Loving Father, Filial Son

In the reception parlor, Su Long watched Su Yu in silence. Su Yu sipped his tea, in no rush whatsoever. After Su Long had stared for a while, Su Yu smiled faintly and said unhurriedly, "What is it? This brother has been staring at me... Is there a flower on my face?" "Brother?" Su Long's gaze turned peculiar. "Are you sure you want to call me brother?" "Eldest Brother!" Chen Long felt deeply distressed inside. Holy crap! Don't mess around! Eldest Brother was usually so cautious; what was he doing today? To tell the truth, someone calling you "brother" was giving you plenty of face! Just look at your own strength! Chen Long was about to smooth things over when Su Yu was also slightly startled. What the hell did that mean? Calling you brother... cough cough, was inappropriate, but wasn't he Cui Lang right now? He was a quasi-Earth armamentsmith! Calling a Tengkong Realm cultivator "brother" was already being quite courteous, wasn't it? Dad's words... felt loaded with hidden meaning! Su Yu felt gloomy. Could it be that he couldn't even hide from a Tengkong? And a thirty-six aperture Tengkong like his dad at that! Was he really that useless? Thinking this, and without giving Chen Long a chance to explain, Su Yu smiled faintly. "Never mind. General Chen, is this a subordinate of yours?" He truly didn't know the relationship between the two. But... it was rather strange. What had Chen Long called him just now? Eldest Brother? What eldest brother? Moreover, why had his dad come here with Chen Long? To be honest, Su Yu was somewhat bewildered. He had been pondering how to use Chen Long to infiltrate the Demon Suppression Army to see his dad, yet in the blink of an eye, his dad had been brought right to his doorstep. Su Long remained silent. Chen Long explained, "This is my old squad leader and my eldest brother. Bringing him along this time was also to inquire about someone from Master Cui." "Old squad leader?" Su Yu froze once more, wanting to curse aloud. What did that mean? Old squad leader? His dad had retired eighteen years ago... well, nineteen years ago now. Back then, his dad was only in the Qianjun Realm and had already been a squad leader—his old squad leader. Which meant nineteen years ago, Chen Long was even weaker than his dad? Mid-stage Qianjun? Nineteen years to step into the Shanhai Realm? Su Yu was genuinely astonished. His expression turned much more solemn. From Qianjun to Shanhai in nineteen years... No, Chen Long didn't seem to be merely at the first level of the Shanhai Realm; he was likely at the second or third level. That meant he had advanced even earlier, perhaps reaching Shanhai in fifteen years. Being a comrade-in-arms with his dad meant he was an ordinary civilian, and might not have even attended an academy. For such a civilian warrior to step into the Shanhai Realm in fifteen years—even on the warrior path, that was top-tier genius! Most academy prodigies couldn't compare to Chen Long. Su Yu was shaken. Damn, that meant if not for his own mess, his dad might have lived quite comfortably in the Demon Suppression Army! With a Shanhai Realm little brother backing him! Of course, he didn't dare believe it completely—not that he doubted Chen Long's identity, but rather that he couldn't quite believe a Shanhai Realm expert would willingly acknowledge a Tengkong as his eldest brother. Was this on the Xia Family's orders? Or someone else's idea to have Chen Long deliberately approach his dad? Though thoughts raced through his mind, his face remained impassive. Across from him, Su Long continued watching and observing. When he saw Su Yu instinctively lift his teacup to take a sip to mask his thoughts, the corners of Su Long's mouth twitched slightly. The more he looked, the more alike he seemed! His son had this exact habit. Whenever he was turning things over in his mind, he would hold a teacup or grab a bite of food to cover it up. Are you turning things over in your head? Are you stunned that I actually have a Shanhai little brother? Ten to one, it's you! The more Su Long looked, the more certain he was that this was his son. The gaze, the demeanor, the subtle little habits—someone unfamiliar with Su Yu or lacking deep understanding naturally wouldn't be able to tell, but who was he? He had raised this brat from diapers, wiping his shit and piss; what didn't he know about him? The face had changed and the voice had changed, but in the end, there were many things that could never change. Putting those thoughts aside, Su Yu asked, "What did General Chen wish to inquire about?" Chen Long hurriedly said, "Inquire about a person—Su Yu! Su Yu, who came from the Great Xia Prefecture! Su Yu is my nephew, my eldest brother's son. Master Cui, you hail from the Great Ming Prefecture, do you know Su Yu?" "..." Su Yu thought, *I gained another uncle? Lately, I've discovered I'm acquiring so many relatives—either a cheap grandfather, a martial mother, a master, or uncles...