Jade Lotus guided Lu Sheng into the common room, easing him down to rest before hastily summoning the physician assigned by the Crimson Whale Sect.
The old physician arrived in a rush—only to freeze the moment he peeled back the blood-soaked cloth. His face drained of color.
“External Head Lu’s injuries…” he stammered, utterly shaken.
He lifted his gaze to Lu Sheng, who—despite everything—sat upright, alert, and almost composed. The physician’s scalp tingled. For someone to survive wounds of this magnitude and remain conscious… it flew in the face of every medical principle he knew.
“Pardon my frankness. External Head Lu is mainly suffering from excessive blood loss. Once we stop the bleeding, he’ll recover. This old physician… does not know how the External Head is suppressing it, but from the looks of things, he has done it extremely well.” He hesitated, throat tightening before he forced himself to continue. “These two deep wounds… they appear to be caused by someone’s bare hands piercing into his internal organs…”
Szzz—
A cold shiver crawled up Jade Lotus’ spine. Someone had used their hands to reach into External Head Lu’s body?
Ever since Lu Sheng had crushed Deputy Sect Master Gongsun to death in public, the entire Sect regarded him as its Number Two expert. Who in the world had both the courage—and the ability—to harm such a man?
“Cut the nonsense. I’ve already stopped the bleeding. Just cut away the rotten flesh—quickly.” Lu Sheng urged impatiently.
“Y-yes, yes…” The old physician fumbled for his tools, pulling out a sharp blade. With trembling precision, he began slicing away the poisoned, necrotic flesh around Lu Sheng’s chest, abdomen, and waist.
Jade Lotus stood close, eyes narrowed, watching every movement of the physician’s hands. These were vital areas; he couldn’t afford even the slightest mistake from an outsider.
Lu Sheng, however, remained entirely unperturbed. Even though his hard-body techniques had been breached, his physique was still sturdy, his bones as tough as iron. Within him, the Ultimate Crimson Mantra Qi pulsed ceaselessly. Any hint of malice from the physician would be instantly sensed—and crushed without hesitation.
A Spirit Focus expert’s reaction speed was far beyond anything the old physician could fathom. Lu Sheng had even kept up with that female lantern ghost’s teleportation-like movements—how could he possibly fail to react to a simple physician’s touch?
The silver blade scraped meticulously across Lu Sheng’s charred flesh, lifting away the rotten pieces bit by bit and dropping them onto the silver dish prepared nearby. His robes were peeled open, exposing the deep green veins standing out sharply along his neck. One hand gripped the saber planted into the ground beside him, his entire body frozen with absolute control.
Jade Lotus remained silent at his side, eyes fixed on every minute movement of the physician’s hands.
By the time the length of a burning joss stick had passed, the physician finally withdrew the blade from Lu Sheng’s torso. Beads of sweat clung to his forehead like dew.
“Fortunately… it isn’t life-threatening,” he exhaled, as though a mountain had lifted from his shoulders.
“Many thanks, doctor.” Lu Sheng inclined his head. Beside him, Jade Lotus carefully dabbed away the sweat beading on his brow, his manner unexpectedly gentle—almost delicate.
Lu Sheng failed to notice anything odd, but Jade Lotus suddenly realized it himself and swiftly drew his hand back.
The physician produced a small porcelain bottle and a folded slip of paper.
“This is Crimson Snake Powder, personally prepared by this old physician. It counters most Yin-type poisons. Take some orally and apply the rest on the wound. And this prescription—External Head, drink three doses a day, and do not leave it overnight.” He repeated his instructions several times before bowing. “This old man will take his leave now. Please rest early; it will greatly aid your recovery.”
“Many thanks.” Lu Sheng waved a hand, signaling someone nearby to escort the doctor out.
The door shut with a soft thud, leaving only him and Jade Lotus in the quiet room.
“External Head… how did things become so dangerous this time?” Jade Lotus asked, his expression solemn.
“Heh. An old enemy came for me—and even threatened my family. It’s fortunate I managed to stay alive.” A cold glint flashed through Lu Sheng’s eyes.
“Is it… that?” Jade Lotus whispered.
