Setting Out

The setting sun sank toward the west, and dusk deepened.

Su Yu stood at the edge of Swift Wind Valley and glanced back at the valley where he had tempered himself for half a month. A trace of depth flickered in his eyes.

It was time to go back.

He murmured to himself, his voice scattering on the wind.

Tomorrow was the day he would set out for Yunlan Sect. He didn't dare delay and immediately activated Fleeting Light Shadow.

His figure swept through the forest like a phantom, racing toward Skywind City.

Would the Lin Family discover he was still alive?

Su Yu wasn't worried in the least.

Even Black Fiend, a Spirit Condensation Realm expert, fell to me. If the Lin Family wants to come after me again, they'll have to consider whether there's someone behind me they can't afford to provoke.

A cold glint flickered in his eyes.

Spirit Condensation Realm martial artists weren't cabbages. Even for a power like the Lin Family, losing one was a severe blow.

If they lost a few more, the Lin Family would likely be gravely weakened without anyone else lifting a finger.

Besides, the Su Family would certainly send Spirit Condensation Realm experts along to escort them on this trip to Yunlan Sect.

If the Lin Family still wanted to strike in secret then, it would be more than twice as difficult.

To do it without leaving a trace would be nothing short of a fool's dream.

If something happened on the way to Yunlan Sect...

A cold smile tugged at Su Yu's lips.

If Yunlan Sect found out, the Lin Family would face nothing less than utter ruin.

The night wind howled. Several hours later, the outline of Skywind City finally appeared in view.

Su Yu paused, then slipped quietly through the city gate.

At the same time, the atmosphere in the Lin Family's main hall was so oppressive it was hard to breathe.

"Patriarch, Su Yu... came back alive."

A Lin Family confidant knelt on the ground, his voice trembling.

"What!" Lin Zhentian slammed his hand on the table and shot to his feet. The sandalwood table shattered with a crack.

His eyes were full of disbelief. "Black Fiend actually... failed?"

Black Fiend, a fifth-layer Spirit Condensation Realm expert, had failed to kill a mere Qi Refining Realm junior?

It was absurd!

Could there really be a powerful expert protecting Su Yu?

Lin Zhentian's expression shifted between dark and bright.

"Patriarch, according to our spies, those few juniors from the Su Family are setting out for Yunlan Sect tomorrow."

The confidant spoke cautiously.

"Should we do something on the road..."

"Enough!" Lin Zhentian snapped, a trace of apprehension flashing in his eyes.

"Let this matter rest! The Su Family will certainly send experts to escort them. If we strike again, the risk is too great! If we're exposed..."

He didn't finish, but everyone present understood the stakes.

If Yunlan Sect set its sights on them, the Lin Family would be wiped off the map in an instant!

Lin Zhentian's face was so dark it seemed water might drip from it. But soon, as if he'd thought of something, he gave a sinister smile. "There's always another day. As long as Su Yu hasn't reached the Essence Transformation Realm, we'll have plenty of chances."

He spoke the last sentence very softly, but it carried a bone-chilling menace.

The next morning, a thin mist shrouded the Su Family's Training Ground.

Last night's dew still clung to the flagstones, glimmering with flecks of gold beneath the rising sun.

Su Tianheng stood with his hands behind his back, his dark robe stirring gently in the morning breeze. His sharp gaze swept over the four young disciples assembled before him, ready to depart.

"On this trip to Yunlan Sect, remember three things."

Su Tianheng's voice was deep and powerful, echoing across the empty Training Ground.

"First, train diligently without pause. Second, watch your words and actions. Third..."

At this, his gaze lingered on Su Yan for a moment, a trace of helplessness in his eyes. "Don't go looking for trouble."

At his words, the grin on Su Yan's face froze.

After half a month of recuperation, his injuries had healed completely. Now he stood among the group, full of energy.

Feeling his father's gaze, he immediately straightened and declared, "Don't worry, Father! I'll train hard and never bring shame on the Su Family!"

His voice rang out so loudly that several skylarks resting beneath the eaves fluttered into the air.

Su Mei, standing nearby, couldn't help rolling her eyes.

She had deliberately changed into a light purple outfit for training that day, and the sword at her waist glinted coldly in the morning light.

Su Yun still wore his usual stern expression, the black outfit making his tall figure seem even more upright.

"It's getting late."

Su Tianheng's voice drew Su Yu's thoughts back to the present.

The usually stern patriarch now had a trace of reluctance in his eyes, but it soon gave way to his customary solemnity.

"Be careful on the road."

Those four simple words made everyone's hearts tremble.

Su Yan suddenly fell silent, lowering his head as he ground a small stone beneath his boot.

Su Mei turned her face away, but Su Yu, sharp-eyed, still caught the glimmer of tears at the corner of her eye.

Even Su Yun's brows drew together slightly, his thin lips pressed into a straight line.

The morning breeze brushed Su Yu's face, carrying the distinctive herbal fragrance of the Su Family courtyard.

Looking at the young men and women before him, their eyes red-rimmed, the corners of his mouth lifted into a gentle smile.

In his previous life, his parents had died young, and he had studied alone. He had long grown accustomed to days when no one cared about him.

But now, there were people who would miss him when he left.

Standing before the Su Family's main gate, Su Yu took a deep breath.

In this life, he was no longer alone.

He had his clan by his side and loved ones who cared for him.

One day... He gazed at the morning sun on the horizon and swore silently.

I'll make the Su Family's name resound across this continent.

"Let's go." Su Yu turned to the Su Family disciples assembled behind him.

"It's time to set out."

They bid Su Tianheng farewell, then set off on the road to Yunlan Sect.

Beneath the morning sun, the young men's figures stood straight as swords as they strode toward a wider world.