It’s hard to put Jiang Qiao’s feelings into words at this moment.
He’s been observing the divine messenger for a while now. In fandom terms, it’s like how he initially saw Su Weisheng as a fellow devotee of Star Lord, a kindred spirit. Then he found out that Su Weisheng was actually a tier above him—a “fan leader” (a divine messenger). That realization brought a mix of jealousy and frustration, as he couldn’t surpass him. Yet, to complete the task assigned by Star Lord, he had to feign calmness and cooperate.
As time passed, Jiang Qiao, ever ambitious, started analyzing how fan leaders earned favor. This led him to notice peculiarities in Su Weisheng’s behavior—his intense obsession with collecting wealth, his mysterious identity on Earth with no traceable origins, and his uncanny familiarity with the rules of the underworld.
In his quest to understand his rival, he even spent money to subscribe to Su Weisheng’s livestream platform and binge-watch an entire season!
Then came last night, when the underworld app was mentioned, Jiang Qiao had a strange, lingering premonition.
He compared the subscription-based underworld website to the membership feature the program team had suddenly introduced. He recalled his father mentioning the “High Priest”, the wish list entries asking for the High Priest’s blessing, and then juxtaposed all of Su Weisheng’s actions. Everything he had done far exceeded the capabilities of a mere divine messenger…
At that point, he was still just speculating. So, betting on Su Weisheng’s greatest weakness—money—he impulsively poured millions into the app, wildly wishing for attention.
And then, he got smacked with a hammer.
Turns out, Su Weisheng wasn’t just a fellow devotee, he was Star Lord’s undercover identity in the human world!
Jiang Qiao, despite the hammering, was absolutely thrilled.
If Star Lord disliked him, he could’ve easily kicked him off the site. But Star Lord didn’t. Not only did he refrain from banning him, but he even hit him with his personal little jade hammer. Was that really a strike? No—it was guidance!
Jiang Qiao suddenly found himself relating to his nephew, who once held onto his Maine Coon after getting clawed, insisting that the cat “had something to say”. Wasn’t this the same with Star Lord? Why did he only use the jade hammer instead of some harsher punishment? Was this contempt? No—this was love.
The production team’s large business vehicle was already waiting outside. One by one, the guests finished packing their luggage and boarded. Sitting in the last row, Su Ran kept looking outside, scanning the surroundings anxiously. “Where’s Great-grandfather? Didn’t he go downstairs ahead of us? Why hasn’t he come out yet?” He turned to Lu Huanjin with suspicion. “Are you sure Su Ning left early?”
Lu Huanjin chuckled at Su Ran’s overly cautious demeanor and reassured him, “Relax. I’m certain Su Ning has already gone. No one is competing with you for affection.”
Su Ran glanced at You Sui in the front seat, humming a tune while fiddling with a chibi figurine.
Sensing his unease, Lu Huanjin coaxed him in a hushed voice, “Don’t worry. After the show wraps up, I’ll personally plan out your career and help you make money. As long as you have enough wealth, do you really think Great-grandfather wouldn’t favor you?”
“Of course!” Su Ran instantly perked up, clenching his fists with renewed determination. “What’s the point of sweet-talking? I have to be Great-grandfather’s number-one fortune-bringing beast! If you handle things well, I’ll officially appoint you as the chief strategist of my eldest grandson’s estate!” He was already distributing rewards in his mind.
Lu Huanjin smirked knowingly. “Just a strategist?”
But he received no reply.
Su Ran had just spotted Great-grandfather approaching through the window, accompanied by a pale, brooding, yet strikingly handsome man. “Who’s that?”
Jiang Qiao was trailing closely behind Su Weisheng, pushing his suitcase while maintaining a respectful distance—close enough to follow, but not too close to intrude. His voice, though kept deliberately low, never ceased its cautious stream of conversation.
“My previous offenses were truly shameful. Please, don’t hold them against me.”
“I noticed Star Lord was rather fond of that prayer bead bracelet. My collection has many other fascinating treasures. I’d love to offer them to him…”
“Rest assured, if you don’t wish to be disturbed, no one else will ever discover your identity. I swear I will protect this secret with my life.”
