Chapter Seventy-Two: The Prospective Grandson-in-Law

In the midst of a lively conversation with Bian Jizhong, Mo Sitong beckoned to Liu Junhuai. Bian Jizhong curled his lips and teased, “Mother-in-law is calling for you, brother. Go pay your respects—and send your elder brother’s blessings as well!”

Liu Junhuai, half amused and half helpless, walked over to Mo Sitong and her mother.

“Junhuai greets the elder,” he said, bowing respectfully.

Palace Master Fang replied, “No need for formalities, Junhuai. Sitong has told me some things about you two. This matter would normally be difficult—after all, affairs within a major sect are always complicated. But you’ve achieved great merit this time, so I finally have some grounds to speak up for you both. Treat Sitong well—she’s the treasure of her grandparents. Don’t let our family’s Sitong suffer.”

Liu Junhuai hurriedly responded, “I won’t, I promise. I will cherish Sitong and protect her with my life. Elder, you can rest assured.”

Palace Master Fang nodded, “That’s good. I’ll do my best to persuade the elders. As for the Wuling Sect matter, you needn’t worry. Tomorrow, our Dustless Palace will send a formal notice to Wuling Sect, summoning them to explain themselves.”

“Thank you, elder,” Liu Junhuai replied, unfazed. If worse came to worst, another battle would be nothing new.

Mo Sitong, her cheeks flushed, scolded, “Still calling her elder? You should say ‘aunt’!”

Liu Junhuai secretly smiled and quickly said aloud, “Yes, Aunt! By the way, Aunt, you should investigate Nong Sanxiao further—there are surely others behind him. I apologize; I shouldn’t have interfered in Dustless Palace’s internal affairs.”

Palace Master Fang laughed, “Why say such things among family? Without you, the plot wouldn’t have been uncovered so soon. And you saved Sitong’s life in the manor. I should be thanking you.”

Mo Sitong smiled, “You two needn’t be so formal. It feels strange listening to you.”

Palace Master Fang waved her hand, “Enough, don’t linger with this old woman. Go find that Bian family lad.”

Liu Junhuai and Mo Sitong returned to Bian Jizhong’s side. Mo Sitong said, “Junhuai, I must thank you. Mother was already monitoring possible changes in the palace. Your arrival just brought things forward a bit. As for those behind Nong Sanxiao, they likely won’t pursue things further. Mother just taught me the art of compromise—but I don’t quite understand it yet.”

Liu Junhuai exchanged a look with Bian Jizhong. They understood that the mastermind would surely make a series of concessions, and Mo Sitong’s mother would further solidify her influence within the palace. It had little to do with them, so long as Sitong’s safety was assured.

They voiced no opinion, for this was Dustless Palace’s own affair.

Within the great sects, every faction was deeply rooted. Balancing their powers was the key to the sect’s continued prosperity. A united group was often only possible in its founding days; as it grew, conflicts arose between nepotism and personal networks, and rival factions inevitably clashed.

No matter how talented a leader, no one could guarantee lasting dominance. Only by maintaining a balance could the group thrive.

Mo Sitong’s mother was doing exactly this. Sometimes, outsiders see the subtleties more clearly. So Liu Junhuai did not explain it to Sitong—when she finally understood her mother’s intentions, her state of mind would soar.

“It’s getting late. We should hurry to the inner courtyard and meet your grandparents,” Liu Junhuai reminded her.

Passing through countless corridors and courtyards, they finally arrived at Mo Sitong’s grandfather’s residence.

The route was intentionally complex—Mo Sitong wanted Liu Junhuai and Bian Jizhong, visiting for the first time, to get a proper tour. It was a matter of courtesy.

Mo Sitong didn’t need to announce herself. Led by a junior disciple, the three soon met her grandparents.

Mo Sitong’s grandfather was tall, with naturally curly, yellowish hair, and a fair, square face in which wise eyes shone. His nose was prominent, with unusually large nostrils. Were it not for the intimidating aura his nascent soul cultivation exuded with every movement, he could easily be mistaken for a sharp-minded reformer.

Her grandmother, on the other hand, resembled a radiant neighborly young wife. Her clean face was like a white cloud, sunlight streaming from within, sparkling and brimming with youthful energy. Though she was at the late stage of the golden core, it did nothing to diminish her nurturing, domestic nature.

Mo Sitong’s grandfather, Fang Keyin, was the previous palace master, cultivated to the late nascent soul stage. He doted on Sitong since childhood, but not indulgently—he always advocated her free development. Yet he avoided interfering in her marriage, no longer being palace master, and mindful of her mother’s authority.

