Chapter 1146: Susu Finishes Solitary Cultivation

Seeing Lu Wuhu remain silent, Yan Guan relaxed. He feared Lu Wuhu's domineering nature might lead to Luo Susu's forceful removal. To save face, they could only confront Lu Wuhu, a conflict yielding an undesirable outcome and alienating Pill City. Elder Fan's suggestion of a tournament, however, prevented a direct confrontation. Ye Mo's inaction and Lu Wuhu's silence allowed Yan Guan to infer their relationship; if genuine, Lu Wuhu would have intervened. Other sects, comprised of ancient beings, noted this as well. Ye Mo's previous dominance contrasted sharply with his acceptance of the competition to determine Luo Susu's husband. This suggested either insufficient power to refuse or impulsive behavior manipulated by Elder Fan.

Ye Mo's agreement stemmed partly from resentment towards Wen Caiyi's previous challenge of Susu's worthiness. He aimed to demonstrate Susu's husband's superiority. However, his agreement also reflected a lack of power to refuse. Pill City's power was a mere threat; forcefully taking Beiwei and Susu would provoke a conflict where neutralizing Lu Wuhu would result in his death, leaving Pill City powerless. He knew continued dominance would enrage the 9-star sects; He Ling's previous attack was a stark reminder of this vulnerability. Ye Mo realized a crucial oversight: he should have invited Yue Qichao. His power and connections were insufficient; he was merely a level seven pill king, lacking Yue Qichao and Shen Guanqing's influence. Their presence might have secured 9-star sect support.

Considering the competition unavoidable, Ye Mo viewed it as retribution for Wen Caiyi's slight against Susu. However, he wasn't foolish; having agreed, he retracted his extravagant proposal gift. He declared, "Sect Leader Yan, since you've chosen competition, I withdraw my proposal gift. I doubt all participating sects will match my contribution. Your acceptance implies relinquishing my gift; equality is essential. I shouldn't pay more simply because the Black Ice Sect perceives Pill City as wealthy. While I wouldn't object to a larger gift, I refuse to offer it and still compete for Susu."

Yan Guan was stunned. His strategy hinged on receiving the proposal gift regardless of Ye Mo's victory or defeat. He intended to let Pill City bear the brunt of Infinity Sect's anger. A Ye Mo victory was ideal; defeat against a 7-star or 8-star sect would still leave Susu with Ye Mo, and they would keep the gift. A loss to a 9-star sect would trigger significant bargaining, yet Pill City's power would secure Susu's return. Ye Mo's retraction of the gift left him reeling. His agreement was irrevocable; he glared coldly at Fan Lianzhu, whose acquiescence to Ye Mo's wishes would have avoided this situation.

Fan Lianzhu now regretted her actions. She never intended to marry Susu off; even without Ye Mo's intervention, she wouldn't have given her to Infinity Sect. She had already rejected proposals from core sect members. Her agreement with Yang Feicheng resulted from a negative impression of Ye Mo and her knowledge that Pill City’s power would ultimately prevail. Her agreement to the competition was fueled by anger at Ye Mo's perceived dismissal of her. She now recognized her actions harmed the sect.

In a Black Cloud Peak room, Tang Beiwei questioned Luo Ying, "Sister Susu, at peak Golden Core stage, why emerge from solitary cultivation?"

Luo Ying frowned, "I feel restless, as if something's impending."

Tang Beiwei suggested visiting Qingxue, but Luo Ying, understanding the need for fresh air, agreed to visit her, Luo Fei, and Yun Ziyi. Suddenly, Zhao Rong arrived urgently, "Sister Susu, Martial Sister Rong is here."

Zhao Rong anxiously relayed, "Martial Sister Susu, you've finished solitary cultivation? Most sects, 7-star and above, are at Black Ice Peak for Wen Caiyi's husband selection. However, the sect leader and Elder Fan are using this to choose a husband for Susu. What do we do?"

Susu paled, exclaiming, "Impossible!" Her master's kindness would never permit this.

Tang Beiwei comforted Susu, but Luo Ying determined to see her master. Zhao Rong explained, "You can't get into the Black Ice Hall. Infinity Sect's leader presented a proposal gift, and Pill City's vice city lord, desiring to take you away, prompted a conflict resulting in the competition."

Tang Beiwei and Susu, rarely venturing out, were unaware Ye Mo was vice city lord. Zhao Rong continued, "He's married to Ning Qingxue; he won the pill king tournament, taking Ning Qingxue from Ethereal Immortal Pond. I fear this will happen again."

Luo Ying's tone grew sharp, "Ning Qingxue didn't resist?"

Zhao Rong confirmed Ning Qingxue's willingness. "He's Ye Mo, the pill king tournament champion and Pill City's honorary vice city lord. He's here to contend for Martial Sister Susu... Susu, Beiwei, where are you going?"

Susu and Beiwei had already rushed towards Black Cloud Peak.