78: Chapter 78 Missing

The pagoda radiated countless intertwined threads of Sword Intent; the Sword Cultivators present were all too familiar with this aura.

Everyone instantly concluded that all the Sword Intent in the Sword Lake originated from the sword scars on the pagoda!

"There really is an exotic treasure in the lake, and it's a pagoda..."

Zhao Wanyi covered her slightly parted mouth, her face full of shock.

As the pagoda appeared in the world, the Cultivators within the market town came swarming over one after another.

Su Xuanheng looked up and saw nearly a hundred Foundation Establishment Cultivators flying on swords, suspended in mid-air, gazing at the pagoda in the lake with excited expressions.

"The Sword Lake has existed for over a thousand years. This tower is undoubtedly a Magic Treasure from the ancient era. Even if a Golden Core Cultivator came, they might not necessarily be able to take it away."

"I didn't expect that the Sword Intent in the Sword Lake actually all emanated from the sword scars on the tower. Then what kind of supreme treasure would this pagoda itself be?"

"One look inside and we'll know. However, ancient Magic Treasures all have artifact spirits. For this tower to suddenly appear after being dormant for so many years, there must be a reason."

The Foundation Establishment Cultivators in the air did not avoid others, discussing the matter openly and honestly.

Suddenly, the pagoda emitted a faint light, and a tender, child-like voice echoed from within the tower.

"Legacy Sword Tower. Form a team of two. Reach the top of the tower to obtain the supreme sword art."

It was the voice of the artifact spirit!

The Cultivators understood instantly. Someone asked loudly, "Can we enter the tower as long as we form a team of two? Is there a cultivation limit? Is there a required range for the cultivation difference between teammates?"

"The Sword Tower trial locks everyone's cultivation at the Qi Refining First Layer. It tests a Cultivator's comprehension of the sword. Non-Sword Cultivators need not waste their time."

The Sword Tower's artifact spirit's voice rang out again, clarifying that this was an Opportunity belonging to Sword Cultivators. Any Realm could enter, but everyone would be forcibly suppressed to the Qi Refining First Layer cultivation.

For a moment, the clamor at Sword Lake was incessant.

The Sword Cultivators present quickly paired up, surging into the Legacy Sword Tower like a torrential flood.

"A heavenly Opportunity for Sword Cultivators!" Zhao Wanyi's eyes sparkled as she listened. "Senior Sister, let's go together..."

Before she could finish her sentence, Wei Yan suddenly slapped Su Xuanheng on the shoulder. "Xuan Heng, shall we go in and take a look together?"

"Alright!"

Su Xuanheng responded without hesitation, his eyes burning with fighting spirit.

Both he and Wei Yan possessed a Clear Sword Heart and were born with their own Sword Intent; they were practically an invincible combination.

Wei Yan remembered there was still a Junior Sister beside her. She didn't even fully turn her head, speaking as fast as if she were rushing to a reincarnation: "Junior Sister, Xuan Heng and I are going in to investigate. You wait for us outside, or just grab a random passerby to team up with. We're going in first."

Several strands of Sword Qi swirled around Wei Yan, and her entire aura became sharp, like a sharp sword about to be unsheathed.

Without waiting for Zhao Wanyi's reply, the two of them impatiently lunged toward the tower gate.

Leaving behind the stunned Zhao Wanyi, who hadn't yet reacted.

Only after a good long while did she snap out of it. Her Senior Sister, whose heart was only set on practicing the sword, had actually run off with a man!

...

Qingyuan, Su Family.

Su Xuanming had a solemn expression as he stood within the clan grounds, gazing into the distance with a preoccupied look.

The young Su Xuanling came waddling over riding Big Black, her small hand tugging at Su Xuanming's sleeve.

"Second Brother, when are Father and Mother coming back?"

"It should be soon. Ling'er, don't be anxious."

Su Xuanming forced a smile and rubbed his sister's head.

Calculating the time, Father and Mother should have returned long ago, but they had been out for nearly a month this time. He was quite worried in his heart.

At this moment, An Ziyao hurried back from outside, his expression looking even worse than Su Xuanming's.

Su Xuanming's heart skipped a beat upon seeing this. After finding an excuse to send his sister away, he asked in a low voice, "What is the situation in Lanshui County?"

An Ziyao frowned deeply: "Reporting to Second Young Master, Lanshui County has been captured by the Great Qi army! That area has been blockaded by Great Qi. I was unable to enter the county. The outskirts of the city were baptized by airship cannon fire; the ground is desolate, and not a blade of grass grows."

