Xu Shang sat on the rooftop of the ruins of the Xu Family. Moonlight spilled over him, and the jade in his hand emitted a faint glow, reflecting the complex expression on his face as he gazed at the stone.
Xu Shang gently stroked the jade, feeling the power contained within it. If he were to refine this piece of jade, his cultivation would advance by at least one tier, but doing so might provoke an even stronger backlash from the Su Family and could potentially drag innocent people into the conflict. He had to proceed with caution.
Xu Shang took a deep breath and put the jade away. He needed a plan—a plan that would weaken the Su Family without sparking a large-scale confrontation. He closed his eyes and fell into deep thought.
Just then, he heard a faint sound of footsteps. Xu Shang opened his eyes and saw a figure quietly approaching the ruins of the Xu Family. Instantly alert, he melted silently into the shadows to observe the newcomer.
The figure seemed to be searching for something, finally coming to a halt before the ruins of the Xu Family. As Xu Shang got a clear look at the intruder, he was startled to see that it was Su Biyun. Her eyes held sorrow and confusion, and she carried a bundle in her hands.
A shock went through Xu Shang’s heart. He had not expected to see Su Biyun again under such circumstances. He had once deeply loved this woman, and his emotions were tangled, leaving him unsure of how to face her.
Su Biyun stood before the ruins, seemingly lost in memory. She spoke softly, "Xu Shang, I know you are still alive, and I have been searching for you all this time. I know you hate me and hate my family, but I hope you can give me a chance to explain."
Hiding in the shadows, Xu Shang listened silently to Su Biyun’s words. His inner self was in turmoil; he did not know whether he should appear before her or listen to her explanation.
Su Biyun continued, "I have also been deeply grieved by my father’s actions over the years. But I never wanted to hurt you, nor the Xu Family, and least of all Sanqing Town. I hope you can understand."
Ripples stirred in Xu Shang’s heart, and he began to doubt whether his long-held persistence was right. Taking a deep breath, he decided to reveal himself and hear Su Biyun out.
He stepped out from the shadows and stood before Su Biyun. When she saw him, a flash of pleasant surprise and guilt crossed her eyes. "Xu Shang, you really are here."
Looking at her, Xu Shang spoke in a low voice, "Su Biyun, is this the only reason you came here?"
Su Biyun nodded and handed the bundle she was holding to Xu Shang. "Inside here are some secrets concerning the Su Family, as well as my father's recent movements. I hope you can understand the truth."
Xu Shang took the bundle, feeling Su Biyun’s sincerity. He opened it to find a collection of letters and maps detailing some of the Su Family's internal affairs and plans.
Glancing over the contents, he discovered that the Su Family had indeed been making major moves recently, including plans to expand into surrounding towns. A glint of cold light flashed in his eyes; he knew he could not let the Su Family's plans succeed.
Su Biyun looked at Xu Shang and said softly, "Xu Shang, I am willing to help you—help you protect Sanqing Town."
Xu Shang raised his head and gave Su Biyun a deep look. He knew that this woman had once been the person he deeply loved, yet now she stood on the opposite side. Though his heart was torn, he knew he could not let personal feelings cloud his judgment.
Putting the bundle away, Xu Shang said to Su Biyun, "Su Biyun, I need time to digest this information. I appreciate your good intentions, but I cannot be sure whether we can ever be friends again."
A trace of disappointment flashed in Su Biyun’s eyes, but she still spoke with fortitude, "I understand. I only hope you can bring peace to Sanqing Town."
Xu Shang nodded and turned to leave. But Su Biyun suddenly called out to him, "Xu Shang, whatever you do, be careful. My father, he..."
Xu Shang stopped in his tracks, turned his head, and asked, "What about your father?"
Su Biyun hesitated for a moment before finally speaking, "My father recently acquired a powerful Divine Art, and his strength has grown tremendously. You must be extremely careful if you make an enemy of him."
A jolt went through Xu Shang’s heart; he had not expected the head of the Su Family to have reached such a level of strength. He took a deep breath and told Su Biyun, "Thank you for the warning; I will be careful."
With that, Xu Shang turned and left the ruins of the Xu Family, his figure gradually vanishing into the night. Su Biyun stood where she was, gazing in the direction he had left, a flicker of worry and reluctance lingering in her eyes.
Xu Shang went to the backyard of the Xu Family. He needed to carefully study the materials Su Biyun had given him and formulate a detailed plan. He knew that the battle ahead of him would be a tough one, but he also knew he could not back down.
Sitting in his room, he laid out the materials from the bundle one by one and began to study them thoroughly. He needed to understand the Su Family's internal situation and find their weaknesses, while also guarding against the formidable strength of the Su Family head.
Late into the night, Xu Shang was still studying the documents, his eyes revealing steadfastness and determination. He knew this battle was for the peace and future of all of Sanqing Town.
Meanwhile, deep within the Su Family estate, the head of the Su Family sat grandly in the main hall, toying with a piece of jade in his hand—the very piece Xu Shang had taken from the treasury. A cold glint flashed in his eyes, as if he had already sensed something.
"Xu Shang, do you really think you can escape the palm of my hand?" the Su Family head sneered. "I'd like to see just what kind of tricks you can pull." In a flash, he vanished.
Suddenly lifting his head to look at the moonlight, Xu Shang realized that Su Lie was already inside the Xu Family grounds. Xu Shang’s figure blurred, and he vanished in an instant.
Looking around vigilantly, Su Lie walked slowly toward the interior of the Xu Family compound. "Stop walking. I am here." Xu Shang stood upon the rooftop, looking coldly down at Su Lie.
Su Lie was startled, thinking to himself: *I didn't even sense his presence!* But he quickly regained his composure.
Su Lie shouted angrily, "Xu Shang, you're nothing more than a stray dog left behind by the old Xu Family! How dare you delusional fools dream of defeating me?"
Standing completely still, Xu Shang stared intently at Su Lie and said, "We haven't seen each other in over two years. If you have anything to say to me, say it now. I'm standing right here listening."
Su Lie burst into wild laughter. "Brat, have you lost your mind? Do you really think that since I came here, I'll leave you a way out?"
Quietly, Su Lie began to spread his spiritual qi outward, but as he felt the terrifying aura emanating from the man before him, a single bead of cold sweat broke out on his forehead.