Chapter 183: Everyone in the Lu Clan Reunites (10,000 words updated, please subscribe)

Chapter 183: The Lu Family Gathers Again (Ten Thousand Word Update, Please Subscribe)

As expected!

An Jing wasn't too surprised. Most people couldn't detect his movements, let alone sense his Qi.

This was the first time his Aura Concealment Technique had failed.

After a long moment, An Jing took a deep breath and solemnly cupped his fists, saying, "Old Lu, Junior pays his respects."

Lu Guoyong was the Three-Dynasty Grand Secretary in Great Yan and a very complex individual. In the Imperial Court, he was a man of immense power, the foremost figure of the Confucian school, whose words carried great weight.

During his time in the Imperial Court, he manipulated power with ruthless methods, suppressing countless opposition parties. Many princes, dukes, and ministers died under his authority. Even the current Emperor was enthroned by him. Everyone knew that as long as he was alive, the Lu Family would remain one of the largest forces in the Imperial Court, and the position of Grand Secretary would not be considered by anyone else. This blocked the ambitions of many hoping for promotion.

Outwardly, many in the Imperial Court treated the Lu Family with utmost respect, but inwardly, they harbored resentment, daring not to speak out.

Among the common people, opinions of him were polarized, with both praise and criticism.

Some said he sacrificed himself for the country, boldly implemented reforms, and single-handedly initiated the Great Yan Revival. Others said he practiced nepotism, acted recklessly, and wielded absolute power over the Imperial Court.

In An Jing's view, all these facets were the real him.

Because people are inherently complex.

In his early days in the Imperial Court, he was full of youthful passion, pure, unyielding, and upright. Later, he adapted to the Imperial Court, became adept at political maneuvering, used unscrupulous means, eliminated dissenters, and sought wealth and power.

However, Lu Guoyong was also a statesman who dared to reform, feared no risks, disregarded his family and self, and dedicated himself to national affairs.

If not for this man's sixty years in the Imperial Court, Great Yan would not have its current national strength despite continuous warfare with Zhao State.

Lu Guoyong's wrinkled face was full of smiles. He said, "Since my young friend has come to my Lu Manor, you are a guest. My Lu Manor does not have a custom of making guests stand outside. Please, come in and sit."

With that, Lu Guoyong walked towards a side room.

An Jing watched the old man's retreating figure, pondered for a moment, then followed him.

He walked into the antique side room.

Lu Guoyong took out a tinderbox and slowly lit the candle, instantly making the entire room much brighter.

Lu Guoyong sat down on his own, saying, "This was originally my beloved daughter's courtyard. She has been gone for a long time, and apart from occasional cleaning by the household, no one has lived here, so it has always been quite desolate."

"You said you've admired Old Man for a long time, but Old Man doesn't recall having such a young friend. You didn't come here tonight just to visit Old Man, did you?"

An Jing also sat down and said, "Old Lu, you see clearly. My intrusion late at night was not malicious. I hope Old Lu will not blame me."

Lu Guoyong waved his hand and said, "No matter. You must be the Ghost Swordsman who has recently become quite famous in the Jianghu, right?"

An Jing nodded, saying, "Yes."

Lu Guoyong carefully observed An Jing for a moment, then sighed with emotion, "Such a prime age, with everything in your hands."

At such a young age, to be one of the Great Yan Jianghu Sword Immortals—even though Lu Guoyong wasn't involved in the Jianghu, he knew what that meant.

An Jing let out a breath and said, "Old Lu, you flatter me. I am merely a panicked stray dog, homeless."

To others, he was one of the six Great Sword Immortals of the current Jianghu, and he had even pursued Qi Shu for three hundred li, rescuing Princess Anle, thus becoming a hero of the Great Yan Jianghu. But many things only he knew; he was merely a stray dog who had narrowly escaped from Jiang Shang's grasp.

"How can life be exciting without a few twists and turns? Smooth sailing is not as good as riding the waves."

Lu Guoyong smiled faintly, his weathered eyes shining brightly.

An Jing also smiled, "Old Lu is absolutely right."

How could smooth sailing be as enjoyable as riding the waves!?

Neither of them spoke, and the room grew quiet, with only the faint moonlight shining in, stretching a thousand li.

Lu Guoyong looked at the moonlight and slowly said, "My young friend, you rescued that Xuening girl. Both publicly and privately, you have done a great kindness. You can stay at Old Man's house for a while. In Yuqing City, besides the high palace walls, this is the quietest place."

