Volume 3 - Chapter 396: Law of the Flesh (Part 2)
Su Qingmei couldn’t help but ask, “Even if he is exceptionally gifted, trying to use Muqing to climb his way into the Su Clan—such a mindset means he’ll never go far on the path of cultivation. His Dao Heart can’t possibly be that strong.”
Hearing her gentle and soft tone, the coldness in Su Zhenyuan’s eyes gradually faded. He sighed lightly and said:
“Everything is fated. The Emperor behind that boy had him bring the marriage contract now—perhaps he saw something we did not, or perhaps there’s a deeper meaning. You can’t understand how far an Emperor sees, or what he can peer into…”
A flicker of deep dread crossed his eyes. Then he shook his head and said, “Setting all that aside, the contract is real, and the boy is real. There is no reason to reject this. If I did, where would that leave our Su Clan’s ancestors? This is not just about revering the Emperor or honoring our word—it’s about respecting our own forebears.”
Su Qingmei was momentarily stunned by his words. A ripple stirred in her heart as she came to understand the righteousness in her husband’s stance.
Her gaze softened. “Husband, I misjudged you earlier. But I fear Muqing will suffer injustice in this… she may blame you as her father.”
“When she bears the weight of the clan’s future, she will understand…”
Su Zhenyuan sighed. But as he recalled the slightly resentful look in his most beloved daughter’s eyes before she left, a bitter taste welled up inside him.
Su Qingmei clasped his broad hand and said quietly, “I’ll speak to Muqing. That child will come to understand your burden. A mere century will pass quickly.”
Su Zhenyuan nodded slightly, turning his hand to gently hold her slender fingers. His eyes, too, softened.
…
Su Muqing’s residence, located deep in the Su Clan’s inner quarters, was called Lake Pavilion Garden.
The garden boasted nine scenic spots, seven courtyards, and three cultivation grounds.
She lived in the Celestial Seclusion Courtyard, the main residence, where Immortal energy was especially dense.
Lake Pavilion Garden, like the estates of the other three young phoenixes, was of the highest standard reserved for direct lineage. But due to Su Muqing’s remarkable talent and bloodline, she was especially favored. As the True Phoenix heir of the core lineage, several divine herbs and rare chaotic treasures had been added to her courtyard, making its Immortal energy far richer than that of Su Wanqing and the other two.
Returning from the Hall of the Bright Emperor, Su Muqing went straight to the Celestial Seclusion Courtyard, her face dark the entire way.
When she saw Li Hao follow her in, she nearly lost her temper. In a fury, she shouted:
“This is my private residence. What are you doing here?”
“To keep you company.”
“I don’t want your company!”
Su Muqing exploded in anger.
Li Hao gazed into her eyes as though he were peering deep into her soul, searching for the yet-to-awaken Primordial Spirit within.
Expressionless, he said, “I won’t disturb you. Do what you like. As long as I can see you, that’s enough.”
“You—you!” Su Muqing stomped her foot in fury, then quickly composed herself, her face frosty. “Don’t think this will move me. It’s ridiculous!”
At that moment, the steward and servants of the Celestial Seclusion Courtyard arrived to greet her. Seeing this youth arguing with Su Muqing, their eyes widened. In the Su Clan, was there really a junior bold enough to talk back to the True Phoenix?
“Wu Ma, throw him out!”
The moment she saw her longtime caretaker, Wu Ma, arrive, Su Muqing issued the order.
Wu Ma immediately complied, unleashing the aura of a peak Immortal Lord as she prepared to suppress and eject Li Hao.
Li Hao frowned and promptly said, “Your father said I have equal rights with you. Anyone who lays a hand on me will be guilty of attacking you.”
At those words, Wu Ma’s steps halted. As someone clever enough to serve as a steward in the Su Clan, she could already tell from the earlier argument that Li Hao wasn’t ordinary. Now, his words left her shaken.
Su Muqing scowled. “Your shamelessness only disgusts me more!”
“That doesn’t matter,” Li Hao replied calmly.
“You!”
Su Muqing’s chest heaved violently. Ever since childhood, she’d lived a life of privilege and ease—like an untouched fairy beyond mortal dust. Never before had she suffered so much indignity in a single day.
Seeing her reaction, Wu Ma immediately realized Li Hao wasn’t bluffing, and her head started to ache.
“What are you waiting for, Wu Ma?! Throw him out! If anything happens, I’ll take responsibility!”
Su Muqing shouted in fury.
Wu Ma cursed inwardly. If something really did happen, when had young mistresses ever been punished? It was always the servants who bore the brunt.
Before she could figure out how to handle the situation, a whooshing sound broke through the air—a graceful figure arrived in haste. It was Yaoqin, Su Qingmei’s personal maid.
Upon seeing the scene in the courtyard, a strange look flickered across her face. She gave Li Hao a long, searching glance.
She had knelt in the hall earlier and seen his soul longevity for herself. Her impression of the youth had shifted slightly.
No matter how he behaved, he was still a peerless genius.
“Miss Muqing, Madam asked me to tell you—hold fast to your Dao Heart. Ignore external matters and do what you must. A hundred years will pass quickly.”
Yaoqin glanced at Li Hao again—not with a sound transmission, but in respectful plain speech.
Su Muqing’s expression darkened further, her gaze turning even colder. Her mother had given in as well, trying to persuade her to accept her fate.
She took a deep breath, cast a venomous look at Li Hao, and said, “Fine. I’ll wait and see. A hundred years from now, I want to watch you crawl out of my Su Clan like a dog, tail between your legs!”
With that, she turned without another word and stormed into the house.
Li Hao’s figure flickered and followed without hesitation.
“Young Master, that’s the young miss’s private chamber, you—”
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