* While complaining in his heart, he feigned surprise on the surface. "Su Yu's father?" He looked toward Su Long with apparent astonishment. "This is Su Yu's father? No wonder! Then based on seniority, I truly ought to address you as Uncle! I have met Su Yu and am fairly familiar with him..." Chen Long was overjoyed. "Master Cui has met my nephew?" "Of course!" Su Yu smiled. "In the Great Ming Prefecture, who doesn't know Elder Su! Naturally, I consider him a brother. I've met Su Yu several times, and we had delightful conversations..." Su Long suddenly cut in, "Did he ever tell you how old he was when he had a nightmare and wet the bed from fright?" "..." Silence! Dead silence! Su Yu was mortified beyond words. What in the world? Chen Long was also completely flabbergasted. Eldest Brother, what are you doing? Airing your son's embarrassing secrets in front of an outsider, isn't that inappropriate? "The first time he had a nightmare, he was six years old and wet the bed in terror. Still wetting the bed at age six—did you know about that?" "..." Su Yu said awkwardly, "Well... Junior Brother Su never mentioned that. Uncle had better not bring it up again." Su Long nodded and fell silent. *No matter, I'll test him again in a bit.* Su Yu broke out in a cold sweat. *Good heavens, did my dad recognize me? This is bizarre! Why bring up my childhood shame out of nowhere in front of an outsider?* Chen Long was completely dazed by this sudden barrage. He hurriedly sent a voice transmission: *Eldest Brother, I beg you, please stop talking nonsense! What happened to you today? Aren't I asking about my nephew? Stop stirring up trouble! What are you doing! The man is an armamentsmith master after all, can't you show him some respect? If you truly infuriate him, I won't be able to explain myself.* Eldest Brother was never this impetuous. Could it be that he missed his son so much that hearing Cui Lang knew him made him lose his head? Putting the thought aside, Chen Long hurriedly smoothed things over: "My eldest brother has a straightforward nature, Master Cui, please don't take offense. Since Master Cui knows Su Yu, may I ask how my nephew is doing right now? Last I heard, he was injured and remained in seclusion." Su Yu smiled. "He's doing very well. His injuries have mostly healed; when I last saw him, he was nearly fully recovered. In the Great Ming Prefecture, both the Manor Lord and Principal Niu—who is also my teacher—hold him in high regard. He has befriended several powerful experts and become an honorary elder. He earns merit points by the millions, having all the wealth and fame one could desire. He is living exceptionally well!" Su Long said faintly, "Living so well, yet he never thought to send his old man some good food or drink?" Chen Long: "..." Su Yu: "..." Su Long continued in a sullen tone, "He possesses so many cultivation arts, yet never thought to send his old man a few powerful techniques. Does he even deserve to be called a son? He's nothing but an unfilial brat!" "..." Hearing him scold his own son, Chen Long had no idea what to say, and Su Yu was rendered utterly speechless. Su Long added, "When he couldn't beat his enemies and had to flee, why didn't he think to seek help from the Demon Suppression Army? He just up and ran. What if the Manor Lord of Great Ming hadn't saved him?" "..." Su Yu was helpless. The Demon Suppression Army only had so much strength; among those stationed in the Great Xia Prefecture, only a single Shanhai Realm expert had descended. Seeking help for what? Dad, do you think Shanhais are invincible? Sun Moon Realm experts were trying to kill me back then! Exhausted inside, Su Yu cleared his throat dryly. "Uncle makes a good point. Brother Su was probably thoughtless and didn't consider the situation thoroughly." Su Long nodded, staring at him with a resentful glare as if wanting to devour him alive. "When he ran, why didn't he notify his dad? Help me ask him: has he already forgotten he still has a father? Does that unfilial brat want his old man to die on the battlefield?" "Brother Su surely had no such intention." "Is that so?" Su Long gnashed his teeth, glaring daggers at him. "Then why hasn't he sent a proper letter to his dad?" "Ahem... perhaps he didn't think of it, or perhaps he was worried it might be intercepted." "Then why did he take two wives without asking for my opinion?" "..." Holy crap! I didn't! Su Yu was stunned. When did I take any wives? "He wants to marry into the Great Ming Prefecture's Zhu family—is that little bastard trying to anger me to death?" "..." Pure fabrication! Utter nonsense! I never intended to marry into their family! In the old Zhu family, only