Chapter 24: Unyielding Spirit

  After finishing the modest meal, he drank the entire bottle of water in one long gulp before wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.

  When he finished eating, he stood up and gazed toward the afternoon sun filtering through the tree branches. "It's been an entire year... a full year since my downfall," he murmured to himself. "If it wasn't for the medical supplies Uncle Yuan secretly sends me, I would have collapsed from injury or illness long ago."

  With a deep sigh, he walked into his wooden house. The interior was spartanly simple—just a few wooden chairs and no other furniture worth mentioning. Near the door stood the remains of a training dummy that had once served as his punching practice, now broken beyond repair from months of daily abuse.

  He walked straight to the small bathroom where he took a quick, cold bath to wash away the sweat and grime of his training. Afterward, he returned to his bedroom while drying himself with a worn white towel.

  His room was equally modest—a narrow bed positioned against one wall, a small bag containing his few belongings, a simple wardrobe, and a cracked mirror.

  Su Tianhao slumped onto the bed and carefully unwrapped the white cloth from around his fists, revealing bruised and bloody knuckles that spoke of months of punishment. Without flinching, he retrieved fresh cloth strips and wrapped them around his hands, covering the injuries with practiced efficiency.

  He then walked to his wardrobe and selected a clean azure-colored robe, dressing himself with care and tying his long hair in an elegant manner.

  Standing before his cracked mirror, he studied his reflection with critical eyes. A tall young man with a refined physique and handsome features stared back at him. His sword-like eyebrows and piercing golden eyes still carried an intensity that could unsettle most people, but there was something different now—a coldness that hadn't existed before.

  "Perhaps I should go out for a walk today," he said to his reflection with quiet determination. "It is my birthday, after all."

  He retrieved a pouch containing a few hundred silver coins from his belongings—not a fortune by cultivator standards, but enough wealth to live comfortably by ordinary mortal standards. Though he no longer held status within the family, he wasn't completely broke.

  After ensuring his daily routine was complete, he stepped out of his house and exited the small courtyard. Walking past the long row of other abandoned courtyards, he made his way toward the border of Fei Wu Quarter with steady, purposeful steps.

  For the first time in twelve months, Su Tianhao was leaving his self-imposed exile.

  The world beyond his forgotten corner awaited, and today—on his sixteenth birthday—he would face it with whatever strength he had managed to build in his solitude.

  Whether that strength would be enough remained to be seen.

  ----

  Su Tianhao strolled casually across the Su family estate, his footsteps echoing softly against the polished stone pathways he had once walked as a celebrated prodigy.

  "Isn't that the Second Young Master?" someone called out, drawing attention from the surrounding disciples.

  "It really is him!" another exclaimed in surprise. "He finally came out of hiding!"

  "Looks like he's finally crawled out from his year-long seclusion," a third voice added with barely concealed mockery.

  "He looks... different. More intimidating somehow," observed a female disciple, her tone carrying grudging respect.

  "Hmph! He's still just a worthless cripple," someone else snorted dismissively.

  Su Tianhao ignored their whispered comments and continued walking with measured steps, his golden eyes focused straight ahead. However, he failed to notice one particular disciple staring at him with a malicious gleam.

  'He's finally crawled out from his hole,' the disciple thought with satisfaction. 'Young Master Jian will be very pleased to hear this news.'

  Without Su Tianhao's knowledge, word of his emergence was already being reported to his worst enemy.

  He made his way toward the estate's main gates with steady strides. As he approached the entrance, the guards on duty immediately recognized him and offered respectful greetings.

  "Second Young Master!" they called out in unison, their voices carrying genuine warmth.

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  Even after so much time had passed and his status had fallen so dramatically, these guards' respect for him hadn't diminished. He had helped them develop strategies on countless occasions, and they owed him more than they could ever repay.

  Su Tianhao was momentarily startled by their friendly greeting and waved his hand dismissively. "I'm not that person anymore," he said quietly.

