Chapter 135: The Calm Before Departure, the Coiled Dragon Emerges

“Lu Xiao Langjun, what exactly has happened? Now, can you tell us?”

In the forest, Wei Fu Ren asked, her voice tinged with anxiety as she sat on Lu Qing’s back.

Just moments ago, Lu Qing had arrived abruptly, instructing everyone to pack up and leave the mountains immediately. No explanation was given, but out of trust in him, they had obeyed despite their unease. Now, walking through the woods, Wei Fu Ren could no longer hold back her growing concern.

“Early this morning,” Lu Qing said slowly, “a cloth-clad youth—someone I mentioned yesterday—came to visit my master. He’s a disciple of the Tian Ji Lou sect, the same one who stopped your Ancestor’s battle with that mysterious Xian Tian Jing at the Tian Ji Lou. He brought troubling news.”

Wei Fu Ren and the others froze.

“The Xian Tian Jing Lao Zu Zong of your Wei Family was once ambushed by that unknown Xian Tian Jing. He was struck by a Xian Tian Sword Qi, damaging his Heart Meridian. The injury is severe, and unless treated soon, he has no more than one year left.”

A stunned silence fell over them.

“What? How could this be?” Wei Fu Ren gasped.

“This is what the disciple named Zhi Rui claimed. Based on his conduct in the county town recently, there’s no reason for him to lie about this. So it’s likely true.”

Their hearts sank. They had believed that with the Ancestor’s return, peace would finally come to the family. They could finally wait for the day they’d be able to return home. But now, this hidden danger loomed over them.

After a moment, Wei Fu Ren steadied herself and asked again, “Then why have you asked us to leave the mountains, Lu Xiao Langjun?”

Even if the Ancestor was gravely ill, she knew their own abilities were too weak to offer any real help. There seemed no reason for them to venture out.

“My master, upon hearing of your Ancestor’s condition, has decided to travel to the county town to attempt healing the injury. However, The Lady of the Wei Family knows the situation there is dangerous—your family is likely under suspicion, and outsiders are viewed with extreme caution. If only my master and I arrived alone, we’d struggle to gain your trust, and worse, could be misunderstood.”

“That’s why we asked you and the young master to come with us—to accompany us back to the county town.”

“Does your master truly believe he can heal our Ancestor?” Wei Fu Ren asked, hope flickering in her voice.

“Of course, I can’t say with absolute certainty. Without personally examining the Ancestor, it’s too early to judge. But we must try, mustn’t we?” Lu Qing said, not overpromising.

Yet Wei Fu Ren heard something beneath the words—something that stirred her soul. If Old Doctor had no hope at all, why risk such a journey? Why endanger himself?

A fragile flame of hope ignited in her chest.

“Then I shall speak for the entire Wei Family—thank you, Lu Xiao Langjun, and your master, for your kindness and courage.”

Tears welled in her eyes. In their current state, most would avoid the Wei Family like plague. To be left alone was a blessing. But Lu Qing and his master had repeatedly reached out, saving her and her son, even the entire family. She didn’t know how to repay such generosity.

They walked through the forest until they emerged at Half Mountain Small Courtyard. Old Doctor was already waiting in the yard.

Seeing them return, he smiled. “Back so soon?”

Wei Fu Ren stepped down from Lu Qing’s back and bowed gracefully. “Li Ningyan respectfully greets Old Doctor. You once saved my son from death. I never had the chance to thank you in person—my regret has been deep.”

“Ah, it was nothing,” Old Doctor chuckled, stroking his beard. “No need to dwell on it.”

“Respectfully, I greet you, Old Doctor,” Wei Zian said, bowing.

Old Doctor glanced at his face and nodded. “Your health has improved greatly. You’re stronger now.”

“Yes! I’ve been training every day with Master and Lu Xiao Niangzi. I feel stronger than ever!” Wei Zian flexed his wooden staff, grinning.

“Excellent. Very good.” Old Doctor smiled. He could sense a change in Wei Zian’s spirit—calmer, more confident. He was pleased.

Ma Gu, who often came here before, wasn’t new to the place, so there was no need for much small talk. He simply bowed.

“Old Doctor, when do we depart?”

After the greetings, Wei Fu Ren asked. Since learning of the Ancestor’s condition, her heart had been restless.

“There’s no rush,” Old Doctor said. “You’ve just come from the mountains. First, wash up, eat your midday meal, rest, and then we’ll leave.”

Ma Gu and the others had been living in the cave. Though they weren’t lacking food, life there was far from comfortable. They looked exhausted, disheveled.

Wei Fu Ren knew how they appeared—improper, undignified. But she also understood: saving the Wei Family couldn’t be rushed. So she agreed without protest and went to wash.

