Chapter 116: Memories, the Meeting

The night deepened. The ink-black sky made the bright moon appear even more ethereal and piercing. Yet, tonight, there seemed to be an inexplicable chill hidden within that ghostly white moonlight, a haunting radiance that slowly enveloped Su Yi’s small cabin as if to consume it.

"Without strength, one is only destined to be trampled! Like today! I truly never want such a thing to happen to me again!"

Lying quietly on his bed, Su Yi felt a lingering, indistinct restlessness in his heart. He shifted his limbs, which still ached, and turned over, letting out a silent sigh. While feeling deeply depressed and frustrated with Lou Jun, he could not help but recall the scene of Meiya’s departure earlier that day.

In truth, Su Yi had been hiding in the crowd throughout the entire process of Meiya boarding the carriage. He had stared at the luxurious carriage for a long time, only turning back to his cabin once it had vanished from sight. The combination of his inner gloom and the physical pain left him feeling as though he had no desire to rise from his bed.

He had originally intended to leave Changling City tomorrow. Having made that decision, though he felt a faint sense of reluctance, he felt much more at ease. Regardless, a clear mind was a good thing; Su Yi only hoped to finish the day peacefully, pack his gear, and head to the eastern reaches of the empire in search of the elusive Blood of Heaven and Earth.

In this spirit, Su Yi had agreed to Lie Feifei’s request to walk through the streets with her. Although he had encountered Lie Tie, Ge Li, Qin San, and others—people who, to varying degrees, had caused him displeasure—the day would not have been so bad had it not been for the incident with Meiya. However, things rarely went as planned, and Su Yi had not expected such a turn of events on his final day.

He had intended to say goodbye to Meiya before leaving, but she had departed Changling City before him. Only when it actually happened did he realize how hollow his heart felt. With her gone, it might be three years before they met again. Now that she was gone and the place was deserted, countless memories flashed through his mind like a film.

Su Yi still could not forget how Meiya had saved him back then. Perhaps because memories of suffering and hardship are particularly indelible, every moment of her attentive care remained vivid. Later, when his battle energy was crippled, Meiya had supported and encouraged him just as she always had. A helping hand during one’s lowest ebb is unforgettable; even if Su Yi were to become a powerhouse in the future, he would surely keep these memories firmly in his heart.

Reflecting on the bits and pieces of the last three years, Su Yi felt a mix of sorrow and joy, eventually drifting into a fitful sleep.

***

Deep in the night, as the hour approached midnight, most of Changling City had fallen into a deep slumber. The lights in many buildings, homes, and markets had been extinguished, leaving the city in darkness. Yet, in this sea of black, the lights in the Liu family hall remained dimly lit, standing out starkly.

The head of the Liu family sat in the dim light, his expression dark and uncertain, as if weighing a heavy decision. A man stood bowing beside him; he stepped forward to speak, his shadow cast long and eerily by the flickering light. "Patriarch, have you decided to deal with Su Yi?"

Judging by the voice and appearance, it was none other than Qin San, the battle cultivator who had met Su Yi on the street that day. Although he tried to suppress his emotions, one could still sense a hint of glee. Ever since he had lost face after failing to defeat Su Yi in three moves and being wounded by Captain Yuan, he had harbored a deep grudge.

Had it not been for Su Yi, he would not have suffered such humiliation, especially in front of the patriarch. Today, when he met Su Yi, not only was he unable to take revenge, but he had to be cautious and restrained, offering a forced smile to his enemy—a weakling whose strength was inferior to his own. This unbearable state of mind had tormented him incessantly.

Just as he had despaired, believing he would have no chance to strike back, Meiya’s sudden departure had lifted his spirits.

To Qin San’s question, the Liu patriarch grunted subconsciously, lost in thought. His own feelings were even more complex; after all, it was Su Yi who had crippled his precious son. When he first heard the news, he had wanted to hack Su Yi into mincemeat.

However, the Liu family could not afford to provoke the Auction House. Even with their attachment to the Lie family, going against the Auction House was impossible. Although he had found a chance to challenge Su Yi to a three-move duel, Su Yi had inexplicably surged in strength, surviving two of Qin San’s strikes and bringing in Captain Yuan, leaving the head of the Liu family humiliated.

