“If that’s the case, then all those who hurried over, including Taoist-sir’s three, were here because of that emerging treasure?” Lu Sheng grasped the essence of Yan Kai’s explanation at once.
“You can say that,” Yan Kai nodded. “With demons and devils wandering this world, we exorcists have come to protect the peace.”
Lu Sheng gave a faint smile, unsure how much of that he should trust.
After pondering for a moment, he continued, “So, this matter… has already ended? Nine Links City will be safe from now on? No more Demonic Ghosts? No more strange deaths?”
Yan Kai blinked, puzzled by the deeper intent behind the questions. But he still replied seriously after some thought, “It appears so. The treasure has already been taken far away from Nine Links City. This humble Taoist must follow after it to see if I can still be of help. As for the deaths… with no more external influences, I believe the city will return to its normal state.”
At the side, Duan Rongrong interjected with a proud tilt of her chin, “That thing’s already on its way to the Central Plains. Everyone’s chasing after it—who’d still want to linger in this tiny city?”
Yan Kai quickly tugged her sleeve to silence her, then cupped his hands toward Lu Sheng, “Young Master Sheng, since we didn’t accomplish much on this trip, we won’t accept the payment. If fate allows, we shall meet again.”
Lu Sheng’s expression darkened as he retorted, “How can that be? Would Taoist-sir have me become someone who goes back on his word?”
With a firm wave of his hand, he commanded, “Men, bring out the silver notes!”
Servant-maids waiting outside hurried in, carrying an exquisitely crafted wooden chest.
Lu Sheng accepted the chest and placed it before them. When he opened the lid, thick bundles of silver notes neatly filled the interior.
“This is the remuneration for the three of you,” he said, sincerity in his voice. “Even if nothing disastrous occurred, Taoist-sir and Miss Zhuan Feng’s presence helped my Lu Family recover those who went missing. That alone is merit enough to deserve this reward.”
“Then we won’t stand on ceremony!” Before Yan Kai could refuse, Duan Rongrong had already snatched a stack of silver notes and stuffed them into her pocket. “We’ll give Sis Zhuan Feng her share outside later!”
Zhuan Feng could only sigh softly, her expression helpless—clearly, the trio had grown rather accustomed to one another’s ways.
Seeing this, Yan Kai offered a resigned smile and clasped his hands toward Lu Sheng. “If Young Master Sheng truly wishes to learn how to deal with ghosts, you may head to the Central Plains.” He hesitated a moment before continuing, “This humble Taoist must offer a warning. Young Master once slew a Demonic Ghost, and its scent still lingers on you. It may draw unwanted attention. Should the Mortal-Sweeping Manor take notice, they might send Demonic Ghosts to pursue you.”
He added solemnly, “If Young Master applies the fresh blood of a virgin male goat all over your body, the ghosts may mistake you for one already dead and spare you. But this trick works only on ordinary Demonic Ghosts.”
Lu Sheng bowed slightly, “Thank you for your guidance, Taoist-sir.”
“Not at all, not at all. In that case, I shall take my leave.” Yan Kai stood and returned the gesture.
“Take care, Taoist-sir.” Lu Sheng did not hold them back.
The three turned and departed the Guest Hall, soon disappearing beyond the gates of Lu Manor—Yan Kai leading, the others following.
Watching their retreating figures, Lu Sheng felt a faint hollowness in his chest, as though a world he longed to touch was slipping farther and farther away.
Even an hour after they were gone, he remained standing in the Guest Hall, motionless.
“Young Master?” Little Qiao stepped inside, voice cautious. “It’s time for your meal.”
“Oh.” Lu Sheng blinked out of his thoughts and lifted his gaze to the sky outside.
Straightening his robes, he walked with Little Qiao toward the Dining Hall.
The Dining Hall was already filled with people.
Lu Quanan sat at the main seat, and beside him was Uncle Zhao, who had just returned from his assignment. Lu Sheng’s gaze swept across the hall—those martial experts who had departed with Uncle Zhao had also made it back safely.
“Your Eldest Uncle sent word. The lockdown on Nine Links City has been lifted—entry and exit are now permitted,” Lu Quanan said quietly. Even such good news failed to brighten his face.
Off to the side, Lu Qingqing sat stiffly as Second Mother Liu Cuiyu fed her spoonful by spoonful like a young child. Drool slipped from the corner of her mouth, and her eyes were empty—no trace of the spirited girl she once was.
The atmosphere around the table was heavy. After witnessing the earlier chaos—the explosion, the waves of armed pugilists flooding past the manor—no one had much appetite left. Everyone sat tense and silent.
“The food’s getting cold. Let’s eat, let’s eat,” Lu Quanan urged, picking up his chopsticks despite the lump in his throat. “Uncle Zhao has returned too. Our family is safe. All of us…” His voice faltered, grief swelling too large to hold back, and he exhaled a weary sigh.
Uncle Zhao lowered his head, guilt weighing heavily on his expression. For years he had been supported by the Lu Family—yet when danger struck, he was nowhere near. Though he had been officially deployed by the yamen, he and his men were sent to sweep mountains near the northern frozen ocean, encountering nothing. Not a single disturbance.
What exactly had happened in Nine Links City while they were gone?