Lu Sheng turned to look at him. “You know about that?”
“…I heard the old Sect Master mention it before,” Jade Lotus replied with a slight nod. “Otherwise, with your prowess, only peak experts like the old Sect Master could injure you this severely in all of Mountain-Edge City—and even the surrounding regions.”
“We need to reinforce our defenses. They’ve come right to my doorstep. I need you to take charge of the forbidden zones and assign men to guard them tightly. No one enters or leaves for the next ten days. Understood?” Lu Sheng said, his tone grim.
“No problem. External Head, focus on your recovery. I’ll handle the rest,” Wang Lianzi nodded.
“Focus on recovery? I have far too much on my mind…” Lu Sheng shook his head, choosing not to explain further.
The two discussed various recent matters—mostly Jade Lotus giving detailed reports while Lu Sheng listened in silence.
After summarizing the situation, Jade Lotus took his leave, closing the door behind him and instructing the servants to bring in the meal.
Lu Sheng devoured three full catties of stewed rabbit meat, two deer legs, four catties of vegetables and tofu, and an entire tub of rice before finally feeling satisfied enough to dismiss the servants.
Once he’d rested a moment longer, he rose and headed outside.
Night had already fallen.
He ordered someone to bring his horse, then mounted it in one smooth motion. His Yin-Yang Jade Crane Skill had been depleted by more than half, leaving only a third of its strength circulating through his body, continuously knitting his wounds. Even heavily injured, he could move without much difficulty.
“Ning San!”
“Yes, Big Bro!” Ning San rushed out from the side—he had been waiting for orders.
“How’s my family? Have you received word?” Lu Sheng asked as he rode.
“Old Master Lu and the others have settled in the Eastern Lake district. He purchased a spacious residence there, and everyone has arrived safely,” Ning San replied quickly. “This subordinate secretly guarded them for part of the journey. Duan Meng’an is now leading a team to watch over them from the shadows.”
“Not bad. You even arranged covert protection,” Lu Sheng said with a satisfied nod. “Pick a few men and have them inform Qiao’er that I’m safe. I’m heading to that Eastern Lake district you mentioned.”
“Yes, sir!” Ning San answered loudly.
Lu Sheng spurred his horse forward, riding straight toward Mountain-Edge City.
The night sky was dim, the moonlight spilling down like thin gauze. Outside the city, the nighttime bustle was in full swing—barbecue pits smoking, snack stalls lined in rows, each with its own fragrance drifting through the air.
Adults accompanied their children, veiled ladies walked gracefully through the crowds, scholarly young masters wandered with servant maids in tow. People of every kind moved as one vibrant, living stream through the streets.
Lu Sheng slowed his horse to a steady trot as he approached the gate. Spotting several Crimson Whale Sect members on guard duty, he stopped to ask for directions to the Eastern Lake district. After receiving them, he nudged his horse onward.
Before even half a joss stick’s time had passed, he arrived at Lu Manor—now lively with firecrackers celebrating their relocation.
Crackling booms echoed as strings of firecrackers burst, showering the air with red and yellow confetti. A crowd of excited children scampered about beneath the falling colors.
At the entrance, Lu Quanan stood watching as workers hoisted the Lu Manor plaque into place atop the beams. His expression was shadowed with concern. Beside him, Third Mother Wang Yanyu dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief, her nose reddened from sniffling.
Two local officials stood next to Lu Quanan, chattering endlessly.
Lu Sheng dismounted, tying his horse to a nearby tree. When the last firecracker popped, he strode forward.
“Brother Sheng!” someone from within the manor spotted him and called out in surprise.
“Brother Sheng is here!”
“Eldest Young Master is here!”
“It’s Eldest Young Master!”
Joy lit up every face. To them, Lu Sheng was the pillar holding the family steady; his position within Lu Manor was now beyond question.
“Aiyo! Such serious injuries!” one of the family’s martial arts masters exclaimed, noticing the bandages wrapped around Lu Sheng’s body.
His chest, abdomen, waist, shoulders, and arms… nearly every part of Lu Sheng’s body bore wounds, some bandaged, others still faintly seeping. The sight was enough to make anyone wince.