"I searched nearby for a long time but couldn't find any trace of the Family Head and the Madam. I'm afraid..."

He didn't dare to continue. Judging by the current situation, the Family Head's prospects were grim.

Su Xuanming's face turned pale, and his breathing grew heavy.

Great Qi actually attacked Lanshui County! Father and Mother must have run into the Great Qi army, but where did they go?

Were they blockaded inside Lanshui County, or did they flee in the opposite direction of Qingyuan and couldn't make it back?

He didn't believe his parents would die in such a place!

"Second Young Master, should we notify the other young masters and young misses about this?" An Ziyao asked in a low voice.

Su Xuanming thought for a moment and decided that he must inform his siblings. After all, Father and Mother had exceeded their expected return time; even if he didn't say anything, others would ask, and it couldn't be hidden at all.

It was better to inform the whole Family and discuss the next plan together.

Su Xuanming quickly convened a Family meeting and informed them of the news of their parents' disappearance.

Su Xuanjing suddenly stood up and said urgently, "Father and Mother are missing? Then what are we still doing here? Let's go out and find them! Maybe Father and Mother need our help right now!"

"Third Sister, don't be anxious!"

Su Xuanxiao's expression was solemn as he pulled Su Xuanjing's arm. "Father and Mother's methods far exceed ours, especially Father's abilities which are profound and unpredictable. I believe they won't easily meet with trouble."

"Xuanxiao is right."

Su Xuanming immediately followed up: "At this time, we shouldn't lose our composure. I called you here to calmly discuss a countermeasure."

"Now that Lanshui County has been captured by the Great Qi army and the surrounding area is fully blockaded, it's impossible to pass through Lanshui County. Going around it requires a very long detour."

Su Xuanming spoke steadily, his face serious: "This journey is quite treacherous. There's even a possibility of bumping into the Great Qi or Great Wei armies midway, and it takes a long time. Perhaps Father and Mother took this route."

"Therefore, I have two proposals right now. One is for half of us to take the detour to the other side of Lanshui County to find Father and Mother, and the second is for everyone to stay and guard the Family while waiting for their return."

"Of course we should send someone to find them!" Su Xuanjing said loudly.

What was the difference between letting her stay at home and wait for her parents and letting them fend for themselves?

What if Father and Mother were currently encountering danger on the other side and were waiting for the support of their children?

"Xuanjing, I hope you can think calmly."

Su Xuanming's tone grew a bit heavier. "Father and Mother's whereabouts are unknown. They might be on the other side of Lanshui County, or they might be inside Lanshui County."

"They might even be on their way back. If we send people out now, it will instead put the siblings who go out in danger."

"When Father and Mother return, what will you do about those siblings who went out? Will you have Father and Mother go out to find them again?"

Su Xuanjing's expression froze as she said angrily, "Then what do you say we do?"

"I believe we should trust Father and Mother."

Su Xuanming decisively stated his thoughts: "The task Father gave us was to guard the Family well. Now that the two countries are at war, who knows how many Cultivators are fleeing everywhere. Qingyuan will not be peaceful!"

"I agree with Second Brother's words." Su Xuanxiao took the lead in expressing his stance.

"I agree with Sister, let's go find Father and Mother." Su Xuanling said in a milky voice, her small face filled with worry.

Although she was young, she was also part of this Family meeting.

Ruan Ning sighed while holding Su Xinyou in her arms: "I won't take a side. If we are to send people out to find Father and Mother, I am willing to go along."

"Uncle Luo, Ziyao, what do you two think?"

Su Xuanming looked at the two of them.

An Ziyao knew his wisdom was insufficient and directly gave up his right to decide.

After some contemplation, Luo Qian replied: "I agree with the Second Young Master's words, because I believe in the Family Head's strength. May I ask the young masters and young misses, how much do you actually know about the Family Head's true strength?"

As soon as these words came out, everyone present was stunned.

Ruan Ning had a deep understanding of this. She had been with the Su Family for so many years, yet she had never seen Su Yang, the Family Head, take action.

His children were all dragons and phoenixes among men. How could a Family Head who could cultivate so many Prodigy children be ordinary?

Furthermore, the Su Family possessed a High-Tier Breath Concealment Art created by the Family Head.

Who could say for certain that the cultivation level the Family Head displayed to them on a daily basis was his true cultivation?

Not to mention that the Family Head simultaneously mastered numerous cultivation arts and Spells; everyone in the Family had received his guidance.

In terms of methods and life-preserving abilities, everyone in the Family combined could not compare to the Family Head alone!