An Jing shook his head, "Junior feels uneasy and cannot stay here long. I ask Old Lu to understand."

He now only wanted to find a way to infiltrate the Demonic Cult and then raise his cultivation to the Grandmaster Realm. How could he stay in this Lu Family?

Lu Guoyong smiled and said, "Why do you feel uneasy? You can tell me."

An Jing thought for a moment and said, "I feel powerless."

"Hahahahaha."

Upon hearing this, Lu Guoyong immediately burst into laughter, "Do you already have such feelings at your age?"

An Jing gave a dry laugh, but inwardly he grumbled, *Old man, you're so improper. No wonder you're Li Fuzhou's teacher.*

Lu Guoyong's smile gradually faded, and he said seriously, "Your three flowers are now intertwined, and you are only one step away from the Three Flowers Converging at the Peak Realm. However, reaching this Realm will likely take some time."

"A tall building piled several zhang high requires an extremely important Foundation. Do not force it too much, or you will ultimately destroy your Foundation and fall into the Evil Path."

An Jing cupped his fists and said, "Thank you, Senior, for your guidance. Junior understands."

He naturally wouldn't do something like pulling up seedlings to help them grow.

"Speaking of Three Flowers Converging at the Peak, I recall an old story."

Lu Guoyong chuckled, "When Old Man was in his forties, I once had a conversation with Huang Sheng, the Sect Leader of the Ghost Valley Sect at the time. He told Old Man a method for quickly achieving Three Flowers Converging at the Peak."

An Jing's heart stirred upon hearing this, and he said, "Senior, could you please speak directly?"

Lu Guoyong said, "I wrote that method down at the time and put it in the study. If you want to know it, you'll have to find it yourself."

Study!?

An Jing looked at Lu Guoyong upon hearing this and said, "Old Lu, it seems you want to keep Junior here."

Lu Guoyong stroked his beard, smiled, and remained silent.

An Jing stood up and cupped his fists, saying, "Since that's the case, then Junior will impose."

It must be said that obtaining a method to quickly enter the Grandmaster Realm was indeed the most important thing at the moment.

A deep meaning flashed in Lu Guoyong's eyes. He said, "This Autumn Water Courtyard is only inhabited by my Disciple. If you don't mind, you can temporarily stay here."

An Jing nodded, "Alright."

Lu Guoyong stood up and said, "It's getting late, and Old Man should rest. When a person gets old, they become useless."

With that, Lu Guoyong looked at An Jing and smiled.

You're useless, why are you smiling at me?

An Jing blinked and said, "Then Old Lu, take care."

Lu Guoyong smiled and walked out of the room.

The night was late, and the corridor was very quiet.

Lu Guoyong walked alone, hands behind his back, with a stooped posture.

"Father, where have you been? I heard Uncle Fu say you suddenly disappeared."

At this moment, a middle-aged man walked over in a hurry. This person was Lu Fang, Lu Guoyong's son.

Lu Guoyong smiled and said, "I went to see an interesting person."

"An interesting person?"

Lu Fang looked at the endless dark corridor and asked doubtfully, "Are you talking about Xian Ming? But I heard he hasn't returned yet."

This direction was exactly where Zhou Xianming's courtyard was located.

"No, perhaps he is even more interesting than young Zhou."

Lu Guoyong shook his head and sighed, "It's just a pity."

With that, Lu Guoyong pushed away Lu Fang's hand and continued walking forward.

"A pity?!"

Lu Fang's heart was filled with doubts, and he immediately looked behind him.

The sky was clear, without a single cloud.

Northern Wilderness Road, Liuhe Pagoda.

At this moment, with the Liuhe Pagoda as the center, two opposing camps had formed.

On the left side stood several tall and burly men. These men wore leather clothes, with bows and arrows and long sabers at their waists. Their beards were very thick, and their eyes were somewhat sunken.

Anyone who frequently traveled among various countries would surely recognize that these appearances belonged to the Later Jin people.

In the center of these men was a young man. The young man's appearance was ordinary, but his eyes were as sharp as an eagle's, making people dare not look directly at him.

In his hand, he held a long sword, four feet one inch long, with a thin blade forged from dark iron, emitting a faint cold light, appearing incredibly majestic. The blade was extremely sharp, truly like autumn frost.

The young man said with a proud look, "Over fifty years old, and still in the Fourth Realm? Is this the famous Huang Dongliang, 'Autumn Wind Three Sections' of Great Yan?"

