Chapter 13: Shadows on the Trade Routes
In the grandest hall of the Su family's main residence, five figures sat around a massive mahogany table, their expressions solemn in the flickering light of ornate oil lamps. The chamber itself spoke of generations of accumulated power; silk hangings depicting legendary cultivators' feats adorned the walls, while carved jade ornaments caught and reflected the warm glow of the flames.
At the head of the table sat Su Huiqing. His crimson robes rustled softly as he surveyed the assembled Elders. Despite being relatively young for a patriarch, his presence commanded absolute attention—a weight born of both bloodline and merit.
To his right, an elderly man with silver hair cascading down his back like a frozen waterfall maintained an aura of serene authority. This was Su Qingfeng, First Elder of the Su family and Oakwood City's only high-grade Grade 2 alchemist—a distinction that made him the cornerstone of the family's wealth.
Su Liang occupied the seat to Su Huiqing's left, his features carrying the restless energy of a man with grievances to air. Beside the First Elder sat Su Minghe, the Third Elder—a robust man with sword-like brows and silver-streaked black hair whose martial bearing suggested he handled the family's security with uncompromising efficiency.
The Fourth Elder, Su Yuntian, presented a striking contrast. Beautiful despite her glacial expression, she carried herself with the icy confidence of someone accustomed to being the sharpest mind in a room of powerful men.
One chair remained conspicuously empty, its vacant presence creating a subtle tension that hung in the air like incense smoke.
The silence stretched until Su Liang's impatience finally broke. "Since we're nearly all assembled, perhaps we should address the issue of that orphan boy adopted into the family."
Su Huiqing's expression hardened. "I didn't convene this meeting to discuss Su Tianhao's status."
"Then what—" Su Liang began, leaning forward. "We still haven't properly addressed the implications of—"
"Let it rest, Second Elder," Su Qingfeng interjected with quiet authority. "Su Tianhao is now a member of this family and your brother's son. I trust the Patriarch's judgment."
The First Elder's words carried the weight of decades, effectively silencing Su Liang's protest. At that moment, the sound of measured footsteps echoed from the corridor.
"My apologies for the delay," came a cultured voice as Su Yuan entered with unhurried grace. The Fifth Elder's scholarly aura seemed to lighten the room's oppressive atmosphere as he took his seat.
"Your new son possesses a remarkable intellect," Su Yuan said, addressing the Patriarch with a faint smile. "His hunger for knowledge is extraordinary. I suspect he has genuine potential as a scholar."
Su Huiqing's stern expression softened. "Welcome, Fifth Elder. I'm pleased to hear Su Tianhao is making a positive impression."
Su Liang's face flushed with anger. "Late again! This is blatant disrespect to the entire assembly."
Su Yuan's smile carried a hint of mockery. "I was engaged in expanding human knowledge, Second Elder. Arriving early without meaningful contributions to offer seems a greater waste of everyone's time."
"You arrogant—" Su Liang pointed a trembling finger toward him, his glaring eyes filled with frustration and anger.
"Enough!" Su Minghe's bark cut through the argument like a blade. "Read the room. We have more serious matters to address."
The chamber went still. All eyes turned toward Su Huiqing.
"Patriarch," Su Yuntian's cool voice broke the quiet. "What urgent business requires our attention?"
Su Huiqing cleared his throat, his expression turning solemn. "This concerns our recent trade negotiations with the Windfall City Merchant Guild. The caravans carrying our goods were attacked by bandits on the main trade route."
"What?!" The reaction was explosive.
Four voices chorused in shock, though Su Qingfeng remained notably calm—clearly he had been briefed about it in private.
Su Minghe slammed his palm against the table. "Who dares? They must have a death wish!"
"Impossible!" Su Liang added. "What force would be bold enough to target our operations?"
