Returning Seriously Injured

Horne doted on his grandson, Su Wu, and said with a calm expression, "I promised you a long time ago. At today's birthday banquet, even if you were to kill Horn on the spot, I would pretend not to see it."

Su Wu, his face emotionless, nodded in acknowledgment. "Thank you, Grandpa," he said, anticipation gleaming in his eyes as he thought about exacting revenge on Horn.

Su Xiao interjected, "Remember, today is not only your grandfather's birthday, but also your engagement day. Deal with Horn quickly, but don't let it disrupt the important events."

Taking a deep breath, Su Wu replied confidently, "Don't worry, Father. I'll handle everything properly."

Su Xiao was pleased with his son's confidence. "A few days ago, your mother went back to visit her family," he began. "There were some conflicts between her and her relatives, but she left those behind. Now that Mr. Meng has passed in Linzhou, one of his descendants—a rising star—is expected to attend the banquet today. Your mother has even prepared a special engagement gift for you."

Su Wu's face lit up with excitement, knowing that his mother's family came from a powerful and mysterious background. He could hardly contain his enthusiasm at the thought of finally connecting with them.

Horne then added with a smile, "Su Wu, I also have a gift for you today. I know you're interested in battle tactics, so I invited Guo Chengping, the vice president of the Imperial Capital Array Masters Association, to come to Tianhai. He has agreed to take you on as his disciple."

Shock spread across Su Wu's face, and even Su Xiao and Su Yan were stunned. None of them had known about this surprise. Guo Chengping was a six-star formation master, on the verge of becoming a seven-star master. His status within the Imperial Capital Formation Masters Association was such that he was being considered as its next president, and he had never taken on an apprentice before. The fact that Su Wu would become his first disciple was truly extraordinary.

Horne continued after observing their reactions, "You should thank Qingying for this. Without her help, Guo Chengping wouldn't have come to Tianhai."

Xia Qingying, standing quietly by, said modestly, "It was nothing." But her words felt like a thunderbolt to those around her. The Jiang family knew she had once convinced the president of the Alchemist Federation to refine seven-star elixirs for their family. Now, hearing that she had also played a role in bringing Guo Chengping to Tianhai, Su Wu's admiration for her deepened, though he kept his feelings hidden.

"Thank you, Miss Xia," he said politely.

Xia Qingying remained silent, and Su Wu, showing no sign of dissatisfaction, turned his attention elsewhere.

Su Yan then changed the subject. "Su Ming went to visit the Jiang family, but he should be back soon. Guests will be arriving shortly, and our family must greet them properly."

Agreeing, Su Xiao, Su Yan, and Su Wu walked towards the door to welcome their guests, while Horne and Xia Qingying stayed behind. As the host of the birthday banquet, Horne would only greet the most important attendees, and Xia Qingying's status ensured that she wouldn't be expected to assist with the usual greetings.

Meanwhile, at the Jiang family estate, Horn sat comfortably in Jiang Wan's villa, accompanied by Jiang Zhan and Mr. Jiang. Jiang Feng hovered nearby, serving him like a devoted servant. Jiang Wan had recently informed Jiang Feng that Horn was not only a Seven-Star Alchemist but also a Seven-Star Array Master, which had left Jiang Feng awestruck.

Jiang Wan then added another bombshell: "Father, Grandpa, there's something else you should know. Horn is also the founder and current dean of Changsheng Academy."

The room fell silent as both Jiang Zhan and Mr. Jiang were stunned. Changsheng Academy's dean had recently gained notoriety after killing Ye Qingtian, the deputy minister of the Department of Talents, and Ye Binglan, the apprentice of the current dean of the Immortal Martial Academy in the Imperial Capital. The repercussions were bound to be severe, with numerous forces likely to target Changsheng Academy in the near future.

Horn, aware of their thoughts, asked calmly, "If you stand with me, the Jiang family might face destruction. Are you prepared for that?"

Without hesitation, Jiang Zhan declared, "Of course! Our Jiang family will stand by your side, no matter the risks."

Mr. Jiang, stroking his beard, smiled and added, "You can count on our full support."

Jiang Feng eagerly chimed in, "Brother-in-law, we're ready to fight alongside you!"

Horn, amused by their loyalty, said nothing. He merely wanted to gauge their stance. Some things are best left unspoken, and he knew that explaining his relationship with Jiang Wan might complicate matters.

At that moment, Jiang Wan's phone rang. It was Mr. Wei, his voice weak as he explained that he and Mr. Qiao were on their way to the Jiang estate. Before Jiang Wan could respond, the call abruptly ended, leaving her worried.

Horn, overhearing the conversation, suspected something had gone wrong. He stood and walked outside, just in time to see two figures struggling in the sky. Moments later, Mr. Wei and Mr. Qiao plummeted from the air, their bodies supported by Jiang Zhan and Mr. Jiang as they floated down.

Both Mr. Wei and Mr. Qiao were gravely injured, each missing a right arm.

"What happened?" Horn asked, frowning. "Who did this to you?"

Gasping for breath, Mr. Qiao managed to say, "It was Guo Chengping. He attacked us in public and severed our arms."

Horn's expression darkened. Guo Chengping, the same man who was about to become Su Wu's mentor, had clearly made his move.