Chapter 9: Su Family

  Su Tianhao's breath caught in his throat as the full scope of the Su family estate unfolded before him. He had anticipated wealth—even luxury—but nothing had prepared him for this magnificent display of accumulated power and prosperity.

  Where the Lu family had possessed a single compound with multiple buildings, the Su estate sprawled across several acres like a small city unto itself. Countless courtyards connected through elaborate walkways, each containing buildings that ranged from practical workshops to ornate pavilions. Gardens filled with rare flowering trees and artificial streams created pockets of tranquility between the busier sections, while towering walls ensured complete privacy from the outside world.

  "Is this truly what a cultivation family's wealth looks like?" Su Tianhao whispered, his voice filled with awe.

  "Come," Su Huiqing said with amusement at the boy's reaction. "Let me show you around."

  After dismounting from the Wind horse, they approached the main gates where guards in silver-trimmed armor immediately snapped to attention.

  "Greetings, Patriarch!" they chorused with perfect unity.

  Su Huiqing acknowledged them with a casual nod before striding through the entrance with confident steps while Su Tianhao followed closely beside him.

  Behind them, the guards exchanged curious glances.

  "Who's the boy?" whispered one—a lean young man whose eyes tracked Su Tianhao's every movement.

  His companion shrugged indifferently. "No idea, but it's not our place to speculate. Probably just a servant the Patriarch picked up. We'll find out soon enough."

  "You're right," the first guard agreed, though his expression remained thoughtful.

  ---

  As they walked deeper into the estate, Su Tianhao marveled at the constant activity surrounding them. Family disciples practiced martial forms in designated training areas, servants hurried past carrying everything from scrolls to steaming meals, and craftsmen worked at various trades in specialized workshops. Without exception, everyone they encountered immediately halted their activities to offer respectful greetings.

  "Greetings, Patriarch!"

  "Welcome home, honored sir!"

  The respect in their voices was absolute, yet Su Tianhao noticed it carried genuine admiration rather than mere fear. His new father clearly commanded loyalty through more than just authority.

  Their path eventually led them to a large martial arts arena where a crowd had gathered to watch a sparring match. On the raised platform, two teenagers—a boy and girl who appeared to be in their mid-teens—faced each other with the focused intensity of serious fighters.

  "Here I come, Senior Brother Chang!" the girl called out, her stance shifting into a practiced combat form.

  "Mountain Jade Fist!"

  She shouted, launching forward with a force that betrayed her delicate frame.

  Her opponent's expression grew serious as he met her attack head-on, his own technique creating visible ripples in the air around his hand.

  "Collapsing Fist!"

  He roared, fists clenched tightly as he launched forward with even more powerful force.

  Boom!

  The collision sent shockwaves through the arena floor, causing both fighters to slide backward several steps. The boy managed to maintain his balance after retreating two paces, while the girl was forced back considerably farther.

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  The watching crowd erupted in excited commentary.

  "Senior Brother Chang is so domineering!"

  "He must have already broken through to 3rd Level Martial Disciple!"

  "No wonder Senior Sister Mei couldn't match him—though she held her ground impressively for someone at the 2nd Level."

  "Don't underestimate Senior Sister Mei! She's five months younger than Senior Brother Chang and nearly matched his strength!"

  Su Tianhao's eyes widened as he absorbed both the display of martial prowess and the crowd's analysis. 'These are true geniuses—not just Martial Apprentices, but genuine Martial Disciples who have begun refining their internal body systems.'

  The sparring match concluded, and Su Huiqing chose that moment to make his presence known by coughing slightly, immediately drawing the attention of the crowd.

  The girl on the platform—Su Mei—was the first to notice him, her delicate features lighting up with enthusiasm. "Greetings, Patriarch!"

  Her opponent, Su Chang, offered a more formal bow. "Uncle Huiqing."

  "Haha! Su Chang, Su Mei—please continue your training. I'm merely passing through," Su Huiqing replied with evident fondness.

  But Su Mei's curious gaze had already shifted to the small figure standing beside the Patriarch. "Hey there, little boy. What's your name?"

  Suddenly, all eyes in the arena focused on Su Tianhao, making him acutely aware of his plain clothing and humble origins. The attention felt overwhelming, so oppressive that he wished he could open the earth and hide inside a hole.

  "T-Tianhao," he managed to stammer.

  "Tianhao..." Su Mei repeated thoughtfully, her lips curving into a warm smile. "What a strong-sounding name!"

  Su Chang merely glanced at him with indifference before looking away, clearly dismissing the newcomer as unworthy of further attention. The other disciples whispered among themselves, shooting questioning looks toward Su Huiqing that plainly asked: 'Who is this boy, and why is he here?'

  Su Huiqing read the room's mood perfectly and decided to address their curiosity directly. He cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention.

