Zhao Shuning was still laboriously repairing the spiritual power transmission array. If she had known what was going on outside, she probably wouldn't have been so calm.
Because something had happened to the Zhao family.
The news of Zhao Shuning's death had always been tightly concealed by Kong Shishuang. She didn't let anyone leak a single word.
She thought that after she graduated and was able to leave the Misty Rain Tower, she would go to the Zhao family in person to tell them this news. The later they knew, the less the hurt would be.
However, try as she might to prevent it, Kong Shishuang still failed to guard against that villain Li Can.
This day was Old Zhao's fiftieth birthday banquet.
Because of Zhao Shuning, those neighboring small towns were especially enthusiastic towards the Zhao family.
The people of the Zhao family also regarded Zhao Shuning as the future of their family. Indeed, in the past year or so, the thing the Zhao family had discussed the most was Zhao Shuning.
Zhao Huai was now twelve years old.
The twelve - year - old boy had grown up to be fair - skinned and handsome. Although he still looked a bit delicate, he could clearly feel the amazing power surging in his blood.
However, Zhao Huai didn't tell anyone about this. He liked it when everyone in the Zhao family focused their attention on his younger sister. When he heard others talking about his sister, he was happy.
This time, for Old Zhao's birthday, there were countless guests.
But among these people, there were also some strange faces. At first, Zhao Huai thought these strange faces were just people from neighboring small towns he hadn't met before. But later, he found out that their backgrounds were very unusual.
At that moment, Old Zhao picked up his wine cup and said to the people below the stage, "I feel extremely honored today that all of you have taken the time out of your busy schedules to attend my birthday banquet. However, I'm not that old. It was these descendants who insisted on organizing this for me. Thank you all for showing your support."
Everyone raised their cups and toasted to Old Zhao, wishing him a long life like the southern border.
Afterwards, putting down the cup, Old Zhao sighed and said, "If my little granddaughter were here at this moment, it would surely be even more lively. She's the kind of person who can always liven up the atmosphere."
That little granddaughter he was referring to was Zhao Shuning.
"Old Zhao, you're really blessed. Among the younger generation of the Zhao family, it's Brother Zheng's child who is the most promising. Let me see, Miss Zhao should be six years old by now. I wonder what rank she is at present?"
"Brother, that's a rather abrupt question. Currently, the young lady of the Zhao family is taking a trial in the Misty Rain Tower. You know, those who can enter the Misty Rain Tower are no ordinary people. We think that no matter what, when Miss Zhao returns after the three - year period, she will surely have made great progress. By then, we'll have to go to the Zhao family to pay our respects."
"That's right, that's right. A year ago, we were fortunate enough to witness Miss Shuning's spiritual power test. I still remember that event vividly."
"The Zhao family has produced such a talented person. If properly cultivated, Miss Shuning might even become an inner - sect disciple of the Wang family."
For the villagers in these border towns, becoming an inner - sect disciple of any of the four great families was already the highest honor.
"By the way, Old Zhao, has Miss Shuning corresponded with you in the past year?"
"Of course. My granddaughter said that she's doing well and told us not to worry."
A faint smile appeared on Zhao Huai's lips.
He hadn't seen little Ning'er for over a year, and he really missed her. He wondered if that little girl missed him, her elder brother.
In the midst of everyone's discussion, suddenly an extremely discordant voice rang out.
"Is the young lady of the Zhao family you all are talking about Zhao Shuning?"
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone looked at the person who had spoken. Even Zhao Huai put away his smile and looked in the direction where the voice had come from.
Seeing everyone looking at him, the man burst out laughing, clasped his fists and said, "I'm from the Li family. In Yanqing City, I'm somewhat well - known. You should have heard of me."
"The Li family in Yanqing City? Are you Lord Li Yan?"
The man nodded, acknowledging it.
Hearing this, Old Zhao quickly stood up. The Li family in Yanqing City was an important family that controlled the trade of many small towns.
"So it's Lord Li. I've been neglectful. I wonder what wind has blown you to our small town of Qinghui?"
"Easy to say. My useless son is Li Can. He and your Zhao Shuning are fellow disciples. Li Can is one grade higher than Zhao Shuning."
"Your noble son is so intelligent. He must be a rising star."
"May I ask, Lord, did you come to Qinghui Town specifically for my birthday banquet or do you have other important matters?"
The man smiled and said, "I came here to console your Zhao family. But now it seems that you're all living happily and comfortably, so I'm relieved."
Console?
What did this mean?
"Lord, forgive my ignorance. I don't understand your meaning."
There was still a respectful smile on Old Zhao's face. The Li family in Yanqing City was a family that could control the life and death of the Zhao family. They couldn't afford to offend them.
"Old Zhao, the person has passed away. Please accept my condolences."
After Li Yan finished speaking, he turned around and was about to sit down and continue drinking and having tea.
But his words were like a stone thrown into a calm lake, instantly causing a stir.
"Lord, what do you mean by these words?"
"It doesn't mean anything. Let's not mention these sad past events on this happy day. Everyone, enjoy your meal and drinks. Old Zhao, don't let my words remind you of those sad memories. We are people, cultivators. We should look forward, right?"
When Zhao Huai saw this middle - aged man named Li Yan for the first time, the word "despicable" popped up in his mind.
Seeing him evade the question like this, throw out a bait and then deliberately act as if he didn't know anything, Zhao Huai only felt that this Li Yan was extremely hypocritical. He was about the same age as Zhao Zheng, but they gave completely different impressions.
Zhao Huai closed his eyes. When he opened them again, he had already detected the other person's strength.
Li Yan was on the verge of breaking through to a fourth - stage spiritual pharmacist. His strength was indeed remarkable.
Although Li Yan and Old Zhao were both third - stage spiritual pharmacists, Old Zhao's foundation was much weaker than Li Yan's. Li Yan was about to break through to the fourth stage, while Old Zhao had been stuck at the bottleneck of the third stage and hadn't found a way to break through.
"Lord, please don't keep us in suspense. Please tell us the truth."
The man looked surprised.
Slowly, he said, "Don't you of the Zhao family know that that little girl Zhao Shuning is already dead?"