The Crazy Son-In-Law

Xiao Shun wasn’t worried about any switcheroo happening here. After all, the gatherings supported by the relevant authorities required the organizers to undergo strict scrutiny. No one hosting such a grand event would dare to play tricks.

However, he was quite concerned about the price of these raw stones. Goodness, one raw stone cost two hundred thousand dollars. Who knew how many people had been scammed terribly? Among that pile of stones earlier, there were quite a few fakes!

Fortunately, Xiao Shun wouldn’t fall victim to such scams. As someone at the peak of the Anterior realm, if he got scammed by ordinary people, he’d lose all face.

After submitting their competition stones, Xiao Shun and Song Ling’er wandered aimlessly around the venue. The two Silvermeadows clan members dutifully followed them closely, not daring to lag behind, which showed Murong Jin’s status within the Silvermeadows clan.

Song Ling’er had gotten used to being followed and didn’t feel as uncomfortable as before. She turned to Xiao Shun and asked, “Master, if we go to Emberpeak Mountains tomorrow, won’t we run into these Meadowfolk?”

Xiao Shun chuckled softly. “Emberpeak Mountains is a general term for Meadowfolk territory. It’s vast; we might not encounter them.”

Historically, the southwestern region was known for its rugged mountains. The Meadowfolk living in those mountains were even more famous. They lived in isolation, not intermarrying with outsiders, and developed their own way of life. Over time, they occupied all the surrounding mountains.

People began using “Emberpeak Mountains” to describe the land governed by Meadowfolk-a term that persists today. The mountain range spans almost the entire southwestern border. Xiao Shun’s destination was a remote jungle; encountering Meadowfolk there would be unlikely.

“Master, you still haven’t told me why we’re here this time,” Song Ling’er pressed.

Seeing her curiosity, Xiao Shun decided not to hide it anymore. “I’m here in the southwest to find a few items to help me break through my current realm.”

“Break through?” Song Ling’er was puzzled.

She remembered Xiao Shun saying that relying on external objects to enhance oneself was a side path. Why was he now taking this route himself?

Noticing her curious gaze, Xiao Shun guessed her thoughts and smiled. “Don’t overthink it. My breakthrough this time is unusual; I must absorb specific things to succeed.”

Song Ling’er hadn’t been training for long and didn’t understand the differences in cultivation realms. Xiao Shun rarely discussed these matters with her and would only start guiding her further once she reached a certain level.

Xiao Shun’s approach to teaching his disciples was consistent with his own training philosophy. He patted Song Ling’er’s shoulder earnestly. “Don’t be curious now. Even if I explain it to you, you won’t understand yet and might feel burdened. When your cultivation reaches a certain level, I’ll naturally explain everything.”

Song Ling’er sighed helplessly. “I’ve been at the peak of Posterior for so long now; I wonder when I’ll reach Anterior?”

Xiao Shun’s eyelid twitched. Her cultivation speed was impressive, surpassing many disciples from ancient martial families, yet she thought she was slow!

With a wry smile, Xiao Shun said, “Advancing too quickly isn’t always good; slow and steady wins the race. A solid foundation will benefit you greatly in the future.”

With her current strength, Song Ling’er could defeat most branch heads of Old School Society. If Gu Baiyi fought her now, they wouldn’t be able to determine a winner within a thousand moves-she was no longer the helpless girl she once was.

At Posterior peak in today’s cultivation world, unless dealing with Hidden Families, she was already top-tier combat power. Even in Old School Society, aside from a few envoys and veterans, she could roam unchallenged.

“Master, besides you in New School Society, there’s no other Anterior cultivator left. I want to become stronger quickly because…”

Her voice trailed off as her cheeks flushed red with embarrassment.

Xiao Shun recalled their past moments together, especially when she saved him from Yang Zinuo’s repeated humiliations. Those memories were vivid and constantly haunted him.

He gently placed his hand on Song Ling’er’s shoulder and looked at her with unwavering determination. “Don’t worry; I can handle everything now. What happened before won’t happen again, and even if it does, I won’t allow you to act like last time.”

Song Ling’er looked up at him, their eyes meeting. She felt her heart melt under his gaze but firmly shook her head. “Even if it happens a hundred or a thousand times again, I’d do the same because…”

Before she could finish speaking, an announcement echoed through the venue.

With a sigh of resignation, Song Ling’er swallowed her heavy words.

Despite her strong feelings for Xiao Shun, she couldn’t express them openly due to his existing relationship with Cen.

Xiao Shun remained calm; he knew what Song Ling’er wanted to say but couldn’t respond because of Yao Cen.

He valued loyalty in relationships and didn’t want his decisions to hurt Song Ling’er further. He hoped she could let go of this unrequited love instead of being entangled in it.

Sighing inwardly, Xiao Shun released her shoulder.

Though feeling somewhat downhearted, Song Ling’er quickly composed herself and forced a smile. “Master, the competition results are out; let’s go check our ranking!”

She led the way towards a large display screen.

Watching her lively yet slightly melancholic figure walk ahead, Xiao Shun sighed again but then steeled his resolve.

No matter how Song Ling’er felt about him or what she’d done for him, he vowed to protect her from any harm in the future.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

Walking beside Song Ling’er again, Xiao Shun looked up at the distant screen.