  "What are you talking about, Young Master?" one guard replied. "Not everyone has forgotten who you really are."

  Su Tianhao shook his head but couldn't help cracking a small smile—the first real expression of warmth he'd shown in months. "Thank you."

  As he left the Su family estate behind, the guards watched his retreating figure with sad expressions. "It's truly a pity for someone like the Second Young Master to be met with such misfortune," one of them murmured to his companion.

  Su Tianhao walked along Oakwood City's busy streets, occasionally hearing people murmur about him as he passed. Some recognized the fallen prodigy, others simply saw a well-dressed young man going about his business. He chose to ignore all the whispered comments, focusing instead on his small tour of the city and purchasing any food that caught his interest.

  ---

  While Su Tianhao enjoyed his peaceful exploration of the city, the informant disciple had already made his way to the Su family's main residence. He stopped before an ornate bronze door and knocked firmly.

  Knock, knock.

  The door opened a moment later, revealing a beautiful young woman dressed in elegant green robes.

  "Greetings, Senior Sister Xie Ling!" the disciple said hurriedly, offering a respectful bow.

  In just one year of serving under Su Jian, Xie Ling's status had risen considerably. Even true family disciples now had to address her as Senior Sister. Even more surprising was her cultivation progress—she had already reached the 3rd Level of Martial Adept Realm, an advancement that would have taken her many more years without Su Jian's promised resources.

  Xie Ling glanced at the disciple. "What do you want, Yu Chen?"

  "I need to speak with Young Master Jian," the disciple—Yu Chen—replied. He was one of Su Jian's loyal followers, specifically tasked with keeping watch over Su Tianhao's activities.

  Xie Ling frowned slightly. "Why do you need to see Young Master Jian?"

  "It's about Su Tianhao," Yu Chen said with barely contained excitement. "He's finally come out of hiding!"

  Xie Ling's eyes widened in shock, her body trembling slightly at the news. But before she could respond, the door burst open and Su Jian's figure appeared.

  "What did you say? That trash is finally out?" he asked with excitement, his eyes gleaming.

  He was dressed in luxurious silk robes that emphasized his elevated status. His jet-black hair was tied in the family's signature topknot, while his aura radiated confidence and nobility. In just one year, he had already broken through to the 4th Level of Martial Disciple Realm—surpassing even Su Mei's previous advancement record.

  However, his current expression carried not noble pride but childish excitement mixed with vindictive satisfaction. "Quickly, tell me everything! Where is he now?"

  "Y-Yes! He went into the city, but he should be returning soon," Yu Chen reported eagerly.

  "Excellent! Perfect!" Su Jian laughed heartily, rubbing his hands together. "Don't worry—I'll make sure you receive the reward we discussed."

  "Thank you, Young Master Jian!" Yu Chen said with another deep bow.

  "Young Master..." Xie Ling whispered, her expression filled with worry and poorly concealed guilt.

  ---

  Meanwhile, Su Tianhao continued his carefree exploration of Oakwood City, sampling different foods from various restaurants, street vendors, and food stalls. He tried everything from elaborate restaurant meals to simple roasted meat and grilled skewers, rediscovering pleasures he had forgotten during his year of isolation.

  Only when evening shadows began to lengthen did he finally return to the family estate. "I should really go out more often," he mused to himself. "I had almost forgotten how enjoyable life can be."

  He was in a good mood as he walked back toward his quarters, waving casually at the guards as he passed. However, his peaceful return was abruptly blocked by an unexpected confrontation.

  Obstructing the path before him stood five figures, two of whom he recognized all too well. Su Jian stood in the center, flanked by Xie Ling and three other young men he didn't immediately recognize—though one appeared to be Yu Chen, the informant.

  "Su Jian," Su Tianhao said coldly. "What's the meaning of this?"

  Word of the confrontation spread quickly among nearby disciples, who immediately began gathering to watch the spectacle unfold.

