TheLazyDreamer
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3. A change in plans
🕑 Added 2025-03-26 10:44:27 +0000 UTC
Dong Yue frowned slightly, surprised by her son's sudden change in decision.
"Why did you change your mind?" she asked, her tone carrying both curiosity and concern.
Su Kang responded calmly, "I plan to wait and master pill formation supernatural powers before embarking on any major journey."
Hearing this, Dong Yue let out a breath of relief.
She had been deeply worried after hearing that her son intended to participate in the war between orthodox cultivators and demon cultivators.
If he went, he would be accompanying his friends from the Qingyun Sect, hoping to gain merit and recognition from the Heavenly Sword Sect.
She was distressed over this, but now, hearing his change of plans, she felt as if a great weight had been lifted off her shoulders.
"Your father will be happy to hear this," she said with a small smile.
Su Kang remained silent for a moment, lost in thought. In his past life, he had left for the journey in a hurry.
Their sect members had barely made it to their destination—most perished along the way.
Back then, he hadn’t understood why Li Fang was so desperate to join the Heavenly Sword Sect early instead of waiting for the next sect recruitment two years later.
It was only after joining that he learned the real reason.
During one of his past adventures, Li Fang had encountered a mysterious beauty and ended up making a peculiar bet with her.
If he could find her again within three years, she would grant him one favor within her abilities.
With her help, Li Fang eventually obtained a spiritual body, a rare opportunity for any cultivator.
But what did the rest of them gain from this reckless journey? Nothing but an early grave, their lives cut short before they could even see the fruits of their struggles.
At most, they were honoured with fine wine poured before their tombs — a hollow tribute.
Su Kang exhaled softly, pushing those memories aside.
Dong Yue, oblivious to his thoughts, continued, "We will be leaving for Liyun City after your father comes out of meditation."
Su Kang nodded. His mother, Dong Yue, was a disciple of the Qingyun Sect, which was why, as a child, he had spent most of his years growing up in Qingyun City.
That city was managed by disciples and elders of the Qingyun Sect, and the Su family had a branch stationed there for those who had joined the sect.
However, Liyun City was where their family’s industries were established. It was the city where his ancestor had settled, and where his parents primarily resided.
His mother rarely stayed in Qingyun City unless it was necessary. She was responsible for managing resources and expanding the family's business.
"I will visit soon," Su Kang assured her.
"Hmm, good," Dong Yue responded, her expression softening. "Ting’er will be happy to see you."
"Don't tell him," Su Kang said with a small smile. "I want to surprise him."
Su Ting was six years younger than him.
They had spent their childhood together in Qingyun City, but after his mother failed to break through to Pill Formation, she had devoted herself to managing the family industry.
She had felt that the rare elixirs she had used for her breakthrough attempt had been wasted on her, so she focused all her efforts on repaying that loss.
As a result, Su Kang hadn’t been able to spend much time with his brother since then.
For a long time, he and his mother simply reminisced about the past, their conversation stretching into the afternoon.
When Su Kang finally left the tea room, his mother remained seated, watching his retreating figure with a thoughtful expression.
She had noticed something unusual the moment she stepped into the room—an inexplicable emotion in his eyes, one she couldn’t quite define.
Her son had changed.
It wasn't just his words or actions; his very presence felt different. The carefree smile that used to linger on his face was gone.
She chose not to pry, but as a mother, she couldn’t help but worry.
"What happened to him?" she murmured. "What could have caused such a shift overnight?"
Her brows furrowed as she made a decision.
"I’ll discuss this with my husband later," she thought before heading toward his meditation room.
—
Meanwhile, Su Kang strolled through the family compound, visiting various places—the halls, the training grounds—checking in on the younger members.
Unlike many powerful families plagued by internal strife, the Su family avoided unnecessary conflicts.
Their numbers were far fewer compared to other Pill Formation families, which was why they placed a strong emphasis on unity.
Watching them train, joke, and laugh together lightened his heart. In his past life, these very people had been slaughtered by demon cultivators. But now, they were here, alive and well, carrying on as if nothing had happened.
It made Su Kang even more determined to protect them.
As he neared the entrance of the compound, he noticed a small group of people entering—two men and two women.
His gaze swept over them, and his lips curled into a smile.
"Cousins," he greeted warmly, stepping forward. "What brings you here today?"
The tall, bronze-skinned man at the front gave a smirk. His dark brown eyes, tinged with light gold, held a sharp glint. Short brown hair framed his strong features, and golden piercings adorned his ears.
"We came to report to Aunt and discuss the family's future plans," Su Lang said.
Beside him stood Su Cheng, son of the youngest uncle. With a fair complexion and a naturally charming face, his easy-going nature was reflected in his carefree smile.
He added, "I also wanted to discuss some business matters. I’m hoping to secure new contracts with the Qingyun City merchant guilds."
His tone held a touch of excitement. Clearly, he had high expectations for these negotiations.
Before he could say more, a soft voice interjected.
"Brother Kang, are you really leaving for the Central Plains?"
Su Kang turned to the speaker—a young woman around eighteen or nineteen, with delicate features and bright, inquisitive eyes. Su Ruyi, Su Lang’s younger sister.
Beside her stood another young woman with striking almond-shaped eyes, her presence both graceful and quietly observant. Su Ying, Su Cheng’s sister.
Both girls had chosen to pursue alchemy, drawn to the Qingyun Sect’s superior techniques and inheritance.
Su Lang and Su Cheng, on the other hand, had entered the Qingyun Sect to establish connections and strengthen their understanding of family management.
"I’ve decided to stay. I changed my plans." He offered them a reassuring smile.
Relief spread across their faces.
"Thank the heavens," Su Ruyi breathed. "It’s too dangerous out there!"
Su Cheng frowned. "The Heavenly Sword Sect isn’t even sending their own disciples," he pointed out.
"There’s no reason for you to risk your life."
His concerns were valid. The war was technically between orthodox sects and demon cultivators, but the true power behind the demonic side was none other than the Sky Demon Sect.
The Sky Demon Sect was a behemoth, on par with the Heavenly Sword Sect. Their influence ran deep in the Southern Continent, with several states under their control.
Despite the Sky Demon Sect not officially declaring war, the Heavenly Sword Sect refrained from sending its own disciples into battle, choosing to remain cautious.
The ambition of many cultivators was undeniable. Despite the risks, they could not ignore the allure of the Heavenly Sword Sect’s resources and treasures.
After all, Jiang State lacked resources necessary for cultivating Nascent Soul experts.
If one wanted to rise to that realm, they needed to look elsewhere for treasures and opportunities.
Su Ying's voice was softer, but her concern was no less genuine. "We’re really glad you’re staying, Brother Kang."
Her warm smile made it clear she meant every word.
"Don't worry," Su Kang reassured them. Then, shifting the conversation to a lighter note, he asked, "How’s your alchemy training going?"
"Really well!" Su Ruyi perked up immediately. "Master Lin says Su Ying and I both have natural talent for it!"
Su Ying, ever reserved, added, "We’re studying the properties of rare spiritual herbs now. It’s fascinating."
Su Kang smiled. "It's great. Our family urgently needed talented Alchemists."
He knew they had talent. Encouraging them now would only push them to delve deeper into their studies, which might prove useful in the future.
"Of course, Brother Kang!" Su Ruyi said excitedly.
They continued chatting for a few more minutes, the warmth of family camaraderie soothing Su Kang’s troubled mind.
As the sun began to set, casting golden light across the compound, he bid them farewell, watching as they made their way toward the main house.
Then, turning on his heel, he headed toward the Qingyun Sect.
