Chapter 73: Sudden Change in Treatment
"Hahahaha!"
Su Huiqing's hearty laughter rang out across the courtyard after thoroughly grasping the devastating implications of Su Tianhao's verbal strike.
"You heard that, Ye Shiming? Even your own son agreed to the concept of the strong preying on the weak," Su Huiqing said with a smile spreading across his refined features—a smile that somehow carried more menace than any glare could.
"As a benevolent man, I shall show mercy and only strike you both with one attack." He added while maintaining that unsettling smile, which made both Ye Shiming and Ye Bao Kang's expressions turn several shades uglier.
For reasons no one could immediately understand, Ye Shiming suddenly vomited another mouthful of blood. His face turned deathly pale, and his entire body swayed as if he might collapse.
Everyone glanced at Ye Shiming in stunned silence, strange expressions on their faces. They simply couldn't fathom why a grown man—a Martial Master elder, no less—would be so psychologically devastated as to vomit blood twice in mere moments.
But Su Tianhao could see through him like reading an open book.
Back at the Crimson Vine Tavern, Ye Wenjie had constantly used the word 'benevolent' to manipulate crowds and paint himself as righteous while crushing opponents. As Ye Wenjie's father, Ye Shiming naturally knew of his son's fondness for that particular word—how he wielded it like a weapon to maintain his false image.
Now, hearing that same word turned against him—even though Su Huiqing's use wasn't intentional mockery—delivered a blow that cut deeper than any blade.
Su Huiqing was naturally unaware of Ye Shiming's internal anguish. Without warning, he slashed his hand outward like a sword, releasing a devastating arc of crimson Fire Qi that crashed directly toward both Ye family elders.
Seeing death approaching, their eyes widened with primal dread. They launched every defensive technique they knew in a chaotic instant—overlapping barriers of Wind Qi, hardened spiritual energy shields, even sacrificing protective talismans kept for emergencies.
BOOM!
A massive explosion resounded like a thunderclap, echoing across the entire courtyard and beyond. Terrifying shockwaves spread outward in all directions.
Fortunately, Su Tianhao and the others remained completely safe under the protective barriers erected by Su Yuan and Su Minghe, who had acted the instant Su Huiqing's attack launched.
The aftermath was devastating.
Deep fractures spider-webbed across the courtyard's stone surface. Clouds of dust billowed upward, and lingering traces of crimson Fire Qi still danced in the air like ghostly flames—a testament to the might behind that seemingly simple gesture.
Both Ye Shiming and Ye Bao Kang stood amidst the settling dust. Their once-fine robes were now torn and scorched, hanging off their bodies in tattered strips. Their perfectly groomed hair was completely disheveled. Their faces had turned deathly pale, with fresh blood flowing from the corners of their mouths.
They looked less like esteemed elders and more like injured beggars who'd barely survived a disaster.
"So this is what an attack from a Peak Martial Master looks like..." Su Lei muttered in shock and awe, his eyes wide.
He could tell instinctively that Su Huiqing hadn't even been using his full strength—this was merely a casual strike, yet it had completely overwhelmed two Martial Masters' combined defenses.
Although Su Tianhao remained silent, a flash of surprise flickered through his golden eyes. This was his first time personally witnessing Su Huiqing's true combat strength. But he wasn't overly shocked—Su Huiqing was a Peak Martial Master while Ye Shiming was only at the 4th level. Ye Bao Kang, whose cultivation appeared even lower, fared even worse.
The gap in power was simply too vast.
However, despite their wretched appearance and obvious injuries, the anger and hatred burning in the Ye elders' eyes remained unmistakable—like embers that refused to die even after being doused.
Su Huiqing didn't mind their glares at all. He wasn't intimidated in the slightest by their impotent fury.
His crimson aura flared to its absolute peak as he opened his mouth and spoke a single word:
"Scram."
The word thundered across not just the courtyard but the surrounding areas near the family's main residence. The sheer force behind his voice created visible ripples in the air.
The sound was so overwhelmingly loud that Su Tianhao and the others went momentarily deaf, their ears ringing painfully. Fortunately, they were protected by Su Yuan and Su Minghe's barriers, or they might have bled from their seven orifices from the sonic pressure alone.
Ye Shiming and Ye Bao Kang were visibly shaken. Without a shred of hesitation or dignity remaining, they immediately dashed out of the courtyard like beaten dogs fleeing with their tails between their legs.
No threats. No final words. Just desperate, shameful flight.
The guards couldn't help but sigh with complex emotions upon witnessing this scene. These two were supposed to be esteemed elders of the Ye family—possessors of terrifying strength that common guards like themselves could never hope to match.
Yet before the overwhelming might of their Patriarch, these two domineering predators had been reduced to wounded prey, scurrying away in disgrace.
