Chapter Five: The Approaching Crisis and Emerging Opportunities

Su Jin’s secret training in the small courtyard continued relentlessly. Despite numerous hardships, his strength steadily grew. Yet, the sense of impending danger in his heart never wavered. He knew all too well that as his transformation became increasingly noticeable, the enemies lurking in the shadows would not remain idle. A greater crisis was surely on the horizon.

One day, after finishing his internal cultivation practice as usual, Su Jin was about to rest when Cui’er hurried in, her face filled with panic.

“Young Master, bad news! Eldest Young Master Su Han is coming this way with a group of men, and they clearly mean trouble.”

Su Jin’s heart tightened. He knew what was coming could no longer be avoided.

But he quickly composed himself, a resolute glint flashing in his eyes. “Cui’er, don’t panic. Hide yourself first. I have a plan.”

Cui’er looked at him with concern but understood that now was not the time to burden Su Jin. She swiftly slipped into the nearby storage room.

Su Jin stood tall, straightened his clothes, and took a deep breath. With his head held high, he positioned himself in the center of the courtyard, awaiting Su Han’s arrival.

Before long, Su Han stormed into the courtyard with several servants, his demeanor brash and aggressive.

He paused upon seeing Su Jin, clearly surprised to find his cousin in such a remote and shabby place, but his arrogant expression quickly returned.

“Well, if it isn’t my cousin. What are you doing in this rundown corner of the manor?” Su Han sneered sarcastically.

Su Jin bowed slightly, neither yielding nor defiant. “Cousin, this place is quiet—perfect for reading and contemplation. May I ask the purpose of your visit today?”

Su Han let out a cold laugh. “Reading and contemplation? I think you’re secretly plotting something shameful!”

He signaled to his servants with a glance, and they immediately began ransacking the courtyard.

Su Jin felt a chill in his heart but maintained his composure. He knew he could not afford to show the slightest weakness or the consequences would be dire.

Just then, one of the servants called out, “Eldest Young Master, look what we’ve found!”

Everyone turned to see the servant pulling out some homemade training tools Su Jin had crafted himself.

Su Han’s face broke into a triumphant smile. “Hmph, cousin, you still claim to be only reading and thinking? What’s the meaning of these? Are you secretly practicing martial arts with ill intentions?”

Su Jin’s heart sank, but his mind raced. Quickly, he composed a response.

Feigning surprise, he looked at the tools, then sighed helplessly. “Cousin, to be honest, I’ve been mocked and ridiculed by some in the household lately, which made me feel ashamed. These are merely some simple devices I fashioned after folk methods for strengthening the body—just to stretch and strengthen my muscles a bit, so I won’t be so easily pushed around and humiliated. I swear I have no sinister designs.”

As he spoke, Su Jin picked up one of the tools and demonstrated, “See, this simple wooden frame is only for stretching, much like ordinary people do to loosen their muscles. It’s far from a real weapon.”

Su Han frowned deeply, disbelief etched across his face. “Hmph, don’t try to weasel out of this. How could these be so simple?”

Su Jin forced a bitter smile. “Cousin, I truly know nothing of martial arts. If I had the heart to train seriously, why would I be fumbling here alone instead of seeking our family’s martial instructor? I only wish to work quietly on bettering myself, so others won’t look down on me. I harbor no ill will toward the family.”

Su Han was clearly unconvinced and was about to lash out when footsteps approached from outside the courtyard.

Everyone turned to see Marquis Su Zhenting, accompanied by several guards, entering.

It turned out Su Zhenting had grown suspicious upon hearing Su Han was heading to the courtyard, so he came to investigate.

The Marquis scanned the scene, his gaze finally settling on Su Jin. Seeing Su Jin’s steadfast eyes and calm demeanor, something stirred within him, as if he sensed something deeper.

“What is this commotion about?” Su Zhenting asked sternly.

Su Han hurried to speak first. “Father, I found cousin secretly practicing martial arts here with unclear intentions. This could bring trouble upon our Marquis’s household.”

Su Zhenting frowned and looked at Su Jin. “Jin’er, is this true?”

Su Jin stepped forward respectfully. “Father, I only wish to strengthen my body so I’m no longer an object of ridicule. I understand the responsibilities I bear for the family. If I cannot protect myself, how can I protect the family?”

Su Zhenting fell silent for a moment, then slowly said, “It’s not a bad thing that you have such thoughts, Jin’er. But remember, your every action affects the family’s reputation. You must not act recklessly.”

Relief flooded Su Jin’s heart. He had narrowly escaped disaster.

At the same time, he realized this might be a chance to change his father’s view of him.

“Your teaching is engraved in my heart, Father. From now on, I will work even harder and live up to your expectations,” Su Jin said firmly.

Su Zhenting nodded slightly, then turned to Su Han. “Han’er, let this matter drop. Do not trouble Jin’er again.”

Though reluctant, Su Han dared not defy his father and left the courtyard with his servants in defeat.

Watching his father’s retreating figure, Su Jin felt a surge of emotions.

In this crisis, he knew that his composure had been key to protecting both himself and Cui’er.

With clever words and calm resolve, he had deftly diffused Su Han’s provocation, averting a potential disaster.

He understood that in this tangled family environment, he must never reveal his strength or ambition too openly. Only by being low-key and patient could he lull his enemies into complacency.

At the same time, he knew that only by continuously sharpening his wisdom and abilities could he better safeguard those around him in future trials.

He vowed to speed up his growth—not just for his own fate, but for those who trusted and depended on him, like Cui’er—to firmly establish himself amidst the whirlpool of power struggles and become their steadfast pillar.