At this moment, Su Wan’er was hurrying home at full speed, filled with doubt about what could have happened in the family. Soon after, she arrived back at the Su Family residence and immediately heard good news.
“What? The Old Ancestor obtained three Heaven-tier supreme Transformation Pills and has already gone into seclusion to attempt breaking through to the Dao Palace Realm?”
Su Wan’er was overjoyed. So the reason the family had urgently summoned her back was for this matter. If the Old Ancestor truly succeeded in breaking through, then the Su Family would have a Dao Palace Realm expert to guard them, and the clan would surely rise swiftly.
Like most of the Su Family members, she hurried to the chamber where Su Ruhai was in seclusion to stand guard for him. During this period, no accidents were permitted to happen.
However, Su Ruhai’s breakthrough was far easier than anyone had imagined. In less than an hour, he stepped out of the chamber, his aura now more than ten times stronger than before.
The Su Family members were ecstatic and shouted in unison, “Congratulations to the Old Ancestor on his successful breakthrough!”
Su Ruhai himself was equally excited. Not only had his strength advanced to a higher level, but his lifespan had also increased by several hundred years, giving him hope that with continued effort, he might break through to even greater realms. With such strength, he could ensure the Su Family’s growth and prosperity.
And all of this was thanks to Gu Yun. The Heaven-tier pills he had given were all of supreme quality, making the breakthrough so easy. And since he had gifted three pills at once, the remaining two could help the Su Family produce two more Dao Palace Realm experts.
As Su Ruhai envisioned the bright future, Su Wan’er ran over excitedly and said, “Old Ancestor, you’ve finally broken through to the Dao Palace Realm. Congratulations, Great-grandfather!”
It was often said that love skipped generations, and Su Ruhai had always been especially fond of this granddaughter from several generations apart. From her childhood, he had doted on Su Wan’er, guiding her with the utmost care. Their bond as grandfather and granddaughter was extremely deep. Naturally, no one was happier about his breakthrough than Su Wan’er.
Yet just as she approached him, Su Ruhai’s expression turned cold, and he let out an angry snort. “Hmph!”
“Eh?” Su Wan’er froze. What did that mean? Why was the Old Ancestor angry for no reason? Had she said something wrong just now?
Before she could speak, Su Ruhai said sternly, “Wan’er, it’s because your elders have spoiled you too much. These next few days, you’re not to go anywhere. Stay home and reflect on yourself!”
Su Wan’er raised her eyebrows, her eyes widening in shock. “What’s going on? Reflect on what?” she thought in confusion.
She quickly said, “Old Ancestor, what did I do wrong? I’ve been diligently cultivating these days!”
But Su Ruhai ignored her grievances and simply turned and walked away.
Now even more bewildered, Su Wan’er was filled with frustration.
Tears welled in her eyes as she turned to her second uncle, Su Yuanfeng, who was passing by. He was her father Su Lie’s full-blooded younger brother and had doted on her greatly since childhood. Whenever she wanted something, her second uncle always got it for her.
So when she saw him, she immediately asked tearfully, “Second Uncle, what’s wrong with the Old Ancestor? Why did he get so angry the moment he saw me? Isn’t that unreasonable?”
She expected comfort, but instead Su Yuanfeng looked at her sternly and said, “Wan’er, don’t blame your Second Uncle for saying this, but you really can be too willful sometimes. That’s a flaw you need to correct!” With that, he shook his head and left.
One after another, every elder who passed by couldn’t help but criticize her. “Wan’er, you must learn gratitude. You can’t be so willful!” “That’s right, you mustn’t be too arrogant!”
Su Wan’er was left speechless. Faced with wave after wave of reproach, she felt like crying but had no tears. “What exactly did I do wrong? At least tell me! I’ll change if I must!” But not a single person gave her a reason—only scolding.
Just then, her father Su Lie’s furious voice rang out. “Unfilial girl, how dare you stand there! Come with me to the ancestral hall. Today I’ll personally teach you how to conduct yourself!”
Su Wan’er was completely shaken. Even her own father was treating her this way? What on earth was happening? Had they called her back just to scold her?
Though furious and unwilling, she had no choice but to follow her father to the ancestral hall, kneeling before the ancestral tablets.
Still upset, she said angrily, “Father, though your daughter may be mischievous, I’ve always acted with a clear conscience. Yet today, without asking right or wrong, you all scold me endlessly. Even before the ancestors, I cannot accept this!”
Su Lie gave a cold snort, glanced back at her, then turned to face the ancestral tablets. His voice softened compared to before as he said seriously, “Wan’er, I didn’t bring you here to scold you but to teach you the truths an adult must understand. Life is unpredictable, and people’s hearts are hard to fathom. Especially in the cultivation world, relationships are full of scheming and calculation. So, if you meet someone who treats you sincerely, without seeking anything in return, that is very rare—you must cherish it.”
Su Wan’er was stunned. “What does Father mean by this?” she wondered.
She was about to ask when Su Ruhai’s voice interrupted, “Be quiet, I’m not finished yet! The most important thing in judging a person is their character. Only those with good character are worthy of trust. And the way to observe character is by watching what they do, not what they say. You must learn to see others’ virtues, not think too highly of yourself just because you’re beautiful. Do you understand?”
Su Wan’er stared at her father’s back in disbelief. “I… I understand, but I also don’t really understand. Father, why are you suddenly telling me all this?”
Su Lie snorted again, clearly frustrated, “So you still don’t understand. Then kneel here and reflect until you figure it out. Only when you’ve truly understood may you return.” With that, he turned and left.
This time, Su Wan’er was truly on the verge of collapse. “Has my family gone mad? Why are they all targeting me like this? Even Father is spouting a bunch of nonsense and asking me if I understand. Understand what!?”
Frustrated and helpless, she refused to just kneel there blindly. Determined to get to the bottom of this, she secretly used the jade sword to summon her personal maid, Cui’er.
When Cui’er arrived, Su Wan’er immediately asked directly, “Cui’er, while I was away this afternoon, what exactly happened at home?”