those stubborn old-timers wouldn’t dare hold them back anymore.
“Nn!” Listening to the comfort and encouragement from Yun Zhonghe and Su Xinghe, Su Xiaoxiao stopped fretting and took a deep breath before solemnly nodding.
No matter how bumpy the road ahead, they would face it bravely.
At this moment, Yun Zhonghe’s gaze naturally turned towards the horizon: “I wonder when the person carrying the spirit stones mentioned by Miss Qin will arrive.”
Not long ago, in order to raise ten million spirit stones, Yun Zhonghe visited Qin Hongye. After making earnest requests, Qin Zongzhu finally agreed.
However, a sum of ten million spirit stones was significant indeed. Qin Zongzhu told him that a specialist would escort these spirit stones, traveling with him to the Su family, ensuring safety.
Yun Zhonghe wondered who this “specialist” would be—whether a sect expert or an assistant personally handpicked by Qin Hongye.
Just when thoughts filled his head, a fiery silhouette appeared, capturing everyone’s attention. The figure looked like burning flame, scorchingly hot and dazzling, impossible to ignore.
Su Xiaoxiao, Su Xinghe, and Yun Zhonghe were startled, their expression shifting abruptly. They bowed and shouted in unison: “Zongzhu!”
What the heck! Who could have imagined it would be Zongzhu himself?!
Now, Su Xiaoxiao and Su Xinghe weren’t calm at all.
They originally thought it would just be an ordinary disciple or maybe a high-ranking administrator from the sect, rather than Zongzhu coming in person.
“You don’t need to be so formal.” Zongzhu said calmly, his voice exuding a dignified aura, despite wearing a benevolent smile.
Especially when he saw Yun Zhonghe’s surprised look with a hint of joy, confusion layered in, Zongzhu couldn’t help but smirk inwardly.
His appearance undoubtedly stunned Yun Zhonghe.
He did it! Without effort, he’d won Yun Zhonghe’s favor!
By helping Yun Zhonghe seek a free donation of spirit stones and personally accompanying them, his favor would skyrocket, and Yun Zhonghe might even consider calling him Dad!
Seeing Yun Zhonghe’s tumultuous emotions, Zongzhu knew his strategy worked—winning Yun Zhonghe over was not far away.
Indeed, Zongzhu wielded a grand plan, demonstrating remarkable wisdom!
“Zongzhu, why did you come in person?” Yun Zhonghe eventually spoke, his voice slightly abashed yet incredulous.
“Haha, I’ve heard about the Su family business. You three are precious disciples of Xuantian Sect, and I’m partly a mentor. Naturally, I can’t ignore it,” Zongzhu replied with a gentle smile.
While Zongzhu appeared down-to-earth, the Su sisters felt an indescribable pressure.
Certainly, Zongzhu’s presence acted as a calming pin, giving Yun Zhonghe, Su Xiaoxiao, and Su Xinghe a sense of security.
This guy? He’s a big shot from the Eastern Continent! Ten Su families combined wouldn’t match up to him.
Of course, the two sisters knew that Zongzhu, despite his extraordinary status, wouldn’t likely take time out of his busy schedule for them unless it was because of Yun Zhonghe.
At this thought, the girls’ gazes toward Yun Zhonghe took on a deeper appreciation, mixed with gratitude, admiration, and an indescribable touch.
Xiong Brother, truly went all out for us!
Su Xiaoxiao and Su Xinghe silently marveled.
Their acquaintance with Yun Zhonghe hadn’t lasted long, but he had put immense effort into helping them, unknowingly expending countless energy and thoughts.
This time, he even managed to bring in Zongzhu to lend a helping hand—a move that required considerable sacrifice—are these efforts worth it?
But in their hearts, this question was already answered—they believed it was totally worthwhile.
For Yun Zhonghe, there was no “worth vs. not worth”—it was simply his nature to pour all his heart into things, without expecting returns.
How could such a person ever fail to win hearts?
Instantly, Yun Zhonghe’s image transformed in their minds, gaining immense popularity. His popularity soared like a rising tide.
Zongzhu’s assist was truly impeccable!
Still slightly shell-shocked, Yun Zhonghe thanked Zongzhu: “Thank you, Zongzhu, but you are so busy…?”
Zongzhu interrupted with a smile: “No worries, it’s only my avatar here. While I can’t personally go, my avatar can ensure your safety.”
“Avatar?!.”
All three were shocked—Zongzhu’s avatar was virtually identical to his genuine self.
No wonder he’s a Transformation God.
Transformation cultivators generally reached peak spiritual force and possessed divine abilities such as avatars. These beings shared the same wisdom and memories as the original, albeit weaker physically unless specially augmented.
Avatars resembled swordsmen or martial artists’ body projections, but the key differences lay in autonomy and strength.
Yao Zongzhu’s avatar perfectly illustrated this—a mind equal to the original but with Yuan Ying realm cultivation.
Yao Zongzhu sent his avatar while he remained at the Main Hall managing affairs.
Avatars are truly convenient.
“As the others have assembled, let’s set off,” Zongzhu reminded them cheerfully, adopting a more genial manner compared to his usual stern demeanor as master.
With a wave of his hand, a spirit boat equivalent to Qin Hongye’s materialized before them, more robust, spacious, and faster.
Everyone agreed and stepped onto the luminous ship.
