novel-bin Chapter 113, A Good Son-in-Law and Junior Brother
Chapter 113, A Good Son-in-Law and Junior Brother
Chapter 114, A Good Son-in-Law and Junior Brother
The inner courtyard of the Lu family.
Candlelight illuminated the main room, with Butler Li and Lu Jiu standing guard on either side of the door, their expressions subtly wary.
Behind a semi-circular archway on the west wall was the small courtyard where Lu Qingyi lived. Her maids Jin'er and Ping'er were fanning themselves in the courtyard to cool off, but Lu Qingyi was not in her room.
What are you doing not sleeping in the middle of the night?
Ren Qingshan lay prone behind the eaves of the main house, listening quietly to the sounds coming from inside.
Lu Haichuan's deep voice rang out: "The Divine Firmament Holy Sect is utterly shameless! They ignored us when we were in trouble, and now they want us to pay for this Autumn Festival!"
Then came Lu Qingyi's gentle voice: "Father, this matter is definitely related to Liu Jingshu. I just didn't expect that even with her family in such a state, she would still have the mind to make things difficult for us."
Liu Jingshu is Liu Fangyuan's daughter and Lu Qingyi's senior sister in the Shenxiao Holy Sect.
Although there is no conclusion yet regarding the matter of sending "One-Line Blade" to Huaiyin County to target the Lu family, it was definitely her doing.
Now that Liu Fangyuan's limbs are all crippled and his close ties with bandits have been discovered, his position as prefect is clearly in jeopardy. However, the imperial court has not yet issued a formal document, but he certainly has connections above him. Meanwhile, another member of the Liu family, a military graduate, is serving as a deputy prefect in Sishui Prefecture in Nanzhou. Although it is more than 2,000 miles away, the Liu family still has the ability to protect themselves.
It's not a problem to bully a businessman.
Judging from what the two of them said, it seemed that they were asking the Lu family for money under the guise of the Shenxiao Holy Sect's autumn sacrifice.
After all, Lu Qingyi was once a disciple of the Divine Firmament Holy Sect.
The Liu family originally had a daughter who had joined the Divine Firmament Holy Sect, but now, with no hope of a career in government, it is quite possible that Liu Fangyuan's branch of the family will completely surrender to the Divine Firmament Holy Sect and become its lackeys.
"Is it the Shenxiao family that wants it, or the Liu family? Their demands are outrageous, thirty thousand taels! Do they think our money comes from thin air?"
Lu Haichuan was still deeply resentful and unable to calm down.
My daughter joined the Divine Firmament Holy Sect hoping to make a future for herself, but instead of good things, a whole host of bad things happened.
At that moment, he truly regretted it; he shouldn't have sent her there!
"Father—it's my fault. I'll go to the Liu family tomorrow, under the guise of paying my respects to my senior brothers and sisters, and try to find out some information."
Lu Qingyi's voice revealed a hint of determination. Some things cannot be avoided; whether you stick your neck out or not, you'll still get hurt.
Although going to the Liu family would likely mean enduring humiliation from my senior sister, I'll just have to bear it.
"You—hey—Qingshan—go ask Qingshan?"
Lu Haichuan sighed.
He didn't want the girls to go, because they would definitely be bullied if they did. But he couldn't go himself either, since he wasn't a member of the Divine Firmament Holy Sect. Besides, he wanted to leave himself some room for maneuver.
"He had just joined the Jiuyang Martial Arts School and his injuries hadn't healed yet. He was at the scene when the Liu family case happened, and if he went back to the Liu family, he would inevitably be met with resentment—given his temperament, he might draw his sword on the spot if someone gave him the wrong look. There are so many senior brothers and sisters at the Liu family; if a fight broke out, I wouldn't be able to stop him, and I'm even more worried that he would get hurt again."
Lu Qingyi spoke earnestly and eloquently.
on the eaves.
Ren Qingshan's eyes were subtle. "Fine, you're talking badly about me behind my back."
