Chapter 178: Chapter 178: Crocodile Dragon’s Heart Blood

「A quiet room in the Inner Courtyard.」

Su Yu sat cross-legged, holding the crimson Jade Bottle. It felt as hot as a branding iron to the touch.

He had previously consulted many ancient texts. The Crocodile Dragon’s Heart Blood was indeed a supreme tonic for a Martial Artist to replenish their Qi and Blood. However, its properties were so fierce—like swallowing fire—that it could only be consumed by someone in the Flesh Refining Realm.

’Now, it’s finally time to use it!’

Without further hesitation, he tilted his head back and downed the viscous, magma-like, dark red blood in a single gulp.

BOOM!

As the Heart Blood entered his throat, it didn’t flow down smoothly. Instead, it was as if a ball of liquid dynamite had instantly detonated!

An incredibly violent, scorching energy, tinged with a primitive ferocity, instantly flooded Su Yu’s entire body. His skin immediately turned crimson, and every vein bulged like an earthworm. His heart pounded like a war drum, thundering, "THUMP THUMP."

"Such potent Heart Blood!"

Su Yu let out a low roar. Not daring to delay for even a moment, his figure flickered as he rushed into the courtyard.

"Black Prison God-Locking Stake!"

His feet rooted themselves to the ground, and his muscles coiled as tight as steel cables. He forcibly suppressed the torrent of heat that threatened to burst his meridians while frantically circulating the Black Stone Body Forging Skill.

[Breakthrough Point Progress +5%]

[Black Stone Body Forging Skill Skill Level +20]

[Breakthrough Point Progress +5%]

[Black Stone Body Forging Skill Skill Level +20]

...

Watching the notifications for a full 20 points of Skill Level and 5% Breakthrough Point progress continuously appear before him, Su Yu gained a renewed appreciation for the violent energy contained within the Crocodile Dragon’s Heart Blood.

’It’s a good thing I didn’t take it rashly. If I’d consumed it before reaching the Flesh Refining Realm, my meridians would have burst on the spot!’

As he circulated the energy again and again, billowing white mist rose from Su Yu’s body—a sign of the extreme heat generated by his Qi and Blood operating at their peak.

Soon, an hour passed.

The torrent of Qi and Blood energy rampaging through Su Yu’s body finally subsided.

He summoned his panel to check his gains.

[Martial Arts]: Black Stone Body Forging Skill (First Layer) (Minor Achievement 6000/10000)

[Breakthrough Points]: 2 (Progress 91%)

’Incredible! This one bottle of Heart Blood is worth half a month of grueling training!’

Su Yu’s eyes filled with delight as he looked at the soaring numbers.

The Breakthrough Point progress, in particular, had shot up by 60% in one go. It was just a hair’s breadth from being full.

’Only 9% to go! I wonder if eating the Red Essence Earth Dragon Pork can fill the gap. Once I’ve saved up 3 points, the third Breaking Limit for the White Ape Six Transformations will surely bring a qualitative leap in my power!’

’As for the White Ape Fist, which I just brought to the Perfection stage, there’s no rush. As long as I have the resources, saving up 1 point will be quite fast!’

...

Just as Su Yu was savoring the joy of his newfound strength, a sudden commotion erupted in the front courtyard.

"Miss Yang! Please slow down!"

"Li Da, hurry and take me to Brother Su and my sister!"

A figure in fiery red burst in. It was Yang Ai. Her normally cheerful and mischievous face was now etched with anxiety, and her disheveled hair made it clear she had run all the way here.

...

「The rear courtyard. Yang Zhen’s room.」

The atmosphere in the room was heavy.

Yang Ai sat at the table, her expression anxious. Beside her, Yang Zhen also looked worried.

Just then, the door creaked open, and Su Yu walked in.

"Brother Su!"

"Brother Su!"

Seeing Su Yu, the two of them quickly rose to greet him.

Su Yu waved a hand, sat down at the table, and asked, "What happened? Why are you in such a hurry?"

As Su Yu’s calm gaze fell upon her, Yang Ai’s anxious expression eased slightly.

"Brother Su, it’s about my sister. News that she became a Martial Artist somehow got out, and now a lot of suitors have come to our door with marriage proposals."

Su Yu frowned. ’I already had Yang Zhen move into the Su Mansion. Yang Chongren should understand my intentions and just refuse them.’

’He’s a smart man; he wouldn’t do anything foolish.’

As if guessing Su Yu’s thoughts, Yang Ai said anxiously, "Brother Su, Father naturally understands your intentions, and he’s rejected every single one. But the one who came to propose today was the old steward from the Huyan Family!"

’The Huyan Family?’

Su Yu’s expression grew solemn upon hearing the name.

’I’m pretty familiar with the top powers in the Outer City now. The Huyan Family built its fortune on military achievements. They’re incredibly powerful, no less so than the so-called number one family, the Liu Family.’

’There are even rumors they have ties to the three great families of the Inner City. Here in the Outer City of Black Stone City, the Huyan Family is a true behemoth.’

