Sidekick Fights Back (Married The Protagonist’s Mother)

Departures and Preparations

A faint smile tugged at Su Kang's lips. "It's just a useful skill in chaotic times," he said. With Fate’s protection, no one could truly glimpse his destiny.

Zhu Zhihao’s eyes sparkled with amusement, her respect for him evident. "Indeed. It seems you are full of surprises, Young Master Su."

She leaned in slightly, lowering her voice as if sharing something significant.

“You’ve heard of the Heavenly Sword Sect, haven’t you? They hold immense power in the Central Plains, with influence stretching even to the Southern regions."

Su Kang nodded, his gaze steady. In the future he had glimpsed, he had been an outer disciple of the sect. After being promoted to inner disciple, he had returned to visit his family—right before the demon cultivators attacked.

“But they are not the only power in the Central Plains,” Zhu Zhihao continued, her tone heavier. “Since the Heavenly Sword Sect lies near the southeastern border, they’re often at odds with demonic sects from the East.”

She paused, letting him consider the implication before asking, "Ever wondered why they accept disciples from the Southern regions, even with weak qualifications?" Her eyes glinted with a knowing light.

Su Kang thought inwardly. Weak qualifications? Is she referring to the geniuses typically recruited from southern states and empires? If she considers them weak, then someone like me, from the very borders of the region, must seem talentless in her eyes.

But he couldn't deny the truth either. The Heavenly Sword Sect had tens of thousands of Core Formation disciples, many of them nominal or outer disciples recruited from the Southern regions.

From the Jiang State to the Central Plains, all the states and empires in between were considered part of the Southern region due to their comparatively weaker strength compared to the Central Plains.

Seeing him deep in thought, Zhu Zhihao clarified, “It's a strategic move to strengthen the southern region against potential demonic invasion. These disciples later return to their homes, working to maintain the sect's influence in their states and empires despite the vast distances.”

Understanding dawned on Su Kang. The sect was building buffer zones and extending its reach through these disciples.

She added, "Of course, the Central Plains also holds ancient noble families, renowned Dao academies, and other powerful empires. As for the other major regions... I don't think you need that information yet. They are currently beyond your reach.”

She paused, observing his expression carefully, giving him time to absorb the information. Then, she took out a jade scroll and offered it to him.

"I created this map drawing on my years of experience and travel. I believe this information will be sufficient for you for now. Consider it a gift, in appreciation for your courage."

“Thank you very much, Senior.” Su Kang accepted it, delighted. A map created by a Nascent Soul cultivator with her breadth of experience would be an invaluable resource.

"One more thing," Zhu Zhihao said, her tone turning cautious. "I am sure you have heard about the war between the Hai and Mun states. Mun state has fallen under the influence of demonic cultivators from the eastern lands."

"No one is clear about why demon cultivators are trying to enter fragmented region. But you should be prepared for the worst-case scenario."

"I will keep this in mind, Senior," Su Kang assured her.

Her gaze lingered on him for a moment longer, then she turned towards the gate. "I will be leaving soon," Zhu Zhihao said, her voice a low, resonant hum. 

And with a final, enigmatic smile, she swept from the room, leaving Su Kang alone with his thoughts.

Her purpose at the Su Manor was complete. She had seen it with her own eyes—Su Ting truly cared for Yue Mei and would help her.

I hope Mei'er can find happiness here, she thought inwardly. This Su family has nothing obviously special, yet their members seem unaffected by her charm.

Over the past few days, her investigation into the Su family had yielded no new revelations. They were ordinary people, with nothing extraordinary about them. Any bloodline traits they possessed were likely remnants from a distant ancestor.

To her, Su Kang was a young man with slightly above-average talent. Su Ting, however, carried great blessings. For now, she would return to the Xuantian Empire.

Meanwhile, Su Kang sat in his room, contemplating. He now had a clearer picture of the forces potentially arrayed against them and the empires that might be plotting in the shadows. But he also held a glimmer of hope regarding the connection between Su Ting and Yue Mei, and the potential to unlock her true power.

