Chapter 148: Shock After Shock, Wei Xinghe's Plans

"Please don’t be alarmed," Lu Qing said calmly as the group arrived. "I was merely undergoing morning cultivation, and happened to break through. There’s no external threat."

The ones who had rushed over upon sensing the powerful aura of Lu Qing’s breakthrough were Wei Da Zong Guan and several commanders of the Yin Yue Wei.

"Now that you’ve clarified, then all is well," Wei Da Zong Guan said. "You may withdraw."

"Yes, sir!" The Yin Yue Wei commanders bowed and left.

But their eyes lingered on Lu Qing with even greater reverence.

After all, just the day before, Lu Qing had defeated a Wu Dao Zong Shi of the Nei Fu Jing Wan Man rank right before their very eyes. Now, with another breakthrough, how formidable must his strength have become?

More importantly, after a night of spreading rumors, most of the Yin Yue Wei were already aware of Lu Qing’s true identity. Many of them had seen him during the mission to Half Mountain Small Courtyard, where he had protected Young Master An. They knew he had been merely a Qi Xue Jing cultivator just a few months ago.

In such a short span, he had risen from a lowly Qi Xue Jing warrior to one who could best even a Wu Dao Zong Shi. And now, he had broken through again.

Their minds were utterly stunned.

Wei Da Zong Guan was also deeply surprised. But knowing that Lu Qing had spent the previous day with the Ancestor, absorbing the power of a sacred artifact, he managed to keep his composure.

"Master Lu truly is a martial genius. Compared to you, my decades of cultivation are nothing but a joke," Wei Da Zong Guan said with a smile once the commanders had departed.

"Master Da Zong Guan flatters me. It’s just good fortune," Lu Qing humbly replied.

Wei Da Zong Guan chuckled. He knew full well that this was nothing but Lu Qing’s modesty.

"Since you’re awake, I should go and have breakfast prepared. Please join me and Chen Ye in the dining hall shortly."

"Very well, thank you, Grand Manager."

After Wei Da Zong Guan left, Lu Qing first went to wake up Xiao Yan and Xiao Li, then moved to the adjacent wing to pay respects to his Master.

Old Doctor was already awake.

He had awakened the moment Lu Qing broke through.

But upon sensing Wei Da Zong Guan and the others approaching, he had chosen to wait until they left before rising.

"Breakthrough?" Old Doctor asked with a smile upon seeing Lu Qing enter.

He knew his disciple’s cultivation journey well.

"Yes. I had already pushed my Jin Gu Jing to its absolute limit. With no further progress possible, I let myself break through naturally."

"Your cultivation speed is astonishing. A Qing, you’re still under sixteen, aren’t you?"

"Next year, I’ll turn sixteen."

"Under sixteen…" Even Old Doctor, who had watched Lu Qing’s growth firsthand, still felt disbelief at such an age.

A Nei Fu Jing cultivator under sixteen? Such a feat would be rare even in the bustling, talent-rich Central Plains.

And to think, Lu Qing had only begun his martial cultivation a few months ago.

With such talent, it was clear Nei Fu Jing would never contain him for long. It wouldn’t be long before he shattered through the barrier and entered the Xian Tian realm.

And by then, he’d be barely twenty.

A Xian Tian Zong Shi at twenty…

Just the thought sent a tremor through Old Doctor’s heart.

If Lu Qing truly reached that level, he would be a figure unmatched in martial history—something truly legendary.

"Master," Lu Qing said, "Grand Manager mentioned breakfast is almost ready. He invited us to join him in the dining hall."

Lu Qing didn’t notice the awe in his Master’s eyes.

In his heart, Old Doctor was the true genius. He himself felt he was merely exploiting abilities—cheating the system, not truly earning his strength.

When it came to innate talent, he was far behind his Master.

"Hmm. I’ve heard," Old Doctor replied, regaining his composure.

Just as Lu Qing and the others were finishing their morning wash, another small courtyard echoed with silence—Wei Xinghe had just finished listening to the Grand Manager’s report.

"So it was Master Lu who broke through," Wei Xinghe murmured, a look of wonder on his face.

He had sensed the breakthrough earlier, but had refrained from approaching, suspecting it was Lu Qing. Now, with confirmation, his suspicions were confirmed.

"A Hai," Wei Xinghe said, "I recall you once told me you first met Master Lu when he was still just a Qi Xue Jing cultivator, correct?"