“Star Lord…”
“Star Lord, Star Lord…”
“The Jiang family has been your most devoted followers for centuries, always awaiting your command. If you find Jiang Yimian and Jiang Chou acceptable, I can train them first and send them over to serve you in whatever way you see fit. But if you prefer me instead, I’m more than willing…”
Su Weisheng paused and turned back. Jiang Qiao immediately stopped in his tracks, standing properly behind him, awaiting instructions. Nervously, he stole a glance at Star Lord—only to meet Su Weisheng’s deep, penetrating gaze. Overwhelmed, he quickly lowered his head, avoiding eye contact.
Su Weisheng knocked lightly on Jiang Qiao’s head and asked with amusement, “Is being a chatterbox a family trait?”
Jiang Qiao suddenly realized he’d been speaking too much and lowered his head even further in embarrassment. He muttered, “It might be hereditary. The Jiang family tends to be overly talkative when nervous or excited. I always thought I wasn’t affected by it, but the moment I saw you, all my restraint vanished.”
Su Weisheng stared at him speechlessly. There was no “sudden” loss of restraint. This was just how he always was.
But thinking about Jiang Qiao’s status, it made sense. As an elder who wielded power in a prestigious family, he was used to orchestrating people’s lives from above. Perhaps the only person who could firmly suppress him, making him willingly bow his head, was Star Lord himself.
Su Weisheng shook his head and tapped Jiang Qiao’s forehead with a finger before instructing, “Just continue with your usual duties. No need to fixate on me, and definitely don’t disrupt the underworld’s order by dumping money into wish lists. As for everything else…”
He deliberately stretched his words, watching Jiang Qiao’s eager, almost pleading puppy-like gaze. Then, with a mischievous smirk, he teased, “Once you’ve learned to curb your nonstop chatter, I’ll promote you to divine messenger.”
After all, divine messengers worked closely with Star Lord. Su Weisheng was afraid Jiang Qiao’s endless talking would drive him mad.
Jiang Qiao groaned in frustration, smacking his own lips. Never in his life did he think his tendency to ramble would actually affect his future prospects!
As they talked, they had already reached the entrance of the ancient castle. You Sui hopped down from the car, casually wrapping an arm around Su Weisheng’s waist and playfully nuzzling against his neck. Chuckling, he reported in a low voice, “I heard that Old Lu and Sunny went all out to celebrate our return. They made a grand feast, colorful and extravagant, but apparently, not a single dish is edible. Once we’re back in the capital, I’ll take you to a proper restaurant. Let Lu Huanjin and Zhaocai deal with that disaster of a meal, what do you think?”
Su Weisheng raised an eyebrow. “Sounds like a solid plan. Let’s go.” He instructed Jiang Qiao to load the luggage into the trunk, reminding him once again to focus on his own affairs and not stir up unnecessary trouble. Then, he got into the car, ready to depart.
You Sui paid no attention to Jiang Qiao throughout the entire exchange, only sparing him a fleeting glance before leaving, but not with any intention of engaging. To him, Jiang Qiao was just another overly passionate little believer, no different from the countless others who had surrounded his lover in the past. As the rightful partner, he did not need to assert dominance over such followers. The only person capable of making him jealous was a much more significant rival.
But… that issue had already been taken care of.
Satisfied, he climbed into the car beside Su Weisheng, staying close and affectionate, fully focused on the only thing that mattered—holding onto his beloved.
Meanwhile, on the other side, Jiang Qiao watched Star Lord’s silhouette fade into the distance. Only after he was out of sight did his “rationality” begin to return.
If Star Lord didn’t like something, that was fine—he would change. From now on, he would cut down on excessive wording in his prayers.
But anything Star Lord did like must be supported. Like his collecting habits. Star Lord disliked Jiang Qiao’s reckless spending on wish lists because it disrupted order, but when it came to offering antique treasures, Star Lord seemed rather pleased. That was something Jiang Qiao had to double down on!
Thinking it over, he pulled out his phone and sent Jiang Yimian a message: How’s the copyright great-grandfather helped you sell?
Jiang Jinbao hadn’t expected his uncle to check in on him, and feeling pleasantly surprised, he quickly replied: Pretty good! The filming’s already underway. The cast, costumes, and set design all look fantastic. I bet this show is going to be a hit!
Jiang Qiao: Then why haven’t you properly thanked him yet? You run around like a clueless monkey all day, completely careless. Even your uncle is embarrassed on your behalf for your lack of emotional intelligence!
Jiang Jinbao, thoroughly scolded, was left utterly bewildered. He wanted to protest that he had shown gratitude toward Great-Grandfather, but his uncle gave him no chance to explain, cutting straight to the point.