  "Look! It's Young Master Jian facing off against that trash!" someone whispered excitedly among the growing crowd.

  "Haha, this should be interesting!" another replied.

  "Quick, let's get closer to see what happens!" a third voice urged.

  The disciples moved closer with excitement, their faces showing they had no intention of interfering—only of enjoying the entertainment.

  "Well, well, if it isn't my useless brother Su Tianhao," Su Jian said with a mocking smirk as he stepped forward. "Didn't you once say I couldn't beat you in a fight? I'm here now—why don't we finally test that claim?"

  The watching crowd gasped in shock.

  "What? Su Tianhao actually challenged Young Master Jian to a fight?"

  "He's just worthless trash now! Young Master Jian is already at the 4th Level of Martial Disciple Realm!"

  "Tsk, tsk. He's courting his own death!"

  The disciples buzzed with amazement—nobody had expected such a dramatic confrontation.

  Su Tianhao frowned deeply as understanding dawned. He had never imagined Su Jian could be so shameless. A year ago, he had indeed challenged Su Jian to combat, but at that time Su Jian had not yet begun cultivation and didn't dare accept. Now, after a full year had passed and Su Jian had gained considerable power, he wanted to "honor" that old challenge under completely different circumstances.

  "Don't you think you're being shameless?" Su Tianhao said coldly, his expression filling with controlled rage. "I challenged you to fight a year ago, but you didn't have the courage then. Now you dare show your face again?"

  "You don't need to be so upset about it," Su Jian replied with an infuriating smirk. "How about this—you fight one of my friends instead, and I'll let you go peacefully. After all..." His voice dropped with cruel emphasis. "You're no longer qualified to be my opponent!"

  "Hahahaha! Well said, Young Master Jian!" voices called from the crowd.

  "Indeed! Trash like him isn't worthy of fighting a true genius!" others agreed with disdainful laughter.

  Su Tianhao's frown deepened as he glanced at Su Jian's companions, his gaze lingering slightly on Xie Ling. She quickly looked away, too ashamed to meet his eyes, but he dismissed her presence and turned back to Su Jian.

  "Which one of them will be fighting me?" he asked with icy calm. "Make it quick."

  Su Jian laughed mockingly. "There's no need to be so hasty, dear brother. Tell me—have you started going crazy from being alone for so long?"

  "Young Master Jian, please allow me to fight him!" Yu Chen suddenly stepped forward, cracking his knuckles. "I'll teach this trash some proper respect!"

  "Very well," Su Jian nodded with satisfaction, folding his arms to enjoy the upcoming show.

  Yu Chen stepped forward, flexing his muscles as he prepared for what he clearly expected to be an easy victory. "Trash, you'll pay for being rude to my Young Master," he muttered with disdain.

  The watching disciples immediately began discussing the matchup.

  "It's Yu Chen! Although he's the weakest among Young Master Jian's followers, he's still at the 3rd Level of the Martial Apprentice Realm."

  "Exactly! Not someone a cripple could hope to defeat!"

  "This will be over quickly!"

  Yu Chen smiled with satisfaction as he heard the crowd acknowledging his strength. "Trash," he called out arrogantly, "I'll give you one free attack before I crush you. Make it count."

  Su Tianhao's lips curved into a cold smile that didn't reach his golden eyes. "Very well."

  Without warning, he tightened his fist and sprinted forward with explosive speed, delivering a devastating blow aimed directly at Yu Chen's stomach.

  Yu Chen's eyes widened in panic as he saw the attack coming far faster than he had anticipated. He immediately tried to dodge, but his reaction was too slow.

  "Too late," Su Tianhao said quietly.

  Bam!

  The punch connected squarely with Yu Chen's midsection, sending him flying backward through the air. He crashed to the ground several feet away, vomiting blood as the impact drove all air from his lungs.

  "What?!" the entire crowd gasped in unified shock.

  Nobody had expected the supposedly powerless Su Tianhao to defeat a 3rd Level Martial Apprentice with a single strike.