Opposite him was a middle-aged swordsman. The swordsman's brows were tightly furrowed, his face solemn, and behind him followed a pair of young men and women.

The young man had a handsome appearance, his face was flushed red, and veins bulged on his forehead. He seemed very angry and growled, "Master, let me spar with him."

The middle-aged swordsman coldly ordered, "Lin Qi, step back."

"I…"

The young man named Lin Qi, upon hearing this, although very unwilling, did not dare to disobey his Master's wishes.

Huang Dongliang looked at the young man opposite him and said calmly, "Since you wish to learn the sword techniques of my Great Yan swordsmen, I, Huang, will naturally accompany you today."

"As for the rules of the match, let's follow your Later Jin's."

Matters concerning the honor of the nation and family naturally could not be easily retreated from, especially when facing a young opponent.

The young man chuckled lightly, "Later Jin matches usually determine both victory and defeat, and life and death."

"Oh?"

Huang Dongliang's brow furrowed upon hearing this, "That might not be so good."

The young man's eyes showed a hint of mockery upon hearing this, "What, are you scared?"

"Scared? I, Huang, have fought one hundred and thirty-seven matches in my life, with three life-and-death battles, and I have never been scared."

Huang Dongliang snorted lightly, "Old Man is merely considering your youth, and cannot bear to see you die here."

The young man sneered, "In a life-and-death battle, victory and defeat are still unknown. How do you know it won't be your reputation ruined? Several Great Yan swordsmen have already died by my hand, and you won't be one more lonely ghost."

"Presumptuous!"

Upon hearing this, a hint of Killing Intent flashed in Huang Dongliang's eyes, "Then I, Huang, will experience Your Excellency's brilliant moves today."

"Swoosh! Swoosh!"

With that, Huang Dongliang's body leaped forward, and his sword vibrated.

The sword light was faintly cold, like the wind of early autumn, striking out rapidly yet making it impossible to grasp.

Although Huang Dongliang was not a top-tier swordsman of the Fifth Realm, he was a very famous swordsman in the Great Yan Jianghu. His 'Autumn Wind Gazing at the Moon Thirteen Forms' was highly praised by the Grand Elder of the Yuheng Sword Sect.

Moreover, his cultivation had reached the First Rank Earth Flower Realm last year, which elevated his reputation to another level.

The sword light instantly arrived before the young man.

The sword light seemed to be only one, but upon closer inspection, it split into three sections.

"Hiss!"

The next moment, the young man drew the long sword in his hand, casting a chilling coldness over the surroundings.

"Not good!"

Huang Dongliang was an old hand at swordsmanship, and combined with the young man's sharp sword momentum, he immediately felt a sense of unease.

Fifth Realm!

This young man, in his thirties, was actually a swordsman of the Fifth Realm.

This was truly too terrifying. How old was this young man? One must know that even Peach Blossom Sword Immortal Lou Xiangzhen only reached the Fifth Realm in his thirties.

The young man's long sword was like a white snake spitting its tongue, bringing with it a hissing sound of breaking wind, and like a roaming Dragon weaving through his body, striking with the sword, sudden as lightning, scattering falling leaves.

Indeed, a silver light rose in the courtyard, and blood splattered.

Fast!

Too fast!

A large amount of fresh blood spurted from Huang Dongliang's neck, and he then fell to the ground, the horror in his eyes still not fading, showing how fast the young man's sword was.

“Master!”

The two young men and women behind Huang Dongliang rushed over.

“Gurgle—!”

Huang Dongliang's throat was severed, and blood gushed out. He could only grasp his Disciple's arm with his hand, eventually breathing his last.

One sword, just one sword, was all it took to kill the Autumn Wind Sword, a Master of the Earth Flower Realm.

“You, you… you killed my Master.”

Lin Qi looked up, glaring at the young man in front.

“If your skill isn't as good, then dying is just dying.”

The young man sheathed his long sword, as if he had just done a trivial thing.

“Hahahaha!”

“This is the Great Yan’s top Swordsman?”

“Truly disappointing. Yan Gang dealt with him in one move.”

“Along this journey, how many Swordsmen have forced Yan Gang to make two moves?”

The Later Jin men behind the young man burst into laughter, their words filled with merciless ridicule, completely disregarding the furious expressions of Huang Dongliang's Disciples.

Upon hearing this, the woman fiercely drew the long sword from her waist and pointed it at the Later Jin men: “You bunch of Later Jin barbarians! I'll fight you to the death!”