"Hahahaha! That's what you get for messing with the Su family!" Su Lei declared with triumphant laughter, taking obvious pleasure in Ye Shiming's complete humiliation.
Su Tianhao smiled faintly—a smile of relief rather than triumph.
He still hadn't fully processed how close he'd come to death. Ye Shiming's terrifying attack had nearly claimed his life in that frozen moment of helplessness.
'If the Patriarch hadn't arrived in time...' Su Tianhao's thoughts trailed off. He knew with absolute, chilling certainty what the outcome would have been.
He would never have reached his full potential.
He would never have achieved his dreams.
Nor would he ever have been able to reunite with his parents in the Immortal Realm.
Everything would have ended in that courtyard, his story cut short before it truly began.
Profound gratitude welled up in his chest. This was the second time Su Huiqing had saved his life. The first had been seven years ago, when he was about to be killed by Zhu Shan, the vicious leader of the Iron Tiger Gang. It was also that life-saving intervention that had led directly to his adoption into the Su family.
Su Tianhao stepped forward with cupped fists, his posture respectful and sincere. "Thank you for saving my life, Patriarch," he said with a deep bow.
Su Huiqing glanced at Su Tianhao with a slight frown, feigning dissatisfaction. "What did you just call me?" he said with a raised eyebrow, though his eyes gleamed with warmth.
Even though Su Tianhao knew Su Huiqing was only putting on an act, he still chose to correct himself properly.
"Thank you for saving my life, Foster Father."
Su Huiqing's lips curled into a genuine smile after hearing those words—not the predatory grin from before, but warm paternal satisfaction.
"Hahahaha! There's no need for thanks," he beamed. "As your father, it's my duty to protect you. What kind of father would I be if I let harm come to my son?"
Su Tianhao smiled faintly. He could tell when someone was lying—his vast inherited memories provided extensive experience reading people—and he knew with certainty that Su Huiqing's words were genuine.
The Patriarch truly meant what he said.
"Here."
Su Huiqing extended his hand to reveal a pair of silver rings resting in his palm.
Su Tianhao's eyes widened upon seeing them. He naturally recognized the now-ownerless spatial rings that had belonged to Ye Shiming and Ye Bao Kang. Before he could voice any protest, Su Huiqing's words rang out clearly.
"Take them. Consider it an apology for not taking better care of you this past year. Besides, it was your suggestion to confiscate them in the first place—you deserve the fruits of your own strategy."
Su Tianhao was genuinely taken aback.
Not just him—everyone present was shocked, including Su Yuan and Su Minghe. These were spatial rings containing the accumulated wealth of two Martial Masters. No matter how one looked at it, such treasures represented an enormous fortune.
But Su Tianhao's response gave them an even greater shock.
"I cannot accept them, Foster Father," Su Tianhao said with absolute certainty.
"What?!"
The guards exclaimed in perfect unison. Never had they expected such a response—any one of them would have seized the gift without a moment's hesitation.
"What are you saying, Little Tian? Why are you rejecting your father's good intentions?" Su Yuan stepped forward quickly, unable to simply watch his nephew lose such a precious opportunity.
Su Lei furrowed his silver brows in obvious disagreement.
"Foster Father, Uncle Yuan—I truly appreciate your good intentions, but I really do not need them," Su Tianhao said firmly, his golden eyes unwavering. "Those spatial rings are compensation to the Su family for all the trouble caused tonight, not something one person should simply keep for themselves. They should benefit the entire clan."
"Well said!" Su Minghe nodded in approval, genuine admiration in his tone. "Truly admirable character for one so young."
The guards nodded in acknowledgment, their impression of Su Tianhao rising several degrees.
"Indeed, Young Master Tianhao's character is truly admirable."
"That sense of righteousness and clan loyalty is impressive."
"He's got a good heart—putting what's right above personal gain."
Su Tianhao wasn't moved by their words at all. He was no saint, and his motivations weren't purely altruistic.
The real reason he refused was to avoid owing the Su family a significant favor. Su Tianhao despised being indebted to others—it created obligations and complications he preferred to avoid. Maintaining his independence was worth more than any treasure.
Seeing Su Tianhao's determined, unmovable expression, Su Yuan could only smile wryly and take a step back.
"Since that's your decision, I will support it," he said with a mixture of disappointment and respect.
"Thank you, Uncle Yuan," Su Tianhao said with an appreciative nod before turning back to Su Huiqing.
Meeting Su Tianhao's unwavering gaze, Su Huiqing retrieved the spatial rings with a thoughtful expression. "I didn't realize you possessed such a strong sense of responsibility and clan loyalty. I apologize for underestimating your character."