After listening to the father and daughter talk for a while, they parted ways. Lu Qingyi returned to her small courtyard, closed the gate, and asked two maids to heat water for her bath. She then practiced a set of boxing techniques in the courtyard.
Martial arts can embolden one, and can also quell anger.
Cheer up, things aren't at their worst yet!
Hang in there!
Lu Qingyi practiced her boxing, silently encouraging herself.
A figure gracefully descended from the rooftop, landing silently: "Meow."
Lu Qingyi turned around and saw Ren Qingshan. Her lips immediately curled into a smile, but then she suddenly guessed something and pouted, asking, "Did you hear that?"
"I heard it. Someone is talking badly about me behind my back."
Lu Qingyi was a little embarrassed and stammered, "I will gladly accept the punishment."
Her shy tone stirred ripples in one's heart.
"My powers have been restored."
Immediately, she heard the man's soft voice, her body trembled slightly, and when she came to her senses, she was filled with boundless joy: "First—Innate?"
"Exactly."
At this time.
Hearing the commotion in the courtyard, the two maids hurried out of the room. Upon seeing Ren Qingshan, they lowered their heads and dared not say a word.
This wasn't the first time Ren Qingshan had come.
"You two go out and tell Master Lu that I have broken through to the Innate Realm."
"I'll be staying at the Lu family's place tonight."
Ren Qingshan spoke in a carefree and arrogant manner.
The two men stared wide-eyed at the young lady.
Lu Qingyi was taken aback by his flamboyance, and her face flushed crimson: "Don't go, wait."
"They're both fine."
Holding Ren Qingshan's hand, she walked into the room, into the bedroom, and closed the door. Lu Qingyi let out a long sigh, her misty eyes still retaining a degree of clarity: "Should we keep a secret?"
Ren Qingshan chuckled to himself.
I've already kept one trick up my sleeve.
So you're also a scoundrel.
"I'll go with you tomorrow."
"If you don't like it, give me a makeover and make me look like your maid. Stuff two steamed buns in my chest. Tsk, a maid of a master of innate level, you'll have a lot of face—guaranteed to dazzle all the dogs in the Divine Firmament Sect."
Lu Qingyi smiled, thinking about the scene, it was really exciting, but she still held back: "It's better to resolve enmity than to make it, then I won't rush to go. You spread your name of Xiantian in the prefectural city, and they will naturally not dare to act rashly."
When no one is there to support you, you have to bite the bullet and do it yourself.
With someone backing me up, there's no need to go; after all, these people aren't fools.
"That would be best."
Are you sleepy?
Looking into Ren Qingshan's wolf-like eyes, she gently bit her lip, feeling a thrilling tension and a faint anticipation, and said in a voice barely above a whisper, "I—I'll take a shower first."
"Come on, don't be shy, I don't mind."
Ren Qingshan laughed heartily, exuding a wicked and arrogant charm.
Today is a good day!
The next morning.
When Lu Haichuan was having breakfast, he didn't see his daughter get up, so he sent a maid to the West Garden to inquire. Jin'er and Ping'er didn't dare to say anything and just changed the subject.
Hearing the noise from inside, Ren Qingshan casually got up and dressed, kissed her earlobe, and teased, "Your father is calling you to get up for breakfast."
Lu Qingyi's long eyelashes trembled slightly, and she was instantly startled awake, all sleepiness gone. A frightened look, like that of a deer, appeared in her beautiful eyes: "You—you go quickly."
"What's the rush? Get some rest. I'm going to have dinner with him. You wait to propose."
-
Ren Qingshan dressed, glanced at the blood-stained sheet on the floor, and happily pushed open the door to leave.
Three maids: o(□)o? ? ? ?
When Lu Haichuan saw Ren Qingshan walk out of the daughter's courtyard, his eyes changed slightly, his Adam's apple bobbed, and he was about to say something when Ren Qingshan strode over, clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Uncle Lu, my power has been restored, to the Innate Realm."