“Barbarians!?”

When the Later Jin men heard the woman's words, their smiles vanished, and their expressions changed dramatically.

Someone said, “This Great Yan woman is tender-skinned and quite fiery.”

Another person beside him said coldly, “Perhaps she hasn't been whipped, which is why she doesn't know her place.”

In an instant, the Later Jin men surrounded the two directly.

The woman's face immediately turned pale with fright. Lin Qi pulled his Junior Sister behind him, his expression also very tense.

“We still have to travel. The Leader doesn't want you to cause a big commotion.”

After Yan Gang finished speaking, he turned and walked into the pagoda.

The Later Jin men glanced at the woman, then followed behind him into the pagoda.

Inside the pagoda, sandalwood incense permeated the air, and white smoke billowed upwards.

A man sat directly on the ground. His appearance was rough and unrestrained, but his brows and eyes held a hint of scholarly elegance and gentleness. Dressed in a black Great Yan long gown, he looked at the stone statue in front of him with an incredibly devout expression.

“Leader.”

Yan Gang walked up to the man and said in a low voice.

In Later Jin, those referred to as Leader were generally tribal chiefs, either possessing Imperial Bloodline or having achieved great merit. The person before him was precisely Zongzhen Yuan, the seventh son of the Later Jin’s Holy Lord.

“This journey has made me sigh with emotion.”

Zongzhen Yuan felt an endless sigh in his Heart-Nature. “This Great Yan is indeed rich in resources and talented people. It's a pity it fell into the hands of non-humans and has been completely ruined.”

Yan Gang's brows carried a hint of cold arrogance: “Rich in resources, yes, but as for talented people, your subordinate doesn't quite agree.”

Zongzhen Yuan shook his head and said, “Qi Shu, known as the future pillar of Zhao State, such a figure was still pursued by the Ghost Swordsman for over three hundred li. And I heard that the Ghost Swordsman only rose to fame in the past year. From this, one can see the abundance of experts in the Great Yan Jianghu.”

Yan Gang is only thirty-three years old now. Being a bit proud is not wrong, being a bit wild is not wrong, being sharp and assertive is not wrong; this is his innate Heart-Nature, and there is nothing wrong with it.

However, if his Heart-Nature is truly extremely proud, and he can suppress this pride, with a personality that is sharp and arrogant, yet he can control that sharpness, then he would be extraordinary.

But in this world, how many young people can suppress their own sharpness?

In Zongzhen Yuan's eyes, Yan Gang was still very young, with an immeasurable future, so he hoped that Yan Gang could suppress the sharpness within him.

Just like Lou Xiangzhen in his younger days.

Yan Gang replied, “The Ghost Swordsman has a ferocious Black Dragon, an exotic beast, that can swallow clouds and spit thunder. Even a Two-Qi Grandmaster expert is not its match. Chasing Qi Shu does not represent his true strength.”

If it were other tribal leaders, Yan Gang's rebuttal might have already turned him into a corpse, but Zongzhen Yuan remained silent.

After a long while, he finally spoke, “Dharma King Mujin rescued Qi Shu. This has already alerted the enemy. This trip to Yu Jing City might be somewhat dangerous.”

Yan Gang immediately cupped his fists and said, “Your subordinate will protect the Leader with his life.”

Zongzhen Yuan waved his hand and said, “Once we enter Yu Jing City, if the Yan Imperial Family truly wants to kill us, even if Dharma King Mujin intervenes again, it will be useless.”

“What we need to do is not to compete with them in a life-and-death struggle, but to test the reaction of the Great Yan Imperial Family.”

“You must pay more attention to the people around you. Sometimes, the people who truly want to put you to death are not your enemies, but very likely your own people.”

Having said this, Zongzhen Yuan stood up and patted the dust off his backside.

Upon hearing this, Yan Gang's Heart-Nature suddenly felt a chill.

Zongzhen Yuan smiled and said, “Let's go back. If we don't, Dharma King Mujin will be ‘anxious’.”

Yu Jing City, Rain Flower Courtyard, study.

Zhao Chongyin, dressed in white, leaned back in his chair, his eyes closed.

This was his habit; every day he would lean back in his chair, not thinking about anything, completely emptying his mind.

This was when his brain was clearest, and when he felt most comfortable throughout the day.

After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Zhao Chongyin slowly opened his eyes and said softly.

“Come in.”

“Yes.”

