Su Yi watched silently as Ge Changling lost control in anger.
It wasn't until the other party gradually calmed down that he spoke, "Anger won't solve the problem."
Ge Changling fell silent for a moment and said, "I distinctly remember that when I accompanied your mother in cultivation, she mentioned something by chance."
"She said that she possessed an extremely bizarre and terrifying demonic treasure. If, in the future, she were to become unlike herself, it was highly likely that her soul and body had been taken over by this demonic treasure."
"She said that if such a thing were to happen, she wanted me and Su Hongli to do whatever it took to kill her."
Upon hearing this, Su Yi couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. A treasure that could potentially possess its owner's soul and body?
If that were true, then the treasure was indeed sinister!
Ge Changling continued, "At that time, Su Hongli was curious and wanted to see the appearance of that demonic treasure. However, your mother did not agree. She even became unusually angry and warned Su Hongli not to covet that treasure, or else it would harm him."
Ge Changling chuckled self-mockingly and said, "To be honest, I was extremely curious at the time as well. But after witnessing your mother's anger, I dared not entertain such thoughts."
"But now it seems that the reason for Su Hongli's drastic change in temperament is highly likely related to this demonic treasure!"
Upon hearing this, a glimmer flickered in Su Yi's eyes, and a trace of mockery appeared on his lips. "My mother must be well aware of the danger posed by this treasure. Even if she became Su Hongli's wife, she would never willingly hand it over to him."
"In other words, it is highly probable that Su Hongli's greed played a role, and he resorted to some unspeakable means to come into contact with this treasure, resulting in an accident."
Ge Changling nodded and said, "That's what I think too. However..."
"However, what?" Su Yi asked.
"Although Su Hongli's temperament has changed, he doesn't seem to have encountered any mishaps. He still retains his own memories and wisdom, completely unlike someone whose soul and body have been taken over," Ge Changling furrowed his brow. "Moreover, since deposing your mother, he has completely ignored worldly affairs. Over these years, he has secluded himself in the Su family and hasn't displayed any abnormal behavior."
Su Yi said, "You suspect that despite his change in temperament, he hasn't been possessed by that demonic treasure? And even... he might be in control of that treasure?"
Ge Changling replied, "Yes, if your mother could control this demonic treasure, with Su Hongli's capabilities, perhaps he could achieve the same."
A reminiscent color flashed in Su Yi's eyes.
He vividly remembered that Su Hongli had a great relationship with his mother, Ye Yufei, before he turned three years old.
However, it was on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month that year when Su Hongli suddenly ordered the deposition of Ye Yufei, imprisoning her in the Cold Palace. There were no signs before this incident occurred.
And now, it seemed highly likely that when he was three years old, Su Hongli had stolen the extremely dangerous demonic treasure from his mother, Ye Yufei!
As for why he resented his mother, perhaps, as Ge Changling said, Su Hongli believed that his mother harbored ill intentions and almost harmed him?
Thinking about this, Su Yi couldn't be bothered to dwell on it further.
Regardless, something must have happened to Su Hongli!
Even without understanding these truths, Su Yi would never let Su Hongli go.
No matter how many reasons there were, they were not enough to outweigh the crimes he had committed as someone who killed his own wife and treated his own flesh and blood as enemies!
Moreover, Su Yi, who possessed memories from his previous life, had no psychological burden whatsoever in dealing with his father in this life.
Even if he ultimately bore the label of "patricide," he would not care in the slightest.
"My mother once taught you a method of cultivation. Can you let me have a look?" Su Yi asked.
Ge Changling replied, "This old man had long anticipated that Daoist friend would be interested in it. I have already inscribed one cultivation technique and two secret arts learned from your mother onto a jade talisman. Please take a look."
With that, he took out a jade talisman from his sleeve and handed it to Su Yi.
Su Yi probed it with his divine sense.
The cultivation technique inscribed on it was called the "Xuanming Embrace Yuan Technique," a heritage related to the Daoist path. The technique's transmission was perfect, allowing cultivators to progress all the way to the complete mastery of the Spirit Dao.
For Su Yi, such a technique couldn't be considered top-notch, but in the Cangqing Continent, it was already an extremely formidable heritage.
Su Yi asked, "When you met my mother back then, were you already in the Martial Ancestor realm?"
Ge Changling nodded, "Indeed."
Su Yi continued, "No wonder when she taught you this technique, she must have told you not to attempt to break through to the Immortal Realm within ten years, right?"
Ge Changling's eyebrows furrowed in surprise as he nodded, "Exactly."
Su Yi then looked at the two secret arts recorded in the jade talisman, one called the "Flowing Cloud Returning Yuan Force" and the other called the "Five Ultimate Heaven-Transforming Sword."
It was evident that these secret arts complemented the "Xuanming Embrace Yuan Technique" and were quite remarkable.
Upon seeing this, Su Yi returned the jade talisman to Ge Changling and said, "It's evident that my mother truly treated you as friends back then."
His words were plain, but they made Ge Changling's expression complicated, revealing a sense of guilt. "Indeed, your mother was not only a friend to me but also a guide on my path of cultivation. She imparted her profound methods to me and gave me guidance, never keeping anything to herself. However..."