Zhu Qingyan is of age, and I don't even fancy that woman, alright? Su Yu didn't want to speak anymore! His dad had recognized him. Absolutely. What an immense sense of defeat! It was too despairing! This was impossible. He was disguised so well; aside from an Invincible, who could see through him? Of course, high-stage Sun Moons in close contact might notice anomalies. But was his dad an Invincible? How else could he have recognized him? Furthermore, with his old man about to expose him, could Chen Long be trusted? To be honest, Su Yu didn't trust him. He didn't know what his dad was thinking, but since his dad felt Chen Long could be trusted, perhaps he was indeed reliable. At the side, Chen Long also faintly sensed something amiss. He cast a suspicious glance at his eldest brother, then looked back at Cui Lang. After a long moment, he chose to remain silent. These two seemed to be conversing quite congenially, so he let them continue. What was going on? Could it be that Cui Lang and Su Yu were close friends, bosom buddies? But it didn't sound like they were bosom buddies either... ... After venting a few complaints, Su Long soon sighed. "Let me ask you, is that brat really doing well?" "Yes, very well." "How are his injuries?" "Nothing serious, Uncle can rest assured." "..." Su Long pondered for a moment, then asked, "Can he take me away? Or if I stay here, will there be any trouble? Such as being taken hostage." Su Yu considered it, then shook his head. "For the time being, nothing will happen. Brother Su's relationship with the Xia Family hasn't reached a freezing point, and he has a good relationship with Manor Lord Xia's son. Of course, once turmoil erupts in the Xia Family, staying behind might lead to some trouble." "Turmoil in the Xia Family?" Chen Long couldn't help but interject. "Master Cui, what do you mean by that?" Turmoil in the Xia Family? Su Yu said calmly, "Nothing much. Manor Lord Xia Longwu is going to attain the Dao. Attaining the Dao naturally brings trouble. General Chen cannot be unaware of this. That being the case, turmoil in the Xia Family is only a matter of time." Chen Long fell silent. It made sense, but people simply didn't want to dwell on it. Moreover, Chen Long said with conviction, "The Commander will succeed, and King Daxia is still present. Nothing will happen to the Xia Family!" Su Yu didn't dispute it. Su Long made a mental note: when Xia Longwu attained the Dao, there might be trouble. If he remained here then, he might cause trouble for his son. Not bothering with that for now, Su Long asked again, "Then why didn't he tell me about taking wives?" "He didn't take any!" Su Yu cried out his grievance. Where did any wives come from! Su Long said gloomily, "Even the Twin Wu Aperture Fusion Art came out! Such a powerful cultivation technique named after someone else's surname, and you still deny it?" Su Yu explained helplessly, "I heard Brother Su mention that his senior sister and the Second Young Miss of the Wu Family contributed greatly to that cultivation technique, which is why it was named that way." "..." Father and son exchanged words back and forth, while Chen Long's gaze grew utterly bizarre. Holy crap! What on earth was going on? Master Cui, why are you acting like my eldest brother's son, answering whatever he asks? Weren't you cold and aloof just now? When they first met, he had been exceedingly arrogant too! Chen Long was on the verge of a breakdown! He couldn't wrap his head around what was happening. A faint idea flickered in his mind, yet he couldn't believe it. How was that possible! Before him was a quasi-Earth armamentsmith and a Lingyun Realm expert. Even at thirty-five, he would be considered an exceptional genius. If that were swapped for nineteen years old... he wouldn't even be human! Chen Long's thoughts were a tangled mess. And Su Yu was in a mess as well. What was his dad doing, constantly asking these nonsensical questions? Just as he was thinking, Su Long spoke again: "Then what are you doing here this time?" "Visiting someone, running some errands." Su Long frowned. "Foolish! Running around recklessly at a time like this, are you looking to die?" "It's not that dangerous." "Not that dangerous? If it weren't that dangerous, would he not even dare to acknowledge his father?" Saying that, Su Long suddenly frowned. "Is someone monitoring him?" He felt a jolt of alarm. Had his words inadvertently exposed his son? Su Yu didn't care much. If Sun Moons were monitoring him, he would notice. Right now, there were none, unless an Invincible was monitoring him. The key was that if an Invincible truly monitored him, his identity couldn't be hidden anyway. He had only been wary of Chen Long; otherwise, he would have directly called him Dad. By now, he was practically exposed already. His old man seemed