Protoganist's Sidekick Fights Back-Chapter 51: Family Head’s Summons

Su Kang slept for a long time. His reconstruction took only a night, but both his body and mind bore the toll. He remained unconscious for days, his mind needing time to adjust.

As he stirred, he took a moment to focus on the connection between his body and mind.

Taking a slow breath, he pushed himself up and dressed in a white robe, adjusting the fabric until his appearance remained composed.

Stepping out, he found the sky painted in hues of orange as the sun rose over the mountains. Without hesitation, he descended toward the manor.

Bai Yunxi was tending to a small herb garden when she noticed his approach. She glanced up, her sharp eyes softening.

"You're out of seclusion."

"I am." Su Kang nodded, offering a calm smile.

Without questioning further, she arranged for a meal and dismissed the maids.

As they sat together, Su Kang took in the spread—steamed buns, fragrant spiritual soup, and stir-fried vegetables. Simple, yet nourishing.

"You were gone for a week," Bai Yunxi finally said, her voice quiet yet firm. "Did you succeed?"

Su Kang gave a small nod. "Yes."

She studied him for a moment before reaching out. Her fingers traced his jawline, her touch warm against his skin. Su Kang stilled but did not pull away.

"You seem tired," she murmured, her fingertips grazing his temple. "If everything went well, you wouldn't be like this."

He exhaled softly, leaning into her touch—just slightly. "It was... demanding," he admitted.

"But the gains were worth it."

Her lips parted, as if to press further, but instead, she let out a quiet sigh and withdrew her hand.

Su Kang, however, caught her wrist before she could fully pull away. His grip was firm yet gentle.

"You worry too much," he murmured, guiding her palm to rest against his chest. "I'm here, aren't I?"

Bai Yunxi's fingers curled slightly against the fabric of his robe. "Husband, that's not an answer."

He let out a low chuckle. "Some things don't need to be said, Xi'er. They can only be felt."

She narrowed her eyes at him, but there was no real anger there—only a soft exasperation that he found strangely comforting.

For a moment, they simply sat in silence, then he leaned forward and pressed a slow kiss against her lips.

"Thank you," he whispered against her skin.

Bai Yunxi blinked, momentarily caught off guard. Then, slowly, she smiled.

That night, as they cultivated together under the moonlight, Su Kang noticed something.

The cracks in his Hair Sanctuary—the metaphysical core of his consciousness—were repairing faster than expected.

He had assumed his recovery would take a few months, but the process had noticeably accelerated.

His gaze drifted to Bai Yunxi, who sat above him, her movements controlled yet fluid.

Though her posture carried an air of grace, a faint tension lingered in her frame, a sign of both effort and focus

A strange warmth lingered in his body. His sanctuary's fractures, once slow to mend, were knitting at an faster pace.

"Is it her physique... dual cultivation technique?"

Either way, her presence was undeniably aiding him in ways he hadn't anticipated.

The following days passed in a blur of cultivation and quiet companionship.

Bai Yunxi's strength had grown significantly, her progress three times faster than Li Fang's.

She had leaped from the 5th to the 7th stage of the Qi Refining Realm in two months, something almost unheard of.

Every time they practiced the Heartfire Symphony of Twin Souls, the fog in his mind eased, and his thoughts became sharper.

Yet, beneath that clarity, the strange mark remained—silent, waiting. He had spent days probing it, but it gave no reaction.

With no immediate threat, he chose to ignore it—for now.

While Bai Yunxi's training was gentle and measured, Su Kang took a completely different approach with Su Ting.

It was not training but brutal conditioning.

Each morning, Su Ting arrived at the training grounds full of energy. By noon, he was barely standing, his breath ragged, his limbs sore from countless beatings.

Su Kang did not hold back. He was forcing Su Ting's body to memorize pain and survival instincts.

Every blow served a purpose—engraving muscle memory into his very bones.

"Faster," Su Kang instructed, his palm pressing Su Ting back with measured force.

"Read my movements, not just react."

"Again," Su Kang ordered.

Su Ting gritted his teeth, his hands trembling, but he lunged forward once more.