Fang Keyin welcomed Liu Junhuai and Bian Jizhong warmly, seating them, and quietly marveled at Junhuai’s youth.

He had already been briefed on the events outside the front hall. Seeing Liu Junhuai in person, he realized that the ruthless, decisive man was so much younger than expected—not someone to be underestimated.

He felt a fondness for talent and would not oppose Junhuai and Sitong’s relationship. He exchanged glances with his wife, who nodded subtly.

“Junhuai, Sitong has benefited greatly from your care lately. Her cultivation has advanced, and I believe you’ve played no small part. Do visit me often—I dearly love my granddaughter. Don’t neglect her!” Fang Keyin said.

“You are absolutely right, elder. Sitong has helped me greatly, and she’s especially gifted in alchemy. She’s now a third-level alchemist,” Liu Junhuai revealed, hoping her doting elders would know that being with him was not impeding her cultivation.

Fang Keyin was delighted. “Sitong, really? That’s wonderful! There are so few alchemists in Dustless Palace—the best is only fourth-level. You’ve reached third-level after just a few days with Junhuai. It’s a pity I didn’t discover your talent sooner—so many years wasted.”

Liu Junhuai replied, “Elder, it’s not quite as you say. Had Sitong started alchemy earlier, her cultivation might not have advanced so quickly.”

Fang Keyin considered this and realized he was being sentimental. Gain and loss are intertwined everywhere.

Mo Sitong’s grandmother, Liu Qingman, added, “No matter what, it was thanks to Junhuai that Sitong began alchemy. You deserve credit—and you’re her savior. I’m at ease knowing you’re together.”

Mo Sitong said, “When Junhuai taught me, he was only a second-level alchemist. Now I’m third-level—I’ll soon be teaching him.”

Bian Jizhong stifled laughter nearby.

Fang Keyin turned to Bian Jizhong, “I got carried away and neglected our guest. My apologies! I’ve known Jizhong’s grandfather for many years. How is he?”

Bian Jizhong quickly stood and replied, “Thanks to your blessings, grandfather is the same as ever—just doesn’t like to go out. When I return, I’ll try to bring him out for a stroll. I’ll certainly visit you both someday!”

Liu Qingman looked at Fang Keyin and smiled, “See how well these children speak? Unlike our younger relatives, always acting as though the world revolves around them. That’s proper upbringing!”

Mo Sitong giggled, “So grandma is blaming grandpa for lax discipline? He taught me, though—I’m much more sensible.”

Perhaps thinking of Fang Wenyu’s family, her grandmother’s face grew a little wistful, and she sighed.

Fang Keyin comforted her, “Every family has its black sheep and heroes. Even fingers on a hand are not the same length, my dear. You’re being a little stubborn.”

Mo Sitong also understood her grandmother’s change of mood, recalling Fang Wenyu with fresh resentment.

Fortunately, Bian Jizhong deftly shifted their attention. “Sitong, you’ll be responsible for big brother’s elixirs from now on, so I don’t have to beg Junhuai and watch his mood.”

Fang Keyin’s interest was piqued at the mention of Sitong’s alchemy, “Yes, yes! With her improved skills, Sitong must contribute more to Dustless Palace. High-level alchemists are rare in the cultivation world—a sect with one is truly blessed!”

Her grandmother chimed in, “I never imagined our little princess would make pills. She’s grown up, and I’m truly happy these days.”

Mo Sitong pouted, “Grandpa, you can just ask Junhuai for elixirs. He’s a wealthy man. I won’t say too much, but for your future advancement, he’ll supply you both.”

Fang Keyin’s eyes brightened—not for the convenience, but because his future grandson-in-law was indeed extraordinary. At such a young age, his cultivation was already so high, and his foundation profound.

Bian Jizhong grew excited. His facial antics had been mocked by Shen Duoduo’s little sisters for days—now the moment of witnessing a miracle was at hand.

Liu Junhuai noticed Bian Jizhong’s high spirits and shot him a stern look.

“Yes, elder, I have plenty of good things. As Sitong said, from now on, I’ll supply your elixirs.” With that, he waved his hand, and dozens of jade bottles and boxes appeared on the table.

Fang Keyin had expected Liu Junhuai to have a dozen rare pills, but hadn’t imagined he would produce so many at once.

The elder could not wait; he stood and opened a bottle at random—an exclamation of surprise burst forth.