Chapter 187: Malevolent Guests At The Door
“《Taiping Sutra》 can be called the number one wondrous book under heaven. The cultivation method we’re looking for is most likely within it.” After Lu Xian finished speaking, he frowned tightly and said: “But the problem is, although Taiping Dao claims to encompass three teachings and nine streams, with no one excluded, the methods that have been circulated are mostly third-rate cultivation methods.”
Hearing this, Lu Yun secretly clicked his tongue. Uncle Bao often said that countless commoner disciples relied on the cultivation methods circulated by Taiping Dao to become Black Rank experts, and some even opened the Ren and Du Meridians. But in his master’s view, these cultivation methods were actually all third-rate…
“The truly essential profound methods, they all keep secret and do not reveal.” Lu Xian frowned in deep thought and said: “I’ve thought through all of Taiping Dao’s famous experts of past generations, and I don’t recall anyone practicing a similar cultivation method. I don’t know why, but they actually left such a profound Profound Cave Skill unpracticed. It’s truly baffling.”
“This has to be asked of Taiping Cult. Master, when will you go find Sun Yuanlang? He definitely can explain it clearly.” Lu Yun said softly.
“In your dreams. If I dared to inquire with him about Profound Cave Skill, he would certainly suspect that the treasure canon is in my hands. Then, not only would I fail to steal the chicken, but I would lose the rice instead.” Lu Xian rolled his eyes, clearly very wary of Sun Yuanlang.
Seeing that Lu Xian pondered back and forth without coming up with any plan, Lu Yun couldn’t help but say softly: “Speaking of which, Taiping Dao’s Saintess is currently in the Capital City. Perhaps we can open a breakthrough from her.”
“Oh?” Lu Xian’s eyes lit up: “Taiping Dao’s Saintess has emerged?”
“Master still doesn’t know?” Lu Yun looked at Lu Xian in disbelief, thinking to himself that he was truly oblivious to matters outside. “This is already an open secret among the various clans.”
“If not for you, this little brat,” Lu Xian’s old face reddened, and he said with shame and anger: “How would I pay attention to these messy trifles!”
“Yes,” Lu Yun hurriedly smiled obsequiously: “It’s all trouble I’ve caused Master.”
“Hmph!” Lu Xian snorted, his expression easing slightly as he said: “The Saintess holds a transcendent position in Taiping Dao and can inquire about everything in the cult. She is indeed worth spending some effort on.” His spirit lifted as he said: “Where is she now? As your master, I might have to play the villain once more, capture her, and properly interrogate her!”
“Uh…” Lu Yun shook his head with a bitter smile: “The Investigative Bureau and the various clans are all looking for her, but no one can find her.” His voice lowered as he said: “However, this disciple has a strong premonition that she will definitely come find me.”
Actually, what premonition? He had snatched the Imperial Seal from the Saintess’s hands, and the other party would sooner or later trace it back to him.
“Looks like you have quite a few secrets.” Lu Xian sneered.
“If Master asks, this disciple naturally won’t conceal it.” Lu Yun hurriedly stated.
“No interest.” Lu Xian shook his head firmly and instructed in a deep voice: “You first try to find the Saintess, then we’ll discuss countermeasures together.”
“Yes.” Lu Yun respectfully replied.
.
At dawn, Lu Yun left the Small Bamboo Forest.
At this time, it was when Lu Song and the others were doing morning practice. But Lu Yun had been ordered by Lu Xian not to circulate Qi for a month, and could only practice Five Virtues Five Elements Technique to repair his damaged organs, so he couldn’t go over to join in the fun.
Thinking of going home to report that he was safe, so as not to worry Elder Sister and Grandfather anymore, Lu Yun headed towards Jingxin Ward.
At this time, there were already quite a few clan members active within Lu Ward. They had originally gathered together, discussing something with varied expressions. Someone couldn’t help but shout loudly: “I think the Elder Council is right; this is a big conspiracy!”
“Keep your voice down, don’t let it reach Sanwei Hall…” The person next to him hurriedly poked him hard, and looking up, saw Lu Yun walking over. He hurriedly reminded everyone: “Lu Yun is here!”
Hearing this, the discussion voices abruptly stopped, and all turned to look towards Lu Yun. But when Lu Yun looked over, they suddenly averted their gazes in unison, just like thieves with guilty consciences.
