Protoganist's Sidekick Fights Back-Chapter 9: Li Fang Has Left

The news of Li Fang and his group leaving Jiang State for cultivation spread like wildfire among the common folk.

A 20-year-old Pill Formation cultivator from the Qingyun Sect—setting out to carve his name in the Central Plains—became the hottest topic in the entire region.

"Maybe one day, he'll carve out his own name in the Central Plains."

"With his talent, he might even break through to the Nascent Soul realm in this lifetime."

Such discussions filled the air. For many young cultivators, Li Fang became an inspiration—a living legend born from humble origins.

Qin City, a medium-sized city in the Qingyun region, housed numerous Foundation Building cultivation families.

Among them, the Li Family was the smallest — numbering barely a few hundred members.

Though the Li Family was small, with only one Foundation Building cultivator left—an old man barely capable of fighting—they held an unshakable status thanks to Li Fang's rise.

Ever since Li Fang joined the Qingyun Sect, the entire clan had relied on him for protection. Without him, they would struggle to maintain their position in Qin City.

Today, the entire family was preparing to leave the the city.

The streets were packed with onlookers trying to catch one last glimpse of the genius of Qin City.

The crowd whispered among themselves, speculating on how far Li Fang would go in the future.

In the inner courtyard, Li Fang sat across from a woman in her early thirties.

In a small courtyard filled with peach blossoms and a clear pond, Li Fang sat quietly before a woman.

She wore an elegant blue robe with a white collar, her long black hair cascading down to her waist. A simple hair ornament adorned her head.

Her almond-shaped eyes shimmered with unshed tears, her delicate face carrying a mature charm that could steal the breath of any man.

Her beauty was like a gentle spring breeze — warm, soft, and unforgettable.

This woman was Bai Yunxi, Li Fang's mother.

Even in her late thirties, she appeared no older than thirty years old.

"Mother, don't worry... I'm only going to take a look. If things don't work out, I'll return within two-three years." Li Fang's voice was soft, tinged with guilt.

The war between righteous and demonic cultivators was nearing its end.

AIf he missed this chance to participate, he would have to wait several years for the next recruitment exam in the Central Plains.

Even though the remaining battles were not as dangerous, he still couldn't guarantee his survival.

The Qingyun Sect had strictly forbidden them from revealing the war to outsiders.

His companions had already broken the news to their families in secret, but Li Fang couldn't bring himself to do the same.

If she knew the truth, she would never let him go.

Bai Yunxi wiped the corner of her eyes, forcing a smile.

"Fang'er... I know you want to chase your dreams. As your mother, I can't stop you. But... you must promise me to always prioritize your safety."

Bai Yunxi's heart ached as she gazed at her only son—the pillar of her life since her husband's death.

"I promise, Mother." Li Fang's heart ached.

"I'll be leaving the family in the care of the Su Family," Li Fang said softly. "Su Kang is my good brother. He'll protect you."

She had heard this name from Li Fang before but never met him in person.

"As long as you're at ease with this decision, I will not object." Bai Yunxi sighed.

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By noon, the Li family's preparations were complete.

Spiritual boats floated above the estate, ready to carry the family towards the Su family's territory under the protection of the Qingyun Sect's elders.

However, Li Fang would not accompany them.

He had brought his mother back to the sect so he could spent a few more days with her —one last act of filial piety before their parting.

...

While the Li Family was preparing to leave, Su Kang had been in seclusion for several days.

His cultivation speed was far faster than before.

With two years of future knowledge, he could compress months of training into mere days.

He estimated that he would fully grasp the Pill Formation realm within a month — saving nearly eight months of time.

As Su Kang opened his eyes, a sharp glint flickered within his dark pupils.

"It's time..."

The Qingyun Sect was bustling with activity.

Disciples, elders, and representatives from various forces had gathered to witness the younger generation set out for the Central Plains.

Li Fang stood at the center of attention, exchanging goodbyes with the sect elders.

Among the crowd, Su Kang stood silently.

When the formalities were over, Li Fang walked toward Su Kang with a grateful smile.

"Brother Su... I'll be leaving my family in your hands."

Su Kang nodded calmly. "Rest assured. The Li Family is under the Su Family's protection from now on."

Li Fang sighed with relief.

But before leaving, he suddenly thought of something.

"I brought my mother with me... Come, I'll introduce you."

Su Kang nodded despite his reluctance to meet her now.

He had wanted to delay meeting with his mother until the Li Family settled down. Meeting her now would raise difficulty for him to win her.

Su Kang followed Li Fang into the courtyard, his footsteps steady.

There, he saw a woman dressed in a white robe, who appeared to be around twenty-eight to thirty years old.

Her face was extraordinarily beautiful, with a mature charm that made her even more captivating.

Su Kang was taken aback—not by her beauty, but by the shock of meeting her here.

"Fate really works in strange ways." Su Kang thought inside his heart.

He forced himself to maintain his composure.

Li Fang introduced "Mother, this is my friend, Su Kang. He will take care of the family. I'll be leaving you in the care of the Su family."

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Young Master Su." Bai Yunxi greeted gracefully.

Bai Yunxi's eyes lingered on Su Kang for a moment.

A strange sense of familiarity surfaced in her mind, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't recall where she had seen him before.

Su Kang gave her gentle smile and bowed politely.

"The pleasure is mine, Madam. Li Fang is like a brother to me. His family is naturally my family as well."

He then turned to Li Fang, offering him a reassuring nod.

"Brother Li, do not worry. Everything will be handled. You can leave with peace of mind. The Li family will be well cared for."

Li Fang let out a sigh of relief, and Bai Yunxi's eyes softened with gratitude.

His wheatish complexion, calm demeanor, and deep black eyes gave off an aura far beyond his years.

After the brief introduction, Su Kang left the courtyard, allowing Li Fang to spend his final moments with his mother.

As the sun dipped lower on the horizon, the long-awaited departure finally began.

Amid the crowd gathered outside the Qingyun Sect, Li Fang and his party ascended into the sky on flying boats, their figures bathed in the crimson glow of dusk.

Waves of cheers and well wishes echoed through the sect, filling the air with a sense of pride and longing.

Su Kang stood silently among the onlookers, his gaze fixed on the fading silhouettes.

As the last traces of the flying boats vanished beyond the horizon, the crowd gradually dispersed.

The once lively atmosphere dissolved into a tranquil stillness, leaving behind only the faint fragrance of peach blossoms lingering in the evening breeze.

Su Kang's steps were slow as he walked along the stone pathways, heading toward the secluded courtyard where Bai Yunxi resided.

The fading sunlight painted the world in soft hues of gold and crimson, casting long shadows that stretched across the sect's ancient architecture.

His expression remained calm, but beneath the surface, a storm quietly churned.

Now that Li Fang was gone.

There was nothing stopping him from making the first move.