Lu Zheng returned home, pondering how this matter would not be easily resolved.
The opponent was an old demon of many years, who had taken a fancy to Liu Qingyan, holding the fox demon family’s matriarch hostage and forcing the fox demon to go out and search for Liu Qingyan. If she could not be found, the fox demon could not return home.
The fox demon family was no match for the wolf demon and could only obey its commands. They currently had only two options: either never return home or bring Liu Qingyan back with them.
Of course, from what they said, it seemed they had also considered secretly rescuing the matriarch, but the opponent guarded her too closely, making success unlikely.
Moreover, judging by Liu Qingyan’s reaction, it was clear the wolf demon was undoubtedly a childhood trauma for her, causing such panic at the mere mention of him.
Thus, merely avoiding the issue was not a solution; it would leave a thorn in the heart forever. Therefore, with Lu Zheng’s cultivation speed, he would surely take the initiative to confront and resolve the problem eventually.
However, since Huangfu Xu had already found this place, unexpected incidents could not be ruled out. So, Lu Zheng placed half of his talismans and an embroidered spring sabre in his modern home, and the other half in his ancient home, to be prepared for any eventuality.
“Could I really go to Eastern Europe or the Middle East to get some heavy weapons?” Lu Zheng frowned.
He had considered this idea before, but firstly, he was still weak back then and only wanted to live peacefully in the modern world, avoiding trouble. After all, the country’s big data was not to be trifled with; every move left a trace. If he went to conflict zones to procure items or engage in underground dealings and got caught, how could a dangerous individual like him live freely in the country?
He had no blood feud to drive him, and with parents to care for, there was no need to show off his powers and make enemies of the world before he could soar through the skies or pluck stars from the heavens.
Secondly, in the ancient world, he could travel through time at will, feeling no sense of crisis. He never provoked trouble, nor did he encounter life-threatening dangers. As his cultivation grew stronger, he had even less need for such measures.
Now, with over a hundred years of cultivation, protected by the Golden Light Mantra and blood qi, he compared himself to martial artists and demons. With such strength, ordinary weapons could harm him only if the opponent was also extraordinary. In terms of pure physical output, he was already beyond what standard firearms or grenades could handle.
It would take at least a Gatling gun or an RPG.
“I’ll inquire further tomorrow. If it’s only about two hundred years of cultivation, I can handle it myself. At worst, I can call on Senior Brother Yuanjing for help.” Lu Zheng shook his head. “If we can safely delay for a while longer, there’ll be even less of a problem.”
The next day, the sky was clear and boundless.
Old Man Liu went to the clinic as usual, while Lu Zheng accompanied Liu Qingyan and Huangfu Xu to stroll around the county, catching up on their experiences since parting last year.
Lu Zheng also learned from Huangfu Xu about Leng Jian’s cultivation level.
Over two hundred years of cultivation, though whether it was just over two hundred or closer to two hundred ninety was unclear.
“If we could rescue Grandma, we could build a manor around Tonglin County and live together as a family, wouldn’t that be great?” Liu Qingyan said. “Isn’t Big Cousin the cleverest? Can’t you think of a way to rescue Grandma?”
“Cousin, you don’t know, there’s a yellow weasel living in the house now. If we get within two miles of the manor, he can smell us,” Huangfu Xu sighed. “When we left, we agreed to meet every three months in Linshui Town. There’s still over a month until the next meeting. We’ll see what ideas everyone has then.”
Liu Qingyan could only nod helplessly, and Lu Zheng had no objections.
That evening, Lu Zheng did not join the Liu family’s gathering, letting them have some private family time. Instead, he went to Peach Blossom Ridge and told Shen Ying about the Liu family’s troubles.
“A mere demon with two or three hundred years of cultivation? If that wolf demon dares to come, we husband and wife will join forces and take him down!” Shen Ying said, her eyes blazing.
Lu Zheng slapped his forehead. He had been so focused on dealing with the issue in Wanfu County that he forgot about Shen Ying, a crucial ally. With the Peach Blossom Shrine thriving and Tonglin County’s underworld benefiting from the extra incense income, they had established a foothold in the Night Veil Mountain of the Netherworld, holding their own against invading spirits.
Shen Ying, who shared half the merits, was naturally even stronger. Her exact strength was unknown, but in terms of cultivation, she definitely surpassed Lu Zheng.
This was quite a boost!
“Hm?!”
As the two were sharing a tender moment, Shen Ying suddenly frowned.
“What’s wrong?”
“A demon is invading, heading straight for the county!” Shen Ying’s expression turned stern. “A black wind is rolling in, no good creature!”
“It’s the wolf demon!” Lu Zheng stood up, his gaze solemn. “He must have cast a spell on Huangfu Xu. No wonder he let them out to search for someone without worrying about tricks!”
With that, he leaped forward, leaving Peach Blossom Village and heading straight for Tonglin County.
Moments later, a fragrant breeze followed, and Shen Ying appeared by Lu Zheng’s side, accompanying him.
“Hm?”
Lu Zheng looked back, confused, at the receding Peach Blossom Ridge.
“My divine soul is now purified; I can leave the old peach tree,” Shen Ying said with a soft laugh. “Though I can’t stray too far, moving within a hundred miles around Tonglin County is no issue.”
“Great!” Lu Zheng was thrilled, though now was not the time for conversation.
As they spoke, they reached Tonglin County. Looking around, they saw a black mist enveloping the Liu family’s residence. A hoarse voice rang out, “I knew your family couldn’t be trusted. Too bad I already cast Moonlit Shadow on you. Everything within a yard of you is under my control.”
“Leng Jian!”
“Hmph!” Leng Jian sneered, reaching for Liu Qingyan. “Qingyan, your husband has missed you dearly. Come back with me and let’s get married!”
“Stop!” Shen Ying arrived just in time, shouting coldly. With a wave of her hand, countless peach blossom shadows appeared, blocking his path.
“Hm?!”
Leng Jian dispersed the peach blossom aura in front of him and looked at Shen Ying, who was flying toward him, frowning. “Who are you? What grudge do you have against me to interfere in my affairs?”
The wolf demon had a stern face, sinister eyes, and swirling black smoke around him, exuding a formidable presence, clearly a skilled fighter.
But Shen Ying was unafraid, saying coldly, “Qingyan is my sister. How dare you act so brazenly!”
“Sister Shen!” Liu Qingyan called out, both shocked and delighted, yet filled with lingering fear.
The Liu family was also terrified. They hadn’t expected Huangfu Xu to arrive yesterday and Leng Jian to attack today. Lu Zheng was absent, likely out again tonight. If Shen Ying hadn’t arrived in time, Liu Qingyan would likely have been taken, and the Liu family would have faced dire consequences.
