Seeing the newcomer, the elders stood up and bowed to those entering the room.
"Father."
In these past years, most of the elder generation in the Su family had stepped back, passing on the reins to the younger generation. However, they had enjoyed too much comfort and forgotten the spirit of the Su family.
Several elders stepped aside, intending to make way for them.
"No need. Family Head, the Su family cannot let this matter rest. It's merely a battle; we old bones can still make some contribution." The former elder spoke, bowing his head towards Su Zeduan, then glaring at his own inadequate son, before addressing Su Zeduan again.
In the Su family, the family head held the highest authority, not diminished by seniority. This rule was established by Su Xun many years ago, and Su Zeduan's position was second only to Su Xun.
"Very well, then a single battle for the Su family poses no problem," Su Zeduan's tone was assertive. The Su family feared no adversaries and would not tolerate humiliation.
"However, the Su family isn't suitable to act in this matter," Su Zeduan's tone shifted. Even Su Zerui cast a curious glance at his elder brother, puzzled by his intentions.
"Are you suggesting?" the former elder had a suspicion when he heard Su Zeduan's words.
The old folks like them had some knowledge of the affairs of the Qianqiu Sect.
"Indeed, the Su family can aid Qianqiu Sect," Su Zeduan admitted directly.
The former elder was about to ask who would be sent when he heard Su Zeduan call out.
"Black and White Duo."
Everyone was taken aback upon hearing that. Yet, before they could respond, two figures clad in black robes appeared in the hall.
The aura emanating from them exceeded the cultivation of anyone present. However, the two bowed to Su Zeduan.
These were individuals Su Zeduan had summoned in the new month, and he summoned two of them at once. Furthermore, they were both half-step Profound Origin Realm experts.
[Name: Chen Xuanfeng.
Cultivation: Half-Step Profound Origin Realm.
Techniques: Half of the Nine Yin Manual.
Martial Skill: Nine Yin Bone Claw, Heart-Shattering Palm.
Title: Iron Corpse.]
[Name: Mei Chaofeng.
Cultivation: Half-Step Profound Origin Realm.
Techniques: Half of the Nine Yin Manual.
Martial Skill: Nine Yin Bone Claw, Heart-Shattering Palm.
Title: Bronze Corpse.]
[Introduction: The two were formerly expelled disciples of Peach Blossom Island who later became a couple. Their fame with the Nine Yin Bone Claw and Heart-Shattering Palm resonated throughout the martial world. They possess formidable martial skills, unrelenting cruelty, and are collectively known as the Black and White Duo. When they join forces, they can rival a mid-stage Profound Origin Realm expert.]
[Note: Fallen Blossom Divine Sword Palm, Azure Waves Palm Technique, Spirit Turtle Steps, Sky-Cleaving Palm, White Python Whip... I won't list all of these Peach Blossom Island's martial arts.]
Su Zeduan introduced the two to the elders present. When they heard that the two were affiliated with the back mountain, their suspicions subsided; the back mountain figure wasn't unexpected.
"It seems that the Family Head has already made up his mind. We've been somewhat hotheaded. Since that's the case, we'll return to cultivate for now," the elder had sensed the pressure emanating from the two and decided it was best to leave. Despite being a late-stage True Martial realm expert, these two made him feel like they could crush him at any moment.
"Farewell, elders." They were his seniors after all, even if he was the family head, he needed to show respect.
After the elders left, the remaining elders exchanged glances, a bit embarrassed. They lowered their heads, sat down, and said nothing.
"Fifth elder, I'll have you lead the Black and White Duo to Qianqiu Sect. Additionally, go to the Inner Pavilion of the Offering Pavilion to invite a few representatives. Also, get a Talisman Paper from the family's treasury, just in case," Su Zeduan originally intended to assign someone else, but with Su Mo and others to care for, it made more sense for the Fifth Elder to lead the team.
"As for Pingnan Academy…" The Fifth Elder glanced at Su Zeduan, he hadn't finished his sentence, but Su Zeduan knew what he wanted to ask.
"The high-ranking figures of Pingnan Academy will not be spared," Su Zeduan also knew that wiping them all out would be difficult and somewhat unrealistic.
The Fifth Elder let out a sigh of relief; he had worried they might be eradicated completely. The influence behind those students was not to be underestimated.
"You can start preparing. Also, take a look at the remaining elders," he looked at them briefly and then left.
He was heading to the back mountain. Su Mo's talent was excellent, it would be a waste to destroy him. Perhaps his great uncle had some solutions? But before he even began climbing the back mountain, a spiritual crane descended.
Su Zeduan opened the note; it contained only one sentence.
"It's destiny."
After reading it, Su Zeduan understood Su Xun's intent. He had a solution, but it wasn't the right time yet. When the time came, he would intervene.
On the other side, the Fifth Elder returned home for a moment, exchanged a few words with his wife, then left.
He went to the Inner Pavilion of the Offering Pavilion and invited five True Martial realm experts. One was in the late stage, four in the middle stage. As for the early stage, the Fifth Elder didn't request anyone of that level to prevent any mishaps.
Among them, two were the individuals who had obliterated the Heavenly Sword Sect, Shangguan Lefeng and Shangguan Lanying.
Following that, he went to the family's treasury to retrieve a piece of Talisman Paper before leaving with his team.
Naturally, Su Heng was aware of the Su family's actions, but he didn't pay much attention to such trivial matters. He had his eyes set on the back mountain. While every part of the Su family appeared relatively normal, the back mountain was an exception.
He considered infiltrating the back mountain at some point. He wanted to see what the Su family was hiding. They even possessed Holy Artifacts. Could the Su family be a self-proclaimed ancient family? Slowly awakening? But these people didn't look the part in terms of their age.
However, he didn't dwell on it. He chose to focus on cultivating, recognizing that power trumped all schemes and plots.
However, it was worth noting Su Xing'er.
After the auction ended, she didn't return to the Su family; instead, she chose to stay with Shen Wansan and learn the trade. Frankly, she quite enjoyed the feeling.
Su Zeduan had no choice but to let her be. After all, she was the only one left, and her mother had died long ago. She had been pampered all her life.
Recently, the business of the Kyushu Chamber of Commerce had been thriving. The last auction had firmly established the company's reputation, and the spiritual stones earned were almost immeasurable. As for envy, the patriarch of the Heavenly Sword Sect was still hanging at the city gates.
This also boosted the prosperity of Nanfeng City, causing the Lord of Hexi Prefecture to beam with delight.
In the future, this would be the economic center of the Azure Cloud Kingdom! As for whether the royal family would be envious, he wasn't worried. Whether he could hold onto this position had nothing to do with the Azure Cloud Kingdom's royal family. Fortunately, he had been foresighted and joined the Su family; otherwise, how could he enjoy these benefits now?