For a moment, he lay there, his eyes closed as he focused on the connection between his body and mind. He felt his mind was oddly detached from his body.

His limbs were fully restored, yet there was a lingering mental fog—the kind of exhaustion that went beyond mere physical weariness.

Su Kang took a deep breath as he pushed himself up. His movements were fluid, his new body responding effortlessly, but his mind still felt sluggish.

He took out a white robe and dressed quickly, adjusting the layers of fabric to ensure his appearance remained composed.

He left the mountain, the rising sun painting the sky in hues of orange, and walked back toward the manor.

He found her in the courtyard, tending to a small herb garden. She looked up as he approached, her eyes softening with relief.

"You're out of seclusion," she said softly, her voice gentle.

"I am," Su Kang offered her a small smile, trying to project an air of calm and normalcy.

She arranged for a meal with him inside the residence before dismissing all the maids.

Su Kang took his place at the table. The spread before him was simple—steamed buns, fragrant spiritual soup, and stir-fried vegetables.

"You were gone for a week," she said, her voice low, her hand reaching out to gently touch his arm.

"Did you succeed in your cultivation?"

Su Kang gave a small nod.

"Yes, I was able to manage it," he said, keeping his tone light. He had already shared some information with her.

Bai Yunxi had already seen him practicing under the sky many times after their dual cultivation.

Her right hand caressed his face as she felt the change in him—a shift in his energy, a subtle power that hadn’t been there before.

"You seem tired. If everything went well, you wouldn’t be like this," she said softly, her voice laced with concern.

Su Kang knew she was perceptive. She had likely noticed his exhaustion. He hugged her waist and buried his face in her breasts.

"Wife, don’t worry. It’s nothing serious. I’ll recover," he said.

Then he met her gaze, trying to reassure her, "I gained a lot from this seclusion. It’s just that this technique was a little demanding, that’s all."

Bai Yunxi nodded slowly, finally smiling and accepting his explanation.

---

The next few days passed in quiet cultivation and companionship.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

Su Kang guided Bai Yunxi through circulation practice. She had grown significantly stronger. Her cultivation speed had far surpassed her son’s as well.

She had progressed from the 5th stage of the Qi Refining Realm to the 7th stage in two months. This was three times faster than Li Fang.

Su Kang thought that, with her current cultivation speed, she might be able to reach the Foundation Building Realm in the next four months.

She also studied ancient ruins, spiritual treasures, and secret realms. Her fascination had grown over the months.

One evening, as the stars began to appear in the darkening sky, they practiced the Heartfire Symphony of Twin Souls, their bodies moving in perfect harmony, their Qi intertwining with shared energy.

He turned to see her sleeping form, her delicate features softened in slumber, her bare shoulders glowing faintly under the moonlight filtering through the window.

Su Kang felt the soothing balm of her presence, easing the lingering effects on his consciousness. He hadn’t expected dual cultivation with her to help him in such a way.

Bai Yunxi’s unknown physique had a calming effect on his mind and soul. Su Kang felt that his consciousness might recover within a month.

While Bai Yunxi’s training was gentle and measured, Su Kang took a completely different approach with Su Ting.

It was not training but brutal conditioning.

Each morning, Su Ting arrived at the training grounds full of energy. By noon, he was barely standing, his breath ragged, his limbs sore from countless beatings.

Su Kang did not hold back. He was forcing Su Ting’s body to memorize pain and survival instincts.

Every blow served a purpose—engraving muscle memory into his very bones.

"Too slow!" Su Kang said, sending a palm strike at Su Ting’s chest.

Su Ting barely managed to block, but the force still sent him skidding back.

"Again," Su Kang ordered.

Su Ting gritted his teeth, his hands trembling, but he lunged forward once more.

The cycle repeated for weeks.

The pain, the exhaustion, the bruises—all of it.

Su Ting’s reflexes sharpened, his movements became more instinctive, and his ability to read an opponent’s attacks improved significantly.

