Enlightenment: Beginning as a Disposable Warrior

At this moment, Baili Feng looked somewhat haggard, the aura on his body slightly unstable; just as Baili Hongtang had said, he had indeed suffered a heavy blow earlier, and his injuries had yet to fully heal.

"Elder brother, this is Sun the Alchemist." Baili Hongtang spoke, introducing Su Mu to Baili Feng.

Hearing this, Baili Feng’s face showed gratitude as he chuckled and said, "Brother Sun, your great kindness needs no thanks. Earlier my health was in trouble; fortunately you attended the conference in my stead, otherwise the current situation would be extremely tricky."

Having said that, his eyes, filled with curiosity, swept up and down the young man before him. He had already learned the entire process of the conference and this youth’s situation from his younger sister.

But hearing it from his sister’s mouth ultimately could not compare to seeing with his own eyes; when he truly saw Su Mu in person, waves still rose in Baili Feng’s heart, for no other reason than that Su Mu was simply far too young!

Baili Feng knew that Sun Li was not his true name, but he did not care; his heart was full of gratitude toward Su Mu.

If not for Su Mu’s presence, if it had been him, still grievously wounded, attending the conference, he would inevitably have ended up humiliated by Gongyang Jue, and even his younger sister would have been insulted.

And Su Mu had not only helped him overcome the difficult pass, but had also struck out forcefully to kill three jumping clowns, suppressing Gongyang Jue’s prestige while raising his own reputation within the Cyan Fish Gang!

"This matter was an agreement between myself and the Second Young Lady. A word once spoken cannot be chased by four horses."

Su Mu nodded lightly, neither humble nor overbearing. He had taken benefits from Baili Hongtang; taking someone’s money was merely to ward off their disaster.

Baili Feng took in Su Mu’s every move, even the slightest expression, and secretly nodded. This man’s composure in handling matters truly lived up to the high praise from his little sister.

After a brief exchange of courtesies, Baili Feng cut to the main topic, his tone shifting.

"I heard from my little sister that you have learned the Flood Dragon Shocking Skill?"

Su Mu grew wary in his heart. Baili Feng could not possibly be unaware of this matter, yet after arriving tonight he still asked in this way; clearly it was not aimless chatter.

However, Su Mu had not sensed any hostility from the siblings, so he answered directly.

"Mm, I came by it unexpectedly."

Baili Feng pondered for a moment, then spoke, "The Flood Dragon Shocking Skill is an untransmitted supreme art of our Cyan Fish Gang. Looking across the gang today, there are but four people who can grasp it. Although Sun the Alchemist is at present a member of our Cyan Fish Gang, for you to cultivate this art is, both emotionally and logically, improper."

Su Mu’s brows knitted slightly at these words.

Baili Feng quickly spoke again, "Sun the Alchemist, I see that you are still young, and seemingly not yet married?"

"Huh?"

Su Mu was stunned. He had thought Baili Feng had come tonight intending to tear down the bridge after crossing the river, yet unexpectedly he asked such a question.

Then Baili Feng spoke solemnly, "My little sister is twenty‑three this year, about the same age as Sun the Alchemist. Her character and qualities you have seen for yourself; if not a daughter of heaven, then at least among the top few in Donglai County."

"The ancients said, ’An elder brother is like a father.’ If Sun the Alchemist is willing, then I shall make the decision to betroth my little sister to you. Thus, in the future you and I will be family."

Baili Feng did not beat around the bush; he spoke very directly.

By the rules, an outsider like Su Mu was not suited to cultivate the Flood Dragon Shocking Skill, but if Su Mu became family, then naturally there would be no scruples.

Besides, Baili Feng had already heard from his sister that Su Mu’s talent was peerless; at such a young age he had not only seized first place in the martial competition but also won Master Cang’s praise in pill arts—truly a freak of nature.

If he could draw Su Mu into becoming family, the Baili Clan would surely benefit, and perhaps within his lifetime he could see the two gangs merged into one, recreating their forebears’ glory.

For this, the siblings had been discussing over the past three days, and today they had come specifically to ask Su Mu’s intentions.

Su Mu listened quietly to the end, then glanced at Baili Hongtang. Baili Hongtang was indeed exceedingly beautiful, the most beautiful woman Su Mu had ever seen in his life.

Only, through his deep eyes he could also see a trace of struggle within Baili Hongtang’s calm gaze.

Baili Hongtang knew that Su Mu was extremely outstanding, to the point of being monstrous. Perhaps, if she missed him, she would never meet a second like him in this life.

However...

Baili Hongtang still had struggles in her heart. Before meeting Su Mu, she had always felt that to be born a woman in this world was a kind of sorrow.

But after getting to know Su Mu, she faintly saw another way to live.