His eyes widened, and his embarrassment instantly turned into ecstasy. He grabbed Ren Qingshan's hand tightly and exclaimed, "Good! Good!"
What a fine son-in-law!
Butler Li and Lu Jiu, who were standing nearby, were both utterly shocked when they heard the conversation between the two.
innate!
How many innate experts are there in the prefectural city?
Ren Qingshan is a prodigy!
With such strength, the Lu family is bound to rise to prominence!
"Congratulations, Lord Ren! Your progress is rapid, truly a cause for celebration."
Butler Li was all smiles, overjoyed. He thought of Ren Qingshan when he came to the Lu family as a guard, as if it were just yesterday, still vivid in his mind.
And now, it has transformed from a mudfish into a dragon, soaring into the heavens!
After chatting and laughing with the three for a while, they went inside and had a hearty breakfast. With cards in hand, Lu Haichuan was not flustered at all. He thought of a new strategy and suggested holding a Xiantian Banquet.
This is a routine matter.
They were often held in grand style, with a spectacle comparable to passing the imperial military examination.
After all, a martial arts candidate may not be born with innate talent, but a martial artist born with innate talent is guaranteed to pass the martial arts examination; the only suspense lies in the ranking in the subsequent palace examination.
Ren Qingshan thought for a moment and quickly agreed.
They possess innate vitality, are virtually invincible except by decapitation, and face no risk of injury.
Right now, I need a lot of land, wealth, and cultivation techniques—making a grand display wouldn't hurt.
Jiuyang Martial Arts School.
Around mid-morning, Ren Qingshan arrived at the martial arts school and met Feng Jingxian and Gongshu Ce. He immediately addressed them as "Master" and expressed his gratitude for their appreciation. He said that he had now reached the Innate Realm and wished to become their disciple and be regarded as their mentor.
Gongshu Ce accepted the invitation with a smile, and as they chatted, he began to talk about the apprenticeship ceremony.
Ren Qingshan said he would hold a banquet to celebrate the beginning of life, and the apprenticeship ceremony would be held at the same time.
He had no objections and listed his seventeen disciples, who were spread throughout the imperial court, the military, the Demon Suppression Bureau, and the martial arts world, giving Ren Qingshan a detailed introduction. Then, he smiled and took out two booklets.
"The Great Strategy is the culmination of my life's work, consisting of three volumes: Military Strategy, Military Strategy, and Mechanisms."
"I will also pass on to you the 'Hundred Battles Blade Technique,' which can unleash up to nine times the combat power."
The mind is like fire, and the mental techniques are as raging as a fire, capable of multiplying combat power.
Feng Jingxian was generous, taking out a lung qi technique called "Golden Tiger Roar," which was a method of killing enemies through sound, and then offering a few words of encouragement.
They truly spared no effort in nurturing the younger generation.
The two men had spent most of their lives on the battlefield, shedding blood and killing countless people. Now, with kind faces and gentle demeanor, they were giving back to their hometown. Ren Qingshan considered this matter, not because he doubted the two old men's character, but because they certainly had their own selfish motives. After all, they had made too many enemies and committed too many killings in the past. Their actions were probably also motivated by the desire to preserve the martial arts lineage and bring blessings to future generations.
As for myself, of course I respect them.
I will not fail those who do not wrong me; I will repay even the smallest kindness with the greatest gratitude.
Ren Qingshan became Gongshu Ce's apprentice!
The news quickly spread throughout the Nine Yang Martial Academy, drawing widespread admiration.
Although Gongshu Ce was the head instructor of the martial arts academy, a master who charges money to teach martial arts is different from a master who personally teaches martial arts.
Over the years, all those he has taken under his wing have been martial arts geniuses—a wise man does not take on foolish disciples!
in the afternoon.
A tall and agile female constable, dressed in her uniform and with her hair tied up, strode into the martial arts academy. Most of the people bowed and greeted her.