After each brutal session, he would collapse onto the ground, gasping for breath, yet his eyes would burn with determination.

One afternoon, as Su Kang was preparing to leave after training, a servant approached, bowing respectfully.

"Young Master," the servant said, his voice deferential, "Elder Su Jinhai requests your presence in the main hall."

Su Kang nodded, a flicker of anticipation in his eyes. "Tell him I will be there shortly."

The main hall of the Su family residence was dimly lit, the flickering glow of spirit lamps casting long shadows across the room.

Scrolls and jade slips were neatly stacked on the polished wooden table, their contents detailing the affairs of the clan.

Seated at the head of the table was Su Jinhai, the family head—a man of average features but a powerful, muscular build, his expression calm yet carrying the weight of leadership.

As Su Kang stepped inside, Su Jinhai looked up, his sharp eyes studying his nephew for a moment longer than usual.

"You’ve returned," Su Jinhai said, a faint smile crossing his lips. "It seems your seclusion was fruitful."

Su Kang nodded. "I’ve made progress."

"Well, that’s good," Su Jinhai finally said, setting aside the jade slip.

"We’ll need all the strength we can get."

His uncle gave an approving nod. Though Su Jinhai himself was at the peak of the Foundation Building Realm, he had keen instincts when it came to judging people.

He didn’t know what had changed in Su Kang, but he could sense something had shifted—in his very aura, presence, and demeanor.

Su Jinhai set aside a jade slip, his expression turning serious. "I have news regarding your parents."

Su Kang’s gaze sharpened. "They sent a transmission?"

Su Jinhai nodded, folding his arms. "They did. If nothing unexpected happens, they should return within two weeks."

"The harvest was successful. They collected a large number of spiritual herbs and plants, many of which will benefit the family’s cultivation efforts."

Su Kang exhaled in relief. He had worried that his parents would ignore his repeated warnings and venture deeper into the hidden realm, risking dangers beyond their capabilities.

But they had exercised caution. That alone made him truly glad.

"It’s good that they didn’t take unnecessary risks," Su Kang said, his tone lighter than before.

His uncle chuckled. "Your father is stubborn, but your mother likely kept him in check."

Su Jinhai leaned back slightly, his gaze sweeping over the room before settling on Su Kang.

"The Su family is in a good position, better than before. The younger generation is strong. With you, Su Hua, Su Ting, and Su Feng all showing great promise, the family's future is brighter than it has been in decades."

Su Jinhai sighed, rubbing his temple. "But we still lack resources."

Su Kang understood the unspoken meaning. Talent alone was not enough—cultivation required vast amounts of spiritual resources, pills, weapons, and techniques. Without those, even the most gifted would be limited in their growth.

"I’ll do what I can," Su Kang said, his mind already calculating ways to secure more resources.

Su Jinhai studied him again, then let out a short huff of laughter.

"You’re quick to take responsibility," he said. "But don’t forget, you’re still young. Don’t bear the weight of the family alone."

His uncle’s gaze softened briefly before shifting to something more amused.

"Speaking of family matters," Su Jinhai said, his smirk returning. "I heard a rumor."

Su Kang raised a brow. "What kind of rumor?"

Su Jinhai’s smirk deepened. "It seems Su Ting might have found himself a girl."

Su Kang sighed inwardly, immediately thinking of Yue Mei.

He wasn’t sure what to say, so he feigned ignorance.

"You haven’t heard?" Su Jinhai’s smirk deepened.

"The servants say he’s been spending quite a bit of time with a certain young lady. I was wondering if you knew anything about it."

Su Kang shook his head. "I haven’t asked him. But if it’s true, then I’m sure he’ll tell me when he’s ready."

Su Jinhai chuckled.

"That boy is too lively for his own good. Let’s hope he doesn’t bring trouble back home."

They spoke a while longer, discussing minor family matters and cultivation progress. Eventually, Su Kang excused himself, thinking about his parents’ arrival and next steps.