Old Doctor had already prepared hot water. When they returned, Wei Fu Ren saw Lu Qing bustling in the kitchen, the rich aroma of cooking food drifting through the air.

“Sister, look here!” A sweet, playful voice chimed.

Wei Fu Ren looked down. A little girl stood before her, tilting her head curiously.

She was a vision—tiny, delicate, like a woodland sprite. Wei Fu Ren’s heart melted instantly.

She bent down and lifted Xiao Yan into her arms. “Little one, what’s your name?”

“I’m Lu Xiao Yan! Who are you?” the girl asked cheerfully.

“Lu Xiao Yan? So you’re the little sister of Lu Qing?” Wei Fu Ren smiled. “I’m not your sister. Call me Auntie. I’m a friend of your brother. I’m Li.”

She realized at once: this was the girl An Er and the others had spoken of. She hadn’t expected her to be so beautiful. Even the girls from the city couldn’t compare—she was pure, delicate, and full of charm.

“Auntie?” Xiao Yan tilted her head, thinking. “But Aunties in the village are older… you’re so young!”

“Such a sweet child,” Wei Fu Ren laughed. No woman could resist being called young. She held the little girl tighter, unwilling to let go.

Xiao Yan liked her too—this kind, pretty auntie felt warm and familiar. The two chatted happily, their laughter filling the air.

Wei Zian, watching from the side, stared in quiet awe. Since fleeing the city, he had not seen his mother smile so genuinely, so freely.

“Xiao Yan, dinner’s almost ready. Set the bowls and chopsticks!” Lu Qing called from the kitchen.

“Can I eat now, Auntie? I’ll help my brother!” Xiao Yan jumped down and dashed toward the kitchen.

“Let me help too,” Wei Fu Ren said, stepping in after her.

She saw Xiao Yan pulling plates from the cupboard. The kitchen was already filled with food—several simple vegetable dishes sat on a small table, a pot steamed gently on the stove, and a clay jar simmered on the side, releasing rich steam. Beside it, a clay pot bubbled with deep red, glossy meat.

The scent was intoxicating. Even Wei Fu Ren, with her composure, couldn’t help but swallow hard.

In the mountains, they’d eaten, but never like this—never so rich, so fragrant.

“Lady of the Wei Family, you shouldn’t come in here,” Lu Qing said, turning from the fire. “The smoke might hurt your eyes.”

“I just want to help,” she replied.

“No need. The food’s nearly done. Just carry these side dishes outside. Once I finish steaming this fish, we can eat,” Lu Qing said with a smile.

“Alright.”

After Wei Fu Ren carried the dishes outside, Xiao Yan proudly brought out a whole stack of bowls, balancing them with ease.

“Let me help you, Auntie,” Wei Fu Ren said, worried.

“No, Auntie! I can do it!” Xiao Yan insisted.

Thanks to the Dipulse Spiritual Fluid she’d consumed and the Qi White Mist absorbed from Old Doctor’s breakthrough, her body was far stronger than any ordinary child. She could easily carry more than a dozen bowls—no problem.

Once the table was set, Lu Qing finished steaming the fish. The entire table was soon filled with steaming, colorful dishes.

“Dinner’s ready,” Lu Qing said, placing the fish at the center and clapping his hands.

Meanwhile, Xiao Li was already devouring a whole fish in a corner, tail wagging with joy.

“Lu Qing’s cooking keeps getting better,” Old Doctor chuckled, sitting at the head of the table.

“Of course! My brother’s food is the best!” Xiao Yan declared proudly, sitting on her little stool.

Ma Gu and Wei Zian stared, eyes wide. They hadn’t tasted such a feast in ages—steamed fish, chicken soup, braised rabbit, fried little fish, stir-fried greens. Their mouths watered.

“Brother Lu, what’s this red, shiny meat?” Ma Gu asked, pointing to the simmering pot.

“That’s Braised Pork. Tastes good,” Lu Qing replied.

“Alright, no need to be formal. Let’s eat,” Old Doctor said, already picking up a pair of chopsticks and taking a bite of fried fish.

Seeing the master eat, the others followed suit.

Ma Gu and Wei Zian both grabbed pieces of Braised Pork at once. The sight of the trembling, glistening meat was irresistible.

They took a bite—immediately, their eyes widened. The meat melted in their mouths, rich and savory, bursting with flavor. They’d never tasted anything so delicious.

“Lu Xiao Niangzi, what kind of meat is this? How can it be so fragrant?” Wei Zian asked, amazed.

“Pork,” Lu Qing said with a grin. “I bought it this morning from a butcher in the next village.”