to trust Chen Long quite a bit. After a moment's thought, Su Yu dropped his pretenses and shook his head. "No one is monitoring. I was just worried... well... wasn't it too risky?" Su Long understood his meaning. After thinking it over, he looked at Chen Long and asked abruptly, "Little Chen, were you sent by the Xia Family to monitor me?" "..." Chen Long was speechless. Only after a while did he say, "Eldest Brother, I came looking for you before my eldest nephew even made a scene. Could I have foreseen the future, or could the Xia Family foresee the future to have me monitor you?" "True enough!" Su Long chuckled. "Little Chen, am I still your eldest brother?" "Of course!" "Then curse the Xia Family as bastards right now!" "..." How ruthless! Chen Long's face turned purple. After a long pause, he stammered, "Eldest Brother, don't do this. The Commander and the Xia Family have shown me kindness as heavy as mountains; I cannot do such a thing. You are you, and the Xia Family is the Xia Family. One is my eldest brother, the other is my benefactor. Eldest Brother, don't make things difficult for me." Su Long snorted and said displeasedly, "That's *your* benefactor! I used to revere the Commander too, but after they forced my son to flee his home around New Year's, I lost all fondness for the Xia Family!" Chen Long sighed helplessly and nodded. "In this matter, the Xia Family perhaps truly didn't handle things well." As for anything else, he didn't want to say more. Looking at Cui Lang before him, he had broadly grasped the truth, and his heart was filled with profound shock. It really was him! Su Yu! Truly beyond belief. Cui Lang was Su Yu! His nineteen-year-old eldest nephew was a Lingyun Realm quasi-Earth armamentsmith, a researcher, an honorary elder, the successor to the multiple divine character faction, the spark behind the turmoil in the Great Xia Prefecture, and the catalyst that led to the fall of multiple Sun Moon Realm experts. Was he even human? Nineteen years old! How did his eldest brother father such a monstrous prodigy? Could there be a mistake? Having laid things almost completely bare, though without stating it outright, Su Long stopped paying attention to Chen Long and waved at Su Yu. "Come here!" Su Yu stood up and walked over. "Squat down!" Su Yu felt gloomy. Why do you sound like you're training a dog? Helpless, he crouched down. *Smack!* Su Long slapped him across the forehead, gritting his teeth. "I told you to study properly at the academy, not to cause trouble out in the world! Did you listen to me?" Struck by the slap, Su Yu's forehead turned red, but he said nothing. Even though he could slap someone to death with a single strike... cough cough, best not mention that. "I wanted to be obedient too, but people bullied me. What could I do?" "Where was your brain? Weren't you good at borrowing strength to strike back? Hiding behind the scenes? Why did you jump to the forefront this time!" Su Yu said dejectedly, "I did borrow strength! When the Great Xia Prefecture had no more strength to borrow, I borrowed external strength! If I didn't step into the open with my meager strength, who would help me? I had to dish out benefits before people were willing to back me." Su Long nodded, feeling somewhat helpless. "It's all that damn Liu Wenyan, fucking messing around! If I'd known that old bastard came with so much trouble, I would never have gone to him for help! He ate seven or eight meals at my house, and I gave him seven or eight bottles of fine wine, only for everything to end in disaster!" What regret! If he had known, he never would have sent gifts to that bastard Liu Wenyan. Su Yu was surprised. "You sent gifts? When? How come I didn't know?" "Nonsense!" Su Long said crossly. "If I didn't send gifts, would he treat you well? Damn it, if I'd known he'd bring so much trouble, let alone sending gifts, if he came to my door, I would've driven him off with a big broom!" Su Yu was speechless. You might not even beat Teacher Liu in a fight, why boast? Beside them, Chen Long stared at the ceiling in complete silence, wishing they would pretend he didn't exist. Even now, he hadn't fully recovered his wits! While Chen Long remained quiet, Su Yu spoke up: "When did your little brother become a Shanhai?" Su Long also looked exasperated. "How would I know? After I left, this fellow became a squad leader and led those brothers into battle everywhere. By coincidence, they killed a Tengkong Realm foe and actually received a Heaven and Earth reward! He struck it rich in an instant, and the other brothers made a fortune alongside him. Afterward, some reached Shanhai and others reached Lingyun. If I'd known, I wouldn't have retired either!" "Heaven and Earth reward?" Su Yu was surprised. That worked too? How did they kill a Tengkong? At this point, Chen