Chapter 132: The Su Family's Darkest Hour
The early morning mist clung to the ground as Su Tianhao stepped out of Fei Wu Quarter, the lingering haze parting like wary crowds before a storm.
He moved calmly, unhurried—though his mind reeled with calculations.
'It's been a week since I went into seclusion... I wonder how the Su Family is faring against the alchemy crisis.'
Although burdened by his own financial struggles, he hadn't forgotten the silent vow he had made to Su Huiqing.
'Now that Blood Grin is dealt with, perhaps it's time I repay my debts to the Su Family... and settle the score.'
Su Tianhao naturally wasn't someone who liked owing favors. No matter how they had treated him over the past year, the Su Family had taken him in and raised him for six years. Their Patriarch had even saved his life—twice.
'This alchemy crisis might be the perfect opportunity to return everything I owe them.'
The stakes had never been higher. If left unresolved, the conflict with the He Family could spell the end of the Su Family's future. If he could step in and resolve it, then his debts would be repaid—completely.
And that was exactly what he wanted.
'First, I should meet with the Patriarch and assess the family's current situation.'
With that, his steps grew steady and resolute.
His destination—the Su Family's main residence.
---
Soon, Su Tianhao arrived at the disciples' quarters.
Despite the early hour, the yards were already bustling with activity. Disciples gathered in small groups, whispering in hushed tones. Some stood in pairs, others loitered alone—yet one thing was unmistakable: a lingering tension hung in the air, thick and stifling, as if even the wind dared not stir.
No laughter. No rustling movement. Only the quiet murmur of wary voices.
'Looks like something significant must have happened while I was away,' Su Tianhao thought, his eyes narrowing.
But he didn't linger. He didn't eavesdrop. What could these disciples possibly know that the Patriarch wouldn't already be aware of?
Then the moment he stepped into view, the surrounding murmurs died.
Wary glances darted his way. Silence swept over the crowd—until a voice rang out:
"Look, it's Young Master Tianhao!"
The words ignited the crowd like a spark thrown into dry grass.
"I heard he crippled Ye Wenjie's cultivation."
"And he got away with it! Truly vicious..."
"That might not necessarily be the case. The Ye Family couldn't get their revenge—that's why they aligned with the He Family..."
"Yeah, it's all his fault!"
"Shush! Quiet! Don't let him hear you!"
Silence fell again.
Su Tianhao raised an eyebrow. 'Since when did I become a menace?'
But he knew the answer. These were the same disciples who had mocked and humiliated him all past year. Now that word had spread of his strength—and how he had crippled Ye Wenjie's cultivation and walked away unpunished—their mockery had curdled into fear, afraid he would do the same to them.
A cold smirk touched his lips.
"Cowards."
Without another glance, he moved past them toward the main residence.
Yet one stray comment clung to his mind.
'The Ye Family is collaborating with the He Family?'
A flicker of interest lit his golden eyes.
"Interesting," he added quietly, lips curling into a faint smile.
If any Su Family member could hear him now, they would surely curse him for treating the family's greatest economic threat like a game.
But to him, that was precisely what it was.
---
A few minutes later, Su Tianhao arrived at the main residence. Standing before the grand entrance were several Su family guards.
"Young Master!"
They called out in unison, backs straightening in salute the moment they saw him.
Su Tianhao raised an eyebrow. He was accustomed to this greeting from the gate guards—but not from the inner residence guards.
Noticing his puzzled expression, one guard stepped forward, voice low and respectful. "Young Master, the Patriarch has been awaiting your arrival."
'For the Patriarch to be waiting this long...' Su Tianhao's gaze softened imperceptibly, overwhelmed by how much faith Su Huiqing had placed in him.
"Okay. I'll go straight to meet him," he replied, moving to step past them.
"Wait!"
He halted mid-step.
"What?" A slight frown crossed his features as he turned to the guard.
"We'd like to escort you to him," the guard answered politely.
Su Tianhao's eyes narrowed.
He was currently concealing his cultivation base with the Silent Pulse, but even so, the unfathomable depths of his presence remained intact—a single glance sent a chill running down the guard's spine.
"Thank you," Su Tianhao said coolly. "But I know my way to my foster father's chambers."
Without another word, he strode past, robes sweeping through the air as he disappeared into the main residence.
The guards watched his silhouette fade into the distance, bitter smiles settling on their faces.
"The Second Young Master really is as terrifying as the rumors say..."
The words lingered in the air like smoke after lightning—unsettling, and slow to fade.
---
Su Tianhao climbed to the third floor and approached the Patriarch's chambers with calm, deliberate steps.