These days on the road, when meeting clan members, they had all vied to greet him and surrounded him asking this and that, making Lu Yun feel overwhelmed. But now they suddenly didn’t come up, and Lu Yun actually felt a bit disappointed…
‘This shouldn’t be. Could Master be hiding something from me?’ Lu Yun felt somewhat strange in his heart. Logically, Master had just stood up for him yesterday, and the clan members couldn’t fawn over him fast enough. Why would it be like this?
Carrying the doubts in his heart, Lu Yun returned to Jingxin Ward. As soon as he entered, he saw many people gathered at his own doorway. Lu Yun’s heart tightened, and he quickly walked over.
“Young Master Yun is back.” Some clan members watching the excitement outside his home saw Lu Yun and all paid their respects to him.
“Mm, may I ask, what is this about?” Lu Yun’s gaze passed over those clan members and fell on the several carriages in front of his own door. He was no longer a newcomer and naturally recognized that these carriages bore the clan emblems of Xiahou Clan, Cui Clan, Xie Clan, and Pei Clan respectively. Judging by the specifications, they were carriages at the steward level.
“Sigh, Young Master will know once he goes in. It’s not easy being the steward, sir.” The neighbors sighed repeatedly, gesturing for Lu Yun to go in and see for himself. But some also advised him not to go in first: “Young Master, don’t ask for trouble. Better wait until they leave.”
Before the words finished, that person saw Lu Yun had already entered the courtyard.
In the courtyard, the traces of yesterday’s fierce battle could no longer be seen. Even the broken doors and windows of the front hall had been restored. If not for the smell of fresh lacquer, Lu Yun would almost suspect whether everything yesterday was a dream.
He took off his shoes under the corridor, lowered his head, and walked towards the front hall. He saw that the floor in the front hall had been relaid, and all the furnishings had been replaced with new ones, moreover, obviously much more expensive than the originals.
Under a large celadon cloud pattern marble screen, those several guests were excitedly shouting at Lu Xin: “Lord Lu Minister, you just took over the Finance Department, that’s true, but this debt is owed by the Finance Department. If we don’t come to you, who do we go to?!”
“Exactly, Brother Lu, if you don’t agree, we’ll have no choice but to go to Sanwei Hall and cry our grievances to the old Clan Leader.”
“Old Ten, think about it. If we don’t acknowledge the debt, how will we trust Lu Clan in the future?!”
“Yes, Brother Yun, this bit of money is but a drop in the bucket compared to Lu Clan’s reputation. You must not lose the big for the small!”
These people spoke one after another, not giving Lu Xin any chance to speak. He could only listen without saying anything, his eyes aimlessly looking towards the doorway, where he saw Lu Yun’s figure.
Seeing Lu Yun return safe and sound, joy immediately appeared on Lu Xin’s face, stunning those several guests. Following his gaze, they saw a youth of unparalleled handsomeness walking in from outside.
The several visitors stopped talking, and Lu Xin introduced them: “These several are account masters from the various clans, just like your father. By seniority, they are all your elders.”
“Yes, yes, we’re just some account masters.” The several guests laughed haha upon hearing this. With a junior present, how could they continue being as vulgar as before?
Account master was self-deprecation; they were all Finance Stewards of the various clans… Of course, the various clans had different titles, but their general duties and status were no different.
In other words, these four guests were all Earth Rank Grandmasters, and their status far exceeded ordinary grandmasters in the clans. They were the powerful money gods of the various clans.
Lu Yun then politely bowed to them.
The several guests smiled and nodded, saying to Lu Xin: “This must be your son, yes?”
“Precisely my boy.” Lu Xin stroked his beard and smiled, very pleased.
“Truly a talented individual!” The several grandmasters eyed Lu Yun with shining eyes, clicking their tongues in praise: “Indeed, excelling in both civil and martial arts, a dragon among men. No wonder he could even move your clan’s Vice Sect Master!” Who knows how they could tell from Lu Yun’s appearance that he excelled in both civil and martial arts?
Although these words contained no lack of pleasantries, these several grandmasters truly placed great importance on Lu Yun and were extremely curious about him. Before yesterday, they might not have even heard of Lu Yun’s name. After all, even the Black Rank competition with Xie Bo wouldn’t enter these big shots’ eyes.
But after yesterday’s battle, Lu Yun’s name had resounded throughout the Capital City!
Lu Yun’s relationship with Lu Xian naturally could no longer be concealed.
“You all overpraise me.”