Su Qingfeng's weathered voice cut through the outrage. "The situation is more serious than simple banditry. All goods were seized, and many guards were killed. Among the casualties were several Martial Adepts—only our Martial Core Realm experts managed to escape with their lives."
The temperature in the room seemed to drop as the implications sank in.
"Since when do such powerful bandits operate in our region?" Su Yuntian asked, her cold facade cracking to reveal genuine concern.
"According to the survivors," Su Huiqing replied, "the bandit force included at least five Martial Core Realm experts. Their leader has even reached the 1st Level of the Martial Soul Realm."
Hiss!
The Elders drew in a sharp breath. While a 1st Level Martial Soul Realm expert posed no threat to the Elders themselves, such power far exceeded what any standard caravan escort could handle.
"That cargo was worth millions of silver coins!" Su Yuntian snapped. "We cannot simply accept this loss."
Su Yuan, who had remained thoughtfully quiet, finally spoke. "What's taken is taken. Our focus should be on preventing future losses rather than pursuing vengeance we may not be equipped to deliver."
"Do you have a proposal, Fifth Elder?" Su Huiqing asked.
"A practical one," Su Yuan answered. "We hire external escort services—cultivators of the Martial Core Realm and above. Additionally, we avoid the compromised route and use longer but safer roads. The increased costs are preferable to total loss."
Su Liang frowned. "Longer routes and professional escorts will significantly reduce our profit margins."
"Better reduced profits than no profits at all," Su Yuan countered smoothly. "Patience often proves more profitable than hasty action."
Su Qingfeng nodded. "The Fifth Elder's logic is sound. We hire a few Martial Soul Realm experts for the next caravan and use the established safe routes."
Su Huiqing surveyed the assembly, noting their expressions. "Any objections to this approach?"
Su Yuntian considered briefly. "Caution serves us better than pride. I agree."
"Agreed," Su Minghe added reluctantly. "The strategy offers the best chance of success."
Even Su Liang eventually managed a rueful nod. "I have to admit, there is wisdom in this approach."
"Excellent." Su Huiqing's voice carried the finality of a gavel. "We begin hiring tomorrow morning. The new caravan departs in three days. This session is concluded."
As the Elders filed out, none were aware that their careful plans would soon intersect with forces far beyond simple banditry. The shadows gathering around Oakwood City held secrets that would test not only their wealth, but the very foundations of Su family power.
In his room above, Su Tianhao continued his peaceful studies, unaware that the security of his new life now hung in a balance far more precarious than anyone yet realized.
---
Chirp, chirp, chirp.
The melodic songs of morning birds drifted across Oakwood City as dawn's golden light painted the rooftops in warm hues. Despite the early hour, the streets below buzzed with an unusual energy that far exceeded the typical morning hustle of merchants and craftsmen.
Word of the Su family's recruitment had spread through the city like wildfire during the night, igniting fierce hunger in the hearts of cultivators. Mercenaries, independent warriors, and experts from neighboring towns converged on the Su family estate in steady streams. Their presence drew gazes of reverence from local traders, filling the air with excited chatter and speculation.
"Look at all these experts," a man in worn brown robes whispered to his companion, his eyes wide as he watched a group of sword-bearing cultivators stride past. "I wonder what brings so many powerful people here at once."
His friend laughed mockingly. "Do you live in a cave? The Su family announced they're hiring escorts—everyone with half a brain already knows."
"There's an opportunity like that?" The man's interest peaked. "What are the requirements?"
"Martial Core Realm cultivation or higher," came the deflating response.
The man's enthusiasm crumbled into a heavy sigh. "I only just broke through to the 7th Level of the Martial Disciple realm last month..."
"Ha! Ordinary cultivators like us don't stand a chance," his companion said with bitter humor. "This is a job for the truly powerful."
Similar conversations echoed throughout the city—in bustling restaurants, crowded teahouses, and family courtyards. By sunrise, every resident of Oakwood City had heard the same message: The Su family was seeking high-level protection for urgent trade business.