Tang San knew very well that reaching the tenth order would take a long time, but now he felt somewhat impatient. That one time he had managed to intimidate the Crystal Phoenix Demon Emperor was mainly because the Peacock Great Demon King had already put up a good fight against him. Moreover, Tang Sanâs own cultivation level would have been impossible without the Peacock Great Demon King.
Every day now felt like a race against time.
If worse came to worst, he could just take her away. If he was willing to do whatever it took, he should be able to manage taking her with him.
He could bring her back when his strength was sufficient in the future.
Kali City.
Not until sunset did Mei Gongzi quietly leave Kali Academy.
Her eyes couldnât hide her disappointment. She hadnât found either of the two people she was looking for.
When she returned home, the shop was still open, and Su Qin was busy working.
Mei Gongzi had returned the previous night, and Su Qin was naturally overjoyed to see her. Seeing her now, she couldnât help but say, "Why were you out for an entire day?"
Mei Gongzi frowned slightly and said, "Mom, I didnât find him."
"You mean that Asura?" Su Qin asked while tidying up. There were no more customers, and it was time to close.
Mei Gongzi nodded, then shook her head, "Not just him, Tang San wasnât there either. Tang San is from Redemption Academy. Could you ask Mayor Zhang where he is? I hope nothing has happened to him."
Su Qin said with curiosity, "You seem quite interested in this Tang San. Mayor Zhang mentioned heâs very talented. Iâve seen him a few times myself. For some reason, whenever I see his eyes, it always feels like he has something on his mind. Didnât you say he was sweeping at Kali Academy? Heâs not there anymore?"
Mei Gongzi said, "I asked around. Heâs been gone for a while and hasnât been working anymore. Can you help me ask about him?"
"Alright, but Mayor Zhang isnât in Kali City either. Heâs gone to report to headquarters. I donât know when heâll be back. Last I heard, headquarters might want to transfer him there. Mayor Zhang learned array disc crafting from somewhere, and the Spirit Summoning Array disc has greatly benefited the organization. Heâs been promoted to Blue Class now. Of course, I hope he stays since weâve worked together for so long."
After closing the tea house, the mother and daughter went to their home behind it. The small house had a cozy atmosphere.
Mei Gongzi looked at the room where she had grown up, and her eyes softened.
Su Qin brought a basin of water, dipped a clean towel in it, and wiped her body. Returning to Mei Gongzi, she casually asked, "How is he?"
Mei Gongzi understood what she meant and replied softly, "Not well. I can sense that his injuries are severe and hard to heal."
Su Qin sighed and said no more.
Mei Gongzi couldnât help but say, "Mom, although he isnât human, he has been very good to me all my life. Even his other children havenât learned as much as I have. He has taught me everything, including ancestral secrets. He knows all about our intentions but he still supports me in inheriting his throne. He must really love you."
Su Qinâs back stiffened slightly. "Perhaps..."
Mei Gongzi took a deep breath, as if summoning her courage, and said, "Mom, he told me he might not live for many more years. Would you like to go see him?"
Su Qin suddenly turned away, her eyes filled with complex emotions. "Little Mei, youâre still too young. He is not a good person. Donât listen too much to what he says. Just learn what he teaches you."
"Huh?" Mei Gongzi was surprised by her motherâs words and harsh judgment of the Peacock Great Demon King.
Su Qin sighed, her eyes softening, "I donât want you tainted by some dirty things. You just need to know that weâre human. His intentions may not be pure, but his goals donât affect ours. Itâs just mutual exploitation. As for love, perhaps he did love me once. But... No, letâs not talk about this. Get some rest. Tomorrow morning, Iâll ask about Tang San for you."
As she turned to continue washing up, Mei Gongzi took two steps forward and hugged her mother from behind. "Mom, whether he truly loves you or not, I do. I will always, always love you."
Su Qinâs expression grew even more complex. She turned and embraced Mei Gongzi. "Mom loves you too. I just hope youâll never be hurt."
Mei Gongzi nodded gently. "Mom, Iâll try my best. Iâll work hard. For you and for Redemption. We humans will create a home of our own."
At that moment, Su Qinâs eyes suddenly grew sharp, her gaze fixed on the direction of the window, and a fierce killing intent erupted from her eyes.
"Whoâs there?"
Mei Gongzi also snapped awake, quickly leaving her motherâs embrace and looking at the window.
A somewhat troubled voice sounded outside the window, "Itâs me."
Hearing this voice, Su Qinâs expression changed dramatically. She lightly pressed her right hand on Mei Gongziâs shoulder. "Stay home and wait for me. Donât go out. Be good."
With that, a flash of white light enveloped her, and in the next moment, she was out the window.
Mei Gongzi stood up, wanting to leave, but restrained herself.
Outside the Mei Gongzi Tea House, a tall figure stood, looking at Su Qin. His eyes held a hint of obsession.
"What are you doing here?" Su Qin said coldly.
The Crystal Phoenix Demon Emperor looked at her with a complex gaze and responded off-topic, "Is that your daughter with him?"
Su Qin replied icily, "So what if she is? Are you going to harm us, a helpless mother and daughter?"
The Crystal Phoenix Demon Emperor shook his head repeatedly, "N-No, thatâs not it. I just came to check on you. I have some important matters to handle in the Ancestral Court. Once theyâre settled, Iâll take you with me."
Su Qinâs eyes flashed with cold light, "If you want to take away a corpse, then go ahead."
The Crystal Phoenix Demon Emperor clenched his fists suddenly, "Do you love him that much? Canât let go of him? Iâm telling you, after I severely injured him last time, he definitely wonât live more than three years. Itâs already been over a year. Even if I donât come back to fight him, he wonât live much longer."
Su Qin remained silent, just coldly staring at him.
This newly ascended Demon Emperor began to feel somewhat uneasy under her gaze, and after a long moment, he slowly said, "No matter what, I will protect you."
"I donât need it," Su Qin said calmly.
The Crystal Phoenix Demon Emperor suddenly looked toward the tea house, "You donât need it, but what about her? Sheâs his daughter. When I return, the Peacock Clan will no longer exist."
Su Qin suddenly laughed. Her smile was so enchanting, yet at this moment, it had a hint of something eerie. "Fine! Come on, then! If youâve got the guts, kill them all. If everyone dies, itâll all be over."
The Crystal Phoenix Demon Emperorâs eyes widened in astonishment. He had never seen this side of Su Qin before.