Chapter 118: Su Family Crisis, Silent Promise
After a moment of quiet contemplation, Su Tianhao's resolve crystallized. He would slay Blood Grin in the most secretive way possible—leaving no trail for the Blood Shadow Assassins to follow.
With that firmly anchored in his mind, he turned to Su Huiqing.
"Thank you."
The words carried weight beyond their simplicity. Su Huiqing's warning today was invaluable—information that would help him avoid countless complications that would have come with a reckless revenge.
Su Huiqing's expression softened. "You have to be careful, Tianhao. If Ye Shiming is capable of hiring the Blood Shadow Assassin Group, he's more dangerous than you may realize. There's no telling what he might do now that you've crippled his son."
Su Tianhao's face turned solemn. Ye Shiming had become a thorn lodged deep in his side—and a ruthless man like that would always bite back.
'A 4th level Martial Master,' he thought grimly. 'If he comes at me directly, not even my devouring ability would be enough.'
Seeing the shadow cross Su Tianhao's expression, Su Huiqing leaned forward with a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. The Qingyun Sect entrance examination is only six weeks away. With your talents and cultivation base, you're guaranteed a place in the outer court—and when that happens, not even a Martial Grandmaster would dare come after you recklessly, much less Ye Shiming."
Su Tianhao's eyes widened slightly. "Not even a Martial Grandmaster? Does the Qingyun Sect really extend that level of protection?"
"Not to ordinary disciples," Su Huiqing said. "But you're different. With your potential, the sect would spare no expense ensuring your future. You won't be treated as just another outer court disciple."
Understanding dawned quietly in Su Tianhao's eyes.
He knew the power hierarchy of the three great sects well enough. Outer court elders were all at the Martial Master Realm—meaning outer court disciples were shielded from Martial Master level threats within sect grounds. Inner court elders were outstanding Martial Grandmasters—their disciples essentially immune to threats at that level while on sect territory.
For Su Huiqing to suggest Su Tianhao would enjoy inner court privileges as an outer court disciple was a statement of unwavering faith in his potential.
Su Tianhao let the thought pass quickly. 'My focus should be on growing stronger. Only through strength can I truly walk freely in this world.'
The sect's protection, however impressive, only applied within its walls. The moment he stepped outside, his enemies would be waiting. He had no intention of hiding behind sect protection out of fear for the rest of his life.
As the saying goes: a dragon that fears the heavens will never rise from the sea.
"Enough about me," Su Tianhao said. "What's the second thing you wanted to discuss?"
Su Huiqing took a slow breath, his shoulders settling as he leaned back—as if the weight of what came next pressed physically on him.
"What is it?" Su Tianhao's expression turned serious.
"You should've noticed the tension in the city when you returned this morning," Su Huiqing began.
Su Tianhao nodded. "I did. It's about the He family acting against the Su family, isn't it?"
Su Huiqing laughed—a brief, genuine sound. "As perceptive as ever."
But the laughter died as quickly as it had come.
"Indeed, it concerns the He family." His voice dropped, becoming deep and solemn. "Although they mean no direct harm, their actions are undermining our businesses and severely affecting our finances."
"How did they get involved with us in the first place?" Su Tianhao asked.
"It's complicated." Su Huiqing smiled bitterly. "As you know, the Su family's foundation is built on alchemy and pill production."
"Right—the First Elder is a high-level grade two alchemist. The best in all of Oakwood City," Su Tianhao said.
"Not anymore." Su Huiqing shook his head.
Su Tianhao raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
"Exactly what I said. The First Elder is no longer the best alchemist in Oakwood City."
Genuine surprise crossed Su Tianhao's face.
"A little over a week ago, the He family invited an alchemist from outside and hired him as an Honorable Elder," Su Huiqing continued, pausing deliberately. "That alchemist is a peak-level grade two alchemist."
The revelation struck Su Tianhao like thunder breaking across still water.
"Peak-level grade two," he repeated quietly.