  "This is Su Tianhao," he announced in a voice that carried clearly across the arena. "As of today, he is a member of our family. I have chosen to adopt him as my second son."

  What?!

  The explosion of shocked voices created a noise that echoed off the arena walls. Even Su Chang couldn't maintain his indifferent facade, his eyes widening as he stared at Su Tianhao with renewed assessment.

  'He's going to be my cousin?' Su Chang thought with visible confusion.

  Su Tianhao felt his face burn with embarrassment under so many scrutinizing gazes. If not for Su Huiqing's protective presence, he suspected several of the older disciples might have already approached him with challenging questions.

  "That's enough gawking," Su Huiqing said firmly, though not harshly. "In the future, you will address him as Second Young Master. Now, let us continue—the boy has had quite enough excitement for one day."

  As they walked away, the arena remained frozen in stunned silence until Su Mei's delighted laughter broke the spell.

  "You should see your face, Senior Brother Chang!" she giggled. "Second Young Master... how interesting!"

  Su Chang shook his head slowly, his expression troubled. "Second Young Master..." he muttered. "We'll see about that."

  The gathered crowd burst into animated discussion the moment Su Huiqing was out of sight. A second young master had appeared without warning—how could they not be shocked? It would take considerable time for this new reality to settle into their understanding of the family hierarchy.

  ---

  While the martial arts arena buzzed with speculation, Su Huiqing led his new son toward the estate's centerpiece—the main residence building. The structure rose three stories into the sky, its elegant architecture speaking of centuries of refinement. Carved jade panels decorated the exterior walls, while golden roof tiles caught the afternoon sunlight and reflected it in brilliant patterns. Wide balconies on each floor provided commanding views of the surrounding courtyards, and ornate pillars supported overhanging eaves that sheltered elaborate wooden screens.

  "Let's go inside," Su Huiqing said, guiding Su Tianhao toward the main entrance.

  Two young women in immaculate maid uniforms immediately appeared at the doorway, offering uniform bows. Both appeared to be in their early twenties, with the composed bearing of experienced household staff.

  "Greetings, Patriarch!" they said in perfect unison.

  Su Huiqing acknowledged them with a casual wave. His expression brightened with amusement as he caught Su Tianhao's amazed expression from the corner of his eyes.

  The little boy's eyes gleamed like golden suns as he took in his surroundings. The interior of the main residence surpassed even the opulent exterior—polished marble floors, silk tapestries depicting legendary cultivators, and furniture crafted from rare woods gleamed with careful maintenance.

  'Any single item in this place would sell for more silver than most people in Willow Creek see in a lifetime,' Su Tianhao thought with bewilderment.

  "This is the main residence," Su Huiqing said. "It houses myself, the family elders, and direct descendants of the Su bloodline. This will be your home from now on."

  Su Tianhao nodded eagerly, still struggling to fully accept that such luxury would be his daily environment.

  Their conversation was interrupted by the approach of a middle-aged man whose features bore strong resemblance to Su Huiqing, though he appeared perhaps five years younger. His expensive robes and confident bearing marked him as someone of significant status within the family hierarchy.

  "You're back, Big Brother," the man said with a welcoming smile.

  Su Huiqing returned the greeting warmly before turning to Su Tianhao. "This is Su Liang, my younger brother and Second Elder of our family. He's also Su Chang's father. You should address him as Uncle Liang."

  "Greetings, Uncle Liang!" Su Tianhao said with a respectful bow, remembering the etiquette lessons he had absorbed from library books.

  Su Liang nodded with acknowledgment but couldn't hide his curiosity as he turned back to his brother. "And this young man is...?"

  "Su Tianhao, my newly adopted son," Su Huiqing replied matter-of-factly. "I encountered him during my journey and decided he would make a valuable addition to our family."

  Su Liang's jaw dropped, his composure cracking completely. "You... adopted him?"

  Su Huiqing turned to one of the waiting maids, apparently considering the matter settled. "Take the Second Young Master to prepare suitable quarters. Select one of the better rooms in the main residence. You will serve as his personal attendant—help him adjust to his new life and ensure he has everything he needs."

  "Yes, Patriarch!" the maid responded with another bow.

  "Come with me, Young Master," she said to Su Tianhao, her voice carrying the respectful tone appropriate to his new status.

  As they began to walk away, Su Liang recovered enough to voice his concerns. "Did I hear you correctly? You adopted a son? What about Jian'er's position as heir?"

  Su Huiqing shrugged casually, his tone suggesting the matter was hardly worth discussion. "I'm sure Jian'er won't mind having a brother his own age. They might even become good friends."

  With that dismissive comment, he strode off toward his private chambers, leaving Su Liang standing alone in the hallway, his mouth opening and closing soundlessly like a fish gasping for air.

  The Second Elder stared at his brother's retreating form with a mixture of confusion and growing concern. 'This sudden adoption could complicate everything. The family elders will have questions—many questions.'