The City’s Strongest Son-in-law Chapter 1201 - 1200: Did Not Disgrace the Ye Family
Previously on The City’s Strongest Son-in-law...
"If you value your reputation, then behave yourself and listen. This is not your burden, so stop feeling guilty about it," Su Changfeng stated.
"But..."
Before the word "but" could be fully uttered, Su Changfeng interrupted, saying, "You're a grown man, don't act so weak. As for Han Xue, I have it under control; I just can't explain the specifics to you two."
He had it under control? How was that even possible?
Upon hearing this, Ye Qingtian and Huo Tian were both taken aback. They were well aware that Su Changfeng had been in Tuo Shi the entire time, so how could he possibly know the reason behind Shen Hanxue's ailment?
Moreover, even world-renowned physicians couldn't pinpoint the cause of Shen Hanxue's illness; how could he know?
Ye Qingtian and Huo Tian exchanged a glance, their faces etched with confusion.
"Chang Feng, come with me for a moment," Ye Qingtian said to Su Changfeng.
Su Changfeng nodded, then addressed Zhu Lie, "Remember, this has nothing to do with you, so let go of the guilt. After all, some things are beyond our control."
As he spoke, he cast a meaningful look at Zhu Lie, which only deepened Zhu Lie's bewilderment.
In the secluded backyard, Ye Qingtian observed Su Changfeng closely. Ever since his grandson's return from Tuo Shi, he seemed fundamentally changed, though Ye Qingtian couldn't quite articulate the exact nature of the transformation.
"Chang Feng, what exactly is happening? What did you mean by your earlier words?" Ye Qingtian inquired.
"Grandpa, there are many things I cannot disclose to you at this moment. It pertains to Tuo Shi. I apologize," Su Changfeng replied.
As for Yang Ling, he hadn't even mentioned it to Elder Wu and Yin Zhengyuan. The primary reason for keeping it from everyone was his concern that it might bring unwanted trouble to Shen Hanxue.
In truth, everything at this point was still his own conjecture. The actual relationship between Shen Hanxue and Yang Ling remained uncertain to him.
Ye Qingtian nodded in understanding. If it involved Tuo Shi, then it truly couldn't be discussed lightly. Even without extensive knowledge of Tuo Shi, he understood their rules must be incredibly stringent; otherwise, how could the outside world know so little about it?
"Did you gain anything from your trip to Tuo Shi? Did your cultivation improve?" Huo Tian couldn't help but ask. Tuo Shi was known to gather the most formidable individuals under heaven; it represented the ultimate aspiration for those treading the path of Martial Arts.
Although Huo Tian himself could not gain entry, the mere fact that Su Changfeng had succeeded already brought him great satisfaction. If Su Changfeng managed to achieve something noteworthy there, his happiness would know no bounds.
"Grandpa Huo, Tuo Shi actually has four tiers: Heaven, Earth, Xuan, and Huang. From the Yellow tier upwards to the Heavenly tier, one's strength escalates progressively. Annually, Tuo Shi hosts a promotion tournament, providing an opportunity for members to advance," Su Changfeng explained.
"When I visited Tuo Shi this time, it coincided with the promotion tournament season. I suspect Elder Wu orchestrated it that way intentionally," Su Changfeng added. There was nothing to conceal regarding this matter, so he disclosed it plainly.
Hearing this, Ye Qingtian and Huo Tian's eyes gleamed with intense curiosity. Since Elder Wu had intentionally arranged it, Su Changfeng must have participated in the promotion tournament. If so, what rank had he attained?
"Did you successfully advance to the Xuan-level?" Huo Tian inquired with eagerness.
Su Changfeng offered a smile as he nodded.
Huo Tian became instantly elated and exclaimed, "Excellent! Just as expected from a member of the Ye Family. Even after venturing to Tuo Shi, you've still brought glory to the Ye Family. Remarkable, truly remarkable!"
"Chang Feng, but do not forget, even with your accomplishments, you must maintain modesty and humility. You have only been in Tuo Shi for a short period, yet you've already reached the Xuan-level. As the saying goes, 'the tallest tree catches the most wind.' There's no guarantee that others won't harbor envy. You must be vigilant," Ye Qingtian cautioned.
