Chapter 5-6
Are You Looking Down At Me?
Elder Su Zhenhua felt the weight of exhaustion hammering over him just at the thought of the days to come. The next few days, maybe even weeks, promised to be the busiest and most stressful period for the entire Su Family.
The opening of the secret realm, a traitor within the family, the threat of outside parties, and Yang Huo's presence. All these variables demanded swift and decisive action.
Fortunately, handling the 'Yang Huo' variable seemed comparatively straightforward.
Before stepping into the meeting room, Elder Su Zhenhua paused at the door. Instead of rushing in, he took a moment to rub his face and drew in a deep breath to regain focus.
Upon restoring his composure and regaining a clearer mind, he slid the door open... only to be met with a scene that left him frozen in disbelief. His attempts to maintain a calm and collected demeanor crumbled as confusion and surprise took over. His mouth slightly hung open as he struggled to process what lay before him.
'What the hell happened here?'
'Why is my son drenched in tea?'
'What's with Yang Huo's speechless expression?'
'And why is that owl pecking Yang Huo's head so religiously?'
Pak! Pak! Pak!
[How could you?!?! How could you viciously manipulate me like that, Host?!?! I can't believe I got played by you and gave you extra rewards! You're so heartless! Shameless!]
Not knowing the black owl's indignant protests right now, Elder Su Zhenhua found himself in a state of bafflement.
When Su Zhiyuan noticed his father standing at the door, with his completely tea-sprayed face, the young man break into a beaming smile.
"Father, you're back. We were just discussing the business exploit that you did long ago," Su Zhiyuan giggled softly. "And Master Yang Huo was so impressed by the ingenuity that he accidentally choked on his tea."
His father blinked, seemingly lost in a daze.
'Choked on tea? You meant hot tea, right? Son, don't you feel the burning sensation on your face right now? It's so red. How can you still maintain that cheerful smile?'
Before his father could react, Su Zhiyuan turned to Yang Huo, his smile widening even further.
"Master Yang, it was a delightful conversation, but I need to change my clothes. I hope we'll have another great discussion in the near future."
The smile was so radiant that it caught Yang Huo off guard. "Hm? Aah.... yeah.... s-sure...."
Elder Su Zhenhua was stupefied—no, he felt aghast at his son's behavior.
'Yang Huo, oh Yang Huo, what have you done to my son? He might not be the brightest in the head, but how did he turn like this? How could he smile so warmly at someone who had just essentially spat at him? With hot tea at that?'
'Aigo my heart..... alas, what can I do? As long as he is happy.'
After watching Su Zhiyuan left the room with his happy-go-lucky burning face, the remaining two exchanged glances.
"...." "...."
To break the awkward silence, Yang Huo cleared his throat and said with a calm voice, acting as if nothing had happened. "Took you long enough. I almost lost my patience."
However, Elder Su Zhenhua couldn't help but scoff in his heart. 'You certainly look convincing with your pet still assaulting your head like that.'
But sadly, although Elder Su Zhenhua wished to retort at Yang Huo, he couldn't spare any more time. Numerous pressing matters still awaited his attention, so time was of the essence.
With a swift flick of his finger, Elder Su Zhenhua effortlessly restored order to the chaotic scene and arranged the tea cups into their proper places, all the while maintaining his composure. Elder Su Zhenhua then quietly took his seat and assumed a serious demeanor.
Yang Huo and even the System could sense the shifting atmosphere and observed quietly. And at that moment, a heavy stillness enveloped the room.
"Unfortunately, I've received the news that the Patriarch and the other elders won't be able to join us."
Upon hearing the news, Yang Huo's body froze for a full second. Elder Su Zhenhua keenly observed this reaction. Well acquainted with Yang Huo's infamous reputation, the Elder wasn't surprised. He could already anticipate the kind of response Yang Huo would have after receiving such news.
The silence permeated the room, hanging heavily alongside Yang Huo and the Elder, who uttered not a single word. As the tension felt heavier by the moment, Elder Su Zhenhua felt an uneasy shift in the air, prompting him to steal a glance at his arm. Though goosebumps had yet to surface, he could already see his hair slowly standing up.
Elder Su Zhenhua frowned. It was subtle, but there was undoubtedly a surge of chaotic energies emanating from Yang Huo's body. However, it was simmering ever so slowly, just enough to evade easy notice.
'This brat, did he get so offended by this and lost some self-control?'
Calming this notorious scoundrel wouldn't be a simple task. Although he hates admitting it, ever since Yang Huo joined the esteemed Myriad Void sect, his talent had fully realized. And at the tender age of 20, he was already on pars with the old elders, including himself.
A few moments later, Yang Huo gracefully moved his hand, pouring himself a cup of tea. But ironically, the sound of the stream echoing through the room only further accentuated the screaming silence in the room.
When the monotonous sound of pouring finally ceased, Yang Huo calmly opened his mouth, his gaze serene but his voice carrying a heavy tone. And as he spoke his words, the energies hidden in his body discarded the mask concealing their presence. All the furniture shook uncontrollably, and the cups were on the verge of spilling tea all over the place.
"First, you disturbed my rest in the middle of the night and summoned me for a sudden meeting."
"Second, upon my arrival, not even half of those who summoned me were present."
"Next, the only present Elder left immediately after I took my seat."
"And now, after enduring the wait, you dare tell me that none of them would come?"
"Answer me. Are you looking down at me? Do I look that easy to bully?"
Immediately afterward, a real, tangible pressure descended upon the room, freezing everything in an instant. The movement of all things became less fluid, and the air itself became harder to breathe.
Elder Su Zhenhua stayed silent, he wasn't sure how to respond to this. Treating their guest in such a manner was indeed unbecoming. However, how could he outright admit this?
Handling this 'Yang Huo' variable seemed trickier than Elder Su Zhenhua had anticipated.
The black owl, observing from the side, began to feel excited. Yang Huo obviously knew that the Patriarch and the other elders were preoccupied by the sudden change in the secret realm.
But how should he explain how he knew about the secret realm? And why would he reveal that? Wouldn't it be better to maintain his act of ignorance while secretly seizing an opportunity from the grasp of these great factions?
Kekeke, the System could already foresee several methods to acquire their treasures.
Naturally, the most obvious way was to sow seeds of chaos among the great factions over ownership of the secret realm, and then, using that as an opportunity to slip in and steal all the valuables!
But there was also the option of using this mistreatment from the Su family as an excuse to leave and support the other factions with the deal to gain a few wonderful rewards for his help.
Aah, but supporting the Su family was also a good option. Or heck, even requesting help from the Myriad Void sect could also be interesting.
Kyaa~~ the System couldn't wait to see what would happe–
Suddenly, the heavy pressure disappeared, and the energies surging within the room subsided in an instant. The sudden change took Elder Su Zhenhua by surprise, and he couldn't adapt quickly enough.
While both Elder Su Zhenhua and the System were trying to process what happened, Yang Huo let out a small chuckle.
"I'm just messing with you. Considering the time, the Patriarch and the others must be busy dealing with the secret realm, right?"
You dare accuse me?
"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.
