A Son’s Promise

Su Chen's gaze grew distant, as if recalling something from the past.

"But as our family grew stronger, our power and name became enough to shield the family. This ritual lost its significance. The younger generations no longer saw the need for it."

Su Kang furrowed his brows. If the tradition had been abandoned, then why bring it back now?

"Then… why do you want me to take part in it?" he asked.

Su Chen's gaze softened.

"Because you have started a family of your own."

"You chose this relationship, unlike the one you have with us. You didn't choose us as your parents—you were simply born into this family. But she—she is your closest family now, apart from blood relations."

His voice turned firm.

"You must protect your new family, Kang'er. This seal will serve as a reminder of your vow, your responsibility."

Su Kang remained silent, absorbing his father's words.

After a moment, he nodded. "As you wish, Father. I will do it."

Truthfully, he didn't see much use in the ritual. But since his father had asked, he would honor his wishes.

Su Chen's expression softened. He gestured for his son to come closer.

"Come here."

Su Kang stepped forward.

Su Chen stood up, looking at his son deeply, as if committing this moment to memory.

For a moment, he wasn't looking at the young man standing before him—he was remembering the child he once held in his arms.

A rare, warm smile appeared on Su Chen's face.

He reached out and patted Su Kang's shoulder.

"You've grown up, Kang'er… It feels like just yesterday I first held you in my hands."

Then, in a low voice thick with emotion, he said,

"Son… congratulations on your marriage."

Su Kang felt warmth bloom in his chest. His fingers curled into a fist as he bowed deeply to his father.

"Thank you, Father. I will not let anything happen to our family. Be it her or the Su family."

Su Chen nodded, satisfied with his response.

"Go now. Your mother must be waiting."

Su Kang turned to leave but hesitated. A strange heaviness clutched at his chest.

As Arya, he had never voiced his gratitude or love for his family.

Even in his dying moments, regret clung to him—he had never once told them he loved them. He had only ever apologized for his failures.

That was all Arya had left behind. A silent regret no one ever heard.

He wouldn't make the same mistake.

Taking a deep breath, he turned back to his father.

"Father."

Su Chen raised an eyebrow at his son's serious expression.

Then, for the first time in his life, Su Kang spoke from the depths of his heart.

"Thank you for everything. I am blessed to have been born as your son. I love you, Father."

His voice was steady, yet beneath it lay years of unspoken emotions.

Without waiting for a response, he turned and left.

Su Chen remained still, his expression unreadable.

Only when Su Kang's figure disappeared did he slowly sit back down, his fingers pressing against his knee.

A small, quiet smile touched his lips.

"This sudden change in him… is it because of her?" he murmured to himself.

When Su Kang returned to the hall, Dong Yue was sitting quietly, her gaze unreadable.

As he approached, she slowly lifted her eyes, observing him closely.

He stopped before her, waiting.

For a long moment, she said nothing. Then, she sighed softly.

"As a woman, I sympathize with her. I wish for her happiness."

She paused, her voice softening.

"But I am also a mother, Kang'er. And as a mother… I want my child to be safe."

Her words were gentle, yet heavy with unspoken fears.

He had expected this, yet his heart tightening slightly.

But even so… facing his mother's concern was harder than he thought.

Seeing his mother's worry, Su Kang knelt down before her and gently took her hands into his own.

His warm palms enveloped hers, offering reassurance.

"Mother, I have obtained a great opportunity. With it, I believe I can face this situation. Nothing will happen to your child."

His gaze remained steady as he looked into her eyes.

"Is this enough for you to stop worrying?"

Dong Yue observed him carefully, searching for any sign of hesitation.

"So this is the reason for his confidence…" she thought to herself.

After a long moment, she exhaled deeply.

"Alright. I won't dwell on it anymore."

She reached into her sleeve and pulled out a small space ring, placing it gently in his palm.

"This is a gift from us to our daughter-in-law."

Her voice was soft, tinged with a trace of regret.

"My wish was to celebrate your wedding in a grand manner, but… this is all I can do for now."

Su Kang tightened his grip around the ring, feeling the weight of her words.

"Thank you, Mother."

Dong Yue lifted a hand and caressed his cheek, her touch warm and filled with unspoken emotions.

A soft smile graced her lips.

"Congratulations, my child. I wish you eternal happiness."

Her blessing was simple, yet carried a depth of sincerity no words could fully capture.

Su Kang lowered his head slightly, an indescribable warmth filling his heart.

Dong Yue ran her fingers through his hair, sensing the emotions within him.

Su Kang lifted his gaze, his eyes unguarded.

"I just feel blessed to be your son. Mother, I love you so much."

Dong Yue laughed softly, full of affection.

"You were never this expressive before. If this change is because of her… then give her my thanks."

She smiled, playfully smoothing his hair, eyes brimming with warmth.

Then, her tone grew firm yet gentle.

"Kang'er, you are no longer just a son and a brother. You are a husband now."

"She has left behind her old life—her family, her past—just to be with you. Do you understand how much she must have thought before choosing this path?"

Her fingers brushed against his forehead, as if engraving her words into his heart.

"You must take responsibility now."

Su Kang nodded, his resolve strengthening.

"I will, Mother."

They sat together for a while, discussing his recent expedition. She didn't press him for details about the realm, only sharing her own experiences within it.

After he left, Dong Yue lingered in the hall before returning to her study.

Back in his courtyard, Su Kang found Bai Yunxi still asleep. Her breathing was soft and steady, her delicate features peaceful in slumber.

He didn't wake her. Instead, he sat at the nearby table, fingers lightly tapping the wooden surface as his mind churned with thoughts.

The family had recently managed to secure some spiritual herbs and plants—valuable resources that could aid their growth.

But mere possession of these materials wasn't enough. The true challenge lay in their utilization.

Many in the family were already at the peak of the Foundation Building realm, yet they remained stuck, unable to break through.

What they truly needed was an alchemist capable of refining Elixir Formation Pills.

Unfortunately, Jiang State lacked such skilled alchemists. Even if they sought external help, no alchemist from the Pill Tower would assist them.

If the Su family wanted a reliable source of pills, they would have to cultivate their own alchemist.

The best way to do this would be to find a promising seedling and help them pass the Pill Tower's recruitment examination.

If successful, the family might eventually have an in-house alchemist capable of refining the necessary pills.

But that was a long-term goal—one filled with uncertainty. For now, it remained nothing more than wishful thinking.

Su Kang sighed.

In the Central Plains, obtaining an Elixir Formation Pill was effortless for powerful families. The quality of their pills was leagues above the ones he had used to breakthrough.

Yet here, in Jiang State, he had to meticulously plan and struggle just for a single pill.

The gap in resources was suffocating.

Still, what he needed to focus on now was strengthening his family.

His gaze darkened in thought.

"Fate, do you have any defensive artifacts or array formations I can use?" he finally asked.