"Not bad. Fortunately, I've been focusing on nourishing Yin specifically during this period. This second level is the highest realm of the Jade Crane Art. It usually takes an ordinary person five years to master. I've managed to shorten that time drastically. Naturally, it's much more taxing than when I first started."
Lu Sheng carefully examined the state of his body. Although he still felt weak, it was noticeably better than before. His recent regimen of conditioning seemed to have worked.
He let out a long breath.
Within his chest and abdomen, the cycle of internal energy had clearly changed. What was once a single airflow the thickness of a chopstick had now become nine distinct streams—together, much denser and more vigorous than before.
The Jade Crane Art had reached its second level, and the difference was unmistakable. With each breath in and out, Lu Sheng felt brimming with energy. His reactions were sharper, more immediate.
"According to the records for the second level of the Jade Crane Art, it should enhance longevity and allow for rapid blood clotting."
"I'll test the effects of these internal skills tomorrow. I should get in touch with Duanmu Wan and see if she has any new techniques I can learn."
If the Jade Crane Art was genuine, then the other internal arts might be as well. He was curious to see what might happen if multiple techniques were cultivated together. In theory, as long as their attributes didn’t conflict, they should be able to integrate harmoniously.
With that thought, Lu Sheng lay down again to rest.
Just as he settled in, he faintly heard footsteps outside the yard—someone moving away. The rhythm of the steps was strikingly similar to Lu Qingqing’s.
Lu Sheng shook his head and let it go. Lately, Lu Qingqing had been taking walks nearly every other night.
He couldn’t help but wonder what kind of clues she might have discovered.
At first, he tried to follow her closely, but quickly realized his footsteps were no match for Lu Qingqing’s. He lost sight of her after only a few steps and gave up, deciding not to waste more energy.
The next morning, Lu Sheng took the prepared banknotes and went straight to the Wanfu Inn, where Duanmu Wan had been staying.
"What? Checked out?"
Lu Sheng stared at the innkeeper, his brows furrowed.
"When did this happen?"
"About half a month ago," the innkeeper replied. "Miss Duanmu was invited by a few young men to visit Red Lotus Temple outside the city. Later, she sent someone back to say she was checking out."
The innkeeper seemed genuinely concerned about Duanmu Wan. She was exceptionally beautiful, frequently pursued by admirers, and had a habit of spending generously. Naturally, she had left a deep impression on him.
"Red Lotus Temple..." Lu Sheng muttered, frowning.
He had a gut feeling Duanmu Wan wasn’t actually at Red Lotus Temple. The sudden checkout sounded more like a pretext.
"Forget it."
He walked out of the inn, flicking open his folding fan. Two guards were waiting at the entrance.
"Sir, how did it go? Did you find Miss Duanmu?" asked Guard Xiaosong. He was often by Lu Sheng’s side—cleaning the practice grounds, occasionally sparring with him. His martial arts were decent.
"No, she's already left," Lu Sheng replied with a shake of his head.
"Where to now?"
"Where else? Back to the mansion."
Lu Sheng was frustrated. He hadn’t found the secret manual, and the fruitless search only worsened his mood.
The three of them boarded the carriage and rode swiftly back to the mansion. As they arrived at the gate, a yellow carriage came into view, parked prominently before the entrance.
The large character “Zhang” was carved into its side.
"Zhang family?"
Lu Sheng’s expression shifted slightly. The Zhang family had remained silent ever since the incident—but now, at last, they had come knocking.
He wasn’t afraid. With a calm wave, he dismissed Xiaosong and the others, then stepped through the gate alone.
From the entrance, he could see into the main hall. His father, Lu Quanan, sat at the head seat, accompanied by a martial artist. They were receiving a guest from the Zhang family.
Only one person had come from the Zhangs—a man in his thirties with thick eyebrows and narrow eyes.
"…How could my son have done such a thing? The Zhang family must have been mistaken!" Lu Quanan’s tone was steady, his expression calm.
"Many people saw it with their own eyes! How could it be false?!" the Zhang man snapped, his voice rising with anger.
"I don’t care how powerful the Zhang family is in Zihua City—this is Jiulian City, not your Zihua! You may be influential, but the Lu family isn’t one to be trampled on! If you dare frame my son again, don’t blame me, Lu Quanan, for being impolite!"
His voice turned cold and commanding.
The man trembled with fury. He pointed at Lu Quanan, but no words came out.
"Fine, fine! Master Lu is indeed bold. I’ll report every word of this to Master Songxi. Farewell!"
He spun on his heel and stormed toward the exit.
Lu Sheng encountered him midway. The man, not recognizing him, brushed past without a second glance and climbed angrily into his carriage before riding off.
Lu Sheng wasn’t surprised. The Song Dynasty was fragmented and weak. Out here in the north, cities like Jiulian were dominated by local forces who held real power. Even in the Central Plains, families like the Lu clan often feigned loyalty while bending the rules. The Zhangs had made a mistake thinking Zihua’s status would hold sway here.
Once the carriage departed, Lu Sheng entered the hall. He found his father sitting silently, a dazed look on his face.
"Dad, is everything settled?" he asked softly, gesturing for the surrounding guards to withdraw so they could speak privately.