Jiang Qiao: I have a few fine collectibles in my study. Come by tomorrow and take them to Great-Grandfather.
Jiang Jinbao: …Uncle, you scolded me for so long, but isn’t this just because you want to send gifts?
Jiang Qiao, righteously: Enough with the nonsense.
Jiang Jinbao: …Fine, got it.
Meanwhile, Su Ning had already left early, departing City A for the Su family estate in the capital. His undercover informant within the Elder Council had just leaked crucial information—something about an ancestral treasure hidden deep within the forbidden grounds.
At this point, the elders’ authority had been nearly stripped away, leaving the forbidden treasure as their last trump card. Su Ning had systematically squeezed their sphere of influence to force their hand, pushing them into a position where they had to bring out the treasure to oppose him.
Technically, as the Grand Elder’s only son, inheriting the family’s power should have been a given. But these old men clung to their authority, refusing to relinquish their core control to him. In the past, Su Ning had been patient, gradually laying the groundwork. But now, urgency pressed upon him. He needed absolute dominion over the Su family to stand beside Great-Grandfather with real legitimacy.
By the time he arrived home, the elders had been fully subdued. The keys to the forbidden grounds and the ancient texts documenting the treasure lay neatly set aside. He flipped through them for a brief inspection, and immediately, his interest was piqued.
The elders glowered at him, their expressions grim. Never in their worst nightmares had they imagined themselves reduced to prisoners in their own house.
The Third Elder slammed the table, roaring furiously, “Su Ning! Every Su family child is raised to be dutiful and loyal. How could my brother have given life to someone as treacherous as you?! If I had known what kind of person you’d become, I would never have kept you—”
Su Ning lazily lifted an eyelid, smiling carelessly as he exposed the truth. “Maybe that’s because those ‘dutiful children’ were cultivated by you, whereas I was born naturally. A little extra ambition and a sharp mind are only to be expected.”
Silence…
The elders’ expressions froze, their faces turning pale with shock.
“You—you—how do you know?” The Grand Elder was utterly incredulous, his trembling finger pointing at Su Ning. “How could you possibly know the family’s deepest secrets?!”
“Who else knows?!” The Second Elder looked even more distressed.
Su Ning smiled pleasantly, twisting the knife. “Great-Grandfather knows. The very High Priest you refuse to acknowledge, he knows all about our family’s disgraceful little secrets.”
“You’re playing with fire!” The Grand Elder’s face was lined with grief, his voice thick with fury. “I have never believed he was truly this generation’s High Priest. He’s just some stray dark cultivator who has deceived you! You unfilial son. The Su family, the Su family will be ruined in your hands!”
Su Ning, unfazed by the scolding, remained eerily calm, his smile still in place. “It doesn’t matter if you don’t believe—I believe in him. Not only do I believe, but I’ve already prepared to stake the entire Su family on him. As for that ancestral treasure…”
“I never intended to believe in any supposed reincarnation of our ancestors, but I must eliminate anything that could become an obstacle—anything that could align with you and challenge me.”
His striking features, warm smile, and effortless charm had always made him naturally likable. But at this moment, to the elders, he was nothing short of a devil cloaked in beauty.
The Grand Elder seemed utterly shattered. “You—you don’t seem like my son. Your ambition has never been normal. I once thought I could rein you in, mold you into something more acceptable. But now, you even intend to deal with the supposed reincarnation of our ancestors…”
Too terrifying.
Just what kind of monster had their family birthed?
“Maybe I was just a demon reincarnated into your family.” Su Ning chuckled, almost savoring the malicious tension as he openly tore apart the elders’ authority. “I hate being controlled. I hate being lectured. This Su family has already decayed under your rule. But now, it’s the perfect time for reform under my hands.”
He smiled, murmuring softly, “It’s strange. I despise anyone trying to suppress me, yet I don’t resent Great-Grandfather at all. In fact, I feel close to him. The moment he appeared, I knew I should stake everything on him. He can grant me exactly what I desire.”
His eyes gleamed brighter as he spoke, yet his expression grew colder. Finally, he tossed the book in his hand to a trusted subordinate and issued a calm command: “Let’s go. Enter the forbidden grounds, locate the treasure, and eliminate Su Laiyin’s reincarnation.”
There could only be one master in the Su family’s power shift. No one else—certainly not Su Laiyin’s reincarnation—would be allowed to exist.
But bruh, that’s you 😂😂😂