"I'm just messing with you. Considering the time, the Patriarch and the others must be busy dealing with the secret realm, right?"
Both the Elder and the System widened their eyes in shock, especially the Elder.
How could Yang Huo have knowledge of the secret realm? Who had divulged such confidential information to him?
Elder Su Zhenhua dismissed the idea that other families would willingly share the existence of the secret realm with Yang Huo. After all, who would be insane enough to increase the already fierce competition for the secret realm? What if the Myriad Void sect got involved in this?
Even if the fallen Yang family were aware of its existence, Yang Huo was merely a child at the time. It seemed highly implausible that such sensitive matters would be discussed with such a young kid.
Despite the mounting questions, Elder Su Zhenhua attempted to feign ignorance.
"....I'm not sure what you mean by that."
Hearing that, Yang Huo adopted a more relaxed posture. "Elder, why do you think I came here?"
"That is....."
Wasn't it because you wanted to resolve the rumor about your engagement with Su Meiying?
Elder Su Zhenhua wanted to respond with that. However, the more he pondered, the stranger it felt.
Why would Yang Huo invest so much effort into dispelling mere rumors? Even if the engagement was real, all he needed to do was deny it when the time came. In the unlikely event that it damaged his reputation, would it truly tarnish his already pitch-black reputation?
Unless Yang Huo had no life, bored to death, and was petty to the max... wait, actually... Yang Huo did seem to fit that description, especially the last trait.
Elder Su Zhenhua was stunned. How could he see Yang Huo doing such a petty thing and yet not want to believe it as well?
Sensing something amiss in the Elder's expression, Yang Huo quickly cleared his throat.
Elder Su Zhenhua snapped out of his thoughts and vigorously shook his head. Even if Yang Huo were that petty, he could visit the Su family at any time. However, for him to arrive precisely on the night when the secret realm showed signs of opening felt a bit too coincidental.
Falling into a momentary silence, Elder Su Zhenhua wondered if Yang Huo genuinely came here for a mere rumor. But... if he indeed knew about the secret realm beforehand, it might explain something else.
"...Did you come for the secret realm?" the Elder inquired.
Maintaining a relaxed gaze, Yang Huo twirled the teacup in his hand and set the clear liquid into a gentle spin. "I intended to discuss this tomorrow but...." He then stole a glance at the door, eyes slightly narrowed. "But I didn't expect you all to summon me in the middle of the night."
"This....." Elder Su Zhenhua closed his eyes and readjusted his thoughts. It seemed they had to change the plan. They had severely miscalculated the variable 'Yang Huo.'
"Aaahh, don't misunderstand, though. The secret realm is not my goal."
Opening his eyes again, Elder Su Zhenhua looked at Yang Huo with a stunned expression, while the System observed Yang Huo with an even more flabbergasted look.
[.....What? What do you mean you're not here for the secret realm? Did you forget the mission I gave you?]
Yang Huo glanced at the door once again.
"Before we continue our chat, wouldn't it be more appropriate if the person out ther–"
"Eh? Uncle, what are you doing standing outside?" A familiar voice from the door interrupted Yang Huo.
"N-No, young master.... I...."
"It's fine. There's only my father inside, and I'm sure Master Yang Huo is fine with it."
All of a sudden, the door swung open, revealing the smiling Su Zhiyuan in his fresh clothes, accompanied by the servant from before, wearing an awkward expression.
Elder Su Zhenhua and the servant exchanged a furtive and awkward gaze.
Elder Su Zhenhua covered his face and released a deep sigh. It seemed he needed to have a long~~~ conversation with his son after this.
"He is one of ours. Master Yang Huo, please, continue," Elder Su Zhenhua declared, trying to regain composure.
Yang Huo shrugged. After waiting for Su Zhiyuan to take his seat, he resumed.
.
.
.
After listening to the explanation, Su Zhiyuan inquired again, "So, Master Yang Huo was tasked with finding talented disciples?"
Yang Huo smiled at him and responded, "Yes..... but my task is also a little different from most." Yang Huo turned to Elder Su Zhenhua and said, "Not only do they need to be talented, but one's character and how they approach a sudden crisis are equally important."
Elder Su Zhenhua took a moment to reflect before realizing something. "I see, so about the secret realm...."
Yang Huo nodded.
"I would like to use the secret realm as a selection test. What do you think, Elder?"
The Elder pondered for a moment.
"This... is not something for me to answer. But I can set up a meeting for you and the Patriarch."
Yang Huo shrugged and wanted to take a sip–
"But I'm still curious. What do we get from this? I'm sure Master Yang Huo didn't assume we would let you use the secret realm for free, right?"
Yang Huo maintained a smile on his face. "Isn't it obvious? I'm giving the Su family priority over the selection spot."
When Elder Su Zhenhua heard this, he glanced at the servant with a gaze filled with hidden meaning. As if the servant understood the unspoken message, he spoke to Yang Huo.
"Does that mean Master Yang Huo didn't inform the other families about the secret realm?"
Yang Huo narrowed his eyes and looked at the servant as if he were asking a rather obvious question.
"Of course not. I am aware that the opening of the secret realm is confidential. Do you think I would offend the Su family for no reason?"
Yang Huo displayed a face of great confusion, directed not only at the servant but also at Elder Su Zhenhua, as if the question were so obvious that he couldn't even be upset about it.
Elder Su Zhenhua frowned to the point of having his brows knitted together. Yang Huo's reaction seemed too genuine to be an act.
The servant's question was an indirect accusation against Yang Huo. However, instead of reacting angrily, Yang Huo countered with a question, highlighting the absurdity of the accusation.
The plan was to provoke a reaction from Yang Huo, but his response made it unclear if he was truly the one who shared the information about the secret realm. Elder Su Zhenhua wanted to cling to a small hope that there might be no spy within the family, but he might have to accept the reality.
After all, what Yang Huo implied made more sense. Using the knowledge of the secret realm as leverage in negotiations with the patriarch seemed more sensible. So there was no reason for Yang Huo to offend the Su family for now, especially when he was still their guest.