"After her misfortune, I was powerless to avenge her. Over these years, I have been burdened by guilt, and it troubles me day and night."
With a long sigh, he appeared desolate and lost in thought.
Su Yi didn't say much in response to this.
Not long after, Ge Changling composed himself and said, "If you lose three days later, I will do my best to help you find another way out."
Having said that, he stood up and bid farewell as he departed.
As he walked out of the Songfeng Courtyard, Ge Changling remembered something and said, "By the way, there is one more thing. Several years ago, I once ventured deep into the abyss at the heart of the Dark Robe Demon Mountain. However, I discovered that the nine-zhang Sword Mound no longer existed."
"Your mother said back then that a peerless and vicious sword was sealed within that mound. I suspect that Su Hongli might have taken that sword."
"Friend, you should be cautious."
His voice echoed as Ge Changling gradually disappeared into the distance.
In the courtyard, Su Yi lay in the wicker chair, his expression as calm as ever.
Ge Changling's visit this time unraveled many of his inner doubts.
However, Ge Changling probably didn't realize that even without knowing these reasons, Su Yi would show no mercy towards Su Hongli.
When a past of gratitude and enmity became an obsession in one's heart, there was no need for any justification—cutting it off with a sword was enough!
"Fang Yuan."
Su Yi spoke.
"What orders do you have, sir?"
Fang Yuan hurried over.
"Go and buy a bowl of plain noodles, clear soup, no seasonings needed."
Su Yi instructed.
Fang Yuan was momentarily puzzled, but he still followed the order and left.
Not long after, Fang Yuan returned with a steaming bowl of plain noodles.
"You can go about your business."
Su Yi sat up from the wicker chair, picked up the bowl and chopsticks, and began to eat.
The flavor was plain, even difficult to swallow for Su Yi, who was accustomed to delicious food.
However, at this moment, he ate with great seriousness.
Just like on the second day of the second lunar month when he was four years old, in that dim and damp room, the woman made him a bowl of longevity noodles.
That woman was emaciated and seriously ill, resembling a trapped beast in a cage, barely surviving in darkness and pain.
Her pitiful state was heart-wrenching.
For Su Yi, the woman's background and her origins no longer mattered.
One bowl of noodles finished.
Su Yi lay back in the wicker chair, gently stroking the armrest, as tranquil as before.
He had waited for many years.
He wasn't anxious to wait for another three days.
It was dusk.
Su Hongli, who was fishing by the lake, suddenly asked, "Has that wretched fellow ever left the Songfeng Courtyard since he killed You Tianhong?"
"No," replied the old man in Daoist robes, his figure appearing silently. He spoke softly, "Friend, Ge Changling should have already told Su Yi about some of the past events."
Su Hongli's expression remained indifferent as he said, "I anticipated this outcome, so it's not surprising. What surprises me is that even after learning about some of the past events, that wretched fellow can still remain calm."
With a smile, he instructed, "Brother, I want you to do something."
...
The night was hazy.
Mu Xi, Pu Yi, Jiang Tanyun, Lu Changfeng, and others were feasting and drinking inside the "Luoying Tower" in the city of Yujing.
"I've gathered some information. On the night of the third day of May, the imperial guards of Da Zhou will mobilize the Shadow Dragon Guard to seal off an area of ten square miles centered around the Su family," Mu Xi said while drinking. "After all, as you all know, if Su Yi and the Su family go to war, the aftermath of the battle could potentially destroy countless streets and houses in Yujing City. Evacuating unrelated people in advance is the wisest decision."
Pu Yi sighed and said, "In the current Yujing City, who knows how many eyes are watching the approaching storm. It is said that in recent times, many powerful figures from all directions have arrived, including some formidable individuals from Da Wei and Da Qin."
"For example, the 'Cloud Lang Sage' from the Eastern Flower Sword Sect of Da Qin, who is known as the number one in combat power, and the Elder Gold Ripples, the third elder of the Jin Clan, the number one clan of Da Wei, both arrived in Yujing City several days ago."
"Not exaggerating, no one knows exactly how many powerful individuals have gathered in Yujing City by now."
These words stirred up turmoil in everyone's hearts.
Since Su Yi killed You Tianhong on Mount Jiuci on the 20th of April, the news had spread throughout the three nations of Da Zhou, Da Qin, and Da Wei in the shortest amount of time, causing numerous disturbances.
Now, as the 4th of May approached, the attention of the world was focused on the forthcoming battle between Su Yi and the Su family.
As a result, Yujing City had been filled with hidden currents and appeared to be on the brink of a storm in recent times.
When the banquet came to an end, it was already late at night as Mu Xi and his group walked out of the restaurant.
As they were about to leave, a Daoist-robed old man with a Daoist bun and a whisk in his hand appeared in the distance on the street.
The Daoist-robed old man glanced at Mu Xi and the others, revealing a warm smile like a gentle breeze, and slightly bowed, saying, "I have been sent here on a mission. I ask all of you to kneel down here."