Super Soldier in the City

Chapter 2456 - 2520: A Fatal Illness

The cause of Su Li’s illness is very clear; it is the Sky Yin Absolute Vein. Su Li’s meridians are born different from ordinary people. Even if an ordinary person hasn’t practiced cultivation, they still have meridians, though extremely slender. However, Su Li’s meridians are completely severed, a state beyond complete disconnection.With one’s meridians severed, and coupled with a special constitution, the accumulation of Yin attributes leads to insufficient Qi and blood. It is thanks to having a grandfather who is an unparalleled expert that Su Li has been able to move around like a normal person over the years. Otherwise, she would likely be bedridden, or even in a vegetative state.

The room was filled with many people. Besides Li Yifei, there were Murong Yuanqing, Yao Lingfu, Elder Su, and over a dozen other elders; everyone had gathered here because of the situation with Su Li. Upon hearing the news, Elder Su immediately rushed over.

Originally, Elder Su and Murong Yuanqing, who might never have seen each other again in this lifetime, met under such circumstances. Li Yifei knew about those past events and also knew that if it weren’t for Su Li, Elder Su would absolutely not have come to meet Murong Yuanqing. Elder Su was a bit older between the two.

Of course, at this moment, in the room, Elder Su and Murong Yuanqing ignored each other, as if completely oblivious to each other’s existence, treating each other as air. The others in the room were somewhat shocked to see Elder Su, not expecting that one of the Five Greatest Experts of China, once renowned and formidable, had aged to such an extent.

Li Yifei also sighed inwardly, noting that the elder’s health was indeed not good, and even with cultivation at such a level, it was hard to escape the limitations of life.

Elder Su, however, didn’t care about these matters. Upon arrival, without first attending to his granddaughter, he listened to Li Yifei’s account and then said to the others, "Ladies and gentlemen, this old man asks just one thing of you today: please help my granddaughter. I truly have no other way."

The crowd was in shock; for so many years Elder Su had lived in seclusion in the north, and news about him was rare. Back in the day, he was a great hero. After decades apart, meeting now, Elder Su opening his mouth for his granddaughter’s sake made everyone feel uncomfortable inside.

Yao Lingfu stepped forward and said, "Big Brother Su, rest assured, we will definitely find a way!"

"Yes, we... even if we can’t immediately think of a method, rest assured we will come up with one, Elder Su," an elderly man with a white beard said somewhat excitedly. His form of address suggested he was closely connected with Elder Su in past years; though they had each gone into seclusion afterward and lost contact, seeing his old friend today brought great sadness to his heart.

Murong Yuanqing curled his lip, his beard trembling, but said nothing; yet Li Yifei noticed a flash of melancholy in Murong Yuanqing’s eyes. He had aged, Elder Su had aged, everyone had aged, and at this age, they were still striving toward old aspirations.

Setting aside past grievances between the two, there was no ideological conflict, and had it not been for the matter of that female hero, their lives over these decades might have been vastly different. However, the past could not be changed, leaving only a faint sorrow now.

Elder Su, however, was unconcerned about these things; he only wanted his granddaughter to be safe now. After everyone had pretty much finished their discussions, he cupped his hands towards them, saying, "Ladies and gentlemen, this old man has only this one request; please give it some consideration."

Making Elder Su request help was indeed no easy feat; Li Yifei felt a pang in his heart and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, if there is any way, no matter how difficult, just instruct me, and I will complete it."

"It’s not a matter of difficulty, but... The Sky Yin Absolute Vein is a death sentence unless one can reach the Indescribable Realm and reverse fate. As for other methods... none occur to us for now. Of course, it’s not to say there’s no way, Elder Su, if you give me some time, I’ll return to consult ancient texts; surely in the tomes left by ancestral masters, a method shall be found." The one speaking was an elderly Taoist priest; after speaking, he prepared to leave.

"Qingfeng, stay," said an old man, who, usually reticent and clad in a black robe, stepped forward to halt him. "Consulting ancient texts is too time-consuming. We all have our own circle of friends; why don’t we first make a few calls and ask around? Su Li’s case is urgent, and we can’t afford to waste too much time."

"Indeed, let us first seek help; with thousands of years of cultivation texts passed down in Huaxia, this cannot be the only case, and surely the Ancient Powers have solutions," another person added in agreement.

The group then dispersed; some began making phone calls, others started reaching out for references. Murong Yuanqing was the last to leave the room. Before departing, he turned to take one more glance at Elder Su, who sat with eyes closed, hands resting on his cane, his back straight, his expression bearing a tinge of sadness.

Confronting the unknown, even these expert elders found themselves helpless. Li Yifei stayed behind till the end and said to Elder Su, "I will do everything I can. Any possibility, no matter how slight, I will pursue."

"I know your heart, but you also have your own tasks to do, no need to..."

"According to family hierarchy, I should call you great-grandfather; in martial arts hierarchy, you are a venerable elder. Setting these aside, Ali and I are friends, and no matter how difficult it is, I must save her," Li Yifei said, his tone resolute.