Bai Jing walked in slowly.

Zhao Chongyin asked, “What was the result of the joint trial?”

Today was the day of the joint trial of Chu Nanying, the Provincial Lord of Jiangnan Province.

Bai Jing took out a scroll of documents and said, “The evidence is conclusive. Chu Huai indeed committed numerous crimes in Linjiang City. Chu Nanying's crime of harboring him is undeniable, and there are also some unclear pieces of evidence…”

Zhao Chongyin did not take the scroll and nodded.

One must give to gain. Since he had to appease Zhao Mengtai, he could not allow any unexpected complications at this critical juncture.

This chess piece could only be abandoned; it was also a way to give Zhao Mengtai an explanation.

Political maneuvering was nothing more than two words: 'exchange'.

Bai Jing continued, “There are two other matters. The first is that the Later Jin delegation has already arrived at Northern Wilderness Road. They are expected to reach Yu Jing City in a few days. Besides Zongzhen Yuan, Dharma King Mujin, the Later Jin Genius Swordsman Yan Gang, and a group of Later Jin experts have also come. Among them, the Later Jin Genius Swordsman Yan Gang has repeatedly challenged Great Yan Swordsmen, killing them all in a single move.”

Zhao Chongyin had some impression of this name: “Yan Gang, that Genius Swordsman in his thirties?”

There were not many Fifth Rank Swordsmen in this world, but only six truly became Sword Immortals.

Zhao Chongyin naturally couldn't know all the Fifth Rank Swordsmen in the world, let alone those in Later Jin.

But he was somewhat familiar with this Yan Gang. It was rumored that this person was Later Jin's Number One Genius Swordsman, reaching the Fifth Rank at thirty-three years old, even earlier than the current The World's Number One Swordsman, Lou Xiangzhen.

If nothing unexpected happened, in a few years, this person would very likely reach the Sixth Rank.

Bai Jing continued, “The sword in his hand is the Tiger Devouring Sword, also a fierce weapon, which perfectly complements his fast sword Cultivation. Currently, seven Swordsmen have died by his hand, all of whom were well-known Swordsmen of our Great Yan.”

Zhao Chongyin nodded slightly, a glint of light appearing in his eyes, and said, “What a sharp and assertive Swordsman.”

A First Rank Realm expert at thirty-three, and a Swordsman who had reached the Fifth Rank—his future was almost visible to the naked eye.

Bai Jing asked in a deep voice, “Crown Prince Your Highness, this person…?”

“As a Later Jin delegation, he comes to our Great Yan and immediately challenges everywhere. He's quite bold. This person's sharpness is too dazzling.”

Zhao Chongyin said indifferently, “He will not leave Great Yan alive.”

Zhao Chongyin's words carried no Killing Intent, but Bai Jing was exceptionally certain that this Genius Swordsman, Yan Gang, would not return to Later Jin alive.

Are there many geniuses in the world?

Throughout history, countless geniuses have emerged, and some Prodigy figures were even more dazzling than Xiao Qianqiu, but only a few have truly left their mark on an era.

A Genius who dies young is just an ordinary life.

Only a Genius who grows up is the existence that truly makes people feel fear in their Heart-Nature.

Bai Jing continued, “There's another matter. It's widely rumored in the Jianghu that the Ghost Swordsman and Lin Yiyang are competing. The rumors are rampant and escalating. This matter is clearly orchestrated by someone with ulterior motives.”

Zhao Chongyin nodded, “Who do you think is behind it?”

“The Black Ice Terrace and Later Jin are both possible.”

Bai Jing thought for a moment and said, “They want to see our Great Yan fight amongst ourselves and suffer losses. Lin Yiyang failed in his challenge to a Grandmaster last year, but it greatly advanced his Cultivation, breaking through that bottleneck. Reaching the Sixth Rank is just around the corner. And the Ghost Swordsman's strength has also grown astonishingly. Coupled with his Black Dragon, it's unknown how old he is, but he also has a chance to reach the Sixth Rank in the future.”

Zhao Chongyin rubbed his temples and said, “We can only try our best to stop this matter. We don't need to intervene forcefully, but we can use their hands to kill Yan Gang.”

With the world vying for fame and fortune, and with people with ulterior motives stirring things up, if the two Swordsmen truly fight, he would be powerless.

However, before that, they must first blunt Later Jin's锐气.

“I understand.”

Upon hearing this, Bai Jing's eyes lit up. She then walked behind Zhao Chongyin and gently massaged his temples.