Long could no longer play dead and muttered in a low voice, "A Tengkong Realm foe was injured in battle. I led a bunch of brothers and expended immense effort, losing quite a few men before finally killing him. The Heaven and Earth rules rewarded us with a considerable amount of Heaven Yuan Qi. We didn't understand anything back then, so we just absorbed it haphazardly, and then... not long after, I entered the Tengkong Realm." It was that simple. After entering the Tengkong Realm, his starting point was higher, he led more men, engaged in more slaughter, and sequentially received several more rewards, allowing him to rapidly step into the Shanhai Realm. Of course, there was no need to go into detail. Regardless, he realized that compared to Su Yu, he was nothing! What if he had reached Shanhai? Before this, hadn't he been subserviently calling him "Master Cui" left and right? Still playing the grandson to someone else! And now, he was being told that this kid was Su Yu. His mind couldn't make the turn, and he felt like shutting himself away from the world! Su Long smiled. "It's fine, this fellow is fairly reliable. Before my son became famous, I didn't think much of it and slapped him a few times, and he didn't hit me back, so he should be reliable." "..." Chen Long remained silent. *So you knew. I thought you had no idea!* Su Yu nodded and asked, "Are you doing well here?" "Pretty good. Plenty of good food and drink. I just can't go to the front lines; otherwise, the myriad races go crazy trying to kill me. Did you dig up their ancestral graves?" "No, but sooner or later I will!" Su Yu grinned, then added, "The old house back home is still there. Some people broke into our home, and I killed a few of them, but it's a bit messy, so I left it alone. It's fine, I'm rich now. I have a research institute in the Great Ming Prefecture worth hundreds of thousands of merits... adding it all up, it's worth tens of billions. Impressive, right?" Su Long thought about it and said, "No matter how small a mosquito is, it's still meat. The house is ours; I still have the property deed. Even if we don't want it, we can't let others profit. Even if we blow it up, we won't leave it for others!" "Naturally, I certainly won't leave it to them!" "What's the story with those two wives of yours?" "There's nothing of the sort, just friends." "Really?" "Really..." *Smack!* No sooner had he spoken than another slap landed. Su Long wore a face full of regret. "Unfilial brat! Damn it, I was thinking that if you had a wife, even if you died, you'd at least leave behind an heir! You don't even have that! Who do you think you're answering to?" Su Yu felt exhausted inside. I haven't let anyone down! What's wrong with not having a wife? Honestly! After slapping him, Su Long continued, "Is life hard out there? Is the Great Ming Prefecture treating you well for real or just pretending? If it's fake, find a chance to run. I heard people say the Great Qin Prefecture is recruiting people too. If you go there, life might be a bit harder, but King Daqin deters the world; no one dares provoke him." Su Yu smiled. "It's fine, they treat me very well. Truly, don't worry." Su Long nodded slightly. "Is someone monitoring me here?" "Yeah, but it's fine. Just one Sun Moon and a few Shanhais. I thought there would be multiple Sun Moons, but there aren't." Su Yu said rather nonchalantly, "It's alright, fewer than expected. It seems the Xia Family is protecting you decently well. Of course, that's just those who followed along; I don't know the situation of those who didn't, nor do they dare probe me. I have some status after all; if they probe me, they'd better beware of me making trouble for them!" *Smack!* Another slap landed. "You're getting cocky, aren't you? What, does that mean I'm useless, a waste, and deserve to be monitored? If not for you, turtle son, would I have this trouble?" Su Yu fell silent. Calling me a turtle son... that's hard to answer. After slapping him for a while, Su Long finally sighed. "When will you take me away? This damn place is no good to stay in! If the Xia Family turns hostile and captures me, you, turtle son, will be caught between a rock and a hard place." "No need to leave just yet. Let's wait and see. Once my strength is sufficient, I will come back to take you away. Leaving now would easily cause trouble, and I have some business to take care of recently." "Alright then!" Su Long nodded, then added, "If you're here on business, showing yourself is too dangerous. Let Little Chen handle it. He's a Shanhai after all; handling minor matters should be fine. If he can't, there are other experts in the Demon Suppression Army. Have him go find them; he has face and can ask for help." Chen Long couldn't pretend not to hear, so he had to say, "Right, if you need anything, you