55: Chapter 55 Fourth Brother! Fourth Brother! Something terrible has happened!

Ten thousand miles away, in Qinghe Prefecture City.

Su Chengyuan had no idea that his daughter had already gone missing.

He steered the azure dragon sword, transforming it into a streak of green light that cut through the sky, landing steadily in a dense forest outside the Prefecture City.

Upon landing, Su Chengyuan put away his Flying Sword and skillfully altered his appearance, suppressing his cultivation aura to the Qi Refining Ninth Layer. Only then did he walk out of the forest and head toward the city gate.

Having traveled through wind and rain along the way, he also needed some rest and reorganization.

It was also a good time to listen for any new changes in the Prefecture City during this period.

The teahouses and restaurants within the city remained the places where information was most well-informed.

He found a random place to sit down and ordered a pot of green tea. He then heard several Qi Refining Cultivators at a neighboring table talking excitedly about the recently concluded Five Sect Martial Competition.

“Have you heard? In this Five Sect Martial Competition, Gu Beichen of the Tiangang Sect took the top spot. He was truly awe-inspiring!”

“Hah, the affairs of those Core Disciples are too far removed from us. I did hear, however, that the Tiangang Sect produced an extraordinary female Disciple this time, called... Su Yunling? With a cultivation at the Early Qi Refining Ninth Layer, she defeated several opponents in the middle and Late Stages of the Ninth Layer. Although she narrowly lost later on, she can be considered to have made a name for herself in a single battle!”

“I heard about it too. They say she has a High-Grade Spiritual Root and extraordinary talent; her future prospects are truly limitless!”

Su Chengyuan's hand holding the teacup paused slightly.

Yun Ling...

Hearing news of his daughter, a surge of indescribable pride and honor rose in his heart.

He very much wanted to set off immediately for the Qingxuan Sect to see his daughter's current elegance with his own eyes.

But back then in the Meteorite Ravine, he had snatched food from the tiger's mouth by taking it from the Qingxuan Sect's Core Disciple, Lu Ya, and had even conveniently dealt with two pursuing Disciples.

The Qingxuan Sect is likely still investigating that 'Tenth Level of Qi Refining Cultivator wearing a bamboo hat.' If I approach now and get suspected, wouldn't that be walking straight into a trap?

It won't be too late to go see her after some time when my daughter returns from the Qingxuan Sect.

For now, there's no need for me to do anything unnecessary.

After staying briefly in the Prefecture City and replenishing three sets of auxiliary Spirit Medicines required for refining foundation establishment pills, he did not delay any further and immediately set off at full speed toward Qingyang Town.

Seven or eight days later, when the familiar outline of Qingyang Town appeared in his vision, Su Chengyuan's state of mind was worlds apart from when he had left.

This time, he was no longer that Qi Refining Cultivator running around for cultivation resources.

He was now the sole pillar of the Su Family, a true Foundation Establishment Venerable!

It was already late at night when he returned to his small courtyard.

The courtyard was silent, save for the light in his son's room, which was still burning.

During the time his father was away, Su Cheng had not been idle at all.

Even though he put most of his energy into raising his cultivation, he hadn't slacked much on the refining of Medicinal Pills.

The current him was long past being that child from before.

At twelve years old, his height had grown to nearly six feet; his figure was upright, and his frame was well-proportioned.

If not for the lingering traces of youthful greenness in his eyes, from behind, he already had the appearance of an adult man.

After a period of hard cultivation and a continuous supply of Medicinal Pills, his cultivation had naturally broken through to the Peak of the Eighth Layer of Qi Refining.

Su Chengyuan pushed the door open and entered, only to see Su Cheng sitting cross-legged on the bed, surrounded by dense Spiritual Qi.

Sensing his father's aura, Su Cheng slowly opened his eyes, which appeared exceptionally clear under the lamplight.

“Father, you're back!”

“Mhm.”

Su Chengyuan gave a response and sat by the table to pour himself a cup of cold tea, drinking it in one gulp.

“The matters have all been settled.”

After saying that, he placed the Jade Slip containing the 'Qingyuan Sword Art', the newly acquired high-grade magic tool 'azure dragon sword', and several Jade Slips recording second-tier Spells onto the table one by one.

Then, with a wave of his hand, he set up a simple soundproofing Formation.

Su Cheng's gaze swept over these items, and a flash of joy appeared in his eyes.

He picked up the Jade Slip for the 'Qingyuan Sword Art', sent his Mental Energy into it, and began to study it briefly.

A moment later, he put down the Jade Slip and praised sincerely, “What a fine Cultivation Technique! The Sword Qi is sharp, yet it also aligns with the Dao of endless life, complementing your steadiness perfectly, Father. With this technique, your future path to immortality will surely be a smooth one.”

