Chapter 256: The Phoenix Man Who Soared Before the Apocalypse (Arc End)

Shen Xiuyan’s gaze fell on the cup sitting on the coffee table in the living room. “Someone came by?”

Father Su nodded. “Yes, a few old friends from the prominent families. They’ve recently made their way to this base, and when they heard I was here, they dropped by for a visit.”

Shen Xiuyan let out a cold laugh. “Which blind fool is it this time? What do they want from you now?”

Father Su rubbed his nose with a wry smile. “Sigh, don’t even bring it up. I don’t know where they caught wind of it, but once they found out the leader of this base is my son-in-law, they latched on like hyenas catching a scent and just wouldn’t let go.”

Shen Xiuyan didn’t have the same mild temperament as Father Su. “It’s fine, Dad. You don’t have to worry about offending them. If anyone rubs you the wrong way, just tell me. I’ll throw them out myself.”

Why did he build this base in the first place? Wasn’t it so his family could live a better life?

Using a bit of privilege now—what of it? To put it bluntly, even if he killed someone inside the base, no one would dare question him.

Because everyone knew exactly who had made their current lives possible.

Shen Xiuyan had more than enough confidence to back it up.

Father Su quickly waved his hand. “No need, no need.”

Mother Su rolled her eyes at him. “Don’t listen to him. You don’t know—he’s actually enjoying this.”

Shen Xiuyan raised a questioning brow.

Father Su sheepishly admitted the truth. “Honestly, watching those old friends come to me with their tails between their legs, begging for favors, I kind of enjoy it. It’s a bit of fun, really…”

Shen Xiuyan: “…”

His father-in-law had a rather unique idea of entertainment…

Mother Su sighed. “Oh, stop pretending. You think I don’t know what’s going on in that little mind of yours? Xiuyan, let me tell you—your dad’s so-called ‘old friends’ were all fake business buddies. They’re sly as foxes. On the surface, they acted all friendly, but none of them ever wished each other well. Back then, they kept bringing up your and Mingyue’s engagement just to mock him. He’s still bitter about it.”

“Hmph.” Now that Mother Su had exposed him, Father Su didn’t bother pretending anymore. “Seeing them now, full of regret, it’s just so satisfying. Look at my son-in-law, then look at their sons-in-law and daughters-in-law—it’s like heaven and earth. And they still want to compare themselves to me? I love seeing them gnash their teeth in envy, knowing there’s nothing they can do about it.”

Shen Xiuyan shook his head helplessly. He was acting like a child.

“Alright then, as long as you’re happy, I won’t interfere.”

“Happy? I’m over the moon.” Now that he’d come clean, Father Su looked visibly more relaxed.

Nothing feels better than a good slap in the face.

Especially when you’re standing high above, looking down at the crowd still stuck in the mud.

Click—

The sound of the door opening rang out clearly. It was Su Mingyue returning. She casually placed the vegetables she brought back on the table.

“These are greens Mom and Dad wanted me to bring back. They said they were just picked today. Oh, and they invited us over for dinner tonight. I already said yes.”

Shen Xiuyan nodded. “They probably miss Yiyang. Mom, Dad, get ready. We’ll head over together.”

“Alright. Then Yiyang should eat less bread, or he won’t have room for dinner later.” Mother Su wiped the crumbs from Shen Yiyang’s messy little mouth, then stood up.

The elderly couple headed back to their room together.

Seeing this, Shen Yiyang threw himself between his parents, chattering away about who knows what, making the three of them burst into laughter.

Warm sunlight poured in through the window, casting a golden glow over their faces. In the soft light, even the fine fuzz on their cheeks could be seen.

Father Su turned his head to look. That little family of three looked so blissfully happy that he couldn’t help but smile warmly himself.

No one would ever imagine that such a scene could take place in the Apocalypse.

While others were still struggling bitterly just to survive, they were living even better than before.

Father Su’s gaze grew even gentler. He knew he hadn’t misjudged this son-in-law.

Shen Xiuyan’s life in the Apocalypse was a happy one. He had paved the road ahead for his son, and during Shen Yiyang’s childhood, who knew how many high-grade Core Crystals he had stockpiled for him in advance.

By the time he awakened his Supernatural Ability in his early teens, he was already absorbing Core Crystals daily.

Soon, the second Level Seven ability user in the world emerged—Shen Xiuyan’s son, Shen Yiyang.

At the time, no one could have predicted that reaching Level Seven would become the ultimate goal of their entire lives.

It was just too difficult. Far too difficult…

Many began to doubt whether absorbing Core Crystals alone could even get someone to that level. First, the person had to be extraordinarily gifted. Second, they needed an immense supply of Core Crystals.

They couldn’t do it—but Shen Yiyang could. With excellent genes and a massive stockpile of Core Crystals, he became a winner in life at a very young age.

Sometimes, it really all came down to being born into the right family.

Not long after, Shen Xiuyan stepped down as he had always hoped to, officially handing over the base to Shen Yiyang.

No one in the world raised a single objection. On the contrary, people couldn’t help but praise: like father, like son. Some even said the son had already surpassed the father.

In the years that followed, Shen Xiuyan’s elders passed away one by one. After handling everything, he and Mingyue decided to travel the world together.

For a time, their legendary love story spread across the globe, leaving countless tales in their wake.

And so it continued until the year they both turned eighty. On the same day, they passed away one after the other. Naturally, after Su Mingyue passed, Shen Xiuyan followed soon after.

The news plunged the entire nation into mourning. At the same time, Su Mingyue’s blissful life was once again brought into the spotlight.

People couldn’t help but marvel—she was truly the pioneer of investment. Born into a wealthy and loving family, she found a handsome boyfriend in college and married him after graduation.

Originally, her husband might have been considered a stain on her perfect life. After all, Shen Xiuyan had been a poor boy, not a match for her in status. Calling him a Phoenix Man wouldn’t have been wrong. In a family like hers, he was bound to attract scoffs and ridicule.

But no one could have predicted that not long after they married, the Apocalypse would arrive.

And even after awakening his Supernatural Ability, Shen Xiuyan never stopped protecting their family. That alone proved their love was real—not built on profit or gain.

Not to mention, he even built a secure base just for her.

Don’t ask how people could tell. The name “Mingyang Base” was practically a love letter written across the land.

Even after founding the base and gaining both fame and fortune, Shen Xiuyan remained true to himself. Their love story was passed down in every corner of the world.

At this point, everyone couldn’t help but sigh in admiration: Su Mingyue, you really had an eye for people.

【Beep——】

【Congratulations, Host, on successfully completing the mission. Welcome back.】

Shen Xiuyan: “……”

The System spoke up cautiously: 【Host?】

Why aren’t you saying anything? You’re creeping me out here…