## Section 37: Direct Refusal, Father and Son United
**Author:** Gu Zhenren
**Date:** 2013-02-09
Just as the Ning family’s envoy was inwardly rejoicing, Chu Yun suddenly let out a cold laugh and spoke.
“The Alchemist misspoke,” he said. His sharp, clear eyes, a stark contrast of black and white, swept over the white-browed Alchemist next to him. A hint of a proud smile played on his lips.
“A true man should roam the world and forge an unparalleled legacy! He should live as a hero among men and die as a legend. Yet, the embrace of love can be a hero’s tomb. How can we jeopardize a great cause for fleeting affection? In my heart, establishing a career comes before starting a family. With my grand undertaking yet unfinished, how can I possibly settle down?”
His words were grand and imposing, delivered with a commanding presence. Had Chu Yun spoken them before, most listeners would have scoffed.
However, now, with the momentum of his victory against the remnant wolf, Chu Yun spoke with raised brows and an uplifted voice, his tone resonating with an aura of invincibility, like an eagle soaring through the sky.
Everyone present was moved.
“His boldness is astounding! Truly, like father, like son. How very much like the Fierce Tiger of Many Stars of old!” the white-browed Alchemist thought, his heart trembling with emotion.
“Young Island Master Chu, please reconsider…” the Ning family envoy stammered, stunned into silence. He had never expected Chu Yun to reject such a favorable offer outright.
This marriage proposal was akin to a beautiful woman being delivered to his doorstep. To think Chu Yun would refuse! Was he a young hero, or a fool?
For a moment, the Ning family envoy stared blankly at Chu Yun.
Chu Yun let out a cold snort, his eyes narrowing, a fierce glint flickering within them. The Ning family envoy felt a sharp pain in his eyes and, his heart trembling, wisely turned to Shu Tianhao. “Matters of marriage are decided by parents and arranged by matchmakers. Island Master Shu, you…”
Shu Tianhao glanced at Chu Yun and smiled. “I don’t wish to make this decision for my son. Perhaps the proposal came too suddenly, and he’s not yet accustomed to it. Why don’t you rest here for a few days, envoy? During this time, let Chu Yun consider it carefully, what do you say?”
“I implore Island Master Shu to persuade him. A closer bond between the Ning and Shu families would benefit both sides. I shall await good news.” The envoy sighed and withdrew.
“Father, do you truly want me to marry Ning Yiyi?” Later that evening, in the study, only Chu Yun and Shu Tianhao remained. Chu Yun frowned and asked the question first.
“Don’t rush. Sit down and speak. First, tell me, were your words this afternoon sincere, or were they spoken out of obligation?” Shu Tianhao waved his hand, gesturing for Chu Yun to sit.
Chu Yun sat and replied, “They were sincere, but I also had concerns. I worry about the Ning family’s influence on Shu Island. Sooner or later, they will become too powerful, like a magpie nesting in a cuckoo’s egg.”
Shu Tianhao’s brow immediately unfurrowed, and he burst into laughter. “Chu Yun, you rascal, you never cease to surprise me! Very good, very good. That you recognize this point is truly remarkable.”
His laughter subsided, and Shu Tianhao’s expression turned solemn as he fixed his gaze on Chu Yun. “Over the years, how many shops has the Ning family opened on our Shu Island, and how much profit have they siphoned away? Through these shops, how many factions have they secretly cultivated, and how much influence have they established? I’ll be frank, your adoptive father is aware of all of this.”
“F-Father…” This time, Chu Yun was the one who was surprised.
“The Ning family patriarch is an old fox. He doesn’t expand through warfare. Instead, he arranges marriages and subtly erodes other powers. The Ning family island is now incredibly wealthy, a testament to their methods. He has his sights set on our Shu Island, and I have mine set on him.”
“So, Father has been using the Ning family’s influence.” Chu Yun stared at Shu Tianhao blankly, seeing a new side to him.
“Precisely. Shu Island is remote, with harsh conditions. The islanders are hardy, and our economy is quite weak. If not for the Ning family’s help in development over these years, and the use of their merchant ships to establish trade, where would our tax revenue come from to support the Shu Family Army’s maintenance and expenses?” Shu Tianhao spoke slowly, his eyes gleaming with wisdom.
Everyone knew the Fierce Tiger of Many Stars was known for his dominance and bravery, but who could fathom the intelligence of this fierce tiger?
“So, Father, you’re playing the fool to be wise. I don’t even know what to say.” Chu Yun spread his hands and said with a wry smile. He had prepared a lengthy speech about the Ning family’s threat, but it was completely unnecessary now.