Su Chengyuan smiled and handed over the three sets of newly bought main ingredients for foundation establishment pills, along with a large bag of auxiliary Spirit Medicines.

“I bought these conveniently on the way. Take a look; what else is missing?”

Su Cheng took the Storage Pouch and sent his Mental Energy inside, a satisfied expression appearing on his face.

“It's enough. With these, I can refine another three batches of foundation establishment pills.”

He looked up at his father again and noticed an aura completely different from before—it was the majesty naturally emitted after a leap in life's level.

“Father, you... you've reached Foundation Establishment?”

“Mhm, I'm already at the Early Foundation Establishment Stage.”

“Congratulations, Father. Your future path is promising.”

“Hahaha!” Su Chengyuan laughed loudly, his laughter filled with relief and joy. “It's all thanks to my son. Without your Medicinal Pills, I'm afraid I wouldn't have dared to even dream of succeeding in Foundation Establishment so easily in this lifetime.”

Father and son looked at each other and smiled; everything was understood without words.

Su Cheng stood up, glanced at the night sky outside the window, and said, “Father, you've had a long journey; rest well first. Now that you've reached Foundation Establishment, you can take this opportunity to go into seclusion at home to properly study the new Cultivation Technique and Spells, converting them into your own strength as quickly as possible. The Family is currently developing steadily and does not need much interference for the time being.”

Su Chengyuan nodded.

Although he had broken through, he was still very unfamiliar with the power of the Foundation Establishment Stage and indeed needed time to settle.

He remembered something else and said, “By the way, I heard on my way back that Yun Ling went to participate in some Five Sect Martial Competition and shone brilliantly. She should be returning to the Sect soon. Why don't you prepare some Medicinal Pills, and I'll make another trip to deliver them to her? Conveniently, I can also tell her the good news of my Foundation Establishment to let her share the joy.”

Su Cheng pondered for a moment and nodded. “That works. Sister is currently in need of resources. Then, Father, you should rest for seven days to completely stabilize your Realm. After seven days, I will have the Medicinal Pills ready, and it won't be too late for you to set off.”

“Alright, I'll listen to you.”

Su Chengyuan agreed, already beginning to look forward to the surprised expression on his daughter's face when she learned he had reached Foundation Establishment.

Seven days passed in a flash.

During these seven days, the Su Family's small courtyard appeared exceptionally peaceful.

Su Chengyuan calmed his heart and, in the underground secret chamber he had specially carved out, cultivated the 'Qingyuan Sword Art' and refined that 'azure dragon sword' day and night without stopping.

The spiritual power of the Foundation Establishment Stage continuously washed over every inch of the Flying Sword, carving his own Divine Sense brand deeply into it.

As the refinement deepened, a faint connection was established between him and the azure dragon sword, making it increasingly easy to control.

The two second-tier Spells, 'Yimu Divine Thunder' and 'Vine Snake Entanglement Technique', were also mastered in their basic execution through his repeated practice.

On the other side, Su Cheng was not idle either.

He put the two second-tier Pill Formulas his father brought back into the qiankun creation furnace for recording and even took out a set of Spirit Medicines for a foundation establishment pill to refine another one.

On this morning, Su Chengyuan ended his night of cultivation and walked out of the secret chamber in high spirits.

After seven days of cultivation, his Early Foundation Establishment Stage Realm had stabilized. With every move, he naturally carried the air of a powerful expert.

Compared to seven days ago, he had a bit less of the sharp edge of someone newly entered into a Realm and a bit more of an introverted steadiness.

Su Cheng had long been waiting by the stone table in the courtyard, with a Storage Pouch placed on the table.

“Father.”

“Ready?” Su Chengyuan sat down.

“Mhm.” Su Cheng pushed the Storage Pouch over. “Inside are fifty top-grade qi gathering pills, fifty top-grade qi recovery pills, twenty top-grade body tempering pills, and one supreme grade foundation establishment pill. These Medicinal Pills should be enough for Sister to Cultivate for a long time. As for the foundation establishment pill, whether she uses it or not is up to her.”

He paused and then added, “After you see Sister, tell her not to worry about things at home and to Cultivate in peace at the Sect. If she needs anything, she can send a message back at any time.”

“I understand.” Su Chengyuan put away the Storage Pouch and nodded. “I will tell her.”

The father and son discussed a few more details, and Su Chengyuan prepared to set off.

But just at the moment he was about to walk out of the courtyard gate, a slightly panicked sound of footsteps approached from afar, coming in a hurry.

“Fourth Brother! Fourth Brother! This is bad!”

The person who came was Su Chengyuan's third elder brother, Su Chenggao.

He was usually responsible for some of the Family's external affairs, but at this moment, his face was pale, and his expression was full of anxiety.

Su Chengyuan's brow furrowed, and he quickly asked, “Third Brother, what is the matter that has you so flustered?”