Her movements were very gentle, soothing, and skilled.

Zhao Chongyin showed an expression of enjoyment, “Using this opportunity with the Later Jin delegation, I plan to invite the Sect Leaders of the Seven Major Sects to Yu Jing City to discuss national policy.”

The Jianghu and the Imperial Court are an inseparable whole, so control over the Jianghu is also very necessary. One must be strong oneself; relying solely on the Black Robe Guard naturally cannot suppress the entire Jianghu.

And now is a good opportunity to establish authority in the Jianghu.

This was also the reason why Zhao Chongyin said those words in front of Zuo Linglong last time. At such a moment, if Zhao Mengtai still tried to obstruct, it would be more than just colluding with the Demonic Cult.

Even Zuo Linglong and the various factions in the Imperial Court would not dare to stand on his side.

After all, for anyone to be the Emperor of Great Yan, there must first be this Great Yan Dynasty.

Upon hearing this, Bai Jing's eyes lit up: “I will have someone send out these hero invitations tonight.”

The Later Jin delegation and the Sect Leaders of the Seven Major Sects gathering in Yu Jing City—this was definitely Zhao Chongyin's best opportunity to establish authority in the Jianghu.

Yu Jing City, Lu Manor.

At noon, the scorching sun blazed, casting rays of light across the earth.

Zhou Xianming pushed open the door, took a deep breath, and smiled, “The day's plan begins in the morning.”

“Your day is quite long; the sun is already high in the sky.”

Just then, a voice sounded beside him.

“Who!?”

Zhou Xianming heard the strange voice and instinctively retreated backward.

Following the voice, he saw a black-robed man standing under a camphor tree.

This person was An Jing, who had just returned from the library with nothing to show for it.

“You, who are you?”

Zhou Xianming's face suddenly turned pale.

Could it be that the person from Yu Prefecture City followed him to Yu Jing City?

The sudden appearance of the black-clad man and that ventriloquism instantly brought back bad memories.

An Jing said indifferently, “I am Old Lu's old friend.”

“Teacher's old friend?”

Upon hearing this, Zhou Xianming's Heart-Nature was shocked.

Who was Lu Guoyong? The pillar of the Great Yan Imperial Court. Were his friends ordinary people?

“So it's Teacher's friend, my apologies.”

Zhou Xianming quickly said, then secretly blamed himself. He was truly too paranoid. How could his Master's friend be related to the black-clothed man who had beaten him up back then?

This was Lu Manor in Yu Capital City, not Chunfeng Alley in Yu Prefecture City.

An Jing smiled faintly, "Old Lu told me about you. He thinks highly of you."

Zhou Xianming immediately cupped his hands, "Senior, you jest. My Aptitude is a bit dull, but my Heart-Nature is tenacious."

An Jing asked expressionlessly, "I heard you enjoy visiting Brothels to listen to music. Is that true or false?"

Zhou Xianming's expression changed instantly. He righteously declared, "Who is spouting nonsense, fabricating lies, creating rumors, and slandering me? This is a blatant slander! I, Zhou, have never been to a Brothel!"

By the end of his speech, his tone had become impassioned.

An Jing patted Zhou Xianming's shoulder, "I was planning to invite you to a Brothel tonight, but it seems I'll have to give up."

Zhou Xianming couldn't help but glance at An Jing. In a daze, he felt that this Senior's movements were somewhat familiar.

"What's wrong?" An Jing saw Zhou Xianming's expression and raised his eyebrows slightly.

Zhou Xianming sighed and said, "Nothing, I just suddenly thought of an old friend of mine."

An Jing said calmly, "Which old friend?"

Zhou Xianming said in a deep voice, "He was a doctor. He was a good person. Everyone praised his medical skills as miraculous."

"'Miraculous' is a good word choice."

An Jing secretly nodded and continued to ask, "Why do you feel so sad when you think of your old friend?"

"He passed away not long ago."

Zhou Xianming sighed again, saying with great sadness, "Senior, can you understand that feeling of immense loss?"

An Jing: "…"

It has to be said that Zhou Xianming's ability to seize an opportunity was comparable to that kid Han Wenxin. If he hadn't read books before, he almost wouldn't have understood the deeper meaning of these words.

"Zhou Xianming, Zhou Xianming!"

Just then, an urgent voice came from outside the courtyard.

The two followed the sound and saw a slightly plump young man running towards them.

