Celestial Demon Starting from Attribute Points-Chapter 52: Godfather

On the next day, at dusk, the blood-red sunset stood at the end of the sky, illuminating the eastern prefecture city bathed in its light.

A column of disgraced cavalry, like stray dogs, entered from the west gate.

The townsfolk recognized their identity.

"Aren’t these the troops who escorted Mr. Su to Xiongshan County a few days ago?"

"Could it be... they encountered something supernatural?"

"Where’s Mr. Su?"

The commander of the troops didn’t care. Covering the wound on his shoulder—inflicted by a trusted aide—he quickly passed through the inner city gate and hurried to the Cao Mansion.

Upon seeing Cao Shuda, the commander burst into tears, crying out, "Lord Prefect, I have betrayed your trust."

Cao Shuda glanced over, not seeing Mr. Su, and asked calmly, "Speak, what happened?"

The commander, both pitiful and precise, recounted the events in Xiongshan County, including the deaths of Tian Yun, the Tian family, and Su Cangyuan.

As for himself, he laid out the pre-prepared reasons.

Cao Shuda suddenly asked, "Is it that Mr. Su who went with you?"

The commander didn’t grasp the implication since he didn’t know the "Mr. Su" who departed with them was an impostor, but still he nodded quickly.

Cao Shuda closed his eyes and, after a moment of contemplation, said in a haunting voice, "It’s not your fault this time. However, I’m giving you one more chance. This time, speak the truth."

The commander was startled, initially wanting to insist, but the cold, stern face of the Prefect gave him pause. Not daring to hide anything, he confessed everything, ending with... "I... I just wanted to preserve strength for Lord Prefect. That Xiongshan County is too sinister, surely it’s haunted."

Having said this, seemingly in a bid to redeem himself, he quickly added, "By the way, in hindsight, I noticed something strange.

This time, many from the Tian family perished, yet not a single person from the Li family was harmed. I suspect that perhaps..."

At this, Cao Shuda froze for a moment, then his eyelids twitched. He suddenly raised his hand, slammed the table, and stood up in fury, roaring: "How dare you!! Li Xuan is my protégé, bound to me by pupil-teacher ties, like family. How dare you sow discord here?!!"

This outburst was as if the clear sky suddenly erupted with thunder and lightning.

The commander was left completely stunned.

Cao Shuda didn’t give him the chance to respond, quickly ordering, "Guards! Strip off his armor and throw him out!"

With the order given, guards appeared, and the bewildered commander was dragged out.

Only from afar came the sounds of his pleading.

But Cao Shuda paid no heed, instead taking a deep breath.

In reality, since last night, he hadn’t been able to eat or sleep peacefully.

The reason being he couldn’t confirm if Su Cangyuan had truly died.

But now, he was sure.

If the real Su Cangyuan were alive, how would the fake one have his head displayed on the gateway? Why would Tian Yun and the Tian family perish?

As for the Li family...

...

...

Moments later.

Cao Shuda went to the backyard, heading directly to the residence of the "new Mr. Su willing to stay overnight," maintaining considerable demeanor by personally extending an invitation.

Thereafter, the two drank fragrant tea together, speaking only of literary classics, avoiding official matters.

At noon, seeing that he was knowledgeable and composed rather than erratic, Cao Shuda was even more delighted, proceeding to host a grand family banquet.

Li Xuan gladly accepted.

Cao Shuda had lost Mr. Su, so he needed another Mr. Su. If not Li Xuan, someone like "Mr. Zhang" or "Mr. Wang" would appear at the Cao Mansion in time.

Since Li Xuan hailed first, he occupied the position.

Moreover, he needed Cao Shuda.

During the banquet, Cao Wen rose, hunching while offering a drink, expressing, "Thank you, sir, for saving my life!"

Today, entering his bedroom, seeing the finger beside his bed, he realized how close he was to death yesterday.

If caught by that madman, even if he survived, he’d be flayed.

At that moment, only this mysterious new Mr. Su could save him.

Li Xuan looked at Cao Wen, recalling their past jovial boasting at the Immortal Gathering Tower, yet this scene unfolded so differently.

He felt something odd in his heart but still nodded slightly.

Cao Wen drank it all in one go.

Cao Shuda worked to maintain the atmosphere, eventually saying, "I wonder if Mr. Su has any accommodations at Hundred Flowers Mansion? If not, you could stay at my Cao Mansion.

Whatever you desire, I, Cao, will offer with both hands."

Li Xuan gestured, saying, "I do have desires, but living here is unnecessary, as I am used to roaming free like a cloud."

Cao Shuda’s smile remained unchanged as he continued, "I feel such affinity with you at first sight. How do you find my son and daughter?"

Li Xuan glanced at Cao Wen and Cao Yi, commenting, "Talented and beautiful, certainly worthy of a Prefect’s esteemed children."