"I was not mistaken about you. Leaving the future in your hands is certainly right." Elder Su looked deeply at Li Yifei and gently patted his hand. Elder Su stood up, straightened his back, and said, "I appreciate the sentiment. I’ll go see Ali now."

Li Yifei escorted Elder Su to Ali’s place, where Su Mengxin and a few other women were watching over her, with Jiang Ningxiang also present, tending to Su Li to prevent her condition from suddenly worsening. However, Jiang Ningxiang’s True Qi is of Yin nature, so the effect is not very strong.

Of course, she didn’t need to be there all the time. In the past two days, Li Yifei essentially lived at Su Li’s, tending to her from top to bottom, inside and out; aside from issues like helping Su Li with trips to the restroom, all other matters were basically handled by Li Yifei himself. Only he could be trusted with these tasks, given how dire Su Li’s condition was.

Seeing her grandfather, Su Lio was very surprised. She propped herself up, trying to sit up, but Elder Su quickly walked over and held her hand, saying, "Just lie down, no need to be formal with Grandpa."

Su Lio felt a warmth in her eyes. Although the Li family had been taking care of her and worrying about her during the past few days of illness, she still missed her grandfather. She thought Li Yifei hadn’t informed Elder Su, but now seeing her grandfather, her emotions instantly surged.

Elder Su held Su Lio’s hand while she struggled to throw herself into his arms, whimpering, "Grandpa, I... I missed you."

"Good girl, Grandpa is here, Grandpa is here." Elder Su couldn’t help but feel emotional too, his eyes becoming moist. Li Yifei signaled for everyone else to leave, giving the grandfather and granddaughter some space.

More than half an hour later, Li Yifei was called back in. Su Lio looked a bit better, and Li Yifei knew that the old man might have used some secret method to treat her. Seeing Li Yifei walk in, Su Lio winked at him.

"Hungry?" Li Yifei asked.

"Not hungry, I haven’t felt hungry these days!" Su Lio pouted.

"Even Great-Grandpa needs to eat." Li Yifei said.

"Great-Grandpa? Uh... right, I’m a generation older than you, why don’t you call me Aunt?"

There it is, Li Yifei couldn’t help but roll his eyes at her words.

Seeing his granddaughter looking a bit more spirited and bickering with Li Yifei, Elder Su felt a little relieved, but only a little. He had just personally checked Su Lio’s condition, which had never been this severe over the years. The situation was already dire, and even though he used a secret method to treat her, the effect was still not good enough.

When Li Yifei didn’t reply to her, Su Lio felt slightly disappointed and after a few seconds said, "Grandpa, I can skip eating, but you have to eat. It’s best if you eat my portion too."

"Hehe, Grandpa isn’t hungry yet. However, I do have to go out to handle some matters. I’ll come back to see you after I’m done!"

"Alright, then go ahead, Grandpa. There’s nothing to worry about here. I feel so good now that I could run a few hundred meters if you all didn’t stop me." As Su Lio spoke, she made a flexing motion, as if showing off her biceps.

Li Yifei escorted Elder Su to the door and arranged for someone to guide him back to the elders. Going with him was no use, since unless he reached the Indescribable Realm, Li Yifei had no other way. It would be better for him to stay and take care of Su Lio. When the elders come up with a solution, he would just have to execute it.

The room was crowded with many people, and recently, besides necessary work trips, the women had been staying at home. Anything that could be delayed was postponed, given the Li family’s current special circumstance. Thus, many people came to visit Su Lio in her room.

"You all don’t have to do this, I’m alright. This time might be a bit more serious, but... I should be fine. Xiaoyao, please persuade the sisters to go back. I’m really okay. Knowing that you’re all here makes me feel uneasy instead." Su Lio said.

Chu Xiaoyao instinctively glanced at Li Yifei, who nodded. Chu Xiaoyao then said, "Alright, Ali, get some rest. I’ll come to see you again tonight!"

The other women also said a few words before leaving. In fact, the more Su Lio acted like this, the more it pained them, but they couldn’t show it. Only after leaving the room did they dare to wipe their tears.

Li Yifei didn’t leave; he ate and slept here. Once everyone had left, Li Yifei closed the door, returning to find Su Lio pouting. Ever since she fell ill this time, she seemed much more adorable, often making these coquettish gestures.

"What’s up?" Li Yifei asked with a smile.

Su Lio smiled charmingly, squinting her eyes, and said, "I’m just very happy. Even though I’m sick, Grandpa came to see me, and you all are with me. I’m not scared at all now."

"I’ll still keep you company every day when you’re well." Li Yifei said casually.

Su Lio widened her eyes and said, "Really? When I’m better, will you and the sisters still keep me company?" Before waiting for Li Yifei to answer, she shook her head and said, "You have so much to do, I don’t want to hold you back. When I’m better, I have a ton of things to do myself!"