C19 He Had to Get Back on His Feet!

Before Su Ze even reached the Su family courtyard, a beaming servant rushed to greet him, "Young Master Su Ze, hello!"

Then, turning on his heel, he joyously shouted, "Young Master Su Ze has returned!"

Su Ze's grip on the Blood Stripe Sword tightened instinctively. An ambush?

It took him a moment to realize the truth. It wasn't an ambush at all, but rather the news of his resounding success at the auction had reached home, becoming a cause for celebration within the Su family.

Having recently dispatched Su Bocheng, Faang Jinbao, and others, Su Ze was still in a state of high alert. Initially, his mind raced to the possibility of danger, but he soon recognized the real reason for the excitement.

As expected, the Su family emerged from their home, faces alight with happiness, to welcome Su Ze.

Su Zhongwu and Bei Qiuhua were brimming with joy and pride. Their son had become the talk of Tieling City, earning the respect of the Myriad Treasure Auction House and Soul Separation Stage experts alike. The punishment of the Fang family seemed trivial by comparison.

Su Daren and Su Dade wore broad smiles, pleased with their foresight.

Su Ze's impressive display and potential confirmed that their decision to shift their allegiance had been wise.

Other members of the Su family also appeared, signaling a rise in Su Ze's influence and the dissolution of the previous widespread discontent with the family head.

Among the crowd, Third Elder Su Shuye and Fourth Elder Su Jichong wore complex expressions.

They had been reluctant to make a public show of support, but with their own children now following Su Ze, they had little choice. Could they afford to stand aside and risk Su Bocheng's resentment?

Su Ze had won over their children, effectively disarming any opposition. They joined the gathering, albeit reluctantly.

Under the watchful eyes of the family, the servant led the sword-bearing Su Ze forward.

He strode with a confident, dashing air.

Bei Qiuhua's eyes filled with warmth as she watched him, "My son has grown into such a fine young man. It feels like just yesterday he was still a boy!"

Su Zhongwu recognized that his improved circumstances were all thanks to his son's achievements.

Before anyone realized it, his son had blossomed into a dashing young man.

"Young Master Su Ze!" Servants and maids bowed respectfully as they greeted him.

Members of the Su family approached Su Ze, their faces alight with joy and admiration.

Su Ze acknowledged them with nods, but his attention was quickly drawn to the steward, Liu Hsing, who was in conversation with the Third and Fourth Elders.

He raised his hand to silence the commendations from Su Daren and Su Dade, announcing, "There is another matter I must attend to today."

All eyes followed Su Ze's gaze. The Third and Fourth Elders shifted uneasily, stepping back and leaving Liu Hsing exposed under the collective scrutiny.

Liu Hsing's heart raced with anxiety, and he instinctively wanted to flee.

"Get back here and kneel!" Su Ze commanded.

Liu Hsing's knees buckled, and he collapsed to the ground, turning to face Su Ze, prostrate and silent, too afraid to move or speak.

"What is happening?" Su Zhongwu inquired softly.

"Father, I'll explain shortly," Su Ze replied.

He then addressed Daren and Dade, "Please summon the rest of the Su family. Today, every member must convene here!"

"Anyone absent today will henceforth cease to be part of the Su family."

Su Daren and Su Dade exchanged surprised glances. Was Su Ze intending to leverage his authority to dominate the Su family? But such a feat would not be easily accomplished. With Su Bocheng's backing, who would dare to comply?

Was he truly prepared to expel nearly half of the Su family's members?

Wouldn't that effectively cleave the Su family in two?

After a brief hesitation and a glance at Su Ze, they remained motionless.

"Su Bocheng is no more," Su Ze declared. "Proceed without concern."

What?

His words sent a shockwave through the crowd. Su Daren and Su Dade gasped in astonishment, the Third and Fourth Elders quickly stepped forward, and Su Zhongwu and Bei Qiuhua demanded, "What do you mean? Su Bocheng is dead?"

Su Ze nodded affirmatively. "Su Bocheng has indeed met his end. He conspired with the Fang family against me. Moments ago, he and the Fang family elder, Faang Jinbao, met their demise at my hands."

Su Ze raised his hand, pointing to Liu Hsing sprawled on the ground. "I'm right, aren't I?"

"Young Master, please spare my life!" Liu Hsing cried out, pleading for mercy.

His reaction instantly verified the truth of Su Ze's words.

"Big brother?"

The Third Elder exclaimed in shock, nearly collapsing, while the Fourth Elder turned ashen, steadying the Third Elder and looking at Su Ze with terror.

We've given him a hard time before. He wouldn't kill us too, would he?

Not only them, but Su Daren and Su Dade had never anticipated such a dire turn of events. Su Bocheng's conspiracy with the Fang family to assassinate Su Ze had backfired, resulting in his own death at Su Ze's hands. The Su family's internal conflict had escalated to a deadly level—a significant development indeed.

It's no surprise then that Su Ze issued the ultimatum: "Attend or be expelled." He was determined to consolidate power and bring the entire Su family under his firm control.

Su Daren was the quickest to respond. "We'll gather all the members of the Su family immediately," he told Su Ze.

With that, he grabbed Su Dade and hurried toward the Su family courtyard to summon the clan.

The once jubilant and congratulatory mood shifted to one of somber gravity. Su Zhongwu sighed deeply and closed his eyes.

He was at a loss for words. After years of antagonism, any affection between him and Su Bocheng had long since eroded, each wishing the other dead. But now that Su Bocheng had indeed been killed by Su Ze, Su Zhongwu was unexpectedly filled with a complex sense of sorrow.

Bei Qiuhua, however, was not burdened by such reflections. She quickly approached Su Ze, examining him closely. "Are you injured?"

Once assured that Su Ze was unharmed, she breathed a sigh of relief. "I'm relieved you're okay. Su Bocheng deserved his fate for conspiring with the Fang family against you."

The Third and Fourth Elders approached with grim faces. The Third Elder addressed Su Ze, "You've killed our elder brother. That's a matter between the two of you, and we can stay out of it."

"But our children are innocent. They were with you earlier today. Where are they now?"

"They're shopping at the Glorious Martial Merchant House and will return shortly," Su Ze stated. "There's no need for concern. I have no desire to perpetuate our internal conflicts. However, today marks the end of the Su family's turmoil. The Patriarch and elders must fulfill their responsibilities. You all need to work diligently for the family and not hinder our progress for personal gain."

Relieved to hear their children were unharmed, the Third and Fourth Elders were visibly reassured by Su Ze's words.

Approaching Su Zhongwu, they respectfully addressed him as "Patriarch," reaffirming their loyalty.

Su Zhongwu, regaining his composure, clasped their arms. "Let's put the past behind us. With Su Ze's presence, our Su family is poised for a resurgence. I ask for your support for both me and Su Ze. Together, let's revitalize the Su family and command the respect we deserve!"

The Third and Fourth Elders exchanged affirming glances. With the Grand Elder Su Bocheng gone, they had to move forward, and the current circumstances were more favorable than they had anticipated.

As part of the Su family, they were, without a doubt, eager to witness its revival.