Seeing his manners in such casual banter, Cao Shuda smiled, rising to toast, "If you don’t mind, allow my children to recognize you as their godfather and earnestly serve you in filial devotion henceforth."

Li Xuan: ???

Cao Wen: ???

Cao Yi: ???

Cao Shuda angrily said, "Still not getting up?!"

With that, Cao Wen and Cao Yi immediately stood up, one showing immaturity, the other innocence, holding wine glasses, looking expectantly at the elder seated at the banquet.

Even the Prefect’s wife rose to pay her respects.

The air seemed to stand still...

Li Xuan slowly closed his eyes, his entire body tense, for he couldn’t afford to slip up.

Soon enough, he came to terms with the fact that at the age of eighteen, he would be adopting young teenagers as his adopted children.

The reasoning was simple: to forge a deep cooperative bond with Cao Shuda, he required a deeper emotional connection, and since he refused to live with the Cao family, he needed to adopt these two youngsters.

Thus, he nodded.

Cao Shuda laughed heartily, saying, "Why not pay respects to your adoptive father?"

Cao Wen and Cao Yi hurriedly refilled their cups with fresh tea, knelt beside Li Xuan, raised their hands in toast, and said, "Adoptive father."

Li Xuan accepted the tea cup.

Everyone at the table was brimming with smiles.

Even the Prefect’s wife couldn’t help but smile.

Compared to the previous Mr. Su, and the group of lunatics left at the Cao Mansion, she felt this Mr. Su was far better.

Seeing this, Cao Shuda then said, "Sir, in a few days, I will host another banquet.

I need the entire Hundred Flowers Mansion to know these two rascals have sworn allegiance to you as their adoptive father. In this way, not just the entire Hundred Flowers Mansion, but people across the land can supervise them to ensure they practice filial piety well.

Though you’re accustomed to solitude, it’s best to stay a few days longer, during which Wen’Er and Yi’Er will accompany you around the Hundred Flowers Mansion."

...

...

A few days later...

Cao Shuda hosted a "Father-Swearing Banquet."

The new title of Mr. Su was thus spread.

...

A little over half a month later...

Beside the Qing River.

Li Xuan appeared relaxed, fishing from the pavilion in Taohua Dock.

Cao Wen instructed the maids and servants from behind, offering delicacies and wine.

Cao Yi acted like a considerate daughter, lovingly massaging his shoulders, pounding his back. Occasionally, seeing Li Xuan reel in a fish, she would cheerfully clap and exclaim, "Adoptive father is amazing."

If they were the same age, she wouldn’t possibly act this way, but the elder in front of her had grey hair and could be her grandfather, so naturally, she wasn’t embarrassed.

She was aware of his formidable nature, initially nervous when interacting, but over the days, she found a surprising similarity in temperament, and this elder who easily dispatched secret martial artists was unexpectedly amiable.

After a while, Cao Wen came striding over, holding an apparently ancient jar.

It was a decade-old Hundred Flowers Brew.

It’s important to note, Hundred Flowers Brew is scarcely supplied, and every production is met with high demand, with a decade-old brew being exceptionally rare.

...

...

That evening, Li Xuan returned to the Cao Mansion, meeting Cao Shuda, who bluntly said, "Qing River is a great place. I also favor the cargo guild."

Cao Shuda was taken aback.

Li Xuan said, "I’d like to appoint a few chosen individuals."

He needed certain fish, aiming to delve deeper into the river domain, possibly even far-reaching seas, to explore for any magical fish.

These fish were resources, aiding not only his cultivation but also the nurturing of some public figures.

Cao Shuda laughed, "Naturally."

Afterward, he hesitantly said, "Yi’Er is reaching the age for marriage discussions, and I intend to marry her to the eldest son of the Li family in Xiongshan County, also my disciple Li Xuan.

Though Li Xuan is already married, letting Yi’Er become an equal wife seems feasible."

Li Xuan: ???

Instantly, he understood.

In Xiongshan County, many families had incidents, except for the Li family. Cao Shuda naturally suspected his ties with the Li family.

At this moment, refusing would be unfavorable for the Li family.

Should they secure this alliance, Cao Shuda might exhaustively support him within the official circles.

Recalling the talented young lady who recently shared a harmonious duet with him; the vibrant girl who daily lovingly massaged his shoulders, sweetly calling him "adoptive father," Li Xuan fell into silence.

Soon after, he calmly said, "If Yi’Er wishes, she may proceed with the union. I do not involve myself in such matters."

Not involving oneself equates to involvement.

Not opposing equates to agreement.

Cao Shuda’s speculation was confirmed, and he joyfully rose, saying, "Yi’Er has long been fond of my disciple, of course, she likes him."