Despite the heavy atmosphere, Su Xiaotian hosted a banquet to honor Qin Tian for saving Su Qingshuang. Yet Su Qingxue's absence left Qin Tian simmering with frustration.
Patience, he told himself. To claim the Extreme Yin Divine Body, I must learn her weaknesses.
Hiding atop the hall's roof—cloaked by Old Man Tian's soul concealment—he eavesdropped as Su Xiaotian summoned his daughters for a private talk.
The Black Ring
Su Xiaotian placed an obsidian ring on the table, its surface swirling with jade-like luminescence.
"This belonged to Su Chen's mother. She entrusted it to me for him."
Su Qingxue's breath hitched. "What was she like?"
"I… can't recall her face," Su Xiaotian admitted, rubbing his temples. "As if her very image was erased from my mind."
Qin Tian's nails dug into the roof tiles. Who is this "Su Chen"? The way both sisters' eyes lit up at his name sent jealousy clawing through his veins.
A Desperate Gambit
"Uncle Fu went to Wuji Holy Land for Su Chen," Su Xiaotian continued, "but even if he returns, it won't save us."
The Harsh Reality:
The Netherworld Sect wouldn't balk at an outer disciple—even from Wuji Holy Land.
Their Transcendent Realm ancestor made defiance suicide.
"Then what's the plan?" Su Qingshuang gripped her skirt.
Su Xiaotian's voice dropped. "I struck a deal with the Wang family: three duels, best of three. If they lose, they abandon forcing Qingxue's marriage."
"And if we lose?"
"Then you and your sister 'marry' Wang Teng—or so they'll think."* A grim smile. "We flee the night before. Morality won't save us; cunning will."
Su Qingxue stepped forward, unwavering. "Father, trust Su Chen. He'll find a way."
The Shattering Revelation
Su Xiaotian's gaze softened. "Qingxue… you've always been my little girl. But the truth is—you're not my blood daughter."*
CRACK.
The words struck like thunder. Su Qingxue staggered, her world tilting.
Not his child? Then… am I Su Chen's real sister?
Her knees buckled. The love she'd harbored for Su Chen—was it taboo all along?