Wind Sword Qin.
She inquired about her master's whereabouts and then asked Ren Qingshan, learning that he was in the training room. So she went to find Gongshu Ce first, addressed him as her master, and said she wanted to have a private talk behind closed doors because she had important matters to report.
Gongshu Ce smiled and agreed.
"Master, the suspicion surrounding Ren Qingshan has not been completely eliminated. He may still be involved in the Liu family case. It is possible that he concealed his cultivation level, secretly killed someone, then staged a self-inflicted injury, or even framed Qian Chengen. Please reconsider the matter of accepting me as a disciple."
The "murderer of the Divine Dragon Cult" in this case has not yet been caught. The perpetrator is not only a master of innate strength but also a member of the Divine Dragon Cult, which is affiliated with the Fourth Prince. Even the constables of the yamen have no motivation to pursue him.
Moreover, Lord Chu's attitude was ambiguous; he was unwilling to send more people.
Feng Jianqin didn't put much effort into this matter, as she had other cases to handle and was extremely busy.
At that moment, it was simply out of a basic sense of justice that I reminded my master.
Gongshu Ce smiled faintly after hearing her words.
"Regardless of whether he did it or not, if he really did, I would think even more highly of him—he manipulated everyone in the entire city."
"If your grandfather knew, he'd probably praise him as a promising talent. He was fooled right under his nose. And afterwards, he even dared to enroll in the Jiuyang Martial Arts School."
"Such a genius, how could he not be your junior brother?"
"And for the sake of his nephew, he dared to kill the commander of the Demon Suppression Division and the prefectural judge of the imperial court that very night. Such a bloodthirsty act of seeking revenge without delay—can he be considered both loyal and righteous?"
Feng Jianqin was speechless and nodded silently.
After saying a few more random things, she got up and went straight to Ren Qingshan's training room.
He stood at the door, ignoring the stares of passersby, until the sun set and Ren Qingshan emerged from his meditation.
"Junior brother—be good, call her senior sister."
Her sexy, languid, mature voice carried a hint of subtle flirtation.
Ren Qingshan had already heard Gongshu Ce introduce her; she had become a disciple very early and was ranked sixth in the sect.
"Thank you for the wound medicine that night, senior sister. I still carry this medicine bottle with me to this day."
Ren Qingshan reached into his robes and took out a medicine bottle—he had been prepared for this long time, carrying this thing with him every day since the first day he came to Jiuyang Martial Arts School, just waiting for this moment, Wu Liu.
Feng Jianqin suddenly froze.
Ok?
Coming to her senses, her eyes flickered slightly, and the corners of her full lips turned up in a half-smile, as she asked, "What do you mean by that?"
Ren Qingshan did not respond, but simply smiled and cupped his hands, saying, "Ren Qingshan greets Senior Sister. I hope you will take good care of me in the future."
This junior brother is truly thoughtful!
He's someone important!
Did he foresee what would happen today?
The truth, like a cat's gentle scratch, was in her heart. It wasn't about bringing this junior brother to justice, but about uncovering the truth and giving herself closure. She tossed her head with a flourish: "Alright, I'll take care of you, of course. Junior brother, haven't you eaten yet? Let me treat you to a drink. Come on, Phoenix Pavilion."
Ren Qingshan was slightly taken aback, then came to his senses and smiled, "Let's go!"
The sexy and domineering sixth senior sister, is she also going to Phoenix Pavilion?
Grinding tofu, huh?
Patiently wait for her to go to the martial arts room, where she changed into a loose white casual outfit. The front was tightly wrapped, probably a chest binder. She had also done some simple makeup, and dressed as a man, she looked very heroic.
"Senior sister, aren't you afraid of running into General Feng at Phoenix Pavilion?"
Ren Qingshan, with a hint of teasing in his eyes, asked with a smile.
She glared at me, displaying the composure and allure of a mature older sister: "None of your business—are you going or not?"
"go!"