’But why would the Huyan Family go out of their way to propose marriage to a minor family like the Yangs?’

’This is very strange!’

Yang Zhen’s face was etched with worry. She added, "Brother Su, could the Huyan Family’s marriage proposal be related to my Wood Spirit Body?"

At her words, the room instantly fell silent.

Yang Ai’s eyes widened, and she shook her head vigorously. "Impossible! Besides the three of us, not even our parents know about your awakening! How could the Huyan Family possibly know?"

Yang Zhen bit her lip, forcing herself to remain calm. "Perhaps I’m overthinking it. I heard the main backer of the Brocade Workshop is the Huyan Family. Maybe it’s for business reasons."

Yang Ai nodded. "That’s what Father said, too. With the Black Lotus Sect’s recent attack, the city’s power structure is in flux. Father thinks the Huyan Family might want to use this chance to consolidate the entire silk trade. Marrying you might just be a way to absorb the Yang Family’s assets. After all, our family is growing quickly thanks to Brother Su’s reputation, so it’s not surprising we’ve drawn their attention."

Su Yu remained silent, carefully pondering the underlying reasons.

’This explanation sounds plausible, but my intuition is screaming that something is off.’

He recalled the scene of the Black Lotus Sect’s attack on the night of the Yuan Lantern Festival.

According to intelligence from the Public Security Bureau, an Earth King of the Black Lotus Sect had performed a ritual dozens of miles outside Black Stone City that night, causing a torrential downpour, unnatural gales, and a thick white fog to descend upon the city.

’In a world with Martial Arts, it stands to reason that there would also be more mystical methods. If the Black Lotus Sect can manipulate the weather, it’s not impossible that the Huyan Family has a secret art for tracking a Spirit Body.’

’Better safe than sorry!’

An icy glint flashed in Su Yu’s eyes.

’Whether they’re after the business or the Spirit Body, I won’t let them harm Yang Zhen!’

"Yang Ai, this situation is strange. Go back right now and tell your father to refuse the Huyan Family, flat out. If they won’t take no for an answer, tell him this."

His gaze was as sharp as a blade as he said, word by word:

"Tell them Zhen’Er is my woman!"

At his words, Yang Zhen’s pretty face flushed red. Her eyes, however, filled with deep affection and a sense of security. She couldn’t help but bite her lip as she gazed at Su Yu.

Beside them, Yang Ai was momentarily stunned. She was happy for her sister, but she also couldn’t help feeling a twinge of envious longing.

’Will Brother Su protect me so forcefully one day, too?’

’I’m so jealous of my sister...’

"Okay, Brother Su, I’ll go back and tell Father right away." Yang Ai quickly composed herself, rising hastily to leave.

Only Su Yu and Yang Zhen remained in the room.

Seeing the lingering worry in her eyes, Su Yu smiled, gently took her chin, and pulled her into his embrace. "Don’t worry. I’ll handle everything."

"Mm."

Yang Zhen rested meekly against his broad chest. Listening to his powerful heartbeat, the fear in her own heart dissipated.

"Brother Su, as long as you’re here, Zhen’Er isn’t afraid of anything."

Su Yu lowered his head, gently caressing the cheek of the beauty in his arms. His gaze drifted irresistibly to her delicate red lips, her exquisite collarbones, her snowy-white bosom...

’Ever since she awakened her Wood Spirit Body, Zhen’Er’s figure, looks, and aura have become even more enchantingly beautiful. It really makes a man want to dote on her.’

’Since she has entrusted herself to me without hesitation, I must protect her well.’

’Thankfully, I’ve broken through to the Flesh Refining Realm. No matter what danger comes, I at least have the power to protect myself.’

’Besides, with the White Ape Martial Arts Hall and the Public Security Bureau backing me, the Huyan Family wouldn’t dare to offend me lightly.’

At that moment, Su Yu was once again struck by the importance of having powerful backing. If he were just a lone, helpless Martial Artist, the slightest turmoil would be enough to spell his doom.

...

For the next few days, Black Stone City was calm on the surface, but a dark undercurrent was brewing. No one had seen a single member of the Black Lotus Sect since their attack.

But everyone knew this was merely the calm before the storm.

As for Su Yu, he continued with his plans. First, he stayed home to completely stabilize his cultivation in the Flesh Refining Realm.

Then, he went to the White Ape Martial Arts Hall to meet with Master Qin. Afterward, he headed to the Lin Family to visit his senior sister, Lin Wanzhu.

That evening, the inevitable trouble from the Huyan Family’s marriage proposal finally arrived.

A lavishly decorated carriage, exuding a grim and imposing air, was parked at the entrance to the Su Mansion.

Then, an old man in a green robe with a sinister face entered the Su Mansion, flanked by two guards who radiated a fierce aura.

「The front courtyard, main hall.」

The old man saw Su Yu seated on the Grandmaster’s Chair and offered a cupped-fist salute with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. His voice was hoarse as he spoke:

"Master Su, this old servant is the Huyan Family’s steward, Huyan Bo. I’ve come today to speak with you about... the matter of the young miss of the Yang Family’s marriage."