Knock. Knock.
Two quiet knocks. Then silence.
"Come in."
Su Huiqing's voice resounded—composed as ever.
Creak—
Su Tianhao pushed the door open and stepped inside, closing it quietly behind him.
Across the spacious room, Su Huiqing sat in his familiar position on the luxurious sofa—crimson robes, posture straight, refined features arranged into dignified calm. He still carried the presence of a man in control.
But Su Tianhao's sharp eyes caught what others would miss.
The faint pallor in his complexion. The slight puffiness beneath his eyes. The way his shoulders slouched just a fraction more than usual. The silver streaks in his hair that hadn't been there before. The lines around his mouth carved deeper—etched by days of silent worry and sleepless nights.
He wore the mask of a composed leader. His body told the truth.
Su Tianhao didn't speak immediately. He simply walked forward, gaze unwavering.
"Looks like these past few days haven't been kind to you," he said quietly—a rare note of warmth hidden beneath those words.
Su Huiqing chuckled softly and gestured for him to sit. "Always perceptive..."
Su Tianhao dropped into one of the opposite sofas.
"So—how have things been?"
"Honestly? Worse," Su Huiqing said, exhaling a heavy breath. "Two days ago, the Ye Family announced their alliance with the He Family. Since then, both clans have been working together to pressure us from every direction."
"I see." Su Tianhao's fingers began tapping rhythmically against his chin. "For those two to suddenly cooperate—some kind of deal must have been struck."
Su Huiqing nodded, expression grim. "According to our spies, the Ye Family offered to sponsor the He Family's business with no profit in return. In exchange, the He Family's alchemist has been suppressing ours and driving away our clients. Our finances are being strangled."
"As I thought. The deal is too favorable for the He Family to refuse," Su Tianhao said, shaking his head slowly. "...But I never expected the Ye Family to be this desperate."
"Exactly. By sponsoring the He Family with no gain in return, they're hurting their own finances in the process," Su Huiqing added.
"When the dragon and tiger fight, it's the phoenix that profits," Su Tianhao said with a low chuckle. "I'm sure the He Family is swimming in gold right now."
Su Huiqing frowned. "How can you remain so calm? The future of the Su Family is at stake."
"Don't worry. I have a plan."
Su Huiqing studied him, expression unreadable. "Alright. I believe you. But what is it? Your Uncle Yuan has been working around the clock for a solution—but we simply don't have the resources to pull anything off."
He paused. "The most obvious move would be to recruit a Peak-level grade two alchemist of our own... but those alchemists are always prideful and hard to please. Most would rather remain in large cities where they can advance under proper guidance than waste their potential in a place like Oakwood."
"I understand," Su Tianhao nodded. "No alchemist would choose to leave a place where experts can help them grow, just to settle somewhere they'd have to rely entirely on themselves. That would only slow them down."
"Exactly. And that's what I don't understand about the He Family's hired alchemist—how did they convince him to stay?"
Su Tianhao smiled faintly. "Maybe their so-called alchemist isn't the principled man everyone assumes. Maybe he's just someone easily swayed by temptation."
Su Huiqing's eyes lit slightly. "Are you saying we should approach him—make an offer he can't refuse and pull him away from the He Family?"
"No," Su Tianhao said, expression darkening. "I would never work with someone who'd sell their honor for a few benefits. Someone like that can never be trusted."
"Then what's your plan?"
"Don't worry. I've got this." Su Tianhao leaned back, calm and composed. "Gather all the Elders. I'll reveal everything when they're assembled."
Su Huiqing hesitated. "Can't you just tell me first?"
"No," Su Tianhao replied with a smirk. "That would kill the surprise."
"Is this a game to you?!" Su Huiqing snapped.
"A game?" Su Tianhao raised an eyebrow. "You could say that. The Ye Family's so-called conspiracy is nothing more than a tantrum from a spoiled child in my eyes."
His golden eyes gleamed with quiet certainty. "Just trust me on this."
Despite himself, Su Huiqing felt a strange reassurance settle over him. The young man's confidence wasn't brash or hollow—it was steady, unwavering, and strangely infectious.
"Alright, Tianhao. It'll take at least an hour to gather the Elders."
"An hour is perfect," Su Tianhao said, rising from his seat. "I'll be in the family library. You'll be shocked by the good news I bring."
Without waiting for a reply, he turned and strode out.
Su Huiqing watched the door close behind him—then exhaled a long, quiet breath.
"...That boy," he murmured, the ghost of a tired smile on his lips. "He really is starting to sound like a true leader."