High Martial Arts: Invincible Starts from Basic Archery Chapter 802 - 622: We Arrived at Just the Right Time
Previously on High Martial Arts: Invincible Starts from Basic Archery...
"So, Su Chan has invited you to the Su Family tomorrow to talk about Chen Fan's situation?"
The question came from the middle-aged man displayed on the screen before him.
"Correct."
Gazing at the figure on the display, the Thunder Emperor recognized this unremarkable-looking fellow as the War Emperor, among the trio of S-Class Awakened.
His demeanor matched his looks—subdued and understated.
Yet, when combat erupted, the ferocity of his battle intent surpassed even what the Thunder Emperor could muster.
After a brief pause, the War Emperor inquired, "Any risks involved?"
Doubt felt uncomfortable against a trusted ally.
Still, learning that those two had been raised by the Su Family stirred some unease in him.
After all, with stakes this high, how could Su Chan remain unaware?
That notion refused to sit right with him.
And at present...
"Probably not."
A grin crossed the Thunder Emperor's face as he added, "I might doubt the Su Family, but Su Chan? No way I'd question her."
Silence lingered from the War Emperor.
Slowly, the Thunder Emperor's smile dimmed.
"Should trouble arise, stay on high alert. Also, reach out to Chen Fan. Can't explain it, but something tells me he could resolve everything."
"Get him involved... "
The War Emperor wavered briefly before suggesting, "Why not let me join you? If danger strikes, we'd have each other's backs."
"I gave my word, so I'll handle it solo. Plus, don't you believe in her?"
The Thunder Emperor posed the counter.
Words escaped the War Emperor.
"Relax, it'll be fine."
The Thunder Emperor assured with a chuckle.
"Let's hope you're right."
The War Emperor narrowed his gaze.
Idleness wasn't in his plans.
Should his companion face peril, he'd stake everything to force a steep toll on the Su Family.
...
The following day.
Led by Su Chan, the Thunder Emperor stepped into the Su Family's hidden domain.
"Brother Lei, the family head awaits in the garden—please come with me." A soft smile played on Su Chan's lips.
"Very well."
The Thunder Emperor returned the smile.
As soon as he crossed into the domain, awareness of its contents washed over him.
True enough, only a handful of Su Family heads occupied the space.
No additional souls lurked.
Within the garden, an elder with silver hair rested by a table. Spotting the Thunder Emperor, he waved him over. "Xiao Lei, take a seat."
"My respects, elder."
The Thunder Emperor offered a bow.
This wasn't their initial encounter, of course.
"No need for such formality with me."
Shaking his head, the Su Family's patriarch lifted the teapot and poured steaming liquid into the three cups arrayed on the surface.
"Sit down; let's drop the stiffness."
He indicated the pair of stools facing him.
"Then I'll take you up on that."
Settling onto a stool, the Thunder Emperor complied.
"Long journey must have worn you out? Tea first, then we talk business."
"Elder, your hospitality overwhelms me."
Without sparing a look at his cup, the Thunder Emperor smiled and stated, "Business takes priority over tea for me right now; also, thirst isn't an issue, though I appreciate the gesture."
"Suspecting the tea's been tampered with?"
The Su Family's patriarch queried, his smile not touching his eyes.
"Same old you, elder—always with the teasing," the Thunder Emperor responded steadily.
Detection of any additive in his tea eluded him.
The world held endless wonders, after all. Even the Divine Cultivation Realm harbored secret realm toxins capable of assaulting the divine soul.
Caution demanded abstinence, plain and simple.
"Brother Lei, here's to you."
Abruptly, Su Chan lifted her cup and declared.
Startled, the Thunder Emperor soon curved his mouth into a grin.
"Xiaochan, you're really proposing a toast?"
Su Chan's pulse quickened.
Memories from bygone days surged through her mind.
But a loosed arrow never returned—regret arrived too late.
"Brother Lei, what's that supposed to mean? If trust is lacking, skip the drink."
Finishing her tea in a single gulp, she set the empty vessel down, her expression serene and unchanged.
"When Xiaochan offers a toast, how could I, as your big brother, refuse to honor it?" With booming laughter, the Thunder Emperor drained his cup.
The instant the liquid hit his throat, his features twisted.
Agony bloomed as if myriad needles stabbed his very soul—a torment of rare precision.
"This tea..."
"Indeed, it carries poison."
Smirking, the Su Family's patriarch explained, "The Seven-Leaf Poison Flower targets Divine Cultivation Realm Martial Artists uniquely. Once ingested, power drains away sharply. Lacking the antidote within three days, your soul disperses entirely."
Chuckling softly, the Thunder Emperor muttered, "Straightforward and to the point, just as expected."
"Hahaha, never thought it'd unfold this effortlessly. Naive or just plain silly—which fits you better?"
Elation filled the Su Family's patriarch.
Idly, he flung his cup to the floor.
"Crash!"
With the breaking echo, four silhouettes materialized in the garden.
These were the Divine Cultivation Realm heads from four clans—or three, technically, as one was a shape-shifting demon beast at that level.
Now, the trio regarded the Thunder Emperor with sneers of derision.
"Who'd have guessed this fool falls for sentiment so easily." The Xu Family patriarch scoffed.
"Knowing he'd crumble like this, we could've handled him ages ago."
Unfazed by their taunts, the Thunder Emperor turned a steady gaze on Su Chan and questioned, "Why?"
Fleeting astonishment crossed Su Chan's features.
She'd anticipated rage from the Thunder Emperor upon the poison's effect—demanding why she'd betrayed him with the tainted brew.