"Whoever wants to kill me, I will kill them!"

She remembered this sentence clearly to this day. Afterwards, when she saw Su Mu truly kill the Tao Family’s second ancestor with a single sword, at that moment Su Mu branded in Baili Hongtang’s heart a mark that could never be erased.

She held admiration for Su Mu, held a strand of yearning and hope, but alone lacked the tender feelings of men and women.

After personally witnessing that world‑shocking sword, she pondered for a long time, then at some point realized that, in a sense, to be born a woman was also a kind of release.

The heavy burden of the Cyan Fish Gang needed her father and brother to bear; the two of them were duty‑bound, they were the men of the Baili Family.

But as a woman, perhaps she could avoid being bound by the Cyan Fish Gang all her life. With her innate gifts, with her martial talent surpassing her elder brother’s, she could go further on the path of cultivation.

She wanted to become a Great Cultivator, to assail the Second Grade realm that their ancestors had failed to achieve, and even higher realms. She wanted to walk out of Donglai County!

Only, Baili Hongtang also knew that, as a member of the Baili Clan, the family had given her birth and raised her. Not to mention that she had been frail and sickly since childhood due to her innate constitution—without the family’s resources poured into her, she might not have lived to this day. Having enjoyed the clan’s nurturing, she had a duty to repay it.

Now her elder brother needed her to join in marriage with Su Mu, to strive for greater benefits for the Baili Clan. She could only comply; reason told her this was undoubtedly the most perfect solution at present.

However...

Su Mu’s expression was firm as he shook his head. "Young Master, forgive me, but I cannot agree."

"Why?"

"Why?!"

Baili Feng’s brows rose, his tone filled with confusion and surprise. The same word "why" from Baili Hongtang carried complexity, with a hint of joy and anticipation.

"Could it be you think my little sister unworthy of you?"

"No."

Su Mu lightly shook his head again. "The Second Young Lady’s talent is extraordinary, and her looks truly exquisite. There is no question of worthy or unworthy. If I must give a reason, then it is that my aspirations do not lie here."

"I will not remain in Donglai County. What I pursue... may seem somewhat absurd, but I will not give it up. Even if I become an enemy to anyone, I will not give up."

"Before that, anything will be shackles hindering my advance."

What Su Mu pursued was not fame or profit. Within five years, he must go to the Great Yan Imperial Capital and bring the Little Doctor back from the Huo Family’s hands. This was the five‑year pact Su Mu had set for himself.

And the Huo Family, the sole Alien Kings of Great Yan, noble founders who followed the Grand Ancestor of Great Yan—just imagining taking someone from the Huo Family’s hands showed how difficult and perilous it would be.

Before that, Su Mu did not wish to have any attachments. Moreover, Su Mu also had his pride. He could see that Baili Hongtang had a fondness for him, but it was not between man and woman.

Since that was so, why compromise and make do?

And also...

Scenes of forging a dagger for the Little Doctor at the Forging Workshop, and of the past at Qingyun City’s Yunhe Clinic, unconsciously surfaced before Su Mu’s eyes. The corners of his mouth lifted slightly, revealing a gentle hint.

Baili Hongtang keenly captured that hint of gentleness and at once lightly shook her head, stopping her elder brother who was about to speak again.

"Each person has their own aspirations. Since it is so, then I will not force you further!"

Baili Feng spoke with some hesitation. The siblings exchanged glances and both found themselves exhaling in relief. As the elder brother, Baili Feng naturally cherished his little sister; if it were not necessary, how could he use her for a marriage alliance?

At this moment, the siblings also felt respect for Su Mu. If it were not Su Mu, in his place almost anyone else would very likely have agreed on the spot, yet Su Mu could keep to his true heart and resolutely refuse.

Then the siblings secretly nodded. Over these three days they had actually discussed a second plan as well, and Baili Feng proposed it.

"Sun the Alchemist, your proud bones are rarely seen among the world’s prodigies. Though this is our first meeting, I feel as if we’ve long known each other; speaking with you is a great pleasure. My little sister has also praised your conduct before me many times."

"What if we were to swear brotherhood today, becoming sworn brothers of different surnames?"

"Elder brother is right. Sun the Alchemist, with only a half‑scroll rubbing of the White Flood Dragon Flipping River Map you were able to comprehend the Flood Dragon Shocking Skill—this is fate with our Baili Family written in the dark!"

At the right time, Baili Hongtang also spoke in agreement. Su Mu understood the siblings’ meaning: since they could not become in‑laws, they would take a step back and become sworn brothers.

After a brief thought, Su Mu agreed, not only considering the current situation, but also because the Baili siblings suited him very well.

"I am honored by the two of you, but my identity is somewhat troublesome. Have you truly thought this through?"

"Of course."

"Third brother... speak freely!"