can come to me!" Su Yu said directly, "Forget it, Uncle Chen is too weak. Better not get involved in my affairs for now." "..." Fuck! Chen Long wanted to hit someone. Too weak? Was he weak? He was a genius Shanhai Realm expert of the military, alright! You're only in the Lingyun Realm, what are you swaggering about! Su Yu smiled and didn't explain. He truly didn't want Chen Long involved in his affairs, and he wasn't lying either. Was the Shanhai Realm powerful? Was Shanhai second or third level impressive? It was impressive, but the multiple divine character faction's troubles were not something a Shanhai could resolve or participate in. Look at Hong Tan in the Sun Moon Realm, pushed to the brink of despair. That being the case, the less Chen Long got involved, the better, so as not to bring him immense trouble. Su Long also sighed. "Little Chen is indeed a bit weak. A pity." Chen Long glared sideways at the father and son! To hell with you both! A Tengkong and a Lingyun talking to me like this—tied together, I could beat ten of you single-handedly! Just as Chen Long was thinking this, Su Yu pondered for a moment and said, "It's not too late for you to cultivate now, but I'm afraid that having too many resources and advancing too quickly will arouse suspicion. How about this: after I leave, you can cultivate slowly." Saying that, he swiftly brought out an array of items. "This is Yuan Qi Liquid, ten thousand drops. Use it as you see fit." "This is Earth Yuan Fruit, which aids in aperture opening. Actually, it's not strictly necessary; I have other divine items for aperture opening." "These are several cultivation arts, all Heaven rank. Practice them as you see fit. Actually, the Primordial Spirit Aperture Opening Art is enough; it's a very good art." "This is a body tempering method for thirty-six casts. Of course, the difficulty is quite high, but don't worry, I have Heaven Yuan Qi here to directly temper your body, which is far better than gods and demons essence blood." "..." In an instant, Su Yu produced an abundance of treasures, including a cluster of Heaven Yuan Qi. He didn't state the exact amount, enveloping it within a shadow barrier for fear that Chen Long would see too much and become covetous. Other things were fine, but this item was particularly precious. Continuing, Su Yu brought out several weapons. "This is an early-stage Profound-rank martial weapon, this is mid-stage, this is high-stage, and this is peak-stage..." "This is a set of Profound-rank armor, early-stage, not the best. I have a peak-stage set that I'll give you later, but don't display it openly; people know it's mine." "This is a Shanhai divine talisman. If you run into trouble, throw it out. It might not kill a Shanhai, but it can hold them off for a while." "This is a card with a hundred thousand merit points. Keep it on you in case you need it at a critical moment." "These are auxiliary divine talismans: speed, healing, power burst... Take them all." "..." Item after item was thrust into his father's hands as Su Yu explained their uses. Soon, Su Yu gathered them back into a storage ring, handed the ring to his father, and said, "Take this and store it within your body. Don't wear it on your hand to avoid being seen!" "You can hide it inside an aperture so people won't spot it." "Also, someone is monitoring you recently, so don't use them. I'll figure out a way later to see if I can... Never mind, surveillance is also protection. Once I leave, you can use them, and there won't be any issues." "..." Su Long nodded with a calm expression. Although he was deeply unsettled inside, as his father, he had to keep his composure. Meanwhile, Chen Long's mouth fell wide open! Holy shit! Holy shit! How fucking rich was this kid! Added together, these items were worth several hundred thousand merit points! He had fought his entire life and had never even seen a card with a hundred thousand merit points. What an eye-opener! Truly something you had to live long enough to see! Still feeling somewhat uneasy, Su Yu looked at Chen Long and smiled. "Uncle Chen, these are minor things, not worth much. I have also prepared some gifts for you! Of course, as long as my dad remains safe and sound and I can take him away smoothly in the end, I will certainly be immensely grateful to Uncle Chen. A mere few hundred thousand merit points is nothing! I have never been stingy in my dealings!" Chen Long frowned, while Su Long slapped Su Yu again, snapping, "You don't trust your old man's judgment? It's fine!" Su Yu smiled and said nothing. Su Long chuckled, then added, "Having vigilance is a good thing! Carrots and sticks are good too, but you can't just offer benefits; you have to state the consequences. For example, tell him that if I die, you'll crush him with a single finger—you have to threaten him a