Peak-level grade two alchemists weren't particularly rare in the broader cultivation world—but in a city like Oakwood, where alchemy talent was scarce despite the abundance of powerful cultivators, they were priceless. Su Tianhao's mind moved quickly through the implications.
A low-level alchemist produced pills at thirty percent purity. Mid-level reached fifty. High-level achieved seventy—Su Qingfeng, as a high-level grade two alchemist, could produce pills at seventy-five percent purity, which was impressive by Oakwood City standards. But a peak-level alchemist could easily reach eighty-nine percent. Some even broke ninety.
The difference was staggering. With the He family now employing such an alchemist, the Su family's pill business would inevitably suffer.
"How can you say the He family means no harm?" Su Tianhao said. "This is clearly a deliberate attack."
"That's what most would think," Su Huiqing said with a wry smile. "But the He family has always dealt in luxury goods and frequently auctions pills. In truth, they're simply expanding their business."
"Friendly competition," Su Tianhao nodded in understanding.
"In their eyes, yes. But regardless of intent, the consequences are real. That alchemist produces pills at ninety percent purity. Despite the higher prices, most customers prefer buying from the He family now. We are hemorrhaging business."
Su Tianhao frowned—but he understood. Who wouldn't choose the better pill?
As the saying goes: the sharper the blade, the higher the price—yet still, every warrior seeks it.
"How can you be certain the He family has no ill intentions?"
"Because they have stayed out of power struggles for centuries. They focus solely on profit and growth," Su Huiqing explained.
Su Tianhao's brows furrowed. "Then they simply don't care—even when their expansion is crushing the very business that defines this family."
"Exactly. And that's the real problem." Su Huiqing's expression darkened. "For the He family to act this boldly, they clearly don't fear retaliation."
"How strong are they?"
Su Huiqing shook his head. "No one truly knows. They've always kept their military strength hidden—focused only on commerce. What we do know is this—they are stronger than the Ye family, and in no way inferior to us."
Su Tianhao's eyes widened. "That strong?"
"Possibly stronger," Su Huiqing said gravely. "The He family here is only a branch clan. Their main family in the capital is only slightly inferior to the three great sects."
Su Tianhao drew a sharp breath. "Then their main clan has Martial Lords."
"Exactly." Su Huiqing's smile turned bittersweet. "Because of that backing, we can only treat this as friendly competition and counter them through economic means. Violence is not an option."
"So the Su family's situation is far more complicated than it appears," Su Tianhao said quietly.
Su Huiqing nodded. "We retain customers right now only because of our price advantage and because this situation is still new. But if we don't find a solution soon..."
"Then months from now, the Su family's finances collapse," Su Tianhao finished, his voice carrying grim weight. "And once the foundation cracks, everything crumbles. A great tower built on sand cannot stand no matter how high it rises."
"When our finances fail—how do we pay servants? How do we foster disciples? How do we support young talents?" Su Huiqing's gaze grew intense. "The He family may not intend harm. But that changes nothing about the consequences. As Patriarch, this burden falls on my shoulders."
"I understand," Su Tianhao said quietly. "But why tell me all this?"
"Because you've always provided remarkable strategies and insights—even as a child." Su Huiqing's brown eyes locked onto his golden ones. "If you have any suggestions, no matter how small, don't hold them back. No knowledge is wasted."
Su Tianhao nodded—but offered no verbal commitment. He had his own crisis pressing on him. Blood Grin. The Heart Demon. He couldn't make promises he might not be able to keep.
"I'll keep that in mind." He stood. "I should go now, Patriarch."
Su Huiqing's brows rose sharply.
Su Tianhao caught it immediately. "Foster father."
Satisfaction settled across Su Huiqing's face. He waved a hand. "Alright. Go rest."
Su Tianhao offered a slight smile before turning and walking out.
The moment the door closed behind him, the smile was gone—dissolved like mist under morning sun.
'I'm sorry,' he thought, his expression turning solemn as he walked the hallway alone. 'But I have more pressing matters first. Once I've dealt with my Heart Demon—I promise I'll do everything in my power to help.'
This was his oath.