It was Lu Jingchun, on whom An Jing had used the Ghost Valley Bewilderment Technique yesterday.

"Oh, who are you?"

Lu Jingchun was slightly surprised to see An Jing in a black robe.

Zhou Xianming said from the side, "This Senior is Master's old friend. Haven't you met him?"

Lu Jingchun looked at the black-robed man wearing a mask in front of him and said vaguely, "I think I might have."

Zhou Xianming noticed that Lu Jingchun didn't seem to recognize An Jing, and his eyebrows immediately twitched slightly. A hint of suspicion arose in his Heart-Nature.

Lu Jingchun seemed to remember something, took out a stack of letters, and said proudly, "Oh, right, these are letters from Yu Prefecture City. Didn't you say that once these letters arrived, you'd invite me to a Brothel to listen to music?"

Zhou Xianming casually took the letters, carefully tucked them into his bosom, completely forgetting what he had just said.

Good heavens!

An Jing's eyes widened. Letters from Yu Prefecture City? Could they be from Li Yue?

Zhou Xianming said calmly, "Where is Master now?"

Lu Jingchun said, "Grandfather just attended court and is now drinking tea in Lin Garden."

Zhou Xianming looked at An Jing and said with a smile, "Senior, would you like to go for tea together?"

"Lead the way."

An Jing's expression was calm and unperturbed.

Lu Jingchun glanced at the two, hesitated, and finally could only reluctantly lead the way.

Along the way, An Jing remained silent, while Zhou Xianming and Lu Jingchun chatted.

Zhou Xianming held the letters and said, "These letters arrived quite quickly today."

Lu Jingchun took out a red invitation and said, "Someone sent me an invitation this morning, and I collected these at the same time."

Zhou Xianming couldn't help but ask, "What kind of invitation is this?"

"One of my older brothers is getting married soon. This is a wedding invitation."

Lu Jingchun rubbed his head and chuckled foolishly, "He said he'd also introduce me to an incredibly beautiful girl. My older brother is very capable; he's already a Grandmaster of the Earth Flower Realm in his thirties."

An Jing, standing by, was full of doubts. You're Lu Guoyong's grandson; how could you lack a wife? Wouldn't you marry ten or eight?

Zhou Xianming heard this and said, "That's great."

"Alas, I wonder if she'll be as beautiful as Princess Anle. Half as good would be fine too."

At this, Lu Jingchun looked at Zhou Xianming with a mournful expression, "I really envy you, being able to get such a plump and beautiful cabbage. Even a small one for me would be fine."

Zhou Xianming remained silent.

An Jing shook his head from the side. This was truly a case of the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer.

Before long, the three arrived at a garden.

The surrounding walls were covered with climbing vines. A winding path led through a stone cave, revealing lush trees and dazzling exotic flowers. Water flowed down, verdant and clear. After walking a few dozen more steps, they saw a wooden pavilion standing in the center.

Lu Guoyong was sitting in the pavilion, brewing tea with a dignified posture.

"Grandfather."

Lu Jingchun, seeing Lu Guoyong, was no longer as boisterous as before. He immediately stood obediently to the side like a grandson, even though he was already a grandson.

"Master."

"Old Lu."

Zhou Xianming performed a grand bow, while An Jing cupped his fists.

Lu Guoyong saw the two and smiled, "You two have come at just the right time. I was just thinking that drinking tea alone was a bit dull."

With that, Lu Guoyong poured a cup of tea for each of them.

"Thank you, Master."

Zhou Xianming took the teacup with both hands.

Lu Guoyong also poured a cup for An Jing, then asked with a smile, "Have you been to the library?"

An Jing nodded and said, "I went, but I didn't find the method Old Lu mentioned."

He had gone to the Lu Manor library as soon as he woke up that morning, but found nothing after a thorough search.

Lu Guoyong lightly sipped his tea and said, "Many years have passed. I've forgotten where it was stored. Take your time searching, no rush."

An Jing raised an eyebrow and asked, "Does Old Lu not remember at all?"

Lu Guoyong said faintly, "I remember some of it. It seems to be related to Beili Volcano."

Beili Volcano!?

An Jing suddenly remembered. Lou Xiangzhen had once told him that there was a strange fire bird beneath Beili Volcano that could also extract Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi. Could this method be related to that strange beast?

However, that fire bird's strength was unfathomable, and it was hidden beneath the volcano. Even a Grandmaster would be helpless against it.