Uncle Zhao hurried over, his expression darkening as he looked him up and down.
“Brother Sheng, who did this to you?”
“It’s nothing. Uncle Zhao, I know my limits—I can take care of it.” Lu Sheng smiled faintly and patted Uncle Zhao’s shoulder before stepping toward Lu Quanan.
“Dad, is everyone alright?”
Lu Quanan took one look at his son’s battered appearance and instantly understood—this must have been done by that person. His eyes reddened with emotion. He had already lost one son. If Lu Sheng were to fall as well, the Lu Family’s final pillar would crumble.
Right now, Lu Sheng was the very cornerstone of the Lu clan.
Lu Quanan reached out, wanting to touch his son’s wounds.
“It’s nothing,” Lu Sheng said, gently blocking his hand. “I’ll handle Chenxin’s matter. Whether he’s dead or alive, I’ll bring him back. You have my word.”
“Sorry to trouble you… Your father is useless, unable to help in any way… instead, I’ve become your burden.” Lu Quanan’s voice cracked. Tears that he’d held back for hours finally spilled, and he quickly covered his face with his hands.
“No worries. Once all this is settled, our Lu Family will only grow stronger.” Lu Sheng reassured him softly.
“Mm… definitely.”
Only after ensuring his family was safe did Lu Sheng feel a measure of peace return to him. He didn’t head back to his own lodging. Instead, he sent someone to fetch Qiao’er to the new Lu Manor, while he returned to the greenhouse and chose to remain there for the night.
The last few battles had made one thing painfully clear—Lu Sheng was still far from strong enough.
After returning to the greenhouse, he washed up and lay down to rest, but his mind refused to settle. His heart grew increasingly restless as he stared up at the dim rafters.
‘Previously, my strength stood at the apex among ordinary humans… but against these supernatural ghosts, it’s still far too weak.’
He exhaled slowly, sinking deeper into thought.
‘How can I deal with these supernatural beings effectively, without destroying myself in the process?’
He sifted through everything he had encountered so far.
‘Every ghost I’ve faced—no matter how strong or bizarre—must materialize to inflict harm. Some use poison, others wield weapons or razor-sharp claws. Their power rivals Spirit Focus experts, but their speed far surpasses them.’
He paused, his thoughts returning to the night’s battle.
‘But the ones I’ve fought are merely their foot soldiers. If it were someone like Zhen Yi—a Nobleman…’
He recalled the horrifying sight of Zhen Yi’s skull being nearly split in two, only for it to knit back together in moments. A cold shiver slid down his spine.
Such recovery… bordered on immortality.
‘If all Noblemen or supernatural beings at that level possess such regenerative abilities… then I must drastically strengthen my hard-body skills. My first priority is survival. If I can’t kill them outright, then I have to drag the battle out and exhaust them. I need to be able to stand my ground.’
His thoughts drifted to the lantern ghost—the way she moved with impossible swiftness—and to Zhen Yi materializing silently behind him.
‘How do I deal with that kind of speed…?’
Even after thinking long and hard, no clear answer emerged. Eventually, he exhaled and let the thoughts settle.
One thing, however, remained certain—he had to keep upgrading himself without pause.
He leaned back on the bed and drew out the silver hairpin left behind by the female lantern ghost, letting it rest coldly in his palm. Its Yin Qi had long since been drained clean.
‘I recall… when I use Yin Qi to extrapolate martial arts, my body doesn’t expend any essence or Qi. Instead, the skill ascends to an entirely new level afterward.’
The realization struck him like lightning.
‘That means I can use Yin Qi as a substitute—directly fueling the advancement of my martial arts!’
His eyes lit up with sharp brilliance.
If his guess was correct, Yin Qi wasn’t merely a tool for extrapolation—it could be used outright to elevate the level of his skills.
“Deep Blue!” He summoned the Modifier in his mind.
With a soft swish, the pale blue square frame unfolded before his eyes.
Lu Sheng’s focus immediately locked onto the entry for Ultimate Crimson Mantra.
Ultimate Crimson Mantra: Level Five. Special Effect(s): Intensified Fire Poison, Double Tremor, Intensified Incendiary.
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