On Qin Changsheng's end, as he lay there, he couldn't shake a growing sense of unease. Murou had left in such a hurry, looking so pale—could something be wrong?
In the past, I was powerless to help, but now I have the strength to handle anything. No, I need to check on her.
In a flash, he vanished without a trace.
Though he had never been able to cultivate in the past, he had been exposed to numerous techniques. Now, with his Emperor-level cultivation and comprehension, the techniques he had once studied instantly merged into a seamless understanding. Enhanced by his realm, he simplified the complex, reaching an unimaginable level.
When Qin Changsheng reappeared, he was already hovering above the Su residence, silently observing the scene below.
Su Family, Main Hall.
Su Batian, the current head of the Su family, sat in the master seat, his expression grim. Su Murou, meanwhile, wore a face like frost, as if she could kill with a glance.
In contrast, the two visitors appeared calm and composed, seemingly confident that the Su family would have no choice but to yield.
The middle-aged man among them, in particular, kept stealing glances at Su Murou's graceful figure, especially her full bosom, his eyes filled with such lecherous intent that she itched to draw her sword and gouge out his eyeballs.
The middle-aged man spoke unhurriedly:
"Family Head Su, my request is not excessive. I have long admired Murou and wish to form a cultivator partnership with her. The union of our two families would undoubtedly make us the foremost power in the Northern Region."
"Moreover, Family Head Su, you must consider this: every day you delay increases the danger to your family's patriarch and esteemed elders. I have already prepared the betrothal gifts. I only need your and Murou's agreement."
Though filled with rage, Su Batian took a deep breath, suppressing the urge to strike. "Brother Fang, you are also the head of a family. You and my sister have had no usual interactions, so addressing her as 'Murou' now seems rather presumptuous."
"As for taking my sister as a concubine, I cannot agree. However, if you can ensure the safe return of our patriarch and esteemed elders, any treasure of the Su family is yours for the taking. Whatever I can do, I will not refuse—even if it means my life!"
Fang Wencheng curled his lip dismissively and sneered, "Heh, it seems Family Head Su treasures his sister greatly. But I have no interest in your family's treasures, nor do I care for your life. I only wish to take Murou as my concubine."
"Surely the lives of your patriarch and elders are more important than your sister's happiness? Family Head Su, think carefully—this could be seen as betraying your ancestors!"
"Besides, rumors say Immortal Murou was abandoned by a scoundrel. She may no longer be pure, yet I'm willing to overlook her lack of chastity. Taking her as a concubine is already an elevation for her…"
At this, Su Batian could no longer contain himself.
With a loud crash, the nearby table shattered into pieces.
"Fang Wencheng, watch your words! Don't go too far!"
"Steward, see our guests out!" Su Batian called out, fearing that if he looked at that despicable face any longer, he would be unable to hold back from taking action.
"Brother Su, no need for such anger," Fang Wencheng said. "I'll stay in your guest quarters for the next few days. Come find me once you've made your decision. But remember, you only have three days."
With that, Fang Wencheng and his companion walked out leisurely, without waiting for a response, confident that the Su family would inevitably agree to their demands.
"Scoundrels! Vile thieves!" Su Batian cursed furiously once they had left.
"I once saved that old dog Fang's life on the Battlefield of Ten Thousand Races, and this is how he repays our family? If I had known it would come to this, I should have let the Sky Wolf Tribe skin him alive back then!"
"How hateful!"
Seeing her brother in such a state, Su Murou felt a pang of heartache and comforted him:
"Brother, the patriarch and elders are the pillars of our family. Now that we have news of them, how can we, as their descendants, stand by and do nothing? I am willing to become his concubine. Let's just agree to their demands."
Though her tone was calm, her trembling hands betrayed her inner turmoil.
She had already made up her mind: once news arrived that the patriarch and elders were safe, she would take Fang Wencheng down with her.
But to have just reunited with Qin Lang, only to be parted forever…
She never imagined that their meeting at the Qin family banquet would be their last.
At this thought, Su Murou could no longer hold back. Tears streamed down her face like water bursting through a dam.
"Murou, what's wrong?" Su Batian, forgetting his anger in an instant, asked anxiously.
Unaware that his sister had already been reunited with her beloved, he assumed she was crying over the prospect of marrying that old beast Fang Wencheng.
Slap! Slap!
"It's all my fault! I'm useless!" Su Batian struck himself across the face several times, furious at his own incompetence—unable to save the patriarch and causing his sister such sorrow.
"Brother, don't do this. Fate governs all; we have no control. This is my destiny." Su Murou stopped him.
After a moment, Su Batian calmed down and said to her, "Murou, I will never let you marry that old scoundrel. It suddenly occurred to me that Fang Wencheng's information might be a mix of truth and lies."
"From his confident attitude, it's likely true that the patriarch and elders are trapped in the Abyssal Valley. But I absolutely refuse to believe the Fang family has the ability to rescue them."
"And all that nonsense about their family's patriarch coincidentally achieving a second life in the Abyssal Valley and gaining partial control over it? Pure fabrication."
"Now that we know the patriarch's whereabouts, I'll take a few elders and the family's sacred artifact to rescue him. We must act quickly. To guard against any tricks from the Fang family, Murou, you stay here. If I don't return, you will temporarily assume leadership of the Su family."
Hearing this, the gloom in Su Murou's eyes was replaced by determination. Without a trace of fear, she said, "Brother, I'm going with you. If we die, we die together!"
Seeing his sister's resolve, Su Batian didn't refuse but instead laughed heartily. "Haha, very well! Today, let us siblings brave this legendary forbidden zone together."
The Abyssal Valley was one of the ten great forbidden zones of the human race. Legend told of a peak Great Emperor, wounded by extraterrestrial aliens, who exhausted his lifespan in an attempt to defy heaven and ascend to immortality. He failed, and the place transformed into a land of death.
The valley's laws were incomplete, spiritual energy was scarce, and dark matter permeated the area. None below the Quasi-Emperor realm had ever emerged alive. Yet, those nearing the end of their lives often ventured in, hoping for a chance at a second life, only to become neither human nor ghost.
As the two Su siblings made their preparations, Qin Changsheng, hovering above, heard everything.
Watching Fang Wencheng and his companion depart, a cold glint flashed in his eyes. They were now on his list of the doomed.
Su Murou may be my ex, but that doesn't mean others can disrespect her. Still, killing them would be too simple. I'll let them die slowly in fear.
It's time to settle the matter of the Abyssal Forbidden Zone. Otherwise, Murou will grieve for far too long.
With a thought, Qin Changsheng vanished once again.