While An Jing was deep in thought, a middle-aged man walked in quickly. His face bore some resemblance to Lu Guoyong, but his expression was extremely anxious.

This person was Lu Fang.

"Father."

Lu Fang saw An Jing in the black robe, and his tone paused slightly.

Lu Guoyong said faintly, "Just say whatever it is directly."

Lu Fang's face sank, and he said, "Father, Li Fuzhou has come, and he brought someone with him."

Yu Capital City, Tianxiang Workshop.

Li Fuzhou wore a brand new white robe, his hair meticulously combed. His expression was somewhat serious, lacking his usual carefree demeanor.

Looking at the somewhat unfamiliar yet familiar street before him, his Heart-Nature was filled with emotion.

The road home was both short and long; short in distance, long in sentiment.

Revisiting old places, with things no longer as they were, old memories associated with them still came flooding back unexpectedly.

Tan Yun, dressed in a black robe, held two candied hawthorn skewers and mumbled, "Shifu, what's your relationship with that Liu Ruyun? She's quite nice to me."

Li Fuzhou asked, "What did she tell you?"

Tan Yun licked the candy coating and said, "She asked me many things, about my childhood, how I ended up in the Demonic Cult, what I've been doing all these years, many, many things, and what I like to eat."

Aside from her Master, it seemed no one else had ever inquired about her with such concern as that woman just did.

No, there was also someone who used to buy her many pastries.

But that person was already dead.

Li Fuzhou pondered for a moment and said, "She, she's a good friend of Master."

"Good friend? How good?"

Tan Yun was not stupid. Liu Ruyun of the Liu Family was once her Master's fiancée, and now she clearly seemed to still have lingering feelings.

Li Fuzhou glanced at Tan Yun and said faintly, "She's just naturally warm-hearted and very kind. Why are you thinking so much? Oh, right, why were you up so late last night with the lamp lit? What were you doing?"

Tan Yun blinked her big eyes, her heart pounding. "No, no, I was looking at the moon last night."

"Is that so? Do you need a lamp to look at the moon?"

Li Fuzhou was not one to tolerate deceit, especially Tan Yun's little tricks.

"With a lamp, I can see the moon more clearly!"

Tan Yun nodded repeatedly, then cautiously said, "Master, in my opinion, we should leave quickly. I always feel unsafe here."

They were a Demonic Cult Human Sect Sect Master and a Demonic Cult Human Sect Protector, running to this Great Yan Yu Capital City. Her Heart-Nature was always filled with unease.

Li Fuzhou said faintly, "Don't worry, Yu Capital City is very safe."

As he spoke, the two had already arrived in front of a manor.

Li Fuzhou paused, standing silently before the manor.

Tan Yun looked up, staring in astonishment at the two gilded characters on the manor. She recognized these two characters but still couldn't help but ask, "Ma-Master, where is this?"

Li Fuzhou said faintly, "Lu Manor."

"Clatter!"

The two candied hawthorn skewers in Tan Yun's hand fell to the ground. She then looked at Li Fuzhou and said in shock, "Master, I was wrong."

Li Fuzhou looked at Tan Yun in surprise and said, "What did you do wrong?"

"I shouldn't have spoken ill of you behind your back, nor should I have secretly taken your silver, and I definitely shouldn't have secretly given orders in your name, although…" Tan Yun's face flushed red, and she said aggrievedly, "I've done so many small things to displease you, but you can't bring your Disciple here to die!"

What place was this? The Lu Family.

The residence of Lu Guoyong, the Three-Dynasty Grand Secretary of Great Yan.

This was the place Li Fuzhou had once fled from. When he defected from the Lu Family back then, Lu Guoyong had personally sent the Black Robe Guard to hunt him down. If it weren't for the help of Demonic Cult Masters, Li Fuzhou would be a handful of yellow earth by now.

No matter how powerful Li Fuzhou was, at most he could only reach the Grandmaster Realm. Coming to this Lu Family was simply seeking death, wasn't it?

Li Fuzhou looked at the gilded characters and remained silent.

Tan Yun said softly, "Master, let's go. Why bother with a momentary fit of pique from back then?"

Her Heart-Nature suddenly felt a little scared.

Li Fuzhou patted Tan Yun's head and smiled faintly, "Don't worry, our Master and Disciple's lives are tough. We won't die."

Tan Yun shook her head repeatedly, "Master, I'm not going."

In her opinion, this place was a Dragon's Den. What Demonic Cult member would run here? This was clearly seeking death.