Lu Quanan sighed. When he saw it was Lu Sheng, his expression softened, and a faint smile appeared.
"Little Sheng, you must look after your sister. Don’t let her wander the city so often."
"I can’t control her." Lu Sheng shook his head with a bitter smile. "Dad, have you figured out what the higher-ups are asking us to find? Are they searching for something—or someone?"
"It could be either. I really can’t say."
Lu Quanan lowered his voice and slowly shook his head.
"The prefect is already overwhelmed with the Xu family case and the well-drowning incident in Wang Family Estate outside the city. Especially that well case—so many officers have been sent, yet there’s still no clue. What can your sister accomplish on her own? She should stay home and behave."
"She went to investigate the case in Wang Family Estate?" Lu Sheng was taken aback.
"You didn’t know? The constables at the government office saw Qingqing there with their own eyes. Every few days, she captures wanted criminals or suspects and delivers them personally. At this point, almost everyone at the government office knows who she is."
Lu Quanan sighed helplessly.
"Is that so..." Lu Sheng frowned. "I’ve been caught up in collecting martial arts lately. I haven’t had time to watch over her."
"Collecting martial arts, hmm... You've spent nearly five thousand taels already. How is it going?" Lu Quanan asked, his tone casual.
"I’ve collected several techniques. Once I’ve organized the manuals, I plan to establish a Scripture Library at home. It’ll make it easier for the Lu family to cultivate talented fighters in the future," Lu Sheng replied seriously.
"I figured as much. These are chaotic times. A few dozen men at home won’t be enough. That’s why I supported your efforts without hesitation. We must train more of our own experts," Lu Quanan said solemnly.
"There are currently eighty-six guards and servants who can be mobilized, but most are needed to protect the estate. Realistically, we can only send out about forty people," Lu Sheng calculated.
"And those forty are responsible for guarding our thirteen manors and sixteen shops outside the city. That’s clearly not enough."
"I know," Lu Quanan admitted, rubbing his forehead. "But it’s hard to find people we can truly trust..."
"What about adopting orphans? There are so many homeless children inside and outside the city," Lu Sheng suggested.
"That... We still have to consider how the other families would see it..." Lu Quanan hesitated.
"We’re short on manpower. Why should we care what the other families think? Can’t we develop in secret?" Lu Sheng argued.
"It’s a delicate matter. If the other families find out, they’ll say we’re being overly ambitious and trying to stand out too much," Lu Quanan replied, shaking his head slowly.
Lu Sheng tried again to persuade him, but it was no use.
Deep down, he understood—his father no longer had the boldness he once did. Back then, Lu Quanan had nothing to lose, so he dared to take risks, made bold decisions, and built the Lu family’s foundation from scratch. But now, age and success had made him cautious and indecisive.
Lu Sheng could tell that his father still hoped to see the family grow, which was why he supported the collection of martial arts. But when it came to taking concrete action, he hesitated, unable to make a firm decision.
After a few more words, Lu Sheng stopped pushing. Instead, he shifted the topic to the family’s health and well-being, then quietly excused himself and left.
Lu Quanan stood alone in the hall, frowning in silence, still caught in hesitation.
But Lu Sheng no longer intended to rely on him.
In a world as chaotic as this, lacking personal strength meant becoming a tempting target—just another piece of fat meat for others to devour.
He left the hall and returned to the training grounds.
Having reached the peak of the second level of the Jade Crane Art, his energy overflowed. Even after a full day of exertion, he rarely felt exhausted.
Whenever he felt drowsy, a brief rest would restore him completely, and he could continue practicing for hours more.
As dusk settled in, he was still on the training field, sword in hand, refining his forms.
Sweat-soaked, he washed up quickly and rushed to dinner.
At the dining table, Lu Quanan, Second Mother, and Lu Sheng sat together, while the rest of the extended family gathered at a larger table nearby.
Such was the household rule.
Lu Quanan was the current head of the family, Lu Sheng the future successor, and Second Mother—a former principal wife—still held influence, overseeing the maids and female servants in the rear courtyard. She remained close to both father and son.
These three were the most respected figures in the Lu household.
The others—Third and Fourth Mothers, Fifth Mother, Lu Qingqing, Lu Yingying, Lu Chenxin, and more—sat according to rank.
Though the Lu family was newly wealthy, they strictly followed traditions borrowed from older noble families. One rule was especially clear: no talking while eating or resting.
As the family dined, only the soft clinking of chopsticks and bowls could be heard. Not a single voice broke the quiet.
"Little Sheng."
The unexpected voice of Lu Quanan drew immediate attention. He rarely spoke during meals—only if something was truly important.
All movement slowed, and the family turned to listen.
"Dad, what's the matter?"
Lu Sheng set down his chopsticks and looked at his father.
"You said martial arts are getting harder to collect in Jiulian City. Would you consider going to Yanshan City?"
Lu Quanan's tone was serious and measured.
"Yanshan City?"
Lu Sheng was caught off guard. He hadn't expected his father to suggest leaving the city.
"Yes," Lu Quanan replied with a nod. "An old friend of mine resides there. He wrote to me recently and mentioned that masters from the Central Plains have come to Yanshan City and are teaching martial arts. If you're willing, you could go and perhaps bring back one or two truly powerful techniques from the Central Plains."
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