Chapter 9

The Su family was a large and prosperous clan, with many young descendants. After receiving the news, all the eligible young people had been working hard these past few days, all for the chance to participate in the Holy Mountain's assessment.

If one could enter the Holy Mountain, it would undoubtedly prove their potential to become a powerful figure, bringing great glory to the family.

Dressed like a wild man, Su Yi planned to climb over the wall to return to the Su family's residence at the usual spot.

"Master."

Just as Su Yi was hiding, afraid of being discovered, a familiar voice came from behind.

Following the voice, Su Yi saw Wan'er getting up from a corner of the courtyard wall. Her oval face, usually rosy, was now pale, and her bright eyes, framed by long eyebrows, had a hint of divine martial spirit.

Upon seeing Su Yi, Wan'er's eyes lit up with joy, and she quickly walked to his side.

"Why are you here?"

Noticing Wan'er's exhausted appearance, her face full of fatigue, and the bruises on her hands and neck, Su Yi's expression turned grim. He could already guess what had happened; this girl must have been squatting in the corner for more than a day.

"I'm fine, Master," Wan'er shook her head, forcing a smile. However, she was surprised by Su Yi's wild appearance.

"Tell me, what happened!" Su Yi's voice was stern, his eyes flashing with cold light.

Seeing Su Yi's gaze, Wan'er's heart trembled. This was the first time she had seen her master like this, like an enraged tiger or a furious lion. She had no choice but to explain.

It turned out that not long after Su Yi left, Wan'er was forcibly expelled from the Su family. She had been hiding in the corner of the back courtyard, waiting for Su Yi to return.

"Who drove you out?"

Upon hearing this, the coldness in Su Yi's eyes intensified. A frail girl had been squatting in the corner for two days and two nights, hungry and frightened. The thought of it made his heart ache.

"Master, on the second day after you left, Lady Su Jiao's personal maid, Xiao Lan, came with people and said I wasn't registered in the Su family, so I couldn't be considered a member. I wasn't as strong as they were, so..."

Wan'er didn't cry; she still had a smile on her face. She told Su Yi, "I waited here to say goodbye to you, Master. I won't be able to serve you anymore."

"I'll take you back."

Su Yi gently stroked Wan'er's pale face, tucking a few strands of disheveled hair behind her ear, and said softly.

"Master, no, don't do this for me. I'm already very happy that you're back. I'm an orphan, and if it weren't for you bringing me to the Su family, I might not even be alive now."

Wan'er shook her head. She knew Master's situation; many people in the Su family were against him, and she didn't want to cause him trouble.

"You're not an orphan; you're my sister. From now on, you'll be called Su Wan'er. I'll take you home now. I promised you that no one would dare to bully you again. Wherever I am, that will be your home."

Su Yi held Wan'er's small hand gently and walked toward the Su family's main gate.

"Master..."

Held by Su Yi, Wan'er's heart trembled. She curled her lips and opened her tender mouth, as if she wanted to say something.

"Call me brother, not Master."

Su Yi looked at Wan'er, his eyes showing a hint of sharpness, like a command, but this sharpness also conveyed deep concern.

"Brother!"

Looking into those eyes, which seemed to brook no refusal, something touched her heart. Wan'er's voice trembled, and she finally called out.

Su Yi smiled slightly, tightening his grip on the delicate hand in his palm, and said softly, "Let's go home."

"Brother, are you just going to walk in like this, or should we climb over the wall?"

Wan'er raised her eyes slightly, surprised by Su Yi's current appearance. She had seen the numerous injuries on his body just a few days ago, but now his skin was smooth like warm jade, making her want to touch it.

"It's fine; I'm going to take my sister home with dignity!"

Su Yi smiled, leading Wan'er toward the Su family's main gate.

Wan'er followed behind, looking at the back of the person in front of her, walking silently. For some reason, tears began to well up in her eyes, making them moist. She quietly tightened her grip on her small hand.

At that moment, that back seemed like a tall mountain, a place she could rely on.

Wan'er's face broke into a slight smile, and an indescribable emotion welled up in her heart, deep and boundless.

When Su Yi reached the main gate of the Su family, the guards stared at his strange attire before recognizing him.

"Master Su Yi, Lady Su Jiao said this girl is not a member of the Su family and cannot enter—"

The guard saw Wan'er and hesitated, then spoke to Su Yi.

"Slap!"

Before the guard could finish, a crisp slap echoed, and a mouthful of blood and teeth spewed out. The guard was slapped directly onto the main gate, his face swollen, and he fainted, unconscious.

"We're going home."

Su Yi ignored the guard, never letting go of Wan'er's hand, and walked into the Su family compound.

The other guard, still trembling, stared in shock.

The Su family was particularly lively today, but there weren't many people in the outer courtyard, not even many servants. However, Su Yi's appearance still drew surprised glances.

"Brother, today is the day when the young descendants of the Su family compete, and it seems they are selecting people to go to the Holy Mountain for cultivation," Wan'er said. She had heard about this event long ago in the Su family.

"Such an important day, everyone should be there. Good, let's go and see," Su Yi said, a hint of coldness flashing in his eyes.

For major events in the Su family, the martial arts arena was usually used, as it could accommodate many people.

Today, the Su family would select a few candidates to participate in the Holy Mountain's assessment, which was one of the most significant events for the Su family. All the young descendants had arrived at the martial arts arena early in the morning.

The various branches of the Su family, except for those who were away and couldn't return, had also gathered at the martial arts arena.

This grand event was crucial for the Su family's future and a test for the young descendants. The acting head of the family, all the elders, senior members, and officials in the Su family also attended.

The martial arts arena was surrounded by over a thousand people. At the front, there were about twenty seats, occupied by the Su family's elders.

In the center was a middle-aged man, around forty years old, of medium build, with broad shoulders and sharp eyes, exuding an aura of authority without anger.

"Great job, keep it up!"

"Su Bai is quite good; he's only sixteen and has already successfully built his foundation, understanding the 'Purple Essence Technique' well."

"Su Yu is also excellent; he hasn't fallen behind at all."

The arena was noisy and lively, with two young teenagers sparring on the martial arts field, exchanging blows with energy fluctuations, their movements agile and swift.

The two teenagers, though young, already had a commanding presence, and the Su family's elders and officials in the front seats nodded in approval, their eyes showing admiration.