“This is truly a case of calamity descending from the heavens while one sits safely at home,” Liu Qingyan said, her delicate brows lightly furrowed. “We are simply living peacefully in Tonglin County, yet these crooked evil paths still come knocking.”
Lu Zheng smiled. “That is why we must cultivate diligently. Besides refining qi for longevity, it is also to protect ourselves.”
Liu Qingyan nodded.
Ever since being stimulated by Shen Ying last time, she had begun cultivating earnestly. However, she was now stuck at a certain point, accumulating foundation in preparation for a breakthrough.
“Come, come. It is time for the favourite part again,” Lu Zheng said with a laugh. “Let us see if this grand master from the Colourful Clouds Between Flowers Sect carried anything valuable.”
Shen Ying giggled secretly. Liu Qingyan was helpless. Wang Xiaowan was speechless.
Lu Zheng, a genius disciple of White Cloud Temple, always acted like a bandit after defeating enemies.
However… they had searched corpses with him a few times. One had to admit…
“This banner, after refining and cleansing, perfectly suits White Cloud Temple techniques. We profited big this time!”
“Good sword! A dharma sword at that. Made with spiritual materials, inscribed with many runes. Excellent. I can use it too.”
“Tsk tsk. I am almost able to refine my own storage artefact. What use is giving me one now?”
Besides the long sword and small banner Gu Changtian had used earlier, Lu Zheng found a leather pouch at his waist. It was surprisingly a storage treasure with considerable space.
“Oh my! So many Great Jing banknotes. Another windfall. Everyone gets a share. Big red packets all around. Old Yue, you no longer need to sell your collections for opera tips.”
“Three spiritual herbs even. Truly rare. Qingyan, take them.”
“A few talismans. Low power. We cannot use them. Hm, Xiaowan can take them.”
“Oho!” Lu Zheng pulled out a somewhat worn booklet, flipped it open, then immediately closed it.
Wang Xiaowan’s eyes lit up. “The Colourful Clouds Between Flowers Sect technique?”
“Shoo, shoo. Little girl, do not look at such things. You will get styes.”
Wang Xiaowan pouted. She was not a seven- or eight-year-old child. How could she not understand matters between men and women?
But she could not possibly discuss this with Lu Zheng, so she said nothing.
Lu Zheng chuckled and stowed the booklet in his gourd. He gave Shen Ying and Liu Qingyan a subtle wink. Both women rolled their eyes at him.
They stored Gu Changtian’s corpse. Blood traces had been buried by Shen Ying. The courtyard was now spotless, showing no sign of the fierce battle.
“Alright. All done. Good thing Shen Ying was here. The commotion was small. Xiaowan, go rest. We are leaving,” Lu Zheng said.
“Good!” Wang Xiaowan nodded. To Liu Qingyan, “I will visit Sister Qingyan tomorrow to chat.”
Liu Qingyan smiled. “Always welcome.”
Wang Xiaowan returned to her room alone. Lu Zheng’s group quietly went home.
They first greeted Du Yueyao, then sent Yue Honghai to heal. Finally, Lu Zheng pulled Liu Qingyan and Shen Ying together to study the advanced techniques of the Colourful Clouds Between Flowers Sect.
“Oh heavens!”
“It can actually be done like this!”
“No, no… that won’t do…”
Soon, a sound-insulating true qi barrier covered Lu Zheng’s bedroom.
…
The next day, Liu Qingyan’s steps to Benevolent Heart Hall were somewhat unsteady. Lu Zheng and Shen Ying slept in again. When they rose, they learned Yue Honghai had gone to Yuling Garden.
“Such a big opera addiction!” Lu Zheng said.
Shen Ying leaned in giggling. “Everyone has their hobbies. Lu Lang’s addiction is actually quite big too~”
Lu Zheng chuckled and pulled Shen Ying into his arms.
Feeling the change in Lu Zheng, Shen Ying jumped in surprise and sprang up. “I must return to Taohua Flat. Lu Lang, go listen to storytelling at Leping Tower alone.”
Lu Zheng grabbed her. “Return to what Taohua Flat? We will go to Mingyue Tower for lunch together. As for now…”
Shen Ying twisted her skirt hem like a newlywed bride, timidly saying, “What does Lu Lang want to do… now?”
Lu Zheng swallowed, his expression fierce. “Now accompany me to Leping Tower!”
“Hehe!”
…
“Young Master Lu! Madam Shen!”
Arriving at Leping Tower, they met Old Wang just arriving.
“Greetings, Old Master Wang.” Shen Ying curtsied gracefully, startling him into repeated returns.
Because of Wang Xiaowan, Old Wang knew Shen Ying’s peach blossom fairy identity. How dare he accept her courtesy? Afraid of shortening his life?
“This morning, hearing from Wan’er, I learned such a major incident happened last night,” Old Wang said.
Lu Zheng waved dismissively, calm as clouds. “A South Border heretic. Since he dared come to the Central Plains seeking trouble, he should be prepared to be eliminated.”
“Yes, yes!”
Old Wang, seasoned and shrewd, followed Lu Zheng’s lead. “But only with Young Master Lu here was Xiaowan spared disaster. You lack nothing. My eldest son procured some Bicui Needles from Yuling Circuit in Yizhou. I will have servants deliver a few jin to your residence later. Please do not disdain it.”
“Bicui Needles from Yuling Circuit are renowned worldwide. I will accept gratefully,” Lu Zheng smiled.
“No trouble! No trouble!” Old Wang laughed, accompanying Lu Zheng. The three reached premium seats in the front listening area.
Lu Zheng and Shen Ying sat together. Old Wang sat on Lu Zheng’s other side.
Before the performance began, a figure sat beside Shen Ying.
Lu Zheng and Shen Ying instinctively turned. It was a middle-aged man they had never seen.
He wore blue brocade robes, square face, dignified appearance, slight beard. His eye corners were gentle, blending authority with kindness. Quite approachable.
In modern terms, a classic handsome middle-aged uncle, the type many young girls liked.
Seeing them look over, the handsome uncle nodded amicably.
Lu Zheng and Shen Ying returned the nod, then turned back, no further interaction.
Old Wang glanced over and leaned to whisper to Lu Zheng. “This is the new Yu family master in the north of the city. Deals in gold, silver, copper, and tin wares. Took over a shop in Cong’an Lane. Opened the day before yesterday.”
Lu Zheng’s eyes flashed. He nodded.
…
Lu Zheng and Shen Ying’s only exchange with this Master Yu was the initial nod. Afterwards, they listened peacefully.
Near noon, Old Wang went home for lunch. Lu Zheng and Shen Ying left hand in hand.
After walking far from Leping Tower, Lu Zheng glanced back. He saw Master Yu also exit, followed by two servants, leisurely heading north.