bit!" "Eldest Brother!" Chen Long was exasperated. Now that Su Yu was openly calling him Dad, Chen Long stopped pretending to be ignorant either and sighed with emotion. "Eldest Nephew, you... truly gave me a massive shock. In a million years, I never would have imagined you would come see your dad under this identity." Su Yu smiled, thought for a moment, and asked, "Did King Daqin send you?" As soon as those words were uttered, Chen Long was slightly taken aback. After a pause, he nodded. "Yeah. Right in the middle of conferring merits, he suddenly said my meritorious service was great and told me to recruit a quasi-Earth armamentsmith, so I came." "He knows." Su Yu exhaled. "I hope it's not a bad thing. Never mind, let fate decide! My dad being able to come was probably within his expectations as well. An Invincible is truly an Invincible, able to see through many things at a single glance." Chen Long thought about it and nodded slightly. Indeed, when someone arrived from the Great Ming Prefecture, he would definitely look for Su Long. Since Cui Lang came from Great Ming, the probability of him bringing Su Long along was very high. Even if he hadn't brought him this time, Su Yu would have found a way to make contact, and through him, Su Yu would have met his father sooner or later. Thinking of this, Chen Long couldn't help but say, "Invincibles truly are terrifying!" Su Long suggested, "Do you have any ruins or relics? Why not give one to King Daqin to buy peace?" He didn't care about ruins or relics; his son's life was what truly mattered. If things didn't work out, giving them away could at least reduce some trouble. Su Yu laughed. "I do, but it hasn't been excavated yet. The Great Xia Prefecture is occupying it—right under the bed at our home! Later, I'll find a chance to dig it up!" Su Long was stunned, only speaking after a long moment: "Isn't our home on the third floor?" Under the bed led straight downstairs! "Dad, you don't understand. A world in a grain of sand—understand?" *Smack!* Another slap landed. Su Long snapped angrily, "You've learned to talk back now?" You dare talk back when I'm asking you a question? Su Yu felt aggrieved. Your son has never been beaten like this by anyone! You're a thirty-six aperture Tengkong, and with one punch I could... Fine, keep hitting. It doesn't hurt anyway; doesn't your hand hurt? I have achieved eleven casts after all, while Dad hasn't even completed a single cast. Father and son looked at each other. Su Long secretly rubbed his hand, swearing repeatedly in his heart. *This little brat's head is truly hard!* Seeing his son safe and sound, and having come all the way to the All-Heavens Battlefield, Su Long was overjoyed deep down. Hitting him repeatedly was also a way to test if this was real. Now it seemed it was all too real—his hand was almost swollen from the hitting! "Dad, how did you recognize me?" Su Yu couldn't resist asking at this moment. Had his disguise not been convincing? "Even if you turned to ash, I'd still recognize you!" Su Long cursed, then quickly spat. *Unlucky!* Just as he finished speaking, Su Yu suddenly turned into a puddle of water and spoke: "Dad, do you still recognize me now?" "..." Chen Long burst out laughing, unable to hold it in any longer. Holy crap, are these two father and son playing with me! "You..." Su Long was also dumbfounded. Are you messing with me? How the hell would I recognize this? What on earth is this? A moment later, Su Yu resumed Cui Lang's appearance, thoroughly satisfied. *See, you don't recognize me now, do you? Keep boasting! Saying you'd recognize me even if I turned to ash—believe it or not, if I really turn to ash, let's see if you recognize me then!* Reunited, both father and son were actually extremely emotional, yet at this moment, they suppressed any outburst of feelings. Su Yu's joking and playing around, and Su Long's constant cursing, were both ways of venting their emotions. For over a year, father and son had experienced far too much! There was the sorrow of parting, the mutual worry for one another, separated by the heavens, yet here they were, reunited. Joy beyond words, hardship beyond telling. Reunited, yet unable to celebrate freely. When Su Yu mentioned that he had business to attend to after leaving, Su Long understood that his son could not stay with him for long; he would likely have to depart soon. In this moment, he wanted to dissuade him, yet didn't know how to do so. He could only channel all his grief and worry into slaps, striking them down one after another upon this familiar yet unfamiliar son before him. Familiar was the feeling; unfamiliar was the appearance. When would they be able to meet openly and honorably in the light of day? Su Long didn't know. In his heart, there was only a poignant ache. His son had truly grown up!