Even without knowing the exact nature of Tuo Shi, he believed that competition existed everywhere. Standing out too prominently would inevitably attract unwanted attention and trouble.
Therefore, for the current Su Changfeng, prudence and a low profile in all matters were essential. Once his foundation was solid, then he could disregard such individuals.
"So, does this mean you can aim for the Earth-level next year?" Eschewing the talk of hidden conflicts, Huo Tian placed greater emphasis on raw power. He was keen to know if Su Changfeng possessed the confidence to continue his ascent.
Su Changfeng merely shook his head, refraining from an immediate answer.
Huo Tian appeared somewhat perplexed. Since a promotion tournament occurred annually, and Su Changfeng had already attained the Xuan-level, he should be eligible to participate in the next one. What, then, was the meaning behind that headshake?
"Are there perhaps other stipulations I’m unaware of?" Huo Tian inquired, a hint of uncertainty in his voice.
"No. What I’m conveying is that I cannot ascend further at this moment, as I have already achieved the Heavenly Level." Su Changfeng stated.
Already... achieved Heavenly Level?
The countenances of Ye Qingtian and Huo Tian contorted into expressions beyond mere astonishment.
Their eyes widened to the size of saucers, and the intensity of their gazes nearly provoked laughter from Su Changfeng.
"If I were to attempt further advancement, I might as well be aiming to usurp Elder Wu’s position," Su Changfeng quipped, half in jest.
Ye Qingtian released a profound exhale, appearing incapable of fully processing the revelation. Four entire tiers, and Su Changfeng had been absent for less than a month, yet he had already attained the Heavenly Level. This fact remained utterly indigestible for him.
"Chang Feng, you… you aren’t jesting, are you?" Huo Tian’s voice quivered with disbelief. This was Tuo Shi they were discussing! He possessed a crystal-clear understanding of the nature of Tuo Shi.
Though he had never set foot there himself, he was aware that anyone capable of entering Tuo Shi was an exceptional individual among the elite. For him, Su Changfeng’s smooth progression to Xuan-level was already an extraordinary feat. He had never envisioned this young man possessing such monstrous talent, reaching Heavenly Level in under a month.
"Would I deceive you? I am genuinely an expert of the Heavenly Level," Su Changfeng affirmed.
Abruptly, Ye Qingtian moved towards Su Changfeng, his frame quivering slightly as he clasped his arm. With palpable excitement, he stammered, "Chang Feng, I… I…"
He struggled to articulate his thoughts, unsure of how to convey the depth of his emotions. He yearned to commend Su Changfeng but found himself utterly devoid of words worthy of his feelings. The sheer magnitude of the impact Su Changfeng had delivered was overwhelming; it surpassed anything he had ever conceived, leaving him momentarily speechless.
"Grandpa, upon my arrival at Tuo Shi, the circumstances were indeed somewhat challenging, but all those difficulties have since been resolved. Within Tuo Shi, prowess has invariably been the ultimate determinant. At my current standing, there is no one left who dares to provoke me," Su Changfeng declared.
Both Guan Shan and Yin Lulu had harbored lethal intentions towards Su Changfeng and had relentlessly obstructed his path. However, in the face of absolute might, all their efforts proved futile.
Presently, within Tuo Shi, no one dared to lay a hand on Su Changfeng. An abundance of individuals even harbored secret admiration for Ye Canghai, recognizing his accomplishment of what ordinary people could never achieve. As for Guan Shan, once hailed as the proud son of heaven, he had long since faded into obscurity.
"Good, good, magnificent…" Overwhelmed by emotion and unable to find more eloquent phrasing, Ye Qingtian could only repeat the word "good" with fervent repetition.
Huo Tian also approached and inquired with undeniable curiosity, "Besides yourself, has anyone else ever achieved such a feat?"
"Likely not," Su Changfeng responded with a subtle, enigmatic smile. He then added, "And I daresay no one ever will."