"Yes, sir. When the young master was injured, I went to protect him. At the time, Master Lu’s aura was barely established—just barely entering Qi Xue Jing."

"How little time has passed. It’s not even been long since Zi An recovered from his injuries. Yet he’s already broken through to Nei Fu Jing. His combat strength is now so great that even a Hou Tian full-level Zong Shi can’t stand against him. How on earth does Master Lu cultivate?"

Wei Xinghe was utterly bewildered.

"Such a prodigy defies ordinary logic. Just like the celebrated young talents of the Central Plains—aren’t they equally incomprehensible to the average person?" Wei Da Zong Guan replied.

"But the truth is," Wei Xinghe sighed, "even the famed youths of the Central Plains would be like fireflies next to the sun compared to Master Lu."

Wei Da Zong Guan fell silent.

It was true—those celebrated Central Plains prodigies were indeed extraordinary.

But compared to Lu Qing, the gap was not just large—it was unfathomable.

A Nei Fu Jing cultivator under sixteen? One who, while still in Jin Gu Jing, could defeat a genuine Wu Dao Zong Shi with bare hands?

Such a record was beyond staggering.

"And then there’s Chen Laodaifu," Wei Xinghe continued. "He’s equally mysterious. Did you know? After he finished contemplating that sacred artifact, the Ancestor’s expression remained distant all day. When I went to pay my respects, I learned he had been deeply shaken—by Chen Laodaifu. He said, even though both are Xian Tian Jing cultivators, the gap between him and Old Doctor was simply too vast."

"Chen Laodaifu and Master Lu—this master-apprentice duo are truly celestial geniuses."

Wei Xinghe finished speaking, then fell into silence.

Master and servant sat in stillness, each drowning in their own shock.

"Father, you’re awake!" A cheerful voice suddenly broke the silence.

Wei Xinghe turned, surprised. "Zi An, it’s rare to see you up so early."

"I’ve been rising early to train lately, Father. Didn’t Mother tell you?"

Wei Zian stood in a tight-fitting martial outfit, his face flushed, a light sheen of sweat on his forehead—clearly just finished a session.

Wei Xinghe’s eyes narrowed slightly. "Ah, your mother did mention some of your adventures in the mountains last night. She said you’ve been training diligently, following Ma Shifu’s instructions every morning. Is that right?"

"Yes!" Wei Zian nodded vigorously, excitement in his eyes. "And I’ve even learned a new staff technique from Lu Xiao Da Fu. Want me to show you? You can give me feedback!"

"Oh? A technique taught by Master Lu?" Wei Xinghe recalled what The Lady of the Wei Family had said last night—his interest instantly sparked. "Show me."

"Master, may I observe as well?" Wei Da Zong Guan, equally curious, asked.

"Of course, of course! Hai Shu is so capable—perfect for checking if I’ve made any mistakes."

Wei Xinghe and the Grand Manager exchanged glances. Both had noticed something—Wei Zian’s personality had changed.

He used to be quiet, distant. But now, he was open, courteous, eager to please.

"Alright, I’m ready," Wei Zian said, gripping a long staff with both hands. He stepped into the center of the courtyard.

The staff was one of the family’s fine weapons—though the one he’d brought back from the mountains, rough and unpolished, had been carefully preserved. To him, it carried deep meaning. It couldn’t be thrown away.

"Go on," Wei Xinghe said, watching his youngest son with a hint of pride.

Wei Zian took a deep breath, steadied his breath, then suddenly, the staff blurred into a storm of motion. A fluid, seamless sequence of moves flowed from his hands.

Wei Xinghe had started with a smile. But as he watched, his expression slowly shifted—eyes widening with surprise.

So did Wei Da Zong Guan’s.

Within moments, Wei Zian completed the form, raising the staff straight and still, breathing calmly, his posture perfect.

His solemn, focused expression left even Wei Xinghe momentarily stunned.

This was the first time he’d seen his youngest son train with such seriousness.

"Father, Hai Shu—how was my technique?" Wei Zian asked eagerly, once he’d regained his breath.

"Excellent. Truly excellent. An Er, you’ve surprised me this time."

Wei Xinghe wasn’t flattering his son.

The technique was precise, the form flawless, the power well-placed—clearly the result of immense effort.

"Your form is mature, your movements sharp and effective. Master, in the Qi Xue Jing realm, you’re already among the best," Wei Da Zong Guan praised.