His words carried genuine warmth and newfound respect.
Su Tianhao remained composed. "Since everything is resolved, I should be leaving now."
"Wait!"
Just as Su Tianhao was turning to depart, Su Huiqing called out.
"Is there something else?" Su Tianhao asked with a raised eyebrow, pausing mid-step.
Su Huiqing didn't respond immediately. Instead, he produced a jade pill bottle from his spatial ring, its translucent surface revealing approximately ten pills within.
"Here, take this," Su Huiqing said while extending the bottle toward Su Tianhao.
"Essence Refinement Pills!"
Su Tianhao's eyes widened in recognition after seeing the distinctive coloring and aura of the pills. He had received twenty from Lu Ruyi's storage pouch. Even after using three, he still had seventeen remaining—so he wasn't lacking.
"You don't need to give me anything as an apology," Su Tianhao said with a slight frown.
'He really doesn't want to become entangled with the Su family...' Su Huiqing thought inwardly with a bitter smile before explaining. "These Essence Refinement Pills were actually prepared for you two weeks ago. The Elder Council decided to foster disciples with promising potential in preparation for the Qingyun Sect examination coming in less than three months."
Su Tianhao narrowed his eyes with obvious skepticism.
Su Huiqing could instantly tell what was churning through Su Tianhao's mind. After all, two weeks ago he hadn't shown any promise whatsoever. Why would the council have bothered with him at all?
"I know what you're thinking," Su Huiqing added with an understanding smile. "But your Uncle Yuan personally vouched for you during that meeting. He insisted you deserved a chance despite your apparent lack of talent at the time."
"I see..." Su Tianhao said slowly, his eyes softening slightly.
Sensing another wave of hesitation from Su Tianhao, Su Lei couldn't remain still any longer. He approached in large, determined strides.
"Just take them already! There's nothing complicated about it," Su Lei said with mild exasperation. "The family has prepared these resources for all outstanding disciples—even I received them. Without these pills, even with my sword dao comprehension, I might not have reached the 4th level Martial Disciple realm so quickly."
"Then I will accept them," Su Tianhao finally said with a small smile, taking the pill bottle from Su Huiqing's extended hand. "Thank you, Foster Father. Thank you, Uncle Yuan."
Even though he hadn't received them directly from Su Yuan's hands, it warmed something in his chest knowing that Su Yuan had been willing to vouch for him before his talent became known. That kind of faith, despite all appearances suggesting he was worthless, meant more than the pills themselves.
Su Yuan only smiled warmly and said nothing further. To him, it had been only a small effort—he had simply acted according to his instincts about the boy's character.
"If there's anything else you need, just let me know," Su Huiqing said with genuine eagerness.
"Something I need?" Su Tianhao mumbled thoughtfully.
Even though he was generally unwilling to request favors, there were certain things he needed that would be inconvenient to obtain on his own. One of them was a proper training dummy.
Su Lei had mentioned earlier that his sword slashes lacked real intent because he was only cutting through empty air. If he had an appropriate training tool that could withstand his strikes and provide resistance, his practice would be far more effective.
"Since you've asked, I won't be overly humble," Su Tianhao said after thinking it through. "I could use some assistance."
Hearing Su Tianhao actually agree to ask for something, Su Huiqing's eyes lit up with barely-concealed eagerness. Ever since Su Tianhao's true strength had been revealed, he'd felt considerable guilt over his previous indifference. He was actively looking for ways to make amends.
"What is it that you need?" Su Huiqing asked with obvious enthusiasm.
"I require a training dummy for my cultivation practice," Su Tianhao said calmly. "My previous one has been completely destroyed from repeated use."
"I'll have one arranged for you immediately—a high-quality one that can withstand significant force. It should be delivered to your courtyard by tomorrow morning."
"Then I must thank you in advance," Su Tianhao said with a respectful nod.
Without another word, Su Tianhao excused himself from the courtyard. Just as he was about to pass through the exit, he paused—then turned to face Su Lei.
"Don't forget your promise," Su Tianhao said with a calm expression that barely concealed anticipation. "I'll be expecting you tomorrow for our training session."
"Haha! I wouldn't miss it for the world!" Su Lei declared, a flash of fierce battle intent igniting in his eyes. "I'll be there bright and early—you'd better be prepared for a real challenge!"
Su Tianhao's lips curved into a faint smile before he finally departed, his figure disappearing into the evening shadows.
Behind him, the courtyard gradually returned to normal—guards dispersing to spread word of tonight's events, elders discussing the political implications, and a father standing quietly, watching the path his adopted son had taken.
Su Huiqing's expression was complex—a mixture of pride, guilt, and renewed determination to do better by the remarkable young man he'd underestimated for far too long.