What the patriarch feared most—and had never expected—was that the enchanting and alluring Meiya, who had always stayed within the Auction House, was a terrifying top-tier expert. In Changling City and its surroundings, a Battle Lord was considered a powerhouse, yet in front of Meiya, a tenth-rank peak Battle Dragon, they were mere ants.

Truthfully, when the patriarch learned this, his heart had turned cold. He was filled with complex anxieties: the frustration of being unable to touch Su Yi, and the greater fear of Meiya coming to settle scores. After all, he had heard that at the Martial Trial Assembly, even Battle Lords like Lie Chen and Ao Benshan had been unable to resist her.

Su Yi had crippled Ao Benyu, yet the mighty Ao Benshan had been forced to retreat under Meiya’s intimidation. If a major clan could be pushed to such a state of humiliation, what hope did his mere Liu family have? The patriarch had once believed revenge was impossible. But before long, news arrived that Meiya had been taken from Changling City to the Imperial Capital by the Jiang family.

For the Liu family, this was like clouds parting to reveal the moon. While the patriarch still lacked the strength to confront the Auction House directly, this was infinitely better than dealing with the fearsome Meiya. Although acting against Su Yi now would not be easy, his heart began to stir once more.

"Dealing with Su Yi requires careful deliberation. While I will not let my son’s matter slide, I fear Meiya might one day return to Changling City," the patriarch murmured after a long silence. He had to consider the safety and stability of his family. He could not risk the annihilation of his clan. If Meiya were to strike, not even the Lie family, the Ao Ben family, and the City Lord combined could resist her—let alone his own family.

The weight in the patriarch’s voice made it clear that Meiya loomed over him like a mountain. Qin San interjected hurriedly, "Patriarch, I hear Meiya is to marry into the Jiang family. How could she possibly have the leisure to return here? Besides, in the worst-case scenario, if we don't act while she is away, we may never have this chance again."

The patriarch’s expression shifted, clearly tempted by Qin San’s words. He was about to speak when an old, rasping voice suddenly echoed in the room, startling them both.

"Heh heh, Patriarch Liu, the opportunity is right before you. Why wait any longer?"

The patriarch spun around toward the source of the voice. In the shadows, four figures had appeared, their movements as silent as ghosts. Their strength was clearly far above his own.

Who were these experts infiltrating the Liu residence at night? The patriarch was trembling with shock and was about to shout when he saw the face of the leading elder. His expression froze, and a voice of utter astonishment escaped his lips.

"Great Elder of the Ao Ben family? Why have you come?"

"Time is short; I will not waste words. The four of us are about to infiltrate the Auction House to kill Su Yi. Since you also have a grudge against him, why not join us?" the Great Elder said in a deep, gravelly tone.

A night raid on the Auction House? To kill Su Yi? The patriarch was shaken, and Qin San looked equally stunned. Even with Meiya gone, her shadow loomed large. They had suspected the Ao Ben family might act, but not so quickly.

The patriarch glanced at the three figures behind the elder. His eyes constricted—these were all Battle Lord-level experts from the Ao Ben family. Four Battle Lords! This was a massive display of force. The Ao Ben family was truly going all out.

"Er... Great Elder, while I wish to deal with Su Yi, but..." The patriarch tried to choose his words carefully. His family was aligned with the Lie family; colluding privately with the Ao Ben family against the Auction House was fraught with danger.

The Great Elder replied coldly, "Patriarch Liu, this matter must remain secret. If you are unwilling, we will have to take appropriate measures. You know as well as I that the only ones who can keep a secret are... the dead."

Though the words were calm, they were laced with killing intent. The patriarch trembled, his face turning pale. He had heard rumors of the conflict between the Lie and Ao Ben families. If the Ao Ben family really wanted to wipe out the Liu family, tonight would end in a bloodbath.

"Since... that is how it is, Qin San and I shall accompany you," the patriarch said, sighing in resignation as he felt the oppressive aura radiating from the visitors.

"Good. You are a sensible man, Patriarch Liu. I’ll even let you take Su Yi’s life yourself! Hahaha..."

***

In the small cabin, Su Yi, who had been sleeping soundly, suddenly opened his eyes. His gaze was icy and malevolent. A corner of his mouth curled, transforming his delicate face into something terrifying and savage.

"Ke-ke! This master has returned!!"