"Thank you, Father, thank you, Hai Shu!" Wei Zian beamed with joy.

All this hard work—part of the reason he trained so diligently was to earn his father’s approval. Now, finally achieving it, a wave of immense pride flooded his heart.

"An Er, you said this technique was taught by Master Lu. What’s it called?"

"It’s called Yi Qi Gun Fa. But Master Lu said he simplified it. The original Yi Qi Gun Fa won’t be accessible until I reach Jin Gu Jing," Wei Zian replied.

"Simplified?" Wei Xinghe and Wei Da Zong Guan exchanged shocked glances.

The technique Wei Zian had just performed was flawless—continuous, balanced between offense and defense, nearly flawless. Without being told, they would never have guessed it was a simplified version.

They looked at each other again, stunned.

Yi Qi Gun Fa was just a Qi Xue Jing-level technique. To two Nei Fu Jing cultivators, it was hardly impressive.

But what it revealed about Lu Qing’s martial insight—his understanding of combat—was beyond their grasp.

For the first time, Wei Xinghe truly understood the Ancestor’s feelings.

Even though both were Xian Tian Jing, the Ancestor couldn’t fathom Old Doctor’s martial depth—crushed by the realization. Now, Wei Xinghe himself couldn’t comprehend Lu Qing’s martial understanding, despite being at the same cultivation level.

To face such a genius—such a prodigy—was truly devastating.

Looking at his son’s joyful face, Wei Xinghe’s heart stirred.

Then he smiled. "An Er, did you go to pay respects to Ma Shifu today?"

"Yes! I went straight to Master after my morning training," Wei Zian replied quickly.

Wei Xinghe’s smile widened. "Good. Since you’ve taken Ma Shifu as your Master, remember—your teacher is like a father. You must honor and respect him."

"I know, Father. Mother has already taught me that," Wei Zian said seriously.

"Good. I’m glad you remember," Wei Xinghe said, increasingly pleased with his son’s transformation. "But remember—taking Ma Shifu as your master is no small matter for our Wei Family. We can’t treat it lightly."

"But Father, I don’t understand what you mean," Wei Zian scratched his head.

"I mean," Wei Xinghe said, "the initiation ceremony in the mountains was too simple. We didn’t even offer a proper Initiation Gift. That would be a great insult to Ma Shifu."

"Ma Shifu isn’t just your Master—he saved your mother and you. We cannot treat him with such disrespect."

"So I’ve decided to choose a proper day, and hold a grand initiation ceremony. We’ll make up for all the missing rituals. What do you think?"

"Great! Wonderful!" Wei Zian’s eyes lit up. "I’ll go tell Master right now!"

He turned and dashed off excitedly.

"Master, the young master has truly changed," Wei Da Zong Guan sighed, watching Wei Zian’s energetic figure vanish into the distance.

"Yes," Wei Xinghe said, his voice warm. "That attack by the Tian Cang Sect was a disaster for our family… but for An Er, it became a blessing in disguise. He’s grown through it."

"But Master," Wei Da Zong Guan hesitated, "are you really certain about letting the young master take Ma Gu as his Master? His cultivation level is still low."

Wei Xinghe nodded firmly. "Of course. Ma Shifu’s cultivation is low. But An Er respects him deeply. I’ve brought in high-level tutors before—men far stronger than Ma Shifu—but An Er wouldn’t listen. What good was that?"

"Besides, Ma Shifu’s character is impeccable. He stepped forward without hesitation to save The Lady of the Wei Family during that crisis. Such integrity is more than enough to be a worthy Master."

"As for cultivation level? Our family has countless combat techniques and pills. If An Er works hard, we’ll provide all the resources he needs."

"For An Er, a Master who can guide and discipline him is far more important than one with mere power."

Wei Da Zong Guan pondered for a moment. The master’s words made perfect sense.

And he knew there was something else the master hadn’t said outright.

Ma Gu and Lu Qing were close—very close.

And that alone was reason enough for the Wei Family to treat them with utmost respect.

After all, those two were truly beyond comprehension.

Even the Wei Family dared not offend them lightly.

"Very well," Wei Xinghe concluded. "It’s settled. You’ll handle the preparations. Make sure it’s done properly and beautifully."

"Yes, sir. I understand," Wei Da Zong Guan replied.

As Wei Da Zong Guan left to organize the ceremony, on the other side of the courtyard, Ma Gu stood frozen—his expression blank—upon hearing Wei Zian’s words.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end