“Since the lockdown has been lifted, it means the matter has ended,” Lu Sheng spoke calmly. “It may have been sudden, but we must continue living as always. From now on, have the guards remain vigilant—more patrols should suffice.”
“Brother Sheng is right… Let’s hurry and eat. The dishes won’t taste good if they get cold,” Lu Yingying responded softly from her seat.
“What Brother Sheng, Brother Sheng? Call him Big Brother! Eat, eat, eat… that’s all you ever think about!” Fifth Mother’s hand lifted as though to smack her daughter, but with everyone gathered at the dining table, she held herself back.
Lu Yingying shrank into her seat, lips pressed tight, no longer daring to make a sound.
Only then did the family finally begin to eat in heavy silence.
After the meal, there was nothing more to be said. Everyone drifted away to their own corners, carrying their worries with them.
Lu Sheng returned to his room and continued cultivating his inner Qi.
Sitting cross-legged upon his bed, he regulated his breath for nearly an hour before his Qi and blood reached their peak state.
Deep Blue.
The familiar Modifier interface materialized before his eyes.
His gaze moved to the top row—Black Fury Skill now displayed Level Two. Just a single upgrade more, and it would reach the highest attainable level—Level Three.
According to the manual, while there were five levels recorded in total, the last two felt loosely connected and lacked the harmony of the earlier forms. It was obvious they had been added later by someone else. Such an impure technique could only lead to danger—he would never risk cultivating it.
Fixing his focus on the Black Fury Skill status, he steadied his mind and selected the Modify button. The entire screen flickered once.
Upgrade Black Fury Skill by one level.
Swoosh—
The display wavered and blurred. When it sharpened again, the text had changed—Level Three.
So, this is Level Three?
Lu Sheng waited quietly, sensing every inch of his body—yet at first, nothing seemed different.
He focused his mind, examining the Black Fury Qi coursing through him. It was denser now, swelling like storm clouds ready to burst. What once resembled black mist slowly condensed into heavy droplets of inky liquid.
Doesn’t seem to have consumed much energy… His eyes flickered open in doubt. Is it because I’m already—
“PUUU!”
A sudden metallic taste filled his mouth as he violently spat blood across his robes, a vivid red stain spreading over his chest. The sharp scent of iron instantly filled the room.
His muscles tightened, heat searing through every bone. Yet despite the agony, a helpless smile tugged at his lips.
And I thought there wouldn’t be any side effects this time… Who would’ve guessed.
He exhaled shakily and focused inward again, carefully tracing each wave of transformation rippling through him.
The upgrade to Level Three kept Lu Sheng bedridden at home for an entire month. Only after countless sessions of nourishing Jade Crane Skill did he finally regain the strength to move freely.
Meanwhile, Nine Links City remained calm. Not a single supernatural disturbance surfaced after Yan Kai and the others left. Life returned to its dull normalcy, as if the chaos had been nothing but a fleeting illusion.
Everything returned to normal.
Except Lu Qingqing.
Taking advantage of the current calm, Lu Quanan once again brought up his plans for Lu Sheng—sending him to Mountain Edge City.
“I’ve made the arrangements. Our Lu Family has a residence in Mountain Edge City. You can live there for now. And with the Annual Examinations approaching, since you’re passionate about martial arts, you should try to earn a martial degree. It will greatly benefit you if you seek an official post in the future,” Lu Quanan said earnestly.
“Martial degree…” Lu Sheng muttered, contemplating the idea.
“Of course, an academic degree would be even better. But even if you don’t want to pursue anything there, that’s fine as well. We have a shop in the city—you can manage it. The profits will be yours for personal use,” Lu Quanan continued. It was clear he had thoroughly prepared for every possibility.
“Nine Links City is simply too small. I’ve already registered you at the Eastern Mountain Institution. Whether you go for an academic or martial path, the choice is yours,” he added with a weary sigh. The recent turmoil had left him disillusioned; wealth meant nothing when everything relied on one’s own strength.
“Eastern Mountain Institution…” Lu Sheng understood his father’s intentions well. It was akin to sending children abroad for further study—an option only the wealthy could afford.
“Zheng Xiangui and his sister will be going too. From our family, it will be you and Yingying. Yiyi and Chenxin will attend another institution,” Lu Quanan explained.
Lu Sheng pondered for a moment before nodding.
Nine Links City had grown too restrictive for him. The resources here were limited—he could only access third-grade saber techniques like the Black Tiger Saber Technique. Mountain Edge City, however, housed stronger pugilists—and if the Crimson Whale Sect truly dominated the region, they would certainly maintain influence there.
“When do I leave, then?” he asked.
“I suppose I’ll let you decide for yourself when to leave,” Lu Quanan said after a moment of thought. “I’ll have your Eldest Uncle arrange an escort for you.”
“…I’ll take a look around the city first,” Lu Sheng exhaled softly.
He owed his skills to more than a few teachers scattered throughout Nine Links City. Before departing, the least he could do was pay his respects and offer proper farewells.
Lu Quanan nodded, leaving all further arrangements in Lu Sheng’s hands.
At dawn the next day, despite his body still recovering from the strain of improving his inner Qi, Lu Sheng forced himself out of the manor. He mounted his horse and set off, riding slowly through the streets of Nine Links City.
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and then Add to home screen.