With a heavy heart, Su Xinghe walked along the riverbank, cautiously giving a few instructions. Then, taking only a few disciples, he hurried forward to greet the arrivals. Before long, he spotted a group of people. Approaching them, he bowed with a hint of respect in his demeanor. A strange voice sounded: "Su Xinghe greets Chief Li." The voice resembled ventriloquism but wasn't quite the same—it seemed to come from outside his body, produced by vibrating the air with force. It was definitely not a sound made by a human mouth.
The disciples behind him followed suit with a bow, and one middle-aged disciple said solemnly, "Please forgive my master, Chief Li. He has not spoken for many years."
"No matter," Li Daoqiang said indifferently. Seeing that Su Xinghe's gaze at Wang Yuyan showed no fluctuation, he fell into thought. His suspicions grew stronger and more certain. A faint smile tugged at his lips as he said politely, "I've come uninvited. I hope the Wise Hermit doesn't mind."
"You're too kind, Chief. Your presence is an honor," Su Xinghe replied with that strange voice, forcing a smile. It was clear he rarely smiled, and the expression came out stiff and awkward. Then, he gestured with his hand: "Chief, please come in."
Li Daoqiang didn't stand on ceremony, stepping forward with Wang Yuyan at his side. Su Xinghe's heart grew heavier—Li Daoqiang's visit was no trivial matter. His mind raced, but he kept his composure, personally leading the way.
After a while, they arrived at Deaf-Mute Valley, a simple open-air pavilion. "The place is humble; please forgive us," Su Xinghe said politely as he seated Li Daoqiang and his companion.
Sitting down calmly, Li Daoqiang said flatly, "No need for formalities. I've come for one thing only."
"Please, speak your mind, Chief." Su Xinghe's expression turned serious, and the others pricked up their ears. Everyone was curious why Li Daoqiang had come. Wang Yuyan, in particular, made no effort to hide her anticipation, her innocent eyes sparkling with expectation. She still remembered the surprise Li Daoqiang had mentioned.
Li Daoqiang didn't beat around the bush. "Are you a disciple of the Carefree Sect?" he asked directly.
Instantly, Su Xinghe and his disciples stiffened, their bodies tensing as if facing a great enemy. Duan Yanqing and the others reacted immediately, channeling their inner energy, ready to strike at any moment. The atmosphere grew tense and silent.
Only Wang Yuyan remained unaffected, momentarily confused before suddenly remembering. The Carefree Sect—wasn't that the sect her mother said her grandparents belonged to? The Wave-treading Step and the Minor Non-Phase Skill she practiced were both her grandparents' martial arts! After that night, when teaching her the Minor Non-Phase Skill, her mother had shared many related stories. Her eyes widened as she stared at Li Daoqiang in shock.
Li Daoqiang smiled, patting her hand to calm her. Then he turned to Su Xinghe, his gaze as steady and oppressive as an endless mountain. Su Xinghe instinctively looked away, cold sweat beading on his forehead. The words of denial he wanted to speak died in his throat. Since Li Daoqiang had come directly to him, lying now would be futile.
Su Xinghe's heart was heavy—not for himself, but for his master. After a few moments of struggle under the mounting pressure, he gritted his teeth and said solemnly, "Su Xinghe dares to ask, Chief, what business do you have with this inquiry?"
"I asked you a question. Just answer yes or no," Li Daoqiang said calmly, his tone brooking no defiance.
With a resigned sigh, Su Xinghe replied, "Yes."
"Good. Then who is the grandmaster hidden over there to you?" Li Daoqiang's gaze shifted to a direction. Everyone followed his look but saw only a cliff face. Clearly, the grandmaster was concealed. Su Xinghe's disciples grew visibly flustered, and Su Xinghe himself trembled, almost despairing. His master had been discovered by Li Daoqiang too! His mind raced, but after thirty years of patience, he held firm. If there was enmity, there was no escaping it now. He clasped his fists and said gravely, "He is my elder. Chief, what exactly do you want?"
Li Daoqiang remained composed, unhurried. Wang Yuyan, however, would have already spoken if not for the others present. "Enough, I'll be direct. My wife, Wang Yuyan, her mother—my mother-in-law—is named Li Qingluo. After thorough investigation, I've confirmed that Yuyan's grandparents are high-ranking members of the Carefree Sect. Tracing it to you, I came. Do you understand?" Li Daoqiang said calmly, casting a casual glance in one direction.
Su Xinghe trembled again, staring at Wang Yuyan with disbelief. His voice quivered as he asked, "Li, Li Qingluo! Is what you're saying true, Chief? Is Lady Li's mother really named Li Qingluo?"
"My mother's name is that. Do you know my grandparents?" Wang Yuyan couldn't help asking.
Su Xinghe studied her closely, piece by piece, as if recalling something. He murmured, "Indeed, there is some resemblance." Wang Yuyan felt uneasy under his gaze, shifting closer to Li Daoqiang. "Husband," she whispered, her face full of hope and curiosity.
"Don't rush," Li Daoqiang said soothingly. He looked at Su Xinghe, his tone cool: "Now, tell me everything you know. And you over there, you can come out too."
Under his even more commanding tone, all eyes turned to that direction. Su Xinghe hesitated, unsure whether to believe. Just then, the cliff face two li away suddenly changed. A burst of azure light shot out, arriving in an instant. The crowd saw an old man in plain white robes, radiating azure light, standing in midair. He had a graying beard but a face as smooth as a young man's, strikingly handsome. His clothes and hair were immaculate, exuding an ethereal aura.
"Master!" Su Xinghe exclaimed, bowing immediately. His disciples followed suit, addressing him as Grandmaster. The old man ignored them, his eyes fixed on Wang Yuyan, a mix of excitement and deep nostalgia in his gaze.
Li Daoqiang frowned slightly. This vain old man—was he thinking of his junior sister? He found it likely. From what he knew of this man's actions, he had little affection for his own daughter, let alone a granddaughter. Time wouldn't change that. In the original story, he abandoned his wife and daughter without a second thought. He didn't cherish the living people around him but suddenly fixated on a junior sister he hadn't obtained years ago, starting from a jade statue and ending with her on his deathbed. He never sought help from people like the Child Elder of Tianshan. Clearly, this old man was not only self-centered and vain but also psychologically troubled.
Li Daoqiang had long pondered this psychological issue and understood it well. Seeing Wang Yuyan, Wu Yazi likely thought of his junior sister. There would be some familial affection, but not much. If not for Li Daoqiang's presence making it clear he couldn't escape, Wu Yazi probably wouldn't have shown himself so readily. These thoughts flashed through Li Daoqiang's mind as he remained expressionless, watching coldly.
"Child, your mother is Li Qingluo, isn't she? Yes, no mistake. You're practicing the Minor Non-Phase Skill, and you look very much like your grandmother," the old man said, seemingly emerging from his memories, his voice agitated. He didn't need Wang Yuyan to confirm; he was certain.
Wang Yuyan nodded blankly, gripping Li Daoqiang's hand tightly. "How do you know I'm practicing the Minor Non-Phase Skill? What relation are you to my mother?" she asked, standing up nervously, as if guessing the truth.
Li Daoqiang stood with her, holding her hand for support. "Good child, I'm your grandfather. Your mother is my daughter," Wu Yazi said, his voice even more emotional, his eyes full of affection.
"Grandfather!" Wang Yuyan's eyes widened in shock, disbelief written on her face. The others were equally surprised but dared not speak, listening quietly.
"Husband," Wang Yuyan said, flustered, looking at Li Daoqiang. "Is he really my grandfather?"
Li Daoqiang gave her a reassuring smile, then said coolly, "All of you, leave."
"Yes." Duan Yanqing and the others obeyed without hesitation, walking away. Su Xinghe and his disciples glanced at Wu Yazi and followed suit. In moments, only the three remained in the pavilion. A layer of golden light emanated from Li Daoqiang, enveloping the area and blocking sound.
Wu Yazi's bright, excited gaze turned serious as he looked deeply at Li Daoqiang. "Senior, how can you prove you're Yuyan's grandfather?" Li Daoqiang asked calmly.
Wu Yazi frowned slightly, then said, "Yuyan, good child, has your mother ever mentioned the Langhuan Blessed Land?"
"Yes. Our family built a Langhuan Jade Cave, and the martial arts manuals there were all moved by my mother from the Langhuan Blessed Land," Wang Yuyan said timidly.
Wu Yazi smiled, his tone more certain. "Do you know the Wave-treading Step?"
"Yes. My husband gave the manual to my mother, and she taught me," Wang Yuyan nodded obediently.
Wu Yazi paused, puzzled, and looked at Li Daoqiang. "I once stumbled upon the Langhuan Blessed Land and found the Northern Dark Divine Art and the Wave-treading Step," Li Daoqiang said flatly.
Wu Yazi understood but still had doubts. Those manuals must have been left by Qiushui. But hadn't she taught Qingluo the Wave-treading Step? "I've heard from my mother-in-law that Yuyan's grandfather knows the Northern Dark Divine Art. Senior, do you?" Li Daoqiang suddenly asked. He was tired of dragging things out and wanted to confirm the relationship quickly to move on.
(Chapter 1, thanks for your support. Please subscribe.)