The cycle repeated for weeks.

The pain, the exhaustion, the bruises—all of it.

Su Ting's reflexes sharpened, his movements became more instinctive, and his ability to read an opponent's attacks improved significantly.

After each brutal session, he would collapse onto the ground, gasping for breath, yet his eyes would burn with determination.

One afternoon, as Su Kang was preparing to leave after training, a servant approached, bowing respectfully.

"Young Master," the servant said, his voice deferential, "Family head requests your presence in the main hall."

Su Kang nodded, a flicker of anticipation in his eyes. "Tell him I will be there shortly."

The main hall of the Su family residence was dimly lit, the flickering glow of spirit lamps casting long shadows across the room.

Scrolls and jade slips were neatly stacked on the polished wooden table, their contents detailing the affairs of the clan.

Seated at the head of the table was Su Jinhai, the family head—a man of average features but a powerful, muscular build, his expression calm yet carrying the weight of leadership.

As Su Kang stepped inside, Su Jinhai looked up, his sharp eyes studying his nephew for a moment longer than usual.

"You've returned," Su Jinhai said, a faint smile crossing his lips. "It seems your seclusion was fruitful."

Su Kang nodded. "I've made progress."

"Well, that's good," Su Jinhai finally said, setting aside the jade slip.

"We'll need all the strength we can get."

His uncle gave an approving nod. Though Su Jinhai himself was at the peak of the Foundation Building Realm, he had keen instincts when it came to judging people.

He didn't know what had changed in Su Kang, but he could sense something had shifted—in his very aura, presence, and demeanor.

Su Jinhai set aside a jade slip, his expression turning serious. "I have news regarding your parents."

Su Kang's gaze sharpened. "They sent a transmission?"

Su Jinhai nodded, folding his arms. "They did. If nothing unexpected happens, they should return within two weeks."

"The harvest was successful. They collected a large number of spiritual herbs and plants, many of which will benefit the family's cultivation efforts."

Su Kang exhaled in relief. He had worried that his parents would ignore his repeated warnings and venture deeper into the hidden realm, risking dangers beyond their capabilities.

But they had exercised caution. That alone made him truly glad.

"It's good that they didn't take unnecessary risks," Su Kang said, his tone lighter than before.

His uncle chuckled. "Your father is stubborn, but your mother likely kept him in check."

Su Jinhai leaned back slightly, his gaze sweeping over the room before settling on Su Kang.

"The Su family is in a good position, better than before. The younger generation is strong. With you, Su Hua, Su Ting, and Su Feng all showing great promise, the family's future is brighter than it has been in decades."

Su Jinhai sighed, rubbing his temple. "But we still lack resources."

Su Kang understood the unspoken meaning. Talent alone was not enough—cultivation required vast amounts of spiritual resources, pills, weapons, and techniques. Without those, even the most gifted would be limited in their growth.

"I'll do what I can," Su Kang said, his mind already calculating ways to secure more resources.

Su Jinhai studied him again, then let out a short huff of laughter.

"You're quick to take responsibility," he said. "But don't forget, you're still young. Don't bear the weight of the family alone."

His uncle's gaze softened briefly before shifting to something more amused.

"Speaking of family matters," Su Jinhai said,"I heard a rumor."

Su Kang raised a brow. "What kind of rumor?"

Su Jinhai's expression shifted, amusement flickering in his gaze.

"There's a rumor going around... about Su Ting and a certain young lady."

Su Kang sighed inwardly, immediately thinking of Yue Mei.

He wasn't sure what to say, so he feigned ignorance.

"You haven't heard?" Su Jinhai's smirk deepened.

"The servants say he's been spending quite a bit of time with a certain young lady. I was wondering if you knew anything about it."

Su Kang shook his head. "I haven't asked him. But if it's true, then I'm sure he'll tell me when he's ready."

Su Jinhai chuckled.

"That boy is too lively for his own good. Let's hope he doesn't bring trouble back home."

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They spoke a while longer, discussing minor family matters and cultivation progress. Eventually, Su Kang excused himself, thinking about his parents' arrival and next steps.