With a light flick of Zongzhu’s sleeve, the spirit boat launched them toward Wang Gu City, flying like an arrow.
Traveling swiftly, within half a day, the spirit boat smoothly halted above Su residence in Wang Gu City.
Overlooking from above, the vast and ancient estate bore witness to a rich history, exuding profound reverence.
The courtyard bustled with lush greenery and serene streams, forming an exquisite painting.
“The Zongzhu, we’re here!”
Su Xinghe pointed toward the estate.
Zongzhu nodded and observed the estate, reminiscing youthful days: “Ah, I remember this place.”
Surprised, Su Xinghe asked: “Did you visit the Su family before?”
Zongzhu smiled cryptically, shaking his head slightly.
Not directly answering, he slowly landed the boat at a secluded spot.
Truly, Zongzhu’s ride was impressive; landing afar prevented unwanted attention.
Zongzhu performed a simple spell, and the four walked toward the gate lightly.
Facing the imposing ancient gates, Su Xiaoxiao couldn’t shake her nerves.
“Don’t worry, sis. I’ll handle it,” Su Xinghe whispered, gripping her hand tightly, taking a deep breath.
The two guardians at the entrance noticed the group.
Clad neatly, their faces betrayed the Su family’s pride, evidently loyal servants selected carefully.
“Miss, you’ve returned.”
The guards recognized Su Xinghe, their expressions respectful but tinged with disdain.
Eyeing their companions, doubt and contempt clouded their gaze.
“Just these few? This is a joke!”
Whispers echoed through the clan—rumors of Su Xinghe’s assistance and ascension to the Yuan Ying stage circulated wildly. She sought retribution for her sister.
Assuming a grand procession, no one anticipated such a modest party.
Two among them were merely Foundation Establishers, dismissed as trash.
One seemed potent, yet no better than the elder family members.
Two against multiple Yuan Yings in the Su household, how could such a meager force stand any chance?
“You know it’s me, why block the entrance?”
Su Xinghe frowned, her tone growing sharp.
“Miss, we wouldn’t dare hinder. Please proceed.”
The guards grinned falsely upon seeing her agitation.
Coldly, Su Xinghe ignored them and pushed open the door.
Guarding the gate, the servants exchanged glances. One hurriedly ran off, likely reporting to the patriarch.
“Madam Su has arrived!” news spread rapidly.
Patriarch So, holding an elaborate brush in one hand, conversed with two elders. Just as he was about to finish his document, this news caused him to pause slightly.
“Just these few?”
Old Su narrowed his eyes.
Expecting a grand show with substantial forces, he assumed at least two prominent figures would accompany them. Finding only Su Xiaoxiao and possibly one other Yuan Ying level disciple, old Su puzzled.
The two elders smirked: “Better yet, let us deal with her first.”
Their prior plans to intimidate Su Xinghe aligned perfectly with this new scenario. Already plotting, their stratagems would surely humiliate Su Xinghe and her company.
Two Yuan Yings mattered little to the Su family.
“Agreed,” Old So nodded reluctantly.
Yet, something felt off—an unexplainable discomfort.
Revisiting reports, especially the characteristics of the red-cloaked Yuan Ying, he sensed familiarity but could not place it.
Disconcerted yet deciding it didn’t matter, strength being the ultimate asset in this world, one Yuan Ying posed few threats.
“Duty-bound.”
So commanded with a dismissive wave.
The Su family wasn’t just another house but a powerhouse.
He dismissed the notion of a simple Su Xinghe wielding enough influence to threaten the family.
Nodding, the two elders retreated, eyeing each other slyly, smirking mischievously.
Today promised entertainment!
Seated in his study, however, Old So struggled to settle.
“Frazzled man… and fiery red hair…”
Old So pondered.
Suddenly, pain surged from a long-healed scar on his hand.
A scar marking a past humiliation, symbolized the terror instilled by the red-haired stranger.
Few could vex Old Su, let alone leave him powerless to retaliate—a man renowned across the land.
“He must be a Transformation God now…”
Old So tried comforting himself, but anxieties grew.
The more he thought, the more painful the scar became.
Paranoid, he summoned a guard and retrieved a heavy orb—the Su family’s divine artifact, capable of revealing the entire estate’s situation.
Cautiously inserting spirit essence, the viewpoint focused on Su Xinghe’s party approaching the mansion…
His eyes scanned the crowd, halting on the red-robed man.
“No way!”
Old So recoiled, gasping in disbelief.
Recognizing the man, his heart nearly stopped.
Impossible—the familiar face, unaltered, the cold, authoritative countenance, clad in blazing red—none other than the demon lord from times past!
“Not real! Impossible!”
So shouted, his hands trembling, the orb slipping to the floor with a thud.
Only now did So comprehend why Su Xinghe boldly brought forth such a minuscule force against the mighty Su family, risking their very annihilation!
Frozen in shock, time stood still. His mind fogged.
Eventually, he regained consciousness.
Panicked, he dispatched guards to retrieve the two scheming elders immediately.
But…
“Master, the two elders met with Su Xinghe.”
The response struck like lightning.
“!”
So clenched his fists, anger distorting his features.
Typical of these lackeys, often incompetent, today they acted too eagerly for trouble.
Head spinning with dread, So leapt through the roof, plunging straight into the fray.
Desperation gripped him; he cursed their reckless advice, regretting every step of their twisted schemes.
