Chapter 163: The Return of the Su Family

"Since Major General Ling has already surpassed the Martial Supreme realm, I wonder if Major General Ling would be willing to accept a promotion in military rank?"

"A promotion in rank?"

"Indeed. According to our Dragon Group traditions, anyone who reaches the peak of the tenth-tier Martial Sage realm is qualified to apply for the rank of General!"

Xiuer's eyes lit up as she asked, "Does that mean someone at the fifth-tier Martial Supreme realm could become a Grand Marshal commanding the armies?"

The several Dragon Group elders could neither laugh nor cry.

"My dear young lady, you are thinking too simply!"

Seeing Xiuer's bewildered expression, Gu Mingyan could not help but explain:

"Whether it is in Huaxia or across nations worldwide, the baseline requirements for military ranks are generally set much lower. For instance, the fifth-tier Martial Sage realm is technically enough to apply for the rank of Dragon Group Major General, but in reality, without reaching at least the seventh or eighth tier, even if you apply, the promotion will not be approved!"

"This approach helps to confuse foreign adversaries and reduces the leakage of intelligence."

"So that's how it is."

Xiuer nodded with a sudden look of realization.

Meanwhile, the Dragon Group elders looked at Gu Mingyan with a trace of admiration.

"Indeed! This young lady's analysis is extremely insightful! May I ask who you are...?"

"Gu Mingyan, Head of the Shadow Hall of the Ghost Valley!"

"Oh! So you are the Master of Wisdom, one of the Three Supremes of Ghost Valley! No wonder your analysis is so thorough and hits the nail right on the head!"

"The elders flatter me too much!"

"Well then, Major General Ling, what is your decision?"

Ling Xiao pondered for a moment and asked, "What are the benefits of becoming a full General?"

"A General is naturally superior to a Major General! Aside from holding greater authority, you are also granted the privilege of nominating five candidates for the rank of Dragon Group Major General. Of course, these five individuals must possess sufficient and corresponding strength."

"I see! Then... give me some time to consider. I will give you my answer tomorrow!"

"Very well! Then we old fellows will await Major General Ling's good news. Farewell!"

After the Dragon Group leaders departed, Gu Mingyan put away her smile and slightly furrowed her brows.

"Logically speaking, since you annihilated the崆峒 Sect, there were massive loopholes left behind. The Dragon Group shouldn't let you off this easily! Why are they offering you a promotion instead? There is definitely something fishy going on here!"

Ling Xiao's gaze remained calm as he let out a light snort.

"They are playing hard to get! If I had dared to refuse, there certainly would have been hidden traps. By accepting, although it outwardly seems like greater power, the restrictions and oversight will inevitably become much stricter!"

"Of course, from the perspective of the Dragon Group, an already destroyed崆峒 Sect simply cannot compare to a Martial Supreme expert! These old foxes are far from foolish. Which of them isn't more shrewd than ordinary people? Rather than avenging the崆峒 Sect, it is far more advantageous to rope in an even stronger entity like me!"

"Then what do you plan to do?"

"Let nature take its course!"

...

The nocturnal rain gradually ceased, and Jiangnan was immersed in a hazy mist, the air humid yet carrying a hint of crisp freshness.

Under the moonlight, several Mercedes-Benz G-Wagons sped swiftly toward the Su family manor in Jiangnan!

This riverside estate was one of the most renowned luxury manors in Jiangnan.

Previously, after the Su family was overthrown, the manor had been confiscated. But now, Su Dinghai had returned, and everything would be restored to its rightful owners!

As everyone stepped out of the vehicles, the security guard at the front gates immediately approached with a flashlight.

"What are you people doing here in the middle of the night?"

When the light illuminated their faces, a chuckle escaped him.

"Well, well, aren't these the remnants of the Su family? What's this? Coming back in the middle of the night to reminisce about your old manor? Not that I'm trying to be harsh, but you might as well forget about reminiscing. Such glory and wealth are fleeting clouds—none of it has anything to do with you anymore. Get lost right now!"

The lowly always relish kicking a dog that has fallen into the water!

This time, however, he had clearly miscalculated.

This was no drowning dog; it was a waking tiger!

Su Dinghai swept a cold gaze across the scene, and without a word, one of his subordinates stepped forward and flashed a blade.

A silver arc swept past, and the guard's head instantly parted from his body!

Martial cultivators kill without blinking an eye, paying no heed to mere mortals!

"Those who humiliate my Su family shall be executed without exception!"

"Those who betray my Su family shall be executed without exception!"

"Kill—!"

At the command, several figures by Su Dinghai's side leaped forward and charged directly into the manor.

Before long, a flurry of miserable shrieks echoed through the grounds!

Su Dinghai placed his hands behind his back and walked leisurely toward the interior of the manor.

"Eldest Brother, we... have come home!"

"Ah!" The aged patriarch of the Su family responded, quickening his pace to follow closely behind.

The members of the Su family wore radiant expressions filled with intense excitement!

The Su family would finally rise once more, and Ling Xiao was destined to be buried without a grave!

To oppose the Su family in Jiangnan was to court certain death!

By the time the Su family members entered the estate, the occupants belonging to other surnames had already been thoroughly slaughtered.

Every single person who had moved into this manor was an enemy of the Su family!

After exterminating these people, the key decision-makers of the Su family gathered in the main hall.

The old patriarch and Su Dinghai took their seats of honor, accepting the kneeling kowtows of their descendants!

"We respectfully welcome General Su and the Patriarch back to the Su family!"

The old patriarch nodded in satisfaction, raising a hand with a smile.

"All of you, rise! This time, you must all express your utmost gratitude to the Second Master! Were it not for him, it would have been harder than ascending to heaven for our Su family to make a comeback."

"Indeed! Many thanks to the Second Master!"

Su Dinghai waved his hand dismissively.

"We are all family; such formalities are entirely unnecessary! Eldest Brother, my return this time serves two purposes. First, I intend to avenge the Su family and our Third Brother. Second, I wish to select several promising young talents from the clan to take under my wing and guide in their cultivation. Only when our Su family boasts thriving descendants and formidable strength will we never be bullied again. That way, even when I am stationed far away, I will have no need to worry about home!"

The old patriarch's eyes lit up.

"That is wonderful! I completely agree. Whomever you wish to take away, just name them."

"There is no rush for this matter! I shall make my selections before I leave! Let us first address the affairs of the Su family. During this period, aside from Ling Xiao, has anyone else dared to bully our family?"

The old patriarch stroked his beard and replied, "That hasn't happened! The people of Jiangnan are not fools; they know that even though we lost Yannan, we still have you. Thus, while the situation remains ambiguous, none of them dare to provoke us!"

"Very well. Since that is the case, my sole target shall be Ling Xiao alone!"

"Then I shall take you to find Ling Xiao right now so you can kill him and avenge our Third Brother!"

Su Dinghai shook his head.

"This Ling Xiao is merely a minor Major General, a figure of utterly trivial importance. For me to go and see him in person—wouldn't that lower my status? I shall dispatch someone to summon him and order him to come here and pay his respects. I doubt he would dare refuse! Once he arrives, I will deal with him then!"

"Second Brother speaks wisely! You are a General, a high-ranking officer of the Dragon Group! He is nothing more than a Dragon Group Major General; what qualifications does he have to be mentioned in the same breath as you? We shall send someone to fetch him right away!"