“Pork? It’s this good?” Wei Zian couldn’t believe it. After all his struggles, he’d once turned away from pork in disgust. But now, this—this was beyond anything he imagined.

“Ordinary pork wouldn’t taste this way. But I’ve added some special techniques—some herbs I found in the mountains. They replace old-world seasonings. That’s why it’s so flavorful.”

In recent days, Lu Qing had been exploring the forest, using his abilities to search for plants. He’d discovered several that could substitute for the seasonings of his former world. His cooking had improved immensely.

Now, this Braised Pork tasted close to eight or nine out of ten of its original flavor.

Seeing her son so eager, Wei Fu Ren, who had been hesitant about the greasy meat, finally took a small piece. She bit into it—and was stunned.

Though it looked oily, it wasn’t greasy at all. It was rich, fragrant, perfectly balanced. It went perfectly with rice.

They tried the other dishes—chicken soup, steamed fish, fried fish, even the simple greens. Every single one was beyond expectation.

The meal was perfect—no leftovers. Even the last drops of Braised Pork broth were scooped up and mixed into their rice by Ma Gu and Wei Zian.

Even Wei Fu Ren, usually so composed, couldn’t resist drinking a second bowl of soup after eating.

“Lu Qing, I truly regret not having stayed for dinner with you before. I’ve missed so many delicious meals!” Ma Gu sighed, shaking his head.

“Haha, you’re welcome anytime. Just bring an extra pair of chopsticks,” Lu Qing laughed.

“Then I’ll be coming back whether you invite me or not!” Ma Gu joked.

Wei Zian, watching, felt a pang of envy. If only he lived in the village, he’d come every day.

But then he thought—Ma Gu was now his Master. As a disciple, visiting his Master often was natural. So… sneaking over to eat at Lu Xiao Niangzi’s place? That would be perfectly acceptable.

He felt proud of his clever reasoning.

Even Wei Fu Ren almost gave in. But she knew—once she returned to the family residence, it would be nearly impossible to leave again.

For a moment, the warmth of the meal had lifted their spirits. The weight of the journey ahead seemed to fade.

But reality returned.

After a pause, Old Doctor finally spoke. “A Qing, go prepare. We’re leaving.”

“Yes, Master.” Lu Qing nodded and stepped out.

With Tian Cang Sect members still in the county, they couldn’t travel openly. They’d need disguises.

So Lu Qing went to the village, borrowing a set of clothes for Wei Fu Ren and Wei Zian. Then he borrowed Zhang Da Ye’s gentle ox and ox cart, loading it with herbs and medicine.

When everything was ready, Lu Qing strapped on his war blade, covered a bamboo basket, and lifted Xiao Yan onto the cart.

Yes—he was taking Xiao Yan with them.

This journey was dangerous. He and Old Doctor didn’t know what awaited them. He couldn’t leave Xiao Yan behind with only Xiao Li to protect her. The two siblings had always depended on each other. This time, they’d go together.

He’d die before anyone harmed her.

“Brother, where are we going?” Xiao Yan asked, excited, sitting on the cart.

“To the county town. You’ve always wanted to see the city, haven’t you? This is your chance.”

“City? Yay! Yay!” Xiao Yan clapped her hands.

She’d never been to the city before.

“Wei Fu Ren,” Lu Qing said, turning to the woman now seated beside Xiao Yan, “please look after her on the way.”

“I will,” she said, holding Xiao Yan tightly in her arms. She hadn’t expected Lu Qing to bring her along—but she felt his resolve. Arguing would be useless.

In her heart, she swore: As long as I live, I will not let anything happen to her.

With everything prepared, Old Doctor took the reins and called out. The ox began to move, slowly rolling down the path.

Lu Qing, Ma Gu, and Wei Zian walked beside the cart.

The villagers didn’t know what they were doing. They didn’t know who Wei Fu Ren and her son truly were. They just thought they were going to the city with Old Doctor.

So they waved, offered warnings, and went about their day.

Lu Qing was strong now—no one worried.

At the village gate, Old Doctor stopped. Lu Qing stepped forward and pulled three red ropes from beneath the stone slab at the base of the Sign Tree, tying them around the trunk.

“Lu Xiao Langjun… what is this?” Wei Fu Ren asked when he returned.

“It’s our village’s tradition,” Lu Qing explained. “Every traveler must tie a red rope to the tree before leaving.”

Just a few words—but they struck Wei Fu Ren like a blow. Her arms tightened around Xiao Yan.

Ma Gu and Wei Zian exchanged glances. Their faces hardened.

A silent vow formed in their hearts.

The whip cracked. The cart rolled forward.

Through the forest, the wheels creaked. A flock of birds burst into the air, startled.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end