Li Fang is a monster in terms of cultivation speed, he mused. If Yue Mei has even a slight chance to become someone like him, then this risk is worth taking.

The soul-soothing scent of jasmine hung heavy in Yue Mei's courtyard the next morning. A faint mist clung to the manicured gardens, dampening sound and sight alike.

Zhu Zhihao, a splash of crimson against the pale light, stood before Yue Mei, her face serene but her violet eyes holding a flicker of warmth and affection.

Yue Mei's own crimson eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "Be safe, Aunt Zhu," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "Thank you."

Zhu Zhihao's hand rested gently on Yue Mei's cheek, a warm, steady touch.

"Little Mei," she murmured, her violet eyes full of warmth and worry, "you have found a safe place here. For now, you must cultivate well. Remember what I said: Trust in yourself. I believe you will find a way."

From a short distance, Su Kang and Su Ting watched in silence, giving the pair space while remaining respectfully present. As Zhu Zhihao turned to them, her expression became unreadable.

Young Master Su, look after Yue Mei," she said quietly, "I will return in six months."

Su Kang met her gaze. "I will, Senior Zhu," he replied, his voice steady.

With one last glance at Yue Mei, Zhu Zhihao rose into the air. Her crimson robes swirled around her like flames as she ascended into the sky. She had to return to the empire to avoid drawing suspicion. A long absence without reason could cause unwanted attention.

Su Kang watched her disappear, a mix of anticipation and unease settling within him. He felt this wasn't the end of their interactions. Su Ting decided to stay behind to comfort Yue Mei; Su Kang nodded at him and left them alone, his mind already turning to other matters as he returned to his own courtyard.

Inside his quiet cultivation chamber, Su Kang sat cross-legged on the wooden floor. He closed his eyes and reached inward.

"Fate, it's time. I need new cultivation techniques and the thing you promised."

He’d waited patiently for this moment. He couldn’t risk asking earlier, not with Zhu Zhihao nearby. Her senses were too sharp. If she noticed anything strange, she might have asked questions he couldn’t answer. Now that she was gone, he was finally free.

Fate, he repeated with focus.“I need to change my Qi cultivation method. It will take time to convert my Qi according to the new methods.”

Fate’s metallic voice echoed in his mind, though it sounded slightly different this time. “Su Kang… most of my techniques are not suitable for your current self.”

A cold wave of disappointment passed through him.

“What do you mean by not suitable?” he asked, frustration lacing his voice.

“You would require a special physique or spiritual body to practice them,” Fate explained. “For instance—divine yang body, Chaos Body, ancient dragon bloodline, and so on.”

Damn it. Su Kang clenched his fist.

“But you said most,” he pressed, grasping for hope. “So there are some I can use?”

"Yes," Fate admitted. "A soul technique and a body technique. However, the body technique is still dangerous. Your body would need to acquire a spiritual body first.”

"Tell me more," Su Kang said, intrigued.

"The soul technique is the Indomitable Soul Pagoda Art. It purifies and strengthens your very soul essence."

Su Kang nodded. Strengthening the soul was essential, especially against demonic cultivators. "And the body technique?"

"The Starforged Physique. Your body must absorb Astral Energy to refine your bones, muscles, and organs. But currently, your body cannot withstand Astral Qi.” Fate replied.

“Astral Qi?” Su Kang repeated, equal parts curious and cautious.

Fate's metallic voice echoed, steady yet firm. "Yes. Your body cannot absorb Astral Qi as it is now. Attempting to cultivate the Starforged Physique would be impossible without a spiritual body or physique related to stars to begin with."

Su Kang’s eyes darkened. “Then why bring it up at all?”

“Because I have already prepared for this,” Fate answered with a rare tone of certainty. “I wouldn’t present a path that leads only to failure. The body reconstruction I have planned will force your body to adapt. The end result will be a body that can withstand and absorb Astral Qi.”

Su Kang drew a deep breath. Pain was a given in cultivation. But knowing Fate had a plan gave him some reassurance.