Chapter 12: Now That My Son Has Returned, Leave Everything to Me

After dealing with everyone in the Wang family, Su Yifan returned to the Su residence. After a brief wash, he sat cross-legged on his bed, sorting through the memories he had acquired from Wang Xiong and his son.

Not only had he avenged himself, but from Wang Xiong’s recollections, he also finally learned what the object was. It turned out to be a key. However, as for what kind of key, even Wang Xiong did not know, as he had never seen it himself.

From Wang Xiong’s memories, Su Yifan learned that the story dated back ten years. A decade ago, in the Taihang Mountains, several families discovered a treasure cave deep within the mountains, said to be the immortal abode left behind by a martial lord. After deliberation, the families originally intended to enter the cave together in search of its treasures.

Unexpectedly, the cave was impenetrable. The entrance was blocked by a several-meter-thick door of black iron, and a protective array was set to guard it. They tried to force their way in, but it was futile and resulted only in the loss of many of their top experts. Helpless, the families had to retreat in frustration.

Only later did they learn that entering the cave required a key to unlock both the array and the iron gate. Once this news emerged, the families began searching everywhere for the key.

Then, five years ago, someone named Xiao Peng told Wang Xiong that the key was likely in Su Huaimin’s possession. Su Huaimin had been part of the expedition back then and had left the Taihang Mountains early. After considering it, Wang Xiong also thought Su Huaimin highly suspicious. He began investigating in secret and discovered that it was indeed possible Su Huaimin had obtained the key. Thus, he began plotting how to obtain the key from Su Huaimin, setting in motion everything that followed.

“So, being forced out of the Su family back then was merely the first step of their scheme. Well played, Wang family,” Su Yifan murmured coldly. “No, the other families were involved as well. Just wait—I, Su Yifan, will make sure you all pay for this, one by one!”

Clenching his fists, he muttered in a low voice.

…

The next morning, news broke that both the Wang family and the Green Gang had been wiped out. In less than two hours, the entire city of Yun knew of the massacre. For a time, the annihilation of the Wang family and the Green Gang became the hottest topic in Yun City.

Some said it was revenge. Others claimed it was for wealth. The rumors varied and multiplied.

As the situation fermented, several families who had previously been closely connected to the Wang family all chose to shut their doors and refuse visitors.

…

Meanwhile, in the rear courtyard of the Su residence—

Bang, bang, bang!

A burst of knocking sounded, rousing Su Yifan from his deep sleep.

“Who is it?” Su Yifan lifted his covers, poking his head out, and called out.

“Yifan, open the door! It’s your father.”

Su Zhenguo stood at the door, his face grave, silently praying it wouldn’t turn out to be his son’s doing.

Hearing his father’s voice, Su Yifan at last opened his eyes. He knew his father must have heard of the Wang family’s destruction, and naturally suspected him—especially since just yesterday he’d single-handedly wiped out the Green Gang.

Getting out of bed, Su Yifan stretched lazily and ambled to the door. As soon as he opened it, before he could speak, Su Zhenguo asked anxiously, “Yifan, was this your doing?”

“Yes,” Su Yifan narrowed his eyes and admitted it outright. Even if he didn’t say it now, his family would soon find out. There was no point in hiding. Besides, with his current strength, who could threaten him or the Su family?

“So it really was you! Yifan, how could you be so reckless!” Su Zhenguo was nearly beside himself with anger. Why hadn’t his son discussed such a thing with him in advance? On the surface, the Wang family was nothing special, but their backing was anything but ordinary.

“What’s wrong, Dad? It’s just a Wang family,” Su Yifan replied indifferently.

Seeing his son’s nonchalant attitude, Su Zhenguo wanted to scold him, but the words caught in his throat. Now that it was done, what was the use of rebuking him?

After a moment to compose himself, he said, “Yifan, pack your things. Today you and your sister must leave Xia Country.”

He pulled out his phone, ready to book plane tickets for his two children.

“Dad, what are you doing?” Su Yifan asked, confused. Leave Xia Country? What a joke—he’d just returned; how could he leave now?

Su Zhenguo halted, worry creasing his brow. “Do you know who is behind the Wang family?”

“Who?” Su Yifan asked calmly.

Seeing his son was still unaware of the gravity of the Wang family’s background, Su Zhenguo hurriedly explained, “Behind the Wang family stands the King of the Southeast—the ruler of the entire southeastern province. Our Su family is but a family of merchants. Even when your grandfather was alive, we were no match for them.”

“So listen to me. Pack up and go abroad with your sister. Leave the rest to me.” With that, he turned to go.

Su Yifan grabbed his father’s hand. “Dad, where are you going?”

“Where else? I’m going to tell your sister to pack. You two are leaving together,” Su Zhenguo said hurriedly, trying to pull away, only to find his son’s grip unyielding.

Just as he was about to speak again, Su Yifan interjected, “Dad, you don’t need to busy yourself. We’re not going anywhere.”

“What did you say?” Su Zhenguo froze, then erupted, “Are you trying to drive me to an early grave? You’re the only son our family has, and now you’ve finally come home. If something happened to you, how could I face your grandfather in the afterlife?”

Hearing his father’s words, Su Yifan’s heart softened. Indeed, no matter the circumstance, he was always his father’s greatest concern. Yet, in his own heart, were not his father and family the ones he cared for most? Precisely for this reason, how could he abandon them and flee alone?

Seeing how his father was running himself ragged for his sake, Su Yifan smiled gently and comforted him, “Dad, don’t worry. The so-called King of Dongjun is nothing to your son. If he knows what’s good for him, he’ll stay away. If not, I’ll make sure he never returns.”

“You…” Su Zhenguo began.

“Dad, don’t you trust your own son?” Su Yifan interrupted. “Let’s not talk about leaving anymore. For five years, you and my sister have given everything for this family. Now that I’m back, let me handle everything, alright?”

Su Zhenguo had prepared many words, but after hearing his son’s resolve, they all vanished before he could utter them. His son had grown up and could now shoulder the burden of the family.

After a moment, he lowered his head, then looked up again. “Alright. I won’t say any more. Whatever happens, we’ll face it together, father and son.”

He smiled.

Su Yifan smiled as well.

Father and son looked at each other and burst out laughing, their laughter foolish and sincere.

Just then—

“Dad, brother, what are you two giggling about here?” came a gentle, melodious voice.

Su Meng approached with light, graceful steps.

Upon hearing her, both Su Yifan and Su Zhenguo abruptly fell silent. Su Yifan scratched his head and muttered, “Nothing, nothing at all.”

Su Zhenguo composed himself and said sternly, “Alright, today is your grandfather’s funeral. You two, go and get ready.”