“Alright, alright, you’re flattering your old man now too.” Shu Tianhao said with a laugh.
Chu Yun quickly shook his head and said earnestly, “You’re mistaken. Father, you are the Fierce Tiger of Many Stars. What I’m offering isn’t flattery, but tiger admiration!”
“Hahaha, you rascal!”
“Heeheehee.”
Father and son looked at each other and smiled, the atmosphere harmonious, with no trace of estrangement.
After a hearty laugh, Shu Tianhao waved his hand slightly, his expression turning serious. “Alright. Your refusal of the Ning family’s proposal has both advantages and disadvantages. Your father is also deliberating. This matter depends on your decision. If you agree, you’ll have a beautiful wife and can leverage the Ning family’s commercial strength. If you refuse, the future of Shu Island will rest solely on your shoulders. If you wish to open up markets and establish trade routes in the future, you may face suppression from the Ning family’s influence.”
“You must consider carefully. The future of Shu Island will be yours. I am old and will watch over it for a few more years before retiring to enjoy my twilight years, feasting and drinking with Old Red Spear and his ilk. And then, you’ll give me a grandchild or two early on for this old man to hold.”
His words were filled with deep affection, deeply moving Chu Yun.
He quickly said, “Father, what are you saying? You are not old at all. The Fierce Tiger of Many Stars should soar through Heaven and Earth. Unrivaled achievements await you.”
Shu Tianhao flicked his finger, tapping Chu Yun’s forehead. “You rascal, trying to beguile your old man too? What unrivaled achievements? Those are for hot-blooded young men to pursue. I am truly old now. Seeing you marry and establish your career brings me more joy than anything else.”
Chu Yun felt a surge of emotion in his chest, sighing inwardly. He knew that despite being saved by him, Shu Tianhao’s fighting spirit had waned after this ordeal. Coupled with the change in ownership of the Drunken Snow Saber and Chu Yun’s remarkable performance, Shu Tianhao was satisfied that Shu Island had a successor and had let go of his ambitions.
“This won’t do. I saved my adoptive father’s life, and I must also save the Fierce Tiger of Many Stars! Furthermore, I have no real interest in the position of Island Master. My plan for rebirth is to rectify regrets and then pursue the peak of the Monster Tamer realm with all my might. It seems directly persuading him is useless. I’ll have to agree for now and plan gradually later! In any case, I must reawaken my father’s ambition!”
After a moment of contemplation, Chu Yun smiled and said to Shu Tianhao, “Since that’s the case, Father, you can enjoy your retirement peacefully. Watch me conquer the world.”
Shu Tianhao laughed heartily again. “That’s my good boy!”
“However,” Chu Yun’s tone shifted, “while I am studying at Tiange Academy for these three years, Father, you must look after Shu Island for me and leave me a solid foundation.”
“Don’t worry, I won’t shirk my duty.” Shu Tianhao patted his chest.
A knowing smile spread across Chu Yun’s lips. “With Father’s word, I can rest assured.”
Shu Tianhao detected a hint of something in his words and stroked his chin, scrutinizing Chu Yun. “What’s this tone? You’re not plotting against your own father, are you?”
“How could that be? However, there is an opportunity before us. If we seize it, our Shu Island will become the leading force in the salt production industry across the entire Archipelago. Father, are you in?” As he spoke, Chu Yun presented his plan.
“The epidemic affecting the Jade Seaweed, you estimate it will spread throughout the Archipelago? And cause market fluctuations?”
“What? You’ve already developed a formula to treat this epidemic? How did you do it?”
“What! A blind cat stumbled upon a dead mouse?! You just happened to create it randomly?”
As he listened, Shu Tianhao’s eyes widened further.
“I knew your smile was too cunning! So that’s what you were thinking. Father believes you, but if it’s as you estimate, profiting solely from Shu Island might invite disaster, with more losses than gains. We’d need allies, but there are no reliable allies in the entire Archipelago…” Shu Tianhao sighed.
“Speaking of reliable allies, I have an excellent proposal.”
“Oh? What is it?”
Shu Tianhao looked at him in amazement. The study was brightly lit, but Shu Tianhao felt that no amount of brilliance could match the sparkle in Chu Yun’s eyes.
His gaze, dark and bright, radiated ambition and soaring confidence.
Looking at Shu Tianhao, Chu Yun took a deep breath and then spoke each word deliberately: “Tiange Academy!”
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