"Su Zhan? That worthless waste who cultivated for over ten years yet remains stuck at the Fourth Stage of the Meridian Opening Realm?"
Su Chengyun shook his head vigorously. "Impossible! The difference between Su Zhan and this young genius is like comparing a flickering candle to the blazing sun! You must be remembering incorrectly. After so many years, his appearance would have changed completely!"
"Yes... perhaps you're right..."
Su Zhaoyue also felt the gap between this extraordinary genius and Su Zhan was too vast, nodding in agreement.
"If he truly were Su Zhan..."
Su Chengyun laughed heartily. "Don't speak of Su Zhan possessing such magnificent talent. Even if he could achieve one-tenth of this young genius's capabilities, I would never consider canceling this engagement for you! But one-tenth of such terrifying talent? That's nothing more than an impossible dream for someone like Su Zhan!"
"Second Grandfather, having poor cultivation talent doesn't mean you should disparage Su Zhan so ruthlessly!"
Su Zhaoyue frowned disapprovingly. "Second Grandfather, I agreed to cancel this engagement not solely because of his limited talent, but because we share no emotional connection. This marriage was hastily arranged as a whimsical decision by our elders long ago. Moreover, the path I must walk as Su Zhaoyue is not one that an ordinary person can follow. A forced marriage would only bring him harm!"
"Yes, yes! My precious granddaughter speaks wisely!" Su Chengyun replied with an indulgent smile.
After surveying the casualties among their guards, his expression grew heavy with grief.
Had he not been so determined to take this treacherous mountain pass, the Su family would never have suffered such devastating losses.
Su Chengyun sighed deeply. "Very well, Zhaoyue. Let us proceed to the Qingcheng Su family and cancel this engagement immediately, so you can focus entirely on your cultivation."
"Understood," Su Zhaoyue replied with a nod before returning to her carriage.
After providing emergency care to the wounded, the caravan resumed its journey.
Meanwhile, Su Zhan had successfully pursued the fleeing Bloodfang beast. Using his Jade Piercing Finger technique, he concentrated his qi into a devastating strike at the creature's neck, finally delivering the killing blow.
"The meat of a third-tier beast like Bloodfang will certainly benefit my cultivation, and its bones, hide, and fur are excellent materials for crafting weapons."
After examining the massive corpse, Su Zhan used his enhanced fingertips to carefully extract the beast's most valuable prize—a pair of blood-red fangs. The Bloodfang's enormous size made transporting the entire carcass impractical, so he settled for claiming its most precious components.
These fangs from a third-tier beast were perfect materials for forging a spiritual weapon!
Weapons in this world were classified into five distinct grades: Mortal, Spiritual, Xuan, Royal, and Divine.
The long sword that Bloodfang had destroyed was merely a mortal-grade weapon, though it had been among the finest of its class. Even an ordinary Yuan Condensation Realm cultivator would have struggled to damage it—only Bloodfang's devastating bite force had managed to shatter the blade.
After securing the pair of Bloodfang fangs, Su Zhan decided against lingering in the remote mountains and immediately began his journey home.
Bloodfang had been the apex predator of this mountainous region. With the beast now dead, there was no compelling reason to remain.
The Su Family Residence in Qingcheng City
In the main reception hall, Su Tianhai and several prominent elders of the Su family observed with obvious nervousness as Su Chengyun's delegation entered through the gates.
Although both families shared the Su surname, the Tancheng branch possessed several Yuan Condensation Realm experts, creating a significant disparity in overall strength between the two clans.
Therefore, despite serving as hosts, the Qingcheng Su family elders still felt considerable anxiety, worried they might inadvertently provoke an incident that could threaten their entire branch!
Su Tianhai forced a diplomatic smile. "You must all be exhausted after such a long journey. Perhaps we could—"
"Unnecessary!"
Su Chengyun cut him off with a dismissive wave, speaking with calm authority. "Su Tianhai, you and my late nephew were close friends, so I can be considered your elder. Since we are all family, there's no need for excessive formality. Let us address the matter at hand directly!"
"Zhaoyue greets Uncle Tianhai."
Su Zhaoyue stepped forward and offered a respectful bow.
Su Chengyun's expression radiated pride as he addressed Su Tianhai. "Su Tianhai, this is my granddaughter Su Zhaoyue. Though she is merely fifteen years old, she has already reached the Qi Sea Realm. Be honest with yourself—is there anyone in your Su family who can match her accomplishments?"
"Second Grandfather!"
Su Zhaoyue frowned, clearly displeased with her grandfather's arrogant display.
"Zhaoyue, we came here to cancel an engagement. Why restrain ourselves? Shouldn't we speak plainly?"
Su Chengyun declared. "Furthermore, I'm not exaggerating in the slightest—I'm simply stating facts!"
"Facts?"
The diplomatic smile vanished from Su Tianhai's face as his voice turned cold. "The engagement can indeed be canceled, but not because my son is unworthy of Miss Zhaoyue. Rather, it's because your Tancheng Su family has proven too arrogant and unworthy of my son!"
"What did you just say?!"
Su Chengyun's fury erupted instantly, his middle-stage Yuan Condensation Realm cultivation pressure crushing down upon everyone present, including Su Tianhai and the other Qingcheng Su family elders.
"Second Grandfather! We came here to negotiate civilly, not to issue threats against Uncle Su!"
Su Zhaoyue glared at Su Chengyun with evident displeasure.
"Fine, fine! Let's discuss this civilly."
Su Chengyun clearly doted on Su Zhaoyue, immediately withdrawing his oppressive aura as he observed the pale, terrified faces of the elders before him, a slight smile playing across his lips.
Discuss civilly?
Now that these people have witnessed true power, they surely won't dare speak so recklessly again, will they?
I refuse to believe anyone in this insignificant Qingcheng Su family isn't afraid of death.
With these cold thoughts, Su Chengyun continued aloud, "As Zhaoyue mentioned earlier, this marriage agreement was merely a jest from years past. Additionally, the gap between her capabilities and Su Zhan's is simply too vast. Marriage would only burden Zhaoyue's future development. Su Tianhai, since our Su family initiated this cancellation, we will naturally provide appropriate compensation."
"I have no interest in your compensation!"
Su Tianhai took a steadying breath. "But you must understand that if you cancel this engagement today, you must never regret this decision in the future!"
"Regret?"
Su Chengyun appeared momentarily surprised, as if he had misheard.
Soon he burst into laughter. "I will never regret this! If you agree, summon Su Zhan! After all, this concerns them directly. They must speak face-to-face, destroy the marriage contract, and officially terminate this engagement."
"Zhan'er..."
Su Tianhai paused, glancing toward the entrance with a knowing smile. "Zhan'er has arrived!"
"I have no objections. Let's proceed with the cancellation!"
Su Zhan spoke with calm indifference as he entered through the doorway.
Every member of Su Chengyun's delegation turned to observe Su Zhan's face. When their gazes fell upon him, shock rendered them speechless.
"No... this is impossible! This cannot be happening!"
Su Chengyun extended his weathered hands, rubbing his eyes forcefully before staring intently at Su Zhan. His voice emerged as a hoarse whisper. "You... are you truly Su Zhan?"
Su Zhan felt equally surprised. He hadn't expected the caravan he'd encountered on the mountain to be the very group coming to cancel his engagement.
Observing the stunned, wide-eyed expressions of the Tancheng Su family members, Su Zhan spoke in a measured tone. "I am indeed Su Zhan. Let's not waste further time. Su family, please produce the marriage contract so we can destroy it together and officially cancel this engagement!"
An elder from the Tancheng Su family reflexively retrieved the marriage contract and extended it toward Su Zhan.
"Wait!" Just as Su Zhan reached for the document, Su Chengyun suddenly snatched it away.
Su Chengyun clutched the marriage contract as if it were a priceless treasure, his brow furrowing with concern. "Young Master Su